Fat and water separation in balanced steady-state free precession using the Dixon method.

In this work the feasibility of separating fat and water signals using the balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) technique is demonstrated. The technique is based on the observation (Scheffler and Hennig, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine 2003;49:395-397) that at the nominal values of TE = TR/2 in SSFP imaging, phase coherence can be achieved at essentially only two orientations (0 degrees and 180 degrees ) relative to the RF pulses in the rotating frame, under the assumption of TR < T2, and independently of the SSFP angle. This property allows in-phase and out-of-phase SSFP images to be obtained by proper choices of the center frequency offset, and thus allows the Dixon subtraction method to be utilized for effective fat-water separation. The TR and frequency offset for optimal fat-water separation are derived from theories. Experimental results from healthy subjects, using a 3.0 Tesla system, show that nearly complete fat suppression can be accomplished.     

Biphasic Dose Response in Low Level Light Therapy

The use of low levels of visible or near infrared light for reducing pain, inflammation and edema, promoting healing of wounds, deeper tissues and nerves, and preventing cell death and tissue damage has been known for over forty years since the invention of lasers. Despite many reports of positive findings from experiments conducted in vitro, in animal models and in randomized controlled clinical trials, LLLT remains controversial in mainstream medicine. The biochemical mechanisms underlying the positive effects are incompletely understood, and the complexity of rationally choosing amongst a large number of illumination parameters such as wavelength, fluence, power density, pulse structure and treatment timing has led to the publication of a number of negative studies as well as many positive ones. A biphasic dose response has been frequently observed where low levels of light have a much better effect on stimulating and repairing tissues than higher levels of light. The so-called Arndt-Schulz curve is frequently used to describe this biphasic dose response. This review will cover the molecular and cellular mechanisms in LLLT, and describe some of our recent results in vitro and in vivo that provide scientific explanations for this biphasic dose response.     

PR01“A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS”– THE USE OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE INTERNET IN MONITORING FREE TISSUE TRANSFER

Purpose Post operative monitoring is crucial for the success of microsurgical free tissue transfer. Sophisticated and expensive methods are available for monitoring. We propose a novel technique using digital photography and the internet as a reliable and cost effective method to monitor free tissue transfers. Methods 163 micro‐vascular procedures were monitored using this technique over 8 months. Serial photographs taken to show flap color. Capillary refill time, pin prick‐ bleed time and color and hand held Doppler signal was recorded in the movie mode of a standard 5 mega pixel camera with duration of 15 seconds. Data was sent to the surgeon at regular intervals and or as deemed necessary. Results Analysis of the 67 cases is presented. 5 re‐explorations were done. The early diagnosis of venous congestion was possible using this technique. Timely intervention contributed to the success of the re‐explorations and these flaps could be salvaged. The file size of images was in the range of 1 MB–6 MB. The file size of an entire set of images ranged about 7 MB–9 MB. These were sent across the ADSL internet lines. Conclusion The use of the digital images and the internet allow reconstructive surgeons to have a reliable picture of the state of their free tissue transfers. This permits decrease in observer error and saves valuable time which otherwise needs to be spent to verify situations of doubt and offers an ideal solution to the logistic problem of having to visit the patient in case of doubt.     

初次献血对红细胞膜Na+-K+-ATP酶活性的影响

目的探讨初次献血对红细胞膜Na+-K+-ATP酶活性的影响.方法应用比色法分别检测50例符合献血条件的健康初次献血者献血前后的红细胞膜Na+-K+-ATP酶活性,并对结果进行分析.结果初次献血者献血前后红细胞膜Na+-K+-ATP酶活性分别为3.121±0.441和2.907±0.397 μmol.Pi/107 RBC.h,两者比较无明显差异(P＞0.05).结论初次献血对红细胞膜Na+-K+-ATP酶活性无影响,献血不会造成红细胞功能损伤.     

Reactivation of dormant lumbar methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis after 12 years.

The adequate treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) osteomyelitis has intrigued clinicians for some time. As the resistance of these pathogens, coupled with the increase in community-acquired cases, continues steadily to rise, clinicians are finding it useful to employ multi-modal approaches for efficacious treatment. The authors present a single case report of a patient with recurrent MRSA osteomyelitis, lumbar paraspinal and epidural abscess. He was found to have decreased muscle strength and was hyporeflexic in the involved extremity. Serum testing demonstrated MRSA bacteremia. Neuroimaging studies revealed evidence of paraspinal abscess and a presumed herniated nucleus pulposus at the L5/S1 interspace with significant nerve root compromise. Despite antimicrobials, his symptoms persisted, necessitating surgical exploration. At surgery, paraspinal and epidural abscesses were encountered and debrided; however, no herniated disc was visualized. This case demonstrates the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas with which these lesions present. We postulate that the MRSA osteomyelitis/discitis pathogens were walled off in the disc space and subsequently inoculated the soft tissues with ensuing bacteremia. We concur that antimicrobial treatment should be the first line of therapy for these patients; however, surgical debridements and cautious spinal instrumentation should be employed where appropriate.     

小脑后下动脉动脉瘤的诊断和治疗

目的探讨小脑后下动脉动脉瘤的临床特征、诊断、鉴别诊断和治疗。方法回顾性分析12例小脑后下动脉瘤的临床表现、影像学特征、手术效果及诊治过程中存在的相关问题。结果12例中有11例因动脉瘤破裂出血而发病,单纯第四脑室出血4例,全脑室系统出血2例,小脑半球出血3例,小脑蚓部伴第四脑室出血1例,侧脑室伴第三脑室出血1例,以后颅窝占位病变表现1例。8例术前行DSA检查明确诊断,4例术中明确诊断。12例均行后颅窝开颅显微手术治疗,其中动脉瘤颈夹闭9例,孤立切除2例,动脉瘤加固术1例,术后2例因脑积水加重行脑室-腹腔分流术。12例中除1例术后留有轻偏瘫外,其余11例恢复良好。结论小脑后下动脉瘤多以第四脑室出血发病,少数以小脑半球或蚓部出血发病,及早治疗效果满意。手术方式应尽量夹闭动脉瘤颈,对于小脑后下动脉末端动脉瘤,可以采用孤立切除术。