The impact of micronized progesterone on cardiovascular events - a systematic review

Biologically identical menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) including micronized progesterone (MP) has gained much attention. We aimed to assess the impact of MP in combined MHT on venous and arterial thromboembolism (VTE/ATE) (e.g. deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction [MI] and ischemic stroke). Articles were eligible if they provided endpoints regarding cardiovascular events and use of exogenous MP. Literature searches were designed and executed for the databases Medline, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and interdisciplinary database Web of Science. Twelve studies consisting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-control studies and prospective or retrospective cohort studies were included, and risk of bias was assessed. Only a minority assessed thromboembolic events as a primary endpoint, showing that in contrast to norpregnane derivatives, primary and recurrent VTE risk was not altered by combining estrogens with MP, which was also true for ischemic stroke risk. Similarly, in placebo-controlled RCTs assessing VTE/ATE as adverse events there were no significant intergroup differences. Studies on MI as a primary endpoint are missing. In conclusion, while available data suggest that MP as a component in combined MHT may have a neutral effect on the vascular system, more RCTs investigating the impact of MP alone or in combined MHT on vascular primary endpoints are needed.

High-Resolution Gadolinium-Enhanced MR Cisternography Using Compressed-Sensing T1 SPACE Technique for Detection of Intracranial CSF Leaks

In patients with CSF rhinorrhea, accurate identification of the CSF leakage site is crucial for surgical planning. We describe the application of a novel gadolinium-enhanced high-resolution 3D compressed-sensing T1 SPACE technique for MR cisternography and compare findings with CT cisternography and intraoperative results. In our pilot experience with 7 patients, precise detection of CSF leaks was feasible using compressed-sensing T1 SPACE, which appeared to be superior to CT cisternography.

The impact of menopausal hormone therapy on overall mortality - a comprehensive review

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is indicated for menopausal symptom relief. However, MHT has also been shown to be beneficial for prevention of long-term estrogen deficiency sequelae including mortality. Based on a comprehensive literature review on MHT and mortality, the authors' recommendations are as follows: in postmenopausal women, MHT appears to confer a (significant) reduction in overall mortality; the benefit especially applies to women who initiate long-term MHT early after menopause; in women with prevalent cardiovascular risk factors (except for diabetes mellitus, where results are mixed), the benefit of MHT on overall mortality is even more pronounced; and, however, study results are difficult to compare due to heterogeneous study designs.

Medical preparedness, incidents, and group dynamics during the analog MARS2013 mission

Participants on spaceflights and international scientific analog Mars missions can encounter medical incidents (accidents, illnesses) and psychological issues (e.g., stress, group interaction, sleep disturbance, emotions). The aim of this study was to examine these parameters in a field crew living in a desert environment similar to Mars (Group 1) and in Mission Support Center (MSC) personnel on "Earth" (Group 2) during a 4-week mission. Of the 107 medical interventions in the field, 73 mainly minor incidents together with four near accidents and 29 medical checkup interventions were recorded. Of the 32 medical interventions, medical treatments for 23 incidents of minor severity were necessary in Group 2. Injuries (Group 1: 1.4/100 h, Group 2: 0.1/100 h) were significantly increased in the field, and illnesses (Group 1: 0.3/100 h, Group 2: 3.0/100 h) in the MSC personnel. Causes of accidents and illnesses are described. Psychological results show that emotions and stress remained stable in both groups. Sympathy, social competence, teamwork, and leadership showed high scores. These scores were lower on "Earth" but significantly increased in the last weeks. The Sahara's nighttime coldness was reflected in an increased wake-up frequency, and a longer sleeping time peaked in the third week, probably as a result of overfatigue. MARS2013 was a successful mission with highly motivated participants and minor medical incidents. For future analog missions and possibly long-distance open-space missions, some recommendations in terms of medical and psychological preparedness are made to reduce risks for field crew members and MSC personnel.

Multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography for diagnosis of scaphoid waist fracture union: a prospective cohort analysis of accuracy and precision

OBJECTIVE

To examine reliability and validity concerning union of scaphoid fractures determined by multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography randomized at 6, 12, and 24 weeks after injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used Fleiss' kappa to measure the opinions of three observers reviewing 44 sets of computed tomographic scans of 44 conservatively treated scaphoid waist fractures. We calculated kappa for the extent of consolidation (0-24 %, 25-49 %, 50-74 %, or 75-100 %) on the transverse, sagittal and coronal views. We also calculated kappa for no union, partial union, and union, and grouped the results for 6, 12, and 24 weeks after injury. As the reference standard for union, CT scans were performed at a minimum of 6 months after injury to determine validity.

RESULTS

Overall inter-observer agreement was found to be moderate (κ = 0.576). No union (κ = 0.791), partial union (κ = 0.502), and union (κ = 0.683) showed substantial, moderate, and substantial agreement, respectively. The average sensitivity of multiplanar reconstruction CT for diagnosing union of scaphoid waist fractures was 73 %. The average specificity was 80 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that multiplanar reconstruction computed tomography is a reliable and accurate method for diagnosing union or nonunion of scaphoid fractures. However, inter-observer agreement was lower with respect to partial union.

[First-trimester cystic hygroma: prenatal diagnosis and fetal outcome]

OBJECTIVES

To describe the ultrasonographic (US) and fetal karyotyping data of fetuses with cystic hygroma diagnosed in the first trimester.

PATIENTS & METHODS

Maternal and fetal data of 69 consecutive fetal cystic hygroma were analysed between 2002 and 2009.

RESULTS

The mean size of the cystic hygroma was 6.3 mm ± 2.4 mm. US abnormalities were present in 54% of cases (37/69) (essentially hydrops fetalis in 45%), with an unfavourable prognosis (P=0.006). Chromosomal abnormalities were present in 53% of cases (36/68) (including 44% of Down syndrome). The rate of unfavourable outcome of pregnancy was 71% of cases (49/69) and was associated with the oldest mothers (P=0.011). In the chromosomally normal pregnancies, there were 59% (19/32) fetus with no apparently abnormalities. Among these 19 children, 13 have been followed up until an average age of 5 years and a half, the infant development was strictly normal.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The current results suggest to look for the poor prognosis data: nuchal thickness superior to 6 to 6,5 mm, presence of a hydrops fetalis and/or US abnormalities, fetal karyotyping and/or US evolution of cystic hygroma.

Fluoreszenz-in-situ-Hybridisierung in der humangenetischen Diagnostik

Die humangenetische Diagnostik umfasst eine Vielzahl von Verfahren, die sich aufgrund ihrer spezifischen Einsatzbedingungen und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten gegenseitig ergänzen. Mit der stetigen Entwicklung neuer Methoden ist es sinnvoll und notwendig, etablierte Techniken auf den Prüfstand zu stellen. Die Fluoreszenz-in-situ-Hybridisierung (FISH) ist eine Standardmethode in der genetischen Diagnostik und Forschung. Abhängig vom Design der Sonden ist es möglich, ganz individuell DNA-Abschnitte oder auch das gesamte Genom im Fluoreszenzmikroskop in Metaphasechromosomen, in Interphasezellkernen, in Gewebeschnitten oder in lebenden Zellen sichtbar zu machen. Besonders häufig wird die FISH-Technik in der humangenetischen Diagnostik für die Darstellung und Analyse von Mikrodeletionen, Translokationen, Inversionen und Insertionen, also von Strukturaberrationen der Chromosomen, sowie für die Charakterisierung von Markerchromosomen, zur Kartierung von Chromosomenbruchpunkten und zum Aneuploidiescreening im „pränatalen FISH-Schnelltest“ eingesetzt. Die Stärke der Methode liegt dabei in der Untersuchung einzelner Zellen, sodass auch genetisch heterogene Zellpopulationen (Mosaike) im untersuchten Gewebe mit hoher Sicherheit festgestellt oder ausgeschlossen werden können. Außerdem ist es möglich, die morphologischen und immunologischen Eigenschaften der Zellen bei der Auswertung zu berücksichtigen, sodass genetische Veränderungen bestimmten Zellarten zugeordnet werden können.

Multidetector CT angiography in the assessment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease: accuracy in detecting the severity, number, and length of stenoses

The purpose was to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector CT angiography (MD-CTA) in the morphologic assessment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) compared to digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Fifty consecutive patients referred for DSA of the peripheral arteries due to PAOD were prospectively included in this study and underwent 16-row MD-CTA prior to DSA. Maximum intensity projections and multipath curved planar reformations were created with a semi-automated toolbox. Twenty-one vascular segments were defined in each leg and compared to DSA findings with regard to gradation, length, and number of lesions. Mean sensitivity and specificity in the detection of significant stenoses (over 70%) were 100% and 99.5% in the iliac arteries, 97.4% and 99.0% in the femoro-popliteal arteries, and 98.3% and 99.8% in the infrapopliteal arteries, respectively. High kappa values for exact stenoses gradation (0.74-1), lesion length (0.74-1), and number of lesions (0.71-1) were reached by MD-CTA, indicating high agreement with DSA. Non-invasive MD-CTA is an accurate tool for the assessment of all treatment-relevant morphologic information of PAOD (gradation, length, and number of stenoses) compared to DSA.

Radiologische Diagnostik der Lungentuberkulose

The radiologic knowledge of tuberculosis-associated lung disease is an essential tool in the clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis. Chest radiography is the primary imaging method, but the importance of CT is still increasing, as CT is more sensitive in the detection of cavitation, of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathie, of endobronchial spread and of complications in the course of the disease. In addition, CT has been proven as a valuable technique in the assessment of tuberculosis activity, especially in patients where M. tuberculosis has not been detected in the sputum or in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Depending on the immune status of the patient, the morphologic spectrum of tuberculosis is quite variable. Early diagnosis of tuberculosis is essential to prevent further spread of the disease.

[PTA and stent placement distal to the superficial femoral artery]

Although angioplasty and stent applications in the iliac vessels and the superficial femoral artery have become routine procedures, their usefulness for the treatment of lesions of the popliteal artery and the lower leg arteries is still under discussion. For the popliteal artery, limitations are mainly due to the high mechanical stress in this area, causing high traction forces. Moreover, beyond the occlusive atherosclerotic changes, specific pathological entities such as aneurysms, emboli, entrapment syndromes, and cystic adventitial disease have to be differentiated. There is hope that the development of innovative stent designs with high flexibility might overcome the limitations. For lesions of the lower leg arteries treatment with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has become the method of choice. However, stent designs as used for cardiac interventions have been adapted for their application below the knee, and first encouraging results may help to justify their broad use in the future. Regarding PTA, innovative equipment and techniques for the treatment of arterial lesions below the knee include dedicated, long, and very flexible balloons, cutting balloon cryoplasty, and laser angioplasty. Regarding stents, bare metal stents, stents with passive or active coatings, and bioabsorbable stents have all been successfully used.

T1-Maps und O2-verstärkte MRT der erkrankten Lunge

PURPOSE

Gas exchange is the primary function of the lung and the transport of oxygen plays a key role in pulmonary physiology and pathophysiology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molecular oxygen is weakly paramagnetic, so that an increase in oxygen concentration results in shortening T1 relaxation time and thus increasing signal intensity in T1 weighted images. The calculation of parameter maps may allow deeper insights into relaxation mechanisms. T1 maps based on a snapshot FLASH sequence obtained during the inhalation of various oxygen concentrations allow the creation of an oxygen transfer function, providing a measurement of local oxygen transfer. T1 weighted single shot TSE sequences demonstrate the signal changing effects during inhalation of pure oxygen.

RESULTS

The average of the mean T1 values over the entire lung during inspiration was 1,199+/-117 ms, the average of these values during expiration was 1,333+/-167 ms. T1 maps of patients with emphysema and lung fibrosis show fundamentally different values and respiratory dependence compared to healthy individuals. Oxygen enhanced MR has the potential to assess reduced diffusion capacity and decreased transport of oxygen in patients with emphysema and cystic fibrosis.

DISCUSSION

Results published in the literature indicate that T1 mapping and oxygen enhanced MR are promising new methods in functional imaging of the lung.

Frakturen des Atlas und Axis bei älteren Patienten: Untersuchung des Radiologischen Spektrums der Frakturen und bedeutsamer Faktoren für die Bildgebende Diagnostik

OBJECTIVE

To describe patterns of atlantoaxial fractures in a population of consecutive elderly patients, including assessment of type, distribution and associated clinical and radiological findings, and to analyze any influence of the causative trauma mechanism on the individual fracture pattern.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The distribution and type of 123 atlantoaxial fractures in 95 subjects older than 65 years (range: 65 - 102; mean age: 79 years) were retrospectively assessed. For each subject, trauma mechanism and clinical and neurological status were recorded at admission. Initial imaging studies of the cervical spine were reviewed. Preexistent degenerative changes were assessed and the atlantoaxial fractures classified. Data were evaluated for the frequency of different types of fractures of C1 and C2 and for accompanying fractures of cervical vertebrae or the occipital condyles, respectively.

RESULTS

The majority of patients with injuries of the atlantoaxial complex had fractures of C2 (90 of 95, 95 %). A large proportion of these patients (67 of 90, 74 %) had odontoid fractures. An isolated fracture of C1 was present in only 5 (5 %) patients. Associated fractures of the occipital condyles or other cervical vertebrae were rare (10 of 95, 11 %). The main trauma mechanism for atlantoaxial injuries was a fall (56 of 95, 59 %). Elderly patients injured in motor vehicle accidents were more likely to have isolated fractures of C2 and Type III fractures of the odontoid (p < 0.02).

CONCLUSION

In elderly patients, fractures of the atlantoaxial complex are mainly caused by falls and almost always involve C2. The trauma mechanism influences the fracture pattern.

Solid- and solution-phase synthesis of bioactive dihydropyrimidines

With the emergence of high-throughput screening in the pharmaceutical industry over a decade ago, synthetic chemists were faced with the challenge of preparing large collections of molecules to satisfy the demand for new screening compounds. The unique exploratory power of multicomponent reactions such as the Biginelli three-component reaction was soon recognized to be extremely valuable to produce compound libraries in a time- and cost-effective manner. The present review summarizes synthetic advances from our laboratories for the construction of Biginelli libraries via solution-and solid-phase strategies that are amenable to a high-throughput or combinatorial format.

Treatment of lead poisoning with an immobilized chelator comparison with conventional therapy

Lead poisoning is a global public health problem. In pregnant women it may result in developmental delays of the fetus, in children it my produce learning disability. Available chelators are nephrotoxic when eliminated as lead-chelator complexes. For safe removal of lead from the body we developed a "Lead-Hemopurifier" (L-HP), a device with an immobilized chelator. In vitro, applied to lead solutions, this device reduced the lead concentration. Applied to dogs with lead intoxication, Lead-HP-s removed lead from the blood; this was continuously replaced by lead from the bones until the skeleton was cleared from lead deposit. Treatment of lead poisoning in dogs with Lead-HP-s compared favorably with Versenate treatment of children with lead toxicity. This report demonstrates the in vivo efficiency and safety of this new detoxfication method. Methods to induce lead poisoning in dogs and procedures to identify lead released from skeletal deposits are described.