Immunohistochemical localization of tissue factor pathway inhibitor-1 (TFPI-1), a Kunitz proteinase inhibitor, in Alzheimer''s disease

Senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are composed principally of Aβ, a 4 kDa fragment of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Longer forms of APP which contain a Kunitz proteinase inhibitor (KPI) domain are elevated in aged and in AD brains. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor-1 (TFPI) contains three tandem KPI domains and has been well characterized for its role as a natural anticoagulant in the extrinsic coagulation pathway. Functionally, the first two KPI domains of TFPI bind and inhibit the activity of factor Xa and VIIa respectively. In addition, TFPI and APP-KPI share a common clearance mechanism through the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). As part of an ongoing study of the role of KPI-containing proteins in AD, the current study examines TFPI localization in the brain. We report here that TFPI is immunohistochemically localized to microglia in both AD and non-AD individuals and is localized to some senile plaques in AD. Western blot analyses indicate that the amount of TFPI is elevated in frontal cortex samples from AD brains. We propose that TFPI may play a cell specific role in proteinase regulation in the brain.     

Interobserver variability in neonatal cranial ultrasonography

The reliability of cranial ultrasound diagnosis in the premature neonate was examined using data from an ongoing multicentre study of the epidemiology and long-term consequences of neonatal brain haemorrhage. First week ultrasound films (obtained at 4 hours, 24 hours and 7 days) from 60 study subjects were randomly selected for independent review by two groups of experienced interpreters, and results were recorded separately for observations (i.e. presence or absence of an abnormal echodense area on a film) and interpretations (i.e. presence or absence of haemorrhage or ventricular dilatation) in each hemisphere. Because of deaths in the first week of life, the total number of films examined was 138. Concordance on the presence or absence of an abnormal echodensity was examined for each individual film for three areas of interest: the germinal matrix, the ventricles and the parenchyma. Concordance on the presence or absence of haemorrhage or ventricular dilatation was examined only for the seventh-day film, or the final film prior to death. Finally, concordance was analysed with the diagnostic interpretations grouped into categories thought to differ prognostically for long-term outcome. In general, concordance was poorest for germinal matrix lesions and best for parenchymal lesions. Concordance was lower for observations made on each individual film than it was for interpretation of the final film in each case. Fifty-five of 60 cases (92%) were assigned to the same major prognostic category by both readers. Ultrasound review conferences were held periodically and there was evidence that concordance in ultrasound reading and interpretation improved during the course of the study.     

Composite restorations in the anterior region: clinical and aesthetic performances.

Composite resin has proven to be a predictable and reliable restorative material for the treatment of traumatized dentin or dental caries in the anterior region. Ongoing material advancements continue to contribute to favorable results in the treatment of the contemporary patient. In using a resin material, it is important for the dental professional to establish an appropriate clinical approach that will protect healthy tissues, while meeting the patient's expectations. This article presents a series of cases that encompass the clinical and aesthetic possibilities provided by modern composites. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: This article depicts the potential clinical and aesthetic results that can be achieved using contemporary composite resins. Upon reading this article, the reader should: 1) Understand operative techniques for obtaining aesthetic results in the anterior maxilla. 2) Become familiar with the importance of formulating a treatment strategy that combines minimum chairtime with a high-quality, aesthetic result.     

Dissociation Between Changes in Intramyocardial Function and Left Ventricular Volumes in the Eight Weeks After First Anterior Myocardial Infarction

Objectives. We sought to examine the relation between regional changes in intramyocardial function and global left ventricular (LV) remodeling in the first 8 weeks after reperfused first anterior myocardial infarction (MI).

Background. Because of limitations in imaging methods used to date, this relation has not been thoroughly evaluated.

Methods. We studied 26 patients (21 men, 5 women; mean age 51 years) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on day 5 ± 2 (mean ± SD) and week 8 ± 1 after their first anterior MI. All patients had single-vessel left anterior descending coronary artery disease and although they had received reperfusion therapy, all had regional LV dysfunction and an initial ejection fraction (EF) ≤50%. Short-axis magnetic resonance tagging was performed spanning the LV. Percent intramyocardial circumferential shortening (%S) on a topographic basis, LV mass index, LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), LV end-systolic volume index and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured.

Results. Left ventricular mass index tended to decrease, whereas the LVEDVI increased from 82 ± 24 to 96 ± 27 ml/m² (p = 0.002). Left ventricular end-systolic volume index remained unchanged, whereas LVEF increased from 39 ± 12% to 45 ± 14% (p = 0.002). Apical %S improved from 9 ± 6% to 13 ± 5% (p < 0.0001), as it did in the midanterior (6 ± 6% to 10 ± 7%, p < 0.02) and midseptal regions (8 ± 7% to 12 ± 6%, p < 0.02). Early dysfunction in remote midinferior and basal lateral regions resolved by 8 weeks. By multivariate analysis, the only significant predictor of an increase in LVEDVI over the study period was peak creatine kinase (p = 0.04).

Conclusions. In the first 8 weeks after a large, reperfused anterior MI, %S improved in the apex, midanterior and midseptal regions and normalized in remote noninfarct-related regions, but LV end-diastolic volumes also increased. This increased LVEDVI correlated with infarct size by peak creatine kinase and was not related to changes in global and regional LV function.     

Rectus muscle flap for repair of refractory bladder fistula following renal transplantation: a case report

We report a case of refractory bladder fistula in a diabetic renal allograft recipient that recurred shortly after conventional operative repair without any detectable external cause. After reoperation and use of a vascularized rectus muscle flap the fistula closed and the patient has retained excellent graft function. It is suggested that this technique should be considered as the primary repair modality for bladder fistulas in diabetic recipients, when wound healing is impaired seriously as a consequence of the combined effects of diabetic microangiopathy and steroid therapy.     

Remotely-controlled approach for stereotactic neurobiopsy.

The objective of this study was to develop, demonstrate, and validate a remotely controlled operation scheme coupled with prospective magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based stereotaxy for in vivo neurosurgical applications. The novel concept of the prospective guidance scheme is to employ tomographical imaging feedback, such as MRI or CT, to facilitate prospectively the targeting process of a biopsy needle at near-real-time speed (1 image/s). Because the orientation of a biopsy needle pivoted at an entry point on the patient's skull has 2 degrees of freedom, the alignment of its trajectory to a target point can be guided by two-dimensional (2D) images whose plane is placed perpendicular to the desired trajectory. Using near-real-time 2D visual feedback during the adjustment of the alignment guide, the required trajectory alignment can be translated into a simple targeting task on a computer monitor employing a suitable graphic presentation. Also, both adjustments for the alignment and introduction of the biopsy needle were accomplished remotely with image-based feedback. The use of the method in actual MR-guided brain lesion biopsy procedures at 1.5 T showed an improved tissue yield due to the improved targeting accuracy even in the presence of brain shift. Furthermore, the postalignment trajectory can be validated immediately using near-real-time MRI scans in two orthogonal views before needle insertion. Because the final needle position is always visualized and confirmed, the consequent tissue sampling is performed with greater certainty, even in the case of a negative diagnosis. The actual targeting error was 1.53 +/- 0.17 mm from an intended target location, with the maximum distance error of 1.72 mm at a depth of 85 mm. This remotely controlled surgical approach with intraoperative MRI guidance is feasible at 1.5 T, and has allowed neurosurgeons to perform neurobiopsies comfortably and efficiently in a routine clinical MR scanner. This scheme provides a unique alternative stereotactic procedure that can take full advantage of the prospective guidance potential offered by various modern tomographic imaging systems.