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Computed tomography of the heart can characterize and differentiate various forms of nonischemic cardiomyopathy, which are covered individually in this article. With its excellent spatial and ever-improving temporal resolution, computed tomography scanning can delineate cardiac function, anatomy, and myocardial tissue characterization. Various cardiac computed tomography techniques can be tailored to the relevant clinical question, as discussed in the article. Although cardiac computed tomography scanning is not often the primary modality for myocardial evaluation, decreasing radiation doses and emerging applications make this fast and relatively economical examination a useful tool in the evaluation of the patient with cardiomyopathy.

Transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) is a common diagnostic tool with expanding clinical indications. While most literature on this topic has focused on complications and techniques, this review will examine the evidence for periprocedural care specific to lung biopsy. Review of the literature reveals great heterogeneity in clinical practice regarding periprocedural management of TTNB, for example, in terms of post-procedural monitoring as well as strategies for dealing with potential complications of TTNB. This is on the basis of a relative paucity of systematic clinical studies to guide management specific to the procedure. Further studies focused on periprocedural management in TTNB are needed to establish evidence-based guidelines that address the unique clinical aspects and complications of this procedure.

Introduction: This study evaluated whether Schwann cells (SCs) from different nerve sources transplanted into cold-preserved acellular nerve grafts (CP-ANGs) would improve functional regeneration compared with nerve isografts. Methods: SCs isolated and expanded from motor and sensory branches of rat femoral and sciatic nerves were seeded into 14mm CP-ANGs. Growth factor expression, axonal regenera- tion, and functional recovery were evaluated in a 14-mm rat sci- atic injury model and compared with isografts. Results: At 14 days, motor or sensory-derived SCs increased expression of growth factors in CP-ANGs versus isografts. After 42 days, his- tomorphometric analysis found CP-ANGs with SCs and iso- grafts had similar numbers of regenerating nerve fibers. At 84 days, muscle force generation was similar for CP-ANGs with SCs and isografts. SC source did not affect nerve fiber counts or muscle force generation. Conclusions: SCs transplanted into CP-ANGs increase functional regeneration to isograft levels; however SC nerve source did not have an effect. Muscle Nerve 000:000-000, 2013

This study evaluated whether Schwann cells (SCs) from different nerve sources transplanted into cold-preserved acellular nerve grafts (CP-ANGs) would improve functional regeneration compared with nerve isografts.SCs isolated and expanded from motor and sensory branches of rat femoral and sciatic nerves were seeded into 14mm CP-ANGs. Growth factor expression, axonal regeneration, and functional recovery were evaluated in a 14-mm rat sciatic injury model and compared with isografts.At 14 days, motor or sensory-derived SCs increased expression of growth factors in CP-ANGs versus isografts. After 42 days, histomorphometric analysis found CP-ANGs with SCs and isografts had similar numbers of regenerating nerve fibers. At 84 days, muscle force generation was similar for CP-ANGs with SCs and isografts. SC source did not affect nerve fiber counts or muscle force generation.SCs transplanted into CP-ANGs increase functional regeneration to isograft levels; however SC nerve source did not have an effect.

Background In order to evaluate nerve regeneration in clinically relevant hindlimb surgical paradigms not feasible in fluorescent mice models, we developed a rat that expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) in neural tissue. Methods Transgenic Sprague-Dawley rat lines were created using pronuclear injection of a transgene expressing GFP under the control of the thy1 gene. Nerves were imaged under fluorescence microscopy and muscles were imaged with confocal microscopy to determine GFP expression following sciatic nerve crush, transection and direct suturing, and transection followed by repair with a nerve isograft from nonexpressing littermates. Results In each surgical paradigm, fluorescence microscopy demonstrated the loss and reappearance of fluorescence with regeneration of axons following injury. Nerve regeneration was confirmed with imaging of Wallerian degeneration followed by reinnervation of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle motor endplates using confocal microscopy. Conclusion The generation of a novel transgenic rat model expressing GFP in neural tissue allows in vivo imaging of nerve regeneration and visualization of motor endplate reinnervation. This rat provides a new model for studying peripheral nerve injury and regeneration over surgically relevant distances.