bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Particle-number conservation in odd mass proton-rich nuclei in the isovector pairing case
Authors: Fellah M. , Allal N. H. , Oudih M. R.
Published: June 2015

An expression of a wave function which describes odd–even systems in the isovector pairing case is proposed within the BCS approach. It is shown that it correctly generalizes the one used in the pairing between like-particles case. It is then projected on the good proton and neutron numbers using the Sharp-BCS (SBCS) method. The expressions of the expectation values of the particle-number operator and its square, as well as the energy, are deduced in both approaches. The formalism is applied to study the isovector pairing effect and the number projection one on the ground state energy of odd mass N ≈ Z nuclei using the single-particle energies of a deformed Woods–Saxon mean-field. It is shown that both effects on energy do not exceed 2%, however, the absolute deviations may reach several MeV. Moreover, the np pairing effect rapidly diminishes as a function of (N - Z). The deformation effect is also studied. It is shown that the np pairing effect, either before or after the projection, as well as the projection effect, when including or not the isovector pairing, depends upon the deformation. However, it seems that the predicted ground state deformation will remain the same in the four approaches.
Exponential attractor for the wave equation with structural damping and supercritical exponent
Authors: Yang Zhijian , Liu Zhiming , Niu Panpan
Published: June 2015

The paper studies the existence of an exponential attractor for the wave equation with structural damping and supercritical nonlinearity [Formula: see text]. By constructing a bounded absorbing set with higher global regularity (rather than the long-standing partial regularity) and by using the weak quasi-stability estimates (rather than the strong ones as usual), we establish the existence of an exponential attractor in the natural energy space.
NUMERICAL AND STOCHASTIC ANALYSIS OF CORROSION IN MODULAR HIP IMPLANTS
Authors: PALIWAL MANISH , RAJPUT SANDEEP
Published: June 2015

The influence of localized corrosion on cementless titanium-alloy modular total hip arthroplasty was analyzed using numerical and stochastic modeling. Corrosion depth influences maximum stress significantly, thereby reducing the load carrying capacity. Numerical analysis revealed that the stress levels due to corrosion in the modular implants are influenced not only by the pit geometry, but also by the contact properties of the taper junctions. Subsequently, crevice corrosion was economically modeled with two parameters related to physical and chemical properties of the materials involved. The solution introduces a dimensionless number that determines whether anoxic conditions will be reached. The analysis confirms the power-law relationship for the exponent variation with the concentration gradient variation assumed by others. The results may be used in averting the progression to rapid corrosion growth through infusion of oxygen in the crevice at the appropriate time intervals. Stochastic modeling of crevice area and maximum depth shows a power-law increase in dispersion measures with exponent of 0.63–0.64 though the average increase follows a more modest exponent of 0.13–0.15. A holistic approach, and continuous research towards the development of robust corrosion models is warranted so as to predict and enhance the design life of otherwise successful modular arthroplasties. A better understanding of the phenomenon may help alleviate early and catastrophic fractures.
A Woman with Unilateral Rash and Fever: Cellulitis in the Setting of Lymphedema
Authors: Joseph Melissa , Camilon Marissa , Kang Tarina
Published: June 2015

Cellulitis in the setting of lymphedema is an uncommon but clinically important presentation to the emergency department. Stagnant lymph is an ideal medium for bacterial growth and progression can be rapid due to decreased ability to fight infection in the affected area. Infections are commonly caused by gram-positive cocci, though blood cultures are often negative. Treatment should be aimed at rapid initiation of antibiotics targeting these species. There may be a role for antibiotic prophylaxis in recurrent cases.
A Fuzzy Delay Approach for HIV Dynamics Using a Cellular Automaton
Authors: Jafelice R. Motta , Silva C. A. F. , Barros L. C. , Bassanezi R. C.
Published: June 2015

The objective of this research is to study the evolution of CD4+ T lymphocytes infected with HIV in HIV-seropositive individuals under antiretroviral treatment utilizing a mathematical model consisting of a system of delay-differential equations. The infection rate of CD4+ T lymphocytes is a time-dependent parameter with delay. Such delay is given by a fuzzy number due to the uncertainty of the effects of both pharmacological and intracellular delays. A cellular automaton is utilized to estimate the parameters of the system. The effects of antiretroviral therapy in the cellular automaton are modeled using a fuzzy rule-based system with two inputs: the medication potency and the treatment adhesion for three hypothetical individuals. For each of them, we determine the infection rate of CD4+ T lymphocytes, which is different from zero, as opposed to other studies reported in the literature. As the infection rate is considered a fuzzy parameter, we determine the fuzzy and the defuzzified solutions for the infected CD4+ T lymphocytes. We obtain the maximum values of infected cells for individuals that receive low, medium, and high potency medication and treatment adhesion. The results obtained are in accordance qualitatively with what would be expected in a real situation.
Stability and Convergence of Solutions to Volterra Integral Equations on Time Scales
Authors: Messina Eleonora , Vecchio Antonia
Published: June 2015

We consider Volterra integral equations on time scales and present our study about the long time behavior of their solutions. We provide sufficient conditions for the stability and investigate the convergence properties when the kernel of the equations vanishes at infinity.
ІНФОРМАЦІЙНІ ПРОБЛЕМИ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ НАСТУПНОСТІ МЕДИЧНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ
Authors: Харик Н. В. , Банчук М. В.
Published: June 2015

The problems of ensuring the succession and continuity of medical care were examined. The information and cyber matters of succession, in particular, information standards, resource management systems of medical institutions were analyzed. The idea of ​​the need to develop standards for succession of medical care is emphasized.
КЛАСТЕРНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ВІЙСЬКОВО-МЕДИЧНИХ КЛІНІЧНИХ ЦЕНТРІВ ТА ВІЙСЬКОВИХ ГОСПІТАЛІВ ЗБРОЙНИХ СИЛ УКРАЇНИ ЗА ПОКАЗНИКАМИ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ЛІЖКОВОГО ФОНДУ У 2010 РОЦІ
Authors: Лопін Є. Б.
Published: June 2015

Based on analysis of annual 3/Med medical reports using k-means clustering method, indices of deployed hospital beds of military-medical clinical centers and military hospitals have been analyzed. A comparative evaluation of the selected statistical analysis method and the other method, used for this research, have been performed. Recommendations managers of health facilities as well as the management authorities of the Medical Service of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on more efficient use of deployed beds have been given.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ПРИНЦИПІВ МЕДИЧНОЇ ОНТОЛОГІЇ ДЛЯ ПОБУДОВИ СЦЕНАРНИХ МОДЕЛЕЙ ПІСЛЯДИПЛОМНОГО НАВЧАННЯ ЛІКАРІВ І ПРОВІЗОРІВ
Authors: Мінцер О. П. , Стрижак О. Є. , Денисенко С. В.
Published: June 2015

Approaches, facilities and technologies of forming of the personalized electronic grounds of management in the educational- informative environment knowledge are described. The ontological aspects of model scenario construction in doctor’s education post-graduate training accompaniment are considered with the use of the network systems of knowledge. It supposes the decision of increasing of efficiency medical educating of doctors on application of modern network technologies of the distance access to the distributed knowledge systems.
КОНЦЕПТУАЛЬНІ УЗАГАЛЬНЕННЯ ЩОДО СТРУКТУРНОЇ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ КОМП’ЮТЕРНИХ МЕРЕЖ ВИЩИХ МЕДИЧНИХ НАВЧАЛЬНИХ ЗАКЛАДІВ
Authors: Mintser O. P. , Ryzhov O. A. , Martsenyuk V. P. , Krasnov V. V.
Published: June 2015

The basic principles of the structural organization of computer networks in schools are presented. The questions of universities integration’s in the modern infrastructure of the information society are justified. Details the structural organizations of computer networks are presented. The effectiveness of implementing automated library information systems is shown. The big dynamical growths of technical and personal readiness of students to use virtual educational space are presented. In this regard, universities are required to provide advance information on filling the educational environment of modern virtual university, including multimedia resources for industry professional education programs. Based on information and educational environments virtual representations of universities should be formed distributed resource centers that will avoid duplication of effort on the development of innovative educational technologies, will provide a mutual exchange of results and further development of an open continuous professional education, providing accessibility, modularity and mobility training and retraining specialists.
РОЛЬ ІНФОРМАТИЗАЦІЇ ФАРМАЦЕВТИЧНОГО РИНКУ В ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННІ УПРАВЛІННЯ ОБІГОМ ЛІКАРСЬКИХ ЗАСОБІВ
Authors: Solovjov O. S. , Babintseva L. Yu. , Mintser O. P. , Ponomarenko M. S.
Published: June 2015

The controversial questions of the pharmaceutical market informatization are considered. The main principles and legal frameworks to manage population ensure with medicines based on use of information technology are proposed. The logic and conception framework of related information automatization for hospitals and population under the current legislation are discussed.
Clarifications: A Rejoinder
Authors: Arnal William , McCutcheon Russell
Published: June 2015

This short paper aims to respond to some of the observations and insights of the five reviewers of our book, The Sacred Is the Profane.
A Nonlinear Approach to Regional Flood Frequency Analysis Using Projection Pursuit Regression
Authors: Durocher Martin , Chebana Fateh , Ouarda Taha B. M. J.
Published: June 2015

This paper presents an approach for regional flood frequency analysis (RFFA) in the presence of nonlinearity and problematic stations, which require adapted methodologies. To this end, the projection pursuit regression (PPR) is proposed. The PPR is a family of regression models that applies smooth functions on intermediate predictors to fit complex patterns. The PPR approach can be seen as a hybrid method between the generalized additive model (GAM) and the artificial neural network (ANN), which combines the advantages of both methods. Indeed, the PPR approach has the structure of a GAM to describe nonlinear relations between hydrological variables and other basin characteristics. On the other hand, PPR can consider interactions between basin characteristics to improve the predictive capabilities in a similar way to ANN, but simpler. The methodology developed in the present study is applied to a case study represented by hydrometric stations from southern Québec, Canada. It is shown that flood quantiles are mostly associated with a dominant intermediate predictor, which provides a parsimonious representation of the nonlinearity in the flood-generating processes. The model performance is compared to eight other methods available in the literature for the same dataset, including GAM and ANN. When using the same basin characteristics, the results indicate that the simpler structure of PPR does not affect the global performance and that PPR is competitive with the best existing methods in RFFA. Particular attention is also given to the performance resulting from the choice of the basin characteristics and the presence of problematic stations.
Familial Risk in Low-Income Children With Chronic Illness Exposed to Passive Smoke
Authors: Swindle Taren M. , Shapley Kathy , Kyzer Angie , Cheerla Rajalakshmi , Whiteside-Mansell Leanne
Published: June 2015

Background. This study highlights the family characteristics of a child living in a state of triple risk: chronically ill, exposed to passive smoke, and residing in a low-income household. Methods. Head Start families were divided into 4 groups based on passive smoke exposure and child chronic illness status. Analyses of covariance controlling for parent education, parent employment, marital status, and residence were conducted to identify group differences in the Family Map risk areas. Results. Families of chronically ill, passive smoke–exposed children demonstrated the highest levels of risks across a range of areas including: meeting basic needs, family conflict, parenting stress, and parental depression and anxiety. Conclusions. Children living in poverty with a chronic illness who are exposed to smoke are likely to face many challenges in addition to their illness. Healthcare professionals can identify family risks and provide targeted educate and support to potentially reduce risk factors for children.
A List of Stars “Correcte Cum 2 Magnis Armillis” in 1362
Authors: Chabás José
Published: June 2015

The two star lists presented here add new information on the astronomical activity developed during the reign of Pere el Cerimoniós and support the claim that Ibn al-Kammād’s list is to be considered as the star list of the Tables of Barcelona.
Prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in the general population of China
Authors: Cao Xiao-Lan , Zhong Bao-Liang , Xiang Yu-Tao , Ungvari Gabor S , Lai Kelly YC , Chiu Helen FK , Caine Eric D
Published: June 2015

Objective

The objective of this meta-analysis is to estimate the pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in the general population of Mainland China.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted via the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, China Journals Full-Text Databases, Chongqing VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Wan Fang Data. Statistical analysis used the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis program.

Results

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria for the analysis; five reported on the prevalence of suicidal ideation and seven on that of suicide attempts. The estimated lifetime prevalence figures of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were 3.9% (95% confidence interval: 2.5%–6.0%) and 0.8% (95% confidence interval: 0.7%–0.9%), respectively. The estimated female–male ratio for lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was 1.7 and 2.2, respectively. Only the difference of suicide attempts between the two genders was statistically significant.

Conclusion

This was the first meta-analysis of the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in the general population of Mainland China. The pooled lifetime prevalence of both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts are relatively low; however, caution is required when assessing these self-report data. Women had a modestly higher prevalence for suicide attempts than men. The frequency for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in urban regions was similar to those in rural areas.
Technetium Pertechnetate Scintigraphy to Detect Ectopic Gastric Mucosa in Meckel's Diverticulum
Authors: Fries M. , Mortensson W. , Robertson B.
Published: June 2015

Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy was performed in 81 infants and children, clinically suspected to have Meckel's diverticulum with ectopic gastric mucosa. The predominant symptom was rectal bleeding and anemia. Twenty-two patients underwent laparotomy and 12 had Meckel's diverticulum with ectopic gastric mucosa. In operated patients the sensitivity of scintigraphy in detecting ectopic gastric mucosa was 0.75, the specificity 1.0 and the diagnostic accuracy 0.86; the diagnostic accuracy was estimated to 0.96 for the whole material. Histologic examination of the diverticula showed a smaller area of the ectopic mucosa in cases with negative scintigraphic findings. In addition, prominent fibrosis seemed to be a more consistent finding in cases with negative as opposed to those with positive scintigraphic findings. Presence of anemia may provide a guideline as to whether or not scintigraphy is indicated.
Accuracy of Ultrasonography Compared with Urography in Detection of Intrarenal Dilatation in Children
Authors: Hederström E. , Forsberg L.
Published: June 2015

Ultrasonography for detection of postoperative intrarenal dilatation following surgical intervention for vesicoureteral reflux was investigated in 102 children (0–14 years, mean age 4 years and 9 months) over a period of 5 years and was compared with urography. Ultrasonography had a high accuracy for demonstration of even slight intrarenal dilatation caused by postrenal obstruction, while slight and moderate non-obstructive dilatation often was overlooked. The results support the application of sonography for repeated controls of postrenal obstructive dilatation in children with a known medical record in order to diminish their exposure to radiation. The high accuracy does not apply to single sonograms in examination of possible obstruction of unknown origin where some alternative method should be added.
Pulmonary Changes at Computed Tomography in Patients with Testicular Carcinoma Treated with CIS-Platinum, Vinblastine and Bleomycin
Authors: Lien H. H. , Brodahl U. , Telhaug R. , Holthe H. , Fosså S. D.
Published: June 2015

Computed tomography was performed before and after CVB therapy (cis-platinum, vinblastine, bleomycin) in 42 patients with metastatic testicular carcinoma. Twenty-one of these (3 symptomatic, 18 asymptomatic) developed subpleural pulmonary abnormalities which were streaky or reticular in 7, homogeneous with a broad base against pleura in 3 and had a mixed pattern in 11 patients. Histologic examination was obtained in 3 patients and showed fibrosis with no tumor tissue. Twelve patients with marked CVB induced abnormalities underwent repeat CT within 6 to 24 weeks. Changes disappeared spontaneously in 7, diminished in 3 and increased in 2 of these. Further conventional chest radiography of the latter two revealed complete regression of changes. Pulmonary lesions induced by CVB therapy should be kept in mind at follow-up so that an erroneous diagnosis of tumor progression is not made.
Demonstration of the Renal Venous System at Routine Nephroangiography
Authors: Nilsson P. E. , Aspelin P. , Holtås S.
Published: June 2015

The demonstration of renal veins during routine nephroangiography was retrospectively investigated and blindly scored in 60 patients. Three different types of contrast media were used: one high-osmolar ionic monomeric (metrizoate) and two low-osmolar, the non-ionic monomeric (metrizamide) and the ionic monoacidic dimeric (ioxalate). The renal veins and the inferior vena cava were significantly better and more often demonstrated when ioxaglate was used compared with metrizoate and metrizmide. There was no significant difference between metrizoate and metrizamide. Following semiselective renal artery injection, the main renal veins were demonstrated with a diagnostically acceptable quality with ioxaglate in 76 per cent, with metrizamide in 40 per cent and with metrizoate in 29 per cent. On selective renal artery injection the demonstration of renal veins increased to 85 per cent with ioxaglate and remained unchanged with metrizmide (38 %) and metrizoate (26%). Semiselective or selective nephroangiography with ioxaglate at an ordinary dose was in most patients sufficient to allow evaluation of renal vein involvement in disease, rendering high dose selective nephroangiography or selective nephrophlebography unnecessary. A slower diffusion rate of ioxaglate compared with metrizoate and metrizamide is considered to be the major explanation for the better demonstration of the renal veins.
Ultrasonic Assessment of Abdominal Venous Return
Authors: Smith H.-J. , Grøttum P. , Simonsen S.
Published: June 2015

Eighty-five patients subjected to routine heart catheterization, were examined with duplex scanning of the inferior vena cava and portal vein. Volume blood flow in the two veins was estimated and compared with Fick measured cardiac output and duplex measured flow in the lower thoracic aorta. Inferior vena caval and portal vein flow were found to comprise approximately 30 to 40 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively, of cardiac output, but with a large dispersion of individual percentages. A high correlation (r=0.88) was found between the sum of inferior vena caval and portal vein flow and duplex measured flow in the lower thoracic aorta, the sum of flow in the two veins comprising approximately 90 per cent of lower thoracic aortic flow. It is concluded that duplex scanning seems to be a useful method in estimating volume blood flow in both the inferior vena cava and portal vein.
The Axial View of the Patello-Femoral Joint
Authors: Egund N.
Published: June 2015

A new and simple method for the axial view of the patellofemoral joint is described. The patients are examined in the erect position with a standardized inclination of the lower leg of 15°. If a high or a low vertical position of the patella occurs, the device allows a change of the inclination of the lower leg with optimum axial views as a result in more than 94 per cent of 300 knee examinations. The device is recommended for standardized and reproducible examinations of the patello-femoral joint.
Gastroesophageal Reflux and Pharyngeal Function
Authors: Ekberg O. , Lindgren S.
Published: June 2015

Pharyngeal function and gastroesophageal reflux were compared in 84 dysphagic patients examined clinically and radiologically. Cricopharyngeal muscle incoordination, assessed cineradiographically, was revealed in 5 of 41 patients (12%) without and 17 of 43 patients (40%) with gastroesophageal reflux assessed clinically (p<0.05). Thus, there was a positive correlation between dysfunction of the cricopharyngeal muscle and gastroesophageal reflux. There was no correlation with other types of pharyngeal dysfunction. Our results support the assumption of a positive relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and pharyngeal function in terms of cricopharyngeal dysfunction. The pathogenesis of this relation was, however, not revealed.
Anatomic Variants of the Hepatic Arteries
Authors: Rygaard H. , Forrest M. , Mygind T. , Baden H.
Published: June 2015

The anatomic variants of the hepatic arteries observed in 216 abdominal arteriographies were analysed. A comparison was made with Michels' work based upon 200 anatomic dissections, and Suzuki's investigation of 200 abdominal arteriographies. Seven not previously classified anatomic variants of the hepatic arteries were found. The large number of variants may be ascribed to intricacies in the development of the vascular supply in the embryo and to the normal caudal displacement of the liver taking place in the embryo and fetus. Knowledge concerning existing variants is important in performing surgery, embolization and intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy in the hepatic region.
Low Dose Urography
Authors: Björk L. , Zachrisson B. F.
Published: June 2015

Three modern low osmolar contrast media (Iopamiro, Omnipaque and Hexabrix) were injected intravenously in 150 patients. They were all effective for urography in a concentration iso-osmolar to blood and with a dose of 90 mg I/kg body weight in patients with normal renal function. In patients with decreased renal function, this low dose is not sufficient and should be doubled. No significant diagnostic differences between the three media were found. The subjective and objective adverse effects were minimal and transient.
Balloon Dilatation of Alimentary Tract Strictures
Authors: Hegedüs V. , Poulsen P. Ejby
Published: June 2015

From a series of balloon dilatations of alimentary tract strictures 11 patients with different types of gastric and oesophagogastric anastomotic stenoses are reported. The dilatation of gastric outflow tract obstructions was highly effective in the treatment of retention. In 7 out of 8 cases with gastric outflow stenosis surgery could be entirely avoided and replaced by balloon dilatation. The importance of eliminating retention in the healing of gastric ulcer is discussed. Fistulation in oesophagogastric anastomoses due to stenosis of the outflow portion was successfully treated. The importance of achieving a free outflow tract in order to prevent insufficiency of the anastomosis and formation of a fistula is stressed.
Complications after Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Peripheral and Renal Arteries
Authors: Bergqvist D. , Jonsson K. , Weibull H.
Published: June 2015

This review deals with complications after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). First some methodologic points are discussed. It seems important to standardize the way in which complications are reported. Our own complications in peripheral and renal PTA are summarized and taken as a basis for an analysis of various types of complications. Principally these may occur at different levels: at the puncture site, at the dilatation site as well as distant and general complications. To make comparisons with surgical series relevant it is suggested that all complications and mortality within 30 days are reported.
Lymphography and Abdominal Computed Tomography in the Staging of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Strijk S. P.
Published: June 2015

Ninety-one patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) were subjected to computed tomography (CT) and lymphography. Both examinations agreed in 74 patients (81%) with regard to the infradiaphragmatic lymph nodes. In patients undergoing CT prior to lymphography, the concordance amounted to 75 per cent. When lymphography was the initial examination, the concordance amounted to 86 per cent. Lymphography was abnormal in 30 per cent of the patients with a normal CT scan and in 93 per cent of those with an abnormal CT scan as the first examination. CT was abnormal in 4 per cent of patients with a normal lymphogram and in 84 per cent of those with an abnormal lymphogram as the first examination. CT did not detect mesenteric or retrocrural lymph node enlargement in the absence of retroperitoneal lymph node involvement. Eleven patients had extranodal manifestations of the disease (excluding liver and spleen), and 3 were detected primarily with CT. Lymphography is the most complete examination for the infradiaphragmatic lymph nodes for staging purposes. Although CT outlined the disease better, it changed the ***lymphographic diagnosis in only 2 per cent of the patients. Lymphography modified the CT stage in 15 per cent of the patients. When abdominal CT is performed first, in staging patients with NHL, lymphography will only yield additional information when CT is normal or equivocal.
Distribution of Renal Scars and Intrarenal Reflux in Children with a Past History of Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Hannerz L. , Wikstad I. , Johansson L. , Broberger O. , Aperia A.
Published: June 2015

The distribution of renal scars in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and a past history of urinary tract infection was studied to see whether a correlation existed between renal scarring and intrarenal reflux. In 37 children with one or more scars in one or both kidneys, scarring was significantly more frequent in the polar areas than in the lateral area. In 7 children with intrarenal reflux (IRR), the distribution of IRR was almost identical with that of renal scarring. When children with marked VUR (grade IV-V) were analyzed separately, a uniform distribution of scars was found. It was concluded that fused papillae, which normally are most frequent in the polar area, are a prerequisite for the development of IRR/renal scars.
Computed Tomography in Renal Replacement Lipomatosis
Authors: Kullendorff B. , Nyman U. , Aspelin P.
Published: June 2015

Replacement lipomatosis of the kidney is the result of severe atrophy or destruction of the renal parenchyma often caused by calculous disease with secondary marked proliferation of renal sinus, renal hilus, and perirenal fatty tissue. The diagnosis is difficult to establish with conventional radiographic methods. Though ultrasonography may show highly suggestive findings, computed tomography seems to be the most accurate method in demonstrating the distinctive features of replacement lipomatosis, i.e. a rim of the destroyed renal parenchyma adjacent to a lipomatous mass with attentuation values similar to those of normal fat and calculi. This entity should readily be differentiated from fat-containing tumors in the kidney or its vicinity by computed tomography. When surgery is contemplated CT may also be of value to determine the extension of the fibrous fatty tissue relative to adjacent organs and possible abscess formation.
Angiography, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasonography in Detection of Liver Metastases from Endocrine Gastrointestinal Tumours
Authors: Andersson T. , Eriksson B. , Hemmingsson A. , Lindgren P. G. , Öberg K.
Published: June 2015

Twenty-five patients with endocrine tumours (13 with endocrine pancreatic tumours and 12 with carcinoids) were examined with angiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography. Seventeen patients had liver metastases and were followed between 3 and 66 months with serial examinations during treatment with chemotherapeutic agents and interferon. The efficiency of the various techniques to detect metastases was investigated. Analysis of changes in tumour size during treatment was made to see if treatment effects could be monitored with radiologic examinations. Ultrasonography was the best non-invasive method for detection of metastases and is recommended as standard method for imaging in this group of patients. Angiography was even better showing extremely small metastases, less than 5 mm, and is recommended in selected cases. With one exception, no significant change in tumour size was noted in spite of clear laboratory and clinical signs of therapy effect indicating that tumour size determination is not useful for therapy monitoring in this type of disease.
Control of Hepatic Tumor Hemorrhage by Transcatheter Embolization with Ethibloc
Authors: Jaschke W. , Hoevels J.
Published: June 2015

Two patients with abdominal hemorrhage from a hepatic tumor underwent transcatheter embolization using Ethibloc. The hemorrhage ceased rapidly in both patients. No complications related to the embolization procedure were observed. One patient is doing well after 4 years. The second patient died of extensive metastatic disease eleven weeks after embolization. Control angiography after 14 months and 2 weeks, respectively, demonstrated persistent occlusion of the embolized hepatic arteries. Ethibloc offers the advantage of permanent vascular occlusion and appears to be a safe and effective embolization material for partial occlusion of the hepatic arteries.
Digital Radiography Using Laser Stimulated Luminescence for Evaluation of Urinary Calcifications
Authors: Aspelin P. , Pettersson H. , Boijsen E.
Published: June 2015

One hundred consecutive patients were investigated with both a conventional film-screen combination and digital radiography using a laser stimulated luminescence technique in order to evaluate differences in detecting urinary tract stones. All patients were referred either for follow-up of previously known stones or for symptoms. The images were reviewed by two radiologists who had the single clinical information that the patients might have urinary stones. Following review, the two techniques were compared and a consensus was obtained. One hundred and eighteen stones were found in 41 patients without any statistical differences in sensitivity between the two imaging systems.
Repeat Femoral Arteriography in Hyperlipidemic Patients
Authors: Erikson U. , Helmius G. , Hemmingsson A. , Ruhn G. , Olsson A. G.
Published: June 2015

Femoral arteriography was performed in 62 patients with significant hyperlipidemia. Sixty were asymptomatic and two had intermittent claudication. The patients participated in a study aiming to demonstrate whether serum lipid lowering by drugs could influence the development of femoral artery atheromatous disease. Half of the patients were treated with fenofibrate and nicotinic acid and the other half served as a control group. At the first arteriography atherosclerotic lesions were found in 46 of the 62 patients (74%). Arteriography was repeated up to three times without complications. Visual analysis of angiograms revealed considerable inter-observer variation. An attempt was made to assess the angiograms by a computerized method which, however, still needs improvement and a computer designed for image analysis. Most patients had small or moderate atheromatous deposits in the femoral artery at the initial examination, in most cases showing no change during the study period of 18 months. Regression was found in five patients of the treated group, but in none of the control patients as judged by visual gradation (p<0.001).
Cardiac Output Determination during Intravenous Cardioangiography Using X-ray Fluorescence Analysis
Authors: Boijsen M. , Goss F. , Jacobsson L. , Lamm C. , Schlossman D. , Björneld L. , Tylén U.
Published: June 2015

Cardiac output was determined with an indicator dilution technique during digital venous angiography of the left ventricle in 11 patients. The contrast medium injected into the right atrium was used as indicator. During and after the injection of contrast medium one blood sample per second was obtained through a catheter placed in the descending aorta. The samples were analyzed for iodine content with x-ray fluorescence analysis and cardiac output determined ad modum Stewart-Hamilton. Thermodilution was used as a reference method. The results indicate that the indicator dilution method with the use of contrast medium might be used for calibration of videodensitometric methods for blood flow measurements.
Evaluation of Biexponential Relaxation Processes by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Kjær L. , Thomsen C. , Larsson H. B. W. , Henriksen O. , Ring P.
Published: June 2015

Despite the complexity of biologic tissues, a monoexponential behaviour is usually assumed when estimating relaxation processes in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study was designed to evaluate the potential of biexponential decomposition of T1 and T2 relaxation curves obtained at 1.5 tesla (T). Measurements were performed on a phantom of bicompartmental perspex boxes with combinations of different CuSO4 concentrations. T1 determination was based on a 12-points partial saturation inversion recovery pulse sequence. T2 determination was provided by a multiple spin echo sequence with 32 echoes. Applying biexponential curve analysis, a significant deviation from a monoexponential behaviour was recognized at a ratio of corresponding relaxation rates of about 3 and 2, estimating T1 and T2 relaxation, respectively (p<0.01, F-test). Requiring an SD≤10 per cent for each set of parameters, the biexponential model was accepted when this ratio exceeded a factor of 5 and 8, respectively. Referring to ‘expected’ T1 and T2 values, however, an accuracy within 20 per cent only was observed at ratios of at least 6 and 15. It is concluded that quantitative estimation of individual and specific relaxation components in complex biologic tissues by MRI may prove very difficult.
Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: Egan R. L. , Dolan P. D.
Published: June 2015

Non-invasive optical spectroscopy consistently delineates compositional and physiologic properties of breast tissues serving as a premammography risk marker for cancer or yielding a high assurance of no such risk. We believe this new non-imaging approach depends on biochemistry of tissues rather than on the macroscopic physical properties involved with most breast imaging modalities. After establishing the procedure as inexpensive, physician independent, simple, requiring only a few minutes and appealing to women, it was carried out in two institutions on 1739 women referred for routine mammography. Of 166 breast biopsies on these women 77 were cancer by histology. An automated computerized analysis of the spectroscopic data yielded a sensitivity of 87 per cent, a specificity of 74 per cent and a negative predictive value of 99 per cent. Optical spectroscopy shows promise in identifying women at a higher risk for developing cancer, cases of non-infiltration carcinomas where dense breasts limit mammographic detection, and even clustered calcifications not associated with a mass. The relative risk of breast cancer was 16.5 times as great with a positive spectroscopic value at a sensitivity range of 87 per cent. Placement of 87 per cent of all breast cancer cases in a subset of 28.7 per cent of all women will yield a population of women in whom mammography will be approximately four times as efficient.
Computed Tomography in Primary and Secondary Adrenal Tumours
Authors: Päivänsalo M. , Lähde S. , Merikanto J. , Kallionen M.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of the study was to find out how reliably benign and malignant adrenal tumours can be differentiated on the basis of CT characteristics. The material included 86 adrenal tumours with the following confirmed diagnoses: 48 primary adrenal tumours (8 carcinomas, 1 neuroblastoma, 4 pheochromocytomas, 31 adenomas, 3 cysts, 1 haemangioma) and 38 metastases. The size, density, homogeneity, enhancement and growth of the tumours were evaluated. No specific CT findings could separate benign from malignant tumours. Coexistence of cancer and bilateral non-homogeneous adrenal masses is probably sufficient for the diagnosis of adrenal metastases. In cases of coincidental small (<3 cm), homogeneous and relatively hypodense masses with no signs of hormonal activity, a follow-up examination of the lesion within three months is recommended. Other masses may indicate further diagnostic procedures.
Water-Soluble Contrast Media Compared with Barium in Enteric Follow-Through
Authors: Laerum F. , Stordahl A. , Aase S.
Published: June 2015

The local effects and radiographic efficacy of 4 water-soluble contrast media, barium and saline were evaluated in 86 anaesthetized rats with the distal ileum ligated. The rats were observed for 8 hours after instillation of 3 ml of the test substance via orogastric tube. Radiographs were taken after 1, 4 and 8 hours of observation. After 8 hours the intestines were weighed and biopsied for light microscopy, and blood and urine were sampled for testing. Sodium diatrizoate caused increased fluid influx to the bowel lumen and, like barium, provided poorer radiographic images as compared with iohexol, ioxaglate or iodixanol. Barium showed slower progression through the small bowel than the other agents, while sodium diatrizoate was the most rapidly progressing contrast medium and caused the greatest distension. Correlation to osmolality was obvious. No significant morphologic effects on the small bowel mucosa were seen in any of the groups. Low-osmolar, water-soluble contrast media may have prospects for clinical use in patients with suspected small bowel obstruction.
Pharmacokinetics of Three Contrast Media in Experimental Pancreatography
Authors: Saari A. , Schröder Tom
Published: June 2015

Diatrizoate, iohexol and ioxaglate were compared in experimental pancreatography in piglets. Outflow of contrast medium (CM) through the pancreatic papilla was permitted (n=14) or impaired (n=17) during examination. The CM concentrations were measured in portal and systemic plasma and in lymph to study the absorption of CM. Absorption of diatrizoate and iohexol was similar in both types of experiment, but radiographically, diatrizoate escaped significantly earlier from the pancreatic duct when outflow was permitted (p<0.01), suggesting that the CM was absorbed mainly during injection. Ioxaglate concentrations rose more slowly in systemic plasma and lymph, and fell more slowly in the portal plasma than those of diatrizoate and iohexol, which suggests that ioxaglate was absorbed over a longer period. When outflow was impaired, ioxaglate concentrations remained on a lower level, indicating less penetration in the pancreatic parenchyma. CM absorption varied markedly within each group, suggesting that variations in intraductal pressure and flow are more important in absorption than the type of CM used.
Nephropathy Induced by Intramuscularly Administered Glycerol and Contrast Media in Rats
Authors: Thomsen H. S. , Larsen S. , Hemmingsen L. , Holm J. , Skaarup P.
Published: June 2015

Urine profiles (albumin, glucose, NAG, LDH, GGT, sodium, and phosphate) were followed for 14 days after intravenous injection of either diatrizoate, iohexol, ioxilan, or saline in 24 Wistar rats with a glomerular and tubular dysfunction induced by intramuscularly (i.m.) administered glycerol. Another 6 rats exposed to neither glycerol nor contrast media served as controls. The effect of ioxilan and saline on the albumin excretion was similar, whereas diatrizoate and iohexol increased it significantly. The contrast media had no further inhibitory effect on the reabsorption of glucose. Iohexol caused significantly increased excretion of all three enzymes, ioxilan of NAG and LDH, whereas diatrizoate only increased the excretion of LDH. The sodium excretion was further increased by ioxilan and diatrizoate, whereas none of the contrast media affected the phosphaturia. Both ioxilan and iohexol caused a round cell response around the tubules shown by light microscopy whereas diatrizoate caused no further changes. It is concluded that diatrizoate and iohexol increase glomerular dysfunction induced by glycerol i.m.; all three contrast media cause some further increase in the tubular dysfunction. Neither diatrizoate, iohexol nor ioxilan prolong nephropathy induced by glycerol i.m. determined by the chemical analyses. The histologic finding indicates a direct toxic effect of non-ionic low osmolar contrast media in this animal model of nephropathy.
Contrast Enhancement of Pathologic Lymph Nodes Demonstrated by Computed Tomography
Authors: Magnusson A. , Andersson T. , Larsson B. , Hagberg H. , Sundström Ch.
Published: June 2015

Enlarged mediastinal, retroperitoneal and pelvic lymph nodes are often difficult to differentiate from vascular structures. Contrast medium is therefore used to help to discriminate arteries and veins from lymph nodes. This study was undertaken to investigate the degree to which pathologic lymph nodes become enhanced after an intravenous bolus injection of contrast medium. Computed tomography was performed in 25 patients with enlargement of retroperitoneal lymph nodes due to primary lymphoproliferative disease or metastases. A dynamic sequence of a well delineated lymph node was obtained over a period of two minutes. Contrast enhancement was seen in all lymph nodes, but of varying degree. The enhancement was correlated to that observed in the inferior vena cava. Most examined lymph nodes showed slight or moderate enhancement, but in five instances strong enhancement, more than 75 per cent of that of the vena cava, was found. These nodes could possibly have been misinterpreted as blood vessels.
Acute Renal Failure in Rats
Authors: Cederholm C. , Almén T. , Bergqvist D. , Golman K. , Takolander R.
Published: June 2015

It was demonstrated in rats that renal injury which follows transient renal hypoxia is potentiated by the contrast media metrizoate, ioxaglate, iopamidol and iohexol. Intravenous injection of 1 g I/kg of all four media alone to 82 rats caused no significant increase in serum urea 1, 3 and 7 days later. The percentage increase of serum urea is given in median values and interquartile range (in parentheses). Bilateral renal arterial occlusion alone for 40 minutes in 42 rats increased serum urea one day later by 40 per cent (20–130). Intravenous injection of the media followed in one hour by bilateral renal arterial occlusion for 40 minutes in 104 rats caused serum urea to increase one day later by 130 per cent (70–350) after metrizoate, by 220 per cent (50–380) after ioxaglate, by 290 per cent (60–420) after iopamidol and by 160 per cent (50–330) after iohexol. There were no significant differences between the potentiating effects of the various media on ischemic renal failure.
Computed Tomography and Histologic Appearance of Pancreatic Metastases from Distant Sources
Authors: Muranaka T. , Teshima K. , Honda H. , Nanjo T. , Hanada K. , Oshiumi Y.
Published: June 2015

The computed tomographic and histologic appearances in 34 cases of autopsy-confirmed metastatic tumors of the pancreas including secondary malignant lymphoma are discussed. In 18 (53.8%) the pancreas appeared abnormal on computed tomography, the lesions being classified into three types: In 8 cases there was diffuse enlargement of the pancreas; in 9 cases a localized mass; and one patient had multiple low attenuated nodules within the organ. Histologic investigation revealed that metastatic carcinoma involved the pancreatic lobules. The degree of infiltration in the interlobular connective tissue was related to the invasiveness of the tumors. In the majority of cases with diffuse infiltration the pancreatic lobules were destroyed and varying degrees of proliferation of malignant cells into the interlobular septa were documented. In patients with localized infiltration there was extensive invasion of the carcinoma within the pancreatic lobule. Dilatation of the pancreatic duct and/or organ-related symptoms were occasionally seen in these cases.
A Prognostic Algorithm for Assessment of Subcapital Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Mathiesen T. , Zayer M.
Published: June 2015

A new method for prognostication of non-union in subcapital femoral neck fractures is presented. From routine pre- and postoperative films from 112 patients with Garden stage 2, 3, and 4 fractures 4 parameters were obtained: Cranial displacement, orientation of the nail in the femoral head, depth of nail inserted, and attainment of perfect reduction. These 4 variables were combined into a simple algorithm capable of non-union prediction at various levels of certainty (74–100%).
Dual Cervical Thoracic Coil for Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Totterman S. , Foster T. H. , Plewes D. B. , Simon J. H. , Ekholm S. , Wicks A.
Published: June 2015

The need for repositioning of surface coils and patients in MR examinations of the cervical and thoracic spine prolongs examination time. A new receiver design is proposed which overcomes this problem. The device is composed of two actively decoupled receiver coils mounted on the frame of a Philadelphia collar. These coils may be used separately to image either the thoracic or cervical spine or together to produce larger field-of-view images of the combined region. Signal-to-noise ratios of the separate cervical and thoracic spine images are not degraded as a result of mounting the receivers together. The full cervical and thoracic region is shown to be imaged at a signal-to-noise ratio significantly higher than that afforded by the body coil. A retrospective review of our case load suggests that a time saving could be achieved in approximately 1/3 of spine examinations by using this coil.
Influence of Pelvic Position on Radiographic Measurements of the Prosthetic Acetabular Component; An Experimental Study on a Pelvic Model
Authors: Thorén B. , Sahlstedt B.
Published: June 2015

A change in the position of a prosthetic acetabular component between two different radiographic examinations indicates loosening, and may be observed as tilting or migration of the socket. To determine the apparent changes in socket position caused by improper positioning of the pelvis, a full-scale model of a pelvis with attached prosthetic sockets was examined radiographically in different positions. The projected alignment of the Charnley socket indicator wire against the inter-tuberosity line was markedly influenced by the positioning of the pelvis. An alternative way of measuring the alignment is to use the long axis of the projected ellipse of the outer circumferential groove in the socket polyethylene. The thus defined socket alignment was not influenced by the positioning of the pelvis within the investigated range. No apparent socket migration was recorded within the range of pelvic rotation and inclination studied.