Automated CT image evaluation of the lung: a morphology-based concept

Computed tomography (CT) provides the most reliable method to detect emphysema in vivo. Commonly used methods only calculate the area of low attenuation [pixel index (PI)], while a radiologist considers the bullous morphology of emphysema. The PI is a good, well-known measure of emphysema. But it is not able to detect emphysema in cases in which emphysema and fibrosis occur at the same time. This is because fibrosis leads to a low number of low-attenuation pixels, while emphysema leads to a high number of pixels. The PI takes the average of both and, consequently, may present a result within the normal range. METHOD: The main focus of this paper is to present a new algorithm of thoracic CT image evaluation based on pulmonary morphology of emphysema. The PI is extended, in that it is enabled to differentiate between small, medium, and large bullae (continuous low-attenuation areas). It is not a texture-based algorithm. The bullae are sorted by size into four size classes: class 1 being within the typical size of lung parenchyma; classes 2-4 presenting small, medium, and large bullae. It is calculated how much area the different classes take up of all low-attenuation pixels. The bullae index (BI) is derived from the percentage of areas covered, respectively, by small, medium, and large bullae. From the relation of the area of bullae belonging to class 4, to that of those belonging to class 2, a measure of the emphysema type (ET)is calculated. It classifies the lung by the type of emphysema in bullous emphysema or small-sized, diffuse emphysema, respectively. RESULTS: The BI is as reliable as the PI. In cases in which the PI indicates normal values while in fact emphysema is coexisting with fibrosis, the BI, nevertheless, detects the destruction caused by the emphysema. The BI combined with the ET reflects the visual assessment of the radiological expert. CONCLUSION: The BI is an objective and reliable index in order to quantify emphysematous destruction, hence, avoiding interobserver variance. This is particularly interesting for follow-up. The classification of the ET is a helpful and unique approach to achieving an exact diagnosis of emphysema.     

Luminescent Conjugated Oligothiophenes for Sensitive Fluorescent Assignment of Protein Inclusion Bodies

Small hydrophobic ligands identifying intracellular protein deposits are of great interest, as protein inclusion bodies are the pathological hallmark of several degenerative diseases. Here we report that fluorescent amyloid ligands, termed luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (LCOs), rapidly and with high sensitivity detect protein inclusion bodies in skeletal muscle tissue from patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis (s‐IBM). LCOs having a conjugated backbone of at least five thiophene units emitted strong fluorescence upon binding, and showed co‐localization with proteins reported to accumulate in s‐IBM protein inclusion bodies. Compared with conventional amyloid ligands, LCOs identified a larger fraction of immunopositive inclusion bodies. When the conjugated thiophene backbone was extended with terminal carboxyl groups, the LCO revealed striking spectral differences between distinct protein inclusion bodies. We conclude that 1) LCOs are sensitive, rapid and powerful tools for identifying protein inclusion bodies and 2) LCOs identify a wider range of protein inclusion bodies than conventional amyloid ligands.     

Bone regeneration with glass ceramic implants and calcium phosphate cements in a rabbit cranial defect model

Hydroxyapatite cement (BoneSource®) and brushite calcium phosphate cement (chronOS? Inject) were tested for fixation of glass ceramic implants (Bioverit®) in experimentally created cranial defects in 24 adult New Zealand White rabbits. Aim of the in vivo study was to assess and compare the biocompatibility and osseointegration of the implanted materials. Macroscopic and histological evaluations were performed 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. All implanted materials were well tolerated by the surrounding tissue. Both bone cements exhibited osteoconductive properties. Differences could be detected regarding to the rates of cement resorption and new bone formation. The brushite cement was resorbed faster than the hydroxyapatite cement. The chronOS? Inject samples exhibited a higher rate of connective tissue formation and an insufficient osseointegration. BoneSource® was replaced by bone with minimal invasion of connective tissue. New bone formation occurred faster compared to the chronOS? Inject group. Bioverit® implants fixed with BoneSource® were successfully osseointegrated.     

聚乳酸可生物降解纺粘非织造布--工艺与产品参数

介绍了聚乳酸可生物降解纺粘非织造布的研制条件、工艺参数和产品性能。实验表明．在60℃的条件下．PLA纺粘非织造布可降解。     

Nachweis von geh?rtetem Tran in Schweineschmalz

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

The Risks of Autonomy: Empirical Evidence for the Necessity of a Balance Management in Promoting Organizational Innovativeness

For the purpose of promoting innovativeness in organizations, the literature recommends more decentralization of power and more participative leadership as one dimension of empowerment and thus greater situation control for employees. In fact, however, increasing situation control involves specific risks (including co‐ordination problems). Without concurrent integration to cushion these risks through orientation, consensus and trust, increasing situation control therefore leads not to a further increase in innovativeness but to a decline. This first empirical demonstration of the covert curvilinear relationship between situation control and innovativeness in n = 101 organizations reveals these risks. At the same time, it calls into question the widespread recommendations in the literature for action on innovation‐friendly organization and leadership.     

Clinical use of oral nystatin in the prevention of systemic candidosis in patients at particular risk

Systemic candidosis is currently a major concern among certain groups of patients at particular risk because of recent treatment modalities. To prevent spread of Candida albicans, in particular, from the orogastrointestinal tract antimycotic treatment would appear beneficial. So far, however, suitable drugs are rare. Polyenes, and in particular oral nystatin, are the main ones considered so far. More recently, the oral azoles have provided therapeutic alternatives. In this review the current role of nystatin and, in particular nystatin tablets, which are better accepted than suspensions at higher dose levels, is described, focusing on efficacy and safety as determined in controlled trials. Recent evidence suggests that oral application of nystatin tablets can be considered both efficacious and safe in the appropriate context. The relative potency of oral nystatin and systemic azoles, particularly ketoconazole and fluconazole, awaits final determination.     

Die Faser- und Spanplattenerzeugung mit Kleinanlagen in Entwicklungsländern

Ohne Zusammenfassung