bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Relaxation Time Measurements by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Kjær L. , Thomsen C. , Henriksen O. , Ring P. , Stubgaard M. , Pedersen E. J.
Published: June 2015

Several circumstances may explain the great variation in reported proton T1 and T2 relaxation times usually seen. This study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of relaxation time measurements by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) operating at 1.5 tesla. Using a phantom of nine boxes with different concentrations of CuSO4 and correlating the calculated T1 and T2 values with reference values obtained by two spectrometers (corrected to MRI-proton frequency=64 MHz) we found a maximum deviation of about 10 per cent. Measurements performed on a large water phantom in order to evaluate the homogeneity in the imaging plane showed a variation of less than 10 per cent within 10 cm from the centre of the magnet in all three imaging planes. Changing the gradient field strength apparently had no influence on the T2 values recorded. Consequently diffusion processes seem without significance. It is concluded that proton T1 and T2 relaxation times covering the majority of the biologic range can be measured by MRI with an overall accuracy of 5 to 10 per cent. Quality control studies along the lines indicated in this study are recommended.
Urographic Renal Size in Acute Pyelonephritis in Childhood
Authors: Johansson B. , Troell S. , Berg U.
Published: June 2015

Eighteen children with acute pyelonephritis were investigated by urography at the time of and about two months after the acute infection. Renal size was evaluated as renal length and parenchymal area. During the acute infection renal size was larger than at the follow-up examination two months later. In conclusion, urography performed in close connection with the acute pyelonephritic infection gives an overestimation of renal size.
Digital Urography Using Stimulable Phosphor an Experimental Study in the Rabbit
Authors: Pettersson H. , Aspelin P. , Bousen E.
Published: June 2015

In a urographic experimental study in six rabbits conventional film-screen images were compared with digitized images. Two digitized images were examined, one simulating the conventional film-screen combination, and one frequency modified. The nephrographic and excretory phases of four different doses of contrast medium (iohexol, 350 mg I/ml) were investigated in each rabbit (4, 2, 1, and 0.5 ml/kg body weight). No differences were found between the different doses of contrast medium for the two imaging systems. With digitized images the exopsure (radiation dose) could be decreased to 12.5 per cent of the conventional film-screen combination without any loss of information.
Lymphography and Computed Tomography in Lymph Node Metastases from Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Abdi E. A. , Terry T.
Published: June 2015

Contrast lymphography and regional computed tomography (CT) were performed prior to lymph node dissection in 49 patients with clinical suggestion of lymph node metastases from malignant melanoma. The overall specificity and sensitivity for lymphography was 62% and 70%, respectively, and for CT 83 % and 70%, repectively. There was 67% concordance of the radiologic reports. The combined modality sensitivity and specificity were 79% and 84%, respectively. Clinical lymph node examination was poor in accurately diagnosing lymph node involvement with melanoma (42% true positive, 58% false positive). Lymphography produced too many false negative and false positive reports to be of value in detecting lymph node metastases on its own. CT was slightly superior to lymphography in correctly predicting the lymph node status of the upper extremity. The present clinical and radiologic techniques would seem to be inadequate for detecting lymph node metastases in malignant melanoma.
Atlantoaxial Subluxation
Authors: Yamashita Y. , Takahashi M. , Sakamoto Y. , Kojima R.
Published: June 2015

Twenty-nine patients with atlantoaxial subluxation (18 with rheumatoid arthritis, 2 due to trauma, 4 with os odontoideum, and one each with polyarteritis nodosa, rheumatic fever, Klippel-Feil syndrome, achondroplasia, and cause unknown) were evaluated using a 0.22 tesla resistive MRI unit. Cord compression was classified into four grades according to the degree on magnetic resonance imaging. There were 7 patients with no thecal sac compression (grade 0), 10 with a minimal degree of subarachnoid space compression without cord compression (grade 1), 7 with mild cord compression (grade 2), and 5 with severe cord compression or cord atrophy (grade 3). Although the severity of myelopathy showed poor correlation with the atlantodental interval on conventional radiography, high correlation was observed between MR grading and the degree of myelopathy. The high signal intensity foci were observed in 7 of 12 patients with cord compression (grades 2 and 3) on T2 weighted images. Other frequently observed findings in rheumatoid arthritis included soft tissue masses of low to intermediate signal intensity in the paraodontoid space, erosions of the odontoid processes, and atlantoaxial impaction on T1 and T2 weighted images.
Fractures of the Proximal Humerus Involving the Intertubercular Groove
Authors: Ahovuo J. , Paavolainen P. , Björkenheim J.-M.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to analyse the involvement of the gliding surface of the biceps tendon in fractures of the proximal humerus. Fifteen patients had a fracture of the proximal humerus verified with antero-posterior and axillary radiographs. Tangential radiographs of the intertubercular groove, obtained from the shoulder joint, showed involvement of the intertubercular groove in 13 patients (87%), which could not be shown with other projections. Groove radiographs revealed in 3 patients a dislocation of the fragments of the greater tuberosity large enough to require surgical treatment, but which had not been found using conventional techniques. Therefore, a groove radiograph should be used to precise fractures of the proximal humerus.
Effects of High- and Low-Osmolar Contrast Media on Renal Plasma Flow and Glomerular Filtration Rate in Euvolaemic and Dehydrated Rats
Authors: Nygren A. , Ulfendahl H. R. , Fasching A.
Published: June 2015

The effects of a slow intravenous injection of contrast media (CM) on renal function and haemodynamics were investigated in euvolaemic and dehydrated rats. Iodine-equivalent doses (1600 mg I/kg body weight) of ioxithalamate, ioxaglate, iopamidol and iohexol were used. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF) were assessed with clearance techniques. In euvolaemic rats no statistically significant decrease in GFR or RPF was found after CM injections. In the dehydrated rats the changes in GFR were more pronounced and this was significantly decreased in the ioxithalamate and iopamidol groups while RPF was still not decreased. This study indicates that dehydration potentiates adverse effects of CM on GFR and that there may be differences between the effects of low-osmolar and high-osmolar CM on GFR and also between different low-osmolar CM.
Gallstones in Bili-Digestive Shunts Diagnosed by Ultrasound
Authors: Hederström E. , Andrén-Sandberg Å. , Forsberg L.
Published: June 2015

In 4 patients treated surgically with a bili-digestive shunt, 2 because of pancreatic carcinoma and 2 because of chronic pancreatitis with cellular atypias, stones (with acoustic shadow) or sludge formation in the common bile duct were observed at postoperative ultrasonography (US) and confirmed by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. Clinical signs were abnormal liver function tests occasionally combined with relapsing attacks of cholangitis. All entero-anastomoses were narrow; surgical revision was done in 2 of the patients while 2 were percutaneously dilated. Except for the stones and detritus masses, the ‘typical’ US findings were absence of gas echoes in the periportal structures, normal width of bile ducts, or only a slight dilatation. US seems to be the method of choice for postoperative follow-up.
MR Imaging of the Liver before and after Transcatheter Hepatic Chemo-Embolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yoshioka H. , Nakagawa K. , Shindou H. , Ono Y. , Kawakami A. , Mabuchi N. , Arita S. , Fujii K. , Hamada T. , Ishida O. , Miyakoshi K. , Uto T.
Published: June 2015

Transcatheter chemo-embolization (TCE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was performed in 38 patients. The patients were examined by MR imaging before TCE as well as one week and 4 to 5 weeks after TCE. The tumor signal intensity in T2 weighted images increased in 13 cases and decreased in 19 cases after TCE. Increased intensity seemed to reflect intra-tumoral hemorrhage or liquefaction accompanying tumor necrosis. Decreased intensity seemed to reflect coagulation necrosis. In 9 of 18 cases followed over a 2-month period the signal intensity had decreased in both T1 and T2 weighted images. In these patients the tumor showed no recurrence at angiography and the decreased signal seemed to reflect the completion of coagulation necrosis. A hyper- and/or hypointense rim around the tumor appeared in 22 cases. These changes were thought to be perifocal edema or granulation tissue around the tumor. MR imaging was useful in evaluating the necrotic process of the tumor after TCE.
Radiologic Abnormalities of the Thoraco-Lumbar Spine in Athletes
Authors: Hellström M. , Jacobsson B. , Swärd L. , Peterson L.
Published: June 2015

A radiologic study of the thoraco-lumbar spine was performed in 143 (117 male and 26 female) athletes (wrestlers, gymnasts, soccer players and tennis players), aged 14 to 25 years and 30 male non-athletes, aged 19 to 25 years. Film interpretation was made after mixing the films from all groups and without knowledge of the individual's identity. Various types of radiologic abnormalities occurred in both athletes and non-athletes but were more common among athletes, especially male gymnasts and wrestlers. Abnormalities of the vertebral ring apophysis occurred exclusively in athletes. Combinations of different types of abnormalities were most common in male gymnasts and wrestlers.
Systemic, Pulmonary and Renal Haemodynamic Effects of Intravenously Infused Iopentol
Authors: Sunnegårdh O. , Hietala S.-O. , Wirell S. , Ekelund L.
Published: June 2015

The central, peripheral and renal haemodynamic effects after intravenous infusion (1 ml/s) of high doses (4 mg I/kg) of two low osmolar, chemically and physically similar non-ionic contrast media (iohexol and iopentol) were investigated in 16 pigs. Both contrast media induced a significant increase of mean arterial, mean right atrial, mean pulmonary arterial and mean pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure along with an increase in cardiac output. The systemic vascular and pulmonary vascular resistances were decreased. Renal venous blood flow and renal vascular resistance were not significantly changed after infusion of contrast media. There were no differences in haemodynamic effects between the two media studied.
Ultrasound Guided Needle Biopsy of Skeletal Muscle in Neuromuscular Disease
Authors: Lindequist S. , Larsen C. , Schrøder H. Daa
Published: June 2015

Guided by ultrasonography percutaneous needle biopsy of skeletal muscle was performed in 24 patients, using the one hand held Biopty system and a 2 mm Tru-Cut needle. The specimens were graded with regard to diagnostic quality and utility and almost all specimens (96%) were of highest quality. The use of ultrasonography was helpful in selecting a suitable area for the biopsy and vascular structures could be avoided. The procedure was well tolerated and easy to perform, and no complications were recorded.
Niobium Filters for Dose Reduction in Pediatric Radiology
Authors: Jangland L. , Axelsson B.
Published: June 2015

The performance of a niobium filter, with K-edge at 19 keV, and a copper filter have been studied concerning absorbed dose, image quality and tube loading. Absorbed doses were measured with TLD. To evaluate image quality a perspex phantom with image quality test objects was used. In comparison with a conventional filter made of copper no significant advantage was obtained with the niobium filter.
Percutaneous Local Arterial Thrombolytic Infusion
Authors: Goffette P. , Kurdziel J. C. , Dondelinger R. F.
Published: June 2015

All complications occurring in 55 local thrombolytic infusions performed for (sub)acute limb ischemia using streptokinase (SK) in 22 procedures and urokinase (UK) in 33 procedures were recorded. Success was achieved in 74.5% of the procedures. Major complications occurred in 31.8% of the procedures using SK, and in 12.1% of the procedures using UK (p = 0.07). Hemorrhage was the most common major complication and occurred in 27.2% of SK procedures and in 9.0% of UK procedures, a difference which was not significant. Overall, 30 day mortality was 16.3% and procedure-related death was 1.8%. Moderate complications necessitating only the adjustment of drug regimen and minor complications without consequence were observed in 45.5% and 45.5%, respectively, of the SK procedures, and in 57.6% and 66.7% of the UK procedures.
Ultrasound-Guided Aspiration Cytology of the Spleen
Authors: Siniluoto T. , Päivänsalo M. , Tikkakoski T. , Apaja-Sarkkinen M.
Published: June 2015

The cytologic results of ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsies (FNB) of the spleen in 42 patients were analyzed retrospectively. A focal lesion was punctured in 28 of them, splenomegaly in 12, and an enlarged accessory spleen in 2. Sufficient material was aspirated for cytologic analysis in 41 (97.6%) cases. A final diagnosis of malignancy was made in 16 (38%), and a benign condition diagnosed in 26 (62%) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the method for differentiating malignancy from benign conditions were 68.8%, 100%, and 88.1%, respectively. No complications occurred. We conclude that ultrasound-guided FNB is a safe, highly specific, but relatively insensitive method of defining splenic pathology.
Nonresectable Adenocarcinoma of the Rectum Assessed by Mr Imaging before and after Chemotherapy and Irradiation
Authors: Frykholm G. , Hemmingsson A. , Nyman R. , Påhlman L. , Glimelius B.
Published: June 2015

Thirty-four patients with nonresectable adenocarcinoma of the rectum, defined as tumor fixation at digital examination, were examined with MR. All 34 patients had, according to MR imaging, perirectal tumor growth. In 23 (68%) of the patients, the tumor has reached an adjacent organ. Eight of these patients had disturbances of the MR characteristics in the adjacent organ which proved to be due to overgrowth, i.e., to tumor invasion into these structures. In the remaining 15 patients, without disturbed MR characteristics, 7 had tumor overgrowth at laparotomy. When there was a visible space between the tumor and adjacent organs, there was no sign of tumor overgrowth at laparotomy, except in one case. In 24 patients, examined both before and after combined irradiation and drug therapy, tumor regression was registered after treatment. MR imaging seems to be useful in the assessment of resectability and to evaluate preoperative anticancer treatment in patients with nonresectable rectal carcinoma.
Ct Diagnosis of Macrodystrophia Lipomatosa
Authors: Jain R. , Sawhney S. , Berry M.
Published: June 2015

Radiographs and CT scans of a 45-year-old male with progressive enlargement of his right upper limb and shoulder are presented. Extensive soft-tissue hypertrophy with linear radiolucent bands (fat) limited to the lateral aspect of the limb were seen. Exostoses-like bony overgrowths were also seen along interphalangeal joints. At CT, hypertrophic adipose tissue intermingling with muscle fibers was demonstrated, a diagnostic finding distinguishing the lesion from plexiform neurofibrolipomatosis, Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and other angiomatous lesions.
Viscosity of Some Contemporary Contrast Media before and after Mixing with Whole Blood
Authors: Smedby Ö.
Published: June 2015

The viscosity of 7 contrast media was measured using a rotational viscometer. When solutions with similar iodine concentrations were compared, the highest viscosities were found for the nonionic dimers iodixanol and iotrolan, the lowest for diatrizoate, iopamidol, and iopromide, and intermediate values for iohexol and ioxaglate. The viscosity of iohexol and ioxaglate was found to vary linearly with temperature and quadratically with concentration. Whole-blood viscosity was measured for 5 subjects at high and low shear rates before and after mixing with contrast media in various proportions. Low-shear viscosity was found to decrease and high-shear viscosity to increase with contrast medium concentration. It is concluded that the contrast media currently used may affect blood rheology less than previous agents, despite their higher viscosity.
Changes in Intracranial Morphology, Regional Cerebral Water Content and Vital Physiological Variables during Epidural Bleeding
Authors: Ganz J. C. , Thuomas K.-Å. , Vlajkovic S. , Nilsson P. , Bergström K. , Pontén U. , Zwetnow N. N.
Published: June 2015

Epidural bleeding was produced in 8 anaesthetised and heparinised dogs by an artificial system. Changes in vital physiological variables were related to intracranial shifts and tissue water content assessed with MR imaging. Six animals survived while 2 succumbed. In the surviving animals intracranial shifts and compressions remained unchanged from an early stage. The cerebral perfusion pressure was reduced from between 80 and 110 mm Hg to between 40 and 60 mm Hg. Some increase in supratentorial white matter tissue water was observed. In the lethal experiments cerebral perfusion pressure fell to less than 40 mm Hg. Moreover, secondary delayed anatomical changes were seen including hydrocephalus. Increase in cerebral tissue water was more intense and widespread than in the survivors. These findings indicate that the outcome of epidural bleeding is related to cerebral perfusion pressure with secondary deterioration resulting from additional volume loading from increased tissue water and hydrocephalus.
Effect on Cardiac Contractile Force from Addition of Cations and Oxygen to Iohexol
Authors: Besjakov J. , Bååth L. , Almén T. , Øksendal A. N.
Published: June 2015

The coronary arteries of the isolated rabbit heart were perfused with different contrast media (CM). The effects on cardiac contractile force (CF) from enriching iohexol solutions with sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and oxygen were investigated. The effects were studied during normal and reduced perfusion pressure; the latter was intended to simulate flow conditions distal to proximal stenotic processes of the coronary arteries. By adding the above mentioned cations to iohexol (175 mg I/ml) the smallest influence on CF was found when the CM contained 30 mM NaCl, 0.3 mM CaCl2, 0.9 mM KCl and 0.3 mM MgCl2 and this influence on CF was significantly less than caused by iohexol with 30 mM NaCl (p ≤ 0.01). The influence on CF was further reduced when this iohexol solution was oxygenated with 100% oxygen (p ≤ 0.001). This modified iohexol solution caused a significantly smaller influence on CF than the low-osmotic media iohexol, iopamiro, ioversol and ioxaglate (p ≤ 0.001). Ioxaglate caused the greatest decrease in CF of all the CM (p ≤ 0.001) and to a greater extent during reduced flow than during normal flow (p ≤ 0.01). In conclusion, iohexol enriched with a balanced electrolyte solution and saturated with oxygen had a smaller adverse effect on contractility than iohexol, iopamidol, ioversol and ioxaglate.
In Vivo Fluorescence Microscopy of Microcirculation in the Renal Cortex of Mice
Authors: Högström B. , Hietala S.-O. , Rooth P.
Published: June 2015

In vivo fluorescence microscopy was used for experimental studies of the renal cortical microcirculation in normal mice and in mice pretreated with the nephrotoxic drug cyclosporin A. The cortical circulation was studied after i.v. infusions of a nonionic low osmolar contrast medium (iohexol) and after infusions of mannitol. All infusions produced marked effects on the distribution and velocity of cortical blood flow with no differences between iohexol and mannitol. The renal cortical blood flow was inhomogeneous regarding different capillaries and there was an initial rise in the number of capillaries with increased blood flow after infusions of both mannitol and iohexol. There was simultaneously an increased number of capillaries with decreased blood flow following all infusions. The decreased blood flow after infusion of iohexol was more pronounced when the animals had been pretreated with cyclosporin A. The difference was only significant (p < 0.05) during a short part of the observation period of 30 min, but it may indicate that kidneys previously exposed to cyclosporin A are more susceptible to infusions of iohexol.
A One-Stage Method for Obtaining CT during Arterial Portography and Hepatic Arteriography
Authors: Irie T. , Takeshita K. , Makita K. , Yamauchi T. , Kusano S.
Published: June 2015

We describe a new technique for performing CT during arterial portography (CTAP) and during hepatic arteriography (CTHA) in a one-stage procedure, using a coaxial balloon catheter system and slip-ring CT equipment. This technique was employed in 10 patients with liver neoplasms. Both CTAP and CTHA images were obtained in all patients.
Percutaneous Ethanol Injection Therapy of Adenomatous Hyperplastic Nodules in Cirrhotic Liver Disease
Authors: Lencioni R. , Caramella D. , Bartolozzi C. , Mazzeo S. , Coscio G. Di
Published: June 2015

Adenomatous hyperplastic nodules (AHNs) in cirrhotic liver are considered a precancerous condition which may lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we treated a total of 23 AHNs in 15 patients with percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI). The treatment included 6 to 8 PEIs, performed on an out-patient basis under sonographic guidance. A 22 G (0.7 mm) spinal needle was used. The total amount of alcohol delivered into each lesion was 8 to 25 ml (mean 14.9 ml). At the end of treatment, complete necrosis of the nodule was proved in all cases by multiple fine-needle biopsies and confirmed by CT and MR findings. During follow-up (9–41 months, mean 24 months) no recurrences were demonstrated. However, HCC occurred elsewhere in the liver of 4 patients and additional AHNs were detected in 2 patients. Thus, PEI proved able to cause complete ablation of AHNs, presumably preventing their malignant transformation. However, patients with AHN remain at high risk for developing HCC.
Phosphorous and Proton Spectroscopy in Relation to near Incarceration and Incarceration of the Human Brain
Authors: Garde K. , Mortensen A. C. , Toft P. B. , Sørensen M. B. , Madsen F. F. , Henriksen O.
Published: June 2015

We report 3 cases of 31P and 1H MR spectroscopy (MRS) performed at different stages on patients with clinical signs of near or fulminant incarceration of the brain. The measurements were made on a whole body, 1.5 T scanner. 1H-MRS was obtained with the STEAM sequence and 31P-spectra were obtained using the chemical shift imaging technique. Medical treatment including controlled ventilation and sedation of the patients was carried out during the examination. The first patient was evaluated on days 6 and 10 after evacuation of an acute subdural haematoma. An intracranial pressure of 35 mm Hg was registered during the first examination. The 2nd patient had suffered a spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage and showed clinical signs of imminent incarceration during the examination. The 3rd patient showed clinical signs of incarceration just prior to the examination. In the 1st patient 1H-MRS showed a 3-fold increase in the concentration of choline-containing compounds and a small decrease in N-acetyl aspartate from the 1st to the 2nd examination, which we interpret as a loss of neurones. In case 2 only small changes in metabolism could be detected, indicating that, despite signs of imminent clinical incarceration, the energy supply to the brain was substantial. 1H-MRS of the 3rd patient showed massive lactate concentration, and 31P-MRS revealed the total absence of high-energy phosphorous compounds leaving only one single peak of inorganic phosphate, indicating irreversible brain death.
CT Demonstration of Prostatic Zonal Anatomy during Dynamic Contrast Infusion
Authors: Rossen B. , Nielsen M. B. , Skriver E. B.
Published: June 2015

CT of the pelvis was made after i.v. administration of 100 ml Omnipaque (300 mg I/ml) in 8 patients. The 1st series postcontrast was obtained dynamically and the 2nd 5 to 15 min after injection. Postcontrast enhancement of the prostate was shown in all patients. Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT was better than delayed postcontrast CT in showing the zonal anatomy in 6 patients. The method might be useful in patients where transrectal ultrasound is not applicable and when MR is not available.
Craniopharyngiomas — The Utility of Contrast Medium Enhancement for MR Imaging at 1.5 T
Authors: Hald J. K. , Eldevik O. P. , Brunberg J. A. , Chandler W. F.
Published: June 2015

To evaluate the efficacy of i.v. contrast medium administration in MR imaging at 1.5 T in patients with craniopharyngiomas, MR studies of 10 men and 6 women with pathologically proven craniopharyngiomas were made. The MR images were obtained as 3- to 5-mm-thick coronal (n = 13) or axial (n = 3) T1-weighted images (T1WI) prior to and following i.v. Gd-DTPA administration. Proton density- (PD) and T2-weighted images (T2WI) were also obtained. Conspicuity of tumor margins, cystic versus solid components, size, location and effect upon adjacent structures were separately characterized in all imaging sequences. In 6 patients contrast medium-enhanced T1WI, PD and T2WI demonstrated cystic tumor components not seen on unenhanced T1WI. There were significant differences (p < 0.004) on 2-tailed Student's t-test comparing tumor conspicuity on contrast medium-enhanced T1WI with unenhanced T1WI, PD and T2WI. Optimal tumor delineation on MR imaging of patients with craniopharyngiomas justifies the use of i.v. contrast medium.
MR Imaging of the Lower Spine
Authors: Hovi I. , Lamminen A. , Salonen O. , Raininko R.
Published: June 2015

The findings on MR imaging of 28 patients with spinal infection and 40 patients with spinal malignant disease were compared. Spinal infections involved one to 4 vertebrae, usually (23/28) 2 vertebrae. The posterior elements were involved with certainty in 26/40 patients with malignancy but in none with infection. In the latter group, the posterior elements might have been involved in 3/28. The intervertebral disk between the infected vertebrae was involved in 26/28 patients and 21/28 had a paravertebral mass. Spinal malignancies affected the vertebrae alone in 19 patients and paravertebral extension was found in 21/40 patients. The intervertebral disk was involved only in one patient with malignancy. The differences in the distribution of the MR findings between spinal infection and spinal malignancy were highly significant (p < 0.001). The highest signal intensity of the infectious lesions on T2-weighted images was equal to or higher than that of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 26/28 patients. In contrast, the signal intensity of the malignant lesions was hypointense as compared to the CSF in 29/40 patients (p < 0.001). MR is a useful method for differentiating between infection and malignancy in the lower spine; T2-weighted images are especially valuable for differentiation.
Transcatheter Hepatic Subsegmental Arterial Chemoembolization Therapy Using Iodized Oil for Small Hepatocellular Carcinomas
Authors: Murakami R. , Yoshimatsu S. , Yamashita Y. , Sagara K. , Arakawa A. , Takahashi M.
Published: June 2015

Lipiodol accumulation patterns were correlated with local recurrences after subsegmental or conventional arterial chemoembolization therapy using iodized oil (Lipiodol-TAE). Thirty-six patients with solitary small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) less than 3 cm in diameter were included in this retrospective study. Superselective subsegmental catheterization was performed in 14 patients (subsegmental Lipiodol-TAE). In the remaining 22 cases, embolization was performed from the proximal portion of the hepatic artery (conventional Lipiodol-TAE). Patterns of Lipiodol accumulations within the tumors were classified in 2 groups: complete and incomplete accumulation. Complete accumulation was observed in 71% of subsegmental Lipiodol-TAE and in 32% of conventional Lipiodol-TAE. The rate of local recurrences within 12 months was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in incomplete accumulation (100%) than in complete accumulation (13%). We suggest that when small HCCs are to be treated with TAE, subsegmental Lipiodol-TAE should be performed because of its superior capability for achieving complete Lipiodol accumulation.
Microradiographic Anatomy of the Explanted Rat Colon
Authors: Pomerri F. , Gasparini G. , Martin A. , Fries W. , Pagiaro E. , Merigliano S.
Published: June 2015

The colon of 32 healthy Sprague-Dawley rats was studied microradiographically. The colonic arterial distribution of 18 rats was examined after injecting barium sulfate into the isolated aorta. The mucosal surface in 9 rats was studied using double-contrast technique after colon explantation. In 5 animals arterial and mucosal studies were carried out simultaneously. The radiographic thickness of the colonic wall was measured using a comparative microscope. The specimens were observed, photographed and examined histologically. Unlike the cecum and distal colon which, when insufflated, do not have mucosal folds, the proximal colon exhibits folds in an oblique direction corresponding to that of the arteries, and the colonic wall in this region is thicker. Comparison between arterial and mucosal microradiographic anatomy and wall thickness enables the proposition of a simple nontopographic division of the rat colon into cecum, proximal colon and distal colon.
Ferristene as Intestinal MR Contrast Agent
Authors: Van Beers B. E. , Grandin C. , De Greef D. , Lundby B. , Pringot J.
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To compare the small bowel distribution and safety of a fast ingestion procedure of ferristene to those of the standard ingestion procedure.

Material and Methods:

Sixty-four patients received 0.5 g/l ferristene in 800 ml water. Thirty-four patients of the fast ingestion group ingested ferristene with 20 mg of oral metoclopramide during the course of 30 min before MR imaging and received an i.v. injection of an antiperistaltic agent during the MR study. Thirty patients of the standard group ingested ferristene during the course of 2 h, without additional drugs. Ferristene distribution was assessed by 2 reviewers and adverse events were recorded.

Results:

More than 50% of the small bowel segments analyzed were filled with ferristene in 30 patients in the fast ingestion group and in 28 patients in the standard ingestion group. One patient in each group experienced nausea and/or vomiting. Some bloating or sensation of fullness was reported by 2 patients in the fast ingestion group and by 3 patients in the standard ingestion group.

Conclusion:

The distribution of ferristene in the small bowel and the safety of the procedure were thus similar in the 2 groups using either a fast ingestion procedure with oral metoclopramide or the more time-consuming standard ingestion procedure.
Corporate Responsibility Research
Authors: Ghobadian Abby , Money Kevin , Hillenbrand Carola
Published: June 2015

The concept of corporate responsibility (CR) has moved a long way over the past six decades, since Bowen’s book titled Social Responsibilities of the Businessman marked a modern era of business and society research. In this article, we trace the development of business and society literature to provide contextual background to contemporary studies of CR. As well as looking backward, however, we also project forward arguing that fundamental changes in the current business environment are likely to propel CR to new heights in the future. In particular, we explore the mechanisms by which CR affects stakeholder behavior and suggest ways in which scholars and practitioners may want to apply advances from psychology to link CR strategy to human motivation and the notion of balance in organizations and society.
Ibuprofen sorption and release by modified natural zeolites as prospective drug carriers
Authors: Krajišnik D. , Daković A. , Malenović A. , Kragović M. , Milić J.
Published: June 2015

The sorption of ibuprofen by modified natural zeolite composites at three concentration levels (10, 20 and 30 mmol/100 g) of cationic surfactants – benzalkonium chloride and cetylpyridinium chloride, in a buffer solution (pH 7.4), was studied. Characterization of the composites before and after ibuprofen sorption was performed by drug sorption and isotherm studies, zeta potential and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopic analysis. The biopharmaceutical performance of cationic surfactant-modified zeolites as drug formulation excipients was evaluated by in vitro dissolution experiments from the composites with medium surfactant contents. The drug sorption was influenced by the surfactant type and amount used for the zeolite modification. Prolonged drug release over a period of 8 h (up to ~40%) was achieved with both groups of samples. The kinetic analysis showed that the drug release profiles were best fitted with the Higuchi and the Bhaskar models, indicating a combination of drug diffusion and ion exchange as the predominant release mechanisms.
Application of model-free kinetic analysis methods to dehydration of a HEU-type zeolite rich tuff from Turkey
Authors: Narin Güler
Published: June 2015

Non-isothermal dehydration kinetics of a heulandite-type zeolite-rich tuff from Turkey was investigated using thermogravimetric data recorded at three different heating rates (5, 10 and 20°C/min) under nitrogen flow. Isoconversional model-free methods gave a constant activation energy over the temperature range 30–200°C suggesting that the dehydration is a single-step process within this temperature range. The apparent activation energy was determined as: 34.54±1.18, 30.99±1.14 and 27.79±1.42 kJ/mol by the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and the Friedman methods, respectively. The activation energy values determined were less than the activation energy for vaporization of bulk water, indicating control of the dehydration rate by diffusion of water within this temperature range.
Tolerance to the Antinociceptive Effects of Chronic Morphine Requires C-Jun N-Terminal Kinase
Authors: Marcus David J. , Zee Michael , Hughes Alex , Yuill Matthew B. , Hohmann Andrea G. , Mackie Ken , Guindon Josée , Morgan Daniel J.
Published: June 2015

Background

Morphine and fentanyl are opioid analgesics in wide clinical use that act through the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). However, one limitation of their long-term effectiveness is the development of tolerance. Receptor desensitization has been proposed as a putative mechanism driving tolerance to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists. Recent studies have found that tolerance to morphine is mediated by the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. The goal of the present study was to test the hypotheses that: 1) JNK inhibition will be antinociceptive on its own; 2) JNK inhibition will augment morphine antinociception and; 3) JNK mediates chronic tolerance for the antinociceptive effects of morphine using acute (hotplate and tail-flick), inflammatory (10 μl of formalin 2.5 %) and chemotherapy (cisplatin 5 mg/kg ip once weekly)-induced neuropathic pain assays.

Results

We found that JNK inhibition by SP600125 (3 mg/kg) produces a greater antinociceptive effect than morphine (6 mg/kg) alone in the formalin test. Moreover, co-administration of morphine (6 mg/kg) with SP600125 (3 mg/kg) produced a sub-additive antinociceptive effect in the formalin test. We also show that pre-treatment with SP600125 (3 or 10 mg/kg), attenuates tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of morphine (10 mg/kg), but not fentanyl (0.3 mg/kg), in the tail-flick and hotplate tests. Pre-treatment with SP600125 also attenuates tolerance to the hypothermic effects of both morphine and fentanyl. We also examined the role of JNK in morphine tolerance in a cisplatin-induced model of neuropathic pain. Interestingly, treatment with SP600125 (3 mg/kg) alone attenuated mechanical and cold allodynia in a chemotherapy-induced pain model using cisplatin. Strikingly, SP600125 (3 mg/kg) pre-treatment prolonged the anti-allodynic effect of morphine by several days (5 and 7 days for mechanical and cold, respectively).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that JNK signaling plays a crucial role in mediating antinociception as well as chronic tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of morphine in acute, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain states. Thus, inhibition of JNK signaling pathway, via SP600125, represents an efficacious pharmacological approach to delay tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of chronic morphine in diverse pain models.
Sex differences in the branching position of the nerve to the abductor digiti minimi muscle: an anatomical study of cadavers
Authors: Mizuno Daisuke , Naito Munekazu , Hayashi Shogo , Ohmichi Yusuke , Ohmichi Mika , Nakano Takashi
Published: June 2015

Background

The nerve to the abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADMM nerve) is the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve or originates directly from the posterior tibial nerve. Damage to the ADMM nerve is a cause of heel pain and eventually results in ADMM atrophy. It is known that ADMM atrophy occurs more often in females than in males, and the reason remains unclear. This study aimed to explore sex differences in the branching pattern, position, and angle of the ADMM nerve.

Methods

Forty‐two cadavers (20 males, 22 females) were dissected at Aichi Medical University between 2011 and 2015. Cases of foot deformity or atrophy were excluded and 67 ft (30 male, 37 female) were examined to assess the branching pattern, position, and angle of the ADMM nerve.

Results

The branching positions of the ADMM nerve were superior to the malleolar–calcaneal axis (MCA) in 37 ft (55 %), on the MCA in 10 ft (15 %), and inferior to the MCA in 20 ft (30 %). There was no case among male feet in which the ADMM nerve branched inferior to the MCA, whereas this pattern was observed in 19 of 37 female feet (51 %). The branching position of the ADMM nerve was significantly closer to the MCA in female feet than in male feet. There were no significant sex differences in the branching pattern and angle of the ADMM nerve.

Conclusions

The ADMM nerve sometimes branches off inferior to the MCA in females, but not in males. This difference may be the reason for the more frequent occurrence of ADMM atrophy in females than in males.
Shakespeare and Media Ecology: Beyond Historicism and Presentism
Authors: Berensmeyer Ingo
Published: June 2015

This article proposes media ecology—a combination of media studies and performance studies with literary and cultural history—as a research perspective for Shakespeare studies. In contrast to a hermeneutics of renewal—as evinced in both New Historicism and what has been called presentism—media ecology combines a sense of historical alterity with an awareness of the continuing transformations of Shakespeare in changing media settings: from manuscripts and printed texts to theatrical performances, music, opera, cinema, and new media. As an example, the article focuses on the masque in The Tempest, which poses obvious difficulties for a hermeneutics of renewal and is often cut from performance. Productions and adaptations frequently extend the spectacular qualities of the masque to The Tempest as a whole and ignore the skepticism about theatrical illusion that is voiced by Prospero in the play. In the case of The Tempest, cultural productions ranging from theatrical performances to the closing ceremony of the London Olympics of 2012 are difficult to conceptualize in the framework of adaptation studies (which relies on the precedence of an original over its derivations). The article argues that media ecology can help scholars map out such connections and differences between performances and cultural phenomena relating to Shakespeare as cannot be fully grasped either in a historicist or presentist perspective.
JNK Signaling is necessary for a Wnt and stem cell dependent regeneration program
Authors: Tejada-Romero Belen , Carter Jean-Michel , Mihaylova Yuliana , Neumann Bjoern , Aboobaker A. Aziz
Published: June 2015

Regeneration involves the integration of new and old tissues in the context of an adult life history. It is clear that the core conserved signaling pathways that orchestrate development also play central roles in regeneration and further study of conserved signaling pathway is required. Here we have studied the role of the conserved JNK signaling cascade during planarian regeneration. Abrogation of JNK signaling by RNAi or pharmacological inhibition blocks posterior regeneration and animals fail to express posterior markers. While early injury induced expression of polarity markers is unaffected, the later stem cell dependent phase of posterior Wnt expression is not established. This defect can be rescued by over-activation of the Hh or Wnt signaling pathway to promote posterior Wnt activity. Together our data suggest JNK signaling is required to establish stem cell dependent Wnt expression after posterior injury. Given that in vertebrates Jun has been previously shown to be required for the expression of Wnt and Wnt target genes, we propose that this interaction may be conserved and is an instructive part of planarian posterior regeneration.
Language and political reality: George Orwell reconsidered
Authors: Zolyan Suren
Published: June 2015

The domain of reference of political discourse is not autonomous from language; this domain is a construct generated by the discourse itself. Such an approach to the relation between language and political reality was expressed in George Orwell’s novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. Concepts of modern semantics and pragmatics allow to explicate how language acts as both a form of constructing reality and a special type of social verbal behaviour. Language has become exclusively modal and intentional; any utterance expresses the relations of obligation, possibility, etc. and may be interpreted in intensional and, hence, in referentially non-opaque contexts. However, the semantics does not lose its referential force. In contrast, this force is multiplied, becoming a transworld relation. In this respect, the semantics of political discourse is akin to poetic semantics; however, the multidimensionality of the signified referents is hidden because referential discourse is a precondition for effectiveness. Political discourse, as a description of “world as it is”, presupposes a hidden reference to other modal contexts “world in the future” (or “in the past”); “how the world should be” (or “should not be”), etc. The domain of the interpretation of political discourse is a set of possible worlds.
The Clinical Manifestations of Chronic Diseases of the Digestive System in Children
Authors: Сапожников  , Sapozhnikov Vladimir , Воробьева  , Vorobeva A.
Published: June 2015

Recently, a number of children with chronic inflammatory diseases of the digestive organs is growing in Russia. This article considers the clinical manifestations of children with chronic gastro-duodenal diseases. The problems of the chronic diseases of gastrointestinal tract are relevant due to the significant prevalence the digestive diseases in children, among them the leading place is a gastro-duodenal pathology. The high prevalence of this pathology in children is an important social and medical problem. An analysis of the prevalence of digestive diseases among the children in the Russian Federation indicates that over the last 20 years there is a significant increase in gastrointestinal pathology in children and uncontrolled increase in the incidence of diseases of the stomach and duodenum. The clinical manifestations of a chronic gastro-duodenal pathology are various and depend on the degree of structural changes of the organs, their location, a stage of the pathological process, functional status and disturbance of metabolic processes in the body. Chronic diseases of the digestive system in children often begin in pre-school and school age. The gastro-duodenal diseases have a relapsing course, they are a cause of anatomical changes of the body. In the future, it leads to loss of earning capacity and disability among the adult population.
Experience in Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures by means of the Cannulated Screws
Authors: Шпаковский  , Shpakovskiy M. , Калашников  , Kalashnikov V. , Грибанов  , Gribanov N. , Казанин  , Kazanin Konstantin , Басов  , Basov A.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this research was to study long-term results of osteosynthesis of femoral neck treatment by means of the cannulated screw and to assess the degree of shortening of the femoral neck and its effect on functional outcome. Materials and methods. Minimally invasive osteosynthesis by means of the cannulated screws was carried out in 119 patients with fractures of the femoral neck. The long-term results in 112 (94.1%) patients after osteosynthesis in terms of 1 to 3 years after surgery were analyzed. Results and discussion. Fusion of fracture was noted in 89 (79,4%) cases, non-fusion – in 23 (20,6%) cases. It was es-tablished the dependence of the remote functional outcome from the degree of shortening of the femoral neck. In the presence of shortening of the femoral neck of more than 4 mm of excellent and good results were decreased considera-bly. The dependence of the distant functional results age of the patients was identified. The average age of patients with poor outcome was 77,3 years, with satisfactory – 67,7 years, with a good – 64,1 years, with excellent – 55,9 years. The dependence of the remote functional outcome from the type of fracture according to Pauwels and Garden was determined. Positive results were obtained in fractures type Pauwels I-II, Garden I-II, i.e. at the support fractures and the fractures with little displacement of bone fragments. Conclusions. Minimally invasive osteosynthesis by means of the cannulated screw allows to achieve coalescence fracture in 79,4% of cases, so it may be one of the methods of choice for femoral neck fractures, but can also lead to shortening of the femoral neck.
The Effective and Safety Use of the Epidural Analgesia at Vaginal Delivery in the Women with the Uterine Scar
Authors: Виноградов  , Vinogradov V. , Густоварова  , Gustovarova T. , Боженков  , Bozhenkov K. , Иванян  , Ivanyan A.
Published: June 2015

The frequency of the Cesarean section leads to increase number of the patients with the scar on the uterus. In the Clinical hospital № 1 (Smolensk, Russia) the childbirth is carried out through natural birth canal on the women having a reliable scar on the uterus. The analysis of the vaginal delivery and labour outcomes in 69 patients with the scar on the uterus is carried out. The childbirth in 38 patients was conducted with the epidurals, in 31 patients – without this type of anesthesia. The efficiency and safety of the epidural anesthesia are shown. The obtained results confirm that the epidural anesthesia doesn´t complicate the labour, doesn´t increase the hospitalization term, doesn´t influence the bleeding and negative effects on the fetus condition and the newborn assessment according to Apgar score. The possibility of using epidural anesthesia at childbirth on the women with uterine scar during the dystocia is shown.