Initial results on visualization of coronary artery stents at multiple heart rates on a moving heart phantom using 64-MDCT.

Objective: Evaluation of the image quality of coronary artery stents at various heart rates using Multi Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT).

Methods: Nine different coronary stents were attached to a moving heart phantom and scanned using a 64-MDCT with a rotation time of 330 milliseconds (ms). The heart rate of the phantom was varied between 0 and 115 beats per minute (bpm).

Three-dimensional radial ultrashort echo-time imaging with T2 adapted sampling.

The application of 3D radial sampling of the free-induction decay to proton ultrashort echo-time (UTE) imaging is reported. The effects of T2 decay during signal acquisition on the 3D radial point-spread function are analyzed and compared to 2D radial and 1D sampling. It is found that in addition to the use of ultrashort TE, the proper choice of the acquisition-window duration TAQ is essential for imaging short-T2 components.

Sacral neuromodulation in women with idiopathic detrusor overactivity incontinence: decreased overactivity but unchanged bladder contraction strength and urethral resistance during voiding.

Purpose: We evaluated the effect of sacral (S3) nerve neuromodulation on voiding in women with idiopathic detrusor overactivity incontinence.

Materials And Methods: Urodynamic measurements in all patients implanted in 1990 to 2003 were reconsidered. Patients were included if these measurements, which were done at baseline and after 6 months, could be analyzed completely and reliably.

Enzyme-linked immunoassay for dengue virus IgM and IgG antibodies in serum and filter paper blood.

Background: The reproducibilty of dengue IgM and IgG ELISA was studied in serum and filter paper blood spots from Vietnamese febrile patients.

Methods: 781 pairs of acute (t0) and convalescent sera, obtained after three weeks (t3) and 161 corresponding pairs of filter paper blood spots were tested with ELISA for dengue IgG and IgM. 74 serum pairs were tested again in another laboratory with similar methods, after a mean of 252 days.

Epstein-Barr virus and disease activity in multiple sclerosis.

Objectives: To study in relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) whether exacerbations and brain activity as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with plasma levels of anti-Epstein Barr (EBV) antibodies and EBV DNA.

Methods: This was a prospective study with 73 RR MS patients followed for an average of 1.7 years with frequent neurological examination and blood sampling.

Creation of hollow zeolite architectures by controlled desilication of Al-zoned ZSM-5 crystals.

Hollow zeolite architectures on different length scales have been obtained upon controlled desilication of Al-zoned ZSM-5 zeolites in alkaline medium. The hollow ZSM-5 crystals possess a functional Al-rich exterior and a tunable internal porosity and accessibility.

Adsorption of butane isomers and SF6 on Kureha activated carbon: 1. Equilibrium.

Adsorption equilibria of butane isomers and SF6 on Kureha activated carbon were investigated using the volumetric method and the tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) technique. The isotherm data of the butane isomers measured by the TEOM technique are in good agreement with those determined by the volumetric method. Single-component adsorption isotherms are reported at temperatures in the range from 298 to 393 K and at pressures up to 120 kPa.

Mechanism of hierarchical porosity development in MFI zeolites by desilication: the role of aluminium as a pore-directing agent.

The role of the concentration and the nature of aluminium in the creation of hierarchical porosity in both commercial and synthesized MFI zeolites have been investigated through controlled mesoporosity development by desilication in alkaline medium. Framework aluminium controls the process of framework silicon extraction and makes desilication selective towards intracrystalline mesopore formation. An optimal molar Si/Al ratio in the range 25-50 has been identified; this leads to an optimal mesoporosity centred around 10 nm and mesopore surface areas of up to 235 m(2) g(-1) while preserving the intrinsic crystalline and acidic properties.

Chronic pudendal nerve neuromodulation in women with idiopathic refractory detrusor overactivity incontinence: results of a pilot study with a novel minimally invasive implantable mini-stimulator.

Aims: To assess the results of chronic pudendal nerve neuromodulation with a novel technique in a pilot study on women with idiopathic refractory detrusor overactivity incontinence.

Materials And Methods: A percutaneous screening test (PST) was performed in patients with urodynamically demonstrated detrusor overactivity incontinence. Such a test includes the performance of a cystometrogram without and with percutaneous pudendal nerve stimulation and is considered positive if stimulation results in a more than 50% increase in the bladder volume at the first involuntary detrusor contraction or the maximum cystometric capacity.

Seroprevalence of dengue antibodies, annual incidence and risk factors among children in southern Vietnam.

Dengue is highly endemic in southern Vietnam and all four serotypes of dengue virus have already been identified. To determine the age-specific prevalence of dengue and associated risk factors, we conducted a serological study at two primary schools and assessed risk factors by analysing children's questionnaires and household surveys. Sera were collected from 961 primary schoolchildren in Binh Thuan Province and tested for the presence of dengue virus serum antibodies using an indirect immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Application of the Blaivas-Groutz bladder outlet obstruction nomogram in women with urinary incontinence.

Aims: To test the applicability of the Blaivas-Groutz nomogram for female bladder outlet obstruction in urinary incontinent women presenting in a general gynecologic practice and to determine how the nomogram results related to the presence of obstructive symptoms according to a standardized questionnaire.

Methods: All women with complaints of urinary incontinence underwent multichannel urodynamic testing, free uroflowmetry and were asked to complete a standardized quality of life questionnaire consisting of the urogenital distress inventory (UDI). The patients were classified according to the Blaivas-Groutz nomogram.

Analysis of the PINK1 gene in a large cohort of cases with Parkinson disease.

Background: Mutations in the PTEN-induced kinase (PINK1) gene located within the PARK6 locus on chromosome 1p35-p36 have recently been identified in patients with recessive early-onset Parkinson disease.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of PINK1 mutations within a series of early- and late-onset Parkinson disease patients living in North America.

Design: All coding exons of the PINK1 gene were sequenced in a series of 289 Parkinson disease patients and 80 neurologically normal control subjects; the mutation frequencies were evaluated in additional controls (100 white and 50 Filipino subjects).

Aldol condensations over reconstructed Mg-Al hydrotalcites: structure-activity relationships related to the rehydration method.

Two different rehydration procedures in the liquid or gas phase have been applied to reconstruct mixed oxides derived from calcined hydrotalcite-like materials to be used as catalysts for aldol condensation reactions. The as-synthesized hydrotalcite, its decomposition product, as well as the reconstructed solids upon rehydration were characterized by XRD, N(2) adsorption, He pycnometry, FTIR, SEM, TEM, (27)Al MAS-NMR and CO(2)-TPD (TPD=temperature-programmed desorption). Compared to the Mg-Al mixed oxide rehydrated in the gas phase (HT-rg), that rehydrated in the liquid phase (HT-rl) exhibits a superior catalytic performance with respect to the aldol condensation of citral with ketones to yield pseudoionones and in the self-aldolization of acetone.

Genetic association study of PINK1 coding polymorphisms in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder with a substantial genetic component (which is more pronounced in earlier onset cases). In addition to three well-confirmed PD genes (SNCA, parkin and DJ-1), mutations in the PTEN Induced Kinase (PINK1) gene have recently been identified in families with recessive early onset PD. We tested the hypothesis that three common coding variations (Leu63Leu, Ala340Thr and Asn521Thr) could increase the risk of PD.

Bladder contraction strength parameters poorly predict the necessity of long-term catheterization after a pubovaginal rectus fascial sling procedure.

Purpose: We verified if the necessity of long-term catheterization after a pubovaginal rectus fascial sling procedure can be predicted by preoperatively determined bladder contraction strength.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed the files of 58 consecutive nonneurogenic women who underwent a sling procedure for severe or refractory stress urinary incontinence. Preoperative urodynamic measurements in these patients were re-analyzed using the power factor WF and the bladder contractility index as bladder contraction strength parameters.

External quality control assessment in PCR diagnostics of dengue virus infections.

Background: Increased travelling to countries endemic for dengue fever (DF) demands efficient laboratory diagnostics. Nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAT) are now frequently used for rapid diagnosis of imported viral diseases. Different PCR systems are available.

Evaluation of a multiplex reverse transcriptase PCR ELISA for the detection of nine respiratory tract pathogens.

Background: A multiplex reverse transcription (RT) polymerase chain reaction combined with a microwell hybridization assay (m-RT-PCR-ELISA) was previously developed to detect nine different microorganisms: enterovirus (EV), influenza virus type A (IVA) and type B (IVB), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenzavirus type 1 (PIV1) and type 3 (PIV3), adenovirus (AV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mpn), Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) in a single test. These organisms do not usually colonize the respiratory tract of humans, but, if present, it may be assumed they are involved in respiratory disease.

Objectives And Study Design: The m-RT-PCR-ELISA was tested on (i) culture supernatants of unknown contents, (ii) by determining the analytical sensitivity of 10-fold serial dilutions of culture supernatants and (iii) by determining clinical sensitivity in a retrospective study on 411 clinical specimens.

Elevation of soluble VCAM-1 plasma levels in children with acute dengue virus infection of varying severity.

Approximately 1,000 million infections with dengue viruses are estimated to occur annually. The majority of the cases develop mild disease, whereas only small proportion of the infected individuals develop severe hemorrhagic manifestations at the end of the acute phase of illness. In this study, the value of plasma levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) in the pathogenesis and prognosis of dengue illness was investigated in children with dengue infections of varying severity.

Quality control assessment for the serological diagnosis of dengue virus infections.

Background: A major drawback of modern society's rapidly increasing mobility is the ease with which dangerous infections can be imported into Europe. Often these infections are not diagnosed because physicians are not familiar with the symptoms and laboratory tests are not always available in local diagnostic centres. Improving diagnostics is the most important step in detecting and dealing with these pathogens and quality control measures are, therefore, essential tools.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies in Turkish and Moroccan children in Rotterdam.

Seasonal fluctuations in hepatitis A have been observed in the Netherlands related to Turkish and Moroccan children after visiting their home countries. This study determined the prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies in Turkish and Moroccan children in Rotterdam. A random sample was taken of children in Rotterdam, aged 5-16 years, of Turkish and Moroccan origin, together with a random sample of native Dutch children aged 5-7 and 14-16 years.

Supra-oesophageal manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

Since the early 1960s, many studies have been published that consider the possible relationship between gastro-oesophageal (acid) reflux (GORD) and various other complaints, including dental erosions, ear, nose and throat problems, chronic cough and asthma. Although a high coincidence of GORD and these supra-oesophageal complaints have been noted, there is no consensus on the pathophysiology and management of such complications. In this article we review the literature published between 1966 and 2000 on this subject.

Detection of immune-complex-dissociated nonstructural-1 antigen in patients with acute dengue virus infections.

Accurate and timely diagnosis of dengue virus (DEN) infections is essential for the differential diagnosis of patients with febrile illness and hemorrhagic fever. In the present study, the diagnostic value of a newly developed immune-complex dissociated nonstructural-1 (NS-1) antigen dot blot immunoassay (DBI) was compared to a commercially available DEN antigen detection kit (denKEY Blue kit; Globio Co., Beverly, Mass.

Biogeochemistry and isotope geochemistry of a landfill leachate plume.

The biogeochemical processes were identified which improved the leachate composition in the flow direction of a landfill leachate plume (Banisveld, The Netherlands). Groundwater observation wells were placed at specific locations after delineating the leachate plume using geophysical tests to map subsurface conductivity. Redox processes were determined using the distribution of solid and soluble redox species, hydrogen concentrations, concentration of dissolved gases (N(2), Ar, and CH(4)), and stable isotopes (delta15N-NO(3), delta34S-SO(4), delta13C-CH(4), delta2H-CH(4), and delta13C of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon (DOC and DIC, respectively)).

Serological reactivity of baculovirus-expressed Ebola virus VP35 and nucleoproteins.

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a member of the family Filoviridae and is classified as a biosafety level 4 virus. This classification makes the preparation of antigen and performance of diagnostic assays time-consuming and complicated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the value of EBOV immunoassays based on recombinant nucleoprotein (r-NP) and recombinant VP35 (r-VP35) using large serum panels of African origin and from primates.