Phospholipase C-zeta deficiency as a cause for repetitive oocyte fertilization failure during ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization with ICSI: a case report.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe impaired oocyte fertilization from phospholipase C-zeta (PLC-ζ) deficiency in normal-appearing sperm that was successfully treated using calcium (Ca(2+)) ionophore with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of oocytes matured in vitro.

Methods: An infertile couple undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) experienced failed oocyte fertilization following ICSI with normal-appearing sperm. A semen sample collected from the patient was used to assess the expression of sperm PLC- ζ protein by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence and PLC-ζ bioactivity by an in vitro model of Ca(2+) release.

Necrotizing enterocolitis and the role of anemia of prematurity.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most common surgical diseases of preterm infants, with significant short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. Although the etiology of NEC remains elusive, multiple factors adversely affecting the intestinal mucosal integrity of preterm infants are known to be associated with NEC. Anemia and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion-related gut injury have been shown to have strong correlation with NEC.

Emergent pediatric US: what every radiologist should know.

Appendicitis, intussusception, and hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) are three of the most common reasons for emergent abdominal imaging in pediatric patients. Although the use of computed tomography has risen dramatically over the past 2 decades, children are particularly at risk for the adverse effects of ionizing radiation, and even low-dose radiation is associated with a small but significant increase in lifetime risk of fatal cancer. In most emergency departments, the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a primary modality for the evaluation of a child with abdominal pain remains impractical due to its high cost, its limited availability, and the frequent need for sedation.

Antral follicle count in clinical practice: analyzing clinical relevance.

Objective: To determine the clinical relevance of obtaining antral follicle counts (AFC) before ovarian stimulation in an IVF program.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: An IVF program in a large academic teaching hospital.

Bivalirudin use during PCI for stent thrombosis in a patient with subacute intracranial hemorrhage.

Caring for patients at high risk is inherent to the practice of interventional cardiology. Recognizing high-risk situations, minimizing risk and employing preventive techniques proactively to avoid complications cannot be over-emphasized within this dynamic field. This case demonstrates real-world concerns and decision-making regarding severe bleeding risk, rescue angioplasty, stent thrombosis, appropriate usage of intravascular ultrasound and differences in stent design.

ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitor.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is often associated with acquired or congenital deficiency of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving metalloprotease, ADMATS13 (Lammle B et al., J Thromb Haemost 2005;3:1663-1675; Schneppenheim et al., Blood 2003;101:1845-1850).

Complex cystic breast masses: diagnostic approach and imaging-pathologic correlation.

Complex cystic breast masses demonstrate both anechoic (cystic) and echogenic (solid) components at ultrasonography (US). US is used to identify and characterize such masses and to guide percutaneous biopsy. Numerous pathologic entities may produce complex cystic breast lesions or may be associated with them, and biopsy is usually indicated.

MRI diagnosis of spontaneous uterine rupture of an unscarred uterus.

Spontaneous uterine rupture is a rare, potentially catastrophic complication of pregnancy, and its prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential in limiting morbidity and mortality. Clinical diagnosis is difficult and relies heavily on diagnostic imaging. Radiological diagnosis is also often difficult with most documented cases involving the use of ultrasound and computed tomography.

Vimentin and leukocyte common antigen-negative molding cells in pleural effusions of patients with small cell lung carcinoma.

Objective: To determine whether the presence of vimentin and leukocyte common antigen (LCA)-negative molding cells (VLNMC) could help in identifying rare small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cells.

Study Design: Thirty-four cell blocks of pleural effusions (PEs) from 26 patients with confirmed SCLC were stained immunohistochemically with vimentin and LCA antibodies and compared with hematoxylin and eosin-stained preparations.

Results: VLNMC were present in 22/22 PEs originally diagnosed as positive or atypical/suspicious for SCLC.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the central nervous system performed freehand under computed tomography guidance without stereotactic instrumentation.

Background: Biopsy of the central nervous system (CNS) has been reported previously using relatively large-caliber (12-17-gauge) biopsy instruments with or without stereotactic guidance. In this series, fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) were performed using a smaller diameter needle to evaluate mass lesions of the CNS.

Methods: One hundred thirty FNABs were performed freehand under computed tomography (CT) guidance without stereotactic instrumentation guidance using a 22-gauge needle.

Duodenal atresia with an anomalous common bile duct masquerading as a midgut volvulus.

In a patient with duodenal atresia, a "double bubble" is classically present on plain radiographs. When bowel gas exists distal to the duodenum, duodenal atresia often is excluded from the differential diagnosis. The authors present a case in which contrast can be seen in the small bowel and biliary system on upper gastrointestinal series in a patient with duodenal atresia and an anomalous common bile duct.

Intermediate filamentous proteins in adult granulosa cell tumors. An immunohistochemical study of 25 cases.

Adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs) are classified as sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary. However, they may be confused with other primary ovarian neoplasms. Intermediate filaments, specifically vimentin and cytokeratins, have been identified in AGCTs by immunohistochemistry performed on frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and two-dimensional electrophoresis.