Correlation of MRI-Evaluated Degenerative Disc Disease with Positivity on Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Imaging in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Objective: Chronic low back pain, affecting up to 58% of the population, often stems from intervertebral disc degeneration. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used for diagnostics, challenges arise in pinpointing pain sources due to frequent asymptomatic findings. Single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) integrated with computed tomography (CT) offers a promising approach, enhancing sensitivity and specificity.

Electrodeposited Heusler Alloys-Based Nanowires for Shape Memory and Magnetocaloric Applications.

In this article, the downsizing of functional Heusler alloys is discussed, focusing on the published results dealing with Heusler alloy nanowires. The theoretical information inspired the fabrication of novel nanowires that are presented in the results section of the article. Three novel nanowires were fabricated with the compositions of NiFeGa, NiFeIn, and NiFeSn.

Spinal fusion for single-level SPECT/CT positive lumbar degenerative disc disease: the SPINUS I study.

Introduction And Purpose: With current imaging modalities and diagnostic tests, identifying pain generators in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP) is difficult. There is growing evidence of the effectiveness of SPECT/CT examination in diagnosing the source of pain in the spine. The study aims to investigate the effect of posterior interbody fusion on a single-level SPECT/CT positive lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD).

Role of Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Imaging in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Neck or Back Pain Caused by Spinal Degeneration: A Systematic Review.

Background: Chronic neck or back pain is a common clinical problem. The most likely cause is degenerative change, whereas other causes are relatively rare. There is increasing evidence on using hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to identify the pain generator in spine degeneration.

Technical aspects of total spondylectomy of C2.

Background: Tumorous involvement of the second cervical vertebra is an infrequent, but severe disease. Primary tumors and solitary metastases can be addressed by a radical procedure, a complete removal of the whole compartment. The second cervical vertebra has a highly complex anatomy, and its operation requires considerable surgical skills.

The SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein has a broad tropism for mammalian ACE2 proteins.

SARS Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019, leading to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that continues to cause significant global mortality in human populations. Given its sequence similarity to SARS-CoV, as well as related coronaviruses circulating in bats, SARS-CoV-2 is thought to have originated in Chiroptera species in China. However, whether the virus spread directly to humans or through an intermediate host is currently unclear, as is the potential for this virus to infect companion animals, livestock, and wildlife that could act as viral reservoirs.

The optimal bowel preparation intervals before colonoscopy: A randomized study comparing polyethylene glycol and low-volume solutions.

Background & Aims: The optimal duration of bowel preparation has only been assessed for polyethylene glycol (PEG). The aim of the study was to determine the intervals for achieving a satisfactory quality/tolerability of the preparation using PEG/ascorbic acid (PEGA) and sodium picosulphate/magnesium citrate (SPMC), and to compare them with 4L of PEG.

Methods: A randomized, endoscopist-blinded, multicentre study.

A head-to-head comparison of 4-L polyethylene glycol and low-volume solutions before colonoscopy: which is the best? A multicentre, randomized trial.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate (SPMC) and low-volume polyethylene glycol/ascorbic acid (PEGA) in a single- or split-dose regimen for colonoscopy bowel preparation.

Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, endoscopist-blinded, multicentre study. Outpatients received either PEG or SPMC or PEGA in a single or a split dose before the colonoscopy.

[Effective bowel preparation before coloscopy - low-volume PEG in the divided dose regimen].

Introduction: The good and safe bowel cleansing is key to the success of coloscopy. The standard preparation involves 4 l polyethylene glycol (PEG). Now the combination of PEG and ascorbic acid (PEGA) of half the volume is available.

A single or split dose picosulphate/magnesium citrate before colonoscopy: comparison regarding tolerance and efficacy with polyethylene glycol. A randomized trial.

Background & Aims: To compare the efficacy and tolerance of sodium picosulphate/magnesium citrate (PMC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) in a single or split dose regimen for colonoscopy bowel preparation.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, endoscopist-blinded, multicenter study. The patients were randomly assigned to receive PMC (PMC4/0) or PEG (PEG4/0) in a single dose 4L day before colonoscopy or a split dose 2+2L PMC (PMC2/2) or 3+1L PEG (PEG3/1) one day before and in the morning before the colonoscopy.