Localization grid for MR-guided biopsy

A localization grid for use with magnetic resonance (MR)-guided biopsies was designed and evaluated. First, the signal intensities of various concentrations of Gd-DTPA in polyethylene tubes of different sizes and at various pulse sequences were evaluated. The optimal signal intensity on all pulse sequences was obtained with a concentration of 500 microM. A grid was then made with 5-mm-diameter polyethylene tubes filled with 500-microM Gd-DTPA. The grid has provided excellent localization for MR-guided biopsy and fluid aspiration.     

A new association of congenital hydrocephalus, albinism, megalocornea, and retinal coloboma in a syndromic child: a clinical and genetic study

We describe a child with global developmental delay, prominent metopic suture, trigonocephaly, and cryptorchidism whose symptoms resemble the well-known 9p deletion syndrome or 9p monosomy. We also noted congenital hydrocephalus, oculocutaneous albinism, retinal coloboma, and megalocornea, which are not typical features of 9p monosomy. When a new albinism gene was localized to 9p (Chintamaneni et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1991;178:227-235; Murty et al., Genomics 1992;13:227-229), we hypothesized that our patient had the 9p deletion syndrome plus albinism, with the deletion involving the albinism gene. We used FISH probes to test this hypothesis and found that the 9p region was normal, therefore excluding the 9p deletion syndrome. To our knowledge, the association of congenital hydrocephalus, albinism, megalocornea, and retinal coloboma has not been described in the literature. The purpose of this report is to describe this new association of congenital ocular and cerebral anomalies in a syndromic child.     

Transformation of Trypomastigote Forms of Trypanosoma cruzi into Activators of Alternative Complement Pathway by Immune IgG Fragments

In this report we examined the capacity of immune IgG fragments to prepare trypomastigote bloodstream forms (TBF) of Trypanosoma cruzi for lysis. F(ab')₂, fragments were capable of presensitizingTBF For complement (C) lysis, thus excluding the participation of Fc domains in the C activation process. An intact hinge region of the IgG molecule was not involved either, since the corresponding Fab' were almost as active as the original molecules in preparing TBF for lysis. Fab also retained such activity even after further reduction and alkylation. These findings indicate that neither the portions of heavy chains that make up the hinge region nor the intrachain disulphide bonds are involved in the process. The IgG fragments promoted lysis through the activation of the alternative C pathway (ACP). These results suggest that the immune IgG transforms TBF into ACP activators by blocking the capacity of some parasite cell surface components that are known inhibitors of C activation.     

The effect of vaginal pH on labor induction with vaginal misoprostol

Objective.?To estimate the association of vaginal pH on the induction to vaginal delivery interval in labor induction with vaginal misoprostol.

Methods.?Women presenting at term with intact membranes for labor induction were recruited. The pH of the vagina was measured during a digital examination of the cervix to determine the Bishop Score. Labor was induced with 25?μg of vaginal misoprostol placed every 6?h until spontaneous rupture of membranes or active labor occurred. The primary outcome was the induction to vaginal delivery interval in the lower pH (?<?5) versus higher pH (???5) group. Secondary outcomes assessed maternal and neonatal morbidities. Sample size calculated a priori estimated 120 subjects were required for a power of 95% and a 2-tailed α of 0.05.

Results.?120 women met inclusion criteria and had available pH data. There was no difference in the induction to vaginal delivery interval in the lower pH (1455?min) versus higher pH group (1295 minutes, Mean difference 160[?147,468] P?=. 30). No difference was observed for operative delivery rates or neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion.?The pH of the vagina may not affect the length of the induction to vaginal delivery interval in women undergoing labor induction with vaginal misoprostol. Further research is required to determine factors that may influence the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol when used for labor induction.