Determination of dose-response calibration curves for gamma radiation using gamma-H2AX immunofluorescence based biodosimetry.

Background: Gamma-H2AX immunofluorescence assay has gained popularity as a DNA double strand break marker. In this work, we have investigated the potential use of gamma H2AX immunofluorescence assay as a biological dosimeter for estimation of dose in our institution.

Materials And Methods: Seven healthy individuals were selected for the study and the blood samples collected from the first five individuals were irradiated to low doses (0-10 cGy) and high doses (50-500 cGy) in a telecobalt unit.

LMO7 as an Unrecognized Factor Promoting Pancreatic Cancer Progression and Metastasis.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal human malignancies without effective treatment. In an effort to discover key genes and molecular pathways underlying PC growth, we have identified LIM domain only 7 (LMO7) as an under-investigated molecule, which highly expresses in primary and metastatic human and mouse PC with the potential of impacting PC tumorigenesis and metastasis. Using genetic methods with siRNA, shRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9, we have successfully generated stable mouse PC cells with LMO7 knockdown or knockout.

A new strategy for craniospinal axis localization and adaptive dosimetric evaluation using cone beam CT.

Background And Aim: Computational complexities encountered in craniospinal irradiation (CSI) have been widely investigated with different planning strategies. However, localization of the entire craniospinal axis (CSA) and evaluation of adaptive treatment plans have traditionally been ignored in CSI treatment. In this study, a new strategy for CSI with comprehensive CSA localization and adaptive plan evaluation has been demonstrated using cone beam CT with extended longitudinal field-of-view (CBCT).

Suspected Neuro-invasive Powassan Virus Infection in a Pediatric Patient.

Powassan virus lineage II (POWV), also known as deer tick virus, is an emerging tick-borne pathogen transmitted by , the natural vector for the organisms that causes Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. POWV is the only tick-borne flavivirus in North America known to cause disease in humans. We present a suspected pediatric case of POWV infection in northern Wisconsin.

Effect of concomitant antiarrhythmic therapy on survival in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Background: Application of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy is expanding to include both primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death and has been proven to be superior to conventional antiarrhythmic therapies. Concomitant antiarrhythmic drug therapy in patients with ICD is common. These drugs are potentially proarrhythmic, alter defibrillation thresholds, and may affect response to device therapy.

Temporary pacemakers in critically ill patients: assessment and management strategies.

Temporary cardiac pacing provides electrical stimulation to a heart compromised by disturbances in the conduction system causing hemodynamic instability. The use of a temporary pacemaker to treat a bradydysrhythmia or in some cases, a tachydysryhthmia, is undertaken when the condition is temporary and a permanent pacemaker is not necessary or available in a timely fashion. Temporary cardiac pacing is utilized in acute situations and for critically ill patient populations requiring immediate therapy.

Implantation of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators from an ileofemoral approach.

Patients needing an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) system, but without suitable access from jugular or subclavian routes present a vexing problem. Such patients would normally undergo thoracotomy for epicardial lead placement. However, for patients who decline such an intervention, there have been no alternatives for them.

Randomized comparison of the quality of realtime fetal ultrasound images transmitted by ISDN and by IP videoconferencing.

We compared the quality of realtime fetal ultrasound images transmitted using ISDN and IP networks. Four experienced obstetric ultrasound specialists viewed standard recordings in a randomized trial and rated the appearance of 30 fetal anatomical landmarks, each on a seven-point scale. A total of 12 evaluations were performed for various combinations of bandwidths (128, 384 or 768 kbit/s) and networks (ISDN or IP).

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm as a complication of electrophysiologic study.

We have described a patient who developed a small submitral pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle during electrophysiologic mapping aimed at ablating a concealed accessory pathway. The patient was asymptomatic, and the lesion was detected on a routine postprocedure echocardiographic study. Spontaneous healing occurred, and the lesion was no longer seen on a repeated echocardiographic examination performed a month later.