QCD and strongly coupled gauge theories: challenges and perspectives

We highlight the progress, current status, and open challenges of QCD-driven physics, in theory and in experiment. We discuss how the strong interaction is intimately connected to a broad sweep of physical problems, in settings ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to strongly coupled, complex systems in particle and condensed-matter physics, as well as to searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. We also discuss how success in describing the strong interaction impacts other fields, and, in turn, how such subjects can impact studies of the strong interaction. In the course of the work we offer a perspective on the many research streams which flow into and out of QCD, as well as a vision for future developments.

Measurement of true salicylate concentrations in serum from patients with Reye's syndrome

Patients with Reye's syndrome who have been given aspirin are said to maintain higher-than-anticipated salicylate concentrations in blood, for longer than expected. We explored whether this could be attributed to spurious results from nonsalicylate compounds in the Trinder reaction for salicylates. All of 63 organic acids and amines examined that form colored complexes with Trinder's reagent had detectable absorbance at 540 nm at 0.2 g/L, including some endogenous compounds known to be increased in Reye's syndrome patients and many others endogenous in humans. By subjecting deproteinized sera to thin-layer chromatography and eluting the salicylate fraction before complexing it with ferric ion, true salicylate can be measured quantitatively and differentiated from interfering compounds. In addition, when we examined the effect of salicylate on palmitate binding to serum proteins, we found that salicylate concentrations of 0.2 g/L displaced [16-14C]palmitate binding to protein more in Reye's syndrome patients than in Reye's syndrome survivors or children with influenza. This suggests the presence of atypical binding characteristics for salicylate and palmitate in the acute disorder but not in survivors or children with influenza.

Effects of standardized acute normovolemic hemodilution on intraoperative allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing major maxillofacial surgery

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the practicality and efficacy of acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) to reduce allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in patients undergoing elective surgery with anticipated high intraoperative blood loss (BL). 124 patients (age 48 +/- 18 years, ASA classes I-III) underwent major maxillofacial surgery in a university hospital (68% tumor surgery, 32% dysgnathia correction). After induction of general anesthesia, ANH was performed by standardized withdrawal of 900 ml (2 units) of whole blood and simultaneous infusion of 500 ml of hydroxyethyl starch solution (6% HES 130,000/0.4) and 1500 ml of crystalloidal solution. Intraoperative BL was fluid-compensated until physiologic parameters indicated the need for RBC transfusion. First, autologous ANH-blood was retransfused followed by, if necessary, allogeneic RBC. Total BL was referred to the patient's calculated blood volume (BV): fractional blood volume loss, BL(fract) = BL/BV. ANH took 16 +/- 2 min and was void of any adverse event. The costs for ANH was 24 per patient. 55 patients had a mean BL(fract) of 44 +/- 28% and required an intraoperative transfusion; 49/55 patients with an average BL(fract) of 37 +/- 14% were transfused with only autologous ANH-blood; 6/55 patients with a mean BL(fract) of 100 +/- 47% underwent additional transfusion with allogeneic RBC. Standardized, 2 unit, ANH is a practicable, safe and economic blood conservation technique that allowed for the complete avoidance of allogeneic RBC transfusion in 89% of patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery that required an intraoperative RBC transfusion.

Computer aided surgical reconstruction after complex facial burn injuries – opportunities and limitations

In severe facial burn injuries with extensive destruction of anatomical structures, cosmetic and functional outcome of treatment are frequently not satisfactory. Although operative therapy is being continuously refined, the variety and proximity of structures in the facial region is considered a major challenge in reconstructive surgery. We present the case of a 16-year-old patient with a severe facial burn injury. In planning the reconstructive procedures, we used a multimodal approach employing data from computerized tomography imaging, as well as from surface laser scanning, which provided three-dimensional visualization of facial soft tissues. Amount and pattern of structural loss could thus be determined more precisely and studied more vividly than by inspection of two-dimensional imaging alone. Anatomical features to be reconstructed could be projected onto the skin area of the prelaminated vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap that has been chosen to cover the defect. Prior to surgery, correction of the defects was simulated and the results of the virtual procedure superimposed on a three-dimensional head model of the patient. Tissue elasticity and thickness of the flap, however, could not be ascertained in advance, indicating the limitations of the method.

[Clinical and epidemiological data of patients with malignomas of the head and neck]

BACKGROUND

The present study describes clinical and epidemiological data of patients with malignomas of the head and neck documented in the Munich Cancer Register.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data of head and neck cancer patients treated at four departments of head and neck surgery and one of oral-maxillo-facial surgery in the area of Munich from 1978 up to now are reported.

RESULTS

Incidence and mortality as a function of age, sex, and tumor localization are described in comparison to clinical and epidemiological data as specified in tumor registers of the Saarland and the USA. Moreover, TNM stages, survival, recurrence, and metastasis rates are presented.

CONCLUSION

Based on the documentation of the Munich Cancer Register our study is the first to present a detailed description of clinical and epidemiological data of patients suffering from head and neck malignomas.

[18F]FDG imaging of head and neck tumours: comparison of hybrid PET and morphological methods

The aim of this study was to evaluate fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose ([(18)F]FDG) imaging of head and neck tumours using a second- or third-generation hybrid PET device. Results were compared with the findings of spiral computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and, as regards lymph node metastasis, the ultrasound findings. A total of 116 patients with head and neck tumours (83 males and 33 females aged 27-88 years) were examined using a hybrid PET scanner after injection of 185-350 MBq of [(18)F]FDG (Picker Prism 2000 XP-PCD, Marconi Axis gamma-PET(2) AZ). Hybrid PET examinations were performed in list mode using an axial filter. Reconstruction of data was performed iteratively. Ninety-six patients underwent CT using a multislice technique (Siemens Somatom Plus 4, Marconi MX 8000), 18 patients underwent MRI and 100 patients were examined by ultrasound. All findings were verified by histology, which was considered the gold standard, or, in the event of negative histology, by follow-up. Correct diagnosis of the primary or recurrent lesion was made in 73 of 85 patients using the hybrid PET scanner, in 50 of 76 patients on CT and in 7 of 10 patients on MRI. Hybrid PET successfully visualised metastatic disease in cervical lymph nodes in 28 of 34 patients, while 23 of 31 were correctly diagnosed with CT, 3 of 4 with MRI and 30 of 33 with ultrasound. False positive results regarding lymph node metastasis were seen in three patients with hybrid PET, in 14 patients with CT and in 13 patients with ultrasound. MRI yielded no false positive results concerning lymph node metastasis. In one patient, unrecognised metastatic lesions were seen on hybrid PET elsewhere in the body (lung: n=1; bone: n=1). Additional malignant lesions at sites other than the head and neck tumour were found in three patients (one patient with lung cancer, one patient with pelvic metastasis due to a carcinoma of the prostate and one patient with pulmonary metastasis due to breast cancer). It is concluded that [(18)F]FDG PET with hybrid PET scanners is superior to CT and MRI in the diagnosis of primary or recurrent lesions as well as in the assessment of lymph node involvement, whereas it is inferior to ultrasound in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis.

Particle concentration fluorescence immunoassay: a new immunoassay technique for quantification of human immunoglobulins in serum

A new fluorescence immunoassay technique, particle concentration fluorescence immunoassay (PCFIA), has been developed for quantifying the human immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG). In these "two-site sandwich assays," the capture antibody is immobilized on small polystyrene spheres and the tracer is fluorescein-labeled antibody. Polystyrene particles less than 1 microm in diameter make up the solid phase, to which goat anti-human antibody for each respective assay is attached. Serum specimens are diluted (5000-fold for IgA or IgM, 20 000-fold for IgG) placed on the 96-well Pandex assay plate; and mixed with the solid phase and tracer (fluorescein-labeled goat anti-human IgA, IgM, or IgG), which are added automatically by the Pandex Screen Machine. This instrument incubates the reaction mixture for 17 min at ambient temperature, separates the bound and free label by filtration, washes the solid phase, and determines the total particle-bound fluorescence by front-surface fluorimetry or epifluorescence, calculates results, and generates detailed reports. Ninety-six specimens may be analyzed in 29 min or 960 specimens in 136 min. Results by PCFIA for IgA, IgM, and IgG in serum correlated well with those by rate nephelometry.

[3-D imaging of the facial surface by topometry using projected white light strips]

Three-dimensional registration of the facial surface by methods which are currently in use is difficult because of the long measuring times required by point-based imaging systems. Artifacts caused by movement appear, e.g., blinking. Also the production of a facial plaster-cast model for measuring is not an adequate solution. In order to acquire data of the facial surface in a contact-free manner, a system is needed that has short measuring times, is able to record data of complex surfaces and at the same time does no harm to the open eyes. The method described here represents a new development of an industrial high tech CAD/CAM system. Unlike customary point-based imaging systems, the stripe projection method works using entire planes. Structured light is aimed at the surface to be measured, recorded by videocamera and calculated by triangulation; then the different views are combined by computer. The system has an optic sensor that can record approximately 500,000 measuring points within seconds (ca. 1.7s). Test persons' faces and plaster-cast models of them (n = 15) were measured comparatively and serially (n = 5) to test the validity and reliability of the method for maxillofacial procedures. These investigations show that this method is appropriate for recording three-dimensional soft-tissue profiles. First studies on patients before and after dysgnathia operations were undertaken. A prospective long-term study for collecting data on pre- and postoperative dysgnathia patients has been begun. Initially, it will record the changes in facial soft tissue on the basis of skeletal displacement. Later, predictions about the soft-tissue changes subsequent to dysgnathia surgery can be worked out on the basis of stored data matched with three-dimensional bone data.

[Giant hemangioma of the tongue: combined use of perioperative blood conservation procedures]

A giant hemangioma of the tongue was resected in a 16-year-old otherwise healthy young man (ASA I). Despite a total blood loss of 4,300 ml, corresponding to 105% of the patients intravascular blood volume, no allogeneic red blood cells had to be transfused intraoperatively. Besides minimization of intraoperative blood loss with preoperative alcohol injections into the tumor, ligation of large tumor-perfusing arteries, application of fibrin glue, skillful surgical technique, positioning of the surgical field above the level of the heart, controlled hypotension and maintenance of normothermia, acute normovolemic hemodilution (augmented by preoperative administration of recombinant human erythropoetin - rhEpo) and autotransfusion of lost blood were used for recovery of autologous blood. Under the protection of hyperoxia, a decrease of the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration to 4.2 g/dl was bridged by extreme normovolemic hemodilution. No signs of immanent or manifest tissue hypoxia were encountered. Retransfusion of autologous red blood cells was only started when surgical control of bleeding was achieved. Additionally a total of 4 units of fresh frozen plasma were infused for stabilization of plasma coagulation. After a 9-hour surgical duration, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, normotensive (with low-dose infusion of norepinephrin) and normothermic with a Hb concentration of 5.6 g/dl. In the face of an increasing lactacidosis 2 units of packed red blood cells were transfused on post surgical day 1.

Hormone responsiveness of the lipoma: a tumor of adipose tissue

The ability of adipocytes from lipomas to respond to lipolytic stimuli was investigated to determine whether diminished responsiveness could account for the excessive accumulation of neutral lipid which characterizes these tumors. Baseline studies were performed on rat adipose tissues to determine optimal conditions for comparison of lipolytic responses to a variety of hormones. Cell concentrations, the specific depot site from which the cells are derived, the age of the animal and the tissue preparation, as to whether fragments are used as opposed to collagenase-treated isolated cells, were determined to affect the lipolytic response. When the response of lipomata adjusted per unit cell (DNA) are compared to unaffected cells adjoining the tumor, an enhanced lipolytic respnse to microM concentrations of l-epinephrine is seen in both fragments and isolated cells. These findings indicate that diminished lipolysis cannot account for the exaggerated storage of neutral fat in these tumors.

[Positioning of the premaxilla in cases of bilateral cleft lip, alveolus and palate using Latham's appliance]

SUBJECT MATTER: In cases of bilateral cleft lip, alveolus and palate, preoperative positioning of the premaxilla using Latham's appliance has been described. This method is controversial, since it may cause growth defects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1992 to 2000, Latham's appliance was inserted preoperatively into 20 patients with bilateral lip, alveolus and palate clefts with extreme premaxillary protrusion. Pin fixation ensued at the age of 3 months. After adjustment of the premaxilla, the soft palate was closed and bilateral lip adhesion as well as bilateral gingivoperiosteoplasty were performed directly after the removal of the appliance. Final lip closure took place 4-6 weeks later. At the age of 2 years, the hard palate was closed. Evaluation was based on combined face-maxilla models, standard photographs and, when available, lateral skull x-rays showing the relative position of the segments, the influence of Latham's appliance on the nasal septum and the relation of the upper jaw to the skull base and mandibula.

RESULTS

In all cases, a satisfactory alveolar alignment was achieved; thickening and curvature of the nasal septum occurred but receded. Neither growth disturbances nor dental germ damage were seen. In two cases, complications arose from suture dehiscence of the lip adhesion: in one patient, a screw defect caused a loosening of the appliance and there was also a transmigration of the postpremaxillary pin.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of our experience, the use of Latham's appliance, combined with consistent orthodontic supervision and, if necessary, treatment, represents a practical option for the treatment of bilateral cleft lip, alveolus and palate, especially in cases with extreme protrusion of the premaxilla.

[F-18]FDG imaging of head and neck tumors: Comparison of hybrid PET, dedicated PET and CT

Aim: Aim of the study was to evaluate [F-18] FDG imaging of head and neck tumors using a Hybrid-PET device of the 2nd or 3rd generation. Examinations were compared to dedicated PET and Spiral-CT. Methods: 54 patients suffering from head and neck tumors were examined using dedicated PET and Hybrid-PET after injection of 185-350 MBq [F-18] FDG. Examinations were carried out on the dedicated PET first followed by a scan on the Hybrid-PET. Dedicated PET was acquired in 3D mode, Hybrid-PET was performed in list mode using an axial filter. Reconstruction of data was performed itera-tively on both, dedicated PET and Hybrid-PET. All patients received a CT scan in multislice technique. All finding have been verified by the goldstandard histology or in case of negative histology by follow up. Results: Using dedicated PET the primary or recurrent lesion was correctly diagnosed in 47/48 patients, using Hybrid-PET in 46/ 48 patients and using CT in 25/48 patients. Metastatic disease in cervical lymph nodes was diagnosed in 17/ 18 patients with dedicated PET, in 16/18 patients with Hybrid-PET and in 15/18 with CT. False positive results with regard to lymph node metastasis were seen with one patient for dedicated PET and Hybrid-PET, respectively, and with 18 patients for CT. In a total of 11 patients unknown metastastic lesions were seen with dedicated PET and with Hybrid-PET elsewhere in the body. Additional malignant disease other than the head and neck tumor was found in 4 patients. Conclusion: Using Hybrid-PET for [F-18] FDG imaging reveals a loss of sensitivity and specificity of about 1-5% as compared to dedicated PET in head and neck tumors. [F-18] FDG PET with both, dedicated PET and Hybrid-PET is superior to CT in the diagnosis of primary or recurrent lesions as well as in the assessment of lymph node involvement.

[[F-18]FDG imaging of head and neck tumors: comparison of hybrid PET, dedicated PET and CT]

AIM

Aim of the study was to evaluate [F-18]FDG imaging of head and neck tumors using a Hybrid-PET device of the 2nd or 3rd generation. Examinations were compared to dedicated PET and Spiral-CT.

METHODS

54 patients suffering from head and neck tumors were examined using dedicated PET and Hybrid-PET after injection of 185-350 MBq [F-18]FDG. Examinations were carried out on the dedicated PET first followed by a scan on the Hybrid-PET. Dedicated PET was acquired in 3D mode, Hybrid-PET was performed in list mode using an axial filter. Reconstruction of data was performed iteratively on both, dedicated PET and Hybrid-PET. All patients received a CT scan in multislice technique. All finding have been verified by the goldstandard histology or in case of negative histology by follow up.

RESULTS

Using dedicated PET the primary or recurrent lesion was correctly diagnosed in 47/48 patients, using Hybrid-PET in 46/48 patients and using CT in 25/48 patients. Metastatic disease in cervical lymph nodes was diagnosed in 17/18 patients with dedicated PET, in 16/18 patients with Hybrid-PET and in 15/18 with CT. False positive results with regard to lymph node metastasis were seen with one patient for dedicated PET and Hybrid-PET, respectively, and with 18 patients for CT. In a total of 11 patients unknown metastatic lesions were seen with dedicated PET and with Hybrid-PET elsewhere in the body. Additional malignant disease other than the head and neck tumor was found in 4 patients.

CONCLUSION

Using Hybrid-PET for [F-18]FDG imaging reveals a loss of sensitivity and specificity of about 1-5% as compared to dedicated PET in head and neck tumors. [F-18]FDG PET with both, dedicated PET and Hybrid-PET is superior to CT in the diagnosis of primary or recurrent lesions as well as in the assessment of lymph node involvement.

Comparison of three immunoassays for the determination of N-acetylprocainamide. Determination of false elevations by a polyclonal antibody-based method

The performance of the ROCHE FP NAPA reagent, a newly reformulated monoclonal antibody-based fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) for N-acetylprocainamide, was compared with two commercially available polyclonal antibody-based immunoassays, the Abbott TDx and Syva EMIT. Although excellent correlation was observed between the ROCHE FP NAPA reagent and the Syva EMIT reagent, a positive bias was observed in the correlation between the ROCHE FP NAPA reagent and the Abbott TDx reagent. The bias in the TDx method was investigated further by the concurrent high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of patient samples. Insignificant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the HPLC and ROCHE FP values. The TDx system, however, yielded significantly higher (p < 0.0005) results than did HPLC.