User experiences with second-generation 32-gauge × 4 mm vs. thinner comparator pen needles: prospective randomized trial

Abstract

Objective

Two similarly designed studies compared user experiences with a second-generation extra-thin-wall, 5-bevel 32?G?×?4?mm pen needle (PN) with redesigned hub versus four thinner commercially available PNs.     

Tanzania IR Initiative: Training the First Generation of Interventional Radiologists

Despite a population of nearly 60 million, there is currently not a single interventional radiologist in Tanzania. Based on an Interventional Radiology (IR) Readiness Assessment, the key obstacles to establishing IR in Tanzania are the lack of training opportunities and limited availability of disposable equipment. An IR training program was designed and initiated, which relies on US-based volunteer teams of IR physicians, nurses, and technologists to locally train radiology residents, nurses, and technologists. Preliminary results support this strategy for addressing the lack of training opportunities and provide a model for introducing IR to other resource-limited settings.     

Standard Needle Magnetization for Ultrasound Needle Guidance: First Clinical Experiences in Fine‐Needle Aspiration Cytology of Thyroid Nodules

Fine‐needle aspiration cytology using a novel ultrasound needle guidance system on the basis of standard needle magnetization was consecutively performed in 30 (15 in‐plane and 15 out‐of‐plane) suspicious thyroid nodules. Nondedicated, commercially available needles were used. The technical effectiveness and safety of the system were satisfying; system failures were observed in 2 cases. The needle tip could be (at least occasionally) visualized inside the thyroid nodule in 96%, and the subjective procedure ratings were excellent in 57%. The out‐of‐plane technique was significantly superior in both respects (P = .021 and .027, respectively). Standard needle magnetization ultrasound needle guidance was easy to apply and cost‐effective and has the potential to improve fine‐needle aspiration cytology performance.     

LONG‐TERM FOLLOW UP OF PATIENTS WITH SMALL GASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMORS IN THE STOMACH USING ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY‐GUIDED FINE‐NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are one of the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. GIST are defined by positive immunohistochemical staining for KIT or CD34 and thus are generally diagnosed after surgery. Because small GIST are rarely diagnosed before surgery, the clinical course of these small tumors is not clear. The aim of the present study was to follow changes in size and configuration of small GIST that were pathologically confirmed using endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (EUS‐FNAB). Methods: Between July 1997 and December 2003, 16 tumors in 16 patients (10 men and 6 women) with an immunohistochemical diagnosis of GIST were regularly followed in our hospital. The median patient age when EUS‐FNAB was performed was 62 years (range 26–82 years) and the median follow‐up period was 4.9 years (range 0.5–9.6 years). Results: Fourteen tumors showed no remarkable changes in size and shape during follow up compared with the initial diagnosis. Two tumors enlarged: one tumor approximately doubled its diameter in 8 years and the other tumor increased from 1.8 cm at diagnosis to up to 10 cm after only 2 years. Doubling time of the latter tumor was calculated as 3.1 months. Conclusions: We conclude that EUS‐FNAB might be a good modality for final diagnosis of GIST without surgery, and that GIST without rapid growth on follow up can be endoscopically followed.     

制作角膜缘干细胞完全缺乏动物模型的新方法

目的提出一种新的角膜缘干细胞完全缺乏模型制作方法,为干细胞缺乏疾病的治疗性研究提供可靠的模型。方法利用9mm环钻划界,板层切除角膜组织,通过临床评分、印迹细胞学、组织病理及免疫组织化学验证模型的成功。结果板层切除术后30~45d,模型眼角膜混浊、上皮缺损、大量新生血管长入,印迹细胞学可见PAS( )的杯状细胞,组织病理学检查上皮符合结膜细胞表型,免疫荧光染色可见结膜杯状细胞特异性标志MUC5AC阳性表达。结论环钻划界加板层切除法为一种可靠、有效的角膜缘干细胞完全缺乏模型制作方法。     

B超引导下经皮肺穿刺针吸活检对周围型肺肿块的诊断价值

目的探讨Ｂ超引导下经皮肺穿刺针吸活检对周围型肺肿块的诊断价值。方法对３１例患者施行Ｂ超引导肺穿刺针吸活检５６次，进行细胞学和细菌学检查。结果穿刺取材成功率为９３．６％，所获细胞学资料与手术病理诊断或临床治疗随访对照，定性诊断符合率为８９．７％。结论该诊断方法简便实用，并发症轻微，适于临床推广应用。     

银质针灸治疗下腰部软组织疼痛

Chronicsofttissuelesionisaspeciallymedicalterm，andanimportantpathologicalchangesofdiseases，suchaschronicoveruseinjuriesandconversionofacuteinjuriesinlowbackorfrominter－vertebraldiscprotrusion，anddislocationofintervertebraljointsaswell，whichmainlycauseseverepaininlowback犤１犦．Manypresentmethods（oralmedicine，massage，anestheticblock，physicalthera－piesetc．）havebeenusedforrelievingthepain，whichdemandsagreatfiscalsupportannually．Unfortunately，thereportsonthemechanismsandeffectofthem…     

细针抽吸活检术诊断脾结核

脾结核发病较少见，临床症状表现也不典型，常易误诊为其他病变如淋巴瘤、脓肿等，影像表现未见特异征象，极易误诊。现将我院收治的3例脾结核临床特点、影像表现进行介绍。特别是在B超或CT引导下的细针抽吸活检术应用，旨在提高对本病认识、及时正确诊断，避免误诊。     

Needle electromyography

Physiologic assessment of diseases of the motor unit from the anterior horn cells to the muscles relies on a combination of needle electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Both require a unique combination of knowledge of peripheral nervous system anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, diseases, techniques, and electricity is necessary. Successful, high‐quality, reproducible EMG depends on the skills of a clinician in patient interaction during the physical insertion and movement of the needle while recording the electrical signals. These must be combined with the skill of analyzing electric signals recorded from muscle by auditory pattern recognition and semiquantitation. 10 , 52 This monograph reviews the techniques of needle EMG and waveform analysis and describes the types of EMG waveforms recorded during needle EMG. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Muscle Nerve 39: 244–270, 2009