bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correspondence between Pigmented Lesions Identified by Melanoma Patients Trained to Perform Partner-Assisted Skin Self-Examination and Dermatological Examination
Authors: Stapleton Jerod L. , Turrisi Rob , Mallett Kimberly A. , Robinson June K.
Published: June 2015

Background: Skin self-examination (SSE) training interventions can increase understanding of melanoma early detection criteria and promote SSE. However, there remains a need to evaluate whether intervention participants can apply such early detection skills to accurately identify concerning, or potentially malignant, pigmented lesions during full body SSE.

Methods: We assessed SSE accuracy using data from a randomized control trial of a SSE skills training intervention designed to promote partner-assisted SSE among melanoma patients. In the trial, patient–partner pairs were administered the training intervention and performed monthly SSE to identify, evaluate, and track concerning pigmented skin lesions. Patients received a total body skin examination by a dermatologist approximately 4-months postintervention. SSE accuracy was assessed as the correspondence between the specific concerning pigmented lesions identified by 274 study pairs during SSE with those identified during dermatological examination. We also examined whether lesions that were biopsied during the study were identified prior to biopsy during SSE.

Results: Approximately three in four of the concerning lesions identified by pairs during SSE were also identified during the dermatological exam. There were 81 biopsies performed during the study and pairs had identified 73% of the corresponding lesions during SSE. Of the five melanoma detected, three were identified during SSE.

Conclusion: Melanoma patients and partner taught to do SSE using an evidence-based program developed a high degree of correspondence with the study dermatologist in identifying concerning lesions.

Impact: This study provides novel evidence that supports the accuracy of full-body SSE for the patient identification of concerning lesions. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(8); 1247–53. ©2015 AACR.
ADP-Ribosylation Factor 3 Mediates Cytidine-Phosphate-Guanosine Oligodeoxynucleotide-Induced Responses by Regulating Toll-Like Receptor 9 Trafficking
Authors: Wu Jing-Yiing , Kuo Cheng-Chin
Published: June 2015

Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) into endolysosomes is critical for eliciting cytidine-phosphate-guanosine (CpG) DNA-mediated immune responses. ADP-ribosylation factor 3 (ARF3) is a member of the Ras superfamily, which is crucial for a wide variety of cellular events including protein trafficking. In this study, we found that the inhibition of ARF3 by dominant mutants and siRNA impaired CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN)-mediated responses whereas cells expressing the constitutively active ARF3 mutant enhanced CpG ODN-induced NF-κB activation and cytokine production. Further experiments with MyD88-overexpressing fibroblast cells transfected with a dominant-negative mutant and a constitutively active mutant of ARF3 demonstrated that ARF3 regulated CpG ODN-mediated signaling upstream of MyD88. Additional studies have shown that ARF3 inhibition impairs TLR9 trafficking from the ER into endolysosomes, thereby inhibiting the functional cleavage of TLR9, although it has no significant effect on CpG ODN uptake. Furthermore, activated ARF3 is associated with Unc93B1 and TLR9, suggesting that ARF3 conducts TLR9 trafficking by forming the TLR9-Unc93B1-ARF3 complex. Overall, our findings demonstrate that a novel ARF3 axis pathway mediates CpG ODN-induced responses by regulating TLR9 trafficking.
The influence of low-grade inflammation on platelets in patients with stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Larsen Sanne Bøjet , Grove Erik Lerkevang , Würtz Morten , Neergaard-Petersen Søs , Hvas Anne-Mette , Kristensen Steen Dalby
Published: June 2015

Inflammation is likely to be involved in all stages of atherosclerosis. Numerous inflammatory biomarkers are currently being studied, and even subtle increases in inflammatory biomarkers have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Low-grade inflammation may influence both platelet production and platelet activation potentially leading to enhanced platelet aggregation. Thrombopoietin is considered the primary regulator of platelet production, but it likely acts in conjunction with numerous cytokines, of which many have altered levels in CAD. Previous studies have shown that high-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP) independently predicts increased platelet aggregation in stable CAD patients. Increased levels of CRP, fibrinogen, interleukin-6, stromal cell-derived factor-1, CXC motif ligand 16, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, RANTES, calprotectin, and copeptin have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events in CAD patients. Additionally, some of these inflammatory markers have been associated with enhanced platelet activation and aggregation. However, CRP and other inflammatory markers provide only limited additional predictive value to classical risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Existing data do not clarify whether inflammation simply accompanies CAD and increased production and aggregation of platelets, or whether a causal relationship exists. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of inflammatory markers in stable CAD with particular emphasis on platelet production, activation, and aggregation in CAD patients.
Gene polymorphisms as risk factors for predicting the cardiovascular manifestations in Marfan syndrome
Authors: Ágg Bence , Mátyás Gábor , Szokolai Viola , Harsányi Gergely , Szilveszter Bálint , Odler Balázs , Pólos Miklós , Maurovich-Horvat Pál , Radovits Tamás , Merkely Béla , Benke Kálmán , Nagy Zsolt , Szabolcs Zoltán
Published: June 2015

Folic acid metabolism enzyme polymorphisms are believed to be responsible for the elevation of homocysteine (HCY) concentration in the blood plasma, correlating with the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysms and aortic dissection. We studied 71 Marfan patients divided into groups based on the severity of cardiovascular involvement: no intervention required (n=27, Group A); mild involvement requiring intervention (n=17, Group B); severe involvement (n=27, Group C) subdivided into aortic dilatation (n=14, Group C1) and aortic dissection (n=13, Group C2), as well as 117 control subjects. We evaluated HCY, folate, vitamin B12 and the polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofo-late reductase (MTHFR;c.665C>T and c.1286A>C), methionine synthase (MTR;c.2756A>G) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR;c.66A>G). Multiple comparisons showed significantly higher levels of HCY in Group C2 compared to Groups A, B, C1 and control group (p< 0.0001, p< 0.0001, p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Fo-late was lower in Group C2 than in Groups A, B, C1 and control subjects (p< 0.0001, p=0.02, p< 0.0001 and p< 0.0001, respectively). Group C2 had the highest prevalence of homozygotes for all four gene polymorphisms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HCY plasma level was an independent risk factor for severe cardiovascular involvement (Group C; odds ratio [OR] 1.85, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.28–2.67, p=0.001) as well as for aortic dissection (Group C2; OR 2.49, 95 %CI 1.30–4.78, p=0.006). In conclusion, severe cardiovascular involvement in Marfan patients, and especially aortic dissection, is associated with higher HCY plasma levels and prevalence of homozygous genotypes of folic acid metabolism enzymes than mild or no cardiovascular involvement. These results suggest that impaired folic acid metabolism has an important role in the development and remodelling of the extracellular matrix of the aorta.
ІНФОРМАТИЗАЦІЯ ОХОРОНИ ЗДОРОВ’Я: ПРОБЛЕМИ, РОЗВ’ЯЗАНІ ТА НЕРОЗВ’ЯЗАНІ. ПИТАННЯ ВПОРЯДКОВАНОСТІ ТА СИНГУЛЯРНОСТІ
Authors: Mintser О. P.
Published: June 2015

The considered questions of transformation of basic presentation are in relation to health care informatization. One idea is postulated. Although from the moment of researches beginning in this direction passed more then 50 years, complete clarity in determination to the best strategy of informatization is not defined. New risks are marked. It's related with the origin of technological and informative singularity.
ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ СУЧАСНИХ ІНФОРМАЦІЙНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ ПІД ЧАС НАВЧАННЯ СТУДЕНТІВ У ТРЕНІНГ-ЦЕНТРІ ДЛЯ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЇХ БЕЗПЕРЕРВНОГО ПРОФЕСІЙНОГО РОЗВИТКУ
Authors: Vandzhura Ya. L.
Published: June 2015

In the article the students of medical faculty have the lighted up methods of realization of employment and technology of activation of educational-cognitive process in the center of training of university.

Application of the newest information technologies enabled to perfect facilities of studies of students, and also promote the level of knowledge, abilities, professional skills of future doctors.
Redescription of Cateria gerlachi (Kinorhyncha, Cyclorhagida) from Sri Lanka and of C. styx from Brazil, with notes on C. gerlachi from India and C. styx from Chile, and the ground pattern of the genus
Authors: NEUHAUS BIRGER , KEGEL ANTJE
Published: June 2015

Cateria gerlachi is redescribed based on specimens from the west coast of Sri Lanka by light microscopical observations of 57 adult and 47 juvenile specimens and by SEM investigations of 33 adult and 10 juvenile specimens. Cateria styx from Brazil is redescribed from 33 adult and 5 juvenile specimens mounted for light microscopy (original material). The original material of C. gerlachi from India and new material of C. styx from Chile have been studied for comparison. Cateria gerlachi can be distinguished from C. styx by leaf-like cuticular hairs dorsally but not laterally on the tergal plate of segment 1 and on the midsternal plate of segments 1–2 vs scales with a posterior process on the entire tergal plate of segment 1 and on the midsternal plate of segments 1–2 in C. styx, fewer lines of leaf-like hairs of the secondary fringe on segments 2–10 in C. gerlachi, broader scales in the central part of the segments in C. gerlachi, the blunt tube on segment 5 in a lateral accessory vs a lateroventral position in C. styx, the lack of a midlateral spine on segment 11 vs its existence on segment 11 of C. styx, the lack of a protrusible dorsal organ at the border of segments 5 and 6 vs its existence in C. styx and type-5 sensory spots and gland cell outlets present on different segments and positions in the two species. We report and document for species of Cateria detailed morphological data, including variability within populations, a female and a male life-history stage, as well as moulting of an adult stage to another adult stage. In contrast to previous records, C. gerlachi occurs in sandy intertidal habitats not only deeply buried in the sediment but also at the surface.
Revision of the New World cycad weevils of the subtribe Allocorynina, with description of two new genera and three new subgenera (Coleoptera: Belidae: Oxycoryninae)
Authors: O’BRIEN CHARLES W. , TANG WILLIAM
Published: June 2015

The taxonomy of the weevils inhabiting male cycad cones in the New World is reviewed. All species belong in a single subtribe, Allocorynina, of the family Belidae, subfamily Oxycoryninae and tribe Oxycorynini and are known to develop only in cones of the cycad genera Dioon and Zamia. Most species of Rhopalotria Chevrolat develop in male cones of Zamia ranging from Mexico, Belize, the Caribbean (Cuba, Isle of Youth, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and the Bahamas) to southern Florida, and one species in those of Dioon spinulosum in Mexico. Rhopalotria consists of three previously described species, two previously described genus-group names (treated herein as subgenera) and four new species described herein: subgenus Allocorynus Sharp with R. calonjei n. sp., R. furfuracea n. sp., R. mollis (Sharp) and R. vovidesi n. sp., and the nominate subgenus Rhopalotria with R. dimidiata Chevrolat, R. meerowi n. sp. and R. slossoni (Schaeffer). The species of Parallocorynus Voss develop only in cones of Dioon in Mexico, and the genus consists of one previously described species, the nominate subgenus and three new subgenera and 11 new species described herein: subgenus Dysicorynus n. subg. with P. andrewsi n. sp. and P. sonorensis n. sp., subgenus Eocorynus n. subg. with P. chemnicki n. sp. and P. schiblii n. sp., subgenus Neocorynus n. subg. with P. iglesiasi n. sp. and P. inexpectatus n. sp., and the nominate subgenus Parallocorynus with P. bicolor (Voss), P. gregoryi n. sp., P. jonesi n. sp., P. norstogi n. sp., P. perezfarrerai n. sp. and P. salasae n. sp. Two new genera are described, Protocorynus with one new species in Honduras, P. bontai, and Notorhopalotria with four new species ranging from Costa Rica to Colombia, N. montgomeryensis, N. panamensis, N. platysoma and N. taylori. Keys to genera, subgenera and species are provided. All of these weevils are believed to be involved in pollination of their host cycads.
A Statistical Model for the Uncertainty Analysis of Satellite Precipitation Products
Authors: Sarachi Sepideh , Hsu Kuo-lin , Sorooshian Soroosh
Published: June 2015

Earth-observing satellites provide a method to measure precipitation from space with good spatial and temporal coverage, but these estimates have a high degree of uncertainty associated with them. Understanding and quantifying the uncertainty of the satellite estimates can be very beneficial when using these precipitation products in hydrological applications. In this study, the generalized normal distribution (GND) model is used to model the uncertainty of the Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) precipitation product. The stage IV Multisensor Precipitation Estimator (radar-based product) was used as the reference measurement. The distribution parameters of the GND model are further extended across various rainfall rates and spatial and temporal resolutions. The GND model is calibrated for an area of 5° × 5° over the southeastern United States for both summer and winter seasons from 2004 to 2009. The GND model is used to represent the joint probability distribution of satellite (PERSIANN) and radar (stage IV) rainfall. The method is further investigated for the period of 2006–08 over the Illinois watershed south of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Results show that, using the proposed method, the estimation of the precipitation is improved in terms of percent bias and root-mean-square error.
Shrinking Pleuritis with Atelectasis
Authors: Dernevik L. , Brolin I. , Larsson S. , Selin K. , Tylén U. , William-Olsson G.
Published: June 2015

Radiographic appearances claimed to be typical of shrinking pleuritis with atelectasis (SPA) were tested by mingling chest films from 6 SPA patients with those from 56 cancer cases. Two radiologists were asked to interpret the films independently, make a diagnosis, and state what abnormalities could be distinguished. No single abnormality or combination of abnormalities was found to be pathognomonic and the wish to diagnose the SPA cases led to misdiagnosis of cancer in one of 56 cases by each radiologist. To prevent underdiagnosis of cancer, further examinations are required. Careful follow-up of SPA cases, if they are not operated upon, is recommended.
Needle Puncture Followed by Pneumocystography of Palpable Breast Cysts
Authors: Dyreborg U. , Blichert-Toft M. , Boegh L. , Kiaer H.
Published: June 2015

In a prospective analysis of 123 consecutive patients the current clinical and mammographic criteria of a cyst of the breast proved well-suited as a basis of selection for pneumocystography. Only about 12 per cent of the punctured lumps were solid, 9.8 per cent of them benign and 2.4 per cent malignant. The therapeutic effect was satisfactory, 94 per cent of the cysts not showing any recurrence after pneumocystography during a 6-month follow-up period with repeated palpation and mammography one and 6 months after the aspiration. The 6 per cent recurrences appeared within one month. The appearance of the aerogram was reliable in differentiating between a simple cyst and an intracystic lesion, whereas neither the tendency to recurrence nor the cytologic examination afforded a reliable basis of evaluation.
Joint Fluid after Aspiration
Authors: De Carvalho A. , Jurik A. G.
Published: June 2015

The amount of fluid in the knee after aspirating any effusion was investigated and averaged 6.8 ml, being independent of the presence of a lesion. Because it causes dilution of the contrast medium, it is suggested that small amounts of a relatively high-concentrated non-ionic contrast agent should be preferred for double-contrast knee arthrography.
Cervical Myelography in Dogs Using Iohexol
Authors: Wood A. K. , Farrow B. R. H. , Fairburn A. J.
Published: June 2015

Iohexol, a non-ionic water-soluble radiographic contrast medium, was used for cervical myelography in dogs (10–17 kg). The animals remained clinically normal following myelography, with no evidence of seizures. At 10 days after myelography there was a slight, but significant (p<0.05) increase in neutrophils in the cerebrospinal fluid; these cell numbers had returned to normal by the time of necropsy at 60 days after myelography. This investigation suggests that iohexol may be suitable for clinical myelography in the dog.
Influence of Different Criteria for Abnormal Lymph Node Size on Reliability of Computed Tomography in Patients with Non-Seminomatous Testicular Tumor
Authors: Lien H. H. , Stenwig A. E. , Ous S. , Fosså S. D.
Published: June 2015

The reliability of computed tomography (CT) using different criteria for abnormal size of retroperitoneal lymph nodes (5, 10, 15 mm in largest diameter) was evaluated prospectively in 90 consecutive patients with a non-seminomatous testicular tumor and lymph nodes less than 20 mm at CT. Correlation was made with histologic findings following retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Histologic examination revealed metastases in 38 patients (42%). Using a strict criterion of 15 mm for abnormal node size, sensitivity was 37%, specificity 98%, positive predictive value 93 % and negative predictive value 68 %. A relaxed criterion of 5 mm led to a sensitivity of 71 %, specificity 67%, positive predictive value 61 % and negative predictive value 76%. Overall accuracy was approximately 70% with the 5, 10 and 15 mm criteria for abnormal size. The inability of a normal scan to exclude metastases was the main limitation of CT.
Videodensitometry and Chest Radiography in the Evaluation of Pulmonary Blood Flow and Pulmonary Oedema in a Porcine Model of Early Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Wegenius G. , Forsgren P. , Modig J.
Published: June 2015

The adult respiratory distress syndrome was induced in pigs (n=11) by a continuous infusion of E. coli endotoxin in order to evaluate the use of radiographic videodensitometry and chest radiography for assessment of pulmonary circulation and pulmonary oedema. A further aim was to determine the effect of an ionic contrast medium, Urografin 60%, on extravascular lung water (EVLW). The infusion resulted in a decline in arterial oxygen tension. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure increased, and cardiac output decreased, resulting in a marked rise in pulmonary vascular resistance. EVLW increased moderately. The corresponding variables in control animals (saline infusion; n=5) changed very little. Good correlations were found (r=0.87–1.0) between absolute flows as measured by the thermodilution technique and relative flows as determined by videodensitometry in animals with pulmonary damage. In the endotoxin group there was a significant correlation (r=0.75) between the change in EVLW from baseline to the final measurement (at 6 hours) and the corresponding change in radiographic density. Radiographic signs of pulmonary damage were sparse. Only 3 of 11 animals displayed increased radiographic density of the lung parenchyma indicative of pulmonary oedema. Pleural effusion developed in 4 animals. Injection of Urografin 60%, 1 ml×kg 1, caused a slight but significant decrease in EVLW. We propose that at this concentration and dosage the contrast medium acts mainly as an osmotic diuretic.
Computed Tomography of Temporal Bone Specimens
Authors: Muren C. , Ytterbergh C.
Published: June 2015

Ten deep-frozen temporal bone specimens were subjected to computed tomography (CT) in five different projections. The possibility of identifying small structures, such as the ossicles and aqueductal lumina, was assessed. In addition, the semicircular canals were measured. Subsequently corresponding measurements were carried out on plastic casts of these specimens for comparison. A temporal bone specimen is well suited as a test object for evaluating the detectability of small and dense natural structures by CT.
Barium and Meat
Authors: Ekberg O. , Liedberg B. , Öwall B.
Published: June 2015

The influence of bolus consistency on pharyngeal swallow was radiologically studied in 24 individuals by comparing liquid barium and solid meat after chewing. Pharyngeal function was apparently performed synchronously and symmetrically on both boluses. No definite conclusion about the influence on epiglottic mobility, closure of the laryngeal vestibule and relaxation of the cricopharyngeal muscle could be drawn from this study. There was no difference in the elevation of the pharynx and larynx. The transit time for a solid bolus was shorter compared with that of a fluid bous. The transit time for the apex of the bolus was shorter than for the tail. A more marked elevation of the pharynx and larynx was followed by a shorter transit time. The width of the pharyngo-esophageal segment was larger in the transverse than in the sagittal diameter during the passage of the bolus and larger on solid compared with fluid swallow. Our results reflect the ability of pharyngeal swallow to be executed with precision and with few alterations due to variable bolus consistency.
The Spleen in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Strijk S. P. , Boetes C. , Bogman M. J. J. T. , de Pauw B. E. , Wobbes Th.
Published: June 2015

Computed tomography of the spleen was correlated with histologic examination or clinical data in 53 selected patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Calculation of the splenic index with CT by multiplying spleen length, width and thickness is a simple and rapid procedure for defining splenic size in vivo. A good correlation was found between size of the spleen, as estimated by splenic index calculation, and the proven or probable histologic state of the spleen.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Assessment of Treatment Effects in Mediastinal Hodgkin's Disease
Authors: Nyman R. , Rehn S. , Glimelius B. , Hagberg H. , Hemmingsson A. , Jung B.
Published: June 2015

Six patients with mediastinal involvement of Hodgkin's disease were examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 0.35 T before and/or at various stages of therapy, with the sequences TR/TE: 500/35, 500/70, 1600/35 and 1600/70. Before therapy the image intensity of tumour involved lymph nodes deviated considerably from fat and muscle, but no clear difference was discerned between histopathologic subtypes or tumour localizations. After efficient therapy, the tumour image intensities and relaxation rates approached those of muscle and fibrous tissue, but remained at pre-therapy values when the patient was not in full remission. A similar pattern was found in a ‘normal-tissue’—‘tumour’ plot, based on vector analysis of the original sets of 4 images. It is concluded that persistent tumour involvement in the mediastinum may be distinguished from fibrosis and that MRI may thus be of value in the follow-up of patients with Hodgkin's disease.
Computed Tomography of Intraorbital Foreign Bodies
Authors: Lindahl S.
Published: June 2015

Computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of intraorbital foreign bodies (IOFB). In order to further analyze the capacity and limitations of CT in this respect, 55 cases with IOFB (intraocular and extraocular) detected at CT were retrospectively analyzed. It was shown that CT was an excellent diagnostic modality in detecting and localizing IOFB of different material and superior to ultrasonography in this respect. Still, even with high resolution CT, there are some limitations of this modality that are discussed. CT is recommended as the primary diagnostic tool in the detection and localization of intraocular and extraocular foreign bodies.
Etiologic Significance of Anatomic Variations in the Main Intrahepatic Bile Ducts in Hepatolithiasis
Authors: Koga A. , Watanabe K. , Takiguchi S. , Miyazaki K. , Nakayama F.
Published: June 2015

Abnormal union of intrahepatic bile ducts has been suggested as a possible etiologic factor in the occurrence of intrahepatic stones. A series of 241 patients were examined by direct cholangiography, and anatomic variations in the intrahepatic bile ducts were classified into four types: Type A-1, normal union having a true right hepatic duct; Type A-2, absence of a right hepatic duct, with a trifurcation; Type B, posterior segmental duct draining into left hepatic duct; Type C, anterior segmental duct draining into left hepatic duct. The most dominant type was Type A-1, which occurred in 58.3 to 66.0 per cent of the cases, followed by Type A-2 with 12.5 to 19.8 per cent. Type B showed the lowest incidence, occurring in 4.5 to 10.4 per cent. No statistical difference existed in the distribution of the type of union of intrahepatic bile ducts on the one hand and the presence or absence of intrahepatic stones on the other. Thus, anatomic variations in the main intrahepatic bile ducts do not seem to be associated with hepatolithiasis, and their etiologic significance seems to be unlikely.
Pharyngeal Dysfunction after Total and Subtotal Oesophagectomy
Authors: Hambraeus G. M. , Ekberg O. , Fletcher R.
Published: June 2015

Pharyngeal function was studied using a cineradiographic technique in 9 patients following removal of the oesophagus with anastomosis of a substitute in the neck. Pharyngeal dysfunction was present and aspiration occurred in 8 of them. This possible complication should be considered when oesophageal reconstruction with cervical anastomosis is planned. Pharyngeal function should be examined before free eating is allowed.
Oblique Views in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Heart by Combined Axial Rotations
Authors: Van Rossum A. C. , Visser F. C. , Van Eenige M. J. , Valk J. , Roos J. P.
Published: June 2015

Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart, and more specifically of the left ventricle (LV), is optimized by using oblique imaging planes adapted to the long and short axes of the LV, comparable to other imaging modalities in cardiology. We report a procedure to perform two chamber views, four chamber views and true short axis views by combinations of electronic axial rotations. The technique of selecting appropriate gradient angles is explained. Thus, there is no requirement for altering patient position in the imager, while individual anatomic variations are taken into account.
Direct Diverticular Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Ekberg O. , Kullenberg K.
Published: June 2015

Nineteen patients with direct diverticular inguinal hernia (DDIH) were examined with herniography and surgically explored. A lump medially in the groin and pain were the prominent clinical manifestations in 18 patients. Physical examination indicated the presence of a DDIH in 6 patients. In 16 patients herniography revealed hernial sacs protruding from the supravesical fossa in 5 and from the medial inguinal fossa in 11. At operation a circumscribed defect was found in the transverse fascia laterally and cranially to the pubic tubercle in all patients. In 16 patients peritoneal hernial sacs were demonstrated at surgery while in 3 only lipomas (fatty hernia) were contained within the defect. In our opinion DDIH is a specific variety of inguinal hernia with a fairly typical clinical presentation and radiographic appearance but probably often overlooked at surgery.
Quantitation of Atherosclerosis in Femoral Arteriography with Ecg Gated Exposures
Authors: Nilsson S. , Berglund I. , Bylund H. , Erikson U. , Helmius G. , Hemmingsson A. , Holme I. , Stenport G. , Walldius G.
Published: June 2015

Using a densitometric method introduced in 1977 by Crawford et coll. (6) the volumes of segments of the femoral artery were calculated from two angiographic series in each of 13 patients. ECG gated exposures were used to minimise the error of the method. The reproducibility of the method was found to be better than in a previous study in which ECG gating was not used. The method may therefore be of use in long term angiographic follow-up studies of atherosclerotic lesions, although the impact of different investigation parameters on methodologic precision is still not fully known.
Significant Reduction of the Echogenicity of the Compressed Cavernous Hemangioma
Authors: Choji K. , Shinohara M. , Nojima T. , Kusumoto K. , Une Y. , Glazer R. N. , Isomatsu T.
Published: June 2015

Eleven hyperreflective hepatic nodules in eight patients were examined by means of intraoperative ultrasonography (US) with the transducer placed on the liver surface. The nodules included four cavernous hemangiomas, four hepatocellular carcinomas, one metastatic tumor, and two regenerative nodules in cirrhotic livers. When the relevant part of the liver was compressed during US observation, the echogenicity was reduced only in the case of cavernous hemangioma. This phenomenon is considered to be unique to cavernous hemangioma.
Coil Selection for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine Using a Vertical Magnetic Field
Authors: Larsson E.-M. , Nilsson H. , Holtås S. , Ståhlberg F.
Published: June 2015

In order to optimize the coil selection for cervical and thoracic spine imaging the signal characteristics of two different solenoidal surface coils (15 cm and 30 cm diameter, respectively) as well as the head coil and body coil were determined using a 0.3 T MR scanner with a vertical magnetic field. Signal-to-noise ratio curves were obtained for each coil using tube phantoms and a human-like phantom. The findings were compared with images obtained in two healthy volunteers. The head coil was found to be superior for imaging of the cranio-cervical junction while the 15 cm surface coil gave better results in the remaining part of the cervical spine and the upper thoracic spine. The body coil was superior for imaging of the thoracic region at the level of the shoulders (T4-T6) but the 30 cm surface coil was better for the more caudal part of the thoracic spine. Combined phantom and in vivo studies are also recommended for evaluation of future, improved coils.
Rupture of a Cyst during Compression at Mammography
Authors: Novak R.
Published: June 2015

The pressure at dedicated mammographic units, indicated by a manometer, shows the pressure in the hydraulic system. The reading of this instrument is misleading because the pressure in the breast caused by the compression plate is considerably lower. Appropriate compression during mammographic examination may, however, rupture cysts.
Emphysematous Pyelonephritis
Authors: Päivänsalo M. , Hellström P. , Siniluoto T. , Leinonen A.
Published: June 2015

Six patients (all women, mean age 59.8 years) with emphysematous pyelonephritis, a rare, severe inflammation causing renal parenchymal destruction and affecting diabetics more commonly than non-diabetics, are described. Four of the patients were diabetics. All underwent ultrasound examination (US), and five computed tomography (CT) of the kidneys. CT was the most reliable diagnostic method. Differentiation between gas and calcification was difficult at US in three patients. Conventional tomography was performed in two patients and showed intra-renal gas. All six patients recovered; three patients had nephrectomy, one as an emergency procedure and two as an elective procedure after two weeks of antibiotic treatment. Infection was eradicated in the other three patients by percutaneous drainage, electrolyte correction and antibiotics. It was concluded that while conventional abdominal radiography may permit the diagnosis of emphysematous pyelonephritis by demonstrating intra-renal gas, CT is the most reliable diagnostic examination. Emergency nephrectomy may not be necessary in all cases.
Calcifications in the Breast in Filaria Loa Infection
Authors: Novak R.
Published: June 2015

A 40-year-old patient underwent mammography for evaluation of a mass. Atypical calcifications were observed in the opposite breast. Two types of calcification were observed: one type was spiral-shaped and the other type rod-shaped. These calcifications were caused by Filaria loa. Parasitic calcifications in the breast are uncommon.
Effect of Diatrizoate on Renal Extraction of Pah in Man
Authors: Tidgren B. , Golman K.
Published: June 2015

The effect of diatrizoate on the renal extraction of para-amino hippurate (EPAH) was studied in 8 healthy male volunteers. The contrast medium was injected into an antecubital vein and into a renal vein in each individual. A single-injection technique for the determination of EPAH was used and EPAH was measured before and over a period of 30 min after each contrast medium injection. In addition, the renal extraction of diatrizoate was measured simultaneously. Small but significant and similar decreases in EPAH were observed after both antecubital and renal venous administrations of the contrast medium, with a duration of less than 30 min after the injection. The renal extraction ratio for the diatrizoate was 0.20. It is concluded that diatrizoate should not be used before the determination of EPAH, at least not until 30 min after the administration of the contrast medium. The decrease in EPAH caused by diatrizoate seems to be due to a direct tubular depressant effect.
Computed Tomography of Adrenal Metastases in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Nakamura K. , Sato Y. , Nakata H.
Published: June 2015

Four patients with adrenal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosed with computed tomography are described. In three, the metastases showed a central area of low density due to tumor necrosis, irregular contrast enhancement, and a well-defined margin. They measured 8 cm or more in diameter. In one, the adrenal metastasis was at first a relatively small homogeneously solid mass, but later, when it grew larger, a central low density developed. Since the adrenal gland is the second most common site of metastasis from HCC at autopsy, a combination of an adrenal tumor and a liver tumor should suggest this possibility.
Nephrotoxicity of Cyclosporin a and Contrast Media
Authors: Thomsen H. S. , Larsen S. , Skaarup P. , Hemmingsen L. , Dieperink H. , Golman K.
Published: June 2015

Urine profiles (albumin, glucose, NAG, LDH, GGT and sodium) were followed for 22 h or 8 days after intravenous injection of diatrizoate, iohexol or saline in 30 adult Wistar rats in which nephrotoxicity was induced by daily peroral administration of 25 mg/kg body weight cyclosporin A over a 14-day period. Another 10 rats which had the vehicle of the cyclosporin A solution (placebo) and saline injected intravenously served as controls. The effect of iohexol and saline on the albumin excretion was similar, whereas diatrizoate increased it significantly. Both contrast media caused significantly increased excretion of all three enzymes. The contrast media had no effect on the excretion of glucose and sodium. Except for the fact that the excretion of NAG was significantly higher following iohexol than following diatrizoate 24 to 46 h after injection no significant differences between the two media were found from 24 h after injection among the rats given cyclosporin A. No contrast medium related changes were found by light microscopy of the kidneys. Neither iohexol nor diatrizoate potentiate acute cyclosporin A nephrotoxcity.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Liver Hemangioma
Authors: Taavitsainen M. , Airaksinen T. , Kreula J. , Päivänsalo M.
Published: June 2015

The results of 36 consecutive fine-needle aspiration biopsies of liver hemangiomas at two University Hospitals from the years 1981–1988 are described. The sizes of the lesions were 1 to 15 cm. Six patients had malignant disease, and liver metastasis was considered possible. In 2 cases the chief complaint was related to liver enlargement, and 28 patients had other abdominal symptoms. The aspiration was performed to confirm a suggested hemangioma in 18 and because of inconclusive findings at imaging in 18 cases. The aspirations were performed with sonographic guidance using 0.7 to 0.8 mm outer diameter needles. Cellular material from a hemangioma was obtained in 21 cases; only blood was aspirated in 5 cases. Hepatocytes were seen among abundant blood cells in 10, and some fibroblasts in 5 cases. One patient had significant bleeding that was treated with a transfusion of two units of blood. Nine patients were treated surgically, and histologic samples confirmed the diagnosis of hemangioma. None of the 27 non-operated patients showed progression of the liver lesion at 3 to 48 months follow-up. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is helpful in the diagnosis of liver hemangioma. Confusion with malignancy is unlikely. Further experience will show the frequency of complications.
Renal Effects of the Non-Ionic Contrast Medium Iopentol after Intravenous Injection in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Jakobsen J. Å. , Berg K. J. , Waaler A. , Andrew E.
Published: June 2015

Renal effects of the new non-ionic contrast medium iopentol in increasing doses were assessed and compared with the effects of physiologic saline. Twenty-four healthy male volunteers, allocated to three dose groups, were given iopentol intravenously in doses of 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 g I/kg body weight, respectively. The highest dose group was also given physiologic saline separately as a control. The diuresis increased in all groups, most in the highest dose group, and with a concomitant fall of urine osmolality and increase in osmolar clearance. A slight decrease of serum osmolality, creatinine and urea occurred at 3 hours due to hemodilution. The glomerular filtration rate was unaffected by iopentol. The urinary excretion of albumin and β2-microglobulin was unchanged. However, urinary N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase and alkaline phosphatase increased significantly, most in the highest dose group. All changes were reversible.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Bone Marrow in Patients with Acute Leukemia during and after Chemotherapy Changes in T1 Relaxation
Authors: Jensen K. E. , Sørensen P. Grundtvig , Thomsen C. , Christoffersen P. , Henriksen O. , Karle H.
Published: June 2015

Twenty-seven patients with acute leukemia were examined at the time of diagnosis with MR imaging and in vivo T1 relaxation time measurements of the hemopoietic bone marrow. A 1.5 T whole body magnetic resonance scanner was used. Twenty of the patients had follow-up examinations in relation to chemotherapy. Bone marrow biopsies from the posterior iliac crest were obtained within a short time interval of all MR examinations. At the time of diagnosis, T1 relaxation times were increased significantly in all the leukemic patients, compared with 24 age-matched controls. A decrease in T1 relaxation time towards or into the normal range was observed in 10 patients who obtained remission. The T1 relaxation time remained prolonged in 6 patients who failed to obtain remission during chemotherapy. Four patients, who obtained remission with concomitant decrease of T1 values towards or into the normal range, also showed prolongation of T1 relaxation time in relation to leukemic relapse. The results indicate that changes observed in T1 relaxation times of the hemopoietic bone marrow in patients with acute leukemia reflect changes in disease activity, and, that serial measurements of T1 values may provide clinically useful information with the possibility for identification of residual disease in regions inaccessible for biopsy.
Mass Effect and Atrophy after Stroke
Authors: Skriver E. Bech , Olsen T. Skyhøj , McNair P.
Published: June 2015

Cerebral edema, resolution of edema, and subsequent development of cerebral atrophy were studied prospectively in 83 patients with ischemic stroke with CT 3 days, 2 weeks, and 6 months post-stroke. Nineteen patients had large (diameter > 3 cm), 25 medium sized (diameter ≥ 1.5 ≤ 3 cm), and 15 lacunar infarcts (diameter < 1.5 cm). In 24 patients no infarcts were seen. Changes of Evans' ratio (ER), septum-caudate distance (S/C), and width of widest cortical sulci (SuW) were taken as markers of mass effect/atrophy. These parameters were within normal limits in most cases. However, when all CT scans performed in each patient were compared, changes of ER, S/C, and SuW became apparent as evidence of mass effect and subsequent atrophy development. Mass effect occurred in 81 percent and atrophy in 58 percent of patients with large infarcts. In patients with medium sized infarcts, mass effect occurred in 38 percent and atrophy in 45 percent.
Granulocyte Chemotaxis
Authors: Georgsen J. , Rasmussen F. , Pedersen J. O.
Published: June 2015

One of the important functions of granulocytes is the ability to respond to a chemoattractive signal by migration. The influence of radiographic contrast media (CM) on the chemoattractive properties of serum was investigated by under agarose technique for chemotaxis. No chemotactic response was seen when serum was incubated with different concentrations of CM after heat inactivation. The CM did not generate the heat stable complement split product C5a-desarg which would have resulted in a chemotactic response. Without heat inactivation all complement available in the serum was activated by the agarose in the chemotaxis assay. Low concentrations of iohexol and iodixanol brought about an increased chemotactic response relative to a reference with saline instead of CM. This may be due to activation of heat labile chemoattractants from other sources than the complement cascade. At high concentrations of all five investigated CM, a decreased number of granulocytes migrated over a shorter distance when compared with the reference, and this may be due to interactions between the CM and chemoattractants or their precursors.
Measurement of Renal Blood Flow by 131I-Labelled Sodium Iodohippurate Imaging in a Rat Model of Herpes Encephalitis
Authors: Cleator G. M. , Klapper P. E. , Lewis A. G. , Sharma H. L. , Smith A. M.
Published: June 2015

Renal blood flow was assessed qualitatively over a 30 min period in a rat model of herpes encephalitis by extra-renal scintigraphic imaging following the injection of 131I-labelled sodium iodohippurate. No significant differences were observed for renal blood flow in either kidney between (or within) infected and control groups. Our data suggest that kidney function is not compromised in this animal model of encephalitis. The results are discussed in the context of the development of a non-invasive protocol for the in vivo diagnosis of herpes encephalitis.
Computer Independent Sidemarker for CT Scanners
Authors: Söderman M.
Published: June 2015

In performing a CT examination the user has to inform the apparatus about the position of the patient. This is a potential source of error. Right and left do sometimes get mixed up because of mistakes when programming the CT scanner. This is very treacherous when examining a symmetrical organ like the brain. To avoid this kind of accident some hospitals use a radiopaque catheter in the head support as a sidemarker. However, there is no general convention or rule as to the position of the catheter. It usually has a small cross sectional area and therefore has to have a rather high attenuation to be seen with the ordinary window settings used when evaluating the brain. This does sometimes give disturbing artifacts. The need for a good computer independent sidemarker for CT scanners is therefore obvious.
Prevention of Gastric Complications in Hepatic Arterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Nakamura H. , Hashimoto T. , Oi H. , Sawada S. , Furui S.
Published: June 2015

Gastric complications may be a problem in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, if the right gastric artery branches distally from the proper hepatic artery or its branch, or the accessory left gastric artery arises from the left hepatic artery. We occluded the proper hepatic artery with a balloon catheter to redirect blood flow in these gastric branches toward the liver. This procedure prevented chemoembolic agents from flowing into the gastric branches, and accordingly protected against gastric complications even when chemoembolization was performed by injecting the agents proximally to the gastric branches.
In VIVO 1H-Spectroscopy of Human Intracranial Tumors at 1.5 Tesla
Authors: Henriksen O. , Wieslander S. , Gjerris F. , Jensen K. M.
Published: June 2015

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) may contribute to the characterization of intracranial tumors in vivo. Volume selective water suppressed proton spectroscopy offers the possibility to study a number of metabolites in the brain including choline (CHO), creatinine/phosphocreatinine (CR/PCR), N-acetylaspartate (NAA), and lactate. Using the stimulated echo technique we have studied 17 patients with intracranial tumors. In all cases the tumors were classified based on histologic evaluation. The tumor spectra differed considerably from those obtained in healthy brain tissue. The results indicate a relative decrease in the NAA and CR/PCR content. In many cases a lactate peak could be seen especially in the tumors with malignant growth characteristics. Our preliminary results suggest that proton spectroscopy may contribute to the differentiation of brain tumors with respect to benign or malignant growth. However, further research is warranted before a definite conclusion can be drawn.
Transfemoral Digital Subtraction Aortography
Authors: Naisby G. P. , Owen J. P. , Alexander T. W. , Cope L. , Laker M. F. , Hamilton P. J.
Published: June 2015

The ionic monomer, sodium diatrizoate at 150 mg I/ml (726 mosmol/kg) and the non-ionic monomer, iopamidol, diluted to the same iodine concentration but at 324.3 mosmol/kg, were randomly allocated to patients undergoing transfemoral intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography for lower limb peripheral vascular disease. The agents produced images of comparable quality and diagnostic efficacy. There were no significant differences between the media regarding sensations of pain and warmth. Minor neurological symptoms (headache and dizziness) occurred 7 times more frequently with the ionic monomer. There was a slight but temporary rise in plasma potassium one hour after injection of the ionic monomer but no evidence of appreciable intravascular haemolysis. The non-ionic monomer caused a slight fall in haemoglobin and haematocrit one hour after injection which is attributed to osmotic haemodilution. It is concluded that a diluted high osmolar contrast agent is an acceptable alternative to a low osmolar agent in transfemoral digital subtraction lower limb aortography.
Volumes of Chronic Traumatic Frontal Brain Lesions Measured by Mr Imaging and CBF Tomography
Authors: Maeder P. , Wirsén A. , Bajc M. , Schalén W. , Sjöholm H. , Skeidsvoll H. , Cronqvist S. , Ingvar D. H.
Published: June 2015

The volumes (ml) of chronic traumatic frontal brain lesions were compared measured “morphologically” with MR imaging (T1 and T2 weighted images) and “functionally” with a tomographic rCBF technique (SPECT with 133Xe i.v.). The T1 volumes varied between 11 and 220 ml. The correlation between T1 and T2 volumes was 0.95, the T2 volumes being 33% larger than T1 volumes (p < 0.001). The functional SPECT volumes were considerably larger (range 16–324 ml) than the MR volumes. The mean volume difference was 81% between T1 and SPECT images (p < 0.001), and 35% between T2 and SPECT images (p < 0.001). Correlations between the MR and SPECT volumes were also higher for T2 than T1 volumes. The volume difference is most likely explained by a functional decrease in regions around the lesion in which no morphologic change visible on MR images had taken place. MR and SPECT volume measurements were positively related to persistent lack of energy and personality changes, but only moderately related to duration of impaired consciousness and neuropsychologic outcome.