Encapsulated liquid crystals as probes for remote thermometry.

A temperature probe based on the magnetic resonance properties of an encapsulated liquid crystal has been investigated. Large changes in magnetic resonance signals occur as the liquid crystal undergoes a phase transition from an anisotropic (nematic) state to the isotropic liquid. The low latent heat of such phase transitions allows for rapid phase changes during a hyperthermia treatment. Transition temperatures can be tailored by adding suitable compounds such as analogues of the liquid crystal or various solvents. Encapsulation is required to maintain the integrity of the liquid crystal, particularly for applications in vivo. Results of preliminary studies designed to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the concept are presented.     

Does the single-breath N2 test identify the smoker who will develop chronic airflow limitation?

We report here the results of a 9- to 11-yr follow-up of 2 cohorts in which spirometry and the single-breath N2 test were used throughout the follow-up period to determine the usefulness of the single-breath N2 test in identifying the smoker who is experiencing a rapid decline in FEV1 and is therefore likely to be at risk of developing chronic airflow limitation. The analyses are based on 734 subjects tested from 3 to 5 times over the follow-up period; 82 smokers developed an abnormal FEV1 during the follow-up period. Of these, 71 (87%) had had an abnormal single-breath N2 test at some time prior to the FEV1 becoming abnormal. Of the single-breath N2 test variables, CC/TLC was the only one significantly associated with the rate of decline of FEV1 in both cohorts once adjustments were made for age, sex, height, and smoking. We conclude that the single-breath N2 test can be useful in identifying the smoker who is at risk of developing chronic airflow limitation. However, its usefulness is diminished by the high proportion of smokers who have mild functional abnormalities but do not progress to develop chronic airflow limitation. We also find that the single-breath N2 test does not appear to have a useful predictive value in nonsmokers.     

A leg ulcer as manifestation of metastatic squamous cell vaginal carcinoma

Cutaneous metastasis of vaginal carcinoma is extremely rare. So far, the total number of reported skin metastasis of vaginal carcinoma is only one. We present another case with an unusual manifestation of vagina carcinoma metastasis: skin metastasis presenting as a leg ulcer on the lower leg.