Nucleophilic cross-linked, dextran coated iron oxide nanoparticles as basis for molecular imaging: synthesis, characterization, visualization and comparison with previous product.

We present a new synthesis protocol for a multivalent, multimodality, nucleophilic nanoparticle ideal for in vivo imaging. Stability requirements necessitated covalent cross-linking of the carbohydrate cage, easy functionalization the introduction of sterically accessible amine groups. The new protocol aimed at more uniform particle size, less clustering and superior magnetic properties compared with commercial nanoparticles.

Prospective evaluation of high-resolution MRI using gadofosveset for stent-graft planning: comparison with CT angiography in 30 patients.

Objective: The purpose of our study was to compare high-resolution gadofosveset-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) with the reference standard CT angiography (CTA) in planning endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Subjects And Methods: Thirty consecutive patients were included in this prospective study. CTA was performed routinely before EVAR for stent-graft implantation planning and selection.

Efficacy and safety of current drug therapies for invasive aspergillosis.

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a potentially lethal infection that affects mostly immunocompromised patients. The therapeutic goals are to restore leucocyte function and to reduce the fungal burden by effective antifungal agents and, contingently, by surgery. Several drugs for the treatment of IA are currently licensed.

A reappraisal of current dosing strategies for intravenous fosfomycin in children and neonates.

The rising incidence of multi-drug resistant bacterial pathogens has renewed interest in the long-known antibacterial fosfomycin. Not least because of its low toxicological potential, there is good clinical experience with intravenous fosfomycin for various Gram-positive and Gram-negative infections in the treatment of children and neonates. However, the current dosing recommendations for intravenous fosfomycin vary widely in paediatric patients.

Uterine artery embolization for the treatment of adenomyosis: a review.

During the past 10 years, uterine artery embolization (UAE) has been investigated as a possible therapy for adenomyosis. All publications available from 1999 through 2010 are included in this report. Levels of evidence and trial classifications were evaluated according to the guidelines developed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

Rapid and sensitive determination of the antibiotic linezolid in low plasma volumes by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A rapid and sensitive method for the determination of linezolid by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection (251 nm) is presented. Linezolid is an important antibiotic against severe infections caused by multi-resistant bacterial pathogens. Scientific efforts continue investigating its effectiveness in different conditions and patient populations including children and newborns.

Linezolid concentrations in infected soft tissue and bone following repetitive doses in diabetic patients with bacterial foot infections.

The present study aimed at assessing unbound extracellular concentrations of linezolid in inflamed soft tissue and bone of diabetic patients suffering from severe bacterial foot infections. Linezolid was administered intravenously twice daily at a dosage of 600 mg. At steady-state conditions, the microdialysis technique was utilised to sample serially interstitial space fluid from inflamed subcutaneous adipose tissue and metatarsal bone from 0-8h post dose in three representative patients.

Soft tissue and bone penetration abilities of daptomycin in diabetic patients with bacterial foot infections.

Objectives: In the attempt to overcome increasing glycopeptide- and methicillin-resistant soft tissue infections, daptomycin is presently considered as an attractive alternative to the class of glycopeptides. However, daptomycin dosing and its ability to penetrate into inflamed target tissues are still a matter of controversy. Thus, in the present investigation, we set out to evaluate daptomycin's ability to penetrate into inflamed subcutaneous adipose tissue and bone in diabetic patients presenting with severe bacterial foot infection.

The effects of endurance and recreational exercise on subclinical evidence of atherosclerosis in young adults.

Background: This study set out to identify the effects of recreational and endurance exercise on subclinical evidence of atherosclerosis in young adults.

Methods: Cardiovascular disease risk factors and intima-media thickness determination by B-mode ultrasonography of 150 subjects were correlated to endurance exercise, recreational exercise, and sedentary lifestyle. The subjects comprised 20- to 40-year-old men and women without cardiovascular disease.

Multidetector CTA in the quantification of internal carotid artery stenosis: value of different reformation techniques and axial source images compared with selective carotid arteriography.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of 4 different reformation techniques and axial images from multidetector computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA) versus selective carotid arteriography (SCA) in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis.

Methods: Imaging studies from 50 patients (43 men; mean age 70.3+/-8.

High fosfomycin concentrations in bone and peripheral soft tissue in diabetic patients presenting with bacterial foot infection.

Objectives: Appropriate antimicrobial therapy and surgical intervention may be required in diabetic patients presenting with severe bacterial foot infection. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) agents such as fosfomycin are increasingly in demand because of recent concern regarding vancomycin and daptomycin efficacy and constant use. Intravenous fosfomycin is approved for the therapy of severe soft tissue infections and is highly active against methicillin-susceptible S.

Long-term quality of life assessment among patients undergoing uterine fibroid embolization.

Objective: The purpose of this study was assessment of the long-term outcome of fibroid-associated quality of life among patients treated with uterine fibroid embolization.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective follow-up cohort study included all patients described in a 2006 publication. Analysis was performed with a questionnaire consisting of 49 questions about six topics.

Quality of life in patients with idiopathic subclavian vein thrombosis.

Introduction: Idiopathic subclavian vein thrombosis (SVT) is a rare disease but these otherwise healthy patients often suffer from prolonged clinical manifestations. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the range and severity of thrombosis-related disability of the upper extremity in patients after an episode of documented idiopathic SVT in the long-term follow-up.

Materials And Methods: The quality of life (QoL) of 37 patients with documented idiopathic SVT was assessed by two standardized questionnaires (DASH and SF 36).

Daptomycin does not exert immunomodulatory effects in an experimental endotoxin model of human whole blood.

Background: Recent studies have shown that distinct classes of antimicrobial agents might exert immunomodulatory effects in experimental settings. Daptomycin is the first member of the class of cyclic lipopeptide antibiotics, which exert their antimicrobial activity via a unique mode of action on the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. Thus, we tested its ability to influence pro-inflammatory cytokines by use of an established experimental model of human endotoxemia.