An Automatic 3-D Reconstruction of Coronary Arteries by Stereopsis

Stereopsis of X-ray images can produce 3D tree of coronary arteries up to a certain accuracy level with a lower dose of radiation when compared to computer tomography (CT). In this study, a novel and complete automatic system is designed that covers preprocessing, segmentation, matching and reconstruction steps for that purpose. First, an automatic and novel pattern recognition technique is applied for extraction of the bifurcation points with their diameters recorded in a map. Then, a novel optimization algorithm is run for matching the branches efficiently which is based on that map and the epipolar geometry of stereopsis. Finally, cut branches are fixed one by one at the bifurcations for completing the 3D reconstruction. This method prevails the similar ones in the literature with this novelty since it automatically and inherently prevents the wrong overlapping of branches. Other essential problems like correct detection of the bifurcations and accurate calibration parameters and fast overlapping of matched branches are addressed at acceptable levels. The accuracy of bifurcation extraction is high at 90 % with 96 % sensitivity. Accuracy of vessel centerlines has rootmean-square (rms) error smaller than 0.57 mm for 20 different patients. For phantom model, rms error is 0.75?±?0.8 mm in 3D localization.     

Inhibition of 2-nitropropane-induced rat liver DNA and RNA damage by benzyl selenocyanate

We observed that pretreatment of male F344 rats with benzyl selenocyanate, a versatile organoselenium chemopreventive agent in several animal model systems, decreases the levels of DNA and RNA modifications produced in the liver by the hepatocarcinogen 2- nitropropane. To clarify the mechanisms involved, we pretreated male F344 rats with either benzyl selenocyanate, its sulfur analog benzyl thiocyanate, phenobarbital or cobalt protoporphyrin IX; the latter is a depletor of P450. We then determined (1) the ability of liver microsomes to denitrify 2-nitropropane, (2) effects on 2-nitropropane- induced liver DNA and RNA modifications and (3) amount of nitrate excreted in rat urine following administration of the carcinogen. Pretreatment with benzyl selenocyanate or phenobarbital increased the denitrification activity of liver microsomes by 217 and 765%, respectively, increased liver P4502B1 by 31- and 435-fold, respectively, decreased the levels of 2-nitropropane-induced modifications in liver DNA (29-70% and 17-30%, respectively) and RNA (67-85% and 30-50%, respectively), and increased the 24-h urinary excretion of nitrate by 157 and 209%, respectively. Pretreatment with benzyl thiocyanate had no significant effect on any of these parameters. Pretreatment with cobalt protoporphyrin IX decreased liver P4502B 1 by 87%, decreased the denitrification activity of liver microsomes by 76%, decreased the 24 h urinary excretion of nitrate by 88.5%, but increased the extent of 2-nitropropane-induced liver nucleic acid modifications by 17-67%. These results indicate that the metabolic sequence from 2-nitropropane to the reactive species causing DNA and RNA modifications does not involve the removal of the nitro group. Moreover, they suggest that benzyl selenocyanate inhibits 2-NP-induced liver nucleic acid modifications in part by increasing its detoxication through induction of denitrification, although it is evident that other mechanisms must also be involved.      

Evaluation by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of trabecular bone quality in mandible and cervical vertebrae

Objective: The purpose of this study was to make a comparison between mandibular and cervical vertebral bone quality (BQ) using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: The cervical MRI images included in this study belonged to 36 patients (23 women, 13 men; mean age 54 years) who had various clinical symptoms (e.g., headache, vertigo, imbalance). The mandible and cervical vertebrae BQ measurements were performed by the same investigator on these sections. Mandibular and cervical vertebral T2^* axial cross sections were performed following receipt of consent from each patient. T2^* relaxation time values were determined in the trabecular area. Results: The relationship between cervical vertebral and mandibular BQ was revealed by regression and correlation analysis. The correlation coefficient was r=0.04, r²=0.002, and P=0.818, which is not statistically significant. The relation between age and mandible BQ was very weak (r=0.001, r²=0.000001, and P=0.995), and the relation between age and cervical vertebrae BQ was correlated (r=?0.585, r²=0.342, and P<0.001). Conclusions: There is a low correlation between the BQ measurements of cervical vertebrae and the mandible. Precise mandibular BQ measurement does not provide information that correlates with BQ in the other sites of the skeleton. Although an age‐dependent decrease occurs in vertebral BQ, no significant alteration occurs in mandibular BQ. To cite this article:
Celenk P, Celenk C. Evaluation by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of trabecular bone quality in mandible and cervical vertebrae.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 409–413.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01869.x     

Scalp meningioma: case report

The authors report a case of scalp meningioma. The mass was removed totally, and all of the following neuroradiological studies proved the absence of an intracranial meningioma.     

Effect of propolis in the treatment of experimental Staphylococcus aureus keratitis in rabbits

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of an ethanolic extract of propolis, a natural resin produced by honeybees, and to determine synergistic activity between ciprofloxacin and propolis in the treatment of experimental Staphylococcus aureus keratitis. METHODS: Sixteen young New Zealand white rabbits were given intrastromal injections of S. aureus strains. Twenty-four hours later, the rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: group 1 was treated with topical 0.3% ciprofloxacin drops along with the ethanolic extract of propolis drops; group 2 received topical 0.3% ciprofloxacin drops; group 3 was administered the ethanolic extract of propolis drops, and group 4, the control group, was treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) drops. Drugs were instilled 8 times/day for 72 h. Twenty-four and 96 h after inoculation of bacteria, the eyes were examined by slit lamp to assess corneal opacity. Corneas were removed to count bacteria. RESULTS: Slit lamp examination showed that the corneal opacity scores were significantly lower in eyes that received propolis plus ciprofloxacin than in those treated with ciprofloxacin (p = 0.041) or propolis (p = 0.006) or control eyes treated with PBS (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in eyes treated with ciprofloxacin and propolis (p = 1.00). There were significantly fewer bacteria in eyes that received propolis plus ciprofloxacin than in those treated with ciprofloxacin (p = 0.0001) or propolis (p = 0.0001) or control eyes treated with PBS (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in eyes treated with ciprofloxacin and propolis (p = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: Taking these findings into consideration, we suggest that the ethanolic extract of propolis has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties for S. aureus keratitis. The combination of ciprofloxacin and propolis had better therapeutic effects than either agent alone.     

Antenatally detected ureterocele: Associated anomalies and postnatal prognosis

ObjectiveWe purposed to review prenatal diagnoses of ureterocele, to determine the sonographic findings and additional abnormalities, and to illustrate the pregnancy outcomes of these patients.Material and methodsWe reviewed the records of 24 patients with the diagnosis of ureterocele in our referral center between January 2010–March 2017. Prenatal sonographic findings, antenatal course, and postnatal follow-up were obtained.ResultsThe mean gestational age at first US diagnosis was 24.5 ± 2.9 weeks. 13 (54.1%) of fetuses were female, and 11 (45.9%) were male. Ureterocele was associated with the duplex kidney in 17 (70.8%), MCDK in 5 (20.8%) and hydronephrosis with a single system in 1 (4.2%) and pelvic kidney in 1 (4.2%) fetuses. Postnatal follow-up was achieved in 22 of 24 (91.6%) cases, and mean follow-up interval was 56 ± 14.2. Months. The diagnosis of ureterocele was confirmed in 22 (91.6%) cases postnatally. 15 of 22 (68%) cases were classified as extravesical ureterocele, and 7 (32%) cases were intravesical ureterocele. Postnatal confirmation of duplex kidney achieved in 16 of 17 (94.1%) patients. 17 (77.2%) patients were required surgical intervention, and 5 (22.8%) cases were managed conservatively. 15 of 16 (93.7%) cases who were diagnosed duplex kidney underwent surgery however 2 of 5 (40%) cases which were confirmed MCDK required an operation. Cystoscopic ureterocele incision was the initial approach for the surgical management and performed all of the cases which required surgery. It was curative in 10 of 17 (58.8%) patients and 7 (41.2%) cases needed to further operations. Ureteroselectomy and common-sheath ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 5 (29.1%) cases and. 2 (%11.7%) cases underwent partial nephrectomy.ConclusionUreterocele can be accurately diagnosed by prenatal sonography, and it is a significant clue for the diagnosis of a duplex kidney. Postnatal prognosis depends on associated anomaly and presence of reflux and upper pole function.     

Seroconversion status after single dose and double doses of varicella vaccination in children with leukemia

Although varicella is a benign self-limiting disease in healthy children, it can be fatal when it occurs in immunocompromised hosts. Despite that immunosuppressed children are suggested to require 2 doses of vaccine to achieve seroconversion, conflicting results are reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroconversion status and mean antibody titers at first year after single dose and double doses of varicella vaccination in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Patients with leukemia in remission for at least 1 year who were seronegative for varicella-zoster virus immunoglobulin G (IgG) were vaccinated. Titers above the cutoff level (0.65) were accepted as seroconversion. Seventeen patients were vaccinated with single dose whereas 24 patients were vaccinated with double doses. Mean prevaccination antibody titers were 0.56 ± 0.05 in patients with single dose and 0.51 ± 0.08 in patients with double doses (P > .05, Student t test). The mean antibody titers at first year were 0.61 ± 0.05 in patients with single-dose vaccination (P > .05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test) and 1.48 ± 0.04 in patients with double doses (P < .001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Seroconversion after single-dose vaccination was achieved in 29% of patients (n = 5/17) and in 75% of patients with double doses (n = 18/24) at first year (P = .004, chi-square test). These results suggest that seroconversion after single-dose vaccination might not persist at first year in malignancy patients. Double doses should be applied in order to provide long-term seroconversion.