bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical Note: Nanometric organic photovoltaic thin film detectors for dose monitoring in diagnostic x‐ray imaging
Authors: Elshahat Bassem , Gill Hardeep Singh , Filipyev Ilya , Shrestha Suman , Hesser Jürgen , Kumar Jayant , Karellas Andrew , Zygmanski Piotr , Sajo Erno
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To fabricate organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells with nanometric active layers sensitive to ionizing radiation and measure their dosimetric characteristics in clinical x‐ray beams in the diagnostic tube potential range of 60–150 kVp.

Methods:

Experiments were designed to optimize the detector's x‐ray response and find the best parameter combination by changing the active layer thickness and the area of the electrode. The OPV cell consisted of poly (3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl): [6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester photoactive donor and acceptor semiconducting organic materials sandwiched between an aluminum electrode as an anode and an indium tin oxide electrode as a cathode. The authors measured the radiation‐induced electric current at zero bias voltage in all fabricated OPV cells.

Results:

The net OPV current as a function of beam potential (kVp) was proportional to kVp−0.5 when normalized to x‐ray tube output, which varies with kVp. Of the tested configurations, the best combination of parameters was 270 nm active layer thicknesses with 0.7 cm2 electrode area, which provided the highest signal per electrode area. For this cell, the measured current ranged from approximately 0.7 to 2.4 nA/cm2 for 60–150 kVp, corresponding to about 0.09 nA–0.06 nA/mGy air kerma, respectively. When compared to commercial amorphous silicon thin film photovoltaic cells irradiated under the same conditions, this represents 2.5 times greater sensitivity. An additional 40% signal enhancement was observed when a 1 mm layer of plastic scintillator was attached to the cells’ beam‐facing side.

Conclusions:

Since both OPVs can be produced as flexible devices and they do not require external bias voltage, they open the possibility for use as thin film in vivo detectors for dose monitoring in diagnostic x‐ray imaging.
Characterization of Ribosomal Frameshifting in Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Authors: Finch Leanne K. , Ling Roger , Napthine Sawsan , Olspert Allan , Michiels Thomas , Lardinois Cécile , Bell Susanne , Loughran Gary , Brierley Ian , Firth Andrew E.
Published: June 2015

Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus
(TMEV) is a member of the genus
Cardiovirus
in the
Picornaviridae
, a family of positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. Previously, we demonstrated that in the related cardiovirus,
Encephalomyocarditis virus
, a programmed −1 ribosomal frameshift (−1 PRF) occurs at a conserved G_GUU_UUU sequence within the 2B-encoding region of the polyprotein open reading frame (ORF). Here we show that −1 PRF occurs at a similar site during translation of the TMEV genome. In addition, we demonstrate that a predicted 3′ RNA stem-loop structure at a noncanonical spacing downstream of the shift site is required for efficient frameshifting in TMEV and that frameshifting also requires virus infection. Mutating the G_GUU_UUU shift site to inhibit frameshifting results in an attenuated virus with reduced growth kinetics and a small-plaque phenotype. Frameshifting in the virus context was found to be extremely efficient at 74 to 82%, which, to our knowledge, is the highest frameshifting efficiency recorded to date for any virus. We propose that highly efficient −1 PRF in TMEV provides a mechanism to escape the confines of equimolar expression normally inherent in the single-polyprotein expression strategy of picornaviruses.

IMPORTANCE
Many viruses utilize programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting (−1 PRF) to produce different protein products at a defined ratio, or to translate overlapping ORFs to increase coding capacity. With few exceptions, −1 PRF occurs on specific “slippery” heptanucleotide sequences and is stimulated by RNA structure beginning 5 to 9 nucleotides (nt) downstream of the slippery site. Here we describe an unusual case of −1 PRF in Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) that is extraordinarily efficient (74 to 82% of ribosomes shift into the alternative reading frame) and, in stark contrast to other examples of −1 PRF, is dependent upon a stem-loop structure beginning 14 nt downstream of the slippery site. Furthermore, in TMEV-based reporter constructs in transfected cells, efficient frameshifting is critically dependent upon virus infection. We suggest that TMEV evolved frameshifting as a novel mechanism for removing ribosomes from the message (a “ribosome sink”) to downregulate synthesis of the 3′-encoded replication proteins.
Weil–Petersson class non-overlapping mappings into a Riemann surface
Authors: Radnell David , Schippers Eric , Staubach Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

For a compact Riemann surface of genus [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] punctures, consider the class of [Formula: see text]-tuples of conformal mappings [Formula: see text] of the unit disk each taking [Formula: see text] to a puncture. Assume further that (1) these maps are quasiconformally extendible to [Formula: see text], (2) the pre-Schwarzian of each [Formula: see text] is in the Bergman space, and (3) the images of the closures of the disk do not intersect. We show that the class of such non-overlapping mappings is a complex Hilbert manifold.
On Growing Persian Words with L-Systems: Visual Modeling of Neyname
Authors: Dehshibi Mohammad Mahdi , Shirmohammadi Ali , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: June 2015

Lyndenmayer systems (L-systems) allow us to grow sophisticated patterns by applying just few simple rules. The L-systems are now universal tools for abstract representation of plant development. Can the L-systems be used to "grow" Persian words and sentences? Yes. We demonstrate this by introducing grammars and rules to generate 108 words of a Persian poem Neyname from Rumi. The proposed method is scalable. We also construct hierarchies of complexity of the words and provide some insights on how the complexity of the poem changes during its development. The grammars and rules proposed could be used in future automatic visual generations of Persian poems.
Essential Oils from Ugandan Aromatic Medicinal Plants: Chemical Composition and Growth Inhibitory Effects on Oral Pathogens
Authors: Ocheng Francis , Bwanga Freddie , Joloba Moses , Softrata Abier , Azeem Muhammad , Pütsep Katrin , Borg-Karlson Anna-Karin , Obua Celestino , Gustafsson Anders
Published: June 2015

The study assessed the growth inhibitory effects of essential oils extracted from ten Ugandan medicinal plants (Bidens pilosa, Helichrysum odoratissimum, Vernonia amygdalina, Hoslundia opposita, Ocimum gratissimum, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon nardus, Teclea nobilis, Zanthoxylum chalybeum,andLantana trifolia) used traditionally in the management of oral diseases against oral pathogens. Chemical compositions of the oils were explored by GC-MS. Inhibitory effects of the oils were assessed on periodontopathicPorphyromonas gingivalisandAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitansand cariogenicStreptococcus mutansandLactobacillus acidophilususing broth dilution methods at concentrations of 1%, 0.1%, and 0.01%. The most sensitive organism wasA. actinomycetemcomitans. Its growth was markedly inhibited by six of the oils at all the concentrations tested. Essential oil fromC. nardusexhibited the highest activity with complete growth inhibition ofA. actinomycetemcomitansandP. gingivalisat all the three concentrations tested, the major constituents in the oil being mainly oxygenated sesquiterpenes. Most of the oils exhibited limited effects onL. acidophilus. We conclude that essential oils from the studied plants show marked growth inhibitory effects on periodontopathicA. actinomycetemcomitansandP. gingivalis, moderate effects on cariogenicS. mutans, and the least effect onL. acidophilus. The present study constitutes a basis for further investigations and development of certain oils into alternative antiplaque agents.
Pioglitazone Ameliorates Neuron Loss in the Cortex after Aluminum-Treatment in Rats
Authors: Rafati Ali , Yazdani Hajar , Noorafshan Ali
Published: June 2015

The objective was evaluation of the effects of pioglitazone on medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of the rats exposed to aluminum (Al). Al induces structural changes in several brain regions, including mPFC. Pioglitazone is an agonist of peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor gamma. Male rats were randomly assigned to control, Al-treated (10 mg/kg/day), and Al + PIO-treated groups (Al+ 40 mg/kg/day). After 56 days, the right mPFCs were removed. Then, the volume of mPFC and its subdivisions, volume of vessels, and total number of neurons and glia were estimated using stereological methods. The results showed 13–38% decrease in the volume of the mPFC and its subdivisions, mainly in the infralimbic region (P<0.02). Besides, the volume of the vessels reduced by 47% after Al-treatment (P<0.02). The total number of the neurons and glial cells was also reduced (40% and 25%, resp.) in the Al-exposed rats in comparison to the control ones (P<0.02). Treatment of the animals with Al + PIO ameliorated the neuron loss and no improvement was seen in other parameters (P<0.02). It can be concluded that treatment of the rats with PIO could ameliorate the neuron loss in the mPFC of the Al-treated animals.
An In Vivo Method to Identify microRNA Targets Not Predicted by Computation Algorithms: p21 Targeting by miR-92a in Cancer
Authors: Su Xiaoping , Wang Huaming , Ge Wei , Yang Mingjin , Hou Jin , Chen Taoyong , Li Nan , Cao Xuetao
Published: June 2015

microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is involved in the development and progression of various human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, how to identify the miRNAs targeting specific mRNA in cells is a significant challenge because of the interaction complexity and the limited knowledge of rules governing these processes. Some miRNAs are not predictable by current computer algorithms available. Here, using p21 mRNA as target, we established a new method, called miRNA in vivo precipitation (miRIP), to identify which kind of miRNAs can actually bind to the specific mRNA in cells. Several unpredictable miRNAs that bound p21 mRNA in HepG2 and PC-3 cells were identified by the miRIP method. Among these miRNAs identified by miRIP, miR-92a was found and confirmed to interact robustly with p21 mRNA, both in HepG2 and PC-3 cells. miR-92a was found to be remarkably increased in HCC tissues, and higher expression of miR-92a significantly correlated with lower expression of p21, which is related to poor survival of HCC patients. Moreover, inhibition of miR-92a could significantly suppress HCC growth in vitro and in vivo by upregulating p21. Together, miR-92a, which is identified by miRIP, is functionally shown to be associated with HCC growth as an oncogenic miRNA by inhibiting expression of targeting gene p21. In addition, several unpredictable miRNAs that target STAT3 mRNA were also identified by the miRIP method in HepG2 cells. Our results demonstrated that the miRIP approach can effectively identify the unpredictable but intracellular existing miRNAs that target specific mRNA in vivo. Cancer Res; 75(14); 2875–85. ©2015 AACR.
Use of Common Analgesics Is Not Associated with Ovarian Cancer Survival
Authors: Minlikeeva Albina N. , Freudenheim Jo L. , Lo-Ciganic Wei-Hsuan , Eng Kevin H. , Friel Grace , Diergaarde Brenda , Modugno Francesmary , Cannioto Rikki , Gower Emily , Szender J. Brian , Grzankowski Kassondra , Odunsi Kunle , Ness Roberta B. , Moysich Kirsten B.
Published: June 2015

Background: Use of analgesics has been associated with lower risk of ovarian cancer, but, to date, very few studies have explored the association between analgesics and ovarian cancer survival.

Methods: We examined the relationship between self-reported prediagnostic use of aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen and overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), ascites at the time of primary treatment, and persistence of disease after primary treatment among 699 women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian carcinoma. The associations between use of these medications and OS and PFS were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. We utilized unconditional logistic regression models to estimate associations between medication use and presence of ascites and persistence of disease.

Results: Prediagnostic intake of aspirin, both low-dose and regular-dose, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen was not associated with any of the outcomes of interest.

Conclusions: Our results indicate a lack of association between prediagnostic intake of selected analgesics and OS, PFS, presence of ascites at the time of primary treatment, and persistence of disease after primary treatment.

Impact: Prediagnostic intake of analgesics may not be associated with ovarian cancer outcomes. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(8); 1291–4. ©2015 AACR.
The “OPTI-CLOT” trial
Authors: Hazendonk Hendrika , Moort Iris van , Fijnvandraat Karin , Kruip Marieke , Laros-van Gorkom Britta , van der Meer Felix , Meijer Karina , Peters Marjolein , Schutgens Roger , Zwaan Christian , Driessens Mariette , Polinder Suzanne , Leebeek Frank , Mathôt Ron , Cnossen Marjon
Published: June 2015

Haemophilia A is an X-linked inherited, rare bleeding disorder, caused by a deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Previous studies in prophylactic dosing have demonstrated that FVIII consumption can be significantly reduced by individualising dosing based on combined analysis of individual pharmacokinetic (PK) profiling and population PK data (Bayesian analysis). So far, no studies have been performed that address perioperative concentrate consumption using iterative PK-guided dosing based on a PK population model. The “OPTI-CLOT” trial is an open-label, prospective, multicentre randomised controlled superiority trial (RCT), aiming to detect a 25 % difference in perioperative FVIII concentrate consumption with iterative Bayesian PK-guided dosing in comparison to the standard dosing procedure. Sixty haemophilia A patients ≥ 12 years of age, with FVIII plasma levels ≤0.05 IUml-1 will be included requiring FVIII replacement therapy administered either by continuous or bolus infusion for an elective, low or medium risk surgical procedure. The proposed study aims to investigate a novel perioperative iterative PK-guided dosing strategy, based on a recently constructed perioperative PK population model. This model will potentially decrease underdosing and overdosing of clotting factor concentrate and is expected to overall reduce FVIII consumption by minimally 25 %. Moreover, participating hospitals will gain experience with PK-guided dosing, facilitating future implementation of this intervention which is expected to optimise current care and reduce costs of treatment.

This study is part of the “OPTI-CLOT” research programme (Patient tailOred PharmacokineTIc-guided dosing of CLOTting factor concentrates in clotting disorders)”, an (inter)national multicentre study aiming to implement PKguided dosing of clotting factor replacement therapy by initiating studies to demonstrate its implications and feasibility, improve PK models and to increase knowledge of patient-tailored PK-guided dosing.
ФАКТОРИ РИЗИКУ ВИНИКНЕННЯ ІНТРАОПЕРАЦІЙНИХ ГЕМОРАГІЧНИХ УСКЛАДНЕНЬ ПРИ МІНІ-ІНВАЗИВНОМУ ХІРУРГІЧНОМУ ЛІКУВАННІ ПРОЛІФЕРАТИВНОЇ ДІАБЕТИЧНОЇ РЕТИНОПАТІЇ
Authors: Ruban A. M.
Published: June 2015

The article presents the risk factors for hemorrhages complications in patients with miniinvasive diabetic vitrectomy. This was a retrospective study of 80 eyes (80 patients) who underwent combined sutureless vitrectomy 23/25G for the complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The main outcome measures were visual outcomes and surgical complications. Indications for the surgery were vitreous hemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment. The main predictive clinical features of hemorrhages complications in diabetic vitrectomy were: exicision of fibrovascular membranes (ф=0,49, p<0,001), hypoglycemia (RR=4,52, 95% CI: 2,28-8,97), (ф=0,48, p<0,001), operative time (>1 hour) (RRP=4,68, 95% CI: 2,80-7,23), combine retinal detachment (RR=4,52, 95% CI: 1,18-17,3).
A Palestinian Uprising: Is it Possible or is it Too Late?
Authors: Ageel Ghada
Published: June 2015

Four years ago, the Arab Awakening started out auspiciously. It caught many by surprise to say the least and its inception, strength and energy have continued to shock numerous commentators. While some observers noted that this powerful process had bypassed Palestine, others have offered a completely different view, arguing that the current situation is ripe for Palestine’s enactment of the Arab Awakening.

This article examines the validity of arguing the possibility or the impossibility of a Palestinian Arab Spring-style uprising. Has the spring really bypassed Palestine? Does Palestine exhibit the circumstances and capacities whose presence in other Arab countries seemed to be prerequisites for uprising? Moreover, if developments and initiatives adopted by the collective are of any indicator and Palestinians opt for a mass populist non-violent uprising, then what goals, tools and tactics would the coming Intifada adopt?

While attempting to place Palestine within a broader contextual analysis of the Arab Spring, the article seeks answers to these questions and argues that nonviolent resistance is emerging as the most potent means for reforming the Palestinian house and also for defying the occupation and exposing its crimes. The article presents a framework for the description and then provides recommendations.
Justicia wasshausenii, a new name for Justicia andersonii Wasshausen (Acanthaceae)
Authors: Muthu Kottai
Published: June 2015

Justicia Linnaeus (1753: 15) is the largest genus of Acanthaceae (Wasshausen 2002). It comprises about 600 species (Graham 1988), distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics of both hemispheres, extending into the temperate regions of North America, with one species found as far north as Quebec in Canada (Wasshausen 1992a). In Brazil, the genus is represented by 128 species (Profice et al. 2015). Among them, Justicia andersonii Wasshausen (1992b: 666) is an illegitimate name, as it is a later homonym of J. andersonii Ramamoorthy (1976: 551). Therefore a new name, J. wasshausenii, is proposed as a replacement name for J. andersonii.
Astronomy, Architecture, and Symbolism: The Global Project of Sneferu at Dahshur
Authors: Belmonte Juan Antonio , Magli Giulio
Published: June 2015

The two pyramids built during the Old Kingdom by the Fourth Dynasty King Sneferu at Dahshur are usually considered as two consecutive projects, the second – that of the Red Pyramid – being generated by a presumably failure of the first, the Bent Pyramid. In the present paper, we show that the archaeological proofs of such a scenario are far from obvious and that, on the contrary, a series of architectural, topographical, epigraphic, and astronomical hints point to a unitary project probably conceived from the very beginning in terms of the two pyramids and their annexes. Altogether the two pyramids are thus shown to form a conceptual, sacred landscape associated with the power of the Pharaoh and his afterlife.
Nineteenth-Century Comets: Studies and Observations in Sicily
Authors: Chinnici Ileana
Published: June 2015

This article deals with a less well-known aspect of comet studies. It is based on original sources and casts light on some contributions from Sicily to an astronomical research topic having a strong emotional influence on common people. It provides the opportunity to remark on some aspects of the nineteenth-century Sicilian social context, such as the battle against ignorance and superstition, as well as the role of social and professional rank in naming a new celestial body. Moreover, it treats the contributions of the astronomers of Palermo Observatory to early spectroscopic observations of comets, a scarcely developed topic in studies on history of astronomy. This analysis, motivated by the intent to complete and correct some recent studies on chronicles of comets, also provides a good pretext to retrace the little known history of the Palermo Observatory across the political and social changes of that century.
Simon Marius’s Mundus Iovialis: 400th Anniversary in Galileo’s Shadow
Authors: Pasachoff Jay M.
Published: June 2015

Simon Marius, Court Astronomer in Ansbach in Germany, independently discovered the moons of Jupiter one day after Galileo’s widely accepted discovery on 7 January 1610. Because Marius was using the Julian calendar (so-called O.S., Old Style), his discovery was made in 1609, though adding the 10 days of difference to transform, to the Gregorian calendar (so-called N.S., New Style) that Galileo was using, his notes of his discovery give 8 January 1610 (N.S.). Further, though Galileo famously published his Sidereus Nuncius in March 1610, Marius did not publish his discovery of four moons circling Jupiter until 1611, in a locally circulated almanac. He then published this work in a major book, Mundus Iovialis, though not until 1614. Galileo, who was forceful in asserting his priority, accused Marius of plagiarism in Il Saggiatore (1623), and Marius’s reputation was ruined for hundreds of years. Only in the early 1900s did a jury in the Netherlands assess the discovery claims and vindicate Marius, though Marius deserves more credit and recognition with the general public than he currently has. Still, the current names we use for the four major moons of Jupiter—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—come from Marius’s book, of which approximately 30 copies from 1610 survive. Marius’s 1614 frontispiece, and his earlier almanac, show the four satellites in orbits, in contrast to Galileo’s use of asterisks and the letter O, so arguably Marius provided the first images of the orbits of what we call the Galilean satellites and what Galileo himself called first the Cosmean stars (Cosmica Sidera) and finally, in print, the Medicean stars (Medicea Sidera).
Three-Dimensional Ultrasonic Scanning
Authors: Fredfeldt K.-E. , Holm H. H. , Pedersen J. F.
Published: June 2015

Simple experiments which form the basis for a true 3-D demonstration of sectional images are presented and a method for genuine 3-D display of dynamic ultrasound images is described. Eight ultrasound images are recorded with a slightly different angulation of the transducer. The images are extracted from the video signal from a conventional ultrasound scanner and stored in eight digital memories. After recording, each image is displayed on an oscilloscope screen, which is viewed via a fast oscillating mirror. The position of the mirror determines which of the eight images are to be displayed and thereby ensures a correct spatial relationship of the images, resulting in a true 3-D scan presentation.
Stripping of the Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery
Authors: Asmussen I.
Published: June 2015

In connection with a percutaneous retrograde heart catheterization via the femoral artery, the guidewire was captured in the deep circumflex iliac artery. On withdrawal of the guidewire stripping of the artery occurred. Occasionally this artery is catheterized unintentionally. Fluoroscopy used as a routine during the introduction of guidewire into the femoral artery could prevent catheterization of the deep circumflex iliac artery.
Streak Artifacts in Dynamic CT
Authors: Partanen K. , Kormano M.
Published: June 2015

Experiments with a body phantom during dynamic CT scanning with the Somatom 2 CT scanner indicate that the periodic streak artifacts seen on the anterior part of the liver in patients are caused by peristalsis of the stomach and resulting motion of the air fluid level. Therefore, the attenuation values of the anterior portion of the liver artifactually oscillate around the baseline value during the dynamic series of scans. This artifact is produced by a change in the position of the stomach air fluid level and is dependent on the direction of tube rotation. The mean of the artifactually oscillating attenuation readings is close to the mean density but usually useless in dynamic CT because the attenuation values change so rapidly in the dynamic phase that averaging measurements also will cause errors.
Renal Function following Nephroangiography with Diatrizoate
Authors: Törnquist C. , Almén T. , Golman K. , Holtås S.
Published: June 2015

The ionic contrast medium diatrizoate used in high-dose unilateral nephroangiography in dogs produced an abnormal nephrogram, ‘patchy contrast medium retention’, and a marked decrease in renal blood flow in five of eight injected kidneys. Increased glomerular permeability (albuminuria), reduced glomerular filtration rate (creatinine clearance), and reduced osmotic diuresis were demonstrated in all selectively injected kidneys.
Computed Tomography in Advanced Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix
Authors: Thorvinger B. , Hauksson A. , Samuelsson L. , Tropé C.
Published: June 2015

Computed tomography (CT) and clinical examination including complete evaluation of the true pelvis were performed in 32 patients of whom 2 had possible advanced primary and 30 possible recurrent carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Confirmation of the staging by surgery or autopsy was obtained in 22 patients and by repeat clinical examinations and CT in 10 patients. The CT diagnosis was correct in 29 and the clinical pelvic examination in 25 patients. The results confirm previous reports that CT is a complementary method to pelvic examination in advanced cervical carcinoma.
Subtraction Nephrotomography during Urography of Transplanted Kidneys
Authors: Thomsen H. S. , Dorph S. , Mygind T.
Published: June 2015

Hypocycloid tomography with photographic subtraction was applied during the early nephrographic phase of urography in 48 transplanted kidneys. The quality of demarcation between cortex and medulla in the subtracted nephrotomogram was evaluated and categorized into 4 groups: Excellent, good, poor, and absent demarcation. The renal function determined by 24-h endogenous creatinine clearance did not correlate with the quality of demarcation. Among 30 cases with excellent or good demarcation only one patient experienced rejection within 8 days after the urography. In 18 cases with poor or absent demarcation 9 had an episode of rejection. Absence of demarcation was only observed in this group of patients. Segmental renal infarcts were demonstrated occasionally on the subtracted early nephrotomogram. Thus, tomographic demonstration of the initial distribution of contrast medium in a transplanted kidney may prove to be of value in the diagnosis both of rejection of transplanted kidneys and renal infarcts.
Lumbar Myelography with Metrizamide in Rabbits
Authors: Ekholm S. E. , Foley M. , Kido D. K. , Morris T. W.
Published: June 2015

Neurotoxicity from subarachnoid contrast media is probably related to their specific pharmacologic effects and to their penetration into the central nervous system. The lack of a barrier between the cerebrospinal fluid and the extracellular fluid of the brain and cord allows water-soluble contrast media to diffuse into the neural tissue. The aim of this investigation was to develop a method that allows one to quantify the neural tissue penetration for a given contrast medium in relation to the cerebrospinal fluid concentration and contact time and apply this to the use of metrizamide. The result shows a good correlation between iodine concentration in the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid and that in the lumbar cord suggestive of a simple diffusion. When time of sacrifice (contact time) is added as a covariant there is also some indication of retention of metrizamide in the neural tissue. The investigation also demonstrates that the resorption of the contrast medium in the rabbit in this experimental model is mainly in the lumbo-sacral region.
Vesicoureteral Reflux and Reflux Nephropathy
Authors: Thomsen H. S.
Published: June 2015

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is mainly a primary phenomenon due to incompetence of the ureterovesical junction, mostly affecting a pediatric population. During micturition cystourethrography (MCU) reflux into the kidney—intrarenal reflux (IRR)—is occasionally seen. In areas with IRR the kidney surface may subsequently be depressed and the papillae retracted (reflux nephropathy (RN)). VUR may lead to hypertension and/or end-stage renal failure. Most commonly, VUR is discovered during evaluation for urinary tract infection, but it may also be present in patients with hypertension, toxemia of pregnancy, chronic renal failure and proteinuria, and it may be found in siblings of patients with VUR. For the time being VUR is demonstrated at radiographic MCU, whereas RN is diagnosed by demonstration of focal scars and of abnormal parenchymal thickness at urography. In children with VUR and no abnormalities of calyces or parenchymal defects standardized measurement of the parenchymal thickness at three sites may identify kidneys which are likely to develop focal scars. Quantitation of focal scarring should be performed in connection with a measure of the overall kidney size. The occurrence of IRR is dependent of the papillary morphology, intrapelvic pressure and urine flow. There may be an important relationship between renal ischemia and IRR in producing a ‘vicious circle of deleterious effects’ which, combined with parenchymal extravasation, may lead to RN. Treatment of VUR includes medical and surgical management. Since renal scarring may occur in infancy, prevention should focus on infants and young children. Infants and young children with severe VUR may have normal urograms. Therefore a MCU should also be performed, preferably with the recommended standardized technique.
Pancreatography in a Family with Hereditary Pancreatitis
Authors: Mäkelä P. , Äärimaa M.
Published: June 2015

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatograms of five cases of hereditary pancreatitis in one family are presented. The appearance of the pancreatic duct was abnormal in all cases but no findings were specific to hereditary pancreatitis. In two of the cases the only abnormality was dilatation of the secondary pancreatic ducts or caudal area ducts.
Correlation with Clinical Examination, Mammography, Cytology and Histology
Authors: Wallberg H. , Alveryd A. , Nasiell K. , Sundelin P. , Bergvall U. , Troell S.
Published: June 2015

Histologically classified benign breast disorder was present in 163 breasts of 158 symptomatic women. The results of diaphanography (DPG) were correlated with those obtained by clinical examination (CE), mammography (M) and cytology (C). A tumour was palapable in 108 cases (66.3%). A false positive diagnosis, i.e. possibly malignant, probably malignant or malignant was made in 15 cases (9.2%) with DPG, and in 33 cases (20.2%) with M. Use of both M and DPG reduced the number of false positives to 1.8 per cent. In 8 cases (4.9%) false positive diagnosis was made with C. During a mean observation time of 58.5 months (range 44–72 months), one case of breast carcinoma was diagnosed.
Anatomic Basis for the Pathogenesis and Radiologic Features of Vertebral Osteomyelitis and its Differentiation from Childhood Discitis
Authors: Ratcliffe J. F.
Published: June 2015

Microarteriography has demonstrated the anatomy which explains the pathogenesis and radiologic features of adult vertebral osteomyelitis and of childhood discitis. Infarction is caused in the metaphysis by a septic embolus. The intraosseous arteries in children are anastomotic and a small portion of bone is destroyed. In adults a larger portion of bone is destroyed because the intraosseous arteries are end-arteries and septic thrombosis spreads into peripheral intraosseous arteries. The disc is avascular at all ages and is attacked by infection equally. The trans-equatorial spread of osteomyelitis occurs via an artery which is first described here. It joins the metaphyseal anastomoses of the same vertebral body in the midline.
Transcatheter Embolization of Multiple Pulmonary Artery Aneurysms in Behçet's Syndrome
Authors: Lacombe P. , Frija G. , Parlier H. , Lang F. , Hamza M. , Hamza R. , Bismuth V.
Published: June 2015

Transcatheter embolization of a pulmonary artery aneurysm in Behçet's disease has rarely been attempted. A report is presented of a case with four pulmonary aneurysms and massive hemoptysis. Transcatheter embolization was successfully performed in three of these aneurysms, with clinical improvement during a follow-up period of 11 months. Technical problems, hazards, and indications for embolization in these patients are discussed.
Femoral Anteversion Measured by the Dunlap/Rippstein and Norman Methods
Authors: Reikerås O. , Høiseth A. , Reigstad A.
Published: June 2015

Measurements of femoral anteversion obtained with the Dunlap/Rippstein method in adults were compared with measurements using the Norman method. By definition, different angles are measured by the two methods. The Norman method gave angles for the femoral anteversion which were on average 12.8 degrees higher than those obtained with the Dunlap/Rippstein method, and the methods correlated poorly. It is concluded that measurements of femoral anteversion with these methods do not accurately reflect each other.
The Transplanted Kidney
Authors: Thomsen H. S. , Dorph S. , Mygind T. , Holm H. H. , Munck O. , Damgaard-Pedersen K.
Published: June 2015

Following kidney allotransplantation a great number of complications threaten the patient and his graft, e.g. acute tubular necrosis, acute and chronic rejection, urologic and vascular complications and complications due to the immunosuppressive treatment. During the last decade a number of technical developments in radionuclide, ultrasonographic and radiographic imaging and intervention has significantly improved the possibility of early recognition and handling of such complications. Knowledge of the capability and limitations of the various techniques is of vital importance for their rational use. The aim of this review article is to give a short description of the various imaging modalities, the rational monitoring of the post-transplant patient, and possible handling of complications by the aid of imaging techniques.
Increased Detectability of Liver Metastases by the Use of Contrast Enhancement in Computed Tomography
Authors: Sager E. M. , Scheel B. , Talle K.
Published: June 2015

The precontrast, immediate postcontrast and the one hour postcontrast CT scans were analysed in search for liver metastases in 75 patients with malignant disease. The use of high dose intravenous contrast medium (42 g I) increased the number of hepatic metastases detected. The one hour postcontrast scan revealed a few more lesions than the immediate postcontrast scan. Further investigations on this subject are necessary before any definite conclusions can be made as our series of patients is small. In routine CT the most practical procedure in search for liver metastases is: 1) Scanning of the liver without contrast medium. 2) Incremental dynamic scanning during and immediately following injection of contrast medium. 3) If there is still uncertainty: Scanning at a later time, for example at one hour after injection of contrast medium.
Lymph Node Calcification in Malignant Lymphoma
Authors: Strijk S. P.
Published: June 2015

Lymph node calcification in malignant lymphoma is an uncommon radiologic finding. Eight cases are added to the 61 cases of lymph node calcification following radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease, assembled from the literature. The typical radiographic appearance of punctate calcifications, usually found in the upper mediastinum, at times together with egg-shell type calcification, is confirmed. The mean time before appearance of calcification was 3 years after initial treatment. The calcification seems to be associated with a good prognosis and long-term survival. In addition, the radiologic and clinical findings in a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who developed calcifications in the involved area after treatment are presented.
Renal Function following Nephroangiography with Metrizamide and Iohexol
Authors: Törnquist C. , Almén T. , Golman K. , Holtås S.
Published: June 2015

The non-ionic ratio 3.0 contrast media metrizamide and iohexol used in high-dose unilateral nephroangiography in dogs produce homogeneous nephrograms and no marked effects on renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, and osmotic diuresis, in contrast to previously reported results using the same technique with iodine-equivalent doses of the ionic ratio 1.5 contrast medium diatrizoate (25). Iohexol affected glomerular permeability significantly less than metrizamide and diatrizoate.
Central and Renal Haemodynamic Effects of Intravenous Infusion of Non-Ionic and Ionic Contrast Media
Authors: Häggmark S. , Hietala S.-O. , Reiz S. , Sjödin J.-G. , Sunnegårdh O. , Wirell S.
Published: June 2015

The central and renal haemodynamic effects after intravenous infusion (1 ml/s) of a non-ionic (iohexol) and an ionic (metrizoate) contrast medium were investigated in 16 pigs. The injected contrast media induced marked haemodynamic changes compared with normal saline. However, there were no significant differences between the ionic and the non-ionic media. It was concluded that the effects were only partially caused by an increase in the blood volume due to the injected volume. In addition, the effects related to the viscosity, the osmolality and other not specified pharmacodynamic properties of the media are proposed to be of importance.
Large-Screen Image Intensifier Photofluorography Compared with Full-Size Screen-Film Technique in Chest Radiography
Authors: Manninen H. , Rytkönen H. , Soimakallio S. , Terho E. O. , Hentunen J.
Published: June 2015

Large-screen image intensifier photofluorography revealed a radiation dose and exposure time of about one third of those of a medium speed rare-earth screen/film (Trimax T4/XD) combination for full-size chest radiography. The resolving power of the former technique is somewhat poorer and there is a moderate electron-optical distortion in the peripheral field. In clinical chest radiography photospot films showed excellent demonstration of the central areas of the image but slight deterioration in peripheral parts. The minification effect of the photofluorographic films is advantageous for visual perception of many anatomic details on chest radiographs. The type of viewing device for photospot films is important.
Patency of the Cochlear Aqueduct
Authors: Muren C. , Vignaud J. , Wilbrand H. , Wilbrand S.
Published: June 2015

The patency of the cochlear aqueduct is discussed against the background of radioanatomic studies of 225 plastic casts of temporal bone specimens and additional experimental and clinical observations. The occasional presence of a wide venous channel running parallel with the cochlear aqueduct, as well as the existence of up to three accompanying venous channels can simulate a pathologically wide cochlear aqueduct radiographically. This could constitute a diagnostic pitfall in the absence of other clinical and radiographic signs of malformation.
Incidental Findings of Gastrointestinal Tumours at Abdominal Ultrasound Examinations
Authors: Lyttkens K. , Forsberg L.
Published: June 2015

A retrospective review was performed of 11 patients referred to ultrasound examination because of abdominal pain and/or a palpable abdominal tumour, which eventually was proven to be gastrointestinal malignancy. Primary gastric carcinoma was present in 4 cases, carcinoma of the small bowel in one case, and of the large bowel in 6 cases. All the patients were examined with conventional ultrasound technique using a 3.5 MHz and a 5.0 MHz transducer. In all the cases bowel wall thickness exceeded 10 mm. A correct organ localization and primary diagnosis of tumour was made in 6 cases, of which only 2 had a palpable abdominal mass. In the remaining cases a bowel tumour was revealed in 3 but the site was incorrectly defined. Reviewing the documentations made at ultrasonography in these cases the tumour origin corresponded well with radiologic and surgical findings. In 2 patients an abscess was diagnosed which later proved to be due to a large bowel carcinoma. Ultrasound examination of patients with uncharacteristic abdominal complaints can spare the patient unnecessary examinations when the findings are pointing at a tumour in the gastrointestinal tract, save time and therefore is of economical importance.
Progressive Fibromusclular Dysplasia of the Renal Artery
Authors: Lörelius L. E. , Hemmingsson A. , Hägg A. , Mörlin C. , Åberg H.
Published: June 2015

Eight patients with unilateral and 12 patients with bilateral fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal arteries were re-examined after 3 to 11 (mean 6) years. Angiographic progression was evaluated in a score system and occurred in 19 of the 20 patients, 83 per cent had progression on the right and 54 per cent on the left side. The most frequent indications of progressive disorder were increase in the length of the lesion and the number of membraneous stenoses. Less sensitive was the determination of least luminal diameter, mainly due to difficulties in measuring this in the majority of cases. Nine of the patients had clinical progression of hypertension. These patients did not differ in angiographic score from the 11 without such progression. Because of the progressive nature of the disease and the existing problems to evaluate the hemodynamic significance of fibromuscular dysplasia, a frequent use of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is recommended.
Computed Tomography of Lipomatous and Myxoid Tumors
Authors: Lindahl S. , Markhede G. , Berlin Ö.
Published: June 2015

Thirty-two lipomatous and myxoid tumors were examined by computed tomography (CT). An attempt was made to correlate the radiographic appearance of the tumor to different histologic types of these tumors. It was found that a well delineated lipomatous lesion with uniform radiographic density, an attenuation value below −73 Hounsfield units (HU) and absence of contrast enhancement can be considered strongly suggestive of a benign lipoma. Atypical lipomas, myxoma and well differentiated liposarcomas have good delineation against the surrounding tissue with no peripheral hypervascularity in the majority of cases. The attenuation values varied between −83 and +38 HU. Liposarcomas of myxoid type, mixed myxoid and round-cell type, round-cell type, and pleomorphic type were all poorly delineated with attenuation values between +12 and +38 HU and with varying contrast enhancement. Thus CT can be considered to play an important role in the preoperative evaluation of lipomatous and myxoid tumors of the soft tissues. Besides valuable topographic information CT helps, to some extent, to differentiate between various types of lipomatous tumors.
Prospective Investigation of Radiologic Methods in the Diagnosis of Intra-Abdominal Abscesses
Authors: Lundstedt C. , Hederström E. , Brismar J. , Holmin T. , Strand S.-E.
Published: June 2015

A prospective investigation of conventional abdominal radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography and 111In-labelled leucocyte scintigraphy was performed in 40 patients suspected of having an intra-abdominal abscess. There were 23 confirmed abscesses in the material. When conventional abdominal radiography indicated an abscess, such a lesion was usually present. The ability of abdominal radiography to exclude an abscess was, however, low. Both ultrasonography and 111In-labelled leucocyte scintigraphy detected 65 to 85 per cent of the confirmed abscesses, but both also revealed many abscess-like areas in patients where no unequivocal abscess was confirmed at follow-up. Computed tomography was, when employed as a single method, the most reliable one both to show and to exclude an abscess, However, the combination of ultrasonography and 111In-labelled leucocyte scintigraphy disclosed all the lesions demonstrated by any one of the four methods used in the investigation.
Bone Mineral Measurement with a Continuous Roentgen Ray Spectrum and a Germanium Detector
Authors: Jonson R. , Roos B. , Hansson T.
Published: June 2015

A new technique for determination of the bone mineral content in the vertebral body by means of a laterally directed roentgen ray beam is presented. By using a stable high voltage for the roentgen tube and a stable detector with very high energy resolution, the amount of bone mineral in the path of the radiation beam can be determined with correction for both fat and lean soft tissue. The results so far indicate that the technique is useful for objective determination of the bone mineral content in the vertebral body.
Occurrence of an Intrahepatic Porto-Arterial Shunt after Hepatic Artery Embolization with Gelfoam Powder in Rats and Rabbits
Authors: Matsui O. , Kawamura I. , Takashima T.
Published: June 2015

Postmortem perfusion studies were carried out following hepatic artery embolization (HAE) with Gelfoam powder in rats (n=17) and rabbits (n=10). The inflow of barium particles into the hepatic arteries after portal vein injection (porto-arterial shunt: P-A shunt) was analyzed by stereomicroscopic and histologic examinations. A P-A shunt was observed in 12 of 17 rats (71%) following HAE (embolization group). The difference in occurrence rates of P-A shunt between control (1/12=9.2%) and embolization groups was statistically significant (χ2, p<0.01) in rats. In rabbits, a P-A shunt was seen in only one of 10 animals in the embolization group. P-A shunting may have an important role in reconstructing the blood supply to hepatic tumors after HAE, and administration of anticancer drugs via the portal vein following HAE might be effective. However, the differences among different species of animals should be considered before clinical application.
Radiographically Detectable Intracortical Porosity
Authors: Meema H. E.
Published: June 2015

Since the measurement of intracortical resorptive spaces by histologic methods is difficult and very few data are available in normal humans, we have measured their lengths and widths and calculated the intracortical porosity in metacarpals and phalanges of 79 normal women and 69 normal men, using fine-detail radiographs of the hands and a computerized semi-automatic image analysis system (Zeiss MOP-3), this being the first study of this kind. Several methodological problems were solved satisfactorily, and the results of this study could serve as a data bank for further investigations concerned with intracortical resorption. Significant differences were found between age and sex versus several intracortical resorptive parameters; also significant correlations were found with age in some cases. Normal intracortical porosity was found to be about three times greater in the proximal phalanges than in the metacarpals. It is concluded that this methodology could be used for further studies of intracortical resorption in osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases.
Digital Angiography in Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Björk L.
Published: June 2015

Pulmonary digital subtraction angiography was diagnostic in 98.3 per cent of patients with possible acute pulmonary embolism. The procedure was well tolerated even in severely ill patients. A large image intensifier made simultaneous imaging of both lungs possible, reducing the number of contrast injections necessary. Small volumes of low iso-osmolar concentration of modern contrast media were used. There was no need for catherization of the pulmonary artery. Theoretical considerations and our limited experience indicate that this will reduce the number of complications compared with conventional pulmonary angiography. The procedure is rapidly performed and the diagnostic accuracy high. This makes digital subtraction angiography cost effective. Digital pulmonary angiography can be recommended as the primary diagnostic method in most patients with possible pulmonary embolism.