-4-[F]fluoro-L-proline Molecular Imaging Experimental Liver Fibrosis.

Early-stage liver fibrosis is potentially reversible, but difficult to diagnose. Clinical management would be enhanced by the development of a non-invasive imaging technique able to identify hepatic injury early, before end-stage fibrosis ensues. The analog of the amino acid proline, -4-[F]fluoro-L-proline ([F]fluoro-proline), which targets collagenogenesis in hepatic stellate cells (HSC), was used to detect fibrosis.

Microleakage of different post systems and a custom adapted fiber post.

Objective: The effects of closely adapting a prefabricated fiber to the post space remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to quantify the microleakages of a custom adapted fiber-reinforced post, a prefabricated quartz fiber post and a cast post using nondestructive methods.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-five extracted human premolars were endodontically treated and randomly divided into three groups (n=15), which were restored using a cast post-and-core, a custom adapted fiber post (Refropost) with a microhybrid microfiller resin composite (Gradia), or a prefabricated quartz fiber post (DT light post) and two groups of control (n=10).

Assessment of the accuracy of lacrimal scintigraphy based on a prospective analysis of patients' symptomatology.

Background: Dacryoscintigraphy is a noninvasive method frequently used for assessment of the lacrimal drainage system. Sometimes conflicting results with patients' complaints are obtained, which have no clear explanation. In our hypothesis, follow-up of patients evaluated with dacryoscintigraphy could be helpful in determining possible explanations for these conflicting results.

Brain perfusion single photon emission computed tomography findings in patients with posttraumatic anosmia and comparison with radiological imaging.

Background: Different techniques in neuroimaging have been proposed for assessment of olfactory dysfunction but they are not without limitations. Recently, some studies showed the usefulness of single photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT) in evaluation of patients with posttraumatic anosmia. This study was designed to assess the possible diagnostic value of SPECT findings in patients with posttraumatic anosmia in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/CT imaging.

Frequency and severity of myocardial perfusion abnormalities using Tc-99m MIBI SPECT in cardiac syndrome X.

Background: Cardiac syndrome X is defined by a typical angina pectoris with normal or near normal (stenosis <40%) coronary angiogram with or without electrocardiogram (ECG) change or atypical angina pectoris with normal or near normal coronary angiogram plus a positive none-invasive test (exercise tolerance test or myocardial perfusion scan) with or without ECG change. Studies with myocardial perfusion imaging on this syndrome have indicated some abnormal perfusion scan. We evaluated the role of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and also the severity and extent of perfusion abnormality using Tc-99m MIBI Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) in these patients.