The parotid gland is rarely affected by sarcoidosis (6% of all cases). If there is initial parotitis, and other major symptoms include fever, uveitis, or facial paralysis, the condition is referred to as Heerfordt's syndrome. The case presented here describes the diagnostic work-up and differentiation of swelling of the parotid gland by employing state-of-the-art ultrasound techniques in a 33-year-old patient with Heerfordt's syndrome. Color-coded duplex ultrasound demonstrated hypervascularization. Tissue harmonic and photopic imaging ultrasound additionally depicted hypoechoic, septated structural lesions of the glandular parenchyma with an optimized contrast. Since such structural changes are not a specific sonographic criterion for sarcoidosis, ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed for further clarification of the etiology of parotitis and for excluding lymphoma. In conclusion, state-of-the-art ultrasound with the option of obtaining a biopsy at low risk is a useful procedure for diagnosing unclear pathology of the parotid gland with rapid histological confirmation.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Comparison of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with WHO tumor grading for gliomas.

Assessment of vascular proliferation as an important grading criterion has been employed in both the histologic and the radiologic characterization of gliomas with encouraging results. Perfusion in gliomas can be measured by dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI). The goal of this study was to develop a model for simultaneously quantifying the fractional volumes of different tissue compartments of gliomas by dMRI. A modified method for evaluating dynamic contrast-enhanced MR images is presented which simultaneously determines the fractional vascular, interstitial, and cellular volumes of gliomas. This method differs from techniques used in other studies in that it is based on a three-compartment model: a single blood compartment and two interstitial ones. The fractional volume maps are compared with the WHO glioma grading. The results show the method to be feasible. Using cerebral blood volume (CBV), dMRI grading showed a correspondence with WHO grading in 83% of the cases (20/24 gliomas WHO grades II-IV). The use of interstitial volume maps can also be helpful, for instance, in differentiating gliomas from other brain tumors. As a supplement to conventional MRI, dynamic MR techniques thus provide a useful tool for improving in vivo glioma characterization.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

GABA(A)-receptor expression in glioma cells is triggered by contact with neuronal cells.

The expression of functional GABA(A)-receptors in glioma cells correlates with low malignancy of tumours and cell lines from glioma lack these receptors. Here we show that contact with neurons induces the expression of functional GABA(A)-receptors. C6 and F98 glioma cell lines were labelled by recombinant expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein injected into rat brain and studied in acute slices after two to three weeks of tumour growth. The cells responded to GABA or the specific agonist, muscimol with a current typical for GABA(A)-receptors, as studied with the patch-clamp technique. To get insight into the mechanism of GABA(A) receptor induction, the C6 or F98 cells were co-cultured with neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia. Glioma cells expressed functional GABA(A) receptors within 24 h only in cultures where physical contact to neurons occurred. Activation of GABA(A)-receptors in the co-cultures attenuated glioma cell metabolism while blockade of the receptors increased metabolism. We conclude that with this form of interaction, neurons can influence tumour behaviour in the brain.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2001

[Anaesthetic management for hemihepatectomy in a patient with carcinoid-syndrome].

Carcinoids are rare tumors of enterochromaffin cells. The carcinoid-syndrome most often occurs with hepatic metastases of carcinoids and is evoked by release of serotonin and other vasoactive substances, leading to typical symptoms such as hyper- or hypotension, bronchospasm, tachycardia, diarrhoe, and flushing. A lethal perioperative "carcinoid-crisis" may occur. We report on a patient with carcinoid-syndrome due to liver metastases undergoing hemihepatectomy. For prophylaxis, the patient preoperatively received H 1- and H 2-histamine-receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, and a continuous somatostatin infusion. Besides monitoring cardiovascular variables we intermittently measured serotonin- and catecholamine concentrations. Initially increased serotonin concentration decreased during the course of anaesthesia. However, it increased again during liver resection despite Pringle's manoeuvre and was associated with a decrease in arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and central venous pressure. Hypotension was treated by volume and noradrenaline infusion. Thus, despite somatostatin infusion serotonin release is still possible, especially during surgical manipulation.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed2001

Assessment of the arteriovenous cerebrovascular system by multi-slice CT. A single-bolus, monophasic protocol.

PURPOSE: We present a protocol for the non-invasive angiographic assessment of the arterial and venous cerebrovascular (CV) system by multi-slice CT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data acquisition was performed in a multi-slice CT scanner with a scan range from the carotid bifurcation to the vertex and manual scan start following i.v. administration of 120 ml iodinated contrast medium with a flow rate of 4 ml/s. This protocol was applied in 12 patients with symptoms of acute CV insuffiency. RESULTS: In all patients, comprehensive imaging of the arteriovenous CV system was achieved including the common carotid bifurcation, the third segment of the major cerebral arteries, the dural sinus and the internal cerebral veins. Various CV pathologies, such as a territorial artery occlusion, a thrombotic obstruction of the internal carotid artery, an intracranial arteriovenous malformation and a sinus vein thrombosis, were successfully evaluated. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive assessment of the arteriovenous CV system is possible by the use of a single-bolus, monophasic multi-slice scan technique.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Binding of bis-linked netropsin derivatives in the parallel-stranded hairpin form to DNA.

Cis-diammine Pt(II)- bridged bis-netropsin and oligomethylene-bridged bis-netropsin in which two monomers are linked in a tail-to-tail manner bind to the DNA oligomer with the sequence 5'-CCTATATCC-3' in a parallel-stranded hairpin form with a stoichiometry 1:1. The difference circular dichroism (CD) spectra characteristic of binding of these ligands in the hairpin form are similar. They differ from CD patterns obtained for binding to the same duplex of another bis-netropsin in which two netropsin moieties were linked in a head-to-tail manner. This reflects the fact that tail-to-tail and head-to-tail bis-netropsins use parallel and antiparallel side-by-side motifs, respectively, for binding to DNA in the hairpin forms. The binding affinity of cis-diammine Pt(II)-bridged bis-netropsin in the hairpin form to DNA oligomers with nucleotide sequences 5'-CCTATATCC-3' (I), 5'-CCTTAATCC-3' (II), 5'-CCTTATTCC-3' (III), 5'-CCTTTTTCC-3' (IV) and 5'-CCAATTTCC-3' (V) decreases in the order I = II > III > IV > V . The binding of oligomethylene-bridged bis-netropsin in the hairpin form follows a similar hierarchy. An opposite order of sequence preferences is observed for partially bonded monodentate binding mode of the synthetic ligand.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed2001

[Polycystic kidney disease in a Persian cat].

This case report is about a 9-year-old male castrated Persian cat with chronic renal failure. After physical examination and ultrasonography polycystic kidney disease (PKD) was diagnosed. Various aspects of etiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis of PKD are discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Time to go green! H2E program can provide environmental and financial benefits.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗

PubMed2001

Analysis of sequence-specific binding of RNA to Hsp70 and its various homologs indicates the involvement of N- and C-terminal interactions.

Members of the 70-kDa family of molecular chaperones assist in a number of molecular interactions that are essential under both normal and stress conditions. These functions require ATP and co-chaperone molecules and are associated with a cyclic transition of intramolecular conformational changes. As a new putative function, we have previously shown that mammalian Hsp/Hsc70 as well as a distant relative, Hsp110, selectively bind certain RNA sequences via their N-terminal ATP-binding domain. To investigate this phenomenon in more detail, here we examined RNA-binding affinity and specificity of various deletion mutants of human Hsp70. We demonstrate, that, although the N-terminal ATPase domain alone is sufficient for RNA binding, its binding affinity is considerably reduced when compared to that of the full-length protein. Additionally, we provide evidence that binding of RNA to a membrane-immobilized protein partner results in complete loss of RNA sequence specificity. Using various Hsp70 homologs, we show distinct RNA-binding properties of these proteins judged by sequence specificity, ribopolymer sensitivity, and northwestern analysis. Finally, we present data disclosing that RNA binding by DnaK, the Escherichia coli homolog, is influenced by the activity of its co-chaperones, DnaJ and GrpE. We conclude that the RNA-binding capability of this class of molecular chaperones is a conserved feature and it is strongly influenced by the structural and conformational properties. Furthermore, the notion that RNA binding of some Hsp70 family members is influenced by co-chaperones suggests an RNA-binding cycle resembling the protein-binding property of the chaperones.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

PubMed2000

Ultrasonography of the parathyroid glands as an aid in differentiation of acute and chronic renal failure in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether determination of parathyroid gland size by use of ultrasonography is helpful in differentiating acute renal failure (ARF) from chronic renal failure (CRF) in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 20 dogs with renal failure in which serum creatinine concentration was at least 5 times the upper reference limit. Seven dogs had ARF, and 13 dogs had CRF. Twenty-three healthy dogs were used as controls. PROCEDURE: Dogs were positioned in dorsal recumbency for ultrasonographic examination of the ventral portion of the neck, A 10-MHz linear-array high-resolution transducer was used. The size of the parathyroid gland was determined by measuring the maximal length of the gland on the screen when it was imaged in longitudinal section. For comparison among groups, the longest linear dimension of any of the parathyroid glands of each dog was used. RESULTS: Size of the parathyroid glands in the control dogs varied from 2.0 to 4.6 mm (median, 3.3 mm). In the dogs with ARF, gland size ranged from 2.4 to 4.0 mm (median, 2.7), which was not significantly different from controls. In dogs with CRF, the glands were more distinctly demarcated from the surrounding thyroid tissue, than those of controls and dogs with ARF. Sizes ranged from 3.9 to 8.1 mm (median, 5.7 mm), which was significantly larger, compared with controls and dogs with ARF. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In dogs with severe azotemia, ultrasonographic examination of the parathyroid glands was helpful in differentiating ARF from CRF Size of the parathyroid glands appeared to be related to body weight.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

PubMed2000

Galileo magnetometer measurements: a stronger case for a subsurface ocean at Europa.

On 3 January 2000, the Galileo spacecraft passed close to Europa when it was located far south of Jupiter's magnetic equator in a region where the radial component of the magnetospheric magnetic field points inward toward Jupiter. This pass with a previously unexamined orientation of the external forcing field distinguished between an induced and a permanent magnetic dipole moment model of Europa's internal field. The Galileo magnetometer measured changes in the magnetic field predicted if a current-carrying outer shell, such as a planet-scale liquid ocean, is present beneath the icy surface. The evidence that Europa's field varies temporally strengthens the argument that a liquid ocean exists beneath the present-day surface.

Extraterrestrial Environment↗