Growth properties of cultured human endothelial cells on differently coated artificial heart materials.

The cultivation of autologous endothelial cells on the blood surface of artificial hearts might prevent their detrimental thromboembolic complications. To investigate the growth characteristics of endothelial cells on theoretically suitable biomaterials, we compared three polyurethanes (Pellethane, Biomer, Enka) and three silicone rubbers (Elastosil, 3145 RTV, Medical Adhesive). All synthetic surfaces were precoated with an extracellular matrix (group 1), fibronectin (group 2), or a glutaraldehyde-preserved cellular matrix (group 3).

[Treatment of thrombotic occlusion with the Starck rotation-aspiration thromboembolectomy catheter].

A thrombotic occlusion of the femoral artery with a history of 16 days is recanalized using the Rotational-Aspiration-Thromboembolectomy catheter according to Starck. The underlying stenosis is treated by balloon dilatation.

[Percutaneous atherectomy of the pelvic and leg arteries].

Percutaneous atherectomy, using a Simpson atherectomy catheter, was performed in 70 patients (43 men, 27 women) whose average age was 72 years (range 42 to 87 years). Between June 1988 and July 1989 all patients with disease in suitable localisations were treated in this way. The Doppler sonographic index before treatment was 0.

Precision parameters of methods of analysis required for nutrition labeling. Part I. Major nutrients.

Major components of foods and feeds are fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Fat and protein are determined by direct measurements that are interpreted as the quantity of the constituent. Carbohydrates are usually calculated by difference.

Intra-cerebral ventricular infusion of 5-iodo-2-deoxyuridine (IUDR) as a radiosensitizer in the treatment of a rat glioma.

The efficacy of 5-iodo-2-deoxyuridine (IUDR) as a radiosensitizer when administered by continuous infusion into the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of the lateral cerebral ventricle was evaluated in a 9L gliosarcoma rat brain tumor model. Stereotactic implantation of a 5 x 10(4) tumor cell suspension into the left caudate nucleus was carried out in four groups of 10 rats each. Control animals had a median survival of 16.

Megavoltage external beam irradiation of craniopharyngiomas: analysis of tumor control and morbidity.

From 1971 to 1985, 21 patients received megavoltage external beam radiation therapy at the University of Pittsburgh for control of craniopharyngioma. Minimum tumor doses prescribed to the 95% isodose volume ranged between 51.3 to 70.

A new rat brain tumor model: glioma disseminated via the cerebral spinal fluid pathways.

A rat brain tumor model has been developed with the clinical and pathological features of dissemination via the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) pathways. A precise number of 9L gliosarcoma cells (5 x 10(2) to 5 x 10(5)) is stereotactically injected into the CSF of the lateral ventricle. The interval until the onset of neurological symptoms and then death is reproducible and dependent upon the number of cells injected.

Verification of electron beam therapy with storage phosphor images: precision of field placement.

Portal verification images were generated from the photon contamination in electron beams produced by a linear accelerator during treatment of patients receiving high-energy electron radiation therapy (8-14 MeV). An experimental storage phosphor system was used to record the images and display them on laser-printed film. Images were obtained from four or more treatment fractions from 21 cases of head and neck cancer.

Evaluation of analog contrast enhancement and digital unsharp masking in low-contrast portal images.

An experimental high-contrast sensitivity storage phosphor imaging system was used to produce double-exposure localization portal images of abdominal and pelvic treatment fields. The images were contrast enhanced by using an analog windowing technique and edge enhanced with a digital unsharp masking routine. A laser printer was used to print the storage phosphor images onto film.

Verification of electron beam therapy with conventional and storage phosphor images: preliminary experience.

Portal verification images were generated by the photon contamination in electron beams produced by a linear accelerator during treatment of patients receiving high-energy electron radiation therapy. Both conventional and storage phosphor methods yielded projection radiographs in which anatomy of the irradiated and surrounding tissue was demonstrated. Exposed phantoms were used to confirm that the images represent a true projection of the radiation field.

5-Iodo-2-deoxyuridine administered into the lateral cerebral ventricle as a radiosensitizer in the treatment of disseminated glioma.

A rat brain tumor model (Fischer 344 rats) with the clinical and pathological features of dissemination via the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways was used to demonstrate the efficacy of 5-iodo-2-deoxyuridine (IUDR) as a radiosensitizer when it is administered directly into the CSF. Stereotaxic implantation of 9L gliosarcoma cells (5 X 10(5) into the CSF of the lateral cerebral ventricle resulted in widespread dissemination and median survival of 18.5 and 20 days (range, 10-22) in two experiments.

Abel reconstruction of piecewise constant radial density profiles from x-ray radiographs.

We present a method for reconstructing the radial density profile of a cylindrically symmetric object from a single x-ray projection, when the profile consists of a number of different constant sections. A forward Abel transform based algorithm is employed whereby the profile is recovered recursively, onion peelinglike, starting from the outside diameter of the object and moving in. Distortions originating in the Gibbs phenomenon, unavoidable in most available Abel inversion methods, are completely eliminated.

Repeat megavoltage irradiation of pituitary and suprasellar tumors.

From 1965 to 1984, ten patients with suprasellar or pituitary tumors received repeat courses of radiation therapy at the Joint Radiation Oncology Center of the University of Pittsburgh. The radiation doses varied between 36.00 to 53.

Radiotherapy of nonfunctional adenomas of the pituitary gland. Results with long-term follow-up.

A total of 112 patients with the diagnosis of nonfunctional pituitary adenoma received radiation therapy at the University of Pittsburgh between 1964 and 1987. Postoperative radiation therapy was administered in 87 patients. Actuarial progression-free survival (tumor control) at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years was 97%, 89%, 87%, and 76%, respectively.

Results of a randomized trial comparing BCNU plus radiotherapy, streptozotocin plus radiotherapy, BCNU plus hyperfractionated radiotherapy, and BCNU following misonidazole plus radiotherapy in the postoperative treatment of malignant glioma.

In Brain Tumor Cooperative Group Study 77-02, eleven institutions randomized 603 adult patients with supratentorial malignant glioma to one of four treatment groups following surgery: conventional radiotherapy (6000 cGy in 30-35 fractions) + BCNU, conventional radiotherapy + streptozotocin, hyperfractionated (twice daily) radiotherapy (6600 cGy in 60 fractions) + BCNU, and conventional radiotherapy with misonidazole followed by BCNU. Data were analyzed for the total randomized population and for the 557 patients (86% with glioblastoma multiforme) who met protocol eligibility specifications (including confirmed histopathology on central review). Median survival was approximately 10 months following randomization.

Surface morphology of circulating platelets: a suggested parameter for the monitoring of endothelial seeded grafts.

For the clinical follow-up of endothelial cell seeded grafts, non-invasive but sensitive parameters are required in order to determine the extent and effectiveness of the endothelialization process. Such a very sensitive parameter was found by investigating the surface morphology of circulating platelets. This technique is based on the previous observation that characteristic alterations of platelet morphology are closely associated with the course of the aggregometer tracings.