“During last decades acute promyelocytic leukemia, once co


“During last decades acute promyelocytic leukemia, once considered the deadly disease, has evolved to the most treatable of all subtypes of acute myeloid leukemias. The intense clinical and basic

research has led to a rational approach to treatment in which the use of the differentiating agent all-trans-retinoic acid has proven to be effective PR-171 supplier first-line therapy. Arsenic trioxide, used for relapsed disease, further improved the survival rate of patients. The classical model presented the therapeutic success as a result of over-coming of the differentiation block characteristic of neoplastic cells. However, the resent in vivo and ex vivo studies, seem to show that the induction of differentiation process is not required to cure acute promyelocytic leukemia. Rather than inducing differentiation, targeting clonogenic leukemia initiating cells or destroying PML-RARa fusion protein may represent a more effective therapeutic goal in this type of leukemia.”
“Aims Establishing accurate initial resting pressures is an important step in quality control at the start of a urodynamics test. We therefore carried out a prospective study to establish the initial resting pressures achievable with careful quality control. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing urodynamics were selleck chemicals llc recruited. Initial resting pressures were recorded in lying,

sitting, and standing positions for each patient. The detrusor pressure values obtained before filling were then compared with the pressures obtained during filling. Results: Initial resting abdominal and intravesical pressures were similar and at least 95% lay in the following ranges: lying 0-18 cmH(2)O, sitting 15-40 cmH(2)O, standing 20-50 cmH(2)O: these data gave initial resting detrusor pressure readings between -5 and +5 cmH(2)O

in 97%, 97%, and 96%, respectively. Comparison of initial resting pressure readings with those obtained during filling showed that the narrow range of pressures was maintained during the urodynamic test. Conclusions: This study provides detailed prospective data on achievable initial resting pressures in urodynamics. In Acalabrutinib purchase this study, pdet was normally at or close to zero, and distributed more or less evenly either side. This suggests a range that differs from existing ICS GUP guidelines, and could be incorporated in future ICS guidelines. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31: 535-540, 2012. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.”
“The incidence of Mullerian duct anomalies in women is rare, associating with urinary tract anomalies such as horseshoe or pelvic kidney, renal agenesis, duplication of the collecting system, or ectopic uterus. Septate uterus is one type of congenital uterine anomalies, in which there is a septum from the fundus to the cervix.


“Study Design An in vitro biomechanical study investigati


“Study Design. An in vitro biomechanical study investigating interbody device subsidence measures in synthetic vertebrae, polyurethane foam blocks, and human cadaveric vertebrae.

Objective. To compare subsidence measures of bone surrogates with human vertebrae for interbody devices varying in size/placement.

Summary of Background Data. Bone surrogates are alternatives when human cadaveric vertebrae are unavailable. Synthetic vertebrae modeling cortices, endplates, and cancellous bone have been

developed as an alternative to polyurethane foam blocks for testing interbody device subsidence.

Methods. Indentors placed on the endplates of synthetic vertebrae, foam blocks, and human vertebrae were subjected to uniaxial compression. Subsidence, measured with custom-made extensometers, was evaluated LY3023414 datasheet for an indentor seated either centrally or peripherally on the endplate. Failure force and indentation stiffness were determined from force-displacement curves.

Results. Subsidence measures in human vertebrae varied with indentor placement: Selleckchem Geneticin failure forces were higher and indentors subsided less

with peripheral placement. Subsidence measures in foam blocks were insensitive to indentor size/placement; they were similar to human vertebrae for centrally placed but not for peripherally placed indentors. Although subsidence measures in synthetic vertebrae were sensitive to indentor size/placement, failure force and indentation stiffness

were overestimated, selleck chemicals llc and subsidence underestimated, for both centrally placed and peripherally placed indentors.

Conclusion. The synthetic endplate correctly represented the human endplate geometry, and thus, failure force, stiffness, and subsidence in synthetic vertebrae were sensitive to indentor size/ placement. However, the endplate was overly strong and thus synthetic vertebrae did not accurately model indentor subsidence in human cadaveric vertebrae. Foam blocks captured subsidence measures more accurately than synthetic vertebrae for centrally placed indentors, but because of their uniform density were not sufficiently robust to capture changes generated from different indentor sizes/placements. The current bone surrogates are not accurate enough in terms of material property distribution to completely model subsidence in human cadaveric vertebrae.”
“Acetic acid widely spreads in atmosphere, aquatic ecosystems containing residues and anoxic soil. It can inhibit aquatic plant germination and growth, and even cause programmed cell death (PCD) of yeast. In the present study, biochemical and physiological responses of the model unicellular green algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were examined after acetic acid stress. H2O2 burst was found in C. reinhardtii after acetic acid stress at pH 5.0 for 10 min. The photosynthetic pigments were degraded, gross photosynthesis and respiration were disappeared gradually, and DNA fragmentation was also detected.

The joints were evaluated macroscopically Implant osseointegrati

The joints were evaluated macroscopically. Implant osseointegration was measured by automated histomorphometry, and cartilage repair (after microfracture) was scored histologically. Cartilage quality was analyzed macroscopically and histologically. Glycosaminoglycan content and release were measured by alcian blue assay, and the synthesis and release of newly formed glycosaminoglycans were measured by liquid scintillation analysis of the incorporation of (35)SO(4)(2-) in tissue and medium.

Results: The mean bone-implant contact (and standard error) was appropriate (14.6%+/- 5.4%), and the amount of bone surrounding

the implantwas extensive (mean, 40.3%+/- 4.0%). The healing of the microfracture-treated defects was extensive, although not complete (mean, 18.38 +/- 0.43 Selleckchem AZ 628 points of a maximum possible score of 24 points). The macroscopic cartilage evaluation did not show any significant differences https://www.selleckchem.com/products/BIBF1120.html between the treatments. On histologic

evaluation, the cartilage of the medial tibial plateau articulating directly against the treated defects demonstrated significantly more degeneration in the microfracture-treated knees than in the implant-treated knees (p < 0.05). This was in accordance with a significantly higher glycosaminoglycan content, higher synthetic activity, and decreased glycosaminoglycan release of the medial tibial plateau cartilage of the implant-treated knees (p < 0.05 for all). On histological analysis, degeneration was also found in the cartilage of the lateral tibial plateau and condyle, but no significant difference was found between the treatments.

Conclusions: Both microfracture and the use of implants as a treatment for established localized cartilage defects in the medial femoral condyle caused considerable (p < 0.05) degeneration of the directly articulating cartilage as well GSK461364 concentration as in more remote sites in the knee. However,

in the medial tibial plateau, the metal implants caused less damage than the microfiracture technique.

Clinical Relevance: Although this study shows that small metal implants may be more suitable than microfracture in the treatment of localized cartilage defects in the knee, the generalized degeneration found following both treatments should be addressed first.”
“BACKGROUND: Reliable surveillance is essential for any tuberculosis (TB) control programme; however, under-registration of TB cases due to under-notification of patients on treatment or failure to initiate treatment has been well-documented internationally.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the contribution of capture-recapture methods in estimating the completeness of bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB registration in two high-incident communities in South Africa.

METHODS: Record linkage between the TB treatment register and two laboratory sputum TB result registers and three-source log-linear capture-recapture analysis.

arabiensis populations was observed, as opposed to An gambiae s

arabiensis populations was observed, as opposed to An. gambiae s.s., which was genetically undifferentiated across the 6,650 km(2) of the Kilombero valley landscape. It appears that genetic differentiation is not attributed to physical barriers or distance, but possibly by ecological diversification within the Kilombero valley. Genetic divergence among An. arabiensis populations (F-ST = 0.066) was higher than that of the well-known M and S forms of An. gambiae s.s. in West and Central Africa (F-ST = 0.035), suggesting that these populations are maintained by some level of reproductive isolation.

Conclusion:

It was hypothesized that ecological diversification across the valley may be a driving force for observed An. arabiensis genetic divergence. The impact of the observed An. arabiensis substructure to the prospects for new vector selleckchem control approaches is discussed.”
“objective

To evaluate sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) of anti-p(16INK4a) in

cervical cytology.

Study Design

A case-control study was conducted in a reference center for cervical pathology. Cytology slides were collected in a standard way with Ayre spatula and Cytobrush. The slides were interpreted by 2 independent pathologists (P1, P2). The CX-6258 supplier cases (n = 61) represented all cervical examinations that bad resulted in a biopsy with the diagnosis of CIN 1, 2 or 3 or squamous cell carcinoma. Controls (71 = 87) included all examinations with negative cytology (Papanicolaou) and negative colposcopy.

Results

The sensitivity for the histologic diagnosis of ClN 2, 3 (n = 23) was 100% and 95.7% (P1, P2), respectively. The NPV for CIN 2 or worse was 100% (PI) and 98.9% (P2). The sensitivity for the diagnosis of CIN1 was 77.8% (P1) and 58.3% (P2). The NPV for CIN1 or worse was 90.6% (P1) and 82% (P2). The kappa index between the 2 pathologists was 0.74.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the antibody anti-p16INK(4a) could contribute as an adjuvant tool in the follow-up of cervical intraepithelial lesions when the cytology sample is collected in the standard way. (Acta Cytol 2009;

53:253-262)”
“PURPOSE: To evaluate 5-Fluoracil purchase the efficacy, safety, and predictability of sequential implantation of Keraring intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) and an Implantable Col lamer Lens phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) with corneal relaxing incisions for refractive correction of keratoconus.

SETTING: Fernandez-Vega Ophthalmological Institute, Oviedo, Spain.

DESIGN: Cohort study.

METHODS: This study comprised patients with keratoconus who had ICRS implantation followed 6 months later by pIOL implantation with corneal relaxing incisions. The uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities and residual refractive errors, analyzed using vector analysis, were recorded preoperatively, 6 months after ICRS implantation, and 6 months after pIOL implantation.

Overpoling phenomenon associated with a sudden reduction of d(33)

Overpoling phenomenon associated with a sudden reduction of d(33) with increasing field was not evidenced.”
“We present the results of time and temperature dependent deformation of two azobenzene materials with different dipole moment during the process of surface relief grating formation. The effect of chromophore

this website orientation on grating formation in these films was studied in situ using continuous and pulselike exposure techniques at various temperatures up to the glass transition temperature of the respective polymer material. The results obtained for high dipole moment pDR1M and low dipole moment pMEA were compared in terms of the rate of the grating formation and related to the quantities as relaxation of the chromophores in the absence of the inscribing light and induced stress due to the chromophore orientation. The parameters obtained from the simulation data can be well explained considering viscoelastic material PI3K inhibitor model. The experimental findings can be explained

by assuming the interaction of azochromophores with polarized light leading to the orientation anisotropy of the azobenzene macromolecules, thereby generating a mechanical stress.”
“Background: We hypothesized left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony would affect postexercise accommodation of regional myocardial motion in patients with heart failure and a normal ejection fraction (HFNEF).

Methods and Results: Tissue-Doppler echocardiography was studied in 100 hypertensive patients with LV ejection fraction >50%. Among them, 70 HFNEF patients were classified into the systolic dyssynchrony (Dys: >65 ms difference of electromechanical delay between septal and lateral segments) (43 patients) and nondyssynchrony (Ndys: 27 patients) groups, and the other 30 patients were as the control (Ctrl). The systolic myocardial velocities (Sm) of 6-basal LV segments at baseline and after exercise were analyzed. When compared with the Ctrl group, the baseline lower mean Sm of 6 LV segments in the Ndys group could increase to a similar postexercise level as that in the Ctrl group, whereas that in the Dys group remained CYT387 supplier lower after exercise (7.8 +/- 1.3 versus Ndys: 8.6 +/- 1.5 and Ctrl: 8.9 +/- 1.2

cm/s, P < .05, respectively). This is mainly due to a much higher percentage increase of lateral Sm after exercise in the Ndys group (Ndys: 49 versus Dys: 29%, P < .05).

Conclusions: Dyssynchrony-related regional myocardial contractile abnormality after exercise in HFNEF patients suggested the detrimental impact of electromechanical uncoupling on HF symptoms. (J Cardiac Fail 2012;18:134-139)”
“Epoxy adhesives reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were developed. The distribution of the CNTs in the epoxy matrix was observed with transmission electron microscopy. Joints were formed by unclad 2024-T3 aluminum adherents bonded with the CNT-filled epoxy adhesives. The durability of the joints was studied with a wedge test under water at 60 degrees C.

77- 96) in all the age groups Mean total WFH orthopedic joint sc

77-.96) in all the age groups. Mean total WFH orthopedic joint scores were 1.83 +/- 2.7, 4.9 +/- 4.96, and 6.94 +/- 6.15 in 4-7, 8-12,

and 13-16-year-old groups, respectively. They were more impaired in the adult patients (16.23 +/- 14.12). These results show that the Turkish version of the Haemo-QoL and Haem-A-QoL are reliable instruments to measure the quality of life in the pediatric see more and adult patients with severe hemophilia. When compared to the Haemo-QoL scores of an international multicenter West European study of children, quality of life in the Turkish patients were more impaired in the subscales of physical health, feeling, view, school and sport, and treatment as well as more impaired WFH joint scores. The authors recommend primary factor prophylaxis and encouraging the patients to learn home treatment to improve joint scores and quality of life.”
“Background: With the aim of discovering new natural active extracts against malaria parasites, Icacina senegalensis was selected after an ethnopharmacological

survey conducted on plants used in traditional malaria treatment in Senegal.

Methods: Different concentrations of the plant extract and fractions were tested on synchronized Plasmodium find more falciparum cultures at the ring stage using the parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay. Their haemolytic activity and in vitro cytoxicity were evaluated. The chromatographic profiles of active fractions were also established.

Results: The plant extract and fractions Ricolinostat in vivo revealed anti-plasmodial activity (IC(50) < 5 mu g/mL) with no toxicity ( Selectivity indexes > 10). The dichloromethane fraction showed stronger anti-plasmodial activity than the total extract.

Conclusion: Anti-plasmodial activity and toxicity of I. senegalensis are reported for the first time and showed promising results in malaria field research.”
“Introduction and hypothesis This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes of concomitant suburethral sling with LeFort colpocleisis including its effect on postoperative voiding.

Methods We performed a retrospective review of all LeFort

colpocleisis procedures from our institution. We reviewed demographics, symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, incontinent events/day, pads usage/day, urodynamic parameters, and presence of voiding dysfunction.

Results Two hundred ten patients underwent colpocleisis during the study period. Mean age was 82.2 +/- 4.9 and median follow-up was 22 weeks (2-169). Preoperatively, 73 (35%) complained of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms, and an additional 105 (50%) were diagnosed with occult SUI. One hundred sixty-one (77%) patients underwent concurrent suburethral sling. Overall, sling placement resulted in a 92.5% subjective stress continent rate. Fifty-six patients presented with voiding dysfunction (VD). Postoperatively, VD resolved in 91%. De novo VD occurred in two patients (1.9%) and one (0.6%) required sling revision.

Ge forms mainly Ge-Ge bonds In addition, Photoluminescence from

Ge forms mainly Ge-Ge bonds. In addition, Photoluminescence from interband indirect recombination and transitions between discrete energy levels in Ge nanostructures were observed. The FM in the Ge/SiO2 multilayer films can be attributed to both the quantum size effect and coupling of unpaired spins among the Ge nanostructures. The coupling tends to make the unpaired spins align in a ferromagnetic manner.”
“Introduction: Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in hepatic allograft is a major concern after successful liver transplant (LTx).

Aim: Vorinostat ic50 To examine the response rate to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin in

post-LTx patients with HCV recurrence.

Patients and methods: Between January 2003 and September 2006, 60 patients

with biopsy proven HCV recurrence (46 males and 14 females) received PEG-IFN 2a (n = SRT1720 40) or IFN 2b (n = 20) with ribavirin. All patients were followed until July 2007.

Results: Fourteen patients (23.3%) tolerated antiviral therapy for less than six months and 10 (16.7%) discontinued therapy between six and 11 months. PEG-IFN dose was reduced in 21 (35%) patients and ribavirin dose was reduced in 16 (26.7%) patients. Overall, 55% patients achieved end of treatment response (EOT) and 35% sustained virological response (SVR). Mean Hepatitis Activity Index and Fibrosis Score pre-therapy was 5.8 +/- 1.9 and 1.7 +/- 1.3 and post-therapy, it was 4.4 +/- 2.1 and 2.4 +/- 1.6, respectively. Overall, three yr patient and graft survival was 73.9% and 69.2%, respectively. The patients with SVR had significantly lower viral load compared with other groups (p = 0.028).

Conclusion: PEG-IFN and ribavirin therapy achieved 55% EOT and 35% SVR; 60% patients tolerated therapy. Biochemical response was observed in all groups of patients irrespective

of virological response.”
“Objective LCL161 manufacturer The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend an earlier study carried out in the UK of lay understanding of cancer-related terms in a Dutch sample, by (i) examining understanding of common terms relating to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment and (ii) experimentally exploring the effect of medical jargon versus plain language use on individuals’ perceived efficacy in interacting with oncologists, participating in medical decision making, and interpersonal trust. Methods One hundred ninety-four lay people completed a questionnaire assessing (i) understanding, confidence in understanding, and worry after reading 10 scenarios presenting cancer-related terms and (ii) perceived communication efficacy, decision-making efficacy, and trust following a vignette portraying an oncologist using either jargon or plain language. Results On average, participants understood a majority (6.8 +/- 1.6) of cancer-related terms, yet only 2.2% understood all 10 terms correctly.

This study examined breast cancer survivors’ efforts to manage un

This study examined breast cancer survivors’ efforts to manage uncertainty by making lifestyle changes, such as improvement in diet and exercise.

We further investigated the role of women’s common-sense beliefs about their cancer, as described by Leventhal’s self-regulation theory, in explaining post-treatment changes.

Method: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Library high throughput At 3 weeks and 3 months post-treatment, 79 women who received adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for stages 0-III breast cancer (mean age = 55 years) completed assessments of changes in health practices and other behaviors. Participants also completed measures of beliefs about the causes, course, personal control, and consequences of their cancer.

Results: Survivors reported behavior changes directed toward improving physical, emotional, and spiritual Bcl-2 apoptosis pathway well-being. Results further indicated that women who believed their cancer had more severe consequences and those who attributed the development of cancer or the prevention of recurrence to health behaviors or stress were most likely to report improvement in diet or physical activity

and reduction in alcohol use or stress.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that breast cancer survivors are poised to make lifestyle changes after treatment ends, creating an opportune time for health promotion interventions. Understanding women’s cancer beliefs could help guide the development of tailored, proactive interventions to improve the health and well-being of breast cancer buy GDC-0994 survivors.

Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
“In the present study, the effects of theanine on hepatic and renal injury in mice exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) were investigated. Mice were subjected to the exposure to unpredictable stressor daily for 5 consecutive weeks, with theanine administered (2 and 4 mg/kg, i.g.) for consecutive 3 weeks from the 3rd week. Our experiment showed hepatic and renal indices were sensitive to UCMS except the renal functional indices. However, theanine (2 and 4 mg/kg) decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content, meanwhile, increased the glutathione (GSH) content and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the liver and kidneys. Moreover, theanine treatment significantly ameliorated the hepatic function, also, decreased the tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels in the liver and the kidneys. These findings suggested that theanine possesses the effect against the UCMS-induced hepatic and renal impairment and the underlying mechanism is related to its antioxidative and antiinflammatory properties.”
“Interventional radiological percutaneous procedures are becoming all the more important in the curative or palliative management of elderly frail patients with multiple underlying comorbidities.

3 years (y) (range, 4-18 y), 9 girls, 10 boys) with Hodgkin lymph

3 years (y) (range, 4-18 y), 9 girls, 10 boys) with Hodgkin lymphoma were assayed at diagnosis and at restaging. HP levels were determined using an ELISA anti-human heparanase immunoassay kit. According to diagnosis, CAT scan and/or FDG/ PET-CT fusion were performed to assess response to treatment ML323 molecular weight after 2-3 courses of chemotherapy. Two patients received VAMP

protocol (1 stage IA, 1 stage IIA), 1 received AV-PC (nonbulky stage IIA), 4 received COPP/ABV (3 stage IIA bulky, 1 stage IIIA nonbulky), 4 received ABVE-PC (2 stage IIB, 1 stage IIA bulky, 1 stage IIIA bulky), 2 received ABVD (1 stage IIA bulky, 1 stage IIIA), and 6 received escalated BEACOPP (1 stage IIIB, 3 stage IVA, 2 stage IVB). Results: Changes in HP levels were found to correlate with response to treatment for most of the children. At diagnosis, average HP level was 1019 pg/mL (range, 141-5733 pg/mL), decreasing at restaging to 588 pg/mL (range, 62-3267 pg/mL) B-Raf inhibitor drug (p = .034). At diagnosis, the average HP of the 16 patients in CR or VGPR was 1104 pg/mL; it had decreased at restaging to 586 pg/mL (p = .032). At diagnosis, the average HP

level for the 3 patients with TP or PR was 1704 pg/mL; it had increased to 1938 pg/mL at restaging (p = .166). Due to the small number of patients, no correlation was observed between HP levels at diagnosis, staging, or any other clinical prognostic factor. Conclusions: Changes in plasma HP levels correlated with response to treatment for children diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. This provides a rationale for exploring clinical interest in plasma heparanase measurements of a larger group, using the test for clinical trials of antiangiogenic therapies.”
“This study aimed at demonstrating the effects of

fermentation time (24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h) and water activity (0.943, 0.970, and 0.985) on the production of cellulolytic enzymes by solid-state fermentation of purple click here mombin (Spondias purpurea L.) residue using Aspergillus niger. The fermentation was carried out at 35 degrees C and the enzyme production was measured as endoglucanase and total cellulose activities. The optimum condition for endoglucanase was water activity 0.974 and 93.8 h of fermentation, reaching a production of 3.21 U/g of residue; whereas for total cellulase it was 0.958 and 79.4 h achieving 12.1 U/g of residue. Fermentation time had a greater effect on the endoglucanase activity, while water activity had a more significant influence on the total cellulase activity. Endoglucanase had optimum activity at temperature of 50 degrees C and pH 5.0. Although cellulase total optimum activity was also at pH 5.0, the maximum activity was at 60 degrees C.”
“Structurally gradient layered A1/L1(0) films are obtained by heat treatment of magnetron sputter deposited FePt(20 nm)/CoPt(x nm) bilayers where x=0-120 nm.

Methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE, EBM Reviews, dissertation abstract data

Methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE, EBM Reviews, dissertation abstract databases, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched. Two investigators independently reviewed

titles, abstracts and full texts in a hierarchical manner for study eligibility with a quadratic kappa score at each level. Two authors abstracted data independently and the quality of the articles was assessed using the five-point Jadad scale. Outcomes were termination of ventricular fibrillation (VF)/ventricular tachycardia (VT) at 5 s post shock (TOF), return of organized rhythm selleck compound (ROOR) and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Results: A total of 3281 potentially relevant citations were identified and, of these, eight papers were selected with Kappa values of 0.53 for titles, 0.71 for abstracts, and 0.94 for articles. Danusertib order Quality scores varied from 0 to 4/5. Biphasic first-shock success for all three outcomes of interest was similar regardless of energy levels, and uniformly superior to monophasic first-shock success. Median time to first shock varied across trials based on level of randomization (first responders versus advanced life support tiered response) and may contribute to observed differences. Lack of variability across two waveforms precluded a meta-analytical approach.

Conclusions:

This systematic review suggests that evaluated biphasic waveforms have similar first-shock success as measured by the three outcomes of interest and all are superior to monophasic shocks. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Feature Tracking software offers

measurements of myocardial strain, velocities and displacement from cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) images. We used it to record deformation parameters in healthy adults and compared values to those obtained by tagging.

Methods: We used TomTec 2D Cardiac Performance Analysis software to derive global, regional and segmental PND-1186 in vitro myocardial deformation parameters in 145 healthy volunteers who had steady state free precession (SSFP) cine left ventricular short (basal, mid and apical levels) and long axis views (horizontal long axis, vertical long axis and left ventricular out flow tract) obtained on a 1.5 T Siemens Sonata scanner. 20 subjects also had tagged acquisitions and we compared global and regional deformation values obtained from these with those from Feature Tracking.

Results: For globally averaged measurements of strain, only those measured circumferentially in short axis slices showed reasonably good levels of agreement between FT and tagging (limits of agreement -0.06 to 0.04). Longitudinal strain showed wide limits of agreement (-0.16 to 0.03) with evidence of overestimation of strain by FT relative to tagging as the mean of both measures increased.