Selective Cytotoxicity of Manganese Nanoparticles against Human Glioblastoma Cells.

Toxicity of different types of manganese nanoparticles against glioblastoma U-87MG and U-251 cells and normal human cells was studied using MTT test. The selectivity of the toxic effect of nanoparticles was evaluated as the ratio of 50% cytotoxic concentration (СС50) for human embryos fibroblasts (FECh-15) to their СС50 for tumor cells. Five of 6 samples of tested nanoparticles demonstrated selective toxic effect in vitro. Manganese oxide nanoparticles were characterized by maximum selectivity (СС50 6.9 nM and 2.1 nM for U-87MG and U-251 cells, respectively): selectivity index for glioblastoma U-87MG and U-251 cells was 29 and 95.2, respectively. Manganese oxide nanoparticles used for MRI detection of gliomas can be used for designing an oncolytic agent for the treatment of glial tumors in humans.

Antisocial behavior, somatization, and sensation-seeking behavior in mothers of clinic-referred children.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between antisocial behavior and somatization was studied in a sample of mothers of clinic-referred, school-age children. The goal was to overcome some of the methodological limitations of past research in this area and to provide a preliminary test of the theory that these disorders share a common substrate: a tendency toward behavioral disinhibition. METHOD: Structured diagnostic interviews and an objective personality measure were used to assess antisocial behavior and somatization in a sample of 90 biological mothers (mean age 34 years) of children referred to an outpatient mental health clinic. A rating scale measure of sensation-seeking behavior was used as a measure of behavioral disinhibition. Structured interviews were used to assess a history of antisocial behavior in the children and their biological fathers. RESULTS: Results indicated a link between somatization and antisocial behavior both within individuals and across generations. This intergenerational link could not be solely accounted for by assortative mating between women with somatization and antisocial men. Both somatization and antisocial behavior were correlated with scores on the sensation seeking scale. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with the theory that antisocial behavior and somatization are related syndromes and that behavioral disinhibition may be a common predisposition that underlies both.

Isolated hyperthermic perfusion with mitoxantrone of melphalan in malignant melanoma of the limb.

BACKGROUND: Melphalan administered by isolated hyperthermic perfusion of the affected limb is an accepted treatment for malignant melanoma of the extremities. In contrast, pharmacologic and phase I studies suggest that, because of its high uptake, mitoxantrone may give even better local control, but data on survival, onset of metastases, and local and systemic toxicities have not yet been reported. METHODS: A matched-pairs comparison was performed to examine differences in the tolerability and effectiveness of isolated hyperthermic extremity perfusion with mitoxantrone (n = 44) and melphalan (n = 44) in high risk and locoregionally (P < 0.41) metastatic malignant melanoma. Criteria evaluated were local and systemic complications, and recurrence-free and overall survival. RESULTS: Local complications, such as delayed wound healing, were more frequent in the mitoxantrone (27.9%) than in the melphalan group (9.8%) (P < 0.05). Systemic toxicity, in particular bone marrow toxicity, was also more severe with mitoxantrone (78.6% versus 15.4%, P < 0.001). Hepatotoxic effects were more frequent among patients in the melphalan group who were older and has lower tissue perfusion temperatures (P < 0.05). There was no difference between the two groups in overall or recurrence-free survival (P < 0.41). CONCLUSIONS: Local and systemic toxicity seem to be higher with mitoxantrone. Survival rates were similar with both drugs. The data obtained suggest a randomized phase II study with an appropriate number of patients.

Spin-echo methods for the determination of 31P transverse relaxation times of the ATP NMR signals in vivo.

31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) examinations of the calf muscles of healthy volunteers were performed to determine T2 of the coupled ATP signals by use of the Hahn spin-echo and the frequency-selective spin-echo method. Additional measurements with the J-coupling refocused double echo are presented. The most reliable determination of T2 relaxation times is possible with the frequency-selective spin echo. The other methods yield substantially wrong results. Theoretical explanations are given how J-coupling and pulse-angle deviations affect the signals and therefore the T2 determinations. The calculations for a weakly coupled homonuclear AX spin system are shown because they demonstrate most of the relevant facts. In addition, some important results for a homonuclear AMX spin system, which the ATP is considered to be, are given.

Imaging of the human cardiovascular system using the rapid echo flow-rephased spin-echo technique.

Using a flow-rephased spin-echo technique with a short echo time of TE = 9.7 msec, "white blood" multislice and single slice first echo images of the human heart were acquired using standard 1.5 T whole-body imagers. The technique almost completely eliminates phase shifts for flow with constant velocity and constant acceleration, so the investigations with healthy volunteers show images which are almost free of the artifacts often found in ECG-gated standard spin-echo imaging of the heart. T1-weighted images with good contrast between tissue and blood are achieved at any time during the whole heart cycle. The results obtained indicate that the technique might be helpful for imaging small vessels, vessels which contain slowly flowing blood, and vessels located in regions with static field inhomogeneities, for example, lung vessels.

Localized phosphorus NMR spectroscopy: a comparison of the FID, DRESS, CRISIS/CODEX, and STEAM methods in vitro and in vivo using a surface-coil.

The FID, DRESS, CRISIS/CODEX, and STEAM techniques for localized 31P NMR spectroscopy were compared using a Siemens Magnetom SP63 1.5 T whole-body imager and a surface-coil, 80 mm in diameter, acting as transmitter and receiver coil. The comparison was performed with phantom experiments and human in vivo investigations on the calf muscle. The phantom experiments which used the same volume size showed a comparable signal-to-noise ratio for FID and DRESS, while the two fully localized techniques showed a reduction in signal-to-noise ratio to 76% for CRISIS/CODEX and 31% for STEAM. The in vivo measurements confirm the phantom results and reveal that CRISIS/CODEX gains a 2.5 fold higher signal-to-noise ratio than STEAM under the same conditions.

[Potentials of nuclear magnetic resonance tomographic diagnosis of the adrenals. Initial experience using a Helmholtz surface coil]. / Möglichkeiten der kernspintomographischen Nebennierendiagnostik. Erste Erfahrungen unter Anwendung einer Helmholtz-Oberflächenspule.

In order to obtain optimum spatial resolution in the adrenal glands, images were obtained using Helmholtz surface coils and respiratory gating. In addition to normal controls, 9 patients with space-occupying lesions were examined (4 metastases, 3 adenomas, 2 phaeochromocytomas). It was found that tissue-specific appearances were associated only with phaeochromocytomas, depending on the high signal intensity on their T2 sequences.

[Radiological biliary tract diagnosis after cholecystectomy (author's transl)]. / Radiologische Gallenwegsdiagnostik nach Cholezystektomie. II. Mitteilung: Klinische Untersuchungen.

Fifty-three patients with biliary symptoms were studied at least four years after cholecystectomy by isotope techniques. There was a highly significant correlation between symptoms and disturbances of bile flow, such as dyskinesia or obstruction. There was no correlation with serum enzyme levels such as gamma-GT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin or transaminases. Measurements of the diameter of the bile duct on cholangiograms provided no evidence of obstruction up to 15 mm., although a diameter in excess of 10 mm, made obstruction likely. The upper value for "normal" bile flow derived from hilar flow curves of patients without dyskinesia showed a half value period of 27.5 minutes. The disturbances of flow demonstrated by isotope methods in the presence of typical symptoms, and without other pathological findings, indicate a pre-clinical stage of a partly compensated bilio dynamic insufficiency. Where there is no morphological evidence of biliary obstruction, one must assume inflammatory changes round the papilla of Vater; these are frequent even in normal biliary tracts and almost always present after cholecystectomy. Quantitative hepato-biliary scintigraphy is the most reliable method for objective measurement of disturbances of bile flow and make it possible to avoid the vague diagnosis of "post-cholecystectomy syndrome".

[1.5 Tesla nuclear magnetic resonance tomographic studies of bladder cancer]. / Kernspintomographische Untersuchungen von Harnblasenkarzinomen bei 1,5 Tesla.

MR tomography was performed in 15 patients with urologically prediagnosed carcinoma of the urinary bladder. A field strength of 1.5 Tesla yields excellent morphological resolution of site and contrast. The results are compared with CT and--wherever available--with the pathological anatomic preparations. MR is often superior to x-ray computed tomography in demonstrating polypous carcinomas of the bladder and those producing thickening of the wall, since MR offers the possibility of performing coronary and sagittal cuts. In individual cases, MR can supply definite information on the depth of infiltration into the bladder wall and into perivesical structures; such findings agree with those obtained with cystectomy preparations. The contrast behaviour of the tumours and adjacent structures depends strongly on the measurement parameters employed with the high-strength field technique of 1.5 Tesla used in this study. MR echo sequences using different measurement parameters are useful in delineating the tumour contours against adjacent structures such as prostate, seminal vesicles, perivesical fat, urine and to differentiate the tumour from the healthy bladder wall.

[Necessity for ECG triggering in digital subtraction angiography. Construction of a simple trigger device]. / Zur Notwendigkeit einer EKG-Triggerung bei der digitalen Subtraktionsangiographie (DSA). Bau eines einfachen Triggergerätes.

Movement unsharpness during digital subtraction angiography of the aortic arch and supra-aortic vessels can be avoided by means of ECG gating. The usual techniques resulted in exposures during the phase of least cardiac movement. The relatively long exposure time of about 60 to 300 msec caused marginal blurring during the exposure. An ECG-triggered device is described which produces short exposure times for the mask and filled frame during identical cardiac phases. An example with and without ECG gating shows marked improvement in detail rendering. The design of an ECG-triggered device with digitally adjustable delay and freedom from interference is described.

[Optimized study technic in meniscopathies by NMR tomographic 3D imaging at 1.5 tesla]. / Optimierte Untersuchungstechnik von Meniskopathien durch kernspintomographisches 3D-Imaging bei 1,5 Tesla.

Traumatic and degenerative changes in the meniscus can be demonstrated well by MRT, but the small size and complex anatomical structure of the menisci present practical problems. A correct understanding is only possible by images in several planes and good resolution, making the examination a lengthy procedure. A technique is therefore described using 3-D images and reconstruction of high-resolution films, which allows rapid examination of the menisci in optimal planes.

[Value of MR tomography vs. CT in the diagnosis of rectal carcinoma and its recurrence]. / Wertigkeit der MR-Tomographie für die Diagnostik des Rektumkarzinoms und dessen Rezidiv im Vergleich zur CT.

The value of NMR tomography for the diagnosis of carcinoma of the rectum and of recurrences has been studied, using a 1.5 Tesla NMR apparatus and comparing the results with high resolution CT. There were five patients with a histologically proven primary tumour, eighteen patients with a recurrence and five patients who had had a rectal carcinoma removed, where there was no evidence of recurrence. By obtaining images in three planes, NMR showed the true tumour extent in all cases and was superior to CT in the diagnosis of the primary tumour (in four patients out of five) and in showing recurrences (in five out of eighteen patients). NMR also had advantages in demonstrating lymph node enlargement in the pelvis, where difficulties are often encountered using CT. Early experience with tissue characterisation indicates that it is possible to diagnose rectal tumours confined to that organ. These are usually missed by CT. CT is superior to NMR in demonstrating destructive lesions in bone. Early clinical experience suggests that NMR is a further advance in the early diagnosis of carcinoma of the rectum and of recurrences.

[T2*-weighted MR images of gynecologic tumors with the FLASH sequence: the initial experiences at 1.5 T]. / T2*-betonte MR-Bilder gynäkologischer Tumoren mit der FLASH-Sequenz: Erste Erfahrungen bei 1,5 T.

To speed up the time taken for MR examinations, 20 patients with malignant gynaecological lesions (carcinoma of the cervix, uterus or ovary) and two operative specimen (carcinoma of the cervix) were examined by T2*-weighted flash sequences; the results were compared with T2-weighted spin echo sequences. In ten out of 20 in vivo examinations, the flash method produced a similar contrast range between tumour and normal tissues, cystic lesions being particularly well seen in gradient echo sequences. In the remaining patients, and in the surgical specimen, demarcation of the tumour was significantly poorer on the flash sequences. There was also loss of anatomic detail and an increased susceptibility to artifacts. The flash sequence as used here can therefore not be regarded as of the same diagnostic value as T2-weighted spin echo sequences in the diagnosis of gynaecological malignancies.

[Nuclear spin tomography of the male pelvis. Methods, anatomy and initial clinical results]. / Kernspintomographie des männlichen Beckens. Methode, Anatomie und erste klinische Ergebnisse.

A pilot study of MRI was carried out on three normal male volunteers and 15 patients with tumours in the prostate or bladder. One advantage of the method is the ability to obtain images in three planes, without moving the patient. It is therefore possible for the first time to demonstrate lesions in the base of the bladder in their cranio-caudal extent. Tissue contrast of MRI, using long sequences with suitable proton or T2-weighted images is better than with CT and provides more accurate diagnosis. Even non-expansive tumours within the gland can be differentiated from normal glandular tissue. It has been noted that carcinoma of the prostate in the T2-mode provides an increased signal, whereas tumours of the bladder look dark. Up to a point, tissue characterisation may be possible.

[Radiological investigation of the bile ducts following cholecystectomy. Paper III: Determination of the diameter of the common bile duct by isotope methods (author's transl)]. / Radiologische Gallenwegsdiagnostik nach Cholezystektomie. III. Mitteilung: Die nuklearmedizinische Weitenbestimmung des Hauptgallenganges.

The diameter of the common bile duct can be determined by means of quantitative hepato-biliary functional scintigraphy to an accuracy of +/- 2 mm. It is necessary to keep the conditions of the test constant, such as constant regions of interest and size of region. A common bile duct diameter greater than 10 mm. is suggestive of biliary obstruction, diameters above 15 mm. are definite proof. For the demonstration of post-hepatic obstruction, the hilar flow curve is confirmatory. Peristalsis of the common bile duct, which is an unlikely phenomenon in view of the anatomic studies of the muscle in the bile duct, cannot be demonstrated in this way.

[Parameter-weighted MR images and their optimization: theory and example of images for the flash sequence compared to the spin-echo sequence]. / Parametergewichtete MR-Bilder und ihre Optimierung: Theorie und Bildbeispiele für die FLASH-Sequenz im Vergleich zur Spinecho-Sequenz.

In this paper the signal intensity and parameter-weighting zones of spin echo and gradient echo sequences (FLASH) have been analysed. Using information available in the literature, with additional analytical and numerical techniques, it is possible to determine parameters which maximise tissue contrast for T1, T2 and proton-weighted images. The technique is equally applicable to spin echo and FLASH sequences. The advantages of optimised gradient echo sequences compared with spin echo sequences with respect to its signal to noise ratio for short repetition times are analysed quantitatively. T2-weighted images can be generated as rapid as T1-weighted images, using the FLASH sequences when using a small angle of spin and relatively long echo. Illustrations are shown to demonstrate the numerical results (field strength 1.5 tesla). This is followed by a discussion of possible opposing effects.

[Imaging of prostatic cancer by 1.5 Tesla nuclear resonance tomography]. / Die Darstellung des Prostatakarzinoms in der Kernspintomographie bei 1,5 Tesla.

Twenty-two patients with histologically confirmed carcinomas of the prostate were examined by nuclear magnetic resonance, using a 1.5 Tesla magnet (stage T1: one patient, T2: eight patients, T3: six patients, T4: seven patients). In 19 out of the 21 patients in stages T2 to T4, the tumour showed a specific signal intensity. In 12 cases, the tumour signal was more intense than from a normal prostate when using medium repetition and echo delay times; in 19 cases, multi-echo sequences with increasing echo delay time (30 to 240 ms) and long repetition times (usually 1600 ms) showed less reduction in signal intensity than surrounding structures (except urine). Unlike computed tomography, 1.5 Tesla MR is able to demonstrate carcinomas confined to the prostate. Demonstration of infiltration is possible with MR with great accuracy because of the ability to obtain images in three planes and because of the accurate rendering of soft tissue detail. In particular, MR differentiates between stages T2 and T3 more clearly than does CT. The best demonstration of anatomical structures in the true pelvis is achieved with a repetition time of 800 ms and an echo delay time of 30 ms, the best demonstration of tumour with corresponding 1600 ms and 120 ms. The effect of catheters in the bladder, or previous transurethral resection on the MR images is discussed.

[NMR tomography of the shoulder joint: clinical experiences with the saturation pulse technic]. / Kernspintomographie des Schultergelenkes: Klinische Erfahrungen mit der Sättigungspulstechnik.

High zoom factors for MRT of the shoulder joint can lead to disturbing artifacts. The use of special saturation coils can improve longitudinal magnetisation of the central image, making it possible to produce artifact-free images of the shoulder with high resolution. Two normals and 20 patients with the rotator cuff syndrome, as well as other inflammatory and neoplastic processes, have been examined. The findings have been correlated with those of arthrography, arthro-sonography, bone scintigraphy, CT and simple radiographic examination. The MRT findings were compared with the other imaging techniques and the results are discussed. MRT proved superior to other techniques, particularly in the elucidation of soft tissue abnormalities in the rotator cuff syndrome.

[1st results of the diagnosis of focal liver and spleen lesions using gradient echo sequences]. / Erste Ergebnisse in der Diagnostik fokaler Leber- und Milzläsionen mittels Gradientenechosequenzen.

15 healthy subjects and 39 patients with focal liver and spleen lesions were examined via MR tomography at 1.5 tesla. Gradient field echos at small angle excitation (less than 90 degrees) were employed. The imaging time per layer was 10 seconds so that rapid imaging could be carried out at respiratory standstill. This enabled visualisation of liver and spleen without interference by breathing artifacts and with accurate localisation. Focal lesions can be imaged best at low flip-angle pulses (liver) or low to medium-angle pulses (spleen). The primary liver cell carcinoma is visualised as an inhomogeneous structure with similar signal intensity as the surrounding tissue. All other examined liver lesions (metastases, haemangiomas, lymphatic infiltrates, echinococcus cysts, FNH, gummae) showed greater signal intensity than the remaining organ at small angle excitation. Furthermore, contrast reversals were seen at medium-angle pulses. Contrariwise, with the exception of the light-coloured spleen infarcts, spleen lesions (lymphatic infiltrate, Boeck's disease or sarcoidosis) appeared darker at all excitation angles than the surrounding tissue.