Sciatic neuromuscular variants on MR neurography: frequency study and interobserver performance.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of sciatic neuromuscular variants on MR neurography and determine the interobserver variability.

Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 137 consecutive lumbosacral plexus magnetic resonance neurography examinations was performed. All examinations were performed using nerve selective 3D imaging and independently reviewed by two readers for the presence of sciatic neuromuscular variants and piriformis muscle asymmetry.

The induction of an angiogenic response in corneal myofibroblasts by platelet-activating factor (PAF).

Purpose: Although the exact mechanisms underlying corneal neovascularization remain unclear, cytokines and growth factors play an important role in their development. We have shown previously that the inflammatory mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent inducer of corneal neovascularization in vivo. In this study, we investigate the role of stromal myofibroblasts in neovascularization and the effect of PAF on this process.