bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix biochemistry and cell biology of dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas
Authors: Dornauer Kerstin , Söder Stephan , Inwards Carry Y. , Bovee Judith. V. M. G. , Aigner Thomas
Published: April 2010

Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma is an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm comprised of two different components, low‐grade conventional chondrosarcoma and high‐grade non‐cartilaginous sarcoma. In order to gain better insight into the biology of this tumor, we investigated a large series of dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas by looking at the composition of the extracellular tumor matrix within each of the distinct histological components. Our results showed that the well‐differentiated portion of the tumors showed matrix components largely similar to conventional chondrosarcomas or enchondromas. In contrast, the high‐grade portions showed a variety of staining patterns related to the matrix being formed. Cartilage‐specific proteoglycans and collagens were consistently absent, except in areas showing a chondroblastic osteosarcoma histomorphology. Instead, the most dominant immunostaining was received for type I collagen. Type III and VI collagens were concentrated in the areas showing a fibroblastic phenotype. Our results lend further support to the notion that dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma represents transdifferentiation of a cell towards various blastic mesenchymal cell lineages, most commonly osteoblastic and fibroblastic, but occasionally chondroblastic as well. There was no difference in the clinical outcome of patients with differing high‐grade tumor types, emphasizing that grade is a more important predictor of biological behavior than the direction of tumor differentiation.
Erythropoietin and soluble CD44 levels in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Mokbel Tharwart H , Ghanem Asaad A , Kishk Hanem , Arafa Lamiaa F , El‐Baiomy Azza A
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Purpose:  To investigate the levels of erythropoietin (EPO) and soluble CD44 (sCD44) in the aqueous and plasma of human eyes with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), and to correlate their concentration with severity of glaucoma.

Methods:  A total of 30 patients with POAG and 25 patients with senile cataract (control group) of matched age and gender were included in the study prospectively. Aqueous samples were obtained by paracentesis from glaucoma and cataract patients who were undergoing elective surgery. Aqueous and corresponding plasma samples were analysed for EPO and sCD44 concentrations by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  The EPO and sCD44 levels were significantly higher in aqueous of POAG patients with respect to the comparative group of cataract patients (P < 0.001). No significant difference in the levels of EPO and sCD44 in plasma of POAG and cataract patients. A high positive correlation was found between EPO and sCD44 in aqueous of POAG patients (P < 0.001). Significant correlation was found between EPO or sCD44 levels and severity of visual field loss in mild and moderate stages (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Increased levels of aqueous EPO and sCD44 may be associated with POAG. In addition, EPO and sCD44 may be useful proteins levels in aqueous of POAG patients as a result of glaucoma damage and not a cause. EPO and sCD44 concentrations in aqueous are a possible biomarkers for visual field loss in patients with POAG.
Analytical modelling of dynamic fracture and crack arrest in DCB specimens under fixed displacement conditions
Authors: SHAHANI A. R. , FASAKHODI M. R. AMINI
Published: April 2010

An analytical solution via the beam theory considering shear deformation effects is developed to solve the static and dynamic fracture problem in a bounded double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen. Fixed displacement condition is prescribed at the pin location under which crack arrest occurs. In the static case, at first, the compliance function of a DCB specimen is obtained and shows good agreement with the experimental results cited in the literature. Afterward, the stress intensity factor is determined at the crack tip via the energy release rate formula. In the dynamic case, the obtained governing equations for the model are solved supposing quasi‐static treatment for unstable crack propagation. Finally, a closed form expression for the crack propagation velocity versus beam parameters and crack growth resistance of the material is found. It is shown that the reacceleration of crack growth appears as the crack tip approaches the finite boundary. Also, the predicted maximum crack propagation velocity is significantly lower than that obtained via the Euler–Bernoulli theory found in the literature.
Fatigue damage discrepancies, the intrinsic fatigue damage map locus and the multiple stages of the similitude concept
Authors: RODOPOULOS C. A.
Published: April 2010

The work demonstrates how the theory of the fatigue damage map (FDM) can be used in order to define a closed form locus where fatigue crack growth can be sought. The Intrinsic FDM Locus depending only on readily material properties represents a tool able to accurately predict crack growth of polycrystals. If the Locus is expressed in terms of a surface plot after triangulation of the data, it concludes into visualization of the potential for multiple similitude stages. The stages are defined as a function of the maximum far field stress and ΔK. Multiple similitude stages are found to dominate the short and near threshold area (Stage I growth) and represent direct result of the effect of polycrystalline behaviour to flow resistance. The work concludes that interrogation of the points defining the Intrinsic FDM Locus and related to the three thresholds can provide potential characteristics in the quest for an ideal damage tolerance material.
A cost analysis of photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate and imiquimod compared with conventional surgery for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma and Bowen’s disease of the lower extremities
Authors: Aguilar M , De Troya M , Martin L , Benítez N , González M
Published: April 2010

Background  Superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) and Bowen’s disease (BD) are usually slow‐growing, low‐grade malignancies that mainly affect older persons. Surgery is often the first choice of treatment and the modality with the lowest failure rate. However, non‐invasive procedures, such as topical methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL‐PDT) and imiquimod, are increasingly demanded by dermatologists and patients, because of their generally favourable efficacy and adverse effects profile and their excellent cosmetic outcome.

Objective  To assess the cost of MAL‐PDT and of treatment with imiquimod for primary non‐melanoma superficial cutaneous carcinomas compared with conventional surgery, thereby calculating the total medical cost, and the direct and indirect costs.

Setting  We collected data on 67 patients with 86 tumours (32 sBCC, 54 BD). Patients were treated between May 2006 and April 2007 at the Dermatology Department of the Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella, Spain. The mean cost and mean cost per complete clinical response were calculated for each therapeutic option.

Results  After 2 years of follow‐up, a complete response was observed in 89.5% of the MAL‐PDT group, 87.5% of the imiquimod group and 97.5% of the surgery group. The difference in costs when compared with the surgery group was a mean saving per lesion treated of 307 euros for the imiquimod group, and 322 euros for the MAL‐PDT group.

Conclusions  Although surgery proved to be more effective treatment, our results suggest that its average cost is greater than that of non‐invasive therapy for the treatment of non‐melanoma superficial cutaneous carcinomas on the lower limbs, at least after the first 2 years of follow‐up.
On the development of the European S3 guidelines on the systemic treatment of psoriasis vulgaris: structure and challenges
Authors: Pathirana D , Nast A , Ormerod AD , Reytan N , Saiag P , Smith CH , Spuls P , Rzany B
Published: April 2010

Background  The development of evidence based guidelines is a demanding and time consuming process. Therefore it is important to share the knowledge and discuss the structure of these guidelines in detail.

Objectives  To present a method report on the development process of the European evidence based guidelines on the systemic treatment of psoriasis vulgaris with the aim to offer guidance to other guidelines groups with lesser experience and to critically appraise the methodology of the guidelines development process.

Methods  The guidelines are based on the previously evaluated literature from three European national evidence based guidelines and an additional systematic search and evaluation of new literature. Further steps included a structured consensus conference and a DELPHI procedure to develop the recommendations, as well as several internal and external reviews. All steps were coordinated by the Division of evidence based medicine in cooperation with a group of methodologists.

Results  A total of 114 studies were included, serving as base for the efficacy chapters of the intervention. The recommendations, based on the efficacy and the level of evidence of the included studies were discussed and finally consented by the guidelines group. After subsequent reviews the guidelines were presented to the European Dermatology Forum, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology and Union Européenne des Médicins Spécialistes for approval and published in October 2009.

Conclusion  The development of European evidence based guidelines requires a coordinated structure which can be achieved by the integration of an experienced group of methodologists. Nevertheless further improvements are imaginable and might be considered for an update or other European evidence based guidelines.
Influences of retail brand trust, off‐line patronage, clothing involvement and website quality on online apparel shopping intention
Authors: Jones Christie , Kim Soyoung
Published: April 2010

This study examines the influence of retail brand trust, off‐line patronage, clothing involvement, and website quality on online apparel shopping intention for young female US consumers. Data for this study were collected from 200 young female consumers who completed an online survey. Participants were asked to select one of three pre‐determined apparel retail brands that they have either had experience with or were familiar with. Respondents were then asked to keep their selected retailer in mind when completing the questionnaire and were also asked to briefly visit the retailer's website shopping for a shirt or blouse. Factor, correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to test our hypotheses. Retail brand trust, off‐line patronage, clothing involvement and two factors of website quality (usability and information quality, visual appeal and image) were found to significantly influence online apparel shopping intention. Off‐line patronage was the strongest predictor of online shopping intention. Implications for multi‐channel apparel retailers were discussed based on these findings.
Growth characteristics of Bacillus subtilis (natto) in milk
Authors: KITAMURA YUTAKA , SUN JIAN‐FENG , TAKAHASHI SAKUYA , HANSEN CONLY L
Published: April 2010

In this paper, Bacillus subtilis (natto) was incubated to develop a possible functional ingredient in ice cream. A lab‐scale culture revealed that incubation in the sterilised milk without dilution and concentration at 37°C for 28 h could obtain ideal growth characteristics of Bacillus subtilis (natto), especially with continuous aeration. Following freezing operation of the cultured milk, survival content of Bacillus subtilis (natto) was at 49–92%, while nattokinase activity was conserved at 62–98% comparing with the initial contents, which indicating a potential for application of natto functional ingredient in frozen milk products.
A novel, orally active LPA1 receptor antagonist inhibits lung fibrosis in the mouse bleomycin model
Authors: Swaney JS , Chapman C , Correa LD , Stebbins KJ , Bundey RA , Prodanovich PC , Fagan P , Baccei CS , Santini AM , Hutchinson JH , Seiders TJ , Parr TA , Prasit P , Evans JF , Lorrain DS
Published: April 2010

Background and purpose:  The aim of this study was to assess the potential of an antagonist selective for the lysophosphatidic acid receptor, LPA1, in treating lung fibrosis We evaluated the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of the high affinity, selective, oral LPA1‐antagonist (4′‐{4‐[(R)‐1‐(2‐chloro‐phenyl)‐ethoxycarbonylamino]‐3‐methyl‐isoxazol‐5‐yl}‐biphenyl‐4‐yl)‐acetic acid (AM966).

Experimental approach:  The potency and selectivity of AM966 for LPA1 receptors was determined in vitro by calcium flux and cell chemotaxis assays using recombinant and native cell cultures. The in vivo efficacy of AM966 to reduce tissue injury, vascular leakage, inflammation and fibrosis was assessed at several time points in the mouse bleomycin model.

Key results:  AM966 was a potent antagonist of LPA1 receptors, with selectivity for this receptor over the other LPA receptors. In vitro, AM966 inhibited LPA‐stimulated intracellular calcium release (IC50= 17 nM) from Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing human LPA1 receptors and inhibited LPA‐induced chemotaxis (IC50= 181 nM) of human IMR‐90 lung fibroblasts expressing LPA1 receptors. AM966 demonstrated a good pharmacokinetic profile following oral dosing in mice. In the mouse, AM966 reduced lung injury, vascular leakage, inflammation and fibrosis at multiple time points following intratracheal bleomycin instillation. AM966 also decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1, transforming growth factor β1, hyaluronan and matrix metalloproteinase‐7, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Conclusions and implications:  These findings demonstrate that AM966 is a potent, selective, orally bioavailable LPA1 receptor antagonist that may be beneficial in treating lung injury and fibrosis, as well as other diseases that are characterized by pathological inflammation, oedema and fibrosis.
Recognizing Opportunities for Sustainable Development
Authors: Patzelt Holger , Shepherd Dean A.
Published: April 2010

Building on the entrepreneurial action and sustainable development literatures, we highlight how the current explanations of opportunity recognition, based on entrepreneurial knowledge and economic motivation, are insufficient for modeling the recognition of opportunities for sustainable development. Our model suggests that entrepreneurs are more likely to discover sustainable development opportunities the greater their knowledge of natural and communal environments become, the more they perceive that the natural and communal environment in which they live is threatened, and the greater their altruism toward others becomes. We propose that entrepreneurial knowledge plays a central role by moderating these effects.
Distribution Channel Choice of New Entrepreneurial Ventures
Authors: Brettel Malte , Engelen Andreas , Müller Thomas , Schilke Oliver
Published: April 2010

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of distribution channel choices of new entrepreneurial ventures (NEVs). First, factors that influence NEVs’ choice of distribution channels are examined. Second, performance consequences of those choices are investigated. A research model drawing from transaction cost economics as well as customer relationship and strategy literature is developed. Data collected from 330 NEVs are used to test the proposed model. The results show that the identified antecedents explain a large part of the variance in NEVs’ channel choice. Moreover, NEVs that accomplish a fit between their distribution channel system and transaction cost–, product–, strategy–, and competition–related variables tend to perform better. Findings are discussed in light of the specific characteristics of NEVs.
Assessing Mission and Resources for Social Change: An Organizational Identity Perspective on Social Venture Capitalists‘ Decision Criteria
Authors: Miller Toyah L. , Wesley Curtis L.
Published: April 2010

Social venture capitalists (SVCs) have emerged to provide a new source of funding for social entrepreneurs. Building on organizational identity theory, we examine how the dual identity of social ventures grounded within the social and entrepreneurship sectors prompts SVCs to value the resources and goals of both sectors. We use policy capturing to study the decision rules of 44 SVCs, finding that criteria of both sectors influenced SVC assessments, and entrepreneurial sector criteria were relied on most strongly in these assessments. Furthermore, not all SVCs evaluate social ventures similarly; their social investment focus influences their emphasis on social and entrepreneurial sector criteria.
J‐Wave Disappearance Immediately After an Episode of Ventricular Fibrillation in a Patient With Resuscitated Sudden Cardiac Death and Brugada Syndrome
Authors: SORGENTE ANTONIO , SARKOZY ANDREA , BRUGADA PEDRO
Published: April 2010

J‐Wave Disaapearance After an Episode of Ventricular Fibrillation.  Early repolarization (ER) abnormalities in the inferior‐lateral leads are a matter of intense scientific debate because of their demonstrated association with Brugada syndrome (BS) and idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (VF). To add fuel to the fire, we present a case in which ER abnormalities are associated with BS but in which, more importantly, they were shown to be transient and strictly correlated with an episode of VF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1413‐1415, December 2010)
Contact Force Sensing: A Speedometer for a Lost Driver
Authors: BURKHARDT J. DAVID , NATALE ANDREA
Published: April 2010

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1044‐1045, September 2010.
Microvolt T‐Wave Alternans Testing: Renewed Hope?
Authors: BANSAL SANDEEP , BERGER RONALD D.
Published: April 2010

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1015‐1016, September 2010.
Energy Drinks: An Assessment of Their Market Size, Consumer Demographics, Ingredient Profile, Functionality, and Regulations in the United States
Authors: Heckman M.A. , Sherry K. , De Mejia E. Gonzalez
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT:  The consumption of energy drinks is rapidly increasing, as demonstrated by their large market growth. The targeted demographic group is teenagers, young adults, 18 to 34 y old; although expansion into nontraditional markets is also occurring. It is claimed that energy drinks can offer an increased energy boost related to their ingredient profile of caffeine, taurine, herbal extracts, and vitamins. Research suggests that energy drink formulations, in addition to increasing energy utilization, may also improve mood, enhance physical endurance, reduce mental fatigue, and increase reaction time. However, in most cases, the corresponding mechanisms of action are not clear. In addition, concerns have been raised over their safety and with a currently weak regulatory environment, efforts need to be made to ensure consumer safety. The objective of this article is to review the current U.S. energy drink market with emphasis on its market size, target demographic, active ingredients, potential benefits, safety, and regulations.
Enhanced expression of glycine N‐methyltransferase by adenovirus‐mediated gene transfer in CNS culture is neuroprotective
Authors: Tsai May‐Jywan , Chen Yi‐Ming Arthur , Weng Ching‐Feng , Liou Dann‐Ying , Yang Hsin‐Chun , Chen Chien‐Hung , Liao Roanna I‐Hsin , Kuo Fu‐Shan , Chiu Chiuan‐Wen , Kuo Huai‐Sheng , Huang Ming‐Chao , Lin Yi‐Lo , Lee Meng‐Jen , Kuo Wen‐Chun , Huang Wen‐Cheng , Cheng Henrich
Published: April 2010

Glycine N‐methyltransferase (GNMT) is the most abundant hepatic methyltransferase and plays important roles in regulating methyl group metabolism. In the central nervous system, GNMT expression is low and its function has not been revealed. The present study examines the effect of GNMT overexpression by adenovirus‐mediated transfer in cortical mixed neuron‐glial cultures. Infection of adenovirus encoding green fluorescence protein to cultures demonstrates high preference for non‐neuronal cells. Optimal GNMT overexpression in cultures by adenoviral GNMT (Ad‐GNMT) infection not only induces protein kinase C phosphorylation, but also increases neuronal/oligodendroglial survival. Furthermore, these Ad‐GNMT‐infected cultures are significantly resistant to H2O2 toxicity and lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Conditioned media from Ad‐GNMT‐infected microglia also significantly enhance neuronal survival. Taken together, enhanced GNMT expression in mixed neuronal‐glial cultures is neuroprotective, most likely mediated through non‐neuronal cells.
A combination of tumor necrosis factor‐α and neuronal nitric oxide synthase antibodies applied topically over the traumatized spinal cord enhances neuroprotection and functional recovery in the rat
Authors: Sharma Hari Shanker
Published: April 2010

The possibility that neutralization of nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) in the cord using their antiserum will induce neuroprotection and improve functional outcome following spinal cord injury (SCI) was examined in a rat model. The SCI was induced in rats by a unilateral incision of the right dorsal horn at the T10–11 segments under equithesin anesthesia. TNF‐α and/or neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) antibodies were applied over the traumatized spinal cord at 10–90 minutes after injury and functional recovery and cord pathophysiology were examined at five hours. Topical application of TNF‐α antiserum at 10 min followed by NOS antiserum at 20 min after SCI significantly improved functional recovery and attenuated blood‐spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disturbances, edema formation, and cord pathology. These neuroprotective effects were also seen when the NOS antiserum was applied 10 min after injury followed by TNF‐α antiserum at 30 min after trauma. However, when TNF‐α antiserum was applied 1 h after injury and NOS antiserum was given either before or after TNF‐α antiserum, no neuroprotective effects were observed. Interestingly, neuronal injury was tightly correlated with nNOS expression in the cord in antibody treated groups. These novel observations suggest that early blockade of TNF‐α and nNOS expression within 20–30 min after SCI is beneficial in nature. This indicates that TNF‐α and nitric oxide play synergistic roles in the pathophysiology of SCI and combined antibodies therapy has added neuroprotective values in spinal trauma.
Neuromodulation
Authors: Andrews Russell J.
Published: April 2010

Neuromodulation (deep brain stimulation; DBS) has become an established treatment for movement disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease), and is in trials for refractory epilepsy, headache, and certain mood disorders. Two main themes will advance DBS significantly in the next five years: closed‐loop DBS, that is, feedback from brain electrical activity to direct the stimulation; and computational analysis (CA)—electrophysiological modeling to enhance DBS. Closed‐loop DBS is currently in clinical trials for refractory epilepsy. New imaging techniques offer preoperative modeling for DBS surgery, including nerve fiber tracts (diffusion tensor imaging), and imaging of volume of tissue activated by a specific electrode. CA techniques for DBS include mathematical models of the abnormally synchronized electrical activity which underlies epilepsy, movement disorders, and likely many mood disorders as well. By incorporating feedback loops and multiple recording and/or stimulating sites, the abnormally synchronized brain electrical activity can be desynchronized, then “unlearned” (“unkindling” in epilepsy). Characteristics of DBS utilizing CA include low frequency rather than high frequency stimulation; multiple stimulation and/or recording sites; likely 10‐fold or more reduction in electrical current needs (much smaller “pulse generators”); more focused and less disruptive stimulation—fewer unwanted side effects; and potential to “cure” certain disorders by resetting abnormal firing patterns back to normal. These advantages of more sophisticated DBS techniques bring the following challenges, which may require a decade of research before reaching clinical practice because many brain disorders involve neurotransmitter abnormalities (e.g., dopamine in Parkinson's disease and certain mood disorders). Namely, how do we monitor and modulate neurotransmitters in addition to electrical activity? How do we get multiple microelectrodes into the brain in a minimally invasive manner? In the accompanying article, I address these two issues and offer some potential solutions.
The proposed role of optical sensing in translational stroke research
Authors: Joshi Shailendra , Agarwal Sachin
Published: April 2010

The past three decades of clinical disappointments in treating stroke must compel us to rethink our strategy. Given the enormous complexity of the clinical disease, the “one size fits all” approach to stroke treatment is unlikely to succeed. The effective treatment of stroke aimed at reversing ischemic injury will require monitoring of tissue injury and response to therapeutic interventions, perhaps the use of multiple drugs, sequentially administered in a timely manner. The proposed sequential intra‐arterial therapy for stroke (SITS) relies on the development of novel intra‐arterial treatments of ischemic brain injury in the magnetic resonance imaging environment. However, translating SITS protocol from bench to bedside could greatly benefit from the advances in optical technologies. Compared to magnetic resonance imaging, optical sensing technology promises to be quicker, cheaper, simpler, and more versatile, and thus is ideally suited for investigating the fast kinetics and monitoring the pharmacological effects of intra‐arterial drugs.
Results of an outpatient multidisciplinary COPD rehabilitation programme obtained in two settings: primary and secondary health care
Authors: Vest Susanne , Moll Lill , Petersen Marelis , Buch Tove Fedder , Bruun Ditte Marie , Rask Marie , Wester Anette , Linneberg Allan
Published: April 2010

Background and Aims:  There is limited experience with implementation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rehabilitation in primary care settings. We aimed to evaluate the implementation of a COPD rehabilitation programme in a primary care setting and compare the effects with those obtained in a secondary health‐care setting.

Materials and Methods:  The same outpatient multidisciplinary 7‐week rehabilitation programme was implemented in a primary (day care nursery) and a secondary (hospital) health‐care setting. Disease‐specific quality of life (QoL) and endurance shuttle walking time (ESWT) was assessed at the start and end of the programme. Additionally, QoL was assessed again at a 3‐months follow‐up.

Results:  No serious problems or adverse events were encountered during the training/rehabilitation sessions. A total of 48 patients (81.3%) and 75 patients (84.2%) completed the 7‐week rehabilitation programme in the primary and secondary settings, respectively. Within both centres, we found statistically significant improvements of ESWT and total St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire score. The improvement of ESWT was significantly greater in the secondary care setting than in the primary care setting.

Conclusions:  we found that it was possible to implement a COPD rehabilitation programme in a Danish primary care setting. In this non‐randomised study, improvements of QoL and ESWT obtained in the primary care setting were reasonably similar to those obtained in the secondary care setting.

Please cite this paper as: Vest S, Moll L, Petersen M, Buch TF, Bruun DM, Rask M, Wester A and Linneberg A. Results of an outpatient multidisciplinary COPD rehabilitation programme obtained in two settings: primary and secondary health care. Clin Respir J 2011; 5: 84–91.
Total hip arthroplasty in patients with chronic autoimmune inflammatory arthroplasties
Authors: CHONG Roland Weng Wah , CHONG Choon Seng , LAI Choon Hin
Published: April 2010

Objective:  Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) often require total hip arthroplasties. We present a retrospective review of 32 total hip arthroplasties (THA) performed for patients with SLE, RA or AS from 2003 to 2008 in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 323 THAs performed between January 2003 to December 2008 were traced and cases of arthroplasties performed for such patients were isolated. Pre‐ and post‐operative range of motion, Harris hip score, limb length discrepancies and complications were studied.

Results:  Twenty‐six patients aged 24–66 years (mean 47 years) were reviewed, with two AS patients (7.7%), 16 RA patients (61.5%), seven SLE patients (26.9%) and one patient (3.8%) with both RA and SLE. Thirty‐two THA operations were conducted with six patients requiring bilateral THAs. The average follow‐up was 3.3 years. Mean Harris hip score for 25 patients (one excluded due to patient expiry 2 month post‐surgery) improved from 41.3 to 86.53 (P < 0.05). Mean pre‐operative hip flexion improved from 61.3 degrees (0–120) to 89.7 degrees (30–120) (P < 0.05). Seventeen cases had preoperative limb length discrepancies (median 1 cm) which were all corrected. There were no implants loosening, infective arthritis, dislocations or neurovascular injuries documented.

Conclusion:  Our series demonstrated the excellent outcome of THA for patients with chronic autoimmune arthropathies at the time of follow‐up. Careful patient selection remains a priority as long‐term outcomes for such patients of a significantly younger population is yet to be determined.
Churg–Strauss syndrome: a retrospective study of 11 cases from a single center in Japan
Authors: HORAI Yoshiro , MIYAMURA Tomoya , HIRATA Akie , NAKAMURA Masataka , TAKAHAMA Soichiro , ANDO Hitoshi , MINAMI Rumi , YAMAMOTO Masahiro , SUEMATSU Eiichi
Published: April 2010

Objective:  To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS), including symptoms, blood chemistry and immunological findings.

Patients and methods:  We retrospectively investigated the records of 11 patients (six female and five male) with CSS admitted to our hospital from September 2003 to October 2009.

Results:  Eight patients had preceding symptoms including bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. Seven patients showed eosinophilia. Nine patients had mononeuritis multiplex. Positive findings of myeloperoxidase‐antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO‐ANCA) were found in five patients. Neither clinical manifestations nor laboratory findings were correlated with positivity for MPO‐ANCA. However, the MPO‐ANCA‐positive group showed a higher level of blood urea nitrogen and proteinuria than those negative for MPO‐ANCA. Ten patients recovered after starting steroid or immunosuppressive therapy, although one patient died of unknown etiology.

Conclusion:  Although general assessments based on various factors such as medical history, clinical manifestation and laboratory studies are indispensable in CSS, MPO‐ANCA might be useful as a predictor of renal dysfunction in patients with CSS.
Spectroellipsometric investigation of optical, morphological, and structural properties of reactively sputtered polycrystalline AlN films
Authors: Easwarakhanthan T. , Hussain S. S. , Pigeat P.
Published: April 2010

The optical and morphological properties of reactively sputtered AlN films on Si substrates have been studied in this work from a self-consistent three-layer optical model developed from spectroscopic-ellipsometry analysis and validated by observations from transmission-electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and in situ reflectance interferometry. These properties correlate to the film microstructural properties. Accordingly, the almost thickness-independent refractive index of 2.01 of the bulk AlN layer indicates its polycrystalline microstructure. This layer also appears ungraded, homogeneous, isotropic, and free of excess Al, as if grown through a steady process. The small film absorption points to the Urbach tail states produced by the structural disorder typical of such sputtered films. The films’ interface layer consists of a graded Bruggeman intermix of outdiffused Si and AlN materials spreading over 10-12 nm thickness. The surface morphology includes an Al2O3-oxidized outer rough surface gradually becoming AlN bulk with diminishing amounts of Al2O3 and inner pores. The increase in the surface-layer thickness, as the film grows, indicates further surface roughening due to enlarging crystals in a disoriented growth. This spectroscopic-ellipsometry analysis of AlN films has allowed us to study the effect of substrate biasing on the AlN microstructure and to place forward a new processing method for the surface smoothening of rough AlN and diamond films.
A robust coregistration method for in vivo studies using a first generation simultaneous PET/MR scanner
Authors: Ng Thomas S. C. , Procissi Daniel , Wu Yibao , Jacobs Russell E.
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

Hybrid positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging systems have recently been built that allow functional and anatomical information obtained from PET and MR to be acquired simultaneously. The authors have developed a robust coregistration scheme for a first generation small animal PET/MR imaging system and illustrated the potential of this system to study intratumoral heterogeneity in a mouse model.

Methods:

An alignment strategy to fuse simultaneously acquired PET and MR data, using the MR imaging gradient coordinate system as the reference basis, was developed. The fidelity of the alignment was evaluated over multiple study sessions. In order to explore its robustnessin vivo, the alignment strategy was applied to explore the heterogeneity of glucose metabolism in a xenograft tumor model, using to guide the acquisition of localized MR spectra within a single imaging session.

Results:

The alignment method consistently fused the PET/MR data sets with subvoxel accuracy (registration error voxels, ); this was independent of location within the field of view. When the system was used to study intratumoral heterogeneity within xenograft tumors, a correlation of high signal with high choline/creatine ratio was observed.

Conclusions:

The authors present an implementation of an efficient and robust coregistration scheme for multimodal noninvasive imaging using PET and MR. This setup allows time‐sensitive, multimodal studies of physiology to be conducted in an efficient manner.
Dependence of Yb‐169 absorbed dose energy correction factors on self‐attenuation in source material and photon buildup in water
Authors: Medich David C. , Munro John J.
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

Absorbed dose energy correction factors, used to convert the absorbed dose deposited in a LiF thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) into the clinically relevant absorbed dose to water, were obtained for both spherical volumetric sources and for the model 4140 HDR Yb‐169 source. These correction factors have a strong energy dependence below 200 keV; therefore, spectral changes were quantified as Yb‐169 photons traveled through both source material and water with the corresponding absorbed dose energy correction factors, , calculated as a function of location in a phantom.

Methods:

Using theMCNP5 Monte Carlo radiation transport simulation program, the Yb‐169 spectrum emerging from spherical sources (density ) with radii between 0.2 and 0.9 mm were analyzed and their behavior compared against those for a point‐source. The absorbed dose deposited to both LiF and materials was analyzed at phantom depths of 0.1–10 cm for each source radius and the absorbed dose energy correction factor calculated as the ratio of the absorbed dose to water to that of LiF. Absorbed dose energy correction factors for the Model 4140 Yb‐169 HDR brachytherapy source similarly were obtained and compared against those calculated for the Model M‐19 Ir‐192 HDR source.

Results:

The Yb‐169 average spectral energy, emerging from spherical sources 0.2–0.9 mm in radius, was observed to harden from 7% to 29%; as these photons traveled through the water phantom, the photon average energy softened by as much as 28% at a depth of 10 cm. Spectral softening was dependent on the measurement depth in the phantom. Energy correction factors were found to vary both as a function of source radius and phantom depth by as much as 10% for spherical sources. The Model 4140 Yb‐169 energy correction factors depended on both phantom depth and reference angle and were found to vary by more than 10% between depths of 1 and 10 cm and angles of 0° and 180°. This was in contrast to that of the Model M‐19 Ir‐192 source which exhibited approximately 3.5%–4.4% variation in its energy correction factors from phantom depths of 0.5–10 cm. The absorbed dose energy correction factor for the Ir‐192 source, on the other hand, was independent of angle to within 1%.

Conclusions:

The application of a single energy correction factor for Yb‐169 TLD based dosimetry would introduce a high degree of measurement uncertainty that may not be reasonable for the clinical characterization of a brachytherapy source; rather, an absorbed dose energy correctionfunction will need to be developed for these sources. This correction function should be specific to each source model, type of TLD used, and to the experimental setup to obtain accurate and precise dosimetric measurements.
Dose discrepancies in the buildup region and their impact on dose calculations for IMRT fields
Authors: Hsu Shu‐Hui , Moran Jean M. , Chen Yu , Kulasekere Ravi , Roberson Peter L.
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

Dose accuracy in the buildup region for radiotherapy treatment planning suffers from challenges in both measurement and calculation. This study investigates the dosimetry in the buildup region at normal and oblique incidences for open and IMRT fields and assesses the quality of the treatment planning calculations.

Methods:

This study was divided into three parts. First, percent depth doses and profiles (for , , , and field sizes at 0°, 45°, and 70° incidences) were measured in the buildup region in Solid Water using an Attix parallel plate chamber and Kodak XV film, respectively. Second, the parameters in the empirical contamination (EC) term of the convolution/superposition (CVSP) calculation algorithm were fitted based on open field measurements. Finally, seven segmental head‐and‐neck IMRT fields were measured on a flat phantom geometry and compared to calculations using and dose‐gradient compensation (C) indices to evaluate the impact of residual discrepancies and to assess the adequacy of the contamination term for IMRT fields.

Results:

Local deviations between measurements and calculations for open fields were within 1% and 4% in the buildup region for normal and oblique incidences, respectively. The C index with 5%/1 mm criteria for IMRT fields ranged from 89% to 99% and from 96% to 98% at 2 mm and 10 cm depths, respectively. The quality of agreement in the buildup region for open and IMRT fields is comparable to that in nonbuildup regions.

Conclusions:

The added EC term in CVSP was determined to be adequate for both open and IMRT fields. Due to the dependence of calculation accuracy on (1) EC modeling, (2) internal convolution and density grid sizes, (3) implementation details in the algorithm, and (4) the accuracy of measurements used for treatment planning system commissioning, the authors recommend an evaluation of the accuracy of near‐surface dose calculations as a part of treatment planning commissioning.
Rapid image stitching and computer‐aided detection for multipass automated breast ultrasound
Authors: Chang Ruey‐Feng , Chang‐Chien Kuang‐Che , Takada Etsuo , Huang Chiun‐Sheng , Chou Yi‐Hong , Kuo Chen‐Ming , Chen Jeon‐Hor
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

Breast ultrasound (US) is recently becoming more and more popular for detecting breast lesions. However, screening results in hundreds of US images for each subject. This magnitude of images can lead to fatigue in radiologist, causing failure in the detection of lesions of a subtle nature. In this study, an image stitching technique is proposed for combining multipass images of the whole breast into a series of full‐view images, and a fully automatic screening system that works off these images is also presented.

Methods:

Using the registration technique based on the simple sum of absolute block‐mean difference (SBMD) measure, three‐pass images were merged into full‐view US images. An automatic screening system was then developed for detecting tumors from these full‐view images. The preprocessing step was used to reduce the tumor detection time of the system and to improve image quality. The gray‐level slicing method was then used to divide images into numerous regions. Finally, seven computerized features—darkness, uniformity, width‐height ratio, area size, nonpersistence, coronal area size, and region continuity—were defined and used to determine whether or not each region was a part of a tumor.

Results:

In the experiment, there was a total of 25 experimental cases with 26 lesions, and each case was composed of 252 images (three passes, 84 images/pass). The processing time of the proposed stitching procedure for each case was within 30 s with a Pentium IV 2.0 processor, and the detection sensitivity of the proposed CAD system was 92.3% with 1.76 false positives per case.

Conclusions:

The proposed automatic screening system can be applied to the whole breast images stitched together via SBMD‐based registration in order to detect tumors.
Design and comparison of two eight‐channel transmit/receive radiofrequency arrays for in vivo rodent imaging on a 7 T human whole‐body MRI system
Authors: Orzada Stephan , Maderwald Stefan , Göricke Sophia L. , Parohl Nina , Ladd Susanne C. , Ladd Mark E. , Quick Harald H.
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of rodents can be expected to be a growing application, particularly when translatory imaging research “from mouse to man” is envisioned. 7 T high‐field human whole‐body MR systems provide a powerful platform for high‐resolution small animal imaging. For achieving adequate spatial resolution, dedicated radiofrequency coils have to be designed to provide the necessary signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR).

Methods:

Two different multichannel transmit/receive radiofrequency (RF) arrays for high‐resolution imaging of rodents on a human whole‐body 7 T MR system have been developed and evaluated in comparativein vitro phantom experiments and in vivo experiments in rats. The first coil was a one‐channel birdcage RF transmit/eight‐channel loop RF receive phased‐array coil; the second coil was an eight‐channel RF transmit/receive stripline phased‐array coil with inverted microstrip lines—A coil design that here is described for the first time for dedicated small animal MR imaging.

Results:

Both coil setups provided the high SNR necessary for high‐resolution MRI in rodents. The eight‐channel loop RF array, with its larger inner diameter and transparent layout, provided better overall signal homogeneity and enabled easy visual monitoring; the eight‐channel stripline RF array provided overall higher SNR and better parallel imaging acceleration performance.

Conclusions:

The results show that both coil designs are suitable for small animal imaging on 7 T whole‐body systems; the preferred coil depends on the demands of the application.
A simple method to quantify the coincidence between portal image graticules and radiation field centers or radiation isocenter
Authors: Du Weiliang , Yang James , Luo Dershan , Martel Mary
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to develop a computerized method to quantify the coincidence between portal image graticules and radiation field centers or radiation isocenter. Three types of graticules were included in this study: Megavoltage (MV) mechanical graticule, MV electronic portal imaging device digital graticule, and kilovoltage (kV) on‐board imaging digital graticule.

Methods:

A metal ball bearing (BB) was imaged with MV and kV x‐ray beams in a procedure similar to a Winston–Lutz test. The radiation fields, graticules, and BB were localized in eight portal images using Hough transform‐based computer algorithms. The center of the BB served as a static reference point in the 3D space so that the distances between the graticule centers and the radiation field centers were calculated. The radiation isocenter was determined from the radiation field centers at different gantry angles.

Results:

Misalignments of MV and kV portal imaging graticules varied with the gantry or x‐ray source angle as a result of mechanical imperfections of the linear accelerator and its imaging system. While the three graticules in this study were aligned to the radiation field centers and the radiation isocenter within 2.0 mm, misalignments of 1.5–2.0 mm were found at certain gantry angles. These misalignments were highly reproducible with the gantry rotation.

Conclusions:

A simple method was developed to quantify the alignments of portal image graticules directly against the radiation field centers or the radiation isocenter. The advantage of this method is that it does not require the BB to be placed exactly at the radiation isocenter through a precalibrated surrogating device such as room lasers or light field crosshairs. The present method is useful for radiation therapy modalities that require high‐precision portal imaging such as image‐guided stereotactic radiotherapy.
Simple Sari Cloth Filtration of Water Is Sustainable and Continues To Protect Villagers from Cholera in Matlab, Bangladesh
Authors: Huq Anwar , Yunus Mohammed , Sohel Syed Salahuddin , Bhuiya Abbas , Emch Michael , Luby Stephen P. , Russek-Cohen Estelle , Nair G. Balakrish , Sack R. Bradley , Colwell Rita R.
Published: April 2010

A simple method for filtering water to reduce the incidence of cholera was tested in a field trial in Matlab, Bangladesh, and proved effective. A follow-up study was conducted 5 years later to determine whether the filtration method continued to be employed by villagers and its impact on the incidence of cholera. A total of 7,233 village women collecting water daily for their households in Bangladesh were selected from the same study population of the original field trial for interviewing. Analysis of the data showed that 31% of the women used a filter of which 60% used sari filters for household water. Results showed that sari filtration not only was accepted and sustained by the villagers and benefited them, including their neighbors not filtering water, in reducing the incidence of cholera, the latter being an unexpected benefit.

IMPORTANCE
A simple method for filtering pond and river water to reduce the incidence of cholera, field tested in Matlab, Bangladesh, proved effective in reducing the incidence of cholera by 48%. A follow-up study conducted 5 years later showed that 31% of the village women continued to filter water for their households, with both an expected and an unexpected benefit that filtration had both a direct and indirect effect in reducing cholera (chi-square statistic of 1,591.94;
P
= <0.0001). Results of the study showed that the practice of filtration not only was accepted and sustained by the villagers but also benefited those who filtered their water as well as neighbors not filtering water for household use in reducing the incidence of cholera.