Three-dimensional bone-free rendering of the cerebral circulation by use of computed tomographic angiography and fuzzy connectedness.

Introduction: Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3-D-CTA) can be used to evaluate cerebrovascular disease. A potential limitation of this technology is obscuration of vascular anatomy by bone. In view of this, we developed a method for bone-free rendering using iterative relative fuzzy connectedness (IRFC) of 3-D-CTA to examine the cerebral vasculature without the intervening cranial base.

Pupil-sparing third nerve palsy with preoperative improvement from a posterior communicating artery aneurysm.

Background: Despite the plenitude of reports concerning partial or complete third nerve palsies, especially as presenting symptoms with posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms, we present a patient with an unusual variation.

Case Description: A 66-year-old woman presented with progressive right-sided headaches and diplopia and was found to have a partial, pupil-sparing third nerve palsy. A small right-sided PCoA aneurysm, nearly indistinguishable from an infundibulum, was identified on magnetic resonance angiography and subsequent digital subtraction angiography.

Intramedullary injection of contrast into the cervical spinal cord during cervical myelography: a case report.

Study Design: A case of iatrogenic intramedullary contrast injection during a C1-C2 cervical myelography is reported.

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of iatrogenic intramedullary contrast injection during a current C1-C2 cervical myelography.

Summary Of Background Data: Intramedullary injection of contrast is a rare but serious complication of C1-C2 cervical myelography that has not been reported since the widespread use of magnetic resonance imaging and the NASCIS III study protocol.

Endovascular microcoil gene delivery using immobilized anti-adenovirus antibody for vector tethering.

Background And Purpose: Endovascular microcoils are widely used in interventional procedures to treat cerebral aneurysms. In the present study we report for the first time successful use of an endovascular microcoil as a gene delivery system.

Methods: Anti-adenoviral monoclonal antibodies were covalently attached to the collagen-coated surface of either platinum or polyglycolic acid microcoils.

A novel pH-dependent dimerization motif in beta-lactoglobulin from pig (Sus scrofa).

beta-Lactoglobulin (BLG) is a lipocalin and is the major protein in the whey of the milk of cows and other ruminants, but not in all mammalian species. The biological function of BLG is not clear, but a potential role in carrying fatty acids through the digestive tract has been proposed. The capability of BLG to aggregate and form gels is often used to thicken foodstuffs.

Biodegradable polyglycolide endovascular coils promote wall thickening and drug delivery in a rat aneurysm model.

Objective: We designed biodegradable polyglycolide coils (BPCs) and compared the histopathological response to the coils with that to platinum Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs), after insertion into ligated common carotid arteries (CCAs) of adult rats. BPCs were also tested for use in local drug delivery.

Methods: Segments (4-mm) of unmodified BPCs, unmodified GDCs, or BPCs coated with Type I bovine collagen and recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor-165 (500 microg/ml) were inserted into ligated CCAs of adult rats for 14 days, and specimens were compared with contralateral CCA control specimens.

Is conservative treatment for adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix safe?

Objective: To determine the long term results of treatment of adenocarcinoma in situ by conisation of the cervix using survival analysis.

Design: A retrospective study in six teaching hospitals in North West Thames.

Population: Eighty-five women with a histological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix in punch or cone biopsy were identified from pathology and clinical databases.

Computed tomography of the head before lumbar puncture in adults with suspected meningitis.

Background: In adults with suspected meningitis clinicians routinely order computed tomography (CT) of the head before performing a lumbar puncture.

Methods: We prospectively studied 301 adults with suspected meningitis to determine whether clinical characteristics that were present before CT of the head was performed could be used to identify patients who were unlikely to have abnormalities on CT. The Modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was used to identify neurologic abnormalities.

Matrix methods for solving protein substructures of chlorine and sulfur from anomalous data.

The weak signal obtained from the anomalous scattering (at lambda = 1.54 A) of naturally occurring elements such as sulfur, phosphorus and ordered solvent chloride ions is used to determine the atomic positions of these atoms. Two examples are discussed: the sulfur and chlorine substructure of tetragonal hen egg-white lysozyme and an oligonucleotide containing ten P atoms.

Risk factors affecting survival after brain metastases from non-small cell lung carcinoma: a follow-up study of 70 patients.

Object: The authors present their experience with the treatment of brain metastases from non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted in which records from 74 patients treated at the authors' institution between 1994 and 1999 were assessed. Survival and functional outcome were reviewed relative to individual patient variables.

Healing of traumatic diaphragm injuries: comparison of laparoscopic versus open techniques in an animal model.

Background: Minimally invasive surgical techniques have become routinely applied to the evaluation and treatment of patients with isolated diaphragmatic injuries due to penetrating trauma. The objective of the study was to compare the healing of diaphragm injuries as determined by macroscopic inspection, histologic appearance, and tensile strength following repair by open suturing, laparoscopic suturing, and laparoscopic stapling techniques in an animal model.

Methods: Using a pig model, three injuries were created and repaired in each hemidiaphragm of five animals, for a total of 30 lacerations.

Improved diffraction of antithrombin crystals grown in microgravity.

Crystals of antithrombin were grown both on earth and in microgravity aboard US Space Shuttle Flight STS-67. The quality of crystals grown in both environments was highly variable and many could not be indexed. The microgravity crystals, however, generally diffracted better, as demonstrated by a novel procedure that estimates the resolution of the Bragg scatter from single diffraction images, without requiring knowledge of the cell dimensions of the crystal.

Delivery of human vascular endothelial growth factor with platinum coils enhances wall thickening and coil impregnation in a rat aneurysm model.

Background And Purpose: Histopathologic studies indicate that aneurysms treated with Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) have avascular centers with fibrosis mostly at the aneurysm periphery. We hypothesized that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) released from a coil promotes clot organization, hyperplasia, and endothelial proliferation to facilitate closure of the aneurysm neck.

Methods: GDC segments were inserted into ligated common carotid arteries (CCAs) of adult male rats for 14 days.

Disaster management in Australia: the national emergency management system.

Australia has a well-established emergency management system to manage the threats to communities from natural and technological hazards. The key elements of the system are described with particular emphasis on the impact of disasters on Australia, fundamental concepts, and principles of planning. Emergency physicians have a key role in the development of emergency plans and in the overall health response to disasters.

Dental CT imaging: a look at the jaw.

The jaw comprises two complex bony structures: the mandible and maxilla. Their curved or archlike configuration makes radiographic imaging difficult. Furthermore, the superimposition of dense teeth and roots may obscure underlying tissues, and streak artifacts from dental restorations often degrade computed tomographic (CT) images.

Structure elucidation of beta-mannanase: from the electron-density map to the DNA sequence.

The crystal structure of affinity-purified Thermomonospora fusca beta-mannanase has been solved despite the lack of the major part of the amino-acid sequence. A high-quality electron-density map allowed the identification of a stretch of eight amino acids close to the C-terminus which was used to design a degenerate downstream PCR primer. Together with a specific primer previously derived from the N-terminus, 95.

Extracranial aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery.

Objective: Extracranial aneurysms of the distal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are extremely rare and sometimes difficult to diagnose without an adequate angiogram. We present the first series of 3 patients who were evaluated by the senior author and treated surgically.

Methods And Results: All 3 patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Topic review: surface modifications enhancing biological activity of guglielmi detachable coils in treating intracranial aneurysms.

Background: Endovascular therapy with Guglielmi detachable coils is an accepted treatment option for patients with intracranial aneurysms. However, an emerging technology in the realm of endovascular tools is the use of traditional Guglielmi detachable coils with biologically active substances complexed to the coil surface to enhance aneurysm occlusion.

Methods: We review the literature and current trends in modified Guglielmi detachable coils.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint.

The spectrum of disease that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be varied. To differentiate among the diseases that cause pain and dysfunction, an intimate knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of this region is necessary. Due to the joint's complex anatomy and relationship to the skin, it has been difficult to image in the past.

Sinus lift procedure of the maxilla in patients with inadequate bone for dental implants: radiographic appearance.

Objective: Dental implants have gained popularity for treating edentulism, but some patients develop jaw atrophy, which leaves insufficient bone for implants. To treat these patients, the sinus lift procedure, which augments bone, was developed. Altered anatomy from this procedure has an unusual radiographic appearance, confusing those unfamiliar with it.

Augmentation procedures of the jaw in patients with inadequate bone for dental implants: radiographic appearance.

Dental implants, metallic posts surgically imbedded in the jaw to support dental prostheses, have provided an attractive alternative to standard removable dentures. Some patients, however, have insufficient bone to accommodate these implants. In this setting, a number of surgical procedures are available to augment the bone in the jaw.

[Dental CT in pathologic changes of the maxillo-mandibular region].

CT with multiplanar reconstruction of the jaws (DentaScan) is the method of choice for the radiographic assessment of the mandible and maxilla. It is instrumental in delineating the relationship between bony lesions and the adjacent anatomy. Therefore, this technique allows precise evaluation of the intricate details of the oral cavity.

GABA increases refractoriness of adult rat dorsal column axons.

We applied randomized double pulse stimulation for assessing the effects of GABA and a GABAA antagonist on compound action potentials in dorsal column axons isolated from adult rat. We stimulated the axons with double pulses at 0.2 Hz and randomly varied interpulse intervals between 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 80 ms.

Extrarenal nephroblastic proliferation in spinal dysraphism. A report of 4 cases.

Four cases of extrarenal nephrogenic proliferation in the sacrococcygeal region with spinal dysraphism are presented. In two of the cases, features of Wilm's or incipient Wilm's tumor were present. The previous literature on sacrococcygeal nephrogenic tissue is reviewed, and the impact of these findings on the histogenesis of extrarenal sacrococcygeal Wilm's tumor is discussed.