Glossary

as in MIB-1 antibody – a monoclonal antibody used to determine the Ki-67 labeling index, an indicator of the degree of cell proliferation shown on a histological section (microscopic piece of tissue being examined microscopically). It can be used on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections, a process used universally when examining submitted material microscopically.

a sonography-based imaging technique with a higher resolution than conventual millimeter scale doppler ultrasound with an ability to image to a depth exceeding the 5 cm limit of conventional ultrasound imaging.  This technology allows for a much more detailed image of vascular structures and their directionality of flow.

MicroRNA – a small RNA molecule that is non-coding and contains complimentary base pairs to mRNA molecules that it targets to effect regulation of gene transcription and post-transcription expression.

Minimally invasive spine surgery. Also referred to as microdiskectomy, Typically refers to a technique that is done through a small incision with avoidance of muscle incisions with removal of the herniated disk done using a surgical microscope.

Mismatch Repair – This is a system that recognizes DNA mismatch of base pairs that can occur during replication and recombination. The system then repairs some forms of mismatch.

Management of Myelomeningocele Study – a randomized, prospective multi-center study of the efficacy of in utero closure (i.e., fetal surgery) of myelomeningoceles (spina bifida cystica) present in a fetus while still in the womb.

Japanese for “Puff of smoke”.  A radiographic term used to describe a dense collection of vessels that form that can develop to bypass an obstruction that has formed for various reasons in a major arterial vessel supplying the brain.  This typically occurs at or around the Circle of Willis due to a partial or complete blockage of one of the Circle of Willis’s major arteries

This a progressive disorder that causes a narrowing or closing of the carotid artery or the beginning of its major branches at the base of the brain.  The primary form is heritable (autosomal dominant) and is responsible for 10% of such cases in Japan.  The secondary forms can be seen in patients with conditions such as Sickle Cell Disease, Down’s Syndrome or Neurofibromatosis or after treatments that can be complicated by an irritation of blood vessels (vasculitis) such as radiation.

Magnetic resonance – as in magnetic resonance imaging or MRI

Magnetic Resonance Angiography.  A magnetic resonance image of blood vessels which, unlike routing angiography, is noninvasive.