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With 7 figures and 6 tables Garlic is widely consumed for its culinary and medical benefits. Six hundred and thirteen accessions of garlic and its relatives with diverse origin were evaluated for genetic diversity at eight recently novel simple sequence repeat loci in this study. A total of 113 alleles were detected, the average allelic richness was 14.1 alleles per locus. Using a heuristic approach, a core set of 95 accessions was successfully developed, which showed 100% coverage of alleles with minimum redundancy. The model‐based structure analysis here revealed the presence of four subpopulations in the selected core set, which was basically consistent with clustering based on the genetic distance. The analysis of molecular variance based on this core set showed that between‐population component of genetic variance is <15.6% in contrast to 84.4% for the within population component. Overall FST value was 0.1560, indicating a moderate differentiation among the four groups. These results will provide an effective aid for future allele mining, association genetics, mapping and cloning gene(s), germplasm conservation, and improvement programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty microsatellite loci for further genetic analysis of Citrus species were developed by constructing a microsatellite- enriched library using capture with streptavidin-coated magnetic beads and used to assess genetic diversity in 40 Citrus accessions. In total, 150 alleles were detected, with an average of five alleles per locus. The average gene diversity and polymorphism information content values were 0.58 and 0.52, and ranged from 0.35 - 0.74 and from 0.32 - 0.70, respectively. Values for the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.13 - 1.00 and from 0.36 - 0.75, respectively. Fifteen loci deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). The mean similarity coefficient among accessions was 0.5906. Based on the UPGMA algorithm, two main groups were successfully identified. These new microsatellite markers can be used to further investigate the genetics of, and phylogenic relationships in Citrus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post transplant infusion of donor-type natural killer (NK) cells has been shown to have an anti-leukemia-enhancing effect without evoking GVHD in murine hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) models. Here, we tested 14 patients (age, 23–65 years), 12 with acute leukemia and 2 with myelodysplastic syndrome, who underwent HLA-mismatched HCT and subsequently received donor NK cell infusions. Cell donors (age, 16–51 years), comprising seven siblings, five offspring, and two mothers of the patients, underwent growth factor-mobilized leukapheresis for 3–5 days. Cells collected on the first 2–4 days were used for HCT, whereas those collected on the last day were CD34 selected by magnetic-activated cell sorting (median, 2.22 × 106 cells/kg; range, 0.29–5.66). Donor NK cells were generated from the CD34+ cells by ex vivo cell culture over a 6-week period (median, 9.28 × 106 cells/kg; range, 0.33–24.50; CD122/CD56+ 64%; CD3+ 1.0%; and viability 88%). There were no signs of acute toxicity in patients infused with these cells 6–7 weeks post transplant. Overall, one and five patients developed acute and chronic GVHD during post transplant period, respectively. These results showed that clinical-grade donor NK cell production from CD34+ cells is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of stress hormone and competition state anxiety response between elite and non-elite junior golfers in competition. Six elite (Handicap: 2.67 ±0.82: 16.2±1.38 yrs) and six non-elite (Handicap: 7.83 ± 1.17: 15.8 ± 0.75 yrs) Korean junior golfers participated in this study. Physiological stress and psychological stress responses were measured on four occasions (at rest, prior to, during, after competition) by salivary cortisol and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) respectively. In salivary cortisol, no interaction was found between groups and the test occasions. However, both groups showed significantly increased levels between rest and all other occasions and between prior to and after competition. The interpretation of this finding is limited by the interaction with the diurnal rhythm of cortisol secretion. In cognitive state anxiety, significant interaction was found. Elite golfers had significantly lower cognitive state anxiety scores than non-elite golfers at rest, prior to and during competition. No interaction was shown in somatic state anxiety. However, there was significant difference among occasions. Both groups had higher somatic state anxiety scores prior to and during competition than after competition. No interaction was shown in self-confidence, but elite group had significantly higher scores than non-elite group at all occasions. This study demonstrates the differences of psychophysiological response in competition between elite golfers and non-elite golfers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Tinnitus can be a debilitating condition, that negatively affects a patient's overall health and social wellbeing. Even moderate cases can interfere with the ability to work and socialize. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of tinnitus, whether it originated from right, left, or both sides, on sound localization process. Material and methods: From Jan 2019 to Jul 2019, a total 59 chronic tinnitus patients were enrolled in this study. Of 59 patients, we selected 42 patients (23 males and 19 females) whose mean hearing were less than 60 dB HL and whose net average hearing of both sides were 15 dB or less. Fifteen patients complained of bilateral tinnitus, while 14 and 13 patients complained of right and left tinnitus respectively. Sound localization using three different 3-second pure tone sounds (500 Hz at 65 dB SPL, 4 kHz at 65 dB SPL, and 4 kHz at 90 dB SPL) was assessed using an array of 7 speakers at head level separated by approximately 30 degrees. Results: There were no significant differences in sound localization ability whether patients complained any type tinnitus. Furthermore, high scores of THI or VAS didn't affect sound localization process. Conclusions: From this study, we concluded that even though patients were suffered from severe tinnitus, they might not have difficulties in sound localization unless there is unilateral of bilateral hearing loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between hearing aid use and the improvement of cognitive function is under investigation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hearing aids can recover the temporal resolution or hearing in noise function. Methods: We designed a prospective study of two groups; hearing aid users and control. Patients older than 45 years of age, with pure tone average threshold worse than 40 dB and speech discrimination score better than 60% in both ears were eligible. Central auditory processing tests and hearing in noise test (HINT) were evaluated in the beginning of this study and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the use of hearing aid in HA group and the control group. The changes of the evaluation parameters were statistically analyzed with the linear mixed model. Results: 26 participants (13 in the HA and 13 in the control group) were included in this study. Frequency test (p<0.01) and dichotic test (p=0.04) scores showed significant improvement in the control group after 1 year. HINT scores showed no change. Conclusions: After using HA for 1 year, patients performed better on the tests of temporal resolution. No improvement was documented regarding hearing in noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is one of the diseases whose mechanism is not fully understood and is not yet fully cured. As one of convincing etiology of ISSNHL is cochlear ischemia, HBO therapy is suggested to be a promising treatment for hearing recovery, especially for the patients with severe hearing loss (over 70 dB). Objectives: The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of HBO therapy for patients with ISSNHL who showed severe hearing loss. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with ISSNHL at Asan medical center from January 2016 to December 2017. All the patients enrolled in this study showed over 70 dB HL on the affected ears. Patients in HBO group received HBO therapy 14 times with systemic and intratympanic steroid therapy, while patients in control group received only systemic and intratympanic steroid therapy. Results: Total 82 patients (83 ears) were enrolled in this study. 37 patients (38 ears) were enrolled for HBO group and 45 patients (45 ears) were enrolled for control group. There were no differences in baseline parameter between two groups; gender, age, affected side, combined symptoms such as tinnitus and dizziness, initial glucose level and initial hearing. After 2-weeks treatment, HBO group showed significantly improved hearing than control group (28.1±26.9 dB in HBO group and 14.8±13.5 dB in control group in W4FA, p<0.05), especially in low frequency (0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, p<0.05). Conclusions: From this study, we strongly recommend HBO therapy as initial treatment option for ISSNHL patients who suffer from severe hearing loss or as salvage treatment option for patients who failed from initial steroid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate outcomes of elderly patients with cochlear implant (CI) and factors that affect speech performance. Method: Seventy-two elderly patients (60-80 years of age) with post-lingual sensorineural hearing loss who received CI were divided into two groups according to speech performance scores: the poor performance group (monosyllabic word scores <70%, n=40), and the good performance group (monosyllabic word scores ≥70%, n=32). The distribution and contribution of the potential factors related to CI outcomes was compared. We also identified how outcomes in speech,,performance could be predicted according to the causes of hearing loss. Results: The duration of hearing deficit was significantly related with speech performance after CI (the poor performance group: 24.44±19.43, the good performance group: 13.86±15.12, p<0.015*). Significant differences were not found between the two groups for the other factors (age at implantation, pre-operative residual hearing level, vestibular function, presence of associated symptoms (tinnitus, dizziness), education, region of residence (urban/rural), presence of job, and comorbidities). In the case of hearing loss caused by sudden hearing loss, Meniere's disease, otitis media, and otosclerosis, they were similarly distributed between two groups. Traumatic and drug induced hearing losses are usually found in the good performance group. The hearing losses due to unknown origin, presbycusis, and meningitis were mainly distributed in the poor performance group. Conclusions: Better prognosis in the elderly with CI can be expected in patients with short duration of hearing loss. Age at implantation, residual hearing level, and other known individual factors did not significantly influence on speech outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is mounting evidence that healthy living contributes to healthy hearing. Diet, as documented with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), is a critical factor influencing hearing status over a lifetime. Other healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular vigorous exercise, not smoking, and consistent use of hearing protection during exposure to high intensity noise or music, also contribute importantly to preservation of good hearing. In addition, hearing impairment in adults is associated with a long list of common chronic diseases, for example, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and dementia. Conduct a literature search of 'comorbidity' and 'hearing loss' and you will find that the topic is attracting considerable clinical attention and research focus. Five key steps in practicing preventive audiology will be reviewed: 1) Obtaining a comprehensive history including medical conditions and life style factors related to hearing loss; 2) Assessment with a diagnostic test battery that includes procedures with proven sensitivity to subtle auditory dysfunction (e.g., otoacoustic emissions, speech perception in noise tests); 3) Adequate patient counseling about the connection between healthy hearing and life style/healthy living, including strategies for hearing protection; 4) Audiological management to enhance communication, and 5) Close and consistent communication and management coordination with primary care physicians. This presentation offers a clinically feasible approach to maintaining healthy hearing, preventing hearing loss, and promoting quality of life from youth to advanced age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A non-invasive method to measure the bladder pressure in males using a condom catheter has been developed. The measurement technique, its validation and limitations, a diagnostic nomogram to non-invasively diagnose bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), and results of large-scale application are discussed. Methods: Modified incontinence condoms are attached to the penis. During voiding the flow of urine is mechanically interrupted. The subsequent maximum pressure in the condom reflects the isovolumetric bladder pressure. The method was validated in a group of 46 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms who were simultaneously studied invasively and non-invasively. Subsequently it was applied in a non-invasive epidemiological study in 1020 healthy males. Results: The reproducibility of the measured isovolumetric bladder pressure is comparable to that of conventional pressure-flow parameters. The measured pressure can be used to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction with a diagnostic accuracy (Area Under receiver operator characteristic curve) of 0.98, which compares most favorably with the area under the curve of 0.79 of Qmax in the same population. During condom catheter measurements, both the involuntary interruption of voiding and the forced diuresis increase post-void residual volume. This increase does not affect the accuracy of the pressure measurements. Conclusions: We conclude that in males bladder pressure can successfully be measured non-invasively using the condom catheter method. By combining the measured volumetric bladder pressure with a separately measured free flow rate, BOO can non-invasively and accurately be diagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We compared the applicability and reproducibility of the condom catheter method for noninvasive urodynamics in two Dutch studies. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study of changes in bladder contractility secondary to benign prostatic enlargement is taking place at the Erasmus MC in Rotterdam. Volunteers aged 38–77 years will be studied three times in 5 years. The first series of measurements has been completed in 1,020 men. A randomized controlled trial to test the effect of additional water intake on bladder function has been completed at the University of Maastricht. 184 subjects aged 55–77 years with International Prostate Symptom Scores of 8–19 were investigated twice in 6 months. Bladder contractility was measured noninvasively with the condom method. Two consecutive measurements were attempted in each subject. Reproducibility was tested according to Bland and Altman and compared by calculating the normalized standard deviation of the differences by dividing by the difference. Results: The success rate for single measurements was 95% in both studies. The success rates for double measurements varied from 87 to 90%. The normalized standard deviation of the differences between the double measurements was 0.15 for the longitudinal noninvasive study and randomized controlled trial at baseline, and 0.13 for the randomized controlled trial at 6 months. Conclusion: Both studies showed good reproducibility of the noninvasive method comparable to invasive urodynamics. Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the atomic arrangement of a barium (Ba)-induced Si(111)-3×2 surface by using surface-sensitive synchrotron X-ray scattering. In-plane fractional-order reflections obtained from three rotational domains of 3×1 symmetry have been used to examine several competing structural models including the honeycomb-chain-channel (HCC) and the double-π-bonded chain (DπC) models. By fitting two different data sets, both the goodness-of-the fits χ2 and the residuum R-factor strongly favor the HCC over the DπC model. We conclude that a Ba-paired HCC structure with a $\frac{1}{3}$ monolayer of Ba coverage best describes the Ba-induced 3×2 surface with a Ba-Ba interatomic spacing d = 1.93 Å. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), possibly as a result of microvascular damage, increased blood viscosity and embolic and thrombotic episodes. Aim To perform a prospective, randomized clinical trial to determine the therapeutic effect of lipo-prostaglandin E1 (lipo-PGE1) on SSNHL in Korean patients with Type 2 diabetes. Methods The study group consisted of 270 consecutive Korean patients (130 male, 140 female) in whom SSNHL was diagnosed. Patients were classified as diabetic or non-diabetic by the new American Diabetes Association criteria. With the approval of the institute ethics committee, patients were randomly assigned to treatment with of 10 µg lipo-PGE1 (lipo-PGE1 group) given as a continuous infusion over 5 days, or saline (placebo group). In addition, all patients studied were treated with 48 mg methylprednisolone for 5 days. Results The overall recovery rates after treatment were 51.5% in diabetic and 64.2% in non-diabetic patients. In diabetic patients, there was a significantly higher rate of hearing improvement in the lipo-PGE1 group (64.7%) compared with the placebo group (37.5%), whereas, in non-diabetic patients, there was no significant difference in rate of hearing improvement between the lipo-PGE1 group (70.3%) and the placebo group (58.3%). Conclusion Lipo-PGE1 may have beneficial effects in the treatment of SSNHL in Korean patients with Type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We studied epidemiological aspects of recruitment of volunteers for a non-invasive urodynamic study. Materials and Methods: 9,236 volunteers were invited by 20 general practitioners (GPs), using two different recruitment methods, i.e. by mail only, or during a subsequent visit to the GP’s office. Factors influencing the response rates were analyzed. We also tested how much the recruited population of volunteers differed from the general population, by comparing it to another, proven representative study carried out earlier in 1,662 subjects. Results: In the recruited population the prostate volumes were not significantly different from the proven representative study, but the symptom score was statistically significantly higher, although the difference was so small it may be called clinically irrelevant. Recruitment of volunteers in two steps, i.e. asking them first to visit the GP’s office, and inviting them there to visit the outpatient clinic, rather than directly inviting them (in writing) to the clinic seemed to lead to a higher response, although this effect could not be statistically discriminated from the difference in response rates between GPs. Conclusion: The population recruited was not urologically different from the general population. The response depended on age, being highest around the age of 60, and increased with social economic status. It also depended on the GP who recruited the subjects, and/or on the recruitment method. Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sequelae of a sustained clench are incompletely understood. Our experimental questions were to compare the responses of men and women, to compare masseter and anterior temporalis muscles, and to test hypotheses for the reduction of the median frequency of power spectra. We recorded duration, amplitude, number of phases, and area of the motor unit action potential before and after a sustained clench and the median frequency of the electromyographic power spectrum in 41 subjects. After the clench, the median frequency was lower, the action potential duration longer, the number of phases increased, and the area larger, but the amplitude was not different. Males and females failed to differ. Compared with the temporalis, the masseter had a lower median frequency, longer duration, larger number of phases, and increased area. Our results are consistent with a decrease in the conduction velocity of the muscle action potential as an explanation of the spectral shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Expression patterns of phospholipase D1 (PLD1) in the developing rat retina were investigated using immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis and compared with the expression patterns of glutamine synthetase. PLD1 immunoreactivity appeared first in a few neuroblasts in the middle of the mantle zone of the primitive retina by embryonic (E) day 13. PLD1-immunoreactive primitive ganglion cells were characterized in the ganglion cell layer by E17. Faint immunoreactivity at E17 profiled radially orientated cells and this pattern appeared up to postnatal (P) day 7. In the ganglion cell layer at P3, displaced amacrine cells and ganglion cells were classified. At P5, presumptive horizontal cells and amacrine cells were identified. By P7, a thin outermost layer of newly formed segments of the photoreceptor cells was also PLD1 immunoreactive. PLD1 immunoreactivity at P8 was limited to radial Müller cells and the outer segment layer of the photoreceptor cells, and the expression pattern was conserved to adulthood. Western blot analysis showed relatively high amounts of PLD1 protein at E17 and P3, a decrease at P7, and moderate amounts from P8 onward. Co-expression of PLD1 with glutamine synthetase in the retina appeared first after birth in differentiating neurons and in Müller cells by P8; thereafter the pattern was maintained. The expression pattern of the PLD1 during development of the retina suggests that PLD1 plays important roles in glutamate-associated differentiation of both specific neurons and radial glial cells, and in glutamate-mediated cellular signalling in Müller cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supporting cells in the mammalian cochlea have recently received attention as potential targets of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and neurohumoral agents. Calcium homeostasis in Deiters' and Hensen's cells, for example, is regulated by ATP and nitric oxide. We studied the intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i in isolated pillar cells of the guinea pig cochlea in response to extracellular ATP and nitric oxide using the fluorescent indicator fluo-3. [Ca2+]i increased rapidly and significantly throughout the pillar cell in response to a bolus of ATP or 2-methylthio ATP while alpha,beta-methylene ATP was ineffective. The response to ATP was inhibited by suramin and Cibacron Blue but not by pyridoxal phosphate 6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid. This pharmacological profile is consistent with a [Ca2+]i increase largely mediated by P2Y receptors. In Ca2+-free medium supplemented with EGTA, the response to extracellularATP was reduced by 33%, suggesting a contribution of calcium influx to the overall effect. The ATP-induced increase of [Ca2+] was attenuated by NO donors (sodium nitroprusside or diethylamine NONOate), and this attenuation was reversed by KT5823, an antagonist to protein kinase G. The results indicate the involvement of purinergic mechanisms and the nitric oxide/cyclic GMP/protein kinase G pathway in the regulation of [Ca2+]i in cochlear pillar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to investigate the developmental expression of osteopontin (OPN) in the rat brainstem and cerebellum by Northern blotting and in situ hybridization. The expression of OPN was noted in the mesencephalic Vth nucleus initially at embryonic day 16 (E16). At E20, the labeling extended into other brainstem nuclei including the cochlear, vestibular, facial motor, and hypoglossal nuclei. During the first week of postnatal life, the OPN signal in the brainstem increased markedly, and by P14, OPN expression was found in functionally diverse areas including motor-related areas, sensory relay nuclei, and the reticular formation. The adult labeling pattern was established in central neurons at this time. These results corresponded well with those from Northern blot analysis. On the basis of morphological and distribution criteria, the OPN signal in several nuclei appeared to be contained exclusively within neuronal soma. OPN expression in neurons occurred during the period of neuronal differentiation and increased with maturation. Our results therefore suggest that OPN contributes to developmental processes, including the differentiation and maturation of specific neuronal populations, in the rat brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the pUT-miniTn5 vector system developed by the laboratory of K.N. Timmis, the Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene (vgb) was integrated into the chromosomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia; Vitreoscilla hemoglobin (VHb) was expressed at 8.8 and 0.8 nmol/g wet weight of cells in the respective engineered strains. The vgb-bearing P. aeruginosa outgrew wild-type P. aeruginosa and degraded benzoic acid faster than the latter strain at both normal and low aeration. In contrast, the vgb-bearing B. cepacia strain had a growth advantage over the wild-type strain at ca. 90 ppm, but not at ca. 120 ppm 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT); no difference in DNT degradation was seen between the two strains at either normal or low aeration. The results demonstrate the practicality of enhancing bioremediation with vgb stably integrated into the chromosome, but also suggest that a minimal level of VHb expression is required for its beneficial effects to be seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the color Doppler features of tuberculous epididymitis and to correlate these findings with histopathologic findings.Methods: Color Doppler ultrasound (US) findings of 12 histopathologically proven tuberculous epididymitis and tuberculous epididymo-orchitis in 11 consecutive patients were retrospectively analyzed. Color Doppler US findings of tuberculous epididymitis were correlated with histopathologic findings.Results: Color Doppler US findings of tuberculous epididymitis demonstrated no blood flow in the epididymal lesions except for focal linear or spotty flow signals in the peripheral portion. These findings correlated well with pathologic findings; the central portion of the epididymal lesions demonstrated granulomas with caseation necrosis, and the peripheral portion of the epididymal lesions had several medium to small vessels.Conclusions: Color Doppler US may be helpful for differential diagnosis of tuberculous epididymitis and non-tuberculous epididymitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four patients underwent endovascular treatment of vascular injuries complicating lumbar spinal surgery. In two patients with massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage, the extravasating lumbar arteries were successfully embolized with microcoils. Two patients with large iliac arteriovenous fistula (AVF) were treated, one with embolization using a detachable balloon and coils, which failed, and the other with placement of a stent graft after embolization of distal runoff vessels, which occluded the fistula. We conclude that acute arterial laceration or delayed AVF complicating lumbar spinal surgery can be managed effectively with selective embolization or stent-graft placement, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the sequelae of iatrogenic dissection of the celiac axis and its branches in a large patient population.Methods: We analyzed 40 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) whose celiac artery or its branches were dissected during transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and underwent follow-up angiography within 2 months.Results: The two most common sites of dissection were the celiac artery in 13 patients (32.5%) and the proper hepatic artery in 11 patients (27.5%). Follow-up angiography revealed complete recanalization in 32.5% (13/40), irregularity and narrowing of the lumen in 40% (16/40), and complete obstruction in 27.5% (11/40). Therefore, 72.5% (29/40) of the dissected arteries recanalized. Pseudoaneurysm formation of the dissected artery was observed in 32.5% (13/40). Subsequent TAE was possible via the dissected arteries in 79% (27/34) of patients in this series.Conclusion: Iatrogenic dissection of the celiac and proximal hepatic arteries heals spontaneously in the majority of patients, and in most instances allows subsequent TAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The effectiveness of renal transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with a mixture of ethanol and iodized oil (Lipiodol) was analyzed retrospectively in 27 patients with unresectable renal cell carcinoma.Methods: Symptomatic or permanent palliation by TAE was performed with the intent to achieve total or partial ablation of the kidney with 10-28 ml of embolic material in a 3:1 mixture of ethanol and iodized oil. Clinical, angiographic, and computed tomographic (CT) follow-up were analyzed. Cumulative survival was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method.Results: Partial (5) or complete (22) ablation of the embolized kidneys was achieved in all cases. Follow-up CT after 1 month revealed Lipiodol uptake in the tumor area (14/14), decreased size of the tumor (6/14), and gas formation (7/14). Pulmonary metastasis improved significantly in one patient after transcatheter arterial embolization and adjunctive chemotherapy. Overall median survival of the 27 patients was 8.5 months. The median survival was 23 months in 10 patients with stage III, three of whom are still alive, and was 7 months in 15 patients with stage IV tumors.Conclusion: The mixture of ethanol and Lipiodol is not only a convenient embolic material to use, but is also effective for selective or nonselective devascularization for unresectable renal cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective analysis was made of the effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in 87 patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In contrast to the predominantly single nodular HCC (60.2%) on preoperative angiography, recurrent HCC showed a multinodular pattern in 54.2%. Preoperative TACE had significantly prolonged the interval between surgery and recurrence. One- and 2-year survival rates after TACE of the 87 recurrent HCCs were 74.7% and 55.%, respectively, which were not significantly different from those of a control group of 206 patients with HCC in Child's class A, who were treated with TACE only. We believe that TACE is an effective measure in the management of preoperative and recurrent HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To assess the frequency of visualization of pancreatic arteries in the arterial phase of helical computed tomography (CT).Methods: The visibility of pancreatic and peripancreatic arteries in helical CT images was evaluated in 20 consecutive patients who had no evidence of pancreatic disease. CT examinations were performed by using a continuously rotating CT scanner and intravenous injection of contrast media. The scans were taken 35 s after the start of injection and with a table speed of 3 mm/s. Images were reconstructed in 3-mm section increments.Results: Frequently visualized arteries were the gastroduodenal, anterior and posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal, and right gastroepiploic arteries. Infrequently visualized arteries were the dorsal pancreatic, pancreatica magna, caudal pancreatic, transverse pancreatic, and common, anterior, and posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries.Conclusion: Helical CT enabled us to recognize small pancreatic arteries, and the evaluation of these arteries should be considered in the staging of pancreatic carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristic computed tomographic (CT) appearance of iodized-oil retention in hepatic hemangioma and to evaluate the duration of the retention of iodized oil on follow-up CT.Methods: Seventeen hepatic hemangiomas of 14 patients were studied with CT performed 1-3 weeks after injection of 2-9 ml of iodized oil (iodized-oil CT) for the characterization of focal hepatic lesions, which needed differential diagnosis with hepatocellular carcinoma in 10 patients, for therapy in two patients, and for chemoembolization therapy of accompanying hepatocellular carcinomas in two. Twelve patients had 1-7 follow-up CT scans within an interval of 1-38 months.Results: In all cases, iodized-oil CT showed iodized-oil retention within the tumor, regardless of tumor size, shape, location, and amount of injected iodized oil. The distribution was incomplete and predominantly peripheral in all cases. Central retention was also seen in seven cases, in which a relatively large amount of iodized oil was injected, but retention of iodized oil in the tumor was incomplete even in two cases in which a large amount of iodized oil was injected to relieve symptoms and in three cases in which prominent uptake of surrounding liver parenchyma was seen. Patterns of retention were predominantly spotty in five, predominantly nodular in four, and mixed in eight patients. Retention materials slowly washed out but persisted for at least 3 months and up to 38 months (mean = 18.1 months), and complete washout was not seen in any cases at follow-up CT.Conclusion: In all cases of hepatic hemangiomas, iodized oil was retained, and retention persisted over several months. Distribution and patterns of retention were characteristically peripheral, spotty, and nodular at iodized-oil CT. Knowledge of the iodized-oil CT appearance of hepatic hemangioma would be helpful to interpret follow-up CT studies of patients who have undergone iodized-oil chemoembolization procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to determine if spiral computed tomography (CT) results in increased rate of detection of focal hepatic nodules containing iodized oil after transcatheter oily chemoembolization when compared with conventional CT.Methods: Spiral CT with single 24-s breath-hold technique was compared with conventional sequential CT in 42 patients with suspected hepatocellular carcinomas. Two sets of CT scans obtained after transcatheter oily chemoembolization were independently reviewed by two radiologists. The slice thickness was 10 mm for both data sets. The number and sizes of focal hepatic nodules containing iodized oil were documented. All 42 patients had at least hepatic nodule. The lesion size varied from 2 mm to 12 cm.Results: In six of the 42 patients, more hepatic nodules could be identified on spiral CT compared with conventional CT. When scans with spiral CT were used, 107 nodules were detected, whereas 98 nodules were detected with conventional CT. Overall, nine (9%) more nodules were detected with spiral CT (p = .002). If lesions larger than 2 cm are excluded, nine (15%) more lesions were detected with spiral CT (p = .002).Conclusion: Spiral CT results in increased rate of detection of focal hepatic nodules after transcatheter oily chemoembolization, particularly in lesions smaller than 2 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed on five tumors of three patients who had hepatic hemangiomas. Four tumors were given an intraarterial infusion of 3-8 ml of iodized oil, while one tumor was not. MR images were obtained at 2.0 or 0.5 T. A single spin echo sequence with TE of 30 ms and TR of 500 ms and a double echo sequence with TEs of 60 and 150 ms and TR of 2000 ms, were used to produce relatively T1-, T2-weighted, and heavily T2-weighted images, respectively. Follow-up MR imaging was done 1-5 months after infusion of iodized oil. On relatively T1-weighted images, hemangiomas showed iso- or hypointensity. On T2-weighted images, all tumors showed hyperintensity. However, on heavily T2-weighted images, tumors with iodized oil showed heterogeneous, slight hyperintensity, while tumors without iodized oil showed characteristic appearance of marked hyperintensity in hemangiomas. In hepatic cavernous hemangiomas with intraarterial infusion of iodized oil, familiarity with this unusual MR intensity of tumors on heavily T2-weighted images is useful to avoid the incorrect diagnosis and to reduce the frequency of inappropriate hepatic resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using light microscopy and immunocytochemistry, we investigated the morphological changes of retinal tissues and the reaction of Müller cells in the ischemic rat retina induced by increasing intraocular pressure. At early stages (from 1 h to 24 h after reperfusion), cells in the ganglion cell layer and in the inner nuclear layer showed some degenerative changes, but at later stages (from 72 h to 4 weeks) marked degenerative changes occurred in the outer nuclear layer (ONL). At 4 weeks after reperfusion, the ONL was reduced to 1 or 2 cell layers. Immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) appeared in the endfeet and distal processes of Müller cells as of 1 h after reperfusion. GFAP immunoreactivity in Müller cells increased up to 2 weeks and then decreased at 4 weeks after reperfusion. Our findings suggest that Müller cells are involved in the pathophysiology of retinal ischemia through the expression of GFAP. The degree of GFAP expression in Müller cells closely correlated with that of the degeneration of retinal neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In rabbit and rat retinae, wholemounted preparations and 40 μm thick vibratome sections were processed for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunoreactivity and consecutive semithin sections were immunostained with anti-NOS and anti-GABA antisera, respectively. Two types of NOS-labelled amacrine cells were identified: type 1 cells with larger somata were intensely stained, and type 2 cells with smaller somata were weakly stained. A few displaced amacrine cells also showed NOS-like immunoreactivity. All these NOS-like immunoreactive neurons also expressed GABA-like immunoreactivity. Thus, nitric-oxide-containing neurons might constitute a subpopulation of GABAergic neurons in rabbit and rat retinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]