Monitoring of magmatic-hydrothermal system by noble gas and carbon isotopic compositions of fumarolic gases.

We repeatedly measured isotopic compositions of noble gases and CO2 in volcanic gases sampled at six fumaroles around the Kusatsu-Shirane volcano (Japan) between 2014 and 2021 to detect variations reflecting recent volcanic activity. The synchronous increases in 3He/4He at some fumaroles suggest an increase in magmatic gas supply since 2018. The increase in magmatic gas supply is also supported by the temporal variations in 3He/CO2 ratios and carbon isotopic ratios of CO2. The 3He/40Ar* ratios (40Ar*: magmatic 40Ar) show significant increases in the period of high 3He/4He ratios. The temporal variation in 3He/40Ar* ratios may reflect changes in magma vesicularity. Therefore, the 3He/40Ar* ratio of fumarolic gases is a useful parameter to monitor the current state of degassing magma, which is essential for understanding the deep process of volcanic unrest and may contribute to identifying precursors of a future eruption. These results provide additional validation for the use of noble gas and carbon isotopic compositions of fumarolic gases for monitoring magmatic-hydrothermal systems.

Magnetization of mesenchymal stem cells using magnetic liposomes enhances their retention and immunomodulatory efficacy in mouse inflamed skeletal muscle.

Sarcopenia, an age-related reduction in skeletal muscle mass and strength, is mainly caused by chronic inflammation. Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capacity to both promote myogenic cell differentiation and suppress inflammation, they are a promising candidate for sarcopenia treatment. In this study, to achieve the long-term retention of MSCs in skeletal muscle, we prepared magnetized MSCs using magnetic anionic liposome/atelocollagen complexes that we had previously developed, and evaluated their retention efficiency and immunomodulatory effects in mouse inflamed skeletal muscle. Mouse MSCs were efficiently magnetized by incubation with magnetic anionic liposome/atelocollagen complexes for 30 min under a magnetic field. The magnetized MSCs differentiated normally into osteoblasts and adipocytes. Additionally, non-magnetized MSCs and magnetized MSCs increased IL-6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression and decreased TNF-α and IL-1ß mRNA expression in C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle myotubes through paracrine effects. Moreover, magnetized MSCs were significantly retained in cell culture plates and mouse skeletal muscle after their local injection in the presence of a magnetic field. Furthermore, magnetized MSCs significantly increased IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA expression and decreased TNF-α and IL-1ß mRNA expression in inflamed skeletal muscle. These results suggest that magnetized MSCs may be useful for effective sarcopenia treatment.

Enhanced macrophage delivery to the colon using magnetic lipoplexes with a magnetic field.

Magnetically guided cell delivery systems would be valuable to achieve effective macrophage-based cell therapy for colonic inflammatory diseases. In the current study, we developed a method for the efficient and simultaneous introduction of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and plasmid DNA (pDNA) into RAW264 murine macrophage-like cells using SPION-incorporated cationic liposome/pDNA complexes (magnetic lipoplexes). SPIONs and pDNA were introduced for magnetization and functionalization of the macrophages, respectively. We also evaluated the adhesive properties of magnetized RAW264 cells using magnetic lipoplexes in the murine colon under a magnetic field. Significant cellular association and gene expression without cytotoxicity were observed when magnetic cationic liposomes and pDNA were mixed at a weight ratio of 10:1, and SPION concentration and magnetic field exposure time was 0.1 mg/mL and 10 min, respectively. We also observed that cytokine production in magnetized RAW264 cells was similar to that in non-treated RAW264 cells, whereas nitric oxide production was significantly increased in magnetized RAW264 cells. Furthermore, magnetized RAW264 cells highly adhered to a Caco-2 cell monolayer and colon in mice, under a magnetic field. These results suggest that this magnetic cell delivery system can improve the colonic delivery of macrophages and its therapeutic efficacy against colonic inflammatory diseases.

Regional geochemical baseline concentration of potentially toxic trace metals in the mineralized Lom Basin, East Cameroon: a tool for contamination assessment.

The distribution of trace metals in active stream sediments from the mineralized Lom Basin has been evaluated. Fifty-five bottom sediments were collected and the mineralogical composition of six pulverized samples determined by XRD. The fine fraction (< 150 µm) was subjected to total digestion (HClO4 + HF + HCl) and analyzed for trace metals using a combination of ICP-MS and AAS analytical methods. Results show that the mineralogy of stream sediments is dominated by quartz (39-86%), phyllosilicates (0-45%) and feldspars (0-27%). Mean concentrations of the analyzed metals are low (e.g. As = 99.40 µg/kg, Zn = 573.24 µg/kg, V = 963.14 µg/kg and Cr = 763.93 µg/kg). Iron and Mn have significant average concentrations of 28.325 and 442 mg/kg, respectively. Background and threshold values of the trace metals were computed statistically to determine geochemical anomalies of geologic or anthropogenic origin, particularly mining activity. Factor analysis, applied on normalized data, identified three associations: Ni-Cr-V-Co-As-Se-pH, Cu-Zn-Hg-Pb-Cd-Sc and Fe-Mn. The first association is controlled by source geology and the neutral pH, the second by sulphide mineralization and the last by chemical weathering of ferromagnesian minerals. Spatial analysis reveals similar distribution trends for Co-Cr-V-Ni and Cu-Zn-Pb-Sc reflecting the lithology and sulphide mineralization in the basin. Relatively high levels of As were concordant with reported gold occurrences in the area while Fe and Mn distribution are consistent with their source from the Fe-bearing metamorphic rocks. These findings provide baseline geochemical values for common and parallel geological domains in the eastern region of Cameroon. Although this study shows that the stream sediments are not polluted, the evaluation of metal composition in environmental samples from abandoned and active mine sites for comparison and environmental health risk assessment is highly recommended.

Hydrogeochemistry and quality of surface water and groundwater in the vicinity of Lake Monoun, West Cameroon: approach from multivariate statistical analysis and stable isotopic characterization.

With the use of conventional hydrogeochemical techniques, multivariate statistical analysis, and stable isotope approaches, this paper investigates for the first time surface water and groundwater from the surrounding areas of Lake Monoun (LM), West Cameroon. The results reveal that waters are generally slightly acidic to neutral. The relative abundance of major dissolved species are Ca(2+) > Mg(2+) > Na(+) > K(+) for cations and HCO3 (-) â‰« NO3 (-) > Cl(-) > SO4 (2-) for anions. The main water type is Ca-Mg-HCO3. Observed salinity is related to water-rock interaction, ion exchange process, and anthropogenic activities. Nitrate and chloride have been identified as the most common pollutants. These pollutants are attributed to the chlorination of wells and leaching from pit latrines and refuse dumps. The stable isotopic compositions in the investigated water sources suggest evidence of evaporation before recharge. Four major groups of waters were identified by salinity and NO3 concentrations using the Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Consistent with the isotopic results, group 1 represents fresh unpolluted water occurring near the recharge zone in the general flow regime; groups 2 and 3 are mixed water whose composition is controlled by both weathering of rock-forming minerals and anthropogenic activities; group 4 represents water under high vulnerability of anthropogenic pollution. Moreover, the isotopic results and the HCA showed that the CO2-rich bottom water of LM belongs to an isolated hydrological system within the Foumbot plain. Except for some springs, groundwater water in the area is inappropriate for drinking and domestic purposes but good to excellent for irrigation.

Origin of major ions in monthly rainfall events at the Bamenda Highlands, Northwest Cameroon.

Rainwater characteristics can reveal emissions from various anthropogenic and natural sources into the atmosphere. The physico-chemical characteristics of 44 monthly rainfall events (collected between January and December 2012) from 4 weather stations (Bamenda, Ndop plain, Ndawara and Kumbo) in the Bamenda Highlands (BH) were investigated. The purpose was to determine the sources of chemical species, their seasonal inputs and suitability of the rainwater for drinking. The mean pH of 5 indicated the slightly acidic nature of the rainwater. Average total dissolved solids (TDS) were low (6.7 mg/L), characteristic of unpolluted atmospheric moisture/air. Major ion concentrations (mg/L) were low and in the order K(+) > Ca(2+) > Mg(2+) > Na(+) for cations and NO3(-)≫HCO3(-)>SO4(2-)>Cl(-)>PO4(3-)>F(-) for anions. The average rainwater in the area was mixed Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl water type. The Cl(-)/Na(+) ratio (1.04) was comparable to that of seawater (1.16), an indication that Na(+) and Cl(-) originated mainly from marine (Atlantic Ocean) aerosols. High enrichments of Ca(2+), Mg(2+) and SO(2-)4 to Na(+) ratios relative to seawater ratios (constituting 44% of the total ions) demonstrated their terrigenous origin, mainly from Saharan and Sahelian arid dusts. The K(+)/Na(+) ratio (2.24), which was similar to tropical vegetation ash (2.38), and NO3(-) was essentially from biomass burning. Light (< 100 mm) pre-monsoon and post-monsoon convective rains were enriched in major ions than the heavy (> 100 mm) monsoon rains, indicating a high contribution of major ions during the low convective showers. Despite the acidic nature, the TDS and major ion concentrations classified the rainwater as potable based on the WHO guidelines.

Bacterial and archaeal communities in Lake Nyos (Cameroon, Central Africa).

The aim of this study was to assess the microbial diversity associated with Lake Nyos, a lake with an unusual chemistry in Cameroon. Water samples were collected during the dry season on March 2013. Bacterial and archaeal communities were profiled using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) approach of the 16S rRNA gene. The results indicate a stratification of both communities along the water column. Altogether, the physico-chemical data and microbial sequences suggest a close correspondence of the potential microbial functions to the physico-chemical pattern of the lake. We also obtained evidence of a rich microbial diversity likely to include several novel microorganisms of environmental importance in the large unexplored microbial reservoir of Lake Nyos.

Assessment of the relationship between the mandibular cortex on panoramic radiographs and the risk of bone fracture and vascular disease in 80-year-olds.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess cortical measurements on panoramic radiographs in 80-year-old subjects to predict bone fracture and vascular disease risks. METHODS: The cortical width and shape (normal cortex, mildly to moderately eroded cortex, and severely eroded cortex) were evaluated on 659 panoramic radiographs obtained from 262 men and 397 women, all of whom were 80 years old. At baseline, a general medical examination, including heel bone density, was performed in all subjects. Fractures and vascular disease occurring within 5 years after the baseline examination were determined in 191 subjects and in 108 subjects who died within 5 years after the baseline examination. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between heel bone density and cortical width (r = 0.435, P < .001) and shape (r = 0.231, P < .001). However, cortical measurements on panoramic radiographs were not significantly associated with the occurrence of fractures and vascular disease within 5 years after the baseline examination. CONCLUSIONS: Among the elderly, cortical measurements on panoramic radiographs may be associated with bone mineral density and physical activity, but they are not useful markers for the subsequent occurrence of fractures and vascular disease.

Relationship between cortical bone formation on mandibular condyles and alternation of the magnetic resonance signals characteristic of growth.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the significance of double contour-like structures (DCLS) relative to the maturity of mandibular condyles and the possible constituents of DCLS. We evaluated the relationship between the alternation of DCLS and the ossification on the top of mandibular condyles. METHODS: In 36 subjects, aged 9 to14 years at the first examination, magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of the mandibular condyles were obtained from fast spin echo intermediate-weighted images and T2-weighted images; 2 or 3 years later, magnetic resonance images were again obtained from 23 of the same 36 subjects. RESULTS: A significant relationship was found between the absence of DCLS and the continuity of void-signal lines on the tops of the mandibular condyles. DCLS disappeared, and the void-signal lines on the tops of the mandibular condyles became continuous as the children grew. The top of DCLS was seen as a hypersignal on T2-weighted images. CONCLUSIONS: Alternations of DCLS might be a useful criterion for evaluating the maturity of mandibular condyles in children. Possible constituents of DCLS might be hypervascular loose fibrous tissue and a proliferation of cartilage accompanied by active ossification on the tops of the mandibular condyles.

Can the presence of carotid artery calcification on panoramic radiographs predict the risk of vascular diseases among 80-year-olds?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether subsequent vascular diseases and related death could be predicted by the presence of carotid artery calcification detected on panoramic radiographs among elderly persons. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated 659 panoramic radiographs from 262 male and 397 female 80-year-old subjects and their general medical examination data to assess the relationship between the presence of carotid artery calcification and vascular disease risk at baseline examination. Of these subjects, the occurrence of vascular diseases within 5 years after baseline examination was examined in 191 subjects. Further, the causes of death were examined in 108 subjects who died within 5 years after baseline examination. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the history of past vascular diseases among subjects with and without carotid artery calcifications; however, no significant difference in the occurrence of subsequent vascular diseases was found among them. Further, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of vascular disease-related death within 5 years after baseline examination among subjects with and without carotid artery calcifications (P = 0.719). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the presence of carotid artery calcifications on panoramic radiographs may be related to the history of past vascular diseases; however, this is not a useful marker for subsequent vascular diseases and related death among 80-year-olds.

Utility of diffusion-weighted images using fast asymmetric spin-echo sequences for detection of abscess formation in the head and neck region.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of new diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images (DWI) using fast asymmetric spin-echo (FASE) sequences for the detection of abscess formation in patients with phlegmon in the oral and maxillofacial regions. METHODS: We compared diffusion-weighted images using FASE sequences with those using the gradient-echo type of echo-planar images (EPI) in 10 control volunteers and 10 patients with phlegmon in the oral and maxillofacial regions. RESULTS: Many kinds of tissues in the oral and maxillofacial regions were relatively well visualized in all subjects on FASE-DWI, but not well on EPI-DWI. Apparent diffusion coefficients calculated from FASE sequences in abscess areas of patients with phlegmon were significantly lower than those in abscess-free areas; however, apparent diffusion coefficients calculated from EPI were not significantly different due to prominent distortion in small sample size study. CONCLUSIONS: We could accurately recognize the presence of abscess formation within inflammatory tissue in 5 patients with phlegmon using FASE-DWI. As an additional magnetic resonance examination, FASE-DWI might be useful in the detection of abscess formation in the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Three-dimensional identification of hemangiomas and feeding arteries in the head and neck region using combined phase-contrast MR angiography and fast asymmetric spin-echo sequences.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a proposed technique for the 3-dimensional (3D) detection of hemangiomas, including vascular malformation and their feeding arteries, in the head and neck. The new technique combines phase-contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PCMRA) without contrast medium and 3D fast asymmetric spin-echo (FASE) sequences. METHODS: The technique was applied to 3 patients having hemangiomas in the head and neck region. In 1 patient the image obtained with the proposed technique was compared to that obtained by standard contrast angiography. RESULTS: In all 3 patients, the 3D presence of the hemangiomas and the feeding arteries were well defined in images created by the proposed technique. Additionally, the characterization of the hemangioma's 3D structure and distribution of the feeding arteries coincided with those observed using contrast angiography in the case for which contrast angiography was also performed. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary experience shows that the proposed technique combining 3D-FASE and 3D-PCMRA is useful to visualize both the 3D structure of hemangiomas and to identify the 3D distribution of the feeding arteries without using contrast medium.

Degassing Lakes Nyos and Monoun: defusing certain disaster.

Since the catastrophic releases of CO(2) in the 1980s, Lakes Nyos and Monoun in Cameroon experienced CO(2) recharge at alarming rates of up to 80 mol/m(2) per yr. Total gas pressures reached 8.3 and 15.6 bar in Monoun (2003) and Nyos (2001), respectively, resulting in gas saturation levels up to 97%. These natural hazards are distinguished by the potential for mitigation to prevent future disasters. Controlled degassing was initiated at Nyos (2001) and Monoun (2003) amid speculation it could inadvertently destabilize the lakes and trigger another gas burst. Our measurements indicate that water column structure has not been compromised by the degassing and local stability is increasing in the zones of degassing. Furthermore, gas content has been reduced in the lakes approximately 12-14%. However, as gas is removed, the pressure at pipe inlets is reduced, and the removal rate will decrease over time. Based on 12 years of limnological measurements we developed a model of future removal rates and gas inventory, which predicts that in Monoun the current pipe will remove approximately 30% of the gas remaining before the natural gas recharge balances the removal rate. In Nyos the single pipe will remove approximately 25% of the gas remaining by 2015; this slow removal extends the present risk to local populations. More pipes and continued vigilance are required to reduce the risk of repeat disasters. Our model indicates that 75-99% of the gas remaining would be removed by 2010 with two pipes in Monoun and five pipes in Nyos, substantially reducing the risks.

The functional evaluation of salivary glands using dynamic MR sialography following citric acid stimulation: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: We introduce a new technique for the functional evaluation of the salivary glands using continuous magnetic resonance (MR) sialography before and after citric acid stimulation. METHODS: In 10 volunteers, the time-dependent changes in the maximum area of the detectable parotid gland ducts on MR sialographic images taken every 30 seconds before and after citric acid stimulation were analyzed. The time period to the occurrence of the maximum duct area poststimulation was noted, and then the time for the area to return to its 50% value pre-citric acid stimulation was also observed. This new technique was clinically applied in 1 patient with an excessive supply impression of saliva and in 1 patient with a short supply impression with saliva. RESULTS: In all volunteers after citric acid stimulation, the maximum area of the detectable salivary gland ducts first increased and then decreased. A strong relationship was found between the maximum area of the detectable salivary gland ducts before citric acid stimulation and total saliva volume (Pearson r = 0.672, P = .031). Compared with all the volunteers, the ratio of change in the detectable ducts was the highest in the patient with an excessive supply impression of saliva, but lowest in the patient with a short supply impression with saliva. CONCLUSIONS: This initial study suggests that dynamic MR sialography allows for functional and morphological evaluation of the salivary glands. This technique appears to have many possible applications and further investigation in this field is necessary.

Utility of magnetic resonance cisternography using three-dimensional fast asymmetric spin-echo sequences with multiplanar reconstruction: the evaluation of sites of neurovascular compression of the trigeminal nerve.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance (MR) cisternography using 3-dimensional (3D) fast asymmetric spin-echo (FASE) sequences with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) for detection of the sites of neurovascular compression (NVC) in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. STUDY DESIGN: Both MR cisternography with 3D-FASE sequences and MR angiography (MRA) were performed on 150 patients with clinical signs and symptoms that suggested trigeminal neuralgia. Results from the original MR cisternography with 3D-FASE sequences, the original MRA, and 4 reformatted images were used for interpretation. Images with inversion between black and white were used from the MR cisternography with 3D-FASE sequences to evaluate NVC. A diagnosis of NVC was made from the presence of vascular contact with the trigeminal nerve at the root entry zone (REZ) and the nature of the involved vessels. For the patients with NVC detectable on 3D-FASE or MRA images, the relationship between the clinically manifested regions and the NVC sites was also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients evaluated, 89 were deemed to have NVC. Of these 89 patients, 3 underwent surgery that identified the artery that was involved with the trigeminal nerve. The correlation between the clinically manifested regions and the NVC sites was significantly detectable using both 3D-FASE images and MRA in 89 patients with detectable NVC. The correlation coefficient using 3D-FASE imaging was a little higher than that using MRA. Of the 61 patients deemed not to have NVC, 6 were found to have brain tumors that invaded the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve. However, the remaining 55 patients had no identifiable cause for trigeminal neuralgia. NVC was found in the asymptomatic side in 27 (18%) of the 150 patients with trigeminal neuralgia using MR cisternography with 3D-FASE sequences. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of MR cisternography using 3D-FASE sequences with MPR is more accurate and useful than MRA for detection of the site of NVC in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Patients with trigeminal neuralgia should be further examined using MR imaging to rule out a brain tumor. Radiologists should understand that a few subjects with no symptoms could show NVC with MR cisternography.

Evaluation of the relationship between periapical lesions/sclerotic bone and general bone density as a possible gauge of general health among 80-year-olds.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence among 80-year-olds of periapical lesions as detected on panoramic radiographs and to determine the relationship between sclerotic bone around the periapical lesions to heel bone density, body height, and hand-grip strength. STUDY DESIGN: Six hundred fifty-nine panoramic radiographs (262 males, 397 females), obtained from 80-year-old residents of Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, were used for evaluation of periapical lesions. These findings were correlated with physical examination results to determine the relationship to general health. RESULTS: Of 659 panoramic radiographs, 31 (5%) were noted to have periapical lesions. Average size of the 31 periapical lesions was 6.1 +/- 2.2 mm. Of the 31 periapical lesions, 21 (68%) were accompanied by linear or diffuse types of sclerotic bone. Of the 21 sclerotic bones, 10 (48%) were of a linear type of sclerotic bone and 11 (52%) of a diffuse type of sclerotic bone. Of the 11 diffuse types of sclerotic bone, 10 (91%) were in the mandible and 1 (9%) in the maxilla. Periapical lesions in the mandible were more frequently accompanied by a diffuse type of sclerotic bone than those in the maxilla (P < .01). The hand-grip strength of those having periapical lesions, accompanied by a diffuse type of sclerotic bone, was stronger than those having no periapical lesions (P < .01) and those accompanied by a linear type of sclerotic bone (P < .03). However, there was no relationship between presence of sclerotic bone and heel bone density or body height. CONCLUSIONS: Periapical lesions accompanied by a diffuse type of sclerotic bone were more frequently seen in the mandible of 80-year-olds. To evaluate the clinical significance of sclerotic bone around periapical lesions in 80-year-olds, further study to evaluate the significance of endodontic treatment needs to be done.

Alternation of the magnetic resonance signals characteristic of mandibular condyles during growth.

OBJECTIVE: In a previous study, we named the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal that is characteristic of mandibular condyles in growing children the "double contour-like structure" (DCLS). In the current study, we evaluated the alternating appearance and disappearance of the DCLS in children as they grow to elucidate the significance of the DCLS. STUDY DESIGN: In 11 subjects who were 9-14 years old at the time of the first examination, MRI characteristics of mandibular condyles were sought from fast spin-echo intermediate-weighted images; 2 or 3 years later, repeat MRI were obtained from the same subjects. RESULTS: At the second examination, 10 of the 16 DCLSs detected at the first examination had disappeared. A significant relationship was found between the alternation of the DCLS and the bone marrow conversion from red to yellow in mandibular condyles. Alternation of the DCLS tended to coincide with eruption of the permanent maxillary second molars. The DCLS was also shown to appear as a hypersignal on T2-weighted images. CONCLUSIONS: Double contour-like structure signals in mandibular condyles appeared and disappeared as children grew, and these signal alternations may be useful as a criterion for the staging of mandibular condyle development in children. Possible constituents of the DCLS may be hypervascular loose fibrous tissue and a proliferation of cartilage.

Clinical application of magnetic resonance sialographic 3-dimensional reconstruction imaging and magnetic resonance virtual endoscopy for salivary gland duct analysis.

PURPOSE: In a previous study, we showed that the new and fast sequence 3-dimensional (3D)-fast asymmetric spin-echo sequencing could be applied in magnetic resonance (MR) sialographic 3D reconstruction imaging of the parotid gland ducts and in producing virtual endoscopic views of the parotid gland with MR data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, we examined the clinical application of these MR sialographic 3D reconstruction imaging and virtual endoscopy of the salivary gland ducts using MR data sets with 3D-fast asymmetric spin-echo sequencing. RESULTS: The MR sialographic 3D reconstruction images showed a complete view in the branch paths from all angles, and the MR virtual endoscopic views showed conditions in the endoluminal tracts of the large branches in 20 patients with salivary gland duct abnormalities, including Sjögren syndrome, cyst, tumor, sialadenitis, and salivary calculi. CONCLUSION: The clinical use of MR sialographic 3D reconstruction imaging and MR virtual endoscopy for salivary gland ducts may enhance understanding of the 3D relationship between the ducts and the surrounding tissue, as well as the endoluminal circumstance within ducts. Possible future applications abound, and further investigation in this field is expected.

Significance of frequency-selective fat saturation T2-weighted MR images for the detection of bone marrow edema in the mandibular condyle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of frequency-selective fat saturation (FS) T2-weighted images (T2WI) for the detection of bone marrow edema in the mandibular condyle. MR evidence of bone marrow abnormalities was examined on the set of FS T2WI and conventional T1WI or of conventional T2WI and T1WI in 200 patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) related pain. Other parameters studied were TMJ effusion, disk displacement categories, and cortical bone abnormalities. The detection rate and area of bone marrow edema by FS T2WI and T1WI were significantly greater than those assessed by conventional T2WI and T1WI. The correlation between bone marrow abnormalities on FS T2WI and T1WI and pain was significantly stronger than with conventional T2WI and T1WI. This study confirms that FS T2WI is useful for the detection of the "edema pattern" in the mandibular condylar associated with TMJ-related pain.

Detection and significance of the characteristic magnetic resonance signals of mandibular condyles in children.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of mandibular condyles in still-growing children. In addition, we also evaluated the significance of the double-contour-like structure and the conversion from red to yellow marrow characteristic of this age. METHODS: The MRI characteristics of mandibular condyles were determined by means of fast spin-echo intermediate-weighted images in subjects 9 to 14 years old. In 1 subject who developed temporomandibular joint-related clinical symptoms 1 year later, MRI was re-performed at that time. RESULTS: With the use of MRI, a total of 17 double-contour-like structures were detected in 42 temporomandibular joints of 9- to 14-year-olds, but neither 50 healthy joints of youths nor adults. In terms of bone marrow signal changes, the turning point was found to be 11 years old. In 1 subject, the double-contour-like structures were not visible on the MR images obtained 1 year after the first examination. CONCLUSION: The double-contour-like structure and the periods of conversion from red to yellow marrow may be able to be used as part of the criteria for the staging of mandibular condyle development in children.