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The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters can enhance the diagnostic performance of MRI in differentiating normal pancreatic parenchyma from solid pancreatic adenocarcinomas. This study included 113 participants: 66 patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma and 47 healthy volunteers. An MRI was conducted at 1.5 T MR unit, using nine b-values. Postprocessing involved analyzing both conventional monoexponential apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and IVIM parameters (diffusion coefficient D-pure molecular diffusion coefficient, perfusion-dependent diffusion coefficient D*-pseudodiffusion coeffitient, and perfusion fraction coefficient (f)) across four different b-value selections. Significantly higher parameters were found in the control group when using high b-values for the pure diffusion analysis and all b-values for the monoexponential analysis. Conversely, in the study group, the parameters were affected by low b-values. Most parameters could differentiate between normal and cancerous tissue, with D* showing the highest diagnostic performance (AUC 98-100%). A marked decrease in perfusion in the patients with pancreatic cancer, indicated by the significant differences in the D* medians between groups, was found. In conclusion, standard ADC maps alone may not suffice for a definitive pancreatic cancer diagnosis, and incorporating IVIM into MRI protocols is recommended, as the reduced tissue perfusion detected by the IVIM parameters is a promising marker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Background: High on-treatment platelet reactivity or its equivalent-resistance to the antiplatelet agent-significantly reduces the efficacy of the therapy, contributing to a negative impact on stroke course. Previous studies demonstrated that aspirin resistance is associated with a larger size of acute ischemic infarct. Due to the increasing use of clopidogrel in the secondary prevention of stroke, we aimed to assess the impact of clopidogrel resistance on the size and extent of ischemic lesions, both acute and chronic., Methods: This prospective, single-center and observational study involved 74 ischemic stroke subjects, treated with 75 mg of clopidogrel. We used impedance aggregometry to determine platelet reactivity 6-12 h after a dose of clopidogrel as a first assessment and 48 h later as the second measurement. A favorable dynamics of platelet reactivity over time was the decrease in the minimum value equal to the median in the entire study. The volume of acute ischemic infarct was estimated within 48 h after onset in diffusion-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences of magnetic resonance and the severity of chronic vascular lesions by Fazekas scale., Results: Subjects with mild severity of chronic vascular lesions (Fazekas 1) exhibited a significant decrease of platelet reactivity over time ( p = 0.035). Dynamics of platelet reactivity over time differed between subjects with large, moderate, mild and insignificant size of acute ischemic lesion (Kruskall-Wallis H = 3.2576; p = 0.048). In multivariate regression models, we reported unfavorable dynamics of platelet reactivity alone and combined with a high initial value of platelet reactivity as independent predictors of higher risk of a significant ischemic infarct volume (OR 7.16 95%CI 1.69-30.31, p = 0.008 and 26.49 95%CI 1.88-372.4, p = 0.015, respectively)., Conclusions: We emphasized that unfavorable dynamics of platelet reactivity over time during clopidogrel therapy in acute phase of stroke affect the volume of acute infarct and the severity of chronic vascular lesions.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to use functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) to analyse the cortical presentation of selected language functions in patients after a total laryngectomy., Methods: Eighteen patients after total laryngectomy treated with electrolarynx speech and 18 volunteers were included. The mean number of patients' post-operative speech rehabilitation sessions was five (range of 3-8 sessions). Four paradigms were used, including noun generation, pseudoword reading, reading phrases with pseudowords, and nonliteral sign reproduction., Results: In noun, the most significant difference between the groups was the stronger activation of both lingual gyri in the volunteers. Pseudoword reading resulted in stronger activations in patients than in volunteers in the lingual gyri, the right cerebellum, the right Broca's area, and the right parietal operculum. Reading phrases with pseudowords involved different parts of the Brodmann area 40. During nonliteral sign reproduction, there was a stronger activation of the left Broca's area in volunteers and a stronger activation of the left premotor cortex in patients., Conclusion: This study provides evidence of altered cortical activation in response to language tasks in patients after a laryngectomy compared with healthy volunteers, which may be considered brain plasticity in response to a laryngectomy.

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the value of monoexponential and biexponential approach to the diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging signal in the prediction of the liver fibrosis., Methods: Forty patients with hepatitis C were included. Quantification of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and pure molecular diffusion (D), pseudodiffusion (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) was performed using 9 b values (b = 0, 20, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 s/mm)., Results: Significant fibrosis was found in 14 subjects. Monoexponentally derived ADC parameters were significantly correlated. Apparent diffusion coefficient calculated from all b values and ADC based on high b values were significantly related to the fibrosis grade (P < 0.02), and none of intravoxel incoherent motion parameters presented such an association. Apparent diffusion coefficient based on high b values was the best predictor of significant fibrosis with area under the curve of 0.81, sensitivity of 0.57, and specificity of 0.92., Conclusion: Intravoxel incoherent motion parameters did not allow for prediction of the liver fibrosis. Apparent diffusion coefficient calculated based on high b values presents considerable specificity in predicting significant fibrosis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of renal oxygenation assessment using blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the early period after kidney transplantation and to estimate its prognostic value for delayed graft function., Material and Methods: Examinations were performed in 50 subjects: 40 patients within a week after the kidney transplantation and 10 healthy controls, using T2*-weighted sequence. Measurements in transplant patients were correlated to basic laboratory parameters in the early period after transplantation and at follow-up., Results: Examinations of seven patients (18%) were rejected due to their poor technical quality. Mean R2* values in transplant recipients were lower than in controls (11.6 vs. 15.9 Hz; p = 0.0001). An R2* value of 0.28 Hz was calculated as the minimal detectable change. There was no relation between R2* values and laboratory parameters. However, patients eGFR ≥ 40 ml/min/1.73 m 2 presented higher R2* values than recipients eGFR < 40 ml/min/1.73 m 2 (12.0 vs. 11.1 Hz; p = 0.0189). In ROC analysis R2* of ≤ 11.7 predicted an early reduced graft function with 0.82 sensitivity and 56% specificity (AUC = 0.708; p = 0.024) but was not useful for delayed graft function prediction ( p > 0.7)., Conclusions: Evaluation of renal graft oxygenation using BOLD MRI is technically challenging in the early period after transplantation. An R2* value of 0.28 Hz may in practice be considered as the minimal detectable change. The delayed graft function seems not to be dependent on early oxygenation values. Further, large-scale studies are necessary to confirm the latter observation.

Three new methods were developed for the quantitative determination of mesalazine in the form of the pure substance or in the form of suppositories and tablets - accordingly: bromatometric, diazotization and visible light spectrophotometry method. Optimizing the time and the temperature of the bromination reaction (50⁰C, 50 min) 4-amino-2,3,5,6-tetrabromophenol was obtained. The results obtained were reproducible, accurate and precise. Developed methods were compared to the pharmacopoeial approach - alkalimetry in an aqueous medium. The validation parameters of all methods were comparable. Developed methods for quantification of mesalazine are a viable alternative to other more expensive approaches.

Purpose: MR elastography (MRE) is a recent non-invasive technique that provides in vivo data on the viscoelasticity of the liver. Since the method is not well established, several different protocols were proposed that differ in results. The aim of the study was to analyze the variability of stiffness measurements in different regions of the liver., Methods: Twenty healthy adults aged 24-45 years were recruited. The examination was performed using a mechanical excitation of 64 Hz. MRE images were fused with axial T2WI breath-hold images (thickness 10 mm, spacing 10 mm). Stiffness was measured as a mean value of each cross section of the whole liver, on a single largest cross section, in the right lobe, and in ROIs (50 pix.) placed in the center of the left lobe, segments 5/6, 7, 8, and the parahilar region., Results: Whole-liver stiffness ranged from 1.56 to 2.75 kPa. Mean segmental stiffness differed significantly between the tested regions (range from 1.55 ± 0.28 to 2.37 ± 0.32 kPa; P < 0.0001, ANOVA). Within-method variability of measurements ranged from 14 % for whole liver and segment 8-26 % for segment 7. Within-subject variability ranged from 13 to 31 %. Results of measurement within segment 8 were closest to the whole-liver method (ICC, 0.84)., Conclusions: Stiffness of the liver presented significant variability depending on the region of measurement. The most reproducible method is averaging of cross sections of the whole liver. There was significant variability between stiffness in subjects considered healthy, which requires further investigation.

Background: Cellular damage related to reperfusion injury after successful resuscitation may lead to increased morbidity and mortality in survivors of cardiac arrest. Therapeutic hypothermia to decrease the effects of reperfusion injury has demonstrated improved neurologic outcomes for patients who have experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation., Case Report: A 56-year-old male remained unresponsive after successful resuscitation following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. A repeat cardiac arrest with pulseless electrical activity occurred in the cardiac catheterization lab and required six additional minutes of resuscitation prior to restoration of cardiac rhythm and perfusion. The patient remained unresponsive after resuscitative events. Therapeutic hypothermia was initiated and maintained for 24 hours. The patient was then rewarmed, weaned off sedation and paralytics and good neurologic function demonstrated. The patient was extubated on Day 3, transferred to the telemetry unit, and was discharged home four days after admission, neurologically intact., Conclusion: Twenty-four hours of therapeutic hypothermia for patients who remain unresponsive following successful resuscitation after experiencing out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation is a viable option for preservation of neurological function. The National Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (NRCPR), sponsored by the American Heart Association (AHA), was developed with a goal to enhance patient safety and reduce patient disability and death through "providing an evidence-based, quality improvement program of patient safety, medical emergency team response, effective resuscitation and post-emergency care" to patients that have experienced cardiopulmonary events. NRCPR reports from 2007 include data from 127 participating organizations with information submitted on 19,555 in-patients who experienced 22,919 cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) events. Of all of the arrests that occurred, 78.3 percent of patients involved did not survive the event. For those who did survive the event, an additional 35.2 percent died afterward, either via removal of life-support or natural death in the presence of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) directives. The remaining survivors (21.3 percent) were discharged to a variety of environments with home being the most common (48.5 percent), followed by skilled nursing facilities (19.2 percent), rehabilitation centers (12.4 percent), other acute care hospitals (11.8 percent) and hospice care (4.7 percent). From this information, it is apparent that continued research and improvements are essential to provide patients successful resuscitation and to decrease the complications that occur afterward. We present the case of a patient who remained comatose after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) following out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest in whom therapeutic hypothermia treatment was utilized with a positive neurological outcome.

Evaluation of a nurse-titrated insulin infusion method for hyperglycemia treatment was conducted on data from a 19-bed mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) with results demonstrating that glucose management did not consistently meet target glucose goals. A multidisciplinary team was created to evaluate and implement a method of insulin infusion administration that would decrease titration subjectivity and improve glycemic management. Utilizing a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle for trial implementation of a calculation-based method, data demonstrated a significant improvement in glycemic management when compared to the previous method of insulin administration.

More than 250,000 patients with nocturnal enuresis have been treated with DDAVP in the United States since 1989. It adequately controls nocturnal enuresis in over half of patients with significant improvement in their quality of life. Although the overall incidence of adverse effects associated with treatment of nocturnal enuresis with DDAVP is low, it is not a benign drug particularly when used in patients at extreme of age. A review of the literature and the present case demonstrate that the potential risk factors for hyponatremia following administration of DDAVP include hepatic disease, surgery, stress, pain, renal disorder, excessive fluid intake, and increased dose of DDAVP. Potentially serious side effects of DDAVP administration such as hyponatremia and seizure may be prevented by close monitoring of serum electrolytes, urine output, as well as fluid restriction and avoidance of solutions with low-sodium content.

A case of refractory hypomagnesemia associated with hypokalemic alkalosis and hypocalciuria (Gitelman's syndrome) is described. The genetic mutations discovered to cause the hypokalemic alkalotic syndromes are described (the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride co-transporter gene or TSC mutations in Gitelman's syndrome, and the sodium-potassium-chloride co-transporter gene or NKCC2 mutations in Bartter's syndrome). The molecular, electrolyte, and volume abnormalities are described, and the implications for diagnosis, therapy, and future research discussed.

Goodpasture's Disease is an explosive multisystem disease presenting initially as a pulmonary-renal syndrome. There is often little margin for error in making an early correct diagnosis to avoid respiratory and renal failure. Complications of invasive diagnostic testing and aggressive immunosuppressive treatment often lead to other organ dysfunction due to infection, hemodynamic disturbances, fluid and electrolyte challenges, and nutritional deficiency. Artificial organ therapy is often needed for pulmonary and renal support, for immunomodulation, and for nutritional replacement. The outcome is often considered satisfactory if the patient survives the acute presentation. Persistent organ failure is quite often the case, especially renal failure. Quality of life is often improved if there is subsequent renal transplantation. By then the patient may be considered "cured". Two cases are described below, contrasting young and elderly white females both in previous good health who developed rapid onset of Goodpasture's disease. One was cured after transplantation, and one was cured without transplantation. The severity of the renal involvement was the same for both patients. Cure of Goodpasture's Disease in the native kidneys is uncommon; a review of the literature is provided.

Since its description in 1972, the Nutcracker Syndrome or Aorto-Mesenteric Left Renal Vein Entrapment Syndrome has been mentioned in the literature as an infrequent cause of hematuria originating from the left collecting system. It describes compression of the left renal vein in the fork between the abdominal aorta and the proximal Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA), close to its origin. This results in left renal venous hypertension leading to the development of collateral veins with intrarenal and perirenal varicosities which can cause hematuria if the thin-walled septum separating the veins from the collecting system ruptures. The main presenting symptom is hematuria, with or without left flank pain. Some patients may present with left flank pain alone and, in a few, varicocele might be the only complaint. Exercise seems to aggravate the symptoms. It still remains unclear why compression of the left renal vein occurs in only a few patients despite its very peculiar course between the aorta and the SMA. Different anatomical details have been proposed. This controversy reflected itself on the lack of a clear agreement in regard to the treatment. We did a general overview of the current literature in an effort to elucidate further its pathophysiology. We present here three cases. The first case is that of a lady who presented with intermittent hematuria, sixteen years apart. Her hematuria cleared spontaneously without surgical intervention. Given her long symptom free interval, we strongly suspect some variable constitutional factors to play a role in the symptom development. The second case represents a perfectly healthy asymptomatic young women in whom an IVP done as routine renal donor work up revealed irregularities within the left collecting system that proved to be periureteric varices secondary to a nutcracker phenomenon as proved later by a renal angiogram. The third case describes a hypertensive, otherwise healthy, middle-aged male in whom an asymptomatic Nutcracker Phenomenon disclosed itself during a renal angiographic work up for his intractable hypertension. It is likely that the incidence of this anatomical problem is rather underestimated. We would like to emphasize the importance of its early inclusion in the differential diagnosis of left-sided hematuria because of the need for special testing for its diagnosis. Early proper diagnosis would spare many unneeded investigations.

Nisoldipine, a calcium channel blocking agent, is known to have antihypertensive, renal tubular and hemodynamic effects. The present studies were designed to examine the effects of this drug on the renal tubular transport of calcium in 12 saline-loaded SHR rats. Calcium-45 was infused into three different nephron segments: early proximal, late proximal and early distal sites with or without nisoldipine. Calcium efflux averaged 93.6 +/- 4.9 and 90.5 +/- 8.7% after early and late proximal administration, respectively, indicating that the proximal tubule and the loop of Henle are highly efficient in transporting calcium out of the tubule. In distal nephron segments, calcium transport was limited to 41.1 +/- 4.8% of the amount delivered to these tubules. Nisoldipine inhibited the efflux of simultaneously infused calcium. This apparent inhibitory effect occurred predominantly in distal nephron segments where the drug reduced calcium efflux from 41.1 +/- 4.8 to 22.5 +/- 2.7%, indicating a 45.3% reduction in net calcium reabsorption. The results are consistent with the interpretation that nisoldipine-induced reduction in the tubular efflux of calcium was secondary to a direct inhibition of voltage-sensitive, L-type calcium channels or to a blunting of the rate of phosphorylation of channel proteins by protein kinase C in the distal tubular epithelial cells.

Pseudohyperkalemia is diagnosed when the serum potassium level exceeds the plasma potassium level by 0.4 mmol/l. This is commonly encountered in settings of high leukocyte or platelet counts, since under these conditions, potassium, an intracellular cation, is released in supranormal amounts during the process of clotting. We report an unusual case wherein the reverse was true, i.e., the plasma potassium concentrations was higher than that found in the serum. Heparin, which is known to cause cell lysis, was used as the anti-coagulant in the plasma tubes. We propose that the underlying mechanism in this particular case is a heightened sensitivity to heparin-induced membrane damage in the face of a hematological malignancy.

The Medication Reduction Project (MED RED) is a community-based program addressing polypharmacy issues in elders. Using educational presentations and one-on-one medication reviews conducted by a pharmacist specializing in geriatrics, MED RED reached over 1,100 older adults in rural and urban southeastern South Dakota communities during 1993. Analysis of the longitudinal data indicate that older adults participating in one-on-one reviews were on fewer medications, had dosage reductions, were more likely to take their medications as directed, and increased their use of non-pharmacological alternatives. These elders also reported feeling better, spent less money per month on medications, and offered indications of improved functioning and increased levels of independence. These findings suggest that education about medication use is a dynamic tool in empowering community-based older adults to be assertive participants in their own health care.

Mutations in the mitochondrial genome have been shown to be responsible for several neuromuscular diseases in humans. In this article, we discuss the molecular genetics of mitochondria, their centrality in cellular energy production, and reasons why their genome is extremely vulnerable to mutation. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and their classic encephalomyopathic clinical phenotypes are briefly reviewed, and evidence presented that mtDNA mutations also present primarily as kidney diseases. Research trends in the field are discussed. Suggestions are made regarding future work, the clinical implications thereof, and potential therapeutic utility accruing from these advances.

Malnutrition is a common finding in elderly patients, especially at hospitalization. In those whose nutritional status is borderline, the stress of illness may bring about deficiency. Failure to correct malnutrition delays recovery and prolongs hospital stay. Inadequate intake is only one of many causes of nutritional deficiency in the elderly. Traditional height-weight tables are inexact in the elderly. To increase diagnostic accuracy in suspected malnutrition, several methods should be used (eg, calculation of weight loss over time; muscle mass-height comparisons; biochemical and hematologic measurements). After daily energy needs are determined--according to metabolic, activity, and stress expenditures--the best method of nutritional replacement must be determined. Enteral supplementation is the first choice because it sustains the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. However, delaying implementation of parenteral nutrition when it is required is a common error that should be avoided. Continued supplementation is often needed after discharge. Depending on the health status of the patient, nutritional support can range from temporary admission to a skilled-nursing or extended-care facility to home supplementation through such programs as Meals on Wheels.

MealMate was a longitudinal research project conducted by the staff at the Geriatric Health Institute, a joint venture between Sioux Valley Hospital and the University of South Dakota School of Medicine. During Fall 1994, 64 older adults enrolled in this nutrition study at a Sioux Falls congregate dining site and drank a half-pint of whole milk combined with Carnation Instant Breakfast daily for one month. Pre-test and post-test data collected included anthropometric measures, specific blood tests from a venipuncture blood draw and use of standardized instruments to assess nutritional risk, depression, mental status and general demographic information. Results suggest that a longitudinal study with elders can be done effectively (attrition rate of less than 11%). While elders were very healthy at the onset, they nevertheless showed improved nutritional status over time. Laboratory tests showed significant increases in Vitamin D levels in adults over age 79. Using a more malnourished, home-bound sample of elders over age 79 and adding only whole milk to their diets are discussed as possible considerations for future research.