Synthesis of Ga-Labeled Biopolymer-based Nanoparticle Imaging Agents for Positron-emission Tomography.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to develop a folate receptor-targeted Ga-labeled agent for the detection of cancer cells in mouse models of ovarian cancer by dual positron-emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Moreover, we aimed to develop a controlled biopolymer-based chemistry that enables linking metal-binding (here Ga-68) chelators.

Materials And Methods: The nanoparticle (NP) agent was created by self-assembling of folic acid-modified polyglutamic acid and chelator-modified chitosan followed by radiolabeling with Ga (III) ions (Ga-NODAGA-FA).

Accuracy of computed tomography angiography in the detection of pulmonary embolism in patients with high body weight.

Background: The accuracy of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in detecting or excluding pulmonary embolism has not yet been assessed in patients with high body weight (BW).

Methods: This retrospective study involved CTPAs of 114 patients weighing 75-99 kg and those of 123 consecutive patients weighing 100-150 kg. Three independent blinded radiologists analyzed all examinations in randomized order.

Tumor-specific localization of self-assembled nanoparticle PET/MR modalities.

Aim: The aim of this work was to synthesize and study in vitro and in vivo nanocarriers used as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents that accumulate in tumor cells specifically overexpressing folate receptors.

Materials And Methods: Nanoparticles were prepared by self-assembly of poly-γ-glutamic acid and chitosan biopolymers and were complexed with gadolinium ions. Folic acid served as a targeting molecule.

Cancer cell targeting and imaging with biopolymer-based nanodevices.

We report here the synthesis, in vitro and in vivo investigation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) active nanoparticles, which target folate receptor overexpressing tumor cells. Self-assembled nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic size of 50-200 nm were prepared from poly-γ-glutamic acid and chitosan biopolymers with Gd-ions. The nanoparticles are biocompatible, non-toxic and stable for several months in aqueous media.

Clinical experience with a new endobrochial blocker: the EZ-blocker.

Purpose: In some thoracic surgical procedures, the insertion of a double-lumen tube (DLT) is not feasible, or the altered use of a DLT and a single-lumen tube (SLT) is justified during the surgery. In the present article we report our experience with a new bronchial blocker, the EZ-blocker, in clinical use.

Methods: Data were obtained from ten patients undergoing thoracic surgery necessitating one-lung ventilation.

Visualization of the ischemic core on native human brain slices by potassium staining method.

The potassium staining method is based on the formation of potassium cobaltnitrite crystals after the treatment by sodium cobaltnitrite of brain tissue. The degree of staining correlates with the distinct potassium content of infracted and non-infarcted brain areas. The aim of the present study was to prove that potassium staining technique is a reliable method for localization of ischemic core on native whole hemisphere cryosections of stroke patients.

Carotid intima-media thickness and cerebrovascular reactivity in long-term type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases. Both macro- and microvascular damage may occur. The aim of the present work was to assess intima-media thickness as well as cerebral vasoreactivity in patients suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

Cortical spreading edema in persistent visual migraine aura.

We present imaging evidence of the spreading of cortical edema with reversibly restricted water diffusion from the left occipital to the temporoparietal cortex in persistent visual migraine aura in a 58-year-old man. The right-sided visual field defect lasting for 15 days was associated with discoupling of glucose metabolism and blood flow and the decreased apparent diffusion coefficient also suggested cytotoxic edema. At 8 weeks no signs were present, and magnetic resonance imaging became normal; therefore, long-lasting restricted cortical water diffusion, even if coupled with hypometabolism and edema, can be reversible in persistent visual migraine aura.

Pattern of increased cerebral FDG uptake in Down syndrome patients.

Resting cerebral glucose metabolism was assessed by 18[F]-fluorodeoxyglucose in 11 Down syndrome patients. Standardized uptake values were determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis from the measured tissue-activity data. The results revealed a mean overall 18[F]-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the Down syndrome patients close to that observed in the control group, consisting of children and young adults.

[Primary cerebral angiitis: a case history and literature review of its diagnosis].

The authors present a case history of primary cerebral angiitis with four years of follow-up. The early diagnosis was based on typical clinical symptoms, brain MRI, intracerebral MRA and histology of sural nerve biopsy. Electroneurography suggested peripheral involvement, although the patient did not have clinical signs of peripheral neuropathy.

Volume changes in intra- and extraorbital compartments in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy: effect of smoking.

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effect of smoking history on soft tissue expansion in specific orbital compartments in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy. The volumes of the rectus muscles, intra and extraorbital connective, and soft tissues were measured in 110 orbits of 35 patients and 20 control subjects. Data sets from current smokers, ex-smokers, and non-smokers were compared.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism, carotid intima-media thickness, and left ventricular mass index in adolescent hypertension.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether a positive correlation exists between the DD genotype of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) or left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in adolescents with hypertension.

Methods: We studied 120 hypertensive and 58 normotensive (control) adolescents. ACE gene polymorphism was determined by a standardized method.

MRI findings in central nervous system systemic lupus erythematosus are associated with immunoserological parameters and hypertension.

Involvement of the brain is one of the most important complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To investigate the correlation between abnormal cranial MRI findings and age, duration of SLE, neuropsychiatric (NP) manifestations, hypertensive status, and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (PA) in patients with SLE we evaluated the MRI results of 81 SLE patients in nine NP clinical subgroups.Immunoserological status was described by the presence of lupus anticoagulant (LA), and anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL).

Image quality of the temporal bone window examined by transcranial Doppler sonography and correlation with postmortem computed tomography measurements.

Background And Purpose: The major limitation of native transcranial colour-coded duplex sonography (TCCS) in older stroke patients is the relatively frequent occurrence of an insufficient temporal window. Our goal was to investigate the relationship between the in vivo Doppler ultrasound image quality of the temporal bone, and computed tomography (CT)-determined thickness, density, and homogeneity of cadaver temporal bone.

Methods: Thirty-three moribund neurological patients who eventually died were examined by TCCS using the transtemporal approach.

Detection of carotid artery stenosis by in vivo duplex ultrasound: correlation with planimetric measurements of the corresponding postmortem specimens.

Background And Purpose: The correct detection and quantification of carotid artery disease are of decisive impact on patient prognosis and adequate treatment. In this study, we evaluated the ability of ultrasonography to detect and to grade carotid artery stenosis through a comparison of the in vivo ultrasound findings with the planimetric analysis of the corresponding postmortem specimens.

Methods: Shortly before their death, 59 critically ill neurological patients (mean age, 70 years) were prospectively examined by extracranial and intracranial Doppler sonography and color-coded duplex ultrasound.

Assessment of cerebrovascular reserve capacity in asymptomatic and symptomatic hemodynamically significant carotid stenoses and occlusions.

Background: Cerebrovascular reactivity measurements are believed to be a helpful tool for selecting patients who are at higher risk for hemodynamic strokes. The aim of this study was to compare cerebral vasoreactivity among patients suffering from internal carotid artery stenosis of different severity (asymptomatic stenosis, asymptomatic occlusion, symptomatic stenosis, symptomatic occlusion).

Methods: Sixty-two patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic internal carotid artery stenoses and occlusions underwent transcranial Doppler-acetazolamide tests.

[Effect of flumazenil on the regional cerebral blood flow measured by [15O]-butanol PET scan and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography].

The authors investigated the role of the cBZD/GABA-A receptor-complex in the regulation of rCBF by simultaneously applying [15O]-butanol-PET and TCD in therapy-resistant TLE patients. It is known that the density of the cBZD/GABA-A-receptors is reduced in the epileptogenic area of the temporal lobe, but there are no data available about the impact of this phenomenon on rCBF. FMZ is a well-known BZD-receptor antagonist which can be used to inhibit the effect mediated by cBZD/GABA-A-receptors, offering a way to study the contribution of these receptors in the determination of rCBF.

[Cerebral glucose metabolism in Down syndrome using positron emission tomography].

Resting cerebral glucose metabolism was assessed by PET using FDG in eleven Down syndrome (DS) patients. Standardized uptake values (SUV) were determined on a pixel by pixel basis from the measured tissue FDG-activity data. The results showed that the mean value of the global FDG-uptake in the DS patients was not significantly different from the one obtained in the control group consisting of children and young adults.

[PET and SPECT scans in autistic children].

The authors have analyzed and compared the results of the 99mTc-ECD-SPECT and FDG-PET examinations, performed in alert state, of 12 children suffering from infantile (9 subjects) or atypical (3 subjects) autism. In addition to frontally increased FDG metabolism, a decreased blood flow with left-sided dominance was found bifrontally and bitemporally in the infantile form (perfusion-metabolism mismatch). The regional differences in cortical FDG uptake were not significant in atypical autism, although both the blood flow and the metabolism of the thalami were decreased.