Forensic age estimation by MRI of the knee - comparison of two classifications for ossification stages in a German population.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: In forensic age estimation e.g. for judicial proceedings surpassed age thresholds can be legally relevant. To examine age related differences in skeletal development the recommendations by the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics (AGFAD) are based on ionizing radiation (among others orthopantomograms, plain x-rays of the hand). Vieth et al. and Ottow et al. proposed MRI-classifications for the epiphyseal-diaphyseal fusion of the knee joint to define different age groups in healthy volunteers. The aim of the present study was to directly compare these two classifications in a large German patient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI of the knee joint of 900 patients (405 female, 495 male) from 10 to 28 years of age were retrospectively analyzed. Acquired T1-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence (TSE) and T2-weighted sequence with fat suppression by turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM) were analyzed for the two classifications. The different bony fusion stages of the two classifications were determined and the corresponding chronological ages assigned. Differences between the sexes were analyzed. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were determined using Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: With the classification of Ottow et al. it was possible to determine completion of the 18th and 21st year of life in both sexes. With the classification of Vieth et al. completion of the 18th year of life for female patients and the 14th and 21st year of life in both sexes could be determined. The intra- and inter-observer agreement levels were very good (κ > 0.82). CONCLUSION: In the large German patient cohort of this study it was possible to determine the 18th year of life with for both sexes with the classification of Ottow et al. and for female patients with the classification of Vieth et al. It was also possible to determine the 21st year of life for all bones with the classification of Ottow et al. and for the distal femur with the classification of Vieth et al.

Anthelmintic activity of Stevia multiaristata extract against Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto.

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The available anti-parasitic treatment is mostly limited to a continuous administration of albendazole. However, due to its numerous side-effects and efficacy of around 50%, there is a need to find new drugs to improve the treatment for this disease. In the current study, the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a Stevia multiaristata extract against E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) was demonstrated. Stevia multiaristata extract (100 and 50 µg mL−1) caused a quick viability decrease on protoscoleces which was consistent with the observed tegumental alterations. Loss of turgidity was detected in 95 ± 3.4% of cysts incubated with S. multiaristata extract during 2 days (100 µg mL−1) and the collapse of the germinal layer was observed in 60 ± 9.3% of cysts treated with 100 µg mL−1 of the S. multiaristata extract during 4 days. The half maximal effective concentration value was 69.6 µg mL−1 and the selectivity index for E. granulosus s.s. cysts was 1.9. In this clinical efficacy study, the treatment of infected mice with the S. multiaristata extract (50 mg kg−1) caused a significant decrease in the weight of the cysts compared with the control group. These results coincided with the tissue damage observed in the cysts at the ultrastructural level. In conclusion, we observed high protoscolicidal and cysticidal effects, and significant reduction in the weight of the cysts in experimentally infected mice following treatment with the S. multiaristata extract.

Sentinel lymph node mapping with indocyanine green compared to blue dye tracer in gynecologic malignancies-A single center experience of 218 patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the detection rates of sentinel lymph nodes after converting the tracer technique from blue dye to indocyanine green (ICG). METHODS: Patients with uterine or cervical cancer were enrolled for sentinel lymph node (SLN) dissection. A total of 109 consecutive patients were analyzed and compared to a historical cohort of 109 consecutive patients with the sentinel blue dye technique. SLNs were analyzed by ultrastaging. RESULTS: The bilateral mapping rate of sentinel nodes was significantly higher with the ICG (78%; n = 85) compared to the blue dye tracer (61%; n = 67; p = .006). Neither the mean number of SLN nor the rate of low volume metastases showed significant differences between both cohorts. In the subgroup of endometrial cancer patients, the number of systematic lymph node dissection (LND) was significantly lower in the ICG cohort compared to the blue dye cohort (9% vs. 28%, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: ICG improved the detection rate of pelvic SLN compared to blue dye and may be considered as the superior technique. In clinical practice, the rate of systematic LND further decreased after incorporating SLN mapping with ICG. Reliable safety data are still pending.

[Improved image quality of the cervical spine neck CT using an arm traction device]. / Verbesserte Bildqualität der Halswirbelsäulen-CT mittels Armzugvorrichtung.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of the cervico-thoracic junction in the neck CT is frequently hampered by streak artifacts from the shoulder girdles. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of an optimized patient positioning through the use of an arm traction device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 patients (age [mean ± standard deviation]: 58.9 ± 11.6 years; sex [m:f]: 15:10) underwent a neck CT using an arm traction device together. Further 25 patients underwent this in standard positioning (59.8 ± 15.2 years; 16:9). An experienced neuroradiologist determined the last free accessible vertebra on the CT scout view and assessed the image quality of the intervertebral disc space of the lower neck on a three-point grading scale. The procedure was evaluated by the medical-technical radiology assistants performing it. RESULTS: The last free accessible vertebra on CT scout was statistically significant one vertebra lower using an arm traction device, yielding on average the sixth cervical vertebra (p = 0.010). Subjective image quality increased in all evaluated intervertebral disc spaces (median and absolute frequencies [good/middle/bad]: 1.0 [53/21/8] vs. 2.0 [41/30/24]), resulting in a statistically significant effect between the cervical vertebra 6/7 (p = 0.0041). The traction device approach was rated to be suitable for daily routine in the categories of patient's cooperation (good), comprehensibility for the patient (84%) and management for the assistants (good). CONCLUSION: Using an arm traction device on neck CT both the accessibility of vertebra on CT scout increased and image quality of the cervico-thoracic junction improved. The simply applicable device could be favourable for cooperative patients with lower neck pathology.

[Analysis of documented informed consent forms for computed tomography : Completeness and data quality in four clinics]. / Analyse von dokumentierten Computertomographie-Aufklärungen : Vollständigkeit und Datenqualität in vier Kliniken.

BACKGROUND: Before performing a medical procedure, such as a computed tomography, an obligatory informed consent of the patient and its detailed documentation is necessary. METHODS: A total of 1424 informed consent forms for contrast-enhanced computed tomography from four clinics with different healthcare levels were analyzed. Informed consent forms were evaluated related to completeness, legibility and quality. RESULTS: In all, 1110 (77.9%) informed consent forms were sufficiently completed, 267 patients (18.8%) answered the form incompletely and 47 patients (3.3%) returned it without answering a question. Handwritten comments were found in 1391 (97.7%) cases. Thereof, 1329 (93.3%) were graded as detailed comments and 62 (4.4%) as less detailed comments. These comments were well legible in 675 (47.4%) cases, 558 (39.2%) informed consents showed limited legibility and in 158 (11.1%) more than 50% of the comments were unreadable. Signatures were complete in 1374 (96.5%) informed consent forms. CONCLUSION: The results show a better quality and documentation of informed consent forms for computed tomography obtained by radiology residents compared to radiological specialists. Compared to the radiologists, the non-radiologists performed significantly worse. The establishment of videos and use of digital informed consent forms could provide a possible solution.

[Success, satisfaction and improvement of informed consents for computed tomography : A survey among patients and physicians]. / Aufklärungserfolg, Zufriedenheit und Verbesserungsmöglichkeiten bei Computertomographie-Aufklärungen : Eine Befragung von Patienten und Ärzten.

BACKGROUND: Providing informed consent before a computed tomography (CT) is important for the physicians and the patients. A personal interview about the procedure, risks, and possible alternatives is mandatory before a CT examination. METHODS: A survey was carried out on patient satisfaction with regard to the duration and content of informed consents of CT examinations. Physicians were also interviewed about the duration and content of CT informed consents. Another part of the survey dealt with the acceptance of technical innovations, such as information videos or tablets/PCs. RESULTS: A total of 512 patients and 106 physicians took part in the survey. The duration of the informed consent was estimated by the patients to be 4.08 min on average and 4.7 min by the physicians. The most detailed information given by the physicians regards side effects associated with contrast agents. Less information was given on possible diagnostic alternatives and the need for an examination. According to this, about 92% of all patients did not remember having received information about alternative examinations. Furthermore, 88.7% of the patients and 95.3% of the physicians recommended informed consent using interactive videos and animations, and 74% of the patients and 98.8% of the physicians recommended answering questions on tablet/PC. CONCLUSION: Patients estimated the duration of a CT informed consent to be a little bit shorter, although some patients did not remember the content very well. The acceptance of technical innovations was very high among the participants. The use of information videos and tablets/PCs could increase the success of providing informed consent.

Interferon alfa-2a maintenance after salvage autologous stem cell transplantation in atypical mycosis fungoides with central nervous system involvement.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with unfavourable prognosis for patients with advanced stages of the disease. Refractory disease and advanced-stage disease require systemic therapy. We report on a rare case of an atypical predominantly CD8+ folliculotropic MF, a subtype of MF with poorer prognosis, in a 59-year-old woman. She was initially diagnosed with MF restricted to the skin, of T3N0M0B0/stage IIB according to the current World Health Organization-European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification. First-line treatment with local percutaneous radiotherapy in combination with systemic interferon alfa-2a resulted in complete remission. However, 21 months later the disease progressed to T3N0M1B0/stage IVB with development of cerebral manifestation and thus very poor prognosis. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) was not a therapeutic option due to the lack of a suitable donor. We initiated methotrexate and cytarabine chemotherapy, followed by high-dose chemotherapy with thiotepa and carmustine with autologous SCT. Despite rapid response and complete remission of the cerebral lesions, disease recurrence of the skin occurred soon after. Interestingly, readministration of interferon alfa-2a as a maintenance treatment after the salvage autologous SCT resulted in a durable complete remission during the follow-up period of currently 17 months after autologous SCT. What's already known about this topic? Mycosis fungoides is a primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with unfavourable prognosis for the advanced stages of the disease. A refractory course of disease requires systemic therapy. What does this study add? We report on an unusual case of a patient with mycosis fungoides with cerebral involvement, in which a durable complete remission was achieved upon autologous stem cell therapy and interferon alfa-2a maintenance therapy.

Mutations during the Adaptation of H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus to the Respiratory Epithelium of Pigs Enhance Sialic Acid Binding Activity and Virulence in Mice.

The natural reservoir for influenza viruses is waterfowl, and from there they succeeded in crossing the barrier to different mammalian species. We analyzed the adaptation of avian influenza viruses to a mammalian host by passaging an H9N2 strain three times in differentiated swine airway epithelial cells. Using precision-cut slices from the porcine lung to passage the parental virus, isolates from each of the three passages (P1 to P3) were characterized by assessing growth curves and ciliostatic effects. The only difference noted was an increased growth kinetics of the P3 virus. Sequence analysis revealed four mutations: one each in the PB2 and NS1 proteins and two in the HA protein. The HA mutations, A190V and T212I, were characterized by generating recombinant viruses containing either one or both amino acid exchanges. Whereas the parental virus recognized α2,3-linked sialic acids preferentially, the HA190 mutant bound to a broad spectrum of glycans with α2,6/8/9-linked sialic acids. The HA212 mutant alone differed only slightly from the parental virus; however, the combination of both mutations (HA190+HA212) increased the binding affinity to those glycans recognized by the HA190 mutant. Remarkably, only the HA double mutant showed a significantly increased pathogenicity in mice. In contrast, none of those mutations affected the ciliary activity of the epithelial cells which is characteristic for virulent swine influenza viruses. Taken together, our results indicate that shifts in the HA receptor affinity are just an early adaptation step of avian H9N2 strains; further mutational changes may be required to become virulent for pigs.IMPORTANCE Swine play an important role in the interspecies transmission of influenza viruses. Avian influenza A viruses (IAV) of the H9N2 subtype have successfully infected hosts from different species but have not established a stable lineage. We have analyzed the adaptation of IAV-H9N2 virus to target cells of a new host by passaging the virus three times in differentiated porcine respiratory epithelial cells. Among the four mutations detected, the two HA mutations were analyzed by generating recombinant viruses. Depending on the infection system used, the mutations differed in their phenotypic expression, e.g., sialic acid binding activity, replication kinetics, plaque size, and pathogenicity in inbred mice. However, none of the mutations affected the ciliary activity which serves as a virulence marker. Thus, early adaptive mutation enhances the replication kinetics, but more mutations are required for IAV of the H9N2 subtype to become virulent.

Next-generation sequencing of five new avian paramyxoviruses 8 isolates from Kazakhstan indicates a low genetic evolution rate over four decades.

Five avian paramyxoviruses of serotype 8 (APMV-8) were isolated during a study monitoring wild birds in Kazakhstan in 2013 and each was further characterized. The viruses were isolated from three White-fronted geese (Anser albifrons), one Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), and one Little stint (Calidris minuta). Before our study, only two complete APMV-8 sequences had been reported worldwide since their discovery in the USA and Japan in the 1970s. We report the complete genome sequences of the newly detected viruses and analyze the genetic evolution of the APMV-8 viruses over four decades.

Population dietary salt reduction and the risk of cardiovascular disease. A scientific statement from the European Salt Action Network.

The publication in the last few years of a number of prospective observational studies suggesting a J-shaped association between levels of salt (sodium) consumption and cardiovascular outcomes has opened a debate on the pertinence of population-wide salt reduction policies to reduce cardiovascular disease burden, and some have even questioned the global World Health Organization guidelines, that recommend a 30% reduction in salt consumption by 2025, aiming at an ideal target of no more than 5 g of salt consumption per day. In September 2018 the European Salt Action Network (E.S.A.N.), after appraising the quality of publications questioning the appropriateness of population salt reduction, discussed the scientific evidence and identified the pitfalls of recent data. The new evidence was deemed inadequate and, in places, biased by flawed methodology. These were identified in the biased assessment of sodium intake from spot urine and the use of the Kawasaki formula, the biased assessment of the sodium-outcome relationships in prospective observational studies using spot urine samples, the impact of reverse causality in such studies, the inadequate analytical approaches to data analysis, the lack of biological plausibility and the lack of precision in assessing long-term salt consumption, as recently demonstrated in studies using more stringent quality features in their study designs. On the basis of such appraisal, the E.S.A.N. agreed a statement confirming the support to the implementation of national and regional programmes of moderate reduction in salt intake, as recommended by the World Health Organization.

A cluster of two human cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) transmitted by unpasteurised goat milk and cheese in Germany, May 2016.

In May 2016, two cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) were confirmed by serology (positive IgM and IgG antibodies against TBE virus (TBEV) in serum), with a possible link to raw milk and cheese from a goat farm in a region in Baden-Württemberg, Germany not previously known as TBE-endemic. The outbreak investigation identified 32 consumers of goat dairy products (29 consumers, one farm employee, two owners) of whom none had IgM antibodies against TBEV 3-8 weeks after consumption. Of the 27 notified TBE cases in the State, none reported consumption of raw goat milk or cheese from the suspected farm. Five of 22 cheese samples from 18 different batches were RT-qPCR-positive for TBEV -genome, and two of the five samples were confirmed by virus isolation, indicating viability of TBEV in the cheese. Nine of the 45 goats had neutralising TBEV antibodies, two of them with a high titre indicating recent infection. One of 412 Ixodes ricinus was RT-qPCR-positive, and sequencing of the E gene from nucleic acid extracted from the tick confirmed TBEV. Phylogenetic analyses of tick and cheese isolates showed 100% amino acid homology in the E gene and a close relation to TBEV strains from Switzerland and Austria.

Concomitant AD pathology affects clinical manifestation and survival in dementia with Lewy bodies.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether concomitant Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, reflected by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, has an impact on dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in terms of clinical presentation, cognitive decline, nursing home admittance and survival. PARTICIPANTS: We selected 111 patients with probable DLB and CSF available from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort. On the basis of the AD biomarker profile (CSF tau/amyloid-ß 1-42 (Aß42) ratio >0.52), we divided patients into a DLB/AD+ and DLB/AD- group. Of the 111 patients, 42 (38%) had an AD CSF biomarker profile. We investigated differences between groups in memory, attention, executive functions, language and visuospatial functions. Difference in global cognitive decline (repeated Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)) was investigated using linear mixed models. Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to investigate the effects of the AD biomarker profile on time to nursing home admittance and time to death. RESULTS: Memory performance was worse in DLB/AD+ patients compared with DLB/AD- patients (p<0.01), also after correction for age and sex. Hallucinations were more frequent in DLB/AD+ (OR=3.34, 95% CI 1.22-9.18). There was no significant difference in the rate of cognitive decline. DLB/AD+ patients had a higher mortality risk (HR=3.13, 95% CI 1.57 to 6.24) and nursing home admittance risk (HR=11.70, 95% CI 3.74 to 36.55) compared with DLB/AD- patients. CONCLUSIONS: DLB-patients with a CSF AD profile have a more severe manifestation of the disease and a higher risk of institutionalisation and mortality. In clinical practice, CSF biomarkers may aid in predicting prognosis in DLB. In addition, DLB-patients with positive AD biomarkers could benefit from future treatment targeting AD pathology.

MR imaging for detection of trampoline injuries in children.

BACKGROUND: The recreational use of trampolines is an increasingly popular activity among children and adolescents. Several studies reported about radiological findings in trampoline related injuries in children. The following publication presents our experience with MRI for detection of trampoline injuries in children. METHODS: 20 children (mean 9.2 years, range: 4-15 years) who had undergone an MRI study for detection of suspected trampoline injuries within one year were included. 9/20 (45%) children had a radiograph as the first imaging modality in conjunction with primary care. In 11/20 (55%) children MR imaging was performed as the first modality. MR imaging was performed on two 1.5 T scanners with 60 and 70 cm bore design respectively without sedation. In 9/20 (45%) children the injury mechanism was a collision with another child. 7/20 (35%) children experienced leg pain several hours to one day after using the trampoline without acute accident and 4/20 (20%) children described a fall from the trampoline to the ground. RESULTS: All plain radiographs were performed in facilities outside the study centre and all were classified as having no pathological findings. In contrast, MR imaging detected injuries in 15/20 (75%) children. Lower extremity injuries were the most common findings, observed in 12/15 (80%) children. Amongst these, injuries of the ankle and foot were diagnosed in 7/15 (47%) patients. Fractures of the proximal tibial metaphysis were observed in 3/15 children. One child had developed a thoracic vertebral fracture. The two remaining children experienced injuries to the sacrum and a soft tissue injury of the thumb respectively. Seven children described clinical symptoms without an overt accident. Here, fractures of the proximal tibia were observed in 2 children, a hip joint effusion in another 2, and an injury of the ankle and foot in 1 child. There were no associated spinal cord injuries, no fracture dislocations, no vascular injuries and no head and neck injuries. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of children referred for MR imaging with pain after trampoline MR imaging detects injuries. These injuries are often not visible on plain radiographs. Therefore we recommend a generous use of MR imaging in these children after initial negative plain radiography.

Technological advances in veterinary diagnostics: opportunities to deploy rapid decentralised tests to detect pathogens affecting livestock.

Sustainable food production capable of feeding a growing human population is a significant global challenge, and is a priority encompassed within the United Nations Millennium Development Goal to 'eradicate extreme poverty and hunger'. Infectious diseases reduce the productivity of farm animals, and the globalised trade of animals and their products increases the threat of disease incursion. Accurate and rapid diagnostic tests are an essential component of contingency plans to detect, control and eradicate such diseases. Diagnosis involves a 'pipeline' that normally starts with clinical suspicion, followed by collecting samples, transporting specimens to a centralised laboratory setting (e.g. national/international Reference Laboratories), analysing these samples using a range of diagnostic tests and reporting the results. However, the transport of specimens from the field to the laboratory can be a lengthy process that can delay critical decision-making and severely affect the quality of the samples. This important limitation of centralised diagnostic testing has motivated the development of tools for the rapid, simple detection of livestock pathogens. Recent advances in the development of technologies for personalised human medicine have motivated the development of prototype diagnostic tests for a wide selection of diseases of livestock. However, many of these tests are not yet routinely used or commercially available. This paper critically reviews the most promising examples of such assays, and highlights the challenges that remain to transition these tests from applied research and development into routine use.

La production durable de denrées alimentaires pour nourrir une population humaine en constante augmentation constitue un vaste enjeu planétaire ainsi que l'une des priorités définies par les Nations Unies dans le cadre des Objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement visant à « éradiquer l'extrême pauvreté et la faim dans le monde ¼. D'une part, les maladies animales réduisent la productivité des animaux d'élevage ; d'autre part, la mondialisation des échanges d'animaux et de produits d'origine animale intensifie les risques d'incursion de maladies. L'utilisation de tests de diagnostic rapides et fiables est une composante essentielle des plans d'urgence visant à détecter, contrôler et éradiquer ces maladies. Une procédure de diagnostic est généralement constituée de plusieurs opérations, depuis la suspicion clinique, la collecte d'échantillons, leur transport vers un laboratoire central (par exemple un laboratoire de référence national/international), jusqu'à l'analyse de ces échantillons au moyen d'une série de tests diagnostiques et la notification des résultats. Néanmoins, le transport des échantillons depuis le terrain jusqu'au laboratoire est parfois un processus très long qui peut retarder la prise de décisions cruciales, voire compromettre gravement la qualité des échantillons. Cette limitation importante des procédures diagnostiques centralisées a incité à mettre au point des outils permettant une détection rapide et aisée des agents pathogènes affectant le bétail. Les progrès récents accomplis dans les technologies relevant de la médecine humaine personnalisée ont encouragé le développement de prototypes d'épreuves de diagnostic pour nombre de maladies du bétail. Toutefois, plusieurs de ces tests ne sont pas encore utilisés en routine ni disponibles commercialement. Les auteurs font le point sur les exemples les plus prometteurs de ces tests et soulignent les difficultés restant à résoudre pour que ces tests puissent évoluer d'une application en recherche et développement à une utilisation en routine.

El logro de una producción sostenible de alimentos en cantidad suficiente para abastecer a una población humana cada vez más numerosa es una difícil empresa que el mundo tiene ante sí, que además entronca con una de las prioridades plasmadas en los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio de las Naciones Unidas: «erradicar la pobreza extrema y el hambre¼. Las enfermedades infecciosas merman la productividad de los animales de granja, al tiempo que el comercio mundializado de animales y sus derivados amplifica la amenaza de incursiones infecciosas. La existencia de pruebas de diagnóstico rápidas y exactas es un elemento básico de todo plan de emergencia encaminado a detectar, controlar y erradicar esas enfermedades. Las labores de diagnóstico entrañan un «circuito¼ que normalmente empieza con la sospecha clínica, sigue con la obtención de muestras, su transporte a un laboratorio central (como un laboratorio de referencia nacional o internacional) y su análisis mediante diversas pruebas de diagnóstico y culmina con la notificación de los resultados. Sin embargo, el transporte hasta un laboratorio de las muestras obtenidas sobre el terreno es a veces un proceso lento, que puede retrasar la adopción de decisiones cruciales y mermar sensiblemente la calidad de las muestras. Este importante inconveniente derivado de la realización centralizada de pruebas ha llevado a concebir herramientas que permitan detectar de forma rápida y sencilla patógenos presentes en el ganado. Los avances registrados últimamente en la obtención de tecnologías destinadas a la medicina humana personalizada han propiciado también la elaboración de prototipos de pruebas para diagnosticar numerosas enfermedades del ganado, aunque muchas de ellas todavía no se utilizan sistemáticamente ni están comercializadas. Los autores, tras examinar en clave crítica los más prometedores ejemplos de estos nuevos ensayos, señalan las dificultades que aún subsisten para que estas pruebas puedan pasar del ámbito de la investigación aplicada y el desarrollo al de su utilización sistemática.

Response Evaluation in Head and Neck Oncology: Definition and Prediction.

Curative treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma includes surgery and/or (chemo)radiation, whereas in the palliative setting, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy represent(s) the standard approach. With regard to quality control, methods for determining treatment response are sorely needed. For surgical therapy, histopathology is the standard quality control. Established criteria for high-risk patients include resection margins of the primary tumor and extracapsular extension of lymph node metastases. After definitive chemoradiation, treatment response is generally evaluated by tomographic imaging combined with endoscopy including re-biopsy of the tumor region. Single-cycle induction chemotherapy may be used to determine the radiosensitivity of tumors, helping to define surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. Innovative approaches with implications for prognosis include the analysis of immune infiltrates, liquid biopsy, molecular characterization (proteomics, genomics), molecular and functional imaging (PET-CT, PET-MRI), as well as advanced imaging data analysis (radio[geno]mics/texture analysis). Human papilloma virus, as a prognostically relevant parameter, is currently being investigated for de-escalation strategies. With regard to the extended personalization of oncologic therapy, markers predicting treatment response are desirable and seem to be important, also from a socioeconomic perspective.

Effects of monensin and essential oils on immunological, haematological and biochemical parameters of cows during the transition period.

Using a model to generate experimental groups with different manifestations of post-partum (p.p.) fat mobilization and ketogenesis, the effects of a dietary and a medical intervention on biochemical and haematological parameters, antibody titre, leucocytes subsets and function of transition cows were examined. In total, 60 German Holstein cows were allocated 6 weeks antepartum (a.p.) to 3 high-body condition score (BCS) groups (BCS 3.95) and 1 low-BCS group (LC, BCS 2.77). High-BCS cows received a monensin controlled-release capsule (HC/MO) or a blend of essential oils (HC/EO) or formed a control group (HC). Parameters were evaluated in 3 periods (day (d) -42 until calving, 1 until 14 days in milk (DIM), 15 until 56 DIM). Over the course of trial, various parameters were influenced by period with greatest variability next to calving. White blood cell count was higher in the HC (8.42 × 103 /µl) and HC/EO (8.38 × 103 /µl) groups than in the HC/MO group (6.81 × 103 /µl) considering the whole trial. Supplementation of monensin decreased aspartate aminotransferase in comparison with the HC group similar to LC treatment. Bilirubin concentration was nearly doubled in all high-BCS cows in period 2. In period 3, essential oils increased γ-glutamyltransferase (80.4 Units/l) in comparison with all other groups and glutamine dehydrogenase (61 Units/l) in comparison with the LC (19 Units/l) and the HC/MO group (18 Units/l). Results suggest that parameters were generally characterized by a high variability around calving. Based on biochemical characteristics, it appeared that the HC cows seemed to have compromised hepatocyte integrity when compared to the LC cows. From the immune parameters investigated, the BVDV antibody response was more pronounced in HC/MO compared to HC/EO.

The clinical anatomy of the insertion of the rotator cuff tendons.

The rotator cuff (RC) insertions according to most anatomical texts are described as being separate from one another. However, clear fusion of the RC tendon fibres exists with prior studies showing this interdigitation forming a common, continuous insertion onto and around the lesser and greater tubercles (LT and GT) of the humerus. Current surgical repair methods (especially arthroscopic techniques) rarely mention or consider these connections during repair and suture anchor implantation. The general principles of RC surgery remain a controversial subject, due to various available techniques, surgeon experience and preference, and the contradicting success rates. This results from old-fashioned knowledge of the anatomy of the RC complex and its functional aspects. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to visualise and define the RC footprint and extension insertions with the aim of enhancing and improving knowledge of the basic anatomy in the hopes that this will be considered during orthopaedic repair. Twenty shoulders (16 cadaveric and 4 fresh) were used in the study. The fresh shoulders were received from the National Tissue Bank, and ethical clearance was obtained (239/2015). Reverse dissection was performed to better visualise the RC unit exposing the interdigitated rotator hood (extension insertions), as well as the complete RC unit (tendons + internal capsule) separated from the scapula and humerus. Once the insertions were exposed and documented, the RC muscle footprint (articular surface area) was measured and recorded, using AutoCAD 2016. No statistical significant difference between left and right (p = 0.424) was noted, but a significant difference between males and females (p = 0.000) was. Collectively, these findings indicate and strengthen evidence towards the notion that the RC muscles/tendons and the internal capsule are one complete and inseparable unit/complex. The fact that the RC unit is more complex in its structure and attachment places importance on the biomechanical stresses encountered after repair. Functions of one RC muscle are not necessarily isolated but instead can be influenced by surrounding muscles as well. In addition to providing greater understanding of the basic anatomy of the RC unit, these findings also provide clarity for surgeons with the goal of improving and enhancing surgical methods for better post-operative patient outcome.

Myocardial lipid content in Fabry disease: a combined 1H-MR spectroscopy and MR imaging study at 3 Tesla.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease is characterized by a progressive deposition of sphingolipids in different organ systems, whereby cardiac involvement leads to death. We hypothesize that lysosomal storage of sphingolipids in the heart as occurring in Fabry disease does not reflect in higher cardiac lipid concentrations detectable by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 3 Tesla. METHODS: Myocardial lipid content was quantified in vivo by 1H-MRS in 30 patients (12 male, 18 female; 18 patients treated with enzyme replacement therapy) with genetically proven Fabry disease and in 30 healthy controls. The study protocol combined 1H-MRS with cardiac cine imaging and LGE MRI in a single examination. RESULTS: Myocardial lipid content was not significantly elevated in Fabry disease (p = 0.225). Left ventricular (LV) mass was significantly higher in patients suffering from Fabry disease compared to controls (p = 0.019). Comparison of patients without signs of myocardial fibrosis in MRI (LGE negative; n = 12) to patients with signs of fibrosis (LGE positive; n = 18) revealed similar myocardial lipid content in both groups (p > 0.05), while the latter showed a trend towards elevated LV mass (p = 0.076). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential of lipid metabolic investigation embedded in a comprehensive examination of cardiac morphology and function in Fabry disease. There was no evidence that lysosomal storage of sphingolipids influences cardiac lipid content as measured by 1H-MRS. Finally, the authors share the opinion that a comprehensive cardiac examination including three subsections (LGE; 1H-MRS; T1 mapping), could hold the highest potential for the final assessment of early and late myocardial changes in Fabry disease.