bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erika Landau†
Authors: Vidergor Hava
Published: April 2013

This article unfolds the personal creative characteristics of an educator in the field of gifted education, and examines creativity as expressed in childhood and its transformation into adulthood. Dr. Erika Landau is a pioneer of gifted education in Israel, an internationally renowned scholar and educator, and the founder of the Young Persons’ Institute for the Promotion of Creativity and Excellence. The Personal Creative Characteristics Model of Treffinger and colleagues was used as a framework to analyze her creativity. The creative characteristics of openness and courage to explore ideas and listening to one’s inner voice were detected in her in childhood from her descriptions of the hardship she faced surviving in concentration camps during the Second World War. A full range of categories of creative characteristics, including generating ideas and digging into ideas, were detected in her in adulthood. Her creative characteristics in childhood were transformed in adulthood, making meaning of suffering and focusing on giving back to society, especially teaching gifted and talented children how to be creative and productive.
Personality traits, loneliness, and attitudes toward aloneness in adolescence
Authors: Teppers Eveline , Klimstra Theo A. , Damme Carolien Van , Luyckx Koen , Vanhalst Janne , Goossens Luc
Published: April 2013

Within a dual-level model of personality, loneliness, and attitudes toward aloneness can be regarded as phase-specific adaptations that are influenced by personality traits. Therefore, we examined the associations between personality traits (i.e., the Big Five, sociotropy, and autonomy), loneliness, and attitudes toward aloneness in two samples of late adolescents ( N = 1388 and N = 419). A specific pattern of associations was found that replicated across samples. Lower scores on agreeableness and stronger concerns about independence (i.e., greater autonomy) were positive predictors of both peer-related and parent-related loneliness. Extraversion was a predictor of lower affinity for and greater aversion to aloneness. The other personality traits were predictors of a particular type of loneliness or a specific attitude toward aloneness.
Bisexuals and the sex differences in jealousy hypothesis
Authors: Scherer Cory R. , Akers Emily G. , Kolbe Krysta L.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine jealousy toward infidelity in bisexual individuals. Each participant completed an online survey including a forced-choice question regarding what distresses them more: the emotional aspects of the infidelity or the sexual aspects of the infidelity. Results supported the hypothesis: a higher percentage of bisexual men dating women reported being bothered by the sexual infidelity than bisexual men dating men, bisexual women dating women, and bisexual women dating men. Additionally, there was a gender by relationship orientation interaction where the traditional sex difference emerged when comparing women dating men and men dating women, but the sex difference disappeared when comparing women dating women and men dating men.
Cooperating with your romantic partner
Authors: Randall Ashley K. , Post Jesi H. , Reed Rebecca G. , Butler Emily A.
Published: April 2013

Romantic partners’ emotions become coordinated in various ways and this may have implications for well-being (Butler (2011) Temporal interpersonal emotion systems: The “TIES” that form relationships. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 15, 367–393.). The present study uses a community sample of 44 committed heterosexual couples to examine whether cooperation, a generally beneficial relational process, is associated with emotional coordination and whether the pattern differs when men’s emotions are coordinated with their female partners’ prior emotions or vice versa. Using behavioral observations of cooperation and second-to-second measures of emotional experience during a face-to-face conversation, men showed the most positive emotional experience at high levels of mutual cooperation. As predicted, cooperation was associated with different coordination patterns for men and women, with high mutual cooperation predicting an inphase pattern for men (emotions changing in unison with their partners) and an antiphase pattern for women (emotions changing in opposite directions from their partners). Our results suggest that men and women may experience cooperation differently, despite engaging in similar behaviors.
Recovery of function following hip resurfacing arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial comparing an accelerated versus standard physiotherapy rehabilitation programme
Authors: Barker Karen L , Newman Meredith A , Hughes Tamsin , Sackley Cath , Pandit Hemant , Kiran Amit , Murray David W
Published: April 2013

Objective:

To identify if a tailored rehabilitation programme is more effective than standard practice at improving function in patients undergoing metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Specialist orthopaedic hospital.

Subjects:

80 men with a median age of 56 years.

Interventions:

Tailored post-operative physiotherapy programme compared with standard physiotherapy.

Main Outcomes:

Primary outcome – Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Secondary outcomes: Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), EuroQol (EQ-5D-3L) and UCLA activity score. Hip range of motion, hip muscle strength and patient selected goals were also assessed.

Results:

At one year the mean (SD) Oxford Hip Score of the intervention group was higher, 45.1 (5.3), than the control group, 39.6 (8.8). This was supported by a linear regression model, which detected a 5.8 unit change in Oxford Hip Score ( p < 0.001), effect size 0.76. There was a statistically significant increase in Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score of 12.4% ( p < 0.0005), effect size 0.76; UCLA activity score differed by 0.66 points ( p < 0.019), effect size 0.43; EQ 5D showed an improvement of 0.85 ( p < 0.0005), effect size 0.76. A total of 80% (32 of 40) of the intervention group fully met their self-selected goal compared with 55% (22 of 40) of the control group. Hip range of motion increased significantly; hip flexion by a mean difference 17.9 degrees ( p < 0.0005), hip extension by 5.7 degrees ( p < 0.004) and abduction by 4 degrees ( p < 0.05). Muscle strength improved more in the intervention group but was not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

A tailored physiotherapy programme improved self-reported functional outcomes and hip range of motion in patients undergoing hip resurfacing.
Development and psychometric properties of the DCDDaily: a new test for clinical assessment of capacity in activities of daily living in children with developmental coordination disorder
Authors: van der Linde Berdien W , van Netten Jaap J , Otten Bert (E) , Postema Klaas , Geuze Reint H , Schoemaker Marina M
Published: April 2013

Objective:

To develop the DCDDaily, an instrument for objective and standardized clinical assessment of capacity in activities of daily living (ADL) in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and to investigate its usability, reliability, and validity.

Subjects:

Five to eight-year-old children with and without DCD.

Main measures:

The DCDDaily was developed based on thorough review of the literature and extensive expert involvement. To investigate the usability (assessment time and feasibility), reliability (internal consistency and repeatability), and validity (concurrent and discriminant validity) of the DCDDaily, children were assessed with the DCDDaily and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 Test, and their parents filled in the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 Checklist and Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire.

Results:

459 children were assessed (DCD group, n = 55; normative reference group, n = 404). Assessment was possible within 30 minutes and in any clinical setting. For internal consistency, Cronbach’s α = 0.83. Intraclass correlation = 0.87 for test–retest reliability and 0.89 for inter-rater reliability. Concurrent correlations with Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 Test and questionnaires were ρ = −0.494, 0.239, and −0.284, p < 0.001. Discriminant validity measures showed significantly worse performance in the DCD group than in the control group (mean (SD) score 33 (5.6) versus 26 (4.3), p < 0.001). The area under curve characteristic = 0.872, sensitivity and specificity were 80%.

Conclusions:

The DCDDaily is a valid and reliable instrument for clinical assessment of capacity in ADL, that is feasible for use in clinical practice.
Contextualizing the “Behavior Gap”
Authors: Voight Adam M. , Geller Joanna D. , Nation Maury
Published: April 2013

Encouraging student prosocial behavior (PSB) is a challenge for urban middle schools. The issue of student behavior is a racialized one, as Black students generally evince more negative behavioral outcomes than their White peers. This racial “behavior gap” may be conditional on the school environment. This study examines how one element of the school environment—racial composition—affects PSB, drawing on a sample that includes approximately 2,000 Black students and 1,400 White students in 11 urban middle schools in the Southeastern United States. Results of multilevel regression models show that the effect of racial composition on PSB is different for students of different races. As the proportion of Black students in a grade cohort increases, the gap in PSB between Black and White students shrinks and becomes insignificant. The closing of the gap is driven mostly by the declining PSB of White students, while Black students’ PSB stays constant. Implications for school practice are discussed.
Extent Matters
Authors: Ševčíková Anna , Šerek Jan , Macháčková Hana , Šmahel David
Published: April 2013

Adolescents use media that exposes them to sexual material. This study focused on adolescents in the Czech Republic, a country with relatively high rates of exposure to sexual material (ESM). A sample of adolescents aged 11 to 15 years ( N = 495) taken from the project EU Kids Online II was examined for predictors of the following: frequency of ESM, place of ESM, and, for online ESM, the types of sites. The only predictors of sporadic ESM were age and excessive Internet use, while age, gender, sensation seeking, and excessive Internet use were predictors of frequent ESM. Age and excessive Internet use were predictors only of ESM online, while age, gender, emotional problems, sensation seeking, and excessive Internet use were predictors of ESM in online and offline environments. High ESM is linked to adolescent vulnerability and also to adolescent psychosexual development. The implications of these findings are discussed in this article.
MRI: How to perform a pediatric scan
Authors: Olsen Øystein E
Published: April 2013

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is rich in diagnostic information but requires optimization for use in children. The main problems are motion artifacts and poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). SNR is proportional to voxel volume, which must therefore not be too small, however, usually needs to be reduced compared to adult imaging to account for the finer anatomy of the child. The use of multi-channel coils with element sizes appropriate for the anatomy of interest ensures optimal baseline SNR. Longer acquisition time increases SNR (with a square-root factor), but the flip-side is that this allows more motion artifacts. Attention to patient preparation and to techniques for motion artifact reduction is therefore crucial, and the most important principles are discussed. Low SNR may in part be compensated by optimizing the image contrast by weighting (tissue and lesions T1 and T2 may differ from adults) and by using contrast agents. It is also powerful to combine different image contrasts during postprocessing. The basic principles are discussed, followed by an example scan protocol.
Intra- and inter-observer repeatability of radiographic measurements for previously slipped capital femoral epiphysis at skeletal maturity
Authors: Lehmann Trude G , Vetti Nils , Laborie Lene B , Engesæter Ingvild Ø , Engesæter Lars B , Rosendahl Karen
Published: April 2013

Background

Recent studies suggest that even a mild slip of the femoral capital epiphysis may lead to later degenerative changes when undiagnosed. However, little is written on the accuracy of radiographic measurements used to diagnose a slip at skeletal maturity.

Purpose

To assess the accuracy of radiographic measurements commonly used for assessment of previously slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) at skeletal maturity.

Material and Methods

All children born at our hospital during 1989 ( n = 4006) were invited to participate in a follow-up hip trial at age 18–19 years. Erect pelvic anteroposterior and supine frog leg radiographs were obtained in a standardized fashion. For the purpose of this study, we selected a subset of 100 radiographs. To balance the data-set, we added another 28 radiographs from skeletal mature patients diagnosed and operated for a SCFE. Two observers independently measured Southwick's head-shaft angle, Murray's tilt-index, and the femoral head-neck angle. Intra- and inter-observer variation was assessed using the mean difference, with its 95% limits of agreement.

Results

A high percentage of the images (40%), particularly for the measurement of the Southwick's head-shaft angle, were judged immeasurable by at least one observer. Mean head-shaft angle was 11.0° (SD = 17.0), head-neck angle was 8.0° (SD = 12.0), and Murray's tilt-index was 1.18 (SD = 0.4). For head-shaft angle, the mean difference between measurements (Observer 2) was 0.8° (SD = 2.7°, 95% limits of agreement –4.5° to 6.1°), while the corresponding figure for the Murray's tilt-index was 0.02 (SD = 0.08, 95% limits of agreement –0.18 to 0.14), and for the head-neck angle 0.9° (SD = 4.0, 95% limits of agreement of –6.9° to 8.7°). Slightly higher variance was seen for Observer 1 and between the two observers.

Conclusion

Common radiographic measurements for the assessment of a previously slipped capital femoral epiphysis are relatively inaccurate in skeletal mature adolescents, in particular between observers (inter-observer), but also for the same observer (intra-observer). Our results underscore the importance of thorough standardization for both image and measurement technique when used in a clinical setting.
Incidence of delayed and missed diagnoses in whole-body multidetector CT in patients with multiple injuries after trauma
Authors: Geyer Lucas L , Körner Markus , Linsenmaier Ulrich , Huber-Wagner Stefan , Kanz Karl-Georg , Reiser Maximilian F , Wirth Stefan
Published: April 2013

Background

Whole-body CT (WBCT) is the imaging modality of choice during the initial diagnostic work-up of multiple injured patients in order to identify serious injuries and initiate adequate treatment immediately. However, delayed diagnosed or even missed injuries have been reported frequently ranging from 1.3% to 47%.

Purpose

To highlight commonly missed lesions in WBCT of patients with multiple injuries.

Material and Methods

A total of 375 patients (age 42.8 ± 17.9 years, ISS 26.6 ± 17.0) with a WBCT (head to symphysis) were included. The final CT report was compared with clinical and operation reports. Discrepant findings were recorded and grouped as relevant and non-relevant to further treatment. In both groups, an experienced trauma radiologist read the CT images retrospectively, whether these lesions were missed or truly not detectable.

Results

In 336 patients (89.6%), all injuries in the regions examined were diagnosed correctly in the final reports of the initial CT. Forty-eight patients (12.8%) had injuries in regions of the body that were not included in the CT. Fourteen patients (3.7%) had injuries that did not require further treatment. Twenty-five patients (6.7%) had injuries that required further treatment. With secondary interpretation, 85.4% of all missed lesions could be diagnosed in retrospect from the primary CT data-set. Small pancreatic and bowel contusions were identified as truly non-detectable.

Conclusion

In multiple traumas, only a few missed injuries in initial WBCT reading are clinically relevant. However, as the vast majority of these injuries are detectable, the radiologist has to be alert for commonly missed findings to avoid a delayed diagnosis.
Trends in pediatric cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ntsinjana Hopewell N , Tann Oliver , Taylor Andrew M
Published: April 2013

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has significantly evolved over the last decade, becoming an integral part of the contemporary assessment of both congenital and acquired pediatric heart disease. Recent trends show that there is a growing interest in clinical applications and research in this field. An attempt to discuss the evolving technologies, techniques, and applications of CMR in pediatrics is not complete without understanding the current strengths of the modality. CMR complements readily available echocardiography, in many cases information from CMR can remove the need for invasive angiographic catheterization, and in other cases can be used to augment cardiac catheterisation.
Bronchiectasis in active tuberculosis
Authors: Ko Jeong Min , Kim Ki Jun , Park Seog Hee , Park Hyun Jin
Published: April 2013

Background

Bronchiectasis in tuberculosis (TB) is usually considered chronic traction bronchiectasis associated with healed scars. However, bronchiectasis can occasionally be seen in active TB.

Purpose

To evaluate prevalence, appearance, and changes of bronchiectasis associated with active TB on computed tomography (CT).

Material and Methods

A total of 391 patients with active TB who had undergone CT scans at the time of diagnosis were included in the study. Active TB was diagnosed when the sputum or the sample obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage tested positive using an acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear test, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, or an AFB culture. The CT scans were reviewed focusing on bronchiectasis within consolidations or nodules. Cases with bronchiectasis beyond the consolidation or nodules were excluded from the study to exclude pre-existing traction bronchiectasis. The prevalence and appearance (cylindrical, varicose, cystic, and presence of focal erosion) of bronchiectasis and its time-dependent changes were analyzed. In addition, the presence of the feeding bronchus sign was checked. Here, the feeding bronchus sign was defined as a CT finding where the cavity communicates with the dilated airway.

Results

In 100 (25%) of the 391 patients, bronchiectasis was present within consolidations or nodules on CT. The shape of the bronchiectasis was cylindrical in all patients and focal erosions were revealed in 75 patients (75%). Nine patients had both cylindrical and varicose forms of the bronchiectasis. The feeding bronchus sign was observed in 42 patients (42%). Follow-up CT was performed on 19 of 100 patients. The bronchiectasis had progressed in 11 patients (58%), improved in four patients (21%), remained unchanged in one patient (5%), and could not be determined in the remaining three patients (16%). In nine patients, CT images prior to diagnosis were available, and in all these cases, bronchiectasis was newly developed.

Conclusion

Bronchiectasis can be seen within active inflammation in one-fourth of active TB on CT. In association with active inflammation, bronchiectasis is mostly cylindrical with focal erosions, occasionally accompanied by the feeding bronchus sign.
Acute cholecystitis: quantitative and qualitative evaluation with 64-section helical CT
Authors: Soyer Philippe , Hoeffel Christine , Dohan Anthony , Gayat Etienne , Eveno Clarisse , Malgras Brice , Pautrat Karine , Boudiaf Mourad
Published: April 2013

Background

Because of an expanded role for CT in the evaluation of patients with acute abdominal pain, it is not rare that acute cholecystitis is depicted by CT. However, the sensitivity and the specificity of a given CT variable for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis is not known.

Purpose

To quantitatively and qualitatively analyze acute cholecystitis at 64-section helical CT with submilimeter and isotropic voxels using a retrospective case-control study.

Material and Methods

The 64-section helical CT examinations obtained with submilimeter and isotropic voxels in 40 patients with acute cholecystitis (25 men; mean age, 62.2years) were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed and compared to those of 40 control subjects matched for age and gender. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the most discriminating cut-off values for quantitative variables. Comparisons of qualitative variables were made using univariate analysis.

Results

Pericholecystic fat stranding, mural stratification, pericholecystic hypervascularity, spontaneous hyperattenuation of gallbladder wall, short (≥32-mm) and long (≥74-mm) gallbladder axis enlargement, and gallbladder wall thickening (≥3.6-mm) were the most discriminating and independent variables for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis ( P < 0.0001). Using cut-off values found at ROC curve analysis, gallbladder wall thickening, and short and long gallbladder axis enlargement were the most sensitive findings (sensitivity = 92.5%; 95%CI: 79.6%–98.4%) for the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.

Conclusion

Acute cholecystitis is associated with myriad suggestive findings on 64-section helical CT. It can be anticipated that familiarity with these findings would result in more confident diagnosis of acute cholecystitis at 64-section helical CT.
Treatment of postoperative main portal vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis with balloon angioplasty and/or stent placement
Authors: Cao Guangshao , Ko Gi-Young , Sung Kyu-Bo , Yoon Hyun-Ki , Gwon Dong Il , Kim Jin-Hyoung
Published: April 2013

Background

Thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy have been used to treat postoperative main portal vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis.

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of balloon angioplasty and/or stent placement without thrombolysis or thrombectomy for treating such thromboses.

Material and Methods

Fourteen patients with postoperative main portal vein or superior mesenteric vein thrombosis underwent percutaneous transhepatic balloon angioplasty and/or stent placement without thrombolysis or thrombectomy. The rates of technical and clinical success, major complications, and recurrence were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

Initial technical success was achieved in 13 of the 14 patients (93%). After the procedures, these 13 patients showed brisk portal inflow, without a significant amount of residual thrombus in the stented lumen or embolism. One patient was considered to be a technical failure despite showing a brisk portal inflow because 50% stenosis and partial residual thrombus remained in the stented lumen. Initial clinical success was achieved in 13 patients. One patient with technical success died of acute respiratory distress syndrome 8 days after the procedure, whereas one patient with technical failure achieved clinical success. One patient experienced acute rethrombosis 8 days after the procedure. During the median follow-up period of 16.3 months, rethrombosis occurred in six patients (43%), including one patient with acute rethrombosis.

Conclusion

Balloon angioplasty and/or stent placement without thrombolysis or thrombectomy may be a safe and effective treatment modality for postoperative main portal vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis.
Pediatric computed tomography imaging guideline
Authors: Young Carolyn , Owens Catherine M
Published: April 2013

The use of computed tomography (CT) in pediatric diagnostic imaging is demanding generally, but when coupled with an awareness to limit the radiation dose associated with this imaging modality, the procedure becomes challenging. Although new techniques have been developed in line with the introduction of faster multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanners to aid radiation reduction, it still remains the responsibility of the clinical practitioner to ensure each examination request is justified and the scanning protocol and parameters selected are optimized to the individual patient's requirement. It is the purpose of this article to outline the basic principle of CT radiation dose optimization based on modification of scanning parameters and application of different imaging techniques.
Value of true whole-body FDG-PET/CT scanning protocol in oncology: optimization of its use based on primary diagnosis
Authors: Sebro Ronnie , Mari-Aparici Carina , Hernandez-Pampaloni Miguel
Published: April 2013

Background

No standardized field of view (FOV) currently exists for whole-body (WB) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Limited WB PET/CT FOV can exclude portions of the head, upper, and lower extremities, because there is little perceived clinical benefit to be gained from imaging these areas.

Purpose

To determine how often utilizing WB PET/CT changes the clinical stage and management compared to each of the limited WB FOVs used for PET/CT.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively identified 556 oncologic patients (804 PET/CT studies) who underwent staging or restaging PET/CT between November 2010 and November 2011. Abnormal hypermetabolic areas that were suspicious for malignancy in areas that are outside of some of the limited fields of view including in the brain, scalp, and calvarium (above the orbital ridge), in the proximal upper extremity (distal to the humeral neck), distal upper extremity (beyond the elbow), proximal lower extremity (distal to the lesser trochanter), and distal lower extremity (beyond the knees) were recorded.

Results

A total of 8.5% (47/556) of patients had abnormal findings outside the most limited FOV (skull base to upper thighs) used in PET/CT. More patients had abnormal hypermetabolic lesions in the lower extremity (5.9%) than in the upper extremity (2.3%). Similarly, more patients had abnormal lesions in the proximal (6.5%) compared to the distal (1.4%) upper and lower extremities. The stage was only changed in one patient (0.2%), however new lesions noted in the brain changed management in six patients (1.1%). Melanoma, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, sarcomas and stage IV lung, breast, prostate, bladder, testicular, and renal cancer were more likely to have findings outside the most limited FOV (skull base to upper thighs).

Conclusion

WB FOV detects additional sites of disease compared to the limited WB FOV, and although these lesions rarely change stage, some of these lesions may change clinical management.
Accuracy of four-dimensional phase-contrast velocity mapping for blood flow visualizations: a phantom study
Authors: Nilsson Anders , Markenroth Bloch Karin , Töger Johannes , Heiberg Einar , Ståhlberg Freddy
Published: April 2013

Background

Time-resolved three-dimensional, three-directional phase-contrast magnetic resonance velocity mapping (4D PC-MRI) is a powerful technique to depict dynamic blood flow patterns in the human body. However, the impact of phase background effects on flow visualizations has not been thoroughly studied previously, and it has not yet been experimentally demonstrated to what degree phase offsets affect flow visualizations and create errors such as inaccurate particle traces.

Purpose

To quantify background phase offsets and their subsequent impact on particle trace visualizations in a 4D PC-MRI sequence. Additionally, we sought to investigate to what degree visualization errors are reduced by background phase correction.

Material and Methods

A rotating phantom with a known velocity field was used to quantify background phase of 4D PC-MRI sequences accelerated with SENSE as well as different k-t BLAST speed-up factors. The deviation in end positions between particle traces in the measured velocity fields were compared before and after the application of two different phase correction methods.

Results

Phantom measurements revealed background velocity offsets up to 7 cm/s (7% of velocity encoding sensitivity) in the central slice, increasing with distance from the center. Background offsets remained constant with increasing k-t BLAST speed-up factors. End deviations of up to 5.3 mm (1.8 voxels) in the direction perpendicular to the rotating disc were found between particle traces and the seeding plane of the traces. Phase correction by subtraction of the data from the stationary phantom reduced the average deviation by up to 56%, while correcting the data-set with a first-order polynomial fit to stationary regions decreased average deviation up to 78%.

Conclusion

Pathline visualizations can be significantly affected by background phase errors, highlighting the importance of dedicated and robust phase correction methods. Our results show that pathline deviation can be substantial if adequate phase background errors are not minimized.
Volumetric evaluation of dual-energy perfusion CT by the presence of intrapulmonary clots using a 64-slice dual-source CT
Authors: Okada Munemasa , Nakashima Yoshiteru , Kunihiro Yoshie , Nakao Sei , Morikage Noriyasu , Sano Yuichi , Suga Kazuyoshi , Matsunaga Naofumi
Published: April 2013

Background

Dual-energy perfusion CT (DEpCT) directly represents the iodine distribution in lung parenchyma and low perfusion areas caused by intrapulmonary clots (IPCs) are visualized as low attenuation areas.

Purpose

To evaluate if volumetric evaluation of DEpCT can be used as a predictor of right heart strain by the presence of IPCs.

Material and Methods

One hundred and ninety-six patients suspected of having acute pulmonary embolism (PE) underwent DEpCT using a 64-slice dual-source CT. DEpCT images were three-dimensionally reconstructed with four threshold ranges: 1–120 HU (V120), 1–15 HU (V15), 1–10 HU (V10), and 1–5 HU (V5). Each relative ratio per V120 was expressed as the %V15, %V10, and %V5. Volumetric data-sets were compared with D-dimer, pulmonary arterial (PA) pressure, right ventricular (RV) diameter, RV/left ventricular (RV/LV) diameter ratio, PA diameter, and PA/aorta (PA/Ao) diameter ratio. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were examined for their relationship to the presence of IPCs. This study was approved by the local ethics committee.

Results

PA pressure and D-dimer were significantly higher in the patients who had IPCs. In the patients with IPCs, V15, V10, V5, %V15, %V10, and %V5 were also significantly higher than those without IPC ( P ≤ 0.001). %V5 had a better correlation with D-dimer (r = 0.30, P < 0.001) and RV/LV diameter ratio (r = 0.27, P < 0.001), and showed a higher AUC (0.73) than the other CT measurements.

Conclusion

The volumetric evaluation by DEpCT had a correlation with D-dimer and RV/LV diameter ratio, and the relative ratio of volumetric CT measurements with a lower attenuation threshold might be recommended for the analysis of acute PE.
Sclerosing cholangitis with autoimmune pancreatitis versus primary sclerosing cholangitis: comparison on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, MR cholangiography, CT, and MRI
Authors: Kim Jin Hee , Byun Jae Ho , Kim So Yeon , Lee Seung Soo , Kim Hyoung Jung , Kim Myung-Hwan , Lee Moon-Gyu
Published: April 2013

Background

It is essential to differentiate sclerosing cholangitis with autoimmune pancreatitis (SC-AIP) from primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) as the treatment and prognosis of the two diseases are totally different.

Purpose

To compare image findings of SC-AIP and PSC on endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Material and Methods

Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed ERC, MRC, CT, and MRI in 28 SC-AIP and 23 PSC patients in consensus. Factors evaluated included the length, location, and multiplicity of bile duct stricture, the presence of characteristic cholangiographic features of PSC on ERC and MRC, and the presence, location, thickness, and pattern of bile duct wall thickening on CT and MRI.

Results

On ERC, focal stricture, multifocal and intrahepatic bile duct stricture, and beaded, pruned-tree, and diverticulum-like appearance were more frequent in PSC than in SC-AIP patients ( P ≤ 0.006). On MRC, multifocal and intrahepatic bile duct stricture and pruned-tree appearance were more frequent in PSC than in SC-AIP patients ( P ≤ 0.044). On CT and MRI, the bile duct wall was thicker (5.1 mm vs. 3.1 mm; P = 0.033 and 4.3 mm vs. 3.0 mm; P = 0.01, respectively) in SC-AIP than in PSC patients. PSC was more frequently associated with intrahepatic bile duct wall thickening on both CT (93% vs. 50%; P = 0.024) and MRI (100% vs. 50%; P = 0.023) than SC-AIP.

Conclusion

The combination of ERC or MRC with cross-sectional images, including CT and MRI, may be helpful in differentiating between SC-AIP and PSC.
Digital tomosynthesis of the thorax: the influence of respiratory motion artifacts on lung nodule detection
Authors: Kim Sung Mok , Chung Myung Jin , Lee Kyung Soo , Kang Hee , Song In-Young , Lee Eun Joo , Hwang Hye Sun
Published: April 2013

Background

Digital tomosynthesis considerably reduces problems created by overlapping anatomy compared with chest X-ray (CXR). However, digital tomosynthesis requires a longer scan time compared with CXR, and thus may be vulnerable to motion artifacts.

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic performance of digital tomosynthesis in subjects with and without respiratory motion artifacts.

Material and Methods

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study, and the requirement for written informed consent was waived. A total of 46 subjects with imaging containing respiratory motion artifacts were enrolled in this study, 18 of whom were positive and 28 of whom were negative for lung nodules on computed tomography (CT). The control group was comprised of 92 age-matched subjects with imaging devoid of motion artifacts. Of these, 36 were positive and 56 were negative for lung nodules on subsequent CT scan. The size criteria of nodules were 4–10 mm. Three chest radiologists independently evaluated the radiographs and digital tomosynthesis images for the presence of pulmonary nodules. Multireader multicase receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyses was used for statistical comparisons.

Results

Within the control group, the areas under curve (AUC) for observer performances in detecting lung nodules on digital tomosynthesis was higher than that on CXR ( P = 0.017). Within the study group, there were no significant differences in AUCs for observer performances ( P = 0.576).

Conclusion

When no motion artifacts are present, the detection performance of nodules (4–10 mm) on digital tomosynthesis is significantly better than that on CXR, whereas there is not a significant difference in cases with motion artifacts.
Right bronchopleural fistula treated with a novel, Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, metallic airway stent
Authors: Wu Gang , Li Zong-Ming , Han Xin-Wei , Wang Zhong-Gao , Lu Hui-Bin , Zhu Ming , Ren Ke-Wei
Published: April 2013

Background

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is an infrequent but life-threatening complication after pneumonectomy. The incidence of BPF reported in the literature varies from 0.3% to 20%.

Purpose

To determine the feasibility and efficacy of using Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, metallic stents to treat right bronchopleural fistulas.

Material and Methods

We have designed a Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, self-expandable, metallic airway stent to fit the specific anatomy of the right main bronchus. The stent has a main tube and two branches, resembling an inverted “Y”. One of the branches is closed (plugged) and bullet-shaped; the other one tubular and open. The entire stent is encased in a nitinol wire mesh. Stent size can be individualized using multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) measurements of the airways. Under fluoroscopic guidance, we have implanted 15 Y-shaped stents in 15 patients with right bronchopleural fistulas.

Results

Stent insertion was successful in all patients. All fistulas were successfully closed immediately after stent placement. Follow-up was performed for 1–34 months. Positive clinical outcomes were seen in 13 of 15 patients. Two patients died of intractable pulmonary infection and multiorgan failure. The fistula completely healed and the stent could be removed in five patients; however, two of them were left with a small, aseptic, residual right lung cavity. The remaining eight patients are still alive with the stent in situ.

Conclusion

The placement of Y-shaped, single-plugged, covered, self-expandable metallic airway stents seems to be a feasible and safe method for the treatment of bronchopleural fistulas involving the right main bronchus. This stent is a promising therapeutic alternative for bronchopleural fistulas involving the right main bronchus.
MRI white matter lesions in pediatric migraine
Authors: Eidlitz-Markus Tal , Zeharia Avraham , Haimi-Cohen Yishay , Konen Osnat
Published: April 2013

Objectives:

Studies have reported an association between migraine and white matter hyperintensities on T2-weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adults. The aim of the present study was to evaluate white matter MRI brain findings in pediatric patients with migraine.

Methods:

The medical files and imaging scans of all 194 patients who underwent brain MRI at the headache clinic of a tertiary medical center in 2008–2011 were reviewed.

Results:

Mean age was 10.9 ± 3.5 years. Migraine was diagnosed in 131 patients and other disorders in 63. In the migraine group, findings on physical and laboratory examinations were within normal range. White matter lesions were identified on MRI scan in 14 children with migraine (10.6%) and none of the children with other disorders ( p = 0.006). In 13/14 patients, the lesions were focal with a variable distribution; in the remaining patient, confluent periventricular hyperintensities were documented.

Conclusions:

In a headache clinic of a tertiary pediatric medical center, white matter lesions are found in about 10% of pediatric patients with migraine.
Unilateral nasal pain with migraine features
Authors: Álvarez Mónica , Montojo Teresa , de la Casa Beatriz , Vela Lydia , Pareja Juan A
Published: April 2013

Background:

Migraine attacks exclusively felt in the face are very rare, the pain involving the territories supplied by the second and third branches of the trigeminal nerve.

Cases:

Two patients suffering from heminasal pain attacks accompanied with typical migrainous features and responsive to oral or intranasal triptans – but not to intranasal lidocaine or oxymetazoline. In one patient, the attacks could be precipitated upon slight touching on the tip of the nose, in the other attacks were preceded by the nasal sensation typically heralding sneezing.

Discussion:

Migraine pain mostly develops within the innervation territory of the first branch of the trigeminal nerve, which includes the nose. Therefore, episodes of unilateral nasal pain with migrainous features could be considered a migraine with unusual topography (nasal migraine). Painful nasal attacks occasionally preceded by stimulation of trigeminal afferents in the nose, could be conceived of as migraine-tic syndrome.
Operative Management of Partial-Thickness Tears of the Proximal Hamstring Muscles in Athletes
Authors: Bowman Karl F. , Cohen Steven B. , Bradley James P.
Published: April 2013

Background:

Partial tears of the hamstring muscle origin represent a challenging clinical problem to the patient and orthopaedic surgeon. Although nonoperative treatment is frequently met with limited success, there is a paucity of data on the efficacy of surgical management for partial proximal hamstring tears in the active and athletic population.

Purpose:

To evaluate the results of an anatomic repair for partial tears of the hamstring muscle origin in athletes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The records of 17 patients with partial tears of the proximal hamstring origin were reviewed after institutional review board approval was obtained. All patients were treated with open debridement and primary tendon repair after failure of at least 6 months of nonoperative therapy. Clinical and operative records, radiographs, and magnetic resonance images were reviewed for all patients. A patient-reported outcomes survey was completed by 14 patients that included the Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), Marx activity rating scale, custom LEFS and Marx scales, and subjective patient satisfaction scores. Early and late postoperative complications were recorded.

Results:

There were 3 male and 14 female patients; their average age was 43 years (range, 19-64 years) and average follow-up was 32 months (range, 12-51 months). There were 2 collegiate athletes (field hockey, track), 14 amateur athletes (distance running, waterskiing, tennis), and a professional bodybuilder. Postoperative LEFS was 73.3 ± 9.9 (range, 50-80) and custom LEFS was 66.7 ± 17.0 (range, 37-80) of a maximum 80 points. The most commonly reported difficulty was with prolonged sitting and explosive direction change while running. The average Marx score was 6.5 ± 5.3 (range, 0-16) of a maximum 16, correlating with a greater return to recreational running activities in this patient cohort than regular participation in pivoting or cutting sports. Marx custom scores were 20 of a maximum 20 in all patients, demonstrating no disability in the operative extremity with activities of daily living. No patient underwent a subsequent surgery. One patient was not satisfied with the result and reported persistent symptoms during competitive distance running. All patients were able to return to their preoperative level of activity after surgery.

Conclusion:

Anatomic surgical treatment of partial proximal hamstring avulsions can lead to satisfactory functional outcomes, a high rate of return to athletic activity, and low complication rate. This procedure should be reserved for patients who have failed an extended course of nonoperative treatment, and the proximity of the sciatic nerve mandates a careful assessment of the risk-benefit ratio before surgery is undertaken.
Le lien entre le consommateur et ses actes
Authors: Julienne Eric
Published: April 2013

Résumé

Alors que la littérature marketing explique habituellement l’engagement par des construits attitudinaux tels que la confiance et l’attachement, nous développons une approche comportementale alternative selon laquelle l’engagement résulte de l’accumulation d’actes d’achat et de consommation (Kiesler, 1971). Nous montrons que (1) le pouvoir prédictif d’un modèle comportemental, testé sur un échantillon de 432 lecteurs de presse magazine, est équivalent à celui d’un modèle attitudinal classique (variance expliquée: 0.529 vs. 0.527), et (2) l’accumulation des actes ne renforce pas l’influence des attitudes sur l’engagement (variance expliquée du modèle intégrateur attitudes–comportements: 0.546). Ces résultats suggèrent d’utiliser préférentiellement les données comportementales pour prédire l’engagement, car elles sont plus faciles à collecter.
Les rôles des ‘co-clients’ et leurs mécanismes d’influence sur la satisfaction globale durant une expérience de service
Authors: Camelis Christèle , Dano Florence , Goudarzi Kiane , Hamon Viviane , Llosa Sylvie
Published: April 2013

Résumé

L’objectif de cet article est de montrer comment les interactions avec les clients initialement inconnus mais présents lors de l’expérience de service, que nous appelons ‘co-clients’, influencent la satisfaction immédiate du consommateur envers le service délivré. Cette recherche exploratoire s’appuie sur une étude qualitative croisant plusieurs méthodes, menée sur deux services: un voyage en train et un cours de fitness. Elle identifie six rôles joués par les co-clients sur la satisfaction et quatre mécanismes d’influence sous-jacents. Les autres clients informent sur le service à venir, posent les règles sociales, sont un standard de comparaison, distraient, perturbent et aident à participer. L’influence de ces rôles sur la satisfaction se manifeste par la modification des attentes et de la performance perçue, directement ou via la participation, et à travers le sentiment d’équité. Elle est par ailleurs modérée par des variables situationnelles.
L’avatar en marketing: synthèse, cadre intégrateur et perspectives
Authors: Garnier Marion , Poncin Ingrid
Published: April 2013

Résumé

Face à une littérature marketing encore récente sur le sujet de la représentation graphique du consommateur en ligne et ses effets sur la consommation et les échanges, cet article réalise une synthèse multidisciplinaire sur ce thème. Un modèle intégrateur focalisé sur le processus d’identification à l’avatar, ses antécédents et ses conséquences dans un contexte commercial est proposé. Enfin, des propositions de recherche concrètes sont formulées.
Aiming at Neuroblastoma and Hitting Other Worthy Targets
Authors: Schor Nina F.
Published: April 2013

Neuroblastoma is, at once, the most common and deadly extracranial solid tumor of childhood. Efforts aimed at targeting the neural characteristics of these tumors have taught us much about neural crest cell biology, apoptosis induction in the nervous system, and neurotrophin receptor signaling and intracellular processing. But neuroblastoma remains a formidable enemy to the oncologist and an enigmatic target to the neuroscientist.
Eigendesign in brake carriers
Authors: Aguirrebeitia Josu , Albizuri Joseba , Martín Begoña , Pol Ander
Published: April 2013

This work presents the application of a first-order perturbation method to evaluate the eigensensitivity of brake carriers when local geometric alterations arise. This method can be applied both to establish dynamic acceptance conditions of manufacturing-related errors (concept of ‘eigenacceptance’) and to assess the variation of eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes when design variations are done (concept of ‘eigendesign’). As an application of the first concept, the adequacy of the proposed method has been tested in the eigensensitivity of the rest of ingate caused by the manufacturing process; and with regard to the eigendesign concept, an easy-to-use methodology for the redesign of brake carriers has been developed and correlated.
Systemic lupus erythematosus associated with moyamoya syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang R , Xu Y , Lv R , Chen J
Published: April 2013

Moyamoya syndrome (MMS) is a rare, chronic progressive cerebrovascular occlusive disease that is characterized by a stenosis or occlusion of the bilateral internal carotid arteries and the circle of Willis arteries leading to the development of collateral vessels as visualized by cerebral angiography. We report a case of a 24-year-old woman with nephrotic syndrome whose biopsy showed membranous nephropathy. Ten months after the diagnosis she suffered sudden right hemiplegia and seizure. She was diagnosed with MMS by angiogram seven months ago and received decompressive craniotomy. The patient was admitted to our hospital and a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was made. Glucocorticoids and tacrolimus were used to control the symptoms of SLE. Following one month of immunosuppressant treatment, the patient died of brain hemorrhage. This case alongside another six reviewed cases shows that an underlying cerebrovascular lesion of moyamoya in the vessels of patients with SLE is susceptible to cerebrovascular accidents.