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Biomedical subjects

R Lufkin

Publications and source records attributed to R Lufkin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Activity of medial mesopontine units during cataplexy and sleep-waking states in the narcoleptic dog.

Narcolepsy has been hypothesized to be a disease of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. According to this hypothesis, cataplexy is a result of the triggering during waking of the mechanism that normally serves to suppress muscle tone in REM sleep. REM sleep control mechanisms have been localized to the pons. Narcoleptic dogs have increased numbers of cholinergic receptors in the medial pons. These findings suggest that neurons mediating the triggering of cataplexy might be located in medial pontine regions. In the present study, this hypothesis has been investigated by recording the discharge of units in the medial mesopontine region of the narcoleptic dog. Unit activity was examined in the nucleus reticularis pontis oralis, caudalis, and central gray, with each cell being recorded during both cataplexy and sleep states. Maximal discharge rates were observed, in all of these regions, during active waking states (mean rate, 45.3/sec) and REM sleep (16.0/sec), with minimal discharge rates in non-REM sleep (8.3/sec). Unit discharge was reduced in cataplexy relative to precataplexy periods. Cataplexy discharge rates were 8.3/sec, 52% of the mean REM sleep rate. Cataplexy discharge rates were also significantly lower than those at REM sleep onset. Cataplexy discharge rates were comparable to rates in quiet waking and non-REM sleep. While medial mesopontine neurons discharge at high rates in REM sleep, they have little or no activity in cataplexy. We interpret the lack of activation of medial mesopontine units in cataplexy as indicating that the characteristic phasic motor activation of REM sleep does not occur in this state.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Advances in medical imaging.

The field of medical imaging, stimulated by advances in digital and communication technologies, has grown tremendously. New imaging techniques that reveal greater anatomical detail are available in most diagnostic radiology departments. We discuss vascular imaging with ultrasound, high-resolution computed tomography of the thorax, magnetic resonance imaging applications, and picture archiving and communication systems. Vascular imaging with ultrasound requires duplex and color flow Doppler, which combine gray-scale ultrasound and the Doppler phenomenon. High-resolution computed tomography modifies conventional computed tomography technology and results in images with higher spatial resolution. Magnetic resonance imaging applications for all areas of the body are being investigated and are replacing older roentgenographic techniques such as computed tomography, arthrography, myelography, and even angiography in a growing number of indications. With these new digital imaging modalities, image management has become an important consideration that can be addressed by picture archiving and communication systems.

Diagnostic Imaging↗

MR of the paranasal sinuses.

The purpose of this project was to examine the anatomy and pathology of the paranasal sinuses as seen by MR imaging. This was accomplished through correlations of MR images of normal volunteers with matched cadaver whole organ cryosections. The information obtained by MRI was compared to that of plain films and CT in the detection of a variety of conditions affecting the paranasal sinuses. The majority of the pathological processes could be quite adequately imaged by T1 weighted pulsing sequences. When more tissue specific information was required in some infiltrating malignant lesions, T2 weighting pulsing sequences are quite helpful for tumors that crossed the subarachnoid space into the central nervous system or in characterizing tissues in airless sinuses. Other than the single case of osteoid osteoma where X-ray studies were superior, magnetic resonance provided equal or superior information to the X-ray examinations.

Cadaver↗

The use of MRI in the identification of post-traumatic laryngeal deformities.

Suspected post-traumatic deformity of the laryngeal cartilages can be diagnosed by using current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning techniques. This is of particular aid to the clinician who is evaluating a laryngeal mass with no history of injury to the neck. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging are both effective in this situation, but MRI appreciates better soft tissue contrast, and can offer coronal and sagittal views.

Aged↗

Multimodality imaging of brain structures for stereotactic surgery.

An image analysis system was developed for stereotactic neurosurgery that allows the simultaneous display of brain images from different imaging devices obtained in different orientations. The system is based on a stereotactic frame and a microcomputer and features an easy user interface together with point registration and region of interest analysis in three-dimensional space. A dynamic multi-image environment allows for simultaneous display of magnetic resonance, computed tomography, digital subtraction angiography, and positron emission tomography images in multiple windows, adjusted for common coordinates with reference to stereotactic frame fiducial markers. Linkages between images allow information interchange between different modalities and different views: Points and regions defined in one image can be transferred to others, and cursor coordinates in one image can be calculated and dynamically projected in other images. Phantom studies show that the system distortions are minor and that the system is suitable for clinical use. The system provides exceptional advantages over previous imaging procedures for stereotactic surgery.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

Neurovascular lesions and endovascular therapy: the role of MR.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed on 27 patients with vascular lesions of the central nervous system before and after embolization with either IBCA, polyvinyl alcohol foam particles, Avitene (microfibrillar collagen) or balloons. Thirteen pial brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), 3 brain AV fistulas, 2 giant aneurysms, 5 dural AVMs, 1 vertebro-vertebral fistula and 3 meningiomas were studied. The pre-embolization MR demonstrated the nidus and venous drainage of all pial AVMs. MR failed to detect 3 out of 5 dural AVMs using only spin echo sequences. A draining vein alone was seen in the remaining two cases. MR was superior to CT in detecting contiguous parenchymal changes such as atrophy, reversible ischemia, and mass effect in the pre-embolization studies. Following embolization, MR demonstrated partial or complete obliteration of the vascular nidus in all 13 pial AVMs. The embolized area was seen as an area of increased signal consistent with thrombus where previously there had been signal void. Ischemic or edematous changes in the brain parenchyma following embolization were seen on MR more easily than on CT scans. MR was accurate in the assessment of aneurysm patency, degree of thrombosis and balloon position in both giant aneurysms, and AV fistulae. These MR findings had an impact on patient management. MR will be an increasingly useful tool in the diagnosis and management of a number of neurovascular diseases requiring endovascular intervention.

Arteriovenous Malformations↗

Anatomic correlation of cadaver cryomicrotomy with magnetic resonance imaging.

The performance of frozen sections of a thickness varying between 5 and 50 microns in fresh undecalcified cadaveric human specimens was perfected in Sweden by one of the authors in 1983. This technique makes it possible to obtain anatomic images of high definition which were correlated with MRI sections made at intervals of 20 microns.

Cadaver↗

MR imaging of the intratemporal facial nerve by using surface coils.

MR images of the intratemporal portion of the facial nerve were obtained with surface coils using a 0.3-T permanent magnet whole-body imaging system. Various 2DFT spin-echo pulse sequences were used to produce 5-mm thick sections with 0.5-mm pixels on a 512 X 512 acquisition matrix. The MR images from normal volunteers were correlated with cryosection specimens of three fresh human cadavers. The seventh nerve was followed in the internal auditory and fallopian canal and through temporal bone to the stylomastoid foramen. The entire labyrinthine, tympanic, and mastoid portions, as well as the geniculate ganglion, could be shown with appropriate scan planes. MR produces excellent images of the facial nerve with high-contrast resolution. Unlike CT, no beam-hardening artifact from the temporal bone is apparent. MR should be a sensitive study for the evaluation of intratemporal facial nerve disease.

Facial Nerve↗