Liver MR Elastography at 3 T: Agreement Across Pulse Sequences and Effect of Liver R2* on Image Quality.

Objective: The objectives of our study were to compare MR elastography (MRE) based on gradient-recalled echo (GRE) imaging with spin-echo echo-planar imaging (SEEPI) and rapid fractional (RF)-GRE MRE sequences at 3 T in terms of liver stiffness (LS) and image quality and to evaluate the effect of liver R2* on image quality.

Materials And Methods: Eighty-one patients underwent 3-T liver MRE with GRE, SE-EPI, and RF-GRE sequences performed in variable order in this study. LS and ROI areas on the LS 95% confidence maps were compared among the three sequences.

Room temperature sterilization of surfaces and fabrics with a one atmosphere uniform glow discharge plasma.

We report the results of an interdisciplinary collaboration formed to assess the sterilizing capabilities of the One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP). This newly-invented source of glow discharge plasma (the fourth state of matter) is capable of operating at atmospheric pressure in air and other gases, and of providing antimicrobial active species to surfaces and workpieces at room temperature as judged by viable plate counts. OAUGDP exposures have reduced log numbers of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and endospores from Bacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus subtilis on seeded solid surfaces, fabrics, filter paper, and powdered culture media at room temperature.

Interferon sensitivity of fibroblast cell cultures derived from patients with neoplasms of the head and neck.

Interferon (IFN) is a protein with antiviral activity that has been shown to inhibit the growth of many different types of cells. We have measured the IFN sensitivity of nine cell cultures isolated from patients with squamous cell carcinoma and one with malignant melanoma of the head and neck. Normal-appearing fibroblast cultures isolated from these tissues appear quite sensitive to the antiviral effects of IFN.

Dendritic cell identification in head and neck lymphoid tissue. Newly recognized cells control T-lymphocyte functions.

The physiologic measurements of a subpopulation of mononuclear cells derived from head and neck lymphoid tissues are similar to those of dendritic cells are described. Dendritic cells are a subpopulation of bone marrow-derived leukocytes that were originally identified in rodents and now described in man as having central control of T-lymphocyte functions. We describe a technique for the enrichment of dendritic cells obtained from tonsils utilizing a bovine serum albumin (BSA) gradient and note that they have the light and electron microscopic appearance of dendritic cells.