The decrease of pigment concentration in red tattooed skin years after tattooing.

BACKGROUND: Tattooing entails the injection of high amounts of colourants into skin. Excepting black inks, red azo pigments are the most frequent colourant used. Part of the pigment is transported away via lymphatic system. Another part can be decomposed in skin, which might be responsible for many known adverse skin reactions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the extent of decomposition and transportation by measuring the decrease of pigment concentration in human skin under in vivo conditions. METHODS: Red pigments were extracted from nine tattooed skin specimen and attempted quantification by using HPLC technology. To optimize quantification, we synthesized five common red azo pigments with purity at 98% and used them as HPLC reference substances. RESULTS: In five of the nine skin specimens, we were able to identify and subsequently to quantify the red tattoo pigments such as Pigment Red 22 or Pigment Red 112. The mean pigment concentration in skin was 0.077 ± 0.046 mg/cm². As the pigment concentration in skin ranges from 0.60 to 9.42 mg/cm² (mean: 2.53) directly after tattooing, we estimate a decrease of 87 to 99% of pigment concentration in skin after tattooing. CONCLUSION: Millions of people have many and large tattoos, whereas a single tattoo frequently covers a skin area of more than 300 cm². Thus, the major part of more than 760 mg of azo pigments either decomposes in skin or migrates in the body. That may pose a health risk on tattooed individuals, in particular may cause severe skin reactions.

Complementary Phenotyping of Maize Root System Architecture by Root Pulling Force and X-Ray Imaging.

The root system is critical for the survival of nearly all land plants and a key target for improving abiotic stress tolerance, nutrient accumulation, and yield in crop species. Although many methods of root phenotyping exist, within field studies, one of the most popular methods is the extraction and measurement of the upper portion of the root system, known as the root crown, followed by trait quantification based on manual measurements or 2D imaging. However, 2D techniques are inherently limited by the information available from single points of view. Here, we used X-ray computed tomography to generate highly accurate 3D models of maize root crowns and created computational pipelines capable of measuring 71 features from each sample. This approach improves estimates of the genetic contribution to root system architecture and is refined enough to detect various changes in global root system architecture over developmental time as well as more subtle changes in root distributions as a result of environmental differences. We demonstrate that root pulling force, a high-throughput method of root extraction that provides an estimate of root mass, is associated with multiple 3D traits from our pipeline. Our combined methodology can therefore be used to calibrate and interpret root pulling force measurements across a range of experimental contexts or scaled up as a stand-alone approach in large genetic studies of root system architecture.

Maresin 1 Promotes Wound Healing and Socket Bone Regeneration for Alveolar Ridge Preservation.

Tooth extraction results in alveolar bone resorption and is accompanied by postoperative swelling and pain. Maresin 1 (MaR1) is a proresolving lipid mediator produced by macrophages during the resolution phase of inflammation, bridging healing and tissue regeneration. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of MaR1 on tooth extraction socket wound healing in a preclinical rat model. The maxillary right first molars of Sprague-Dawley rats were extracted, and gelatin scaffolds were placed into the sockets with or without MaR1. Topical application was also given twice a week until complete socket wound closure up to 14 d. Immediate postoperative pain was assessed by 3 scores. Histology and microcomputed tomography were used to assess socket bone fill and alveolar ridge dimensional changes at selected dates. The assessments of coded specimens were performed by masked, calibrated examiners. Local application of MaR1 potently accelerated extraction socket healing. Macroscopic and histologic analysis revealed a reduced soft tissue wound opening and more rapid re-epithelialization with MaR1 delivery versus vehicle on socket healing. Under micro-computed tomography analysis, MaR1 (especially at 0.05 µg/µL) stimulated greater socket bone fill at day 10 as compared with the vehicle-treated animals, resulting in less buccal plate resorption and a wider alveolar ridge by day 21. Interestingly, an increased ratio of CD206+:CD68+ macrophages was identified in the sockets with MaR1 application under immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis. As compared with the vehicle therapy, local delivery of MaR1 reduced immediate postoperative surrogate pain score panels. In summary, MaR1 accelerated extraction wound healing, promoted socket bone fill, preserved alveolar ridge bone, and reduced postoperative pain in vivo with a rodent preclinical model. Local administration of MaR1 offers clinical potential to accelerate extraction socket wound healing for more predictable dental implant reconstruction.

Dicarboxylate transport across the inner membrane of the chloroplast envelope.

The uptake of radioactively labeled dicarboxylates into the sorbitol-impermeable 3H2O space (the space surrounded by the inner envelope membrane) of spinach chloroplasts has been studied by means of silicone layer filtering centrifugation. 1. Malate, aspartate and a number of other dicarboxylates are rapidly transported across the envelope leading to an accumulation in the chloroplasts. This uptake proceeds mainly by a counterexchange with the dicarboxylates present there. 2. The dicarboxylate transport shows saturation characteristics allowing the determination of Km and V. 3. All dicarboxylates transported act as competitive inhibitors of the transport. 4. The activation energy of the transport as determined from the temperature dependency is evaluated to be 7 kcal/mol. 5. The rate of dicarboxylate transport is influenced by illumination, the countertransported molecules and the pH in the medium. These changes effect the transport velocity, whereas the corresponding Km values are not altered. 6. It is discussed whether there is more than one carrier involved in dicarboxylate transport in spinach chloroplasts.

Interferon induction in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes of man and farm animals by poxvirus vector candidates and some poxvirus constructs.

Prototypes of three poxvirus genera--orthopoxvirus (OPV), parapoxvirus (PPV), avipoxvirus (APV)--and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) as a control, as well as three recombinant OPV strains and one recombinant APV strain, were incubated in vitro with peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBML) of man, sheep and swine. Antiviral activity was determined in PBML culture supernatants at different time intervals after virus cell interaction using a cytopathic effect inhibition bioassay. Additionally, supernatants derived from human PBML were screened for interferons (IFN) alpha and gamma as well as for tumor necrosis factor by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IFN titers reached a maximum 24 h after PBML stimulation at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) greater than 1. IFN alpha/beta was found to be responsible for the antiviral effect. Using a MOI > or = 1 the highly attenuated strain MVA was the only representant of vaccinia virus (VV) that induced significant amounts of IFN also as a lacZ recombinant. Replicable virus from five well-known VV strains as well as the Chinese VV strain Tien Tan (VVTT) as a recombinant vaccine failed to induce leukocyte IFN. Inactivated VV strain Elstree and the recombinant TT strain induced high titers of leukocyte IFN. Supernatants derived from human, porcine and ovine PBML stimulated with replicable PPV, native VV MVA and MVA lacZ recombinant or native APV and APV lacZ recombinant virus regularly contained IFN alpha. In contrast to NDV, neither specific antisera nor monoclonal antibodies were able to block the INF induction by VV and PPV.

[Indirect lymphography: indications, technic, clinical results]. / Indirekte Lymphographie: Indikationen, Technik, klinische Ergebnisse.

Indirect lymphography with iotrolan makes it possible to demonstrate the lymphatic pathways with minimal invasiveness. This opens up new possibilities in the differential diagnosis of chronic swelling of the extremities. The typical radiological appearances make it possible to diagnose various types of lymphoedema and lymphangiomatous malformations. The method also promises to be useful in elucidating the pathogenesis of various types of swelling of the extremities.

[Computed tomographic assessment of breathing-induced "pseudo" pneumoperitoneum]. / Computertomographische Beurteilung des beatmungsinduzierten "Pseudo"-Pneumoperitoneums.

The differentiation between a "pseudo" pneumoperitoneum and a pneumoperitoneum due to a perforation may be difficult in unconscious or ventilated patients. The use of CT for differentiating between extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal air is demonstrated by three examples in whom air below the diaphragm was shown by conventional radiographs. CT can prove the extraperitoneal position of an air crescent below the diaphragm in cases of "pseudo" pneumoperitoneum. CT will also show that extraperitoneal air does not rise in the way that true peritoneal air will do when the patient is supine. In this position the viscera therefore do not fall backwards in the presence of a "pseudo" pneumoperitoneum.

[Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS): the assessment of tumor infiltration into the vascular wall]. / Intravasaler Ultraschall (IVUS): Beurteilung der Infiltration von Tumoren in die Gefässwand.

The demonstration or exclusion of tumour infiltration into a vessel wall is made possible by IVUS. This was performed 25 times in 23 patients using a 20 MHz probe where there was suspicion of tumour infiltration on the basis of CT, MRI or angiography. IVUS proved very suitable for clarifying the situation, making direct intravascular evaluation of the affected vessel possible. In 10 cases where surgery was performed, the demonstration or exclusion of tumour infiltration into a vein was confirmed operatively in every case. Further experience is necessary before the value of the method for diagnosing early arterial infiltration can be judged.

[Posterior defects of the patella on CT arthrograms. Detection and differential diagnosis]. / Die Defekte der Patellarückfläche im CT-Arthrogramm. Nachweis und Differentialdiagnose.

Changes of the posterior bony and cartilaginous surfaces of the patella as seen on CT arthrograms are described in the case of bipartite patellae, fractures and ossification defects. Contrary to present opinion, cartilaginous lesions are frequently seen on CT arthrograms. This is also true for discreet and partial ossification defects which are not visible on conventional x-rays and are described here for the first time. The aetiology, morphogenesis and clinical examples are discussed.

[Imaging of epiphyseolysis of the femur head in the magnetic resonance tomogram]. / Die Darstellung der Epiphyseolysis capitis femoris (ECF) im Magnetresonanztomogramm (MRT).

The diagnosis of epiphyseolysis of the femoral head in its early stages is often unclear when using conventional radiography. In order to obtain additional information, we examined seven patients by means of MRT. In all cases the T1-weighted sequences showed widened, ill-defined epiphyseal plates. The epiphyseal displacement was shown accurately by sections of the sagittal plane. T2-weighted sequences showed the presence of an effusion in the hip joints of five patients. In all patients there was increased signal intensity in the metaphysis and in the femoral neck and head. The increased signal intensity appears to be an early sign for the presence of an epiphyseolysis.

[Value of MR for the diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapy follow-up of Perthes' disease]. / Die Wertigkeit der MR für Diagnostik, Differential-diagnostik und Therapiekontrolle des Morbus Perthes.

59 children were examined by MR, including 31 with Perthes' disease, 7 with subluxating Perthes' disease and 12 with hip pain of unknown origin; the results were compared with conventional radiological findings. MR was superior for the early recognition and for the exact determination of the extent and localisation of juvenile femoral epiphyseal necrosis. It was also of great help in differential diagnosis. It appears to be a suitable method for judging the effect of therapy at an early stage.

[Spiral CT angiography: computed improvement of the slice thickness profile]. / Spiral-CT-Angiographie: Rechnerische Verbesserung des Schichtdickenprofils.

It is possible to improve on the low skirt selectivity of the slice sensitivity profile (SSP) in spiral CT by interpolation of the raw data or suitable image after-processing. We determined the SSP function of spiral CT by means of a plexiglas phantom which we subsequently modified empirically-mathematically by a correction function until we obtained maximum possible skirt selectivity and smallest possible FWHM (= full width at half maximum) of the corrected image data set. The corrected image data set was obtained by bilateral convolution of a real image data set with a correction function. This resulted in most cases in a more realistic imaging of the angiographic morphology when applied to SSD and MIP (3D) reconstructions of a. mesenterica sup. and tr. coeliacus from spiral CT data sets, compared with the original data sets.

[The MRT criteria for the differentiation of "pseudotumorous" lesions from bone sarcomas of the extremities]. / MRT-Kriterien zur Differenzierung "pseudotumoröser" Läsionen von Knochensarkomen der Extremitäten.

The MRT scans of 57 patients with Ewing or osteosarcomas and 34 patients with haematogenous osteomyelitis or periostitis/stress fractures were examined in order to determine whether a distinction between benign or malignant lesions is possible. Four criteria were evaluated: the margin of the bone marrow component; intensity and homogeneity of the T1 weighted signal in the bone marrow; presence of an extraosseous structured soft tissue mass and/or soft tissue edema. It was found that central osteosarcomas and Ewing's sarcomas reduced signal intensity of the marrow to become muscle-isointense with a well-defined margin. In acute haematogenous osteomyelitis and periostitis/stress fracture the marrow lesion was not sharply demarcated. In contrast to patients with bone sarcomas, only one case of osteomyelitis showed an extraosseous structured soft tissue mass. On the basis of these findings we believe that acute haematogenous osteomyelitis can be distinguished with high degree of accuracy from Ewing's sarcoma and central osteosarcomas.

[Magnetic resonance tomography of the shoulder. Possibilities of over interpretation of normal findings]. / Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) der Schulter. Möglichkeiten der Uberinterpretation von Normalbefunden.

In order to test the criteria for abnormalities of the shoulder as seen on MR, 30 normal shoulders were examined. The examination included T1, proton and T2-weighted SE sequences and T2*-weighted FE sequences, using transverse, oblique coronary and oblique sagittal planes. In 57% there was increased signal intensity in the tendon of the rotator cuff; this might have been interpreted as a rupture of the cuff or tendinitis. Anatomical examination suggests that the finding is due to a normal layer between the long head of the biceps and the tendon joint complex. The anterior glenoid labrum could not be clearly delineated in 57% and the posterior labrum in 5%. In two cases there was a superior, postero-lateral defect in the head of the humerus. The currently accepted criteria for the MRT diagnosis of shoulder abnormalities need to be critically re-evaluated.

[Magnetic resonance tomography in the assessment of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by tendon grafts]. / Die Kernspintomographie zur Beurteilung des vorderen Kreuzbandersatzes mit Sehnentransplantaten.

150 patients were examined via magnetic resonance (MR) after anterior cruciate (ACL) ligament reconstruction (76 patellar tendon grafts, 53 semitendinous tendon grafts and 21 sutures). The results of MR were compared with clinical tests (Lachman, pivot-shift and anterior drawer test), in 2 cases with the operative findings, and in one case with arthroscopy findings. In 91% of patients with a clinically stable knee we found a continuous low-intensity ligamental structure. 10 patients were examined twice or more between 8 days and 6 months after surgery. Ligamental structures of low signal intensity did not significantly change their MR characteristics. MR is a valuable noninvasive method for evaluating ligament reconstructions.

[A comparison of plain film, axial CT, 2D and 3D reconstructions in unstable spinal injuries following surgery]. / Vergleich von Ubersichtsbild, axialer CT, 2D- und 3D-Rekonstruktion bei instabilen operierten Wirbelsäulenverletzungen.

During a period of 18 months about 70 patients suffering from an unstable spinal injury were operated in the surgical department of our clinic. In 50 of these patients it was possible to correlate the results of preoperative radiography and CT with the operative findings. Several cases of distraction instability in the dorsal column had not been recognised in the preoperative radiologic evaluation. Therefore the rationale of this study was the question as to whether modern CT technology can help to avoid such wrong diagnoses. For that purpose radiographs, axial CT-scans of 2 mm thickness or less, sagittal and coronal 2D and (in 35 cases) 3D reconstructions were re-evaluated step by step by a specifically trained radiologist without knowing the operative findings. 15 additional lesions out of 28 were demonstrated and specifically classified as distraction instabilities of the dorsal column using the improved CT technology.

[Imaging of femur head necrosis using MR tomography]. / Die Darstellung der Femurkopfnekrose in der MR-Tomographie.

Magnetic resonance tomography (MR) was used to examine the femoral heads of 20 normals and of 56 patients with diseases of the femoral head, including Perthe's disease (four cases), adult necrosis of the femoral head (39 cases) and pain of unknown cause (13 cases). Femoral head necrosis and Perthe's disease regularly produce reduced signal intensity. The localisation of the areas of necrosis can be determined accurately in the coronary and sagittal plane. In 11 femoral heads, necrosis could be demonstrated unequivocally by MR in the presence of normal radiographic findings. Follow-up of nine patients with negative MR findings and indefinite symptoms confirmed the absence of necrosis.

[MRI in osteochondrosis dissecans]. / MRI bei der Osteochondrosis dissecans.

The osseous manifestations of osteochondrosis dissecans are well demonstrated by conventional and computerised tomography. Beyond that, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is effective in evaluating the vitality and loosening of an osseous dissecate. Subchondral cavities and cartilaginous defects are detected with high accuracy. Further, MRI seems to be a useful method in childhood to differentiate a variant irregularity of the osseous articular surface from definite osteochondrosis dissecans.

[Imaging of the Achilles tendon on the computed tomogram. Normal findings and pathological changes]. / Die Darstellung der Achillessehne im Computertomogramm. Normalbefunde und pathologische Veränderungen.

Ligaments and tendons, including the Achilles tendon, show the highest density among normal soft tissue structures in the body. Traumatic and degenerative changes of the Achilles tendon are often associated with marked thickening and reduction in density associated with increased opacity of the space in front of the Achilles tendon. These changes are easily demonstrated by CT, whereas conventional radiological techniques only show non-specific changes. Twenty-five patients were examined, including nine with pain, seven following rupture of the Achilles tendon and nine post-operative controls; it was found that CT can add information important for the diagnosis and treatment planning of abnormalities of the Achilles tendon.

[The diagnostic accuracy of MRT in cruciate ligament injuries]. / Diagnostische Treffsicherheit der MRT bei Kreuzbandverletzungen.

Lesions of the anterior cruciate ligaments may be demonstrated by MRI with an accuracy of 99%. Standardised technique with sagittal and coronal projections produces excellent results. Localisation of the site of rupture can be achieved in 95% of cases. MRI provides a valuable method for diagnosing lesions of the cruciate ligaments.