Radiation dose optimization in pediatric temporal bone computed tomography: influence of tube tension on image contrast and image quality

The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of tube tension reduction on image contrast and image quality in pediatric temporal bone computed tomography (CT).

Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Octogenarians

It is unclear whether octogenarians benefit from intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The aim of the present study was to compare baseline characteristics, clinical outcome and complications of patients aged ≥80 with those of patients aged <80 years.

White matter lesions and intra-arterial thrombolysis

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of white matter lesions in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT). From September 2003 to January 2010, we treated 400 patients with IAT at our institution. Of these patients, 292 were evaluated with MRI scans and included in this observational study. Clinical data were collected prospectively. Outcome after 3 months was measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS); mRS 0-1 was considered as favorable outcome. White matter lesions were scored visually by two observers using the semiquantitative Scheltens and Fazekas scores. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association of white matter lesions and clinical outcome, recanalization, and cerebral hemorrhage. The severity of white matter lesions was inversely correlated with favorable outcome, survival and successful recanalization. White matter lesions were an independent predictor of outcome (OR 0.569, p = 0.007) and survival (OR 0.550, p = 0.018) and a weak but independent predictor for recanalization (OR 0.949, p = 0.038). Asymptomatic intracerebral bleeding after IAT was associated with white matter lesions in the basal ganglia in the univariate analysis (p = 0.036), but not after multivariable analysis. The severity of white matter lesions independently predicts clinical outcome and survival in patients treated with IAT. White matter lesions are also a weak but independent predictor for recanalization. Symptomatic intracranial bleeding after IAT are not associated with white matter lesions. Therefore, white matter lesions should not be considered as a contraindication against IAT.

Glycomic analysis of human mast cells, eosinophils and basophils

In allergic diseases such as asthma, eosinophils, basophils and mast cells, through release of preformed and newly generated mediators, granule proteins and cytokines, are recognized as key effector cells. While their surface protein phenotypes, mediator release profiles, ontogeny, cell trafficking and genomes have been generally explored and compared, there has yet to be any thorough analysis and comparison of their glycomes. Such studies are critical to understand the contribution of carbohydrates to the induction and regulation of allergic inflammatory responses and are now possible using improved technologies for detecting and characterizing cell-derived glycans. We thus report here the application of high-sensitivity mass spectrometric-based glycomics methodologies to the analysis of N-linked glycans derived from isolated populations of human mast cells, eosinophils and basophils. The samples were subjected to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) screening analyses and MALDI-TOF/TOF sequencing studies. Results reveal substantive quantities of terminal N-acetylglucosamine containing structures in both the eosinophil and the basophil samples, whereas mast cells display greater relative quantities of sialylated terminal epitopes. For the first time, we characterize the cell surface glycan structures of principal allergic effector cells, which by interaction with glycan-binding proteins (e.g. lectins) have the possibility to dictate cellular functions, and might thus have important implications for the pathogenesis of inflammatory and allergic diseases.

Endovascular Therapy of 623 Patients With Anterior Circulation Stroke

Endovascular therapy of acute ischemic stroke has been shown to be beneficial for selected patients. The purpose of this study is to determine predictors of outcome in a large cohort of patients treated with intra-arterial thrombolysis, mechanical revascularization techniques, or both.

Impact of Thrombolysis on Stroke Outcome at 12 Months in a Population: The Bern Stroke Project

Thrombolysis improves outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke, but it is unknown whether thrombolysis has a measurable effect on long-term outcome in a defined population.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheal puncture: a computer-tomographic controlled study in cadavers

Ultrasound-guided techniques are increasingly used in anaesthetic practice to identify tissues beneath the skin and to increase the accuracy of placement of needles close to targeted structures. To examine ultrasound's usefulness for dilatational tracheostomy, we performed ultrasound-guided tracheal punctures in human cadavers followed by computer-tomographic (CT) control.

A simple, economical, and effective portable paediatric mock circulatory system

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) and total artificial hearts have been in development for the last 50 years. Since their inception, simulators of the circulation with different degrees of complexity have been produced to test these devices in vitro. Currently, a new path has been taken with the extensive efforts to develop paediatric VADs, which require totally different design constraints. This paper presents the manufacturing details of an economical simulator of the systemic paediatric circulation. This simulator allows the insertion of a paediatric VAD, includes a pumping ventricle, and is adjustable within the paediatric range. Rather than focusing on complexity and physiological simulation, this simulator is designed to be simple and practical for rapid device testing. The simulator was instrumented with medical sensors and data were acquired under different conditions with and without the new PediaFlowTM paediatric VAD. The VAD was run at different impeller speeds while simulator settings such as vascular resistance and stroke volume were varied. The hydraulic performance of the VAD under pulsatile conditions could be characterized and the magnetic suspension could be tested via manipulations such as cannula clamping. This compact mock loop has proven to be valuable throughout the PediaFlow development process and has the advantage that it is uncomplicated and can be manufactured cheaply. It can be produced by several research groups and the results of different VADs can then be compared easily.

Surgery for the bone-anchored hearing aid

This review covers the surgery for the bone-anchored hearing aid (Baha(®)). PREOPERATIVE WORKUP: A review of the indications and preoperative diagnostics shows that best results are generally obtained in patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss rehabilitation when surgery is not applicable or has failed and in patients that suffer from single-sided deafness. An audiogram must confirm that the bone conduction hearing is within the inclusion criteria. A computed tomography scan is performed in cases of malformation to assure sufficient bone thickness at the site of screw implantation.

Influence of a totally open oval window on bone conduction in otosclerosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in bone conduction thresholds before, during and after total stapedectomy.

Adverse Effect of Early Epileptic Seizures in Patients Receiving Endovascular Therapy for Acute Stroke

The aim of this study was to analyze epileptic seizures and their impact on outcome in patients with stroke treated with endovascular therapy.