A Panel of Biomarkers Associates With Increased Risk for Cardiovascular Events in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective: The increase in cardiovascular events (CVEs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not fully explained by traditional risk factors. We previously identified four biomarkers (proinflammatory high-density lipoprotein, leptin, soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK), and homocysteine) that we combined with age and diabetes to create the predictors of risk for elevated flares, damage progression, and increased cardiovascular diseasein patients with SLE (PREDICTS) risk profile. PREDICTS more accurately identified patients with SLE at risk for progression of subclinical atherosclerosis than any individual variable.

Fine Needle Elastography (FNE) device for biomechanically determining local variations of tissue mechanical properties.

Diseased tissues exhibit changes in mechanical properties and thus possess clinical diagnostic significance. We report the design and development of a Fine Needle Elastography (FNE) prototype device integrated with Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) needle that allows for quantitative and sensitive assessment of tissues and materials based on local variations in elastic, friction, and cutting forces on needle insertion. A piezoelectric force-sensor at the base of FNA needle measures the forces opposing needle penetration with micrometer scale resolution.

A panel of biomarkers is associated with increased risk of the presence and progression of atherosclerosis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: An increased frequency of atherosclerosis (ATH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is well-documented but not fully explained by the presence of traditional cardiac risk factors. Several nontraditional biomarkers, including proinflammatory high-density lipoprotein (piHDL) and leptin, have been individually associated with subclinical ATH in SLE. The aim of this study was to examine whether these and other biomarkers can be combined into a risk profile, the Predictors of Risk for Elevated Flares, Damage Progression, and Increased Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with SLE (PREDICTS), that could be used to better predict future progression of ATH.

Translabial ultrasonography for evaluation of synthetic mesh in the vagina.

Objective: To compare the clinical and surgical findings using translabial ultrasonography (US) in the evaluation of symptoms after transvaginal synthetic mesh placement.

Methods: From 2009 through 2010, a retrospective observational study was conducted to evaluate patients presenting with complaints after transvaginal mesh implantation for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse repair. The clinical and translabial US findings were compared with the intraoperative findings, with a focus on mesh location, erosion, and extrusion.

Association of paraoxonase 1 gene polymorphism and enzyme activity with carotid plaque in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To investigate the relationship of genetic and biochemical determinants of paraoxonase 1 activity to carotid plaque as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: The relationships between paraoxonase 1 activity, PON1 genotype (for the functional polymorphism at position 192), and carotid plaque presence were determined in 168 RA patients. After an overnight fast, blood was collected for lipoprotein analysis, and paraoxonase 1 activity was measured using paraoxon as the substrate.

Doppler US for suspicion of hepatic arterial ischemia in orthotopically transplanted livers: role of central versus intrahepatic waveform analysis.

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic performance of combinations of parameters derived from main hepatic artery (MHA) and intrahepatic artery (IHA) waveforms at Doppler ultrasonography (US), with the aim of developing a systematic approach to the evaluation of the hepatic arteries in orthotopic liver transplants in patients suspected of having hepatic arterial ischemia.

Materials And Methods: This HIPAA-compliant retrospective study was approved by an institutional review board, with waiver of informed consent. From January 1, 2002, to November 1, 2011, 195 transplanted livers in 189 adults (129 men, 60 women; mean age, 53 years; age range, 18-73 years) who underwent Doppler US and follow-up (computed tomographic, magnetic resonance, or conventional) angiographic study within a 2-week interval were included.

Migration of intrauterine devices: radiologic findings and implications for patient care.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a commonly used form of contraception worldwide. However, migration of the IUD from its normal position in the uterine fundus is a frequently encountered complication, varying from uterine expulsion to displacement into the endometrial canal to uterine perforation. Different sites of IUD translocation vary in terms of their clinical significance and subsequent management, and the urgency of communicating IUD migration to the clinician is likewise variable.

High plasma leptin levels confer increased risk of atherosclerosis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus, and are associated with inflammatory oxidised lipids.

Background: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of atherosclerosis, even after accounting for traditional risk factors. High levels of leptin and low levels of adiponectin are associated with both atherosclerosis and immunomodulatory functions in the general population.

Objective: To examine the association between these adipokines and subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE, and also with other known inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis.

Intra-lymph node prime-boost vaccination against Melan A and tyrosinase for the treatment of metastatic melanoma: results of a phase 1 clinical trial.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to test the safety and activity of a therapeutic vaccine, MKC1106-MT, in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Experimental Design: MKC1106-MT comprises a plasmid (pMEL-TYR) and two peptides (E-MEL and E-TYR), corresponding to Melan A and tyrosinase, administered by intra-lymph node injection in a prime-boost sequence. All 18 patients were HLA-A*0201 positive and received a fixed priming dose of plasmid and a low or a high peptide dose.

Low physical activity is associated with proinflammatory high-density lipoprotein and increased subclinical atherosclerosis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To investigate the association between physical activity, functional activity of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and subclinical cardiovascular disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: A total of 242 SLE patients (all women) participated in this cross-sectional study from February 2004 to February 2008. Carotid plaque and intima-media thickness (IMT), antioxidant function of HDL, and traditional cardiac risk factors were measured.

How diagnostic is ultrasound-guided neck mass biopsy (fine-needle capillary sampling biopsy technique)?: evaluation of 132 nonthyroid neck mass biopsies with pathologic analysis over 7 years at a single institution.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasound-guided neck mass biopsy (fine-needle capillary sampling biopsy [FNC] technique).

Methods: With Institutional Review Board approval, all patients who had an ultrasound-guided neck mass FNC biopsy between January 2000 and December 2006 were retrieved from the ultrasound database. A total of 132 neck mass biopsies were performed in 124 patients.

Dysfunctional proinflammatory high-density lipoproteins confer increased risk of atherosclerosis in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Identification of at-risk patients and the etiology underlying atherosclerosis in SLE remain elusive. The antioxidant capacity of normal high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) is lost during inflammation, and these dysfunctional HDLs might predispose individuals to atherosclerosis.

In vivo analysis of fracture toughness of thyroid gland tumors.

Background: Human solid tumors that are hard or firm on physical palpation are likely to be cancerous, a clinical maxim that has been successfully applied to cancer screening programs, such as breast self-examination. However, the biological relevance or prognostic significance of tumor hardness remains poorly understood. Here we present a fracture mechanics based in vivo approach for characterizing the fracture toughness of biological tissue of human thyroid gland tumors.

Evidence-based assessment of the role of ultrasonography in the management of benign thyroid nodules.

Background: Although ultrasonographic (US) evaluation is currently recommended for the workup of all palpable thyroid nodules, little guidance exists regarding the manner in which US data are to be used. Herein, we examine the available evidence and recommend how US can be used most effectively to predict malignancy. We discuss the role of US-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and other special topics regarding US evaluation and management of benign nodules.

Fibrin sealant sclerotherapy for treatment of lymphoceles following renal transplantation.

Purpose: Fibrin sealant is used in various surgical fields for hemostasis and as an adhesive to approximate tissues. Its use was recently reported as a sclerosing agent for percutaneous treatment of lymphoceles following renal transplantation. We report on the use of fibrin glue sclerotherapy at this institution for the management of renal transplant related lymphoceles.

US of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Any significant deviation from a woman's established menstrual pattern may be considered abnormal uterine bleeding, and several factors direct evaluation of a patient with such bleeding. Premenopausal disorders that are well evaluated with ultrasound (US) include endometriosis, adenomyosis, and leiomyomas. A positive pregnancy test in a woman of childbearing age prompts a search for an intrauterine pregnancy.

False-normal appearance of the endometrium on conventional transvaginal sonography: comparison with saline hysterosonography.

Objective: The objective of this article is to assess the utility of transvaginal saline hysterosonography in patients presenting with a normal-appearing endometrium on conventional transvaginal pelvic sonography.

Materials And Methods: Between August 1997 and October 1999, 180 patients underwent saline hysterosonography for abnormal vaginal bleeding. All patients had conventional transvaginal pelvic sonography before saline hysterosonography.