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International audience; Theranostics involves finding the biomarkers of a disease, fighting them through site specific drug delivery and following them for prognosis of the disease. Microneedle array technology has been used for drug delivery and extended for continuous monitoring of analytes present in the skin compartment. We envisage the use of microneedle arrays for future theranostic applications. The potential of combining microneedle array-based drug delivery and diagnostics as part of closed-loop control system for the management of diseases and delivery of precision drugs in individual patients is reported in this paper.

Background Lead fracture is a well-known complication of cylindrical spinal cord stimulator leads. In order to reduce this complication, anchor design and techniques have been modified, but internal lead design has received little attention. Objectives The goal of this study was to study the impact of lead design by a retrospective determination of the fracture rate of multilumen concentric (MLC) 8-contact leads. Study design Retrospective chart review. Setting University teaching hospital. Methods A registry of spinal cord stimulator implants and corresponding billing data were used to identify patients. Procedural details were reviewed for technique, lead insertion, anchoring details, manufacturer, and lead longevity from 2002 to 2014. Data storage was in RedCap data-capturing software (REDCap eData Collection web-based application). All analyses were performed using SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, U.S.A.). Results In a near 12"-year time period, 172 patients received 305 permanently implanted 8-contact leads, with an overall fracture rate of 4.3%. Of these, 191 leads were of the MLC design. No lead fracture was observed in the MLC leads over an average 4.5 years of follow-up. Limitation Retrospective single center. Conclusion MLC lead design has the potential to significantly mitigate lead fracture.

Purpose: Composition of the coronary artery plaque is known to have critical role in heart attack. While calcified plaque can easily be diagnosed by conventional CT, it fails to distinguish between fibrous and lipid rich plaques. In the present paper, the authors discuss the experimental techniques and obtain a numerical algorithm by which the electron density (ρ{sub e}) and the effective atomic number (Z{sub eff}) can be obtained from the dual energy computed tomography (DECT) data. The idea is to use this inversion method to characterize and distinguish between the lipid and fibrous coronary artery plaques. Methods: For the purpose of calibration of the CT machine, the authors prepare aqueous samples whose calculated values of (ρ{sub e}, Z{sub eff}) lie in the range of (2.65 × 10{sup 23} ≤ ρ{sub e} ≤ 3.64 × 10{sup 23}/cm{sup 3}) and (6.80 ≤ Z{sub eff} ≤ 8.90). The authors fill the phantom with these known samples and experimentally determine HU(V{sub 1}) and HU(V{sub 2}), with V{sub 1},V{sub 2} = 100 and 140 kVp, for the same pixels and thus determine the coefficients of inversion that allow us to determine (ρ{sub e}, Z{sub eff}) from the DECT data. The HU(100) and HU(140) for themore » coronary artery plaque are obtained by filling the channel of the coronary artery with a viscous solution of methyl cellulose in water, containing 2% contrast. These (ρ{sub e}, Z{sub eff}) values of the coronary artery plaque are used for their characterization on the basis of theoretical models of atomic compositions of the plaque materials. These results are compared with histopathological report. Results: The authors find that the calibration gives ρ{sub e} with an accuracy of ±3.5% while Z{sub eff} is found within ±1% of the actual value, the confidence being 95%. The HU(100) and HU(140) are found to be considerably different for the same plaque at the same position and there is a linear trend between these two HU values. It is noted that pure lipid type plaques are practically nonexistent, and microcalcification, as observed in histopathology, has to be taken into account to explain the nature of the observed (ρ{sub e}, Z{sub eff}) data. This also enables us to judge the composition of the plaque in terms of basic model which considers the plaque to be composed of fibres, lipids, and microcalcification. Conclusions: This simple and reliable method has the potential as an effective modality to investigate the composition of noncalcified coronary artery plaques and thus help in their characterization. In this inversion method, (ρ{sub e}, Z{sub eff}) of the scanned sample can be found by eliminating the effects of the CT machine and also by ensuring that the determination of the two unknowns (ρ{sub e}, Z{sub eff}) does not interfere with each other and the nature of the plaque can be identified in terms of a three component model.« less

Objectives We compared dual-source CT (DSCT) and conventional angiography (CA) in evaluation of chronic total occlusion (CTO) of coronary arteries. Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in CTO is technically difficult and has comparatively lower success rate than intervention in non-occluded artery. Accurate assessment of lesion morphology is an important determinant of PCI success in CTO. Methods Nineteen symptomatic patients (18 men, age: 58.6 ± 10.6 years) with a CTO on CA were subjected to a DSCT (Definition, Siemens, Germany). Heart rate (HR) control was not performed. Dedicated post-processing software was used for lesion analysis on both modalities. Presence of bridging collaterals, stump morphology, calcification, side branch, proximal tortuosity, occlusion length, distal vessel interpretability, and distal lesions were statistically compared. Results There were 20 CTOs. HR during DSCT ranged from 53 to 131 bpm. Bridging collaterals were seen in 3/20 (15%) lesions on CA and in none on DSCT. Stump anatomy and side branch were identified equally well. Plaque calcification was identified in 5/20 (25%) lesions on CA and in 12/20 (60%) lesions on DSCT (P = 0.025). Nature and extent of calcification were better visualized on DSCT. No proximal tortuosity was noted. Distal vessel was better interpretable on DSCT (15/20; 75%) compared to CA (9/20; 45%) (P = 0.05). No significant difference in lesion length was noted. Conclusion DSCT performs as well as CA for most features of CTO. Avoidance of need to control HR, ability to better detect and characterize calcium and to interpret distal vessels make it a useful pre-intervention investigation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Conjoined twins have been the subject of myth and legend since antiquity because of the rarity and peculiarity of their juxtaposition. Fortunately, modern medical technology and concurrent advancements in surgical techniques provide an opportunity for successful separation and hope of a normal independent existence for these unique children. Antenatal sonography allows timely detection of this condition so that further management may be planned. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2013

This paper describes experiences gained by applying System Engineering (SE) management practices within a particular EU research project (CRESCENDO). Additionally, we attempt to answer the underlying question: to what extent is it practical to apply SE management practices within the context of large-scale, collaborative research projects? A common characteristic of these projects is that their structure is quite complex and requires a systematic management approach for their successful outcome. The benefits of managing industrial projects using SE management practices are well-known. However, difficulties arise not only from the maturity of the SE processes, methods & tools available, but also from selecting the right toolsets from the plethora on offer. Therefore, significant investments are needed to develop methodologies to navigate the complexity of processes and products in the aerospace sector. In this paper, we highlight the advantages of the SE approach, but also point out some drawbacks and provide some recommendations for future adopters of SE management practices in similar project contexts.

In 1986, 50 patients with stages II and III carcinoma of the cervix were entered into this prospective randomized study. Twenty-five cases (Group I) were treated only by radical radiation whereas remaining 25 cases (Group II) received local hyperthermia in addition to radical radiation. Hyperthermia was delivered by intracavitary brachyhyperthermia approach using an endotract applicator. Both the groups were followed up for a minimum period of 18 months. Group II patients achieved better local control (14 out of 20 evaluable cases) than the Group I patients (11 out of 22 evaluable cases). A disturbing observation was the increased incidence of distant metastasis in Group II (4 out of 23 cases) as compared to Group I (1 out of 23 cases), though most of them remained disease free locally. The increasing use of hyperthermia in the management of various cancers needs to be reviewed in this context.

The endothelium is a single layer of cells lining the inside face of all blood vessels. It constitutes a major metabolic organ which is critically involved in the generation and the regulation of multiple physiological and pathological processes such as coagulation, hemostasis, inflammation, atherosclerosis, angiogenesis and cancerous metastasis dissemination. In order to increase our knowledge about the protein content and the main biological pathways of human vascular endothelial cells, we have undertaken the proteomic analysis of the most explored present endothelial cell model, i.e. primocultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Using low levels of protein loads (~ 30 nug), the association of two-dimensional electrophoresis with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and database interrogations allowed us to identify 53 proteins of suspected endothelial origin in quiescent HUVECs. Beside cytoskeletal proteins such as actin, tubulin, tropomyosin and vimentin, we identified various proteins more especially implicated in cellular motility and plasticity (e.g. cofilin, F-actin capping protein and prefoldin), in regulation of apoptosis and senescence (protease inhibitor 9, glucose related proteins, heat shock proteins, thioredoxin peroxidase, nucleophosmin) as well as other proteins implicated in coagulation (annexin V, high mobility group protein), antigen presentation (valosin containing protein and ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolase isozyme L1) and enzymatic capabilities (glutathione-S-transferase, protein disulfide isomerases, lactate deshydrogenase). The presented annotated 2-D maps of HUVECs will be soon available on the web at http://www. huvec.com.

Ten patients (median age 36 yr, 5 male) with idiopathic IVC obstruction underwent balloon angioplasty followed by placement of a self-expanding stent due to unfavourable lesion characteristics. Six had total occlusion, 5 had restenosis (including 2 with total occlusion), and 1 had a suboptimal result after initial dilatation. Median minimum IVC diameter increased from 0 to 14.5 mm, and the median gradient across the lesion decreased from 16.5 to 1 mmHg. Follow-up venography (median interval 69 d) in six patients revealed no restenosis with further enlargement at the lesion site (median 4.5 mm) and abolition of gradients. Follow-up ultrasound in nine patients revealed no restenosis in the IVC. One patient died 6 mo after the procedure with acute Budd-Chiari syndrome due to hepatic vein occlusion. Autopsy revealed a widely patent stent with hepatic vein thrombus. Stent implantation is useful in the management of IVC obstruction with prior restenosis, total occlusion, or suboptimal result of balloon angioplasty. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Mitral stenosis with severe pulmonary artery hypertension constitutes a high risk subset for surgical commissurotomy or valve replacement. Balloon mitral valvotomy has been proposed as a technique for treating high risk surgical patients with mitral stenosis. The efficacy of this technique in patients with severe pulmonary artery hypertension, however, has not been fully evaluated. Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) was performed in 450 consecutive patients. Of these, forty-five (10%) patients had systemic or suprasystemic systolic pulmonary artery pressures (110 +/- 20, range 96 to 170 mm Hg). The baseline characteristics and immediate hemodynamic results of these 45 patients with systemic/suprasystemic systolic pulmonary artery pressures (group I) were analysed and compared with those of 405 patients with subsystemic systolic pulmonary artery pressures (group II). Patients in group I were more symptomatic (New York Heart Association functional class > or = III, 96 vs. 55%, P < 0.001) and had severe subvalvular fibrosis (mitral subvalvular distance ratio [MSDR], 0.14 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.22 +/- 0.04, P < 0.01). Before PTMC, mean transmitral gradient was higher (34 +/- 8 vs. 25 +/- 4 mm Hg, P < 0.02) and mitral valve area smaller (0.5 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.9 +/- 0.4 cm2, P < 0.02) in group I patients, who also had higher pulmonary vascular resistance (16 +/- 5 vs. 9 +/- 5 U, P < 0.005). After PTMC final mean transmitral gradients (7 +/- 3 vs. 5 +/- 3 mm Hg) and mitral valve areas (1.9 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.0 +/- 0.4 cm2) were similar in both groups (P = NS). Group I patients had a greater decrease in pulmonary artery pressures (34 +/- 4 vs. 25 +/- 2%, P < 0.05) but final systolic pulmonary artery pressures (82 +/- 20 vs. 50 +/- 14 mm Hg) and pulmonary vascular resistance (12 +/- 4 vs. 6 +/- 4 U) remained significantly higher in this group (P < 0.005). Thus, in patients with severe pulmonary artery hypertension, PTMC is a safe and effective technique providing good immediate hemodynamic results.

Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) was performed in 350 patients. Of these patients, 51 (15%) (30 women and 21 men, aged 32 +/- 11 years) had restenosis 11 +/- 4 years following surgical valvotomy. Forty (79%) patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and 11 (21%) were in class IV. PTMC resulted in an increase in mitral valve area from 0.82 +/- 0.3 to 1.9 +/- 0.2 cm2 (p < 0.001), an increase in cardiac index from 1.9 +/- 0.4 to 2.8 +/- 0.5 l/min/m2 (p < 0.001), and a decrease in mean transmitral gradients from 29 +/- 4 to 6 +/- 4 mmHg (p < 0.001). The results did not differ from those observed in 299 patients without prior surgical valvotomy. On univariate analysis, the subvalvular fibrosis, assessed angiographically, and the duration from prior surgery were not found to influence the overall outcome. At 24 weeks, 46 of 48 (96%) patients in whom clinical follow-up was available, were found to be in NYHA class I and 2 (4%) patients were in class II. Thus, PTMC is a safe and effective procedure for patients with mitral restenosis following surgical valvotomy.

Retrograde nontransseptal balloon mitral valvuloplasty is a relatively new technique for dilating stenosed mitral valves, wherein a specially designed steerable catheter is used to enter the left atrium retrogradely. Over a 1-yr period, 52 patients (34 M, 18 F; mean age 26.4 ± 6.5 yr) with symptomatic noncalcific rheumatic mitral stenosis underwent balloon mitral valvuloplasty by this technique at our center. The procedure was completed in 51 out of the 52 patients and technically successful dilatation was achieved in 47 (90.4%) patients. The mean valve area increased from 0.8 ± 0.2 cm2 to 1.86 ± 0.37 cm2 and end diastolic gradients decreased from 21.2 ± 9.4 mm Hg to 4.0 ± 2.2 mm Hg. Significant mitral regurgitation (>2+) developed in two (3.9%) patients, and both remained stable on medical treatment. In two patients, there was a significant decrease in femoral pulse, which improved with thrombolytic therapy. Our study is the first report of this technique from a center other than that of its origin. The results of this study further establish that this new retrograde technique may be a useful alternative to the conventional transseptal techniques for mitral valvuloplasty. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The clinicopathological features of 12 cases of primary lymphoma of the stomach are reviewed, and the efficacy of various treatment modalities is evaluated. The presenting symptomatology and the radiological signs were found to be similar to those of gastric carcinoma. Gastroscopy and computed tomography (CT) proved to be effective diagnostic and staging tools. There were two patients of stage I, seven patients of stage II, and three patients of stage IV. Multimodal therapy involving judiciously combined surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy produced early complete remission in all the nine patients with localized disease, and all of them are disease-free at a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. These results are irrespective of whether surgery formed part of the treatment regimen. The relevant literature is reviewed, and the present status of the efficacy of nonsurgical therapy is evaluated.

Nonspecific aortoarteritis (Takayasu disease) is a primary arteritis of unknown etiology which commonly involves the aorta, and results in stenosis, occlusion, dilatation or formation of aneurysm in the involved segment. Of these, occlusion is the most rare form of involvement, and is usually reported to occur in the abdominal aorta. Only one case of aortic arch occlusion has been reported. We retrospectively studied the frequency and sites of aortic occlusion in 110 consecutive patients who underwent digital subtraction angiography. Aortic occlusion was seen in three (2.7%) patients, and involved the abdominal aorta in two, and the aortic arch in one patient. The clinical presentation in all three patients was with systemic hypertension and lower limb claudication. The detection and localization of the aortic occlusion is important since this has practical implications in the management of these patients. Intravenous digital subtraction angiography is usually adequate for the diagnostic assessment.

Purpose: To study the basic dosimetric characteristics of MOSFET dosimeter for its suitability on constructing the quality assurance phantom. Methods: For all the measurements, the high sensitivity MOSFET with standard bias settings (3mV/cGy) was used. Solid water phantoms were used for both photon and electron beams. Tests were performed for 60Co beams, 6 and 15MV photonbeams and 9MeV electrons. The dose‐linearity of MOSFET was studied up to 500 cGy with small increment at lowerdoses. Results were compared with the farmer chamber for photons and PP chamber for electrons. Reproducibility of the MOSFET was studied for the absorbed dose of 100cGy. Beam symmetry was measured at 5‐cm off‐axis position for 15×15cm2 field and comparisons were made with the farmer chamber and EDR‐2 film for photons and PP chamber and Kodak Xomat‐V for electrons. Also, the beam quality index was derived by measuring the dose at 10 and 20cm depth for photonbeams. Measurements were done for five different days and compared with ion chamber measurements. Results: The correlation co‐efficient (R2) for MOSFET and ion chamber linearity curve is 0.9999, 0.9999, 0.9998 and 0.9999 for 6MV, 15MV and 60Co beams and 9MeV electrons. High sensitivity MOSFET showed good linearity at lower doses even with standard bias settings. Reproducibility of the MOSFET is 1.680%, 1.815%, 1.7194% and 1.754% for 6MV, 15MV and 60Co beams and 9MeV electrons. Beam Symmetry measured with MOSFET showed maximum variation up to 4.2% where as ion chamber and EDR‐2 was within 2.7% and 3.1%. MOSFET over‐responded consistently at the off‐axis position. Quality index measured with MOSFET was within 0.701% and 1.355% for 6 and 15MV photons, whereas the ion chamber was within 0.450%. Conclusions: The high sensitivity MOSFET may be used as a dosimeter with proper cross‐calibration for the quality assurance phantom, which is under construction.

Electroantennogram active C19and C21-dienes, (6Z, 9Z)-6,9-nonadecadiene (I) and (6Z, 9Z)-6,9-heneicosadiene (II) have been isolated from the sex attractant gland secretion of female mohts Bupa/us piniarius and Utethesia ornatrix by Bestmann et aU and Meinwald et aI.2 •3 . The presence of two cis double bonds at C-6 and C-9 are the important structural features of these diene systems. Literature3 5 records syntheses of I and II leading to low yields. Herein, we report simple and stereoselective syntheses of I and II in good yields (see Scheme 1).

We describe the interaction of methyl isocyanate with reactive sulphydryl groups of rat erythrocyte membrane proteins. Intraperitoneal administration, as well as in vitro incubation of methyl isocyanate, caused a significant reduction in the free sulphydryl content of erythrocyte membrane proteins. [1- 14 C]MethyM isocyanate was specifically bound to band III of the erythrocyte membrane and caused the breakdown of band III proteins.

Three cases of intraspinal lumbosacral lipoma are reported and the existing English literature is reviewed. Intraspinal lumbosacral lipoma presents a distinct clinical and radiological pat tern. It should be suspected if, in a child, a soft tissue mass in the lumbosacral region is associated with a neurological deficit in the lower limbs, unilateral talipes equinovarus or bony developmental defects of the vertebral bodies and sacrum. The presence of radio-lucency in the vertebral canal in plain films is pathognomonic of intraspinal lipoma. At myelography, the presence of a large thecal sac, a low position of the conus medullaris and demonstration of extension of the lesion outside the vertebral canal are characteristic of in traspinal lipoma. In infancy, these lesions may superficially resemble sacrococcygeal teratoma.