Radiation responses of perfused tracheal tissue.

We are using a novel perfusion system to examine the effects of radiation on a model respiratory tissue. Tracheas taken from young adult male Fischer 344 rats are embedded in a growth factor-enriched agarose matrix that is mounted in a special apparatus designed to allow growth medium to periodically wash the epithelial surface of the lumen. A comparison of the microarray expression profiles of freshly harvested tracheas and tracheas maintained in perfusion culture for 24 h shows no significant difference except for an increase in expression of a few metabolism- and surfactant-related genes. Perfusion culture samples exposed to 4 Gy of X rays show a lower than expected increase in expression for some cell cycle- and repair-related genes.

Morton neuroma: sonographic evaluation.

One hundred consecutive patients with symptoms suggestive of Morton neuroma were examined with sonography, and 134 intermetatarsal masses were demonstrated. Forty-five patients underwent surgical exploration, which revealed Morton neuromas. The typical sonographic appearance is that of an ovoid, hypoechoic mass oriented parallel to the long axis of the metatarsals. Most masses were between the second and third or third and fourth metatarsals and seemed to produce symptoms when reaching a diameter of 5 mm.

A categorical course curriculum for radiology residencies.

A categorical course curriculum was introduced at Brooke Army Medical Center to focus the content of daily conferences and lectures according to radiology subspecialties. Our goal was to improve the traditional uncoordinated conferences and apprenticeship approach to resident learning. After one-year's experience, resident performance has improved, and residents and staff greatly prefer this style of teaching. The format has been adopted.