bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antigen presentation in the peripheral nervous system: Schwann cells present endogenous myelin autoantigens to lymphocytes
Authors: Wekerle Hartmut , Schwab Martin , Linington Christopher , Meyermann Richard
Published: February 2007

Schwann cells (SC) isolated from neonatal rat sciatic nerves are shown to immunogenically present foreign and exogenous autoantigen to antigen‐specific syngeneic T line cells in vitro. The antigen‐presenting SC express Ia antigens on their membranes upon treatment with interferon gamma and contact with syngeneic T line cells. Monoclonal antibodies against Ia block specific antigen presentation, but not polyclonal mitogenic T cell activation. The antigen‐presenting SC bind antibodies specific for astrocytic glial fibrillary acidic protein and may thus be related to the nonmyelinating glia cells of the peripheral nerve.

Furthermore, SC isolated from 6‐day‐old rats activate rat myelin basic protein (MBP)‐specific syngeneic T line cells in the absence of exogenous MBP. In contrast, they activate purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD)‐specific T cells only in the presence of PPD. Since the MBP‐specific T line cells are not activated by syngeneic professional antigen‐presenting cells in the absence of MBP, endogenous MBP produced in the 6‐day‐old sciatic nerves appears to be presented by autochthonous SC to the autoreactive T cells.

The Clinical Research Unit for MS is supported by funds of the Hermann‐and‐Lilly‐Schilling Foundation.
Early events in human B cell activation: metabolic pathways vary according to the first signal used
Authors: Dugas Bernard , Vazquez Aimé , Klein Bernard , Delfraissy Jean‐Francois , Rammou Marietherese , Gerard Jean‐Philippe , Galanaud Pierre
Published: February 2007

The effects of the calcium channel blocking drug Verapamil and of palmitoyl‐carnitin (PTC), an inhibitor of protein‐kinase C activity, on human B cell activation were measured. Both Verapamil and PTC inhibited the B cell proliferation induced by costimulation with anti‐μ antibody and with 3 different growth factors: interleukin 2, 20‐kDa B cell growth factor and 50‐kDa B cell growth factor. Both uridine and thymidine incorporation induced by costimulation with ionomycin and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) were inhibited by Verapamil and PTC. In contrast, B cell proliferation was resistant to Verapamil (while being still inhibited by PTC) in two situations: (a) when B cells were costimulated with PMA and growth factors and (b) when B cells previously activated in vitro (by anti‐μ antibody or PMA) were stimulated with growth factors. These results confirm that the late stage (Gl → S transition) of B cell activation is independent of Ca2+ entry. More importantly, they show that the initial events induced by anti‐μ antibody and by PMA are based on different biochemical pathways: PMA would act on a subpopulation of B cells which has already received an early signal of activation in vivo. This emphasizes the functional and biochemical heterogeneity of the G0 stage among circulating B cells.
Interleukin 1 and poly(rI) · poly(rC) induce production of a hybridoma growth factor by human fibroblasts
Authors: Van Damme Jo , Cayphas Sylvie , Opdenakker Ghislain , Billiau Alfons , Van Snick Jacques
Published: February 2007

Cultures of normal diploid fibroblasts and of a human osteosarcoma cell line (MG‐63) are shown to be able to produce a factor which promotes the growth of B cell hybridomas (hybridoma growth factor, HGF). The induction is stimulated by treatment of the cells with interleukin 1 (IL 1) (α or β) or polyriboinosinic‐polyribocytidylic acid [poly(rI) · poly(rC)]. Combined treatment with cycloheximide and actinomycin D also stimulates production and enhances production induced by IL 1 or poly(rI) · poly(rC). Extremely small doses of IL 1 (0.1 units/ml) are active as inducer of HGF. Also, under optimal conditions the yield of HGF can attain as much as 104 units/ml. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), which otherwise shares various properties with IL 1, is a weak inducer of HGF.

Although there is a superficial resemblance between induction of HGF and that of interferon‐β, the two activities are serologically distinct and conditions for their induction are quite different. In fact, conditions for induction of HGF are indistinguishable from those described for the induction of the mRNA of the so‐called 26‐kDa protein (also known as interferon‐β2). Finally, the HGF derived from IL 1‐ or poly(rI) ‐ poly(rC)‐treated fibroblasts is serologically not distinguishable from that produced by mitogen‐stimulated peripheral blood leukocytes.
Glycoprotein profiles of macrophages at different stages of activation as revealed by lectin binding after electrophoretic separation
Authors: Irimura Tatsuro , North Susan M. , Nicolson Garth L.
Published: February 2007

Glycoprotein profiles of rat macrophages (MΦ) at different stages of activation were studied by examining the reactivity of varous lectins to the glycoproteins separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Ricinus communis agglutinin 1 (RCA1) revealed several components including glycoproteins of Mr 160 kDa and 65 kDa prominent in resident MΦ. A pokeweed mitogen (PWM) isolectin, Pa‐4, recognizes branched poly(N‐acetyllactosamine)‐type carbohydrate chains, and revealed a significant increase in glycoproteins of Mr ranging from 70 kDa to 150 kDa on thioglycolateelicited MΦ. Increased reactivity of PWM tothioglycolate‐elicited MΦ was observed by direct binding of 125I‐labeled Pa‐4 to intact or glutaraldehyde‐fixed MΦ. Histochemical staining of formaldehyde‐fixed MΦ in vitro with biotinylated Pa‐4 wasa consistent with the gel analysis, that is, resident MΦ had no reactivity while thioglycolate‐elicited MΦ showed slight reactivity. Alveolar and intratumoral MΦ bound more Pa‐4 than resident or thioglycolate‐elicited MΦ. The PWM isolectin may therefore serve as a marker for an early stage of MΦ activation.
Computations of flow over a flexible plate using the hybrid Cartesian/immersed boundary method
Authors: Shin Sangmook , Bae Sung Yong , Kim In Chul , Kim Yong Jig , Goo Ja Sam
Published: February 2007

A hybrid Cartesian/immersed boundary code is developed and applied to interactions between a flexible plate and a surrounding fluid. The velocities at the immersed boundary (IB) nodes are reconstructed by interpolations along local normal lines to an interface. A new criterion is suggested to distribute the IB nodes near an interface. The suggested criterion guarantees a closed fluid domain by a set of the IB nodes and it is applicable to a zero‐thickness body. To eliminate the pressure interpolation at the IB nodes, the hybrid staggered/non‐staggered grid method is adapted. The developed code is validated by comparisons with other experimental and computational results of flow around an in‐line oscillating cylinder. Good agreements are achieved for velocity profiles and vorticity and pressure contours. As applications to the fluid–structure interaction, oscillations of flexible plate in a resting fluid and flow over a flexible plate are simulated. The elastic deformations of the flexible plate are modelled based on the equations of motion for plates considering the fluid pressure as the external load on the plate. Two non‐dimensional parameters are identified and their effects on the damping of the plate motion are examined. Grid convergence tests are carried out for both cases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Array comparative genomic hybridization analysis of chromosomal imbalances and their target genes in gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Authors: Ässämäki Reetta , Sarlomo‐Rikala Maarit , Lopez‐Guerrero José Antonio , Lasota Jerzy , Andersson Leif C. , Llombart‐Bosch Antonio , Miettinen Markku , Knuutila Sakari
Published: February 2007

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. The tumors characteristically harbor KIT or PDGFRA mutations, and mutant tumors respond to imatinib mesylate (Glivec™). Chromosomal imbalances resulting in altered gene dosage are known to have a role in the molecular pathogenesis of these tumors, but the target genes remain to be identified. The present study aimed to identify some of these genes. In total, 35 GIST samples were screened for chromosomal imbalances by array‐based comparative genomic hybridization. A cDNA array was used to define the minimal common overlapping areas of DNA copy number change. Eight confirmative, replicate hybridizations were performed using an oligonucleotide array. The most recurrent copy number losses were localized to 14q, 22q, and 1p. Gains were less common with 8q being the most recurrent. Two recurrent deleted regions of 14q were 14q11.2 harboring the PARP2, APEX1, and NDRG2 genes and 14q32.33 harboring SIVA. Additional target candidates were NF2 at chromosome 22, CDKN2A/2B at 9p, and ENO1 at 1p for copy number losses, and MYC at 8q for copy number gains. Array CGH proved to be an effective tool for the identification of chromosome regions involved in the development and progression of GISTs. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tag SNPs chosen from HapMap perform well in several population isolates
Authors: Service Susan , Sabatti Chiara , Freimer Nelson
Published: February 2007

Population isolates may be particularly useful for association studies of complex traits. This utility, however, largely depends on the transferability of tag SNPs chosen from reference samples, such as HapMap, to samples from such populations. Factors that characterize population isolates, such as widespread genetic drift, could impede such transferability. In this report, we show that tag SNPs chosen from HapMap perform well in several population isolates; this is true even for populations that differ substantially from the HapMap sample either in levels of linkage disequilibrium or in SNP allele frequency distributions. Genet. Epidemiol. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A balanced accuracy function for epistasis modeling in imbalanced datasets using multifactor dimensionality reduction
Authors: Velez Digna R. , White Bill C. , Motsinger Alison A. , Bush William S. , Ritchie Marylyn D. , Williams Scott M. , Moore Jason H.
Published: February 2007

Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was developed as a method for detecting statistical patterns of epistasis. The overall goal of MDR is to change the representation space of the data to make interactions easier to detect. It is well known that machine learning methods may not provide robust models when the class variable (e.g. case‐control status) is imbalanced and accuracy is used as the fitness measure. This is because most methods learn patterns that are relevant for the larger of the two classes. The goal of this study was to evaluate three different strategies for improving the power of MDR to detect epistasis in imbalanced datasets. The methods evaluated were: (1) over‐sampling that resamples with replacement the smaller class until the data are balanced, (2) under‐sampling that randomly removes subjects from the larger class until the data are balanced, and (3) balanced accuracy [(sensitivity+specificity)/2] as the fitness function with and without an adjusted threshold. These three methods were compared using simulated data with two‐locus epistatic interactions of varying heritability (0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) and minor allele frequency (0.2, 0.4) that were embedded in 100 replicate datasets of varying sample sizes (400, 800, 1600). Each dataset was generated with different ratios of cases to controls (1 : 1, 1 : 2, 1 : 4). We found that the balanced accuracy function with an adjusted threshold significantly outperformed both over‐sampling and under‐sampling and fully recovered the power. These results suggest that balanced accuracy should be used instead of accuracy for the MDR analysis of epistasis in imbalanced datasets. Genet. Epidemiol.. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Weighted variance FBAT: a powerful method for including covariates in FBAT analyses
Authors: Lu Ake Tzu‐Hui , Cantor Rita M.
Published: February 2007

The family‐based association test (FBAT), an extension of transmission/disequilibrium test, capitalizes on linkage disequilibrium to assess the association of genetic markers and traits in nuclear families. It does not permit a formal inclusion of covariates, although an offset under the FBAT ‐o option allows for an overall trait‐intercept adjustment. The PBAT software provides additional features and permits the inclusion of covariates in the FBAT test statistic, but does not account for the parental genotype information when the traits are adjusted for the covariates. We propose the weighted variance FBAT (WVF) method to generate trait values adjusted for both parental genotypes and covariate values. WVF is expected to be more powerful, because the variance is minimized considering both of these factors simultaneously using a weighted Gauss‐Newton algorithm. Two simulated parent/child trio data sets, both with a covariate and the second with a gene by covariate interaction, were simulated to compare WVF power with FBAT and PBAT for a quantitative trait. WVF is most powerful when levels of significance are greater and covariates have a larger influence, indicating WVF may be especially effective when multiple comparisons are an important consideration, such as with whole genome association studies. WVF will also improve the cost of an association study when environmental covariates are considered. A SAS program (www.SAS.com) for generating WVF residuals that can be input to the current versions of the FBAT (www.biostat.harvard.edu/fbat/fbat.html) and PBAT (www.biostat.harvard.edu/clange/default.htm) software is provided. Genet. Epidemiol. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heritability estimation of sex‐specific effects on human quantitative traits
Authors: Pan Lin , Ober Carole , Abney Mark
Published: February 2007

Recent studies have suggested that sex‐specific genetic architecture could be because of the effects of autosomal genes that are differentially expressed in males and females. Yet, few studies have explored the effects of X‐linked genes on sex‐specific genetic architecture. In this study, we extended the variance component, maximum likelihood method to evaluate the relative contributions of sex‐specific effects on both autosomes and the X chromosome to estimates of heritability of 20 quantitative human phenotypes in the Hutterites. Seventeen of these traits were previously analyzed in this population under a model that did not include X chromosomal effects; three traits are analyzed for the first time (age at menarche, percent fat and fat‐free mass [FFM]). Seven traits (systolic blood pressure (SBP), adult height, fasting insulin, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], serotonin, and age at menarche) showed significant X‐linked effects; three of these (SBP, adult height, and triglycerides) showed X‐linked effects only in males. Four traits (Lp(a), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, ratio of percent predicted forced expiratory volume at 1 s/forced vital capacity, and FFM) showed significant sex‐environment interactions, and two traits (high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and FFM) showed significant sex‐specific autosomal effects. Our analyses demonstrate that sex‐specific genetic effects may not only be common in human quantitative traits, but also that the X chromosome both plays a large role in these effects and has a variable influence between the sexes. Genet. Epidemiol. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Haplotype uncertainty in association studies
Authors: Mensah F.K. , Gilthorpe M.S. , Davies C.F. , Keen L.J. , Adamson P.J. , Roman E. , Morgan G.J. , Bidwell J.L. , Law G.R.
Published: February 2007

Inferring haplotypes from genotype data is commonly undertaken in population genetic association studies. Within such studies the importance of accounting for uncertainty in the inference of haplotypes is well recognised. We investigate the effectiveness of correcting for uncertainty using simple methods based on the output provided by the PHASE haplotype inference methodology. In case‐control analyses investigating non‐Hodgkin lymphoma and haplotypes associated with immune regulation we find little effect of making adjustment for uncertainty in inferred haplotypes. Using simulation we introduce a higher degree of haplotype uncertainty than was present in our study data. The simulation represents two genetic loci, physically close on a chromosome, forming haplotypes. Considering a range of allele frequencies, degrees of linkage between the loci, and frequency of missing genotype data, we detail the characteristics of genetic regions which may be susceptible to the influence of haplotype uncertainty. Within our evaluation we find that bias is avoided by considering haplotype probabilities or using multiple imputation, provided that for each of these methods haplotypes are inferred separately for case and control populations; furthermore using multiple imputation provides the facility to incorporate haplotype uncertainty in the estimation of confidence intervals. We discuss the implications of our findings within the context of the complexity of haplotype inference for larger marker rich regions as would typically be encountered in genetic analyses. Genet. Epidemiol. 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Understanding the conceptual development phase of applied theory‐building research: A grounded approach
Authors: Storberg‐Walker Julia
Published: February 2007

This article presents a provisional grounded theory of conceptual development for applied theory‐building research. The theory described here extends the understanding of the components of conceptual development and provides generalized relations among the components. The conceptual development phase of theory‐building research has been widely debated and discussed in a variety of disciplines, most notably in sociology and management theory. The breadth and number of these contributions makes it difficult for many human resource development (HRD) theorists to select the most appropriate process or framework to follow, and guidelines or a framework are needed to further the development of HRD theory. This grounded study contributes toward that gap. The study found that a five‐component framework of conceptual development emerged from creating an HRD theory on human capital transformation.
Diversity training: Analysis of the impact of self‐efficacy
Authors: Combs Gwendolyn M. , Luthans Fred
Published: February 2007

Although the importance of diversity in organizations is widely recognized, diversity training is under attack. Drawing from self‐efficacy theory and research, we developed a questionnaire to measure one's efficacy of successfully coping with widely recognized diversity initiatives. Then we conducted a study examining the effect of self‐efficacy‐based diversity training on the level of participant's measured diversity self‐efficacy (DSE) and the possible mediation of this DSE on intentions to pursue positive diversity‐related initiatives. The field experimental design showed that training incorporating efficacy components significantly increased trainees' (N = 276) measured DSE. Diversity training was also shown to be positively related to the trainees' stated levels of difficulty and magnitude in coping with diversity initiatives. Finally, the DSE was found to mediate training and intentions. Importantly, one‐year follow‐up data supported the impact of the intentions. The practical implications of these findings for HRD in general and diversity training in particular conclude this article.
Activator protein‐2 in carcinogenesis with a special reference to breast cancer—A mini review
Authors: Pellikainen Johanna M. , Kosma Veli‐Matti
Published: February 2007

Activator protein‐2 (AP‐2) transcription factors are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and carcinogenesis. AP‐2α has been suggested to function as a tumor suppressor in many cancers and AP‐2γ to be a marker of testicular and germ cell malignancies. At least 3 of the 5 AP‐2 family members identified to date, AP‐2α, AP‐2β and AP‐2γ, are known to be expressed in breast tissue and thought to coordinate the growth and development of the breast via regulation of several breast‐related genes such as human epidermal growth factor receptor‐2 (HER2) and estrogen receptor (ER). The function of AP‐2α seems to be tumor suppressive in breast tissue, whereas the role of the other AP‐2 family members is less well known. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of AP‐2 in carcinogenesis, especially in breast cancer. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasonographic demonstration of a placental maternal lake
Authors: Cooperberg P. L. , Wright V. J. , Carpenter C. W.
Published: February 2007

A 30 year old woman was seen at 32 weeks of gestation because of severe abdominal pain. A sonogram revealed an irregular, 5 cm‐diameter cystic structure in the placenta. Examination of the placenta after cesarean section showed an extremely large maternal lake.
Correlation between sectional area of the spleen by ultrasonic tomography and actual volume of the removed spleen
Authors: Koga Takashi
Published: February 2007

The sectional area of the splenotomogram scanned parallel to the ribs provides useful information for differential diagnosis and determination of prognosis in liver diseases. To establish a relationship between sectional area and actual spleen volume, 10 spleens obtained at splenectomy or autopsy were studied. A good linear correlation (r = 0.956) was present between the sectional area (S) and the actual spleen volume (V). The spleen volume could be calculated as V = 7.5S – 77.5. Therefore the value of the sectional area obtained from one ultrasonic splenotomogram has practical application as a parameter reflecting the spleen volume in vivo.
Sonically guided renal biopsy
Authors: Mets T. , Lameire N. , Matthys E. , Afschrift M.
Published: February 2007

The results of 91 sonically guided renal biopsies are reported. In the 53 cases where renal size and function allowed other localization techniques, renal tissue was obtained in 100 percent and glomeruli in 88.6 percent. In 38 cases no other techniques could have been used because of poor renal function (serum creatinine ≥ 4.0 mg/dl) and/or decreased renal size (≤ 10 cm); in these biopsies renal tissue was obtained in 86.8 percent and glomeruli in 73.7 percent.
The sonographic findings of splenic metastases
Authors: Murphy James F. , Bernardino Michael E.
Published: February 2007

The sonographic findings in five patients with metastases to the spleen are demonstrated. Hypoechoic lesions were seen in patients with histiocytic lymphoma, and both echogenic and hypoechoic lesions were seen in patients with melanoma. The clinical significance of these findings is discussed.
In vitro investigation of gallstone shadowing with ultrasound tomography
Authors: Filly Roy A. , Moss Albert A. , Way Lawrence W.
Published: February 2007

A phantom was constructed to simulate the in vivo situation of gallstone detection. Gallstone specimens from 37 patients were scanned. All gallstones cast acoustic shadows, regardless of the specific properties of the stones. Experimental evidence concerning factors that affect the detection of acoustic shadows from gallstones is discussed.
Ultrasound evaluation of american burkitt's lymphoma
Authors: Shawker Thomas H. , Dunnick N. Reed , Head Gordon L. , Magrath Ian T.
Published: February 2007

Burkitt's lymphoma is a childhood disease that characteristically produces large, bulky abdominal tumors. Although these are potentially curable, chemotherapy can produce rapid tumor lysis, with subsequent life‐threatening metabolic abnormalities, especially in those patients with large tumors or those who have compromised renal function. Twenty‐two patients with proven Burkitt's lymphoma were evaluated by ultrasound. Thirteen patients had abdominal masses. These masses tended to be large, solitary, and acoustically homogeneous. Although most of these tumors were found in the pelvis, upper abdominal and retroperitoneal tumors were also encountered. None of the patients had the typical paravertebral mantle of enlarged nodes seen in other types of lymphoma. In 11 patients with abnormal intravenous pyelograms, ultrasound successfully distinguished between renal lymphoma, hydronephrosis, and, by exclusion, metabolic renal disease. The absence of lymph node disease and the presence of bulky homogeneous extranodal tumor are characteristic ultrasound findings in Burkitt's lymphoma. By locating and quantifying tumor mass and distinguishing between renal lymphoma and hydronephrosis, ultrasound proved to be clinically useful in the management of this disease.
Evaluation of echoencephalography
Authors: de Vlieger Marinus
Published: February 2007

Clinical use of A‐ and B‐mode echoencephalography in neurology, neurosurgery, and pediatrics is discussed, and some results are presented. Descriptions are given of several techniques to obtain two‐dimensional echoencephalographic pictures. Two‐dimensional echoencephalography can be particularly helpful with hydrocephalic babies. Recording techniques for pulsatile echoencephalography and the factors influencing the shape of cerebral echo pulsations are considered. Also, the diagnostic value of pulsatile echoencephalography in several brain diseases is discussed.
Real‐time cross‐sectional echocardiographic diagnosis of infiltrative cardiomyopathy due to amyloid
Authors: Chiaramida Salvatore A. , Goldman Mitchell A. , Zema Michael J. , Pizzarello Roy A. , Goldberg Herbert M.
Published: February 2007

We report the real‐time cross‐sectional echocardiographic findings in a case of cardiac amyloidosis. Alterations in cardiac structure and function previously demonstrated by M‐mode echocardiography were also demonstrable on cross‐sectional examination. A new finding of an altered pattern of myocardial echoes detected by cross‐sectional echocardiography alone is described.
The source of ultrasound contrast effect
Authors: Meltzer Richard S. , Tickner E. Glenn , Sahines Thomas P. , Popp Richard L.
Published: February 2007

Evidence that microbubbles are the main sources of ultrasound contrast in injected solutions has been largely indirect. To investigate this directly, we examined freshly agitated indocyanine green, freshly agitated water, commercially prepared precision microbubbles (diameter 75 ± 25 μ) in gelatin, carbonated water, “degassed” indocyanine green solution, and “degassed” water in one or more of four different assay systems. Only fluids with microbubbles produced ultrasound contrast. Injected contrast material rose in a water bath at a rate that identified it as being caused by microbubbles. Indocyanine green and gelatin surface tensions were measured and found to be low (43 dynes/cm2), thus explaining their tendency to stabilize the microbubbles that cause ultrasound contrast effect when injected and to hold foam after agitation. The force of hand injections (force similar to that used clinically through catheters and 19‐gauge or 23‐gauge needles) was below the force needed to cause cavitation or ultrasound contrast effect. Microbubble content could be quantified by the decrease in amplitude of the echo from a structure distant to the microbubbles. We conclude that the ultrasound contrast effect seen in peripherally injected fluids is caused by microbubbles present in the injectant. The contrast is not due to cavitation at needle tips, and it can be quantified over a limited range. Improved design for a peripheral contrast agent is suggested.
Sonography in the diagnosis and management of anterior sacral meningocele
Authors: McCreath Georgina T. , Macpherson Peter
Published: February 2007

Four cases of anterior sacral meningocele (ASM) are described, with comparisons between radiological and sonographic findings. On plain films, 2 cases showed the classic scimitar sign, and 1 case showed a defect in the anterior sacrum. The other lesion appeared radiologically to be a purely intrasacral meningocele. Myelography outlined part of the ASM in two cases. Sonography demonstrated the anterior sacral cysts in all cases. Sonography is a noninvasive method of monitoring progress or contraction of a lesion, and it can be used to demonstrate any associated pathology. The combination of plain‐film appearances and sonographic findings should be sufficient for diagnostic purposes. If an operative procedure is contemplated, then myelography may be performed in an attempt to outline the stalk.
The ultrasound cardioscope: A hand‐held scanner for real‐time cardiac imaging
Authors: Roelandt Jos , Bom Klaas , Hugenholtz Paul G.
Published: February 2007

A miniaturized hand‐held ultrasound scanner that permits two‐dimensional echocardiography is described. The device has been routinely used in our emergency department, coronary care unit, wards, and outpatient department. The device has advantages in situations where rapid decisions are demanded of the expert echocardiographer. It permits improved bedside analysis of patients with puzzling cardiac conditions. An important feature is that the instrument can be used as a substitute for cardiac fluoroscopy in office practice. Tests performed in 100 consecutive patients have demonstrated that reasonable semiquantitative estimation of the sizes of left‐side heart structures is possible. This new‐generation instrument can make diagnostic ultrasound more readily available in emergency situations and should have considerable influence on the use of cardiac ultrasound for bedside diagnosis. It will undoubtedly affect future developments in automatic, portable, and special dedicated ultrasound equipment.
Evaluation of fetal intracranial anatomy by static and real‐time ultrasound
Authors: Johnson Michael L. , Dunne Morgan G. , Mack Lawrence A. , Rashbaum Carol L.
Published: February 2007

Improvements in ultrasound technology have now made possible detailed visualization of fetal intracranial anatomy. Structures such as the midbrain, thalami, and lateral ventricles can be routinely imaged. Measurements of the ratio between lateral ventricular width and cerebral hemispheric width demonstrate a steady decrease from a mean of 56% at 15 wk gestation to 28% at term reflecting the relatively more rapid growth of the cerebral hemispheres as compared with the cerebral ventricles. Application of this new ultrasound data greatly facilitates accurate and consistent biparietal diameter estimations and early diagnosis of fetal hydrocephalus and other fetal cranial anomalies. This article describes the axial fetal cranial anatomy as demonstrated sonically and includes a table for normal fetal ventricular size at various gestational ages, based on evaluation of 196 normal fetuses. Some of the more common fetal cranial anomalies amenable to ultrasound diagnosis in utero are discussed.
Predictive value of the echocardiographic left atrial dimension in isolated ventricular septal defect
Authors: Fuhrman Bradley P. , Epstein Michael L. , Bass John L. , Moller James H.
Published: February 2007

Echocardiographic left atrial dimension has been reported to correlate with left‐to‐right shunt (Qp/Qs) in children with isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). In 17 children with isolated VSD, we prospectively compared Qp/Qs with the ratio of echocardiographic left atrial dimension to aortic root diameter (LAD/Ao) and with the left atrial dimension corrected for body surface area (LAD/M2). The correlation between LAD/Ao and Qp/Qs was not statistically significant (r = 0.49, p > 0.05). The LAD/M2 correlated significantly with Qp/Qs (r = 0.66, p < 0.01); however, prediction intervals were excessively wide. Our findings indicate that it is inappropriate to predict Qp/Qs in these patients from echocardiographic LAD.
A simple ultrasonic method for assessing renal size
Authors: Lewis Errol , Ritchie William G. M.
Published: February 2007

The relation between renal length (L) and the distance between the first four lumbar transverse processes, (4TP) as measured by sonography and intravenous urography, has been studied in 20 adults with normal urograms. The ratio of L/4TP (Mean ± 2.S.D.) was 1.04 ± 0.22 for sonograms and 1.25 ± 0.26 for urograms. The possible reasons for these differences are discussed. It is suggested that measurement of the distance between the 4TP is a simple method for estimating expected normal renal size in patients referred for renal ultrasonography.
Small‐organ dynamic imaging system
Authors: Susal Alan L. , Walker J. Terry , Meindl James D.
Published: February 2007

Dynamic ultrasonic imaging of superficial body organs adds a new dimension to clinical sonographic examinations in that it enables the real‐time evaluation of tissue motion and vascular pulsations. A high‐frequency (7.2 MHz) linear‐array system has been newly developed that generates simultaneous A‐ and B‐mode displays at 60 frames/sec. The instrument produces real‐time scan‐converted images in standard television format for direct viewing on television (TV) monitors or clinical recording through videotape equipment. Clinical application of this dynamic imaging system has increased the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound in ophthalmology, radiology, and pediatrics.
Ultrasonic evaluation of the pancreatic duct
Authors: Parulekar Suhas G.
Published: February 2007

In a prospective ultrasound study of 253 patients, the lumen of the normal pancreatic duct of Wirsung could be demonstrated in 82% of the patients. The mean diameter of the normal pancreatic duct (of Wirsung) was 1.3 mm. The duct of Santorini occasionally could be demonstrated. A duct of Wirsung greater than 2 mm in diameter should be considered dilated. The pancreatic duct is dilated in most patients with acute pancreatitis, in some patients with chronic pancreatitis, and in some patients with pancreatic tumor.
Involution of the postpartum uterus: An ultrasonic study
Authors: VanRees Douglas , Bernstine Richard L. , Crawford William
Published: February 2007

The involution of the uterus was studied between 1 and 40 days postpartum utilizing serial ultrasonic scans. All pregnancies and postpartum periods were uncomplicated. The decrease in uterine size was related to a diminution in uterine length. No difference was observed between nullipara and primipara or breast‐ or bottle‐feeding mothers.
Estimation of gestational age during the first trimester by real‐time measurement of fetal crown‐rump length and biparietal diameter
Authors: Bovicelli Luciano , Orsini Luigi F. , Rizzo Nicola , Calderoni Patrizio , Pazzaglia Francesco L. , Michelacci Laura
Published: February 2007

A series of 237 patients in the first trimester of pregnancy were examined to derive normal growth curves for fetal crown‐rump length (CRL) and biparietal diameter (BPD) using sector scanner real‐time ultrasound equipment. Conventional B‐scan CRL measurements were obtained from 50 of these patients: In 41 (82%), the values fell within a range ± 5 mm of those of real‐time. Another group of 97 patients between 7 and 13 wk of gestation was then examined in a blind trial to confirm the accuracy of real‐time measurements in estimating gestational age. An estimate was made in 95% of cases to within 4.6 days with CRL and to within 5 days with BPD. A similar comparison was made with both of these dimensions using a comparative nomogram, giving a prediction within 3.9 days in 957percnt; of cases. This method is now used routinely.
Intravenous carbon dioxide as an echocardiographic contrast agent
Authors: Meltzer Richard S. , Serruys Patrick W. , Hugenholtz Paul G. , Roelandt Jos
Published: February 2007

Intravenous carbon dioxide (CO2) was employed to cause echocardiographic contrast in 40 patients. One to 3 cc of medically pure CO2 were agitated with 5 to 8 cc of 5% dextrose in water and rapidly injected into an upper extremity vein. Contrast was obtained in all patients. In 33 patients contrast density from 5% dextrose was compared with that from 5% dextrose‐CO2 injections. Six of these patients had no contrast on the initial 5% dextrose injection and definite contrast with the subsequent injection containing CO2. Of the 33, 12 patients had initial contrast with 5% dextrose injections and greater contrast density when CO2 was added; 15 showed no definite difference; and none had less contrast with intravenous CO2‐5% dextrose than with 5% dextrose alone. Intravenous CO2‐5% dextrose is a useful method of increasing contrast in those patients who fail to demonstrate echocardiographic contrast when routine techniques are employed. It is also safe, provided precautions emphasized in this paper are observed.
The use of β‐Thromboglobulin to detect platelet damage by therapeutic ultrasound in vivo
Authors: Williams Alun R. , Chater Bernard V. , Allen Kenneth A. , Sanderson Joel H.
Published: February 2007

Three sequential blood samples were drawn from arms of adult human volunteers by means of a cannula technique, and the plasma levels of β‐thromboglobulin (β‐TG, an index of platelet damage) were measured. Ultrasound (0.75 MHz, continuous wave; spatially averaged intensity 0.34 to 0.5 W/cm–2) was applied to the blood vessels while the second sample of each series was being taken. No elevation of β‐TG was detected, indicating that under these conditions ultrasonic irradiation had not damaged an appreciable number of platelets. There was, however, an indication of decreased platelet sensitivity following insonation; and it is postulated that this may be the result of either increased production or secretion of the potent endothelial platelet inhibitor, prostacyclin, or both.
Renal agenesis: Spectrum of in utero findings
Authors: Dubbins Paul A. , Kurtz Alfred B. , Wapner Ronald J. , Goldberg Barry B.
Published: February 2007

Three cases of renal agenesis are presented, representing the spectrum of abnormality seen in utero. Severe oligohydramnios was seen in all three cases. In two cases ultrasound demonstrated fetal paraspinal structures resembling kidneys, while in the third no renal shapes were identified. The urinary bladder could not be imaged in any of the cases. Autopsy findings demonstrated that the reniform structures represented only fetal adrenal glands of varying sizes. It is suggested that the examination of the renal tract in severe oligohydramnios should be directed toward the fetal urinary bladder, because the identification of reniform outlines can be misleading.
Ultrasound in the evaluation and management of the isoimmunized pregnancy
Authors: Weiner Stuart , Bolognese Ronald J. , Librizzi Ronald J.
Published: February 2007

Real‐time ultrasound was a valuable adjunct in the management of 57 consecutive isoimmunized pregnancies. The pathophysiology of hydrops fetalis as it affects the sonographic anatomy of the fetus and placenta is discussed. Real‐time ultrasound was slightly more accurate than amniotic fluid bilirubin analysis in predicting moderate to severe erythroblastosis fetalis. The most useful finding was a disproportionate growth of the fetal abdominal circumference in relationship to the biparietal diameter. Ultrasound proved invaluable in several difficult situations, such as contaminated amniotic fluid, ruptured membranes, and twins. Suggestions for the further quantitation of this diagnostic test are explored.
Ultrasonic detection of renal calculi: Accuracy tested in an in vitro porcine kidney model
Authors: Stafford Stephen J. , Jenkins Joseph M. , Staab Edward V. , Boyce Irving , Fried Floyd A.
Published: February 2007

Porcine kidneys containing human calculi of known size and composition were used to study the ability of ultrasound to localize intrarenal calculi. The study conducted in a blind fashion demonstrated that stones as small as 2 mm could be detected. The chemical composition was not related to the ability to detect the stone. Early trials in the operating room have been encouraging. The porcine kidney model is useful for training purposes.
Ultrasound gray‐scale pattern and guided aspiration puncture of abdominal abscesses
Authors: Schwerk Wolf B. , Dü Hans K.
Published: February 2007

Various ultrasound gray‐scale patterns of 45 consecutive abscesses were studied in 43 surgical and medical patients. Eleven abscess formations were unsuspected clinically, 27 had developed as a postoperative complication; 25 collections (55.6%) presented with an anechoic appearance, and 15 (33.3%) showed a mainly fluid pattern but contained a few nonreverberatory echoes. Five abscesses (11.1%) appeared with a complex solid‐like pattern with large amounts of internal echoes. A total of 28 ultrasound guided diagnostic fine‐needle aspirations of abscesses were performed on 26 patients without serious complications. All the aspirated samples yielded material sufficient for cytological or bacteriological examinations. Percutaneous fine‐needle aspiration guided by sonography is recommended as a safe and useful diagnostic measure to confirm the nature of an ultrasonically displayed abdominal lesion suspected to be an abscess. Results from both sonography and confirmatory aspiration provide detailed topographic and diagnostic information for the choice of surgical or nonoperative management of abdominal abscess.
Evaluation of portal hypertension in cases of hepatosplenic schistosomiasis using ultrasound
Authors: Abdel‐Latif Zakaria , Abdel‐Wahab M. Farid , El‐Kady Nabil M.
Published: February 2007

Patients with hepatic schistosomiasis develop high degrees of portal hypertension. Various invasive techniques have been used to evaluate this degree of portal hypertension. In this work sonography was used as a safe, noninvasive technique to study the relationship between the degree of portal hypertension, as measured by percutaneous splenic manometry, and the diameters of the portal and splenic veins. A total of 25 patients were included in this study. A positive correlation was found between the degree of portal hypertension and the increase in the diameters of the portal and splenic veins.
Fetal elevation: A new technique for placental localization in the diagnosis of previa
Authors: Lee Timothy G. , Knochel John Q. , Melendez Michael G. , Henderson Sidney C.
Published: February 2007

The diagnosis of previa is made with ultrasound when the placenta is seen to cover the internal os. The technique of fetal elevation is a simple procedure that facilitates visualization of the internal os and its relation to the placenta. The safety of this technique is demonstrated in a large series of patients.
Utilization of diagnostic ultrasound in a controlled setting
Authors: Barer Morris L. , Cooperberg Peter L.
Published: February 2007

To appreciate the number of ultrasound studies of different types done within a population consisting of both rural and urban persons, a questionnaire was sent to all ultrasound facilities within the Canadian Province of British Columbia. All of the questionnaires were returned, providing complete data for 1978, 1979, and 1980. In addition to data on numbers of ultrasound studies (broken into various categories), the number of sonographers and sonologists were also analyzed. The results show an 87% increase from 1978 to 1980 in the number of studies, and, in 1980, a rate of 37 ultrasound procedures per thousand population per year (52 per thousand in the largest urban area in the province). The complete data and a discussion of the unique features of the British Columbia experience are presented.
Initial diastolic indentation of the mitral valve in aortic insufficiency
Authors: Rowe Dennis W. , Pechacek Leonard W. , Decastro Carlos M. , Garcia Effrain , Hall Robert J.
Published: February 2007

An abnormal diastolic indentation of the mitral valve has been noted on short‐axis two‐dimensional echocardiograms in patients with aortic insufficiency. In order to assess the clinical usefulness of this finding, we reviewed the echocardiograms of 18 patients with this lesion who had undergone cineaortography. Results were compared with those of a control group of 100 patients. Initial diastolic indentation of the anterior mitral leaflet occurred in 8 of 12 patients with 3+ to 4+ aortic insufficiency. None of the patients with lesser regurgitation and no patients from the control group demonstrated this pattern. The presence of this abnormality appears to be a specific indicator of critical aortic insufficiency.
Sonography of the segmental human pancreatic transplant
Authors: Crass Jeffrey R. , Sutherland David E. R. , Feinberg Samuel B.
Published: February 2007

Forty‐three ultrasound examinations have been done on 17 segmental pancreatic transplants performed for juvenile onset diabetes mellitus. The pelvic transplant was readily studied by both real‐time and articulated‐arm techniques. Transplants of normal sonographic appearance had normal endocrine function. The most common finding was peripancreatic fluid ranging from a slight halo above the transplant to tense pancreatic ascites—the result of the functional exocrine pancreas' normal function.
Ultrasonically determined menstrual age as an indicator of fetal lung maturity
Authors: Deter Russell L. , Hadlock Frank P. , Carollo Bert R.
Published: February 2007

The usefulness of ultrasonically determined menstrual age as a predictor of fetal lung maturity has been evaluated in patients without fetal or maternal disease undergoing repeat cesarean section. The menstrual age of each fetus was determined at 18–32 wk using biparietal diameter (BPD) measurements and previously established BPD growth curves. Lung maturity prior to delivery was assessed by measuring the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) in amniotic fluid. The menstrual age at the time of the amniocentesis was derived by extrapolation from the results of the first scan. When the Sabbagha Composite BPD growth curve was used for menstrual age determinations, the L/S was <2.0 in all cases before 34 wk, both <2.0 and ≥2.0 between 34 and 38 wk, and ≥2.0 in all but one case after 38 wk. This one case represents 1.2% of fetuses studied. These results suggest that in the absence of fetal and maternal disease, a menstrual age of 38 wk or older, based on an early BPD measurement and use of the Sabbagha Composite BPD growth curve, is indicative of lung maturity in most cases.
B‐mode sonography of blood clots
Authors: Coelho Julio C. U. , Sigel Bernard , Ryva James C. , Machi Junji , Renigers Sigrida A.
Published: February 2007

Systematic evaluation of blood clot echogenicity was performed with five different transducer frequencies in two experiments. In the first experiment, blood clots were insonified at five different time periods; from immediately after clotting up to 96 hours after clotting. In the second experiment, blood clots of four different hematocrits (48 to 20%) and clots of hemolysed blood were insonified. The clots, with normal hematocrits, were highly echogenic when imaged with 5, 7.5 and 10‐MHz transducers immediately and 24 hours after clotting. The echo intensity decreased over the following days until it almost disappeared at 96 hours after clotting. Clot echogenicity was not observed with 2.25 and 3.5‐MHz transducers, except at the interface between retracted clot and serum. Clot echogenicity decreased in proportion with the hematocrit. Hemolysed blood clots were not echogenic. It is concluded from this study that fresh blood clots are echogenic soon after thrombosis with high resolution imaging and this echogenicity diminishes with time. Ultimately, with organization and lamination, echogenicity will recur.
Placental location in pregnancies following Cesarean section
Authors: Hisley John C. , Mangum Caroline
Published: February 2007

Ultrasonic placentography1–4 was used to compare placental location in patients who had undergone previous Cesarean sections with those who had had vaginal deliveries. Results indicated that: (1) placental location was not influenced by existing uterine scars; (2) anterior uterine wall implantations occur with sufficient frequency (35%) to warrant ultrasonic placentography prior to third trimester amniocentesis for fetal maturity studies; and (3) lower anterior uterine segment implantations occur with sufficient frequency (8%) to warrant ultrasonic placentography prior to surgical entry of the lower uterine segment.