Imaging assessment of spine infection.

This article comprehensively reviews current imaging concepts in spinal infection with primary focus on infectious spondylodiscitis (IS) as well as the less common entity of facet joint septic arthritis (FSA). This review encompasses the multimodality imaging appearances (radiographs, CT, MRI, and nuclear imaging) of spinal infection-both at initial presentation and during treatment-to aid the radiologist in guiding diagnosis and successful management. We discuss the pathophysiology of spinal infection in various patient populations (including the non-instrumented and postoperative spine) as well as the role of imaging-guided biopsy.

Imaging of Nerve Disorders in the Elbow.

Neuropathies of the elbow represent a spectrum of disorders that involve more frequently the ulnar, radial, and median nerves. Reported multiple pathogenic factors include mechanical compression, trauma, inflammatory conditions, infections, as well as tumor-like and neoplastic processes. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of these peripheral nerves is crucial because clinical symptoms and imaging findings depend on which components of the affected nerve are involved.

Semi-Automated 3D Volumetric Renal Measurements in Polycystic Kidney Disease Using b0-Images-A Feasibility Study.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) eventually leads to end stage renal disease (ESRD) with an increase in size and number of cysts over time. Progression to ESRD has previously been shown to correlate with total kidney volume (TKV). An accurate and relatively simple method to perform measurement of TKV has been difficult to develop.

Dynamic Stress MRI of Midfoot Injuries: Measurable Morphology and Laxity of the Sprained Lisfranc Ligament During Mechanical Loading: A Case Report.

Case: Our 26-year-old patient is a professional ballet dancer who suffered a classic Lisfranc joint injury while performing a dancing maneuver with his foot in full plantar flexion. Initial workup with radiographs revealed borderline Lisfranc interval widening without definitive joint instability. Further evaluation with an innovative dynamic stress magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed mild interosseous Lisfranc ligament laxity and sprain, which allowed the orthopaedic surgeon to pursue conservative management, rather than surgery.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging analysis of the cross-sectional areas of the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle, cubital tunnel, and ulnar nerve with the elbow in extension in patients with and without ulnar neuropathy.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the cross-sectional area of the anconeus epitrochlearis muscle (AEM), cubital tunnel, and ulnar nerve with the elbow in extension in patients with and without ulnar neuropathy.

Methods: We performed a retrospective, level IV review of elbow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Elbow MRI studies of 32 patients with an AEM (26 men and 6 women, aged 18-60 years), 32 randomly selected patients without an AEM (aged 16-71 years), and 32 patients with clinical ulnar neuritis (22 men and 10 women, aged 24-76 years) were reviewed.

Left ventricular hypertrophy in acute stroke patients with known hypertension.

Background: Despite effective treatments, hypertension remains uncontrolled in nearly half of the people with hypertension in the United States. Uncontrolled hypertension leads to end organ damage, such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). To identify reasons for uncontrolled hypertension, we interviewed acute stroke patients with a history of hypertension and evaluated for LVH.

Pre-stroke glycemia in patients with diabetes.

Aims: Hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) remains uncontrolled in approximately 50% of patients in the United States. Uncontrolled T2D is associated with various vascular complications, including stroke. We studied demographic and clinical factors association with pre-stroke glycemia, indicated by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), in acute stroke patients with T2D.

Solution Binding and Structural Analyses Reveal Potential Multidrug Resistance Functions for SAV2435 and CTR107 and Other GyrI-like Proteins.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) refers to the acquired ability of cells to tolerate a broad range of toxic compounds. One mechanism cells employ is to increase the level of expression of efflux pumps for the expulsion of xenobiotics. A key feature uniting efflux-related mechanisms is multidrug (MD) recognition, either by efflux pumps themselves or by their transcriptional regulators.

Solution-Binding and Molecular Docking Approaches Combine to Provide an Expanded View of Multidrug Recognition in the MDR Gene Regulator BmrR.

Solution-binding and molecular docking have been combined with a diverse collection of chemical probes to further elucidate multidrug (MD) recognition in BmrR. Whereas previous efforts have focused on structural elucidations of MD binding, the present study examines features imparted by structure, including the recognition properties of the ligand-pocket, ligand structural requirements, and key factors that define and influence binding. Whereas MD-pockets are generally believed to be featureless and very hydrophobic, log KD-clog P correlations observed for BmrR and other polyspecific proteins suggest polar contributions are required for broad-spectrum recognition of amphipathic ligands.

Structural contributions to multidrug recognition in the multidrug resistance (MDR) gene regulator, BmrR.

Current views of multidrug (MD) recognition focus on large drug-binding cavities with flexible elements. However, MD recognition in BmrR is supported by a small, rigid drug-binding pocket. Here, a detailed description of MD binding by the noncanonical BmrR protein is offered through the combined use of X-ray and solution studies.