The majority of these operations were performed in the last two decades. Early mortality within 30 days of operation was 7.9% for repair and 17.6% for replacement (P = 0.29). The 1-, 5-, 10- and 25-year survival rates were 83.8, 74.5, 63.6 and selleck chemical 32.8% for tricuspid repair and 81.8, 68.2, 61.4 and 15.2% for tricuspid replacement, respectively. Preoperative loop diuretic dose (P = 0.0120) and preoperative haemoglobin level (P = 0.0377) were independent predictors of survival for all isolated tricuspid surgery, while preoperative creatinine level (P = 0.04) independently predicted

reoperation during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Both isolated tricuspid replacement and repair were associated with significant but acceptable early and late mortality with no statistically significant difference in cumulative survival. Preoperative

loop diuretic dose, haemoglobin and creatinine are individually associated learn more with survival and/or reoperation after isolated tricuspid valve surgery.”
“The purpose of this study is to review indications and results of surgical treatments of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This tumor, which represents one of the most common malignancies worldwide, is characterized by its prominent development in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Liver transplantation (LT) is considered as the ideal treatment of limited HCC removing both tumor(s) and the pre-neoplasic underlying diseased liver. However, this treatment, which is not available in many countries, is restricted to patients with minimum risk of tumor recurrence under immunosuppression. The risk of recurrence is minimized in patients fulfilling the Milan criteria with a tendency to accept slight expansion of size in patients with favourable natural history and low AFP level. Increasing duration in the waiting list before LT leads several teams to use neoadjuvant therapies such as percutaneous ablation, TACE and liver resection. Liver resection BIIB057 in cirrhotic patients with good liver function remains the most available efficient treatment of patients with HCC. Better liver function assessment, understanding of the segmental liver anatomy

with more accurate imaging studies and surgical technique refinements are the most important factors that have contributed to reduce mortality with an expecting 5 years survival of 70%. There is considerable interest in combined treatment associating resection and LT. Transplantable patients with good liver function should be considered for liver resection as primary therapy and for LT in case of tumor recurrence. This salvage strategy is refined using pathological analysis of the resected specimen which identifies histological pejorative factors allowing selecting patients who should transplanted before recurrence.

The improvement of survival in HCC patients after surgical treatment results from refinements in surgical technique and better identification of adverse prognostic factors.

05). Therefore, Vc improves the development of porcine embryos by reducing the ROS levels. Vc addition in PZM-3 medium can decrease the number of apoptotic cells and increase the cell numbers in blastocysts to produce high-quality porcine embryos in vitro.”
“Aim: This study aims

to describe how mothers spend the period of time between being diagnosed with a dead baby in utero and the induction of the delivery.

Material and Methods: Data were collected using a web questionnaire. Five hundred and fifteen women who had experienced a stillbirth after the 22nd week of gestation answered the open question: ` What did you do between the diagnosis of the child’s death and the beginning CT99021 cell line of the delivery?’ A qualitative content analysis method was used.

Results: The results show that some mothers received help to adapt to the situation, while for others, waiting for the induction meant further stress and additional psychological trauma in an already strained situation.

Conclusion: There is no reason to wait with the induction unless the parents themselves express a wish to the contrary. Health care professionals, together with the parents, should try to determine

the best time for the induction of the birth after the baby’s death 3-MA in utero. That time may vary, depending on the parents’ preferences.”
“Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of total tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy CCI-779 purchase (PCNL) versus standard PCNL.

Method: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were researched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinically controlled trials (CCTs) comparing total tubeless PCNL (tubeless and stentless) versus standard PCNL were included in this review. The related

studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the meta-analysis. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of each included studies and extracted data. RevMan 5.1. was used for meta-analysis.

Outcome: Five RCTs and four CCTs were included, involving a total of 652 patients. All patients were divided into the total tubeless PCNL group and the standard PCNL group. The pooled results showed that the total tubeless PCNL group significantly reduced the hospital stay [weighted mean difference (WMD) -1.09 (95% confidence intervals, 95% CI -1.33, -0.85)] and analgesic requirement [standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.59 (95% CI -0.96, -0.23)]. There was no statistically significant difference in the operation time [WMD -4.14 (95% CI -8.27, -0.01)], mean hemoglobin decrease [-0.07 (95% CI -0.20, 0.06)], fever [relative risk (RR) 0.53 (95% CI 0.16, 1.69)], transfusion [RR 0.86 (95% CI 0.40, 1.85)], prolonged urinary drainage [RR 0.58 (95% CI 0.08, 4.

Half-shadowgraph half-self-emission visualization elucidated laser detonation waves and blast waves. Laser output and transmission through the waves were measured using pairs of a photodetectors and energy meters. Results show volumetric absorption in this near-infrared region, which is mainly attributable to low inverse-Bremsstrahlung

absorption coefficients at short wavelengths. Some input laser energy was converted into blast wave energy: 59% at E(i) = 1.0 J/pulse, which approximates that of CO(2) laser-induced blast waves. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3525561]“
“Herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is a rare and potential life-threatening disease. The diagnosis of HSV hepatitis is hampered by its indifferent clinical presentation, which necessitates confirmatory laboratory data to identify HSV in the affected liver. However, liver biopsies are often contraindicated in the context of coagulopathy, Pevonedistat supplier Selleckchem Nirogacestat are prone to sampling errors and have low sensitivity in mild HSV hepatitis cases. There is an unmet need for less invasive diagnostic tools. The diagnostic and therapeutic value of HSV DNA load and liver enzyme level kinetics was determined in five patients with HSV hepatitis and twenty disease

controls with HSV-DNAemia without hepatitis. At time of hospitalization, patients with HSV hepatitis had a higher median (+/- interquartile range) HSV DNA load (6.0 x 106 +/- 1.2 x 109) compared to disease controls (171 +/- 2845). Viral DNA load correlated with liver transaminase levels and disease severity. Antiviral treatment led to rapid decline of HSV DNA load and improvement of liver function of patients with HSV hepatitis. The data advocate the prompt and consecutive quantification of the HSV DNA load and liver enzyme levels in plasma of patients suspected of HSV hepatitis as well Small molecule library as those under antiviral treatment.”
“Most forms of hearing loss are associated with loss of cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs). OHCs require the tectorial membrane (TM) for stereociliary bundle stimulation (forward transduction) and active feedback (reverse transduction). Alpha

tectorin is a protein constituent of the TM and the C1509G mutation in alpha tectorin in humans results in autosomal dominant hearing loss. We engineered and validated this mutation in mice and found that the TM was shortened in heterozygous Tecta(C1509G/+) mice, reaching only the first row of OHCs. Thus, deficient forward transduction renders OHCs within the second and third rows non-functional, producing partial hearing loss. Surprisingly, both Tecta(C1509G/+) and Tecta(C1509G/C1509G) mice were found to have increased reverse transduction as assessed by sound- and electrically-evoked otoacoustic emissions. We show that an increase in prestin, a protein necessary for electromotility, in all three rows of OHCs underlies this phenomenon.

Conclusions: Our experience indicates that robot-assisted laparoscopic IUU is safe and effective in the management of ureteral

AZ 628 cell line duplication anomalies in children.”
“In 2008, a revised World Health Organization (WHO) system of hematological neoplasm classification was promulgated. Between January 1995 and December 2008, 133 new patients with cutaneous lymphomas were seen at the dermatology clinic of Okayama University Hospital. All patients were re-classified according to the revised WHO system. The incidence rates were analyzed and the survival was estimated. Of 133 patients, 106 (79.7%) had primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCLs) and 27 (20.3%) were skin invasion from extracutaneous origin of systemic lymphoma. Compared with several reports from western countries, “”mature T-cell and NK-cell neoplasms”" was frequent in this study (87% vs. 77 or 72%) because of the occurrence of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and “”extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type”", with less frequent occurrence of “”mature PF-00299804 price B-cell neoplasms”" (13% vs. 23 or 28%). Estimated survival of patients with mycosis fungoides was favorable (5-year survival rate 90.6%), but that of the patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C-ALCL) was extremely less favorable than previously reported (5-year survival rate of 47.4%).”
“The

rate of transcription driven by the HIV promoter defines both the entry into GSK461364 mw and reactivation from viral latency. The HIV core promoter plays a pivotal role in HIV latency by recruiting host cell RNA polymerase II pre-initiation complexes essential for viral transcription. Pioneering studies on the HIV core promoter revealed that the architecture of the HIV core promoter is specifically required for the amplification of transcription in response to the viral trans-activator Tat, and provided the proof-of-concept that the HIV core promoter represents a tractable drug target. The recent discovery of host cell transcription complexes that selectively recognize the HIV core promoter provides new impetus to investigate their components

as novel targets to therapeutically extinguish or eradicate latent HIV.”
“Background and Purpose: Because of the impact warm ischemia time may have on renal function, various surgical techniques have been proposed to minimize or eliminate warm ischemia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate our initial renal functional outcomes of off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), while assessing the safety profile of this unconventional surgical approach.

Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of our off-clamp RAPN experience between August 2007 and January 2012. All patients with baseline and postoperative serum creatinine determinations were included. Patient demographics, operative information, perioperative outcomes, and renal functional outcomes were evaluated for this cohort.

There were no statistically significant differences between women who had defibulation with those who did not or between infibulated registered and unregistered women in the duration of labor, episiotomy rates, blood loss, Apgar score, or fetal birth weight.

CONCLUSION: Selleckchem LEE011 Defibulation during vaginal delivery is a valid management option. Labor attendants should be trained to perform it. (Obstet Gynecol 2012; 120: 98-103) DOI:10.1097/AOG.0b013e3182590343

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III”
“The aim of the present study was

to investigate the in vitro effect of CO2 laser on the inhibition of root surface demineralization around composite resin restorations. For this purpose, 30 blocks obtained from human molar roots were divided into three groups: group 1 (negative control), cavity prepared with cylindrical diamond

bur + acid etching + adhesive + composite resin restoration; group 2, cavity prepared with cylindrical diamond bur + CO2 laser (5.0 J/cm(2)) + acid etching + adhesive + composite resin; and group 3, cavity prepared with cylindrical diamond bur + CO2 laser (6.0 J/cm(2)) + acid etching + adhesive + composite resin. After this procedure, the blocks were submitted to thermal and pH cycling. Root surface demineralization around the restorations was measured by microhardness analysis. The hardness results of the longitudinally sectioned root surface were converted into percentage of mineral volume, which was used to LY411575 Proteases inhibitor calculate the mineral loss delta Z (Delta Belnacasan supplier Z). The percentage of mineral volume, Delta Z, and the percentage of demineralization inhibition of the groups were statistically analyzed by using analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer test. The percentage of mineral volume was higher in the irradiated groups

up to 80 mu m deep. The Delta Z was significantly lower in the irradiated groups than in the control group. The percentage of reduction in demineralization ranged from 19.73 to 29.21 in position 1 (50 mu m), and from 24.76 to 26.73 in position 2 (100 mu m), when using 6 and 5 J/cm(2), respectively. The CO2 laser was effective in inhibiting root demineralization around composite resin restorations.”
“Background: Cooler temperature dialysate (TD) has gained in popularity in the treatment of hypotension during hemodialysis (HD). In this study we verified the hypothesis of an eventual involvement of cytokines.

Methods: Four patients on regular HD underwent two 4-hour HD sessions once at 37 C TD and once at 35 degrees C TD. The concentration of the cytokines (cyt) IL-1, IL-2, IL-8, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was measured before the HD session initiation and after 20, 60, 120 and 240 minutes. Body temperature, weight, blood pressure and heart rate were registered at the same time points.

Results: We found a higher blood pressure at 35 C but no intradialytic differences in cyt concentration at 35 C or 37 C.

Each treatment was repeated for 6 estrus cycles in the rats Cl-amidine datasheet for a total of 12 estrus cycles. Six months after the last day of the 12(th) cycle, the rats were euthanized. Bone marrow tissues were removed, and pluripotent reticulocyte cells with micronuclei, nuclear buds, and binuclear abnormalities were analyzed using an in situ micronuclei assay under light microscopy. The proportion of micro-nucleated cells, cells with anaphase bridge, nuclear buds, and other nuclear abnormalities were measured.

RESULTS: The number of cells with nuclear buds and binuclear abnormalities in the hMG 225 and

FB 225 groups was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that from the hMG 150, FB 150, and control groups in the cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow stem cells. An increased rate

of genotoxicity in all gonadotropin groups versus that of placebo was found.

CONCLUSION: In rats, the micronucleus genotoxicity assay suggests a dose-dependent gonadotropin effect on Angiogenesis inhibitor genomic instability in bone marrow stem cells in vivo. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2011;72:60-70) (C) 2011 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Background: RNA-Seq allows a theoretically unbiased analysis of both genome-wide transcription levels and mutation status of a tumor. Using this technique we sought to identify novel candidate therapeutic targets expressed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods: Specifically, we sought candidate invasion/migration targets based on expression levels across all tumors, novelty of expression in EOC, and known function. RNA-Seq analysis revealed the

high expression of CD151, a transmembrane protein, across all stages of EOC. Expression was confirmed at both the mRNA and protein levels using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining, respectively.

Results: In both EOC tumors and normal ovarian surface epithelial www.selleckchem.com/screening/kinase-inhibitor-library.html cells we demonstrated CD151 to be localized to the membrane and cell-cell junctions in patient-derived and established EOC cell lines. We next evaluated its role in EOC dissemination using two ovarian cancer-derived cell lines with differential levels of CD151 expression. Targeted antibody-mediated and siRNA inhibition or loss of CD151 in SKOV3 and OVCAR5 cell lines effectively inhibited their migration and invasion.

Conclusion: Taken together, these findings provide the first proof-of-principle demonstration for a next generation sequencing approach to identifying candidate therapeutic targets and reveal CD151 to play a role in EOC dissemination.”
“Background: Although the efficacy of antiplatelet therapy for coiling of unruptured cerebral aneurysms has been reported, regimens for this therapy are not yet well established. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze correlations among the modes of antiplatelet use, aneurysmal configuration, coiling methods, and complications to elucidate the optimal antiplatelet therapy for coiling.

Subjects and MethodsA PUBMED search was carried out from 1950 to 2011. Clinical records of patients with exclusive/prevalent oral manifestations of syphilis were collected and examined in three independent hospitals.

ResultsOf 23 reports describing 34 patients were detected through the review (35% primary, 56% secondary, and 9% tertiary disease), describing unspecific ulcers (59%), mucosal patches (23%), keratosis (6%), pseudomembranes (3%), and gumma (9%). Multicentre case series revealed 12 patients with oral syphilis, of which 17%, 58%, and 25%

with, respectively, primary, secondary, and tertiary lesions. selleck chemical Clinically, patients showed white patches (17%), blistering mucositis (8%), chronic unspecific ulcers with/without skin lesions (50%), gumma (17%), and necrosis of the dorsum of the tongue (8%). Oral bullae and tongue necrosis are never described in the current review.

ConclusionsDiagnosis

of syphilis remains a challenge because of the multiform and polymorphous clinical pattern at onset and its ability to imitate different diseases. It is mandatory to include AZD6094 order syphilis in the differential diagnosis of unusual oral lesions. Diagnosis of oral lesions of syphilis is often difficult, and biopsy is required in controversial cases.”
“Objective: The round window membrane (RWM) approach is designed to provide an atraumatic approach to scala tympani implantation with the goal of enhanced preservation of hearing and vestibular receptor function. Perimodiolar electrode designs offer advantages in electrophysiologic testing. However, perimodiolar arrays

have only been investigated in insertion trials using temporal bone material. The aim of the present study was to evaluate perimodiolar electrode placement in a clinical trial.

Materials and Methods: The prospective nonrandomized study included 27 patients (October 2010 to February Pexidartinib mouse 2011). Due to the RWM approach, cochlear implantation electrode insertion was performed using a perimodiolar electrode array fitted with a stylet that enables movement through the first cochlear turn by withdrawing the stylet. We judged the feasibility of RWM approaches with perimodiolar electrodes and the electrode placement using flat panel detector radiography. Hearing preservation, vestibular receptor function (vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, subjective haptic vertical, and caloric irrigation), and subjective vertigo were evaluated in all RWM approaches.

Results: For anatomic reasons, RWM insertions were possible in 21 cases (78%). The basilar membrane disruption rate was 19% in RWM insertions using perimodiolar electrodes. In those patients with the electrode position within the scala tympani, vestibular receptor functions and subjective vertigo remained unchanged. The residual hearing preservation was unsatisfactory. The mean pure-tone average loss was 21 dB.

25 and 2.13%) were lower than in female controls (30.3 and 15.2%, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in male subjects. ALDH2* 2/2 was not found in any of the subjects. We conclude that ALDH2 polymorphism is associated with essential hypertension in Mongolians, Selleck GSI-IX especially in female Mongolians. ALDH2* 2 was found to be a negative risk factor for essential hypertension in Mongolians from Inner Mongolia.”
“Background Fear of weight gain is a significant obstacle to smoking cessation preventing some smokers from attempting

to quit Several previous studies of naltrexone yielded promising results for minimization of post-quit weight gain Given these encouraging findings we endeavored to test whether minimization of weight gain might translate to better quit outcomes for a population that is particularly concerned about gaining weight upon Small molecule library cell line quitting

Methods Smokers (N=172) in this investigation were prospectively randomized to receive either

25 mg naltrexone or placebo for 27 weeks (1 week pre- 26 weeks post-quit) for minimization of post-quit weight gain and smoking cessation All participants received open label therapy with the nicotine patch for the first 8 weeks post-quit and behavioral counseling over the 27-week treatment The 2 pre-specified primary outcomes were change in weight for continuously abstinent participants and biologically verified end-of-treatment 7-day point-prevalence abstinence at 26 weeks after the quit date

Results The difference in weight at 26 weeks post-quit between the naltrexone and placebo groups (naltrexone 6 8 lbs +/- 8 94 vs placebo 9 7 lbs +/- 9 19 p=0 45) was not statistically different Seven-day point-prevalence smoking abstinence rates at 26 weeks post-quit was not significantly different between the 2 groups (naltrexone 22% vs placebo 27% p =0 43)

Conclusions For smokers high in weight concern the relatively small reduction in weight gain with low-dose naltrexone is not worth the potential for somewhat lower rates of smoking abstinence (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd All rights reserved”
“The aim

of this study was to investigate the ability of liquid loadable tablets (LLT) to be loaded with a self-microemulsifying drug delivery www.selleckchem.com/products/btsa1.html system (SMEDDS) containing cyclosporine (CyA). LLT were prepared by direct compression of the porous carrier magnesium aluminometasilicate and subsequently loaded with SMEDDS by a simple absorption method. SMEDDS was evaluated regarding visual appearance and droplet size distribution after dispersion in aqueous media. The developed SMEDDS was found to be similar to NeoralA (R). LLT were characterized before and after loading regarding weight variation, tablet hardness, disintegration time, and in vitro drug release. It was found that LLT with high porosities suitable for liquid loading and further processing could be prepared. Adding a tablet disintegrant was found to improve in vitro drug release.

Strong PL emission from Eu3+ ions was only observed at low temperatures, and was remarkably suppressed with increasing temperature due to two types of nonradiative energy Fer-1 in vitro transfer paths. For the energy transfer process to Eu3+ ions, we suggest that the recombination energy of an electron-hole pair at the band tail near the band edge is close to that of high-lying excited levels in the Eu3+ 4f shell, providing an efficient energy pathway for the excitation of Eu3+ ions in the ZnO

system. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3549633]“
“Adipose tissue plays an essential role in energy homeostasis as a metabolic and endocrine organ. Accordingly, adipocytes are emerging as a major drug target for obesity and obesity-mediated metabolic syndrome. Dysfunction of enlarged adipocytes in obesity is involved in obesity-mediated metabolic syndrome. Adipocytokines, such as adiponectin released from small adipocytes, are able to prevent these disorders. In this study, we found that honokiol, an ingredient of Magnolia officinalis

used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines, enhanced adipocyte differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Oil Red O staining showed that treatment with honokiol in the presence of insulin dose-dependently increased lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipoyctes although its activity was weak compared with rosiglitazone. During adipocyte differentiation, the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPAR https://www.selleckchem.com/products/i-bet151-gsk1210151a.html selleck products gamma 2) mRNA and PPAR gamma target genes such as adipocyte protein 2 (aP2), adiponectin, and GLUT4 was induced by treatment with 10 mu M

honokiol. However, honokiol failed to show direct binding to the PPAR gamma ligand-binding domain in vitro. In preadipocytes, treatment with honokiol in the presence of insulin increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 protein and Akt protein, early insulin signaling pathways related to adipocyte differentiation, compared with insulin-only treatment. Taken together, our results suggest that honokiol promotes adipocyte differentiation through increased expression of PPAR gamma 2 mRNA and potentiation of insulin signaling pathways such as the Ras/ERK1/2 and phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways.”
“Background: A specific diagnostic test for Kawasaki disease (KD) is currently unavailable. Redness or crust formation at the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) inoculation site is listed as a positive sign in the diagnostic guidelines of KD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic features of KD patients with such changes at the BCG inoculation site and to evaluate the specificity of this sign in KD diagnosis.

Methods: Data on KD patients who received BCG vaccination were analyzed from a Japanese nationwide epidemiologic survey on KD conducted in 2007.

The phosphorylation of p38 was increased by 3.0-fold in impact sites and 3.3-fold in adjacent cartilage. The phosphorylation of ERK-1 was increased by 5.8-fold in impact zone INCB018424 and 5.4-fold in adjacent cartilage; the phosphorylation of ERK-2 increased by 4.0-fold in impacted zone and 3.6-fold in adjacent cartilage. Furthermore, the blocking of p38 pathway did not inhibit impaction-induced ERK activation. The inhibition

of p38 or ERK pathway significantly reduced injury-related chondrocyte death and PG losses. Quantitative Real-time PCR analysis revealed that blunt impaction significantly up-regulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and ADAMTS-5 expression.

Conclusion: These findings implicate p38 and ERK mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the post-injury spread of cartilage

degeneration and suggest that the risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) following joint trauma could be decreased by blocking their activities, which might be involved in up-regulating expressions of MMP-13, ADAMTS-5, and TNF-alpha. (C) 2010 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objectives: We assessed the usefulness of differential diagnosis of parkinsonism by evaluating lesions SNX-5422 of the decussation of the superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) using a new MRI procedure known as readout segmentation of long variable echo-trains (RESOLVE).

Methods: We evaluated 100 cases, consisting PLX4032 of 20 with PSP, 24 with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 13 with multiple system atrophy with predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P), 18 with multiple system atrophy with predominant cerebellar ataxia (MSA-C), and 24 controls. All patients were scored on the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating Scale of Ataxia, and MRI using RESOLVE was conducted.

Results: Images acquired by this MRI procedure clearly showed high intensity areas corresponding

to the decussation of the SCP in all controls, PD, and MSA patients. In contrast, ten of the 20 PSP patients exhibited abnormal iso intensities of the decussation of the SCP, while the other 10 showed high intensity signals. Among the PSP patients, there were no differences in clinical features between those with and those without visualization of the decussation of the SCP. Iso intensity signals had a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 100% for differentiating PSP from PD, MSA, and controls.

Conclusion: This MRI procedure (RESOLVE) shows a potential for detecting the involvement of the decussation of the SCP in PSP, and can be used for discriminating PSP from PD and MSA-P. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.