Musculoskeletal Injuries in Cross-Country Skiing.

Cross-country skiing, one of the oldest forms of skiing, is enjoyed widely as a recreational activity and as a competitive sport. It is practiced in regions with snow-covered landscapes, particularly in the Nordic countries and with increasing popularity in non-Nordic countries of Europe as well as in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Cross-country skiing is a fairly safe activity, and historically the risk of injury has been relatively low.

Knee Ligament Imaging: Preoperative and Postoperative Evaluation.

Preoperative and postoperative imaging of knee ligament injury hinges on the appropriate use of available modalities. Knowledge of injury patterns as well as the surgical significance of certain image findings enhances injury detection and supports appropriate preoperative planning. The radiologist must be familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each modality for evaluating specific aspects of ligamentous pathology.

Diagnostic and management challenges for MDM2-, CDK4-negative fatty tumors of the retroperitoneum.

Background: Neoplasms of the retroperitoneum that contain a major fat component may represent either benign entities, such as lipomas or angiomyolipomas, or malignancy such as liposarcoma. Distinguishing these diagnoses has important implications for management. While liposarcomas often stain positively for MDM2 and CDK4 proteins, absence of these markers can lead to diagnostic and management challenges.

Improvement of ethanol production by extractive fed-batch fermentation in a drop column bioreactor.

The use of fed-batch extractive fermentation can overcome inhibitory effects caused by the substrate and ethanol to the yeast cells, since it allows regulate the substrate concentration and remove the product as it is produced. The present study describes the modelling and experimental validation of ethanol production in fed-batch extractive fermentation with in situ ethanol removal by oleic acid in a non-conventional drop column bioreactor (DCB) operated under industrial conditions. The model developed using the hybrid Andrews-Levenspiel equation and ethanol distribution coefficient parameter (K) provided an excellent description of the fed-batch extractive ethanol fermentation process with oleic acid.

Resolution of Osseous Sarcoidosis with Methotrexate.

Though a relatively uncommon manifestation of sarcoidosis, some clinicians are tasked with managing osseous involvement of disease, and the optimal treatment approach in this setting is not well established. Previous studies have shown variable efficacy for osseous sarcoidosis utilizing multiple agents alone or in combination, often using imaging follow-up in conjunction with clinical assessment to evaluate response to treatment. We present a case of widespread skeletal involvement of sarcoidosis without evidence of concurrent pulmonary disease demonstrating marked clinical improvement and near-complete resolution of imaging abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following the use of methotrexate as the primary pharmacologic agent.

Comprehensive review of the anatomy, function, and imaging of the popliteus and associated pathologic conditions.

The popliteus is a relatively small but unique muscle of the knee. It is a component of the posterolateral corner of the knee and acts as a major stabilizer of the posterolateral knee. It is important to be aware of the normal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging appearance of the popliteus musculotendinous complex and its relation to other structures of the posterolateral corner for accurate diagnosis.

Evaluation of the bioremoval of Cr(VI) and TOC in biofilters under continuous operation using response surface methodology.

In the present study, the bioremoval of Cr(VI) and the removal of total organic carbon (TOC) were achieved with a system composed by an anaerobic filter and a submerged biofilter with intermittent aeration using a mixed culture of microorganisms originating from contaminated sludge. In the aforementioned biofilters, the concentrations of chromium, carbon, and nitrogen were optimized according to response surface methodology. The initial concentration of Cr(VI) was 137.

Evaluation of hexavalent chromium removal in a continuous biological filter with the use of central composite design (CCD).

Hexavalent chromium is frequently found in industrial effluents as a result of the industrial applications of this compound and its anti-corrosive features. However, hexavalent chromium is extremely toxic, and its discharge in water is regulated, with a maximum limit of 0.1 mg/L in accordance with legislation established by CONAMA-Brazil (no.

Development of a wearable vital signs monitor for healthcare.

In development countries the vital signs data measurement normally is performed at hospitals or laboratories where patients remain under observation with many electrodes attached on the body. The integration of biomedical data acquisition systems and information technologies (IT) enables continuous real time monitoring of physiological data in daily life, which improves patient's medical care and medical research possibilities. To achieve this goal, the research and development of some wearable intelligent sensors, sensors miniaturization, signal processing, wireless transmission, and databases development for these vital data have been done.

Appearance of the delta phalanx (longitudinally bracketed epiphysis) with MR imaging.

The delta phalanx is an unusual condition occurring in the hand or the foot that can be distinguished from a secondary ossification center on radiographic evaluation based on the well-defined phalangeal epiphyses typically evident by 24-30 months of age. MR imaging of the delta phalanx offers the advantage of visualizing sites of unossified bone before the age these findings are typically visible with radiography. We describe the case of a 15-month-old boy who presented with soft-tissue fusion of the third and fourth digits of the right hand.

Imaging appearances of the sternum and sternoclavicular joints.

The sternum and sternoclavicular joints--critical structures of the anterior chest wall--may be affected by various anatomic anomalies and pathologic processes, some of which require treatment. Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are common congenital anomalies that are usually benign but may warrant surgical treatment if they cause compression of vital internal structures. By contrast, developmental variants such as the sternal foramen are asymptomatic and do not require further evaluation or treatment.

The diaphragmatic crura and retrocrural space: normal imaging appearance, variants, and pathologic conditions.

The retrocrural space (RCS) is a small triangular region within the most inferior posterior mediastinum bordered by the two diaphragmatic crura. Multiplanar imaging modalities such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging allow evaluation of the RCS as part of routine examinations of the chest, abdomen, and spine. Normal structures within the retrocrural region include the aorta, nerves, the azygos and hemiazygos veins, the cisterna chyli with the thoracic duct, fat, and lymph nodes.

Imaging findings in cardiac tamponade with emphasis on CT.

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition that results from slow or rapid heart compression secondary to accumulation of fluid, pus, blood, gas, or tissue within the pericardial cavity. This condition can be associated with multiple causes including trauma, inflammation, scarring, or neoplastic involvement of the pericardial space among others. The main pathophysiologic event leading to tamponade is an increase in intrapericardial pressure sufficient to compress the heart with resultant hemodynamic impairment, which leads to limited cardiac inflow, decreased stroke volume, and reduced blood pressure.

Intramural hematoma of the esophagus: a pictorial essay.

Intramural hematoma of the esophagus (IHE) is a rare but well-documented condition that is part of the spectrum of esophageal injuries which includes the more common Mallory-Weiss tear and Boerhaave's syndrome. Acute retrosternal or epigastric pain is a common clinical feature, which can be accompanied by dysphagia, odynophagia, or hematemesis. An early differentiation from Mallory-Weiss tear, Boerhaave syndrome, ruptured aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, acute myocardial infarction, or pulmonary pathology can be difficult.

Imaging manifestations of Kaposi sarcoma.

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a low-grade vascular tumor that typically manifests as one of four variants: classic KS, endemic (African) KS, iatrogenic (organ transplant-related) KS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related KS. Several clinical and epidemiologic differences have been noted among these variants. Classic KS and endemic KS rarely require radiologic evaluation due to their usually chronic course and stability of skin compromise.

Cardiovascular complications of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

The heart and great vessels are not the sites most frequently affected by opportunistic infections and neoplastic processes in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, cardiovascular complications occur in a significant number of such patients and are the immediate cause of death in some. The spectrum of cardiovascular complications of AIDS that may be depicted at imaging includes dilated cardiomyopathy, pericardial effusion, human immunodeficiency virus-associated pulmonary hypertension, endocarditis, thrombosis, embolism, vasculitis, coronary artery disease, aneurysm, and cardiac involvement in AIDS-related tumors.

Imaging findings of expansile lesions of the thymus.

The purpose of this article is to review the imaging findings of the different expansile lesions of the thymus. Almost 50% of all mediastinal masses are located in the anterior mediastinum. The thymus is the most common site of origin of these masses.

CT and MR imaging findings of benign cardiac tumors.

This imaging review describes the appearance of benign cardiac tumors on CT and MRI. Although rare, benign tumors outnumber their primary malignant counterparts three to one. Since mortality varies directly with invasion, identifying the neoplasm at an early stage helps focus treatment, especially in benign cases, which generally respond well to surgical resection.

CT and MR imaging findings of malignant cardiac tumors.

This article reviews CT and MRI features of malignant cardiac and pericardial tumors, most of which originate from the lung, breast, melanoma, leukemia, or lymphoma through lymphatic, hematogenous, transvenous, and direct pathways. Although echocardiography establishes the diagnosis in most cases, CT and MRI provide additional physical, spatial, and functional information that further aids the evaluation of metastases. For instance, CT provides superior resolution for detecting calcification or fat, while MRI with its direct multiplanar ability more completely characterizes the heart, pericardium, mediastinum, and lungs.

Imaging findings in musculoskeletal complications of AIDS.

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are susceptible to a variety of complications that can affect the musculoskeletal system. These complications can be infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic or can take some other form. Infection (cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, soft-tissue abscess, pyomyositis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis) is the most common complication.

Association of two respiratory congenital anomalies: tracheal diverticulum and cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung.

Many associations of congenital anomalies of the respiratory system have been reported, but the combination of tracheal diverticulum and cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) is unique. We present a patient with these two anomalies and analyze their embryological correlation.