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Most toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents are hydrophobic and can only be solubilized in organic solvents. However, most reagents employed for the degradation of these toxic compounds can only be dissolved in water. Hence, microemulsions are auspicious media for the decontamination of a variety of chemical warfare agents and pesticides. They allow for the solubilization of both the lipophilic toxics and the hydrophilic reagent. Alkyl oligoglucosides and plant derived solvents like rapeseed methyl ester enable the formulation of environmentally compatible bicontinuous microemulsions. In the present article the phase behavior of such a microemulsion is studied and the bicontinuous phase is identified. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and freeze fracture electron microscopy (FFEM) measurements are used to characterize the Structure of the bicontinuous phase and allow for an estimation of the total internal interface. Moreover, also the influence of the co-surfactant (1-pentanol) on the structural parameters of the bicontinuous phase is studied with SANS. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The value of CT in the preoperative management of tumors of the sacrum is demonstrated. Essential informations for treatment planning are: involved sacral segment, infiltration of sacral foramina and nerve roots, involvement of the sacroiliac joints, ingression of the lumbar spine, infiltration of the pelvic organs and vessels, sciatic nerve and the dorsal soft tissues. In order to prove the competence of the CT in answering these questions we evaluated the CT-examinations of 30 pat. with 14 primary tumors, 9 metastatic tumors and 7 tumors involving secondary the sacrum. The CT findings were correlated with clinical symptoms and surgical reports in 11 pat., with clinical symptoms alone in 19 pat. There was good correlation in the criterias: location and number of involved segments (8/11, 17/19), infiltr. of SI-joints (11/11), infiltr. of lumbar spine (9/11, 18/19), and infiltr. of pelvic organs (10/11), worse correlation in the criterias: nerve root-involvement (2/11, 3/19), and sciatic nerve-infiltr. (7/11, 15/19). Our conclusions are that CT gives helpful preoperative informations deciding about extent of surgical procedure, and surgical approach. The major problem, however, consist in diagnosis of nerve root and sciatic nerve involvement, therefore in poor prediction of postoperative conservation of neural functions. The knowledge of CT-anatomy of sacrum- and important condition for correct segment-location of the tumor is refreshed by outlines of characteristic segmental CT-sections of the sacrum.

Die Radiologie hat in den letzten Jahrzehnten gewaltige technologische und damit organisatorische Anderungen erlebt. Diese Anderungen erfolgten mehr oder weniger im Gleichklang mit den gesamtstaatlichen Gesundheitsausgaben, wobei allerdings das individuelle frei verfugbare Einkommen im gleichen Zeitraum (1988–2003) doppelt so hoch gestiegen ist. Der Aufwand fur Medizintechnik betragt ca. 3–5% der nationalen Gesundheitsausgaben. Die Radiologie ist damit national, aber auch in einem Zentralkrankenhaus, kein wesentlicher Kostenfaktor. In den letzten Jahren ergab sich eine Zunahme der Schnittbilduntersuchungen um 2–3%, diese umfassen heute schon 30% aller radiologischen Untersuchungen.

The efficacy of DMARD therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be judged by radiological analysis. This study aimed to determine the time-dependent progression of joint damage, acute-phase response, and rates of radiologic progression in early DMARD-treated RA patients over 10 years.We evaluated outpatient records, and radiographs of hands and feet of 54 early RA patients on DMARDs for 10 years. Radiographs were quantified by the Larsen method using recently developed quantification software.Radiological damage attenuated, with disease progression from baseline to Year 10 [correlation coefficient (r)=0.95, probability (p)0.001]. Radiographic scores progressed more rapidly during the first 5 years than thereafter. Cumulative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was strongly correlated with radiological progression (p0.001, r=0.88).Our findings reveal a higher amount of radiographic RA progression during the first years of DMARD treatment. Thus, our data provide strong evidence for the importance of both early DMARD therapy and continuous radiographic assessments in RA.

The present investigation was a methodological study of a new method of quantification of a series of factors in the transverse dimension of the maxilla including the nose, maxillary bones and dental arches, based on computer tomographic (CT) scanning. The aim was to investigate a series of parameters thought to be relevant in the differential diagnosis of discrepancies in the morphology of this area and probably affected by orthodontic appliances. Based on a standardized CT scanning registration of 10 subjects, a series of points on the scans were identified and then measured in a special cephalometric computer system (linear and angular values). The quantitation was repeated by each observer and inter- and intra-observer differences were calculated. The results demonstrated that virtually all the parameters showed a high degree of reproducibility at both levels and confirmed the statistical suitability of the method described. The method will be used in a series of ongoing studies regarding the morphology and treatment of discrepancies of the midface and therefore supplement the relatively sparse information based on quantitative reports concerning this important anatomical area.

The aim of the memorandum on the development of health services research (HSR) in Bavaria is to operationalise the global objectives of the State Working Group "Health Services Research" (LAGeV) and to collectively define future topics, specific implementation steps, methods as well as ways of working for the future course of the LAGeV. The LAGeV is an expert committee that integrates and links the competencies of different actors from science, politics and health care regarding HSR and facilitates their cooperation. The memorandum is based on an explorative survey among the LAGeV members, which identified the status quo of health services research in Bavaria, potential for development, important constraints, promoting factors, specific recommendations as well as future topics for the further development of HSR in Bavaria. From the perspective of the LAGeV members, the 12 most important future topics are: 1) Interface and networking research, 2) Innovative health care concepts, 3) Health care for multimorbid patients, 4)Health care for chronically ill patients, 5) Evaluation of innovations, processes and technologies, 6) Patient orientation and user focus, 7) Social and regional inequalities in health care, 8) Health care for mentally ill patients, 9) Indicators of health care quality, 10) Regional needs planning, 11) Practical effectiveness of HSR and 12) Scientific use of routine data. Potential for development of HSR in Bavaria lies a) in the promotion of networking and sustainable structures, b) the establishment of an HSR information platform that bundles information and results in regard to current topics and aims to facilitate cooperation as well as c) in the initiation of measures and projects. The latter ought to pinpoint health care challenges and make recommendations regarding the improvement of health care and its quality. The cooperation and networking structures that were established with the LAGeV should be continuously expanded and be used to work on priority topics in order to achieve the global objectives of the LAGeV.

Soil samples from under a rainforest, a papaya plantation, a pure Brachiaria humidicola pasture and a B. humidicola/Desmodium ovalifolium sward from the humid tropical Bahia, Brazil, were analyzed for fertility parameters, litter quality, particulate light fraction [ PLF > 100 53 -100 μ m , 100 μm) PLF was of younger age than the finer PLF or whole soil samples. The age of the 53–100 μm PLF was very close to that of stabilized organic matter as indicated by 13C data, its low C-to-N ratio (15–17:1) and its turnover time was about 30 y. The PLF appeared not to consist of one uniform pool and thus may have to be subdivided to be useful for modelling purposes (e.g. active, passive pools and charcoal). The contribution of PLF and above ground litter to total soil N mineralization (anaerobic incubation) was highest in the undisturbed rainforest ( 12 16 % for the PLF/litter, respectively, in the 0–2 cm layer), but much less in the other systems. However, mineralization of PLF from different sources was unpredictably altered by the density agent. Introducing D. ovalifolium into these pastures increased, significantly, the amounts of N in PLF, decreased the C-to-N ratio of PLF and tended to increase, the mineralization potential despite its high lignin and polyphenol content. The combination of δ13C analysis and size/density separations, of surface samples in particular, allowed sensitive detection of changes in soil organic matter dynamics and soil fertility.

A neonate with absent pulmonary valve syndrome was examined by means of echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI provided an excellent evaluation of the intracardial morphology, vessel anatomy, mediastinal structures, and shunt flow; and it was superior to echocardiography for detection of aortopulmonary collaterals and vessel abnormalities. This case report of an uncommon cardiac abnormality confirms that MRI is a useful complementary modality to echocardiography in neonates and is recommended for problems with central pulmonary vessels and their relation to tracheobronchial structures.

This study comprises 76 published judgments by German and Austrian civil courts between 1966 and 1993 concerning liability in the field of radiology. There has been a marked increase in the number of legal proceedings in the 1980's and even more so in the second half of this decade. This is due to an increased tendency to sue doctors without any legal cause in the hope of possible compensation. In 40.8% of the cases the doctor was held liable and required to compensate the patient for personal injury and suffering pain. Most of the cases were related to complications during the examination procedure. The reason most frequently cited by the courts for sentencing doctors was the fact that they did not previously inform the patient adequately about the examination and its possible consequences.

Radiology has undergone enormous technological and hence organizational changes in the last few decades. These changes occurred more or less in unison with total state expenditures for healthcare, whereas individual disposable income increased twice as much in the same timeframe (1988-2003). Costs for medical technology account for approximately 3-5% of national healthcare expenditures. On the national level, but also in a central hospital setting, radiology does not constitute a major cost factor. Tomographic investigations have increased by 2-3% in recent years and currently represent 30% of all radiological procedures. Increasing sophistication of diagnostics and treatment using genetic and molecular techniques, novel information technologies, and a critical evidence-based approach to all functional activity will result in a further explosion of knowledge. Radiology must meet these challenges head on by intensifying all forms of training, from basics to continuing professional education.

To evaluate the role of projectional radiography in the detection of primary and potentially malignant bone neoplasms.We retrospectively reviewed the images and medical records of 80 patients (42 male, 38 female; range: 6 to 73 years; mean: 33 years) with pathologically proven primary or indeterminate bone tumors.The most common symptom was local pain (84 %). In 69 of 80 patients (86 %), projectional radiography was the first imaging modality, which correctly identified the malignant character of the bone lesion in 60 of these 69 patients (87 %). In 2 patients, bone neoplasms were overlooked due to diagnostically inadequte image quality. The false-diagnosis rate was not significantly different between board-certified radiologists working in hospitals and radiologists in outpatient facilities (p0.05). Bone tumors predominantly affecting adults, such as chondrosarcomas, needed a longer time for the diagnosis than bone tumors mainly found in childhood, such as osteosarcomas. The median age of patients with delayed imaging work-up because of attempted conservative therapy (45 years +/- 20 years) was significant higher than the median age of patients with immediate radiographic work-up (27 years +/- 16 years).Projectional radiography is the most common initial imaging method for bone pain and continues to play an important role to reduce the time gap between first onset of symptoms and definitive treatment. In unremitting focal bone pain, bone neoplasms should be taken into consideration not only in children but also in patients beyond adolescence.

Shoulder instability is a common clinical feature leading to recurrent pain and limited range of motion within the glenohumeral joint. Instability can be due a single traumatic event, general joint laxity or repeated episodes of microtrauma. Differentiation between traumatic and atraumatic forms of shoulder instability requires careful history and a systemic clinical examination. Shoulder laxity has to be differentiated from true instability followed by the clinical assessment of direction and degree of glenohumeral translation. Conventional radiography and CT are used for the diagnosis of bony lesions. MR imaging and MR arthrography help in the detection of soft tissue affection, especially of the glenoid labrum and the capsuloligamentous complex. The most common lesion involving the labrum is the anterior labral tear, associated with capsuloperiostal stripping (Bankart lesion). A number of variants of the Bankart lesion have been described, such as ALPSA, SLAP or HAGL lesions. The purpose of this review is to highlight different forms of shoulder instability and its associated radiological findings with a focus on MR imaging.

Die Untersuchung des Ober- und Unterkiefers mittels hochauflosender Computertomographie hat sich in den letzten Jahren als Standardverfahren in der implantologischen Diagnostik etabliert. Bei dieser als „Dental-CT“ bezeichnete Methode werden hochaulosende axiale Schichten des Kiefers angefertigt, die mittels geeigneter Software multiplanar reformatiert und auf Hardcopy im Masstab 1:1 dargestellt werden konnen. Dadurch gelingt es storende Artefakte von Metallfullungen auf die Okklusionsebene zu beschranken und eine uneingeschrankte Beurteilbarkeit des Kiefers zu ermoglichen. Daruber hinaus besteht die Moglichkeit navigierte Implantationsverfahren einzusetzen. In zunehmenden Mase wird das Dental-CT nunmehr auch fur die Diagnostik und praoperative Planung bei pathologischen Prozessen im Kieferbereich eingesetzt. Typische Indikationen, neben der praimplantologischen Diagnostik (Knochenangebot), sind retinierte Zahne, zystische und entzundliche Lasionen, Fremdkorperlokalisationen und Trauma. Da bei einer Dental-CT Untersuchung gelegentlich auch Kinder untersucht werden, ist aus strahlenhygienischen Grunden eine Minimierung der Strahlenexposition besonders wichtig. Diese kann durch richtige Anpassung der Untersuchungsprotokolle („low-dose Dental-CT“) einfach erreicht werden, wobei Dosiswerte erreichbar sind, die mit den niedrigen Werten von konventionellen Verfahren (OPTG, Zahnstatus) vergleichbar sind. Ziel dieses Beitrages ist die Untersuchungstechnik und Moglichkeiten der Dental-CT an Hand von Beispielen zu vermitteln. Lernziele: Dental-CT ist ein Standardverfahren in der praimplantologischen Diagnostik Hochauflosende Bildqualitat ist wesentlich und wird durch optimierte Protokolle erreicht Dental-CT ist als erganzendes Verfahren fur die Darstellung von pathologischen Veranderungen im Kieferbereich geeignet Korrespondierender Autor: Imhof H Univ. Klinik fur Radiodiagnostik, Abteilung fur Osteologie, Waehringer Guertel 18–20, 1090, Wien E-Mail: osteo-mr@meduniwien.ac.at

Tumorous lesions of the temporal bone excluding tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are relatively rare. The publications of these lesions are mostly in the form of case reports.

Implementation of flat-panel detectors and digital integration of the technique instead of the use of conventional radiographs leads to a shortening of the work process. With flat-panel technology the image production process is shortened by more than 30%. Major advantages in the implementation of integrated RIS, PACS and flat-panel detector system are increases in quality because most mistakes in picture labeling can be avoided, easier handling without the need for cassettes, and the possibility of image post-processing. The diagnostic quality of the images in the field of musculoskeletal radiology is, in comparison to conventional radiographs, at least adequate and in most cases markedly improved with a marked reduction in radiation exposure of around 30-50%. With respect to the numerous advantages of the digital techniques and especially flat-panel technology there is a very high likelihood that conventional radiographs will be substituted in the coming years, even though the cost of the new technology is currently significantly higher compared to conventional systems.

Congenital abnormalities of the temporal bone are mostly accompanied by conductive or sensori-neural hearing loss. Before any therapeutic procedures are done high resolution CT (HRCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be performed to establish the correct diagnosis and to plan the potentially surgical intervention. HRCT best depicts osseous changes especially those of the external auditory canal and the middle ear containing the ossicles and the osseous structures of the temporal bone and the petrous bone containing the inner ear. MRI excellently shows soft tissue changes of the inner ear especially on the high resolution 3DT2-weighted sequences which give a superb contrast between the nerves and the cerebro-spinal fluid. Malformations of the external auditory canal consists of aplasia or hypoplasia and those of the middle ear range form extreme hypoplasia or aplasia to very mild deformations of the ossicles. Malformations of the inner ear also range form complete aplasia to very mild hypoplasia of the organs of the inner ear as well as malformations concerning the nerves in the internal auditory canal range from aplasia to hypoplasia. Malformations of the temporal bone can either occur isolated or in combination in which malformations of the external and middle ear may be accompanied by those of the inner ear. Furthermore, malformations of the temporal bone may also occur in otofacial, otocervical or otoskeletal syndromes. These syndromes may be accompanied by certain malformations of the temporal bone. HRCT and MRI are both excellent methods to depict congenital abnormalities of the temporal bone and of the inner ear and should be used as complementary methods because HRCT best depicts osseous changes and MRI superbly depicts soft tissue changes. Both methods are important to establish the correct diagnosis to plan the therapeutic procedures.

The normal anatomy of the temporal bone and the inner ear will be described in detail on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and magnetic resonance images. The imaging technique of computer tomography--either single detector or multi detector CT--is normally obtained in an axial plane without the intravenous application of contrast material. The images are reconstructed in a high resolution bone window level setting. The coronal images are reconstructed either if used single detector or multi detector CT. Only in some cases a scan in the coronal plane is directly obtained using a single detector CT. MR imaging of temporal bone is usually performed in a head coil. Axial high resolution 3D-T2-weighted sequences either in fast spin echo technique or gradient echo technique--for example CISS-sequence--are obtained, then an axial high resolution T1-weighted sequence before and after the application of gadopentate dimiglumine is performed. HRCT excellently demonstrates the osseous structures of the temporal bone as well as of the inner ear, while MRI excellently depicts soft tissue structures especially those of the inner ear. Due to the susceptibility artifacts MRI is not very suitable for imaging the external auditory canal or the middle ear or the pneumatic system. In conclusion HRCT is so far excellent to delineate the osseous structures of the temporal bone and inner ear while MRI excellently depicts the soft tissue structures of the inner ear, the internal auditory canal and the cerebellopontine angle. Reissner's membrane, the cochlear duct, and the organ of Corti cannot be visualized even using high-resolution MRI. HRCT and MRI are therefore used as complementary methods for imaging the temporal bone.