Grating-based X-ray phase contrast for biomedical imaging applications

In this review article we describe the development of grating-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging, with particular emphasis on potential biomedical applications of the technology. We review the basics of image formation in grating-based phase-contrast and dark-field radiography and present some exemplary multimodal radiography results obtained with laboratory X-ray sources. Furthermore, we discuss the theoretical concepts to extend grating-based multimodal radiography to quantitative transmission, phase-contrast, and dark-field scattering computed tomography.     

Impact of treatment on survival of patients with secondary glioblastoma

Data concerning treatment of secondary glioblastoma evolving from previously treated WHO II or III grade tumors are very scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical resection and adjuvant treatment on survival in patients with secondary glioblastoma. Thirty-nine patients with secondary glioblastoma evolving from previously treated lower grade gliomas between 2004 and 2015 were included. We evaluated the extent of resection, pathological parameters, adjuvant treatment, as well as survival after malignant transformation. The primary tumor grade was WHO II in 16 (41.0%) and WHO III in 23 (59.0%) patients. Median age was 43 years (range 23–67). Median KPS was 80 (range 60–100) before surgery, and 70 (range 50–100) after surgery. Gross total resection (GTR) of contrast-enhancing disease was achieved in 19 (48.7%) patients. Adjuvant treatment was radio-chemotherapy in 23 (59.0%), radiotherapy in three (7.7%), chemotherapy in five (12.8%) and none in eight (20.5%) patients. Median survival was 11 months (range 1–35) in the entire group. Time since initial diagnosis and previous treatment did not correlate with survival after glioblastoma. Failed GTR, poor KPS after surgery, and no adjuvant treatment were prognostic factors for shorter survival in univariate analysis (p?<?0.0001, p?=?0.028 and p?=?0.003). In selected patients, complete resection and adjuvant treatment may prolong survival in spite of multiple previous therapies.     

Concomitant MDS with isolated 5q deletion and MGUS: case report and review of molecular aspects

Patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) have a higher risk for the development of concomitant primary cancers such as multiple myeloma (MM) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We report the case of patient initially suffering from MGUS of the IgG lambda subtype for more than 10 yr, which evolved to MM and MDS with deletion (5q) with severe pancytopenia. Due to pancytopenia, he received dose‐reduced treatment with lenalidomide and dexamethasone. He achieved an ongoing transfusion independency after about 1 month of treatment. Bone marrow taken 14 months after start of treatment showed a complete cytogenetic response of the del(5q) clone and a plasma cell infiltration below 5%. In contrast to the development of MM in MGUS patients, the subsequent occurrence of MDS after diagnosis of MGUS is infrequent. Moreover, the biological association of MDS with MGUS is not sufficiently understood, but the non‐treatment‐related occurrence supports the pathogenetic role of pre‐existing alterations of stem cells. Here, we summarize data on concomitant MDS and MGUS/MM with particular emphasis on molecular aspects.     

Erwähnung des Ethikvotums in deutschen medizinischen Dissertationen und Publikationen

Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz - Die Deklaration von Helsinki des Weltärztebundes (WMA) gebietet seit 1975 eindeutig die Anrufung einer Ethikkommission bei...