bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronal MR Imaging of the Normal 3rd 4th and 5th Lumbar and 1st Sacral Nerve Roots
Authors: Hald J. K. , Nakstad P. H. , Hauglum B. E.
Published: June 2015

Seven healthy volunteers underwent coronal MR imaging at 1.5 tesla of the normal 3rd, 4th, and 5th lumbar, and 1st sacral nerve roots. Coronal slices, 3-mm-thick with a 0.3-mm gap between the slices were obtained (TR/TE 600/22) through the lumbar spinal canal. All the nerve roots were visible on at least one image. One can routinely expect to demonstrate the 3rd, 4th, and 5th lumbar, and 1st sacral nerve roots on T1-weighted, 3-mm-thick coronal MR scans. We found no correlation between the degree of lumbar lordosis and the lengths of the visible nerve roots. Five patients with one of the following spinal problems: anomaly, tumor, disk herniation, and failed back surgery syndrome were examined according to our protocol. In all these cases coronal MR imaging gave the correct diagnosis.
Common Bile Duct Cancer with Massive Necrosis Mimicking Choledochal Dilatation on CT
Authors: Miyake H. , Matsumoto S. , Ueda S. , Maeda T. , Aikawa H. , Mori H.
Published: June 2015

Carcinomas of the common bile duct are usually seen as dilatation of the bile duct proximal to a solid mass on CT. In the case reported here, the common bile duct cancer itself mimicked dilated common bile duct on CT because of massive necrosis. In a case of simulating dilated common bile duct on CT, and discrepancy between CT and ultrasonography or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, a common bile duct cancer with massive necrosis should be included in the differential diagnosis.
Traumatic Trabecular Lesions Observed on MR Imaging of the Knee
Authors: Tervonen O. , Snoep G. , Stuart M. J. , Ehman R. L.
Published: June 2015

Examinations carried out on 302 consecutive patients with MR of the knee between January 1988 and March 1989 were reviewed for detection of trabecular lesion. Twenty-seven patients found presenting trabecular lesion were further reviewed with specific reference to their activity level and need for specific therapy to determine the clinical significance of the trabecular lesion. Twenty-one of the trabecular lesions were in the femur, 5 were in the tibia, and one was in the fibula. Three of them were associated with a direct trauma, 12 with a valgus type injury, 3 with pure rotation mechanism, and 5 with a combination of valgus and rotation. In 17 cases trabecular lesion was a single finding, in 10 cases it was associated with some ligamentous tear. At the follow-up visit, 26 of the 27 patients with trabecular lesion had no symptoms, and the patient with moderate knee symptoms had had similar knee symptoms prior to the accident due to an osteochondral defect. We conclude that a trabecular lesion in an MR image is a benign bone change associated with knee trauma which heals without sequelae.
Mammographic Follow-up after Breast Conserving Surgery and Postoperative Radiotherapy without Boost Irradiation for Mammary Carcinoma
Authors: Braw M. , Erlandsson I. , Ewers S.-B. , Samuelsson L.
Published: June 2015

Pre- and postoperative mammograms were reviewed in 103 women undergoing conservation surgery and irradiation for breast cancer stage I. The main reactions to radiotherapy were increased breast parenchymal density and increased skin thickness. Changes reached a peak at 9 months. No new changes were seen at 2 years, and most had regressed at this time. Following surgery, 71 of the patients displayed noticeable scar tissue in the surgical area, sometimes causing diagnostic difficulties. Two of the patients had a local recurrence of carcinoma, while 3 developed cancer in the other breast.
Motion Associated Susceptibility Artifacts
Authors: Bach-Gansmo T. , Ericsson A. , Leander P. , Fahlvik A. K. , Hemmingsson A.
Published: June 2015

A bowel labeling agent is important for improving abdominal MR. Besides providing contrast between the bowel and other organs, the contrast agent itself is a potential source of artifacts. The artifacts created by superparamagnetic particles (SPP) subjected to motion have been studied in vitro at 0.5 T, and compared to artifacts created by a paramagnetic compound. Apart from the expected static effects of the SPP, movement induced additional artifacts were seen as signal displacements in the phase-encoding direction. The artifacts were obvious at an iron concentration of 1 mg Fe/ml, barely visible at 0.2 mg Fe/ml, and completely absent at 0.1 mg Fe/ml. Artifacts were also evident with the SPP outside the imaging slice. This further emphasizes the importance of choosing the lowest effective dose when using SPP contrast agents. For the paramagnetic agent, motion propagated artifacts consisted of high and low signal regions in a mosaic pattern.
Reference Values for Vertebral Heights in Scandinavian Females and Males
Authors: Hermann A. P. , Brixen K. , Andresen J. , Mosekilde L.
Published: June 2015

Vertebral heights were measured on lateral spine radiographs covering T4—L5 in 113 healthy Caucasian volunteers (73 females aged 22–80 years, and 40 males aged 22–79 years). Vertebral heights were significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.001). In women, a significant correlation was found between the height of T4 and the heights of the other vertebrae with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.71 (T5) to 0.38 (L1) and similar figures were found in males. Both the absolute and relative vertebral heights in this series were close to those reported by others. Selection of subjects and racial, environmental, and technical factors may explain the small differences. It is concluded that vertebral heights can be predicted from vertebrae rarely affected by spinal osteoporosis. Both relative and absolute vertebral heights differed between sexes. Although the reference values in this Scandinavian population were in agreement with previously reported data, small differences between populations were found, emphasizing the need for regional normative data.
Effect of Intravenous Contrast Media on Proximal and Distal Tubular Hydrostatic Pressure in the Rat Kidney
Authors: Ueda J. , Nygren A. , Hansell P. , Ulfendahl H. R.
Published: June 2015

The effect of i.v. injection of contrast media (CM, 1 600 mg I/kg b.w.) on proximal and distal tubular hydrostatic pressure (PTHP, DTHP) in the rat was investigated using a micropuncture technique. The PTHP and DTHP after injection of diatrizoate, iohexol, ioxaglate, or mannitol returned to control values within approximately 20 min. However, following iotrolan injection PTHP was still elevated above control levels after 35 min while DTHP remained elevated throughout the experiment (50 min). Iotrolan has a lower osmotic potential than the other CM when given in equivalent iodine doses. The concentration of iotrolan may thus increase more along the tubules than the other CM and consequently lead to a higher viscosity of urine, resulting in increases in PTHP and DTHP. The high intratubular pressure induced by iotrolan may explain our previous findings of reduced single nephron glomerular filtration rate caused by this CM.
Accuracy of CT Arterial Portography of the Liver Compared with Findings at Laparotomy
Authors: Lindberg C.-G. , Lundstedt C. , Stridbeck H. , Tranberg K.-G.
Published: June 2015

To evaluate the accuracy of CT arterial portography (CTAP) of the liver, CTAP examinations from 111 patients were retrospectively reviewed and compared with the findings at laparotomy. Laparotomy had been performed within 3 weeks after the CTAP examination. In cases of resectable liver tumor, the result from the pathologic examination report was used to calculate the accuracy of CTAP. In cases of nonresectable liver tumor or liver without tumor, CTAP findings were compared with the result of a thorough inspection and palpation of the liver. The right liver lobe and the medial and lateral segments of the left lobe were separately evaluated. Thus, a total of 333 lobes/segments were evaluated. Tumor was found at laparotomy in 80 of 333 lobes or segments. At CTAP a total of 94 lobes were evaluated as positive for tumor growth, 23 of these were falsely interpreted as positive and 9 were falsely interpreted as negative when compared with the findings at laparotomy. However, 3 patients called false-positives later turned out to be true-positives since the lesions were overlooked at operation. A sensitivity of 89%, a specificity of 91%, and an accuracy of 90% was calculated for CTAP. It is concluded that CTAP has a higher accuracy than other radiologic methods and should be considered suitable for preoperative evaluation of potentially resectable liver tumor.
Brain Atrophy in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Pirttilä T. , Järvenpää R. , Dastidar P. , Frey H.
Published: June 2015

A quantitative and qualitative analysis was done of 187 CT examinations in 59 healthy subjects and 128 patients with various neurodegenerative diseases. The rates of agreement between quantitative measurements and the qualitative grading by two observers were 76.7% for the evaluation of lateral ventricular size and 66.3% for the assessment of sulcal size. Increase in the width of the 3rd ventricle, in the bicaudate span, and in the area of the lateral ventricles reflected a pathologic enlargement of the ventricles. The profile of ventricular dilatation in dementia patients was different from that of other patients with brain atrophy. However, the quantitative measurement of brain atrophy by a computer-based method did not increase the differential diagnostic accuracy among dementia patients. The results stress the importance of the selection of valid measures in the evaluation of structural changes of the brain. We suggest the use of reference scans for improving the reliability of the visual evaluation.
Detection of Viable Tumor Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma following Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization with Iodized Oil
Authors: Murakami T. , Nakamura H. , Hori S. , Tomoda K. , Mitani T. , Nakanishi K. , Hashimoto T. , Tsuda K. , Kozuka T. , Monden M. , Wakasa K.
Published: June 2015

To evaluate the effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with iodized oil for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), dynamic turbo-fast low angle shot (turbo-FLASH) (TR/TE/flip angle/TI, 8.5/4.6/10/200) MR imaging with gadopentetate dimeglumine was performed in 10 patients with HCC after TACE with iodized oil and before partial hepatectomy. Immediately after 0.05 mmol/kg b.w. of gadopentetate dimeglumine was administered intravenously, 10 images were obtained in the first 20 s (early phase). Then, one image every 30 s from 1 to 3 min (late phase), and images at 5 min and 7 min (delayed phase) were obtained serially. In the early phase, HCC showed no enhancement in 5 patients, partial hyperintense enhancement in 4, and total hyperintense enhancement in one. Viable regions of the tumor, evaluated at histopathology, showed hyperintense enhancement relative to the surrounding liver parenchyma in the early phase, while necrotic regions showed no enhancement. Both viable and necrotic regions showed lower signal intensities than the surrounding liver parenchyma in both late and delayed phases. By using dynamic turbo-FLASH MR imaging, we were able to accurately evaluate the effect of TACE with iodized oil for HCC in 8 of the 10 patients. In 2 patients, in whom small viable cells were seen in the HCC, viable regions could not be detected with our technique. It is concluded that turbo-FLASH dynamic MR imaging was useful for evaluating the effect of TACE for HCC.
Image Intensifier Based Digital Chest Radiography
Authors: Kheddache S. , Denbratt L. , Angelhed J. E. , Schlossman D.
Published: June 2015

Contrast- and edge-enhanced digital monitor images from an image intensifier system for chest radiography were compared to conventional radiograms using visual grading analysis. Eleven observers graded the visibility of rounded opacities, the carinal region, fine line structures, and also compared the overall quality of images from 20 patients. The results showed significantly better visibility on the digital monitor for the rounded opacities and the mediastinum compared to the conventional radiograms. The overall quality of the digital images was also considered better. However, the digital images showed significantly inferior visibility for the line structures in comparison with the conventional radiograms. Our study indicates that the present contrast- and edge-enhanced digital images, with a spatial resolution of 1 024 × 1024 pixels and a contrast resolution of 8 bits, are superior to conventional radiograms for the visualization of mediastinal anatomy and rounded opacities. The clinical importance of the inferior visibility of fine line structures is not clear.
Three-Dimensional Black Blood Mr Angiography of the Liver during Breath Holding
Authors: Suto Y. , Ohuchi Y. , Kimura T. , Shirakawa T. , Mizuuchi N. , Takizawa O. , Yamane T. , Kamba M. , Moriyama S. , Ohta Y.
Published: June 2015

In 2-D time-of-flight MR angiography (2-D TOF MRA) of the liver, artifacts caused by respiratory motion are unavoidable. Therefore, a 3-D black blood MRA of the liver was attempted in 7 healthy volunteers, using a 3-D gradient echo sequence which allows imaging during breath holding. 2-D TOF MRA was performed as well. In all subjects, 3-D MRA allowed visualization of the trunk, 1st-, and 2nd-order branches of the portal vein without interruption. Right 3rd-order branches were visualized without interruption in 6 of 7 subjects (85%). However, with 2-D MRA, the transverse portion of the left main portal vein could not be visualized in any subject, and the periphery of the portal vein was less clear than with 3-D MRA.
Lipiodol-CT in the Detection of Tumor Persistence in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Percutaneous Ethanol Injection
Authors: Lencioni R. , Caramella D. , Vignali C. , Russo R. , Paolicchi A. , Bartolozzi C.
Published: June 2015

Our purpose was to investigate the usefulness of Lipiodol-CT for detection of residual viable neoplastic tissue in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions treated by means of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI). An emulsion of 5 to 20 ml iodized oil and 50 to 70 mg doxorubicin hydrochloride was intraarterially injected in 18 patients with 25 HCC lesions treated by means of PEI one to 24 months before. At CT performed 3 to 5 weeks after injection, retention of Lipiodol was observed in 9 of 13 tumors that still contained viable neoplastic tissue and in 2 of 12 tumors proven to have undergone complete necrosis after PEI. The sensitivity and specificity of Lipiodol-CT were 69.2% and 83.3%, respectively. Thus, Lipiodol-CT seems to have limited diagnostic value after PEI, probably as a consequence of the alcohol-induced vascular damage, accounting for both false-negative and false-positive results.
One- versus Two-View Mammography Screening
Authors: Thurfjell E. , Taube A. , Tabár L.
Published: June 2015

In order to compare mammography screening with one versus two views, a prospective population-based study was carried out. Mammograms from 12 636 women aged 40 to 54 years were examined first as one-view screening and later as two-view screening. The initial results showed that two-view screening resulted in 349 recalls, 72 surgical biopsies, and 32 breast cancers. One-view screening resulted in 542 recalls, 61 surgical biopsies, and 29 histologically proven breast cancers. The follow-up revealed 2 additional cancers detected by one-view screening. Thus, the use of two-view screening resulted in one more cancer case being detected. The difference in breast cancer detection was not significant.
Intraarticular Ganglion between the Cruciate Ligaments of the Knee
Authors: Kaatee R. , Kjartansson Ó. , Brekkan Á.
Published: June 2015

Intraarticular ganglion cysts arising from the cruciate ligaments are rare. Only 9 cases have been described in the literature (2, 4–6, 8–10, 13, 14). Only in one case was the diagnosis suggested before operation by the appearance on MR imaging (4). We report a case of a patient presenting with a bone erosion in the proximal tibial epiphysis caused by an intraarticular ganglion cyst arising from the anterior cruciate ligament.
Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Core Biopsies of the Prostate
Authors: Norberg M. , Busch C. , Stavinoha J. , Scardino P. T. , Magnusson A.
Published: June 2015

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) examination is a well established method for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The examination technique has, however, certain limitations, and biopsies are needed to differentiate between malignant and benign lesions. In order to determine the influence of the thickness of the needle on the histopathological evaluation of specimens, core biopsies were taken from 36 patients with hypoechoic lesions suggestive of cancer detected by TRUS, using a 1.2-mm cutting needle followed by a thinner needle (0.9-, 0.8- or 0.7-mm). A total of 164 biopsies from 41 hypoechoic lesions were obtained. The specimens were coded and examined by a pathologist. They were judged according to amount of tissue obtained, quality, length, malignancy and grade. The best results were obtained with the 1.2- and 0.9-mm needles. The results were comparable and reliable for both needle types which can be recommended for clinical practice. The 0.8- and 0.7-mm needles were found to give more or less unsatisfactory results.
In Vivo Thrombogenicity of Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging Catheters
Authors: Bolz K.-D. , Nordby A.
Published: June 2015

This study evaluates the frequency and significance of thrombus formation on the surface of intravascular ultrasound (US) imaging catheters. The investigation includes 63 consecutive patients who underwent 32 arterial and 38 venous intravascular procedures. At the end of the imaging procedure the US findings were observed during withdrawal of the catheter into the introducer sheath. Thrombus formation was demonstrated in 5 (7%). The largest thrombus fragments had a cross-sectional dimension of 2.2×1.0 mm. There was a significant correlation between the incidence of thrombus formation and the occurrence of malign neoplastic disease. No relation was found between the frequency of thrombus formation and the duration of the imaging procedure or the type of US catheter. It is concluded that the thrombogenicity of intravascular US imaging devices is not higher than that of conventional angiographic catheters. The observed “pull-out” thrombi were small and it is unlikely that they could have any clinical significance.
MR Imaging of Double-Contrast Enhanced Porcine Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Nilsson Stefan , Wikström Mats , Ericsson Anders , Wikström Gerhard , Waldenström Anders , Øksendal Audun , Hemmingsson Anders
Published: June 2015

MR imaging was performed to investigate whether Gd-DTPA-BMA-induced contrast enhancement of myocardial infarction is counteracted by Dy-DTPA-BMA. Myocardial infarction was induced in 5 pigs. Microdialysate probes were inserted in ischemic and nonischemic myocardium. Gd-DTPA-BMA (0.3 mmol/kg b.w.) and Dy-DTPA-BMA (1.0 mmol/kg b.w.) were administered i.v. 4 hours post occlusion. The microdialysate was collected every 10 min and measured for Gd and Dy using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The pigs were sacrificed 2 hours after administration of contrast media. The concentration of both contrast agents was 3 times higher in infarcted myocardium than in nonischemic myocardium. The infarctions displayed high signal intensity in spin-echo sequences ex vivo. This lack of detectable susceptibility effects from Dy may be caused by loss of cell membrane integrity in infarcted tissue as shown by our microdialysate and biopsy data.
Budd-Chiari Syndrome Misinterpreted as an Infiltrating Liver Mass
Authors: Nyman Rickard , Kagevi Ingvar
Published: June 2015

A case of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), due to hepatic venous blockage, was initially misinterpreted on CT and ultrasonography (US) as an infiltrating mass of the liver. The irregular enlargement on US and the irregular enhancement with large hypodense areas on CT were believed to be due to an infiltrating mass. US-guided biopsy suggested BCS by showing central liver congestion without any signs of tumor growth. The diagnosis was confirmed by hepatic venography demonstrating collateral veins with a typical spiderweb appearance. BCS is a rare, often lethal, condition and in order to reach an early and accurate diagnosis it is essential to be aware of the syndrome.
Water Jet Angioplasty — An Experimental Study
Authors: Kobayashi Masami , Sawada Satoshi , Tanigawa Noboru , Senda Tetsurou , Okuda Yoshikazu
Published: June 2015

The usefulness and safety of water jet angioplasty was studied in vitro, using agar phantom and autopsied aorta, and in vivo in acute and chronic arterial occlusions in mongrel dogs. At an injection rate of 1.0 ml/s, the water jet produced erosion of the agar surface when the distance between the catheter and the agar was 1 mm. With an injection rate of 1.5 ml/s, erosion was produced at a distance of 15 mm from the catheter tip. When the water jet was directed at an arterial wall, intimal ablation and ruptured elastic fibers were found histopathologically. A smaller angle between the vascular wall and the catheter was associated with less vascular damage. In vivo, water jet angioplasty was effective against acute obstructions, but not against chronic obstructions. These results suggest that water jet angioplasty may be effective against arterial obstruction due to acute thrombus.
Double-Contrast MR Imaging of Reperfused Porcine Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Nilsson S. , Wikström G. , Ericsson A. , Wikström M. , Øksendal A. , Waldenström A. , Hemmingsson A.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Myocardial infarctions were induced in 12 pigs to investigate whether a double-contrast method, combining a positive and a negative MR contrast agent, could improve the visualization of reperfused myocardial infarctions.

Material and Methods:

All 12 pigs were subjected to 80 min of occlusion followed by reperfusion. In the double-contrast group (6 pigs), Gd-DTPA-BMA (0.3 mmol/kg b.w.) and Dy-DTPA-BMA (1.0 mmol/kg b.w.) were administered i.v. after 30 min of reperfusion. In the remaining 6 pigs, a single injection of Gd-DTPA-BMA (0.3 mmol/kg b.w.) was given after 30 min of reperfusion. All pigs were sacrificed 10 min postcontrast injection, corresponding to a reperfusion time of 40 min. The hearts were excised and imaged with MR. The concentrations of Gd and Dy were measured in infarcted and nonischaemic myocardium using ICP-AES.

Results and Conclusion:

Contrast media concentrations were more than 4-fold higher in infarcted compared with nonischaemic myocardium. The infarctions were best shown on T1-weighted images, and there were no differences between the double and single contrast groups. In the T2-weighted images, the infarctions were significantly better visualized in the double-contrast group, due to a Dy-induced signal intensity loss in nonischaemic myocardium.
Influence of a Non-Ionic Radiography Contrast Medium on the Microcirculation
Authors: Bach R. , Jung F. , Scheller B. , Hummel B. , Özbek C. , Spitzer S. , Schieffer H.
Published: June 2015

Purpose, Material and Methods:

Microcirculatory disturbances may be responsible for some of the adverse effects induced by contrast media. The influence of iopromide 370 (Ultravist) on cutaneous microcirculation was therefore investigated in 15 patients in a prospective study. Twenty ml of iopromide and 20 ml 0.9% NaCl were injected as reference in the subclavian artery at the beginning of a diagnostic coronary angiography. Erythrocyte velocity was measured in ipsilateral nailfold capillaries at the beginning of, during, and after the injection continuously up to 6 min after injection.

Results:

On average, 30 s after injection of contrast medium, erythrocyte velocity decreased significantly by 51.3% (p<0.0001) and remained reduced up to 120 s. This reaction was observed in 14 out of 15 patients. Three patients showed a temporary cessation of capillary blood flow.

Conclusion:

The adverse effects sometimes seen during coronary angiography can be explained if similar contrast medium induced microcirculatory disturbances in the myocardial vasculature.
Radiation-Induced Skin Injury after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty
Authors: Søvik E. , Kløw N.-E. , Hellesnes J. , Lykke J.
Published: June 2015

A 58-year-old man underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasties in June 1992 and May 1993. Approximately 3 weeks after the last procedure, a cutaneous lesion developed into an ulcer over the right scapular region. The ulcer failed to heal with conservative treatment; therefore, surgical excision was performed. The localization and the course of the development indicated injury caused by radiation, and this was confirmed by the histologic examination.

To avoid such injury in interventional procedures with long fluoroscopic time, several precautions should be taken. These include continuous surveillance of the X-ray dosage, the use of different projections to avoid exposure to one skin area throughout the whole procedure, keeping the irradiated area as small as possible, and good planning of the procedure.
Long-Term Follow-up of Residual Mediastinal Masses in Treated Hodgkin's Disease Using MR Imaging
Authors: Nyman R. , Forsgren G. , Glimelius B.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Long-term follow-up of residual mediastinal masses in treated Hodgkin's disease using MR imaging.

Material and Methods:

Ten patients, with substantial residual mediastinal masses of low signal intensity (SI) in the T2-weighted image (T2WI), were reinvestigated with MR 19–79 months after completing treatment of Hodgkin's disease. All patients were in complete remission.

Results:

During the follow-up period, the masses had decreased in size by 0–95% (median 67%) as compared to their initial post-therapy size. The SI continued to be low in the T2WI and was unaffected by the degree of size reduction.

Conclusion:

It is speculated that these mainly fibrotic residual masses undergo slow degradation of the fibrotic part and/or resorption of remaining inflammatory tissue. It is important to understand the natural, long-term MR imaging changes of these residual masses in order more easily to recognize tumour recurrence or other pathologic conditions.
MR Imaging as the Primary Modality for Neuroradiologic Evaluation of the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Annertz M. , Wingstrand H. , Strömqvist B. , Holtås S.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the effects on cost, and number of primary and supplementary neuroradiologic examinations, after introducing MR imaging as the primary modality in the evaluation of the lumbar spine.

Material and Methods:

Two 5-month periods were compared: period 1 — before MR; and period 2 — after introduction of a 2nd MR device. In period 1, patients were examined with myelography and/or CT after referral from specialists only, whereas in period 2 both specialists and general practitioners could refer patients for MR imaging. The direct cost (neuroradiologic methods and hospitalization) and indirect cost (sick-leave and estimated loss of production caused by the diagnostic procedure) were estimated.

Results and Conclusion:

In period 1, investigations were started in 75 patients (62 myelographies and 13 CT examinations); in period 2, in 227 patients (198 MR, 21 CT, and 8 myelographies). The estimated total cost increased from SEK 825 000 to 1 265 000 (53%), the cost per investigated patient decreasing from 11 000 to 5565 (50%), and the cost of preoperative investigation per operated patient decreasing from 8616 to 5563 (35%). The number of supplementary examinations was unchanged.
History of Panoramic Radiography
Authors: Hallikainen D.
Published: June 2015

The first attempts to image the whole jaw were made with intraoral radiation sources at the beginning of this century. The narrow-beam principle was described in 1922. Experimental work and development of equipment in the 1950s resulted in commercially available machines in the early 1960s. The panoramic technique originated from the need to image the jaws, but it was also applied to other anatomic regions, before CT became available. Panoramic radiography is an essential element in oral radiology today.
Mr Imaging in the Presence of Small Circular Metallic Implants
Authors: Manner I. , Alanen A. , Komu M. , Savunen T. , Kantonen I. , Ekfors T.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

The thermal effects of MR imaging in the presence of circular nonferromagnetic metallic implants were studied in 6 rabbits.

Material and Methods:

A sternotomy was performed and fixed with stainless steel wires, and small titanium rings (diameter 3 mm) were placed on the surface of the ascending aorta and subcutaneous tissue of the thigh. Four of the rabbits were exposed to an imaging procedure with a 1.5 T scanner applying a T1-weighted spin-echo sequence and a gradient echo sequence. Two of the animals served as unexposed controls. Thirty-six hours after the exposure, tissues adjacent to the implants were examined histologically and compared with corresponding samples of the control animals.

Results:

In the area of the titanium rings, histologic analysis revealed slight inflammatory changes apparently caused by the operation. No evidence of thermal injury was found, suggesting that the presence of the rings does not contraindicate MR examinations. Necrosis was noted in all of the sternal specimens. This was probably postoperative, but it impaired the assessment of thermal injury in this area.
Assessment of Early Radiation Effects on the Liver
Authors: Masui T. , Yan H. , Kosugi I. , Sakamoto S. , Nishimura T. , Takahashi M. , Kaneko M. , Fritz-Zieroth B.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the early effects of radiation on the liver using single photon emission CT (SPECT) with 99mTc-phytate combined with a pinhole collimator and MR imaging with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) and to compare 2 modalities regarding the assessment of the reticuloendothelial cell function.

Material and Methods:

The right sides of the livers of 12 anesthetized rats were irradiated with X-rays (4000 cGy). On the 3rd and 4th days postirradiation, SPECT and MR imaging pre- and postcontrast were performed.

Results:

On SPECT, the irradiated areas appeared as areas with reduced 99mTc-phytate uptake in 9 rats. In the remaining 3 rats, irradiated lesions were not evident on SPECT. On the early postcontrast MR images, differential negative enhancement of the irradiated and nonirradiated areas in the same 9 rats as on SPECT was apparent. However, on the later postcontrast images of 3 of these rats, the irradiated areas, which were brighter than the nonirradiated areas, were visually less clear than those on the earlier postcontrast images. In the remaining 3 rats, no radiation damage was evident on MR images.

Conclusion:

SPECT with 99mTc-phytate and early postcontrast MR imaging with SPIO can show early radiation damage of the liver. The serial assessment of the postcontrast MR images provides functional information on the Kupffer cells.
Intrahepatic Portal-Hepatic Venous Shunts Demonstrated by US, CT, and MR Imaging
Authors: Kakitsubata Y. , Kakitsubata S. , Kiyomizu H. , Ogawa T. , Kato K. , Watanabe K.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

Radiological findings were investigated in 6 cases of intrahepatic portal-hepatic venous shunt (IPHVS) without chronic liver disease.

Material and Methods:

Six patients with IPHVS were examined using US, CT and MR imaging. US was performed in all patients and color Doppler imaging in 5 patients. CT was performed after i.v. bolus injection of contrast medium in 4 patients. MR imaging and MR angiography were performed in one patient.

Results:

The shunt was present in the right lobe in 4 patients and in the left lobe in 2 patients. The shunts consisted of focally dilated or tubular vessels (1 aneurysmal) in 4 patients, and multiple small vessels in 2 patients. US revealed anechoic structures with various configurations at the shunt. Color Doppler imaging could detect blood flow in various directions in the shunt vessels in 5 patients. CT and MR images showed these abnormal vascular structures in the liver. MR angiography was also useful for evaluating the relationship between the portal and the hepatic veins.

Conclusion:

Color Doppler imaging was the best modality for evaluation of IPHVS.
Fragmented Platinum Microcoils as Embolization Material
Authors: Irie T. , Kusano S.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the feasibility of using fragmented microcoils as embolization material.

Material and Methods:

Fragmented microcoil particles were produced from a coil of 0.42-mm platinum guide wire. The diameter of the particles was 420 μ and the length was 450–800 μ. To prevent the catheters from being obstructed by the particles, a core shaft wire was passed through the channels of the particles and a hollow plunger was used to release particles from the catheter. Forty particles were introduced into 4 kidneys in 4 adult dogs following transfemoral catheterization and systemic heparinization. Renal arteriography was performed immediately, and at 60 min, and at 3 weeks after embolization.

Results:

All particles were successfully introduced into the periphery of the kidneys, and caused occlusion within 3 weeks of embolization.

Conclusion:

Fragmented platinum microcoil particles can be used as embolization material to avoid catheter obstruction.
Roc-Analysisc of Detection Performance by Analogue and Digital Plain Film Systems in Chest Radiography
Authors: Müller R.-D. , Wähling S. , Hirche H. , Voss M. , Blendl C. , Gocke C. , Gocke P. , Buddenbrock B. , John V. , Wiebringhaus R. , Turowski B.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To compare the performances of 4 imaging systems in the diagnostic radiology of the chest: an asymmetric screen-film combination (a-SFC); a conventional screen-film combination of speed class 200 (SFC); a screen-film combination of speed class 200 with an aluminium lung filter; and digital luminescence radiographs (DLR).

Material and Methods:

Object detectability studies were carried out using an anthropomorphic chest phantom. The images were obtained under standard exposure conditions at 125 kVp. The detection performance of the various systems was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis on the basis of a total of 12 240 observations.

Results:

In the overall evaluation the a-SFC and the SFC plus lung filter received equally high ratings of 0.878±0.018 and 0.860±0.21, respectively (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the 200-speed SFC and the storage phosphor radiographs. In the mediastinum all the tested systems were clearly superior to the 200-speed SFC (p<0.05) while in the lung fields the 200-speed SFC received a high rating of 0.866±0.026. The a-SFC had slight advantages over the SFC plus lung filter and the 2 digital imaging modes (p>0.05).

Conclusion:

The a-SFC and the digital luminescence radiographs provide a significant gain in diagnostic information in the mediastinum without diminishing detail detectability in the lung fields and without additional radiation exposure.
Psychological flexibility in migraine: A study of pain acceptance and values-based action
Authors: Foote Heather Wolfort , Hamer Joshua D , Roland Malcolm M , Landy Stephen R , Smitherman Todd A
Published: June 2015

Background

Studies of musculoskeletal pain patients confirm that acceptance of pain and values-based action are strong predictors of pain-related disability and that interventions fostering “psychological flexibility” confer positive outcomes. However, data on these processes in migraine remain limited. This cross-sectional study examined relations between components of psychological flexibility and headache among treatment-seeking migraineurs.

Methods

A total of 103 adults ( M age = 41.5 (11.9) years; 88.2% female) with ICHD-confirmed migraine (71.8% episodic, 28.2% chronic) across three clinics completed measures of psychological flexibility and headache-related disability. Hierarchical regressions quantified relations between acceptance/values-based action and headache variables after first controlling for pain severity and gender.

Results

Acceptance of pain and values-based action accounted for 10% of unique variance in headache severity (Δ R2 p = 0.006) and up to 20% in headache-related disability (Δ R2 ps = 0.02 and < 0.001) but were weakly related to headache frequency. Psychological flexibility was more strongly associated with MIDAS-measured disability than was headache severity or headache frequency. Significant effects were typically of medium-to-large size and driven primarily by values-based action.

Conclusions

Paralleling results from the broader chronic pain literature, pain acceptance and values-based action play significant roles in headache pain and disability. Further study of interventions targeting these processes may enhance existing treatments.
A 6-Week School Curriculum Improves Boys’ Attitudes and Behaviors Related to Gender-Based Violence in Kenya
Authors: Keller Jennifer , Mboya Benjamin O. , Sinclair Jake , Githua Oscar W. , Mulinge Munyae , Bergholz Lou , Paiva Lee , Golden Neville H. , Kapphahn Cynthia
Published: June 2015

This study investigated the effects of a gender-based violence (GBV) educational curriculum on improving male attitudes toward women and increasing the likelihood of intervention if witnessing GBV, among adolescent boys in Nairobi, Kenya. In total, 1,543 adolescents participated in this comparison intervention study: 1,250 boys received six 2-hr sessions of the “Your Moment of Truth” (YMOT) intervention, and 293 boys comprised the standard of care (SOC) group. Data on attitudes toward women were collected anonymously at baseline and 9 months after intervention. At follow-up, boys were also asked whether they encountered situations involving GBV and whether they successfully intervened. Compared with baseline, YMOT participants had significantly higher positive attitudes toward women at follow-up, whereas scores for SOC participants declined. At follow-up, the percentage of boys who witnessed GBV was similar for the two groups, except for physical threats, where the intervention group reported witnessing more episodes. The percentage of boys in the intervention group who successfully intervened when witnessing violence was 78% for verbal harassment, 75% for physical threat, and 74% for physical or sexual assault. The percentage of boys in the SOC group who successfully intervened was 38% for verbal harassment, 33% for physical threat, and 26% for physical or sexual assault. Results from the logistic regression demonstrate that more positive attitudes toward women predicted whether boys in the intervention group would intervene successfully when witnessing violence. This standardized 6-week GBV training program is highly effective in improving attitudes toward women and increasing the likelihood of successful intervention when witnessing GBV.
Tyre curve estimation in slip-controlled braking
Authors: Miller Jonathan I , Cebon David
Published: June 2015

Progress in reducing actuator delays in pneumatic brake systems creates an opportunity for advanced anti-lock braking algorithms to be used on heavy goods vehicles. However, these algorithms require knowledge of variables that are impractical to measure directly. This paper introduces a braking force observer and road surface identification algorithms to support a sliding-mode slip controller for air-braked heavy vehicles. Both the force observer and the slip controller are shown to operate robustly under a variety of conditions in quarter-car simulations. A non-linear least-squares algorithm was found to be capable of performing regressions on all the parameters of the tyre model from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute when used ‘in the loop’ with the controller and the observer. A recursive least-squares algorithm that is less computationally expensive than the non-linear algorithm was also investigated but gave only reasonable estimates of the tyre model parameters on high-friction smooth roads.
Improving Cognition in the Elderly With Nutritional Supplements
Authors: Stough Con , Pase Matthew P.
Published: June 2015

With increasing life expectancies in most Western populations, the number of people experiencing age-associated cognitive impairment is increasing. Research is needed to identify factors that may help the elderly maintain or even improve cognitive function in the face of advancing age. This review evaluates whether dietary supplementation with natural pharmaceuticals can be used as a means to improve cognitive function or limit cognitive decline. The evidence surrounding popular supplements such as Ginkgo biloba, fish oils, Bacopa monnieri, polyphenol extracts, and vitamins is reviewed briefly. Potential mechanisms of action are also highlighted. This review also discusses challenges surrounding cognitive testing in psychopharmacological research, highlighting discrepancies between the domains of human cognition as described by contemporary models and as measured in clinical trials.
Getting behind discourses of love, care and maternalism in early childhood education
Authors: Aslanian Teresa K
Published: June 2015

Discourses of love, care and maternalism affect the everyday lives of children enrolled in early childhood education. These discourses bear witness to the ontological transformation that has occurred since the Romantic era that birthed the kindergarten movement to today. Reflecting on historical discourses of love, care and maternalism from the Romantic era, this article considers how the historical development of these discourses affects our professional understandings of love, care and maternalism in early childhood education.
Walking the Falls: Dark tourism and the significance of movement on the political tour of West Belfast
Authors: Skinner Jonathan
Published: June 2015

This article uses the personalised political tour of the Falls Road as a case study with which to unpack the debate on political tourism in Northern Ireland. It shows how significant the walking mode of tourist transport is to the tourist experience and how integrated and effective it is in the context of explaining the Troubles and extending the Republican ideology. Within this contentious narrative of movement, the tour guide develops an ambivalence that intrigues, repulses and propels the tourist through the tour.
Microstructure, phase transformation and hardness of nanometric Cr-Al multilayer coatings
Authors: Su Yean-Liang , Cheng Kai-Wen , Mayer Joachim , Weirich Thomas E , Schwedt Alexander , Lin Yue-Feng
Published: June 2015

Nanometric Cr-Al multilayer films are deposited by magnetron sputtering to investigate the influences of composition and annealing on the microstructure, phase transformation, and hardness. The enhancement of hardness of as-deposited coatings is attributed to solid solution strengthening and grain size strengthening. For the Cr100− xAl x coatings with x = 30 at.% and x = 62 at.%, respectively, the annealing process prompts the formation of Cr2Al and Cr5Al8 intermetallic compounds. The enhancement of hardness of annealed coatings is primarily caused by the intermetallic formation and secondarily by oxide layer formation.
‘We have a place to play, but someone else controls it’: Girls’ mobility and access to space in a Palestinian refugee camp
Authors: Marshall David J
Published: June 2015

From the Palestinian uprisings to the Arab Spring, politics in the Middle East is often spectacularly represented by the visual images of (male) youths battling state forces in the street. This article seeks an examination of political and cultural change in the region from a different perspective by asking how the everyday lives of young(er) people – boys and girls alike – are implicated in such transformation. In doing so, this article seeks to highlight how young people act as agents of change not only in ‘The Street’, but also in the more mundane and intimate spaces of alleyways, doorsteps and homes. Through an examination of the everyday mobility of Palestinian girls and boys in a West Bank refugee camp, this article demonstrates how questions over access to space in the camp are central to the lives of young people, as well as to broader political struggles in Palestine and the region. Girls living in Balata Camp often see restrictions to their access to space as being the result of both internal Palestinian social inequality as well as the overarching geography of occupation and displacement. Girls often advocate for greater access to space in the camp by making appeals to both the Palestinian national struggle as well as Islamic ethics of gender equality and justice. By arguing that healthy girls and boys are better able to grow and resist occupation with new and spacious places of play in the camp, these young people mark a significant departure from the politics of older generations who have steadfastly avoided outward improvements to the camp out of a desire to maintain their refugee identity and right of return. Beyond their advocacy for greater access to space, girls in Balata also use a variety of embodied tactics and strategies to evade, resist and make do with the spatial restrictions imposed upon them. Counterintuitively, many girls use their spatial restriction to their advantage by using their time at home to study. Many hope that their academic achievement will enhance both their upward and lateral mobility later in life. In contrast, although boys are viewed as having the privilege of greater mobility in the camp, many boys complain that they have no quiet places to study and that the streets they play in are often violent and crowded. With mounting family obligations and dismal employment prospects, many boys see little hope in achieving a better life through education. By looking at how girls and boys negotiate access to everyday space, this article demonstrates how children’s lives are implicated in the broader politics of public space and gender in the Middle East.
Multivariate adaptive regression splines models for vehicular emission prediction
Authors: Oduro Seth Daniel , Metia Santanu , Duc Hiep , Hong Guang , Ha Q.P.
Published: June 2015

Background

Rate models for predicting vehicular emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO
X
) are insensitive to the vehicle modes of operation, such as cruise, acceleration, deceleration and idle, because these models are usually based on the average trip speed. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using other variables such as vehicle speed, acceleration, load, power and ambient temperature to predict (NO
X
) emissions to ensure that the emission inventory is accurate and hence the air quality modelling and management plans are designed and implemented appropriately.

Methods

We propose to use the non-parametric Boosting-Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (B-MARS) algorithm to improve the accuracy of the Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) modelling to effectively predict NO
X
emissions of vehicles in accordance with on-board measurements and the chassis dynamometer testing. The B-MARS methodology is then applied to the NO
X
emission estimation.

Results

The model approach provides more reliable results of the estimation and offers better predictions of NO
X
emissions.

Conclusion

The results therefore suggest that the B-MARS methodology is a useful and fairly accurate tool for predicting NO
X
emissions and it may be adopted by regulatory agencies.