bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Outer Retinal Layers Thickness and Visual Acuity in Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Wong Raymond L. M. , Lee Jacky W. Y. , Yau Gordon S. K. , Wong Ian Y. H.
Published: June 2015

Purpose. To investigate the correlation of outer retinal layers (ORL) thickness and visual acuity (VA) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).Methods. Consecutive DME patients seen at the Retina Clinic of The University of Hong Kong were recruited for OCT assessment. The ORL thickness was defined as the distance between external limiting membrane (ELM) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) at the foveal center. The correlation between total retinal thickness, ORL thickness, and vision was calculated.Results. 78 patients with DME were recruited. The mean age was 58.1 years (±11.5 years) and their mean visual acuity measured with Snellen chart was 0.51 (±0.18). The correlation coefficient between total retinal thickness and visual acuity was 0.34 (P< 0.001) whereas the correlation coefficient was 0.65 between ORL thickness and visual acuity (P< 0.001).Conclusion. ORL thickness correlates better with vision than the total retinal thickness. It is a novel OCT parameter in the assessment of DME. Moreover, it could be a potential long term visual prognostic factor for patients with DME.
Inhibition of Glucosylceramide Synthase Sensitizes Head and Neck Cancer to Cisplatin
Authors: Roh Jong-Lyel , Kim Eun Hye , Park Jin Young , Kim Ji Won
Published: June 2015

Glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) overexpression is associated with multidrug resistance in several human cancers. GCS blockade, which overcomes multidrug resistance by downregulating P-glycoprotein (P-gp), has not been tested in head and neck cancer (HNC). This study investigates whether GCS is targetable in HNC by assessing whether GCS inhibition sensitizes HNC to cisplatin. The effect of genetic or pharmacologic GCS inhibition (using GCS siRNA/shRNA or d,l-threo-PPMP, respectively) on cisplatin sensitivity was assessed in several human HNC cells and acquired cisplatin-resistant HNC cells by measuring cell viability, cell cycle, death, mRNA and protein expression, ceramide production, and in preclinical tumor xenograft mouse models. GCS and P-gp expression were significantly associated with cisplatin resistance in several HNC cell lines (P = 0.007). Both were significantly increased in HN9-cisR cells, which display acquired cisplatin resistance (P < 0.001). Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of GCS induced accumulation of increased ceramide levels. GCS inhibition increased cisplatin-induced cell death in HNC cells via P-gp downregulation and proapoptotic protein activation, which were abrogated by siPUMA transfection. Genetic and pharmacologic GCS inhibition sensitized resistant HNC cells to cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. GCS and P-gp overexpression is associated with acquired cisplatin resistance, suggesting a role for these molecules as therapeutic targets for HNC. Genetic or pharmacologic GCS blockade may have therapeutic benefit in cisplatin-resistant HNC. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(8); 1907–15. ©2015 AACR.
Human megakaryocytes confer tissue factor to a subset of shed platelets to stimulate thrombin generation
Authors: Canzano Paola , Rossetti Laura , Ferri Nicola , Balduini Alessandra , Abbonante Vittorio , Boselli Daniela , De Marco Luigi , Di Minno Matteo , Toschi Vincenzo , Corsini Alberto , Tremoli Elena , Brambilla Marta , Facchinetti Laura , Camera Marina
Published: June 2015

Tissue factor (TF), the main activator of the blood coagulation cascade, has been shown to be expressed by platelets. Despite the evidence that both megakaryocytes and platelets express TF mRNA, and that platelets can make de novo protein synthesis, the main mechanism thought to be responsible for the presence of TF within platelets is through the uptake of TF positive microparticles. In this study we assessed 1) whether human megakaryocytes synthesise TF and transfer it to platelets and 2) the contribution of platelet-TF to the platelet hemostatic capacity. In order to avoid the cross-talk with circulating microparticles, we took advantage from an in vitro cultured megakaryoblastic cell line (Meg-01) able to differentiate into megakaryocytes releasing platelet-like particles. We show that functionally active TF is expressed in human megakaryoblasts, increased in megakaryocytes, and is transferred to a subset of shed platelets where it contributes to clot formation. These data were all confirmed in human CD34pos- derived megakaryocytes and in their released platelets. The effect of TF silencing in Meg-megakaryoblasts resulted in a significant reduction of TF expression in these cells and also in Meg-megakaryocytes and Meg-platelets. Moreover, the contribution of platelet-TF to the platelet hemostatic capacity was highlighted by the significant delay in the kinetic of thrombin formation observed in platelets released by TF-silenced megakaryocytes. These findings provide evidences that TF is an endogenously synthesised protein that characterises megakaryocyte maturation and that it is transferred to a subset of newly-released platelets where it is functionally active and able to trigger thrombin generation.
ФАКТОРИ РИЗИКУ В ПРОГНОЗУВАННІ ВИХОДУ ХІРУРГІЧНОГО ЛІКУВАННЯ ПРОЛІФЕРАТИВНОЇ ДІАБЕТИЧНОЇ РЕТИНОПАТІЇ
Authors: Риков С. О. , Рубан А. М. , Зольнікова А. Ю.
Published: June 2015

The article describes  the results  in detection different factors that may predict visual outcome after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
ПОРІВНЯЛЬНА ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ФАКТОРІВ РИЗИКУ
Authors: Чурпій І. К.
Published: June 2015

To optimize the therapeutic tactics and improve the treatment of peritonitis on the basis of retrospective analysis there are determined the significant risk factors: female gender, age 60 – 90 years, time to hospitalization for more than 48 hours, a history of myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, biliary, fecal and fibrinous purulent exudate, the terminal phase flow, operations with resection of the intestine and postoperative complications such as pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, pleurisy, early intestinal obstruction. Changes in the electrolyte composition of blood and lower albumin <35 % of high risk prognostic course of peritonitis that requires immediate correction in the pre-and postoperative periods. The combination of three or more risk factors for various systems, creating a negative outlook for further treatment and the patient's life.
Is morphology in Cercospora a reliable reflection of generic affinity?
Authors: Bakhshi Mounes , Arzanlou Mahdi , Babai-ahari Asadollah , Groenewald Johannes Z , Crous Pedro W
Published: June 2015

Cercospora (Mycosphaerellaceae) is a large genus of fungi comprising many important plant pathogens. In recent years DNA-based studies have revealed multiple genera of cercosporoid fungi being poly- and paraphyletic. Among these genera, the genus Cercospora has always been perceived as monophyletic. In the present study, phylogenetic inferences based on partial gene sequences of the LSU, ITS, ACT, TEF1-α and HIS loci, elucidated a cercospora-like taxon from Ammi majus to cluster in a clade apart from Cercospora s. str. In spite of numerous Cercospora spp. presently known from their DNA sequence data, this collection represents the first concrete evidence to the fact that the morphological characters previously attributed to Cercospora s. str. evolved more than once in the Mycosphaerellaceae. The genus Neocercospora is subsequently introduced to accommodate the Iranian taxon occurring on A. majus. Further collections on other hosts and from different continents are now required to establish the prevalence and relative importance of species of Neocercospora.
Checklist of the Quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) of the World
Authors: GLOWSKA ELIZA , CHRZANOWSKI MATEUSZ , KASZEWSKA KATARZYNA
Published: June 2015

Mites of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Cheyletoidea) are ectoparasites inhabiting the quills of various feather types in many groups of birds. Until now, 334 valid species and 60 genera of quill mites have been described and recorded from 482 bird species (95 families and 24 orders). Currently, the family is divided into 2 subfamilies: Syringophilinae Lavoipierre, 1953 with 260 species grouped in 49 genera, and Picobinae Johnston and Kethley, 1973 with 74 species grouped in 11 genera. Mites of the subfamily Syringophilinae inhabit quills of primaries, secondaries, tertials, rectrices and wing coverts and just occasionally the body feathers; representatives of the subfamily Picobinae live predominantly inside the body feathers. The rapid increase of the knowledge on biodiversity and systematics of quill mites started in end of the 1990s; numerous new descriptions appeared since that time and taxonomic rearrangements make an urgent need to summarize all previous data. We present a complete checklist of the family Syringophilidae of the world including the following data: a species name, author(s), references, a number of first page of description, figure numbers in descriptions, depository of type and non-type materials, host spectrum and geographical distribution. The checklist is additionally provided with the table including bird hosts and associated quill mite species.
The Astronomical Data in the Très Riches Heures and their Fourteenth-Century Source
Authors: Nothaft C. Philipp E.
Published: June 2015

In spite of the immense worldwide popularity of the calendar that opens the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, its astronomical content remains underappreciated and its purpose ill-understood. This holds true in particular for the inclusion of a “new Golden Number” ( Nombre d’or nouvel), which corrects the standard lunar computation used by the medieval Church. The source for this correction, as this article seeks to demonstrate, was a revised table of Golden Numbers drawn up in 1345 by John of Murs and Firmin of Beauval in the context of a calendar reform project initiated by Pope Clement VI. In a similar vein, the daytime lengths recorded in the Très Riches Heures most likely derive from John of Murs’ astronomical tables known as Patefit ( c. 1329/1332). These findings stand in opposition to a recent hypothesis put forward by Lebigue (2014), who instead links the Très Riches Heures to a calendar reform project pursued by Pierre d’Ailly in 1411–1417.
Social Axioms as Mediators Between Culture-Level and Individual-Level Values
Authors: Dragolov Georgi , Boehnke Klaus
Published: June 2015

We offer empirical evidence for a new conceptual view on the interdependence of culture-level values and individual value preferences. A study of 291 sojourner students from 56 nationalities tests the hypothesis that social axioms fully mediate the relationship between culture-level and individual value preferences. Cultural values were operationalized with Schwartz’s three culture-level value oppositions: embeddedness-autonomy, mastery-harmony, and hierarchy-egalitarianism. The measurement of social axioms follows the approach of Leung et al., whereas individual values focus on Hagan et al.’s second-order concept of hierarchic self-interest. The empirical support for our central hypothesis points to a necessity to refine theories on the relationship of social axioms and values, giving social axioms the role of a mediator in the process of transmitting a culture’s prevalent values in value preferences of individuals.
Dutch and German 3-Year-Olds’ Representations of Voicing Alternations
Authors: Buckler Helen , Fikkert Paula
Published: June 2015

The voicing contrast is neutralized syllable and word finally in Dutch and German, leading to alternations within the morphological paradigm (e.g., Dutch ‘bed(s)’, be[t]- be[d]en, German ‘dog(s)’, Hun[t]-Hun[d]e). Despite structural similarity, language-specific morphological, phonological and lexical properties impact on the distribution of this alternation in the two languages. Previous acquisition research has focused on one language only, predominantly focusing on children’s production accuracy, concluding that alternations are not acquired until late in the acquisition process in either language. This paper adapts a perceptual method to investigate how voicing alternations are represented in the mental lexicon of Dutch and German 3-year-olds. Sensitivity to mispronunciations of voicing word-medially in plural forms was measured using a visual fixation procedure. Dutch children exhibited evidence of overgeneralizing the voicing alternation, whereas German children consistently preferred the correct pronunciation to mispronunciations. Results indicate that the acquisition of voicing alternations is influenced by language-specific factors beyond the alternation itself.
A forgotten adivasi landscape
Authors: Tilche Alice
Published: June 2015

This article focuses on processes of remembering, forgetting and re-remembering. It examines a fundamental tension between the project of retrieving an adivasi past, initiated by an adivasi museum in rural western India, and the social and material landscape surrounding it, characterised, instead, by fragmentation and separation from adivasi identity. The article reflects on a collaborative research project between the researcher, young adivasi curators and inhabitants of the area adjoining the museum. It shows how, while the curators engaged in a project of recuperation, at the same time, they were distancing themselves from their traditional identity by joining reform movements and new religious sects. Processes of memory and forgetting, however, also co-existed. People held multiple identities and the process of retrieving the past also called for transformation and reform. The article contributes to debates about adivasi identity, social transformation and religious reform. It also offers a reflection on the new role of indigenous museums and their potential to address a ‘crisis of postcolonial memory’ (Werbner 1998). Finally, it contributes to discussions of methodology with a focus on the collaborative process of collecting and its role in eliciting or preventing certain kinds of memories.
Atlanto-Occipital Dislocation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Redlund-Johnell I.
Published: June 2015

Four cases of atlanto-occipital dislocation are described. Two of the cases were found in a material of 407 patients with rheumatoid arthritis indicating a frequency of 0.5 per cent. All the patients had severe mutilating changes of the peripheral joints as well as of the cervical spine and all developed severe neurologic symptoms. The diagnosis is not easy to set on conventional films so conventional tomography or rather computed tomography is recommended.
Mammography is an Objective Diagnostic Method
Authors: Mygind T. , Dorph S. , Blichert-Toft M. , Pedersen M. Lau , Siemssen O. , Jacobsen G. Krag
Published: June 2015

Six hundred mammograms from 307 consecutive symptomatic patients with a firm retrospective diagnosis were evaluated blindly and independently by two observers. Each observer identified 43 of 47 tumors (91 per cent) with predictive values of 0.63 and 0.68, respectively, for the positive statement, and 0.98 for the negative statement. The overall interobserver agreement with respect to malignancy was 94 per cent (Kappa 0.84) and concerning the diagnosis of simple cysts 91 per cent (Kappa 0.60). The frequency of subclinical cancer demonstrated by mammography in this material was higher than the prevalence of mammary carcinoma found by screening of risk group populations. Thus, mammography remains an objective and reproducible diagnostic method with distinct complementary value to clinical examination. By utilizing certain mammographic criteria for benign lesions it may be possible to reduce the number of biopsies presently performed on the basis of unspecific palpatory findings.
Computed Tomography of Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Kalovidouris A. , Gouliamos A. , Pontifex Gr. , Gennatas K. , Dardoufas K. , Papavasiliou C.
Published: June 2015

Forty-seven patients with ovarian carcinoma were examined with computed tomography (CT). Fourteen were evaluated before laparotomy (group I), 25 following surgical treatment (group II), and 8 were followed by CT in the course, or following chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy (group III). CT provided accurate estimates of the size, shape and structure of the ovarian tumor in 8 patients in group I and contributed to diagnosis in 3 others. Primary ovarian tumors were incorrectly diagnosed in 3 cases. CT examination was valuable for detection of metastases in the mesenterium, omentum, peritoneum, abdominal organs and lymph nodes. The detection of small (1 cm diameter) metastatic implants on the peritoneal surface, omentum and liver capsule was facilitated by the presence of ascites. CT proved useful for patient follow-up, either after surgical treatment or when chemotherapy with or without radiation therapy was used.
Heart Volumes in Healthy Middle-Aged Men
Authors: Erikssen J. , Levorstad K. , Aakhus T.
Published: June 2015

The heart volume was followed over a 7-year period in 819 healthy men aged 40 to 59 years. The subjects were selected on the basis of unremarkable clinical findings and technically satisfactory films on two occasions 7 years apart. On both occasions the mean heart volume in the upright position was 390 ml/m2 (96.6% below 500), uninfluenced by age, and moderately larger in subjects with high physical fitness. Inclusion of subjects who were healthy during the baseline examination, but who developed heart disease or other diseases during the follow-up period, would have increased the mean heart volume by 15 ml/m2. Latent coronary heart disease did not influence the heart volume, but intercurrent myocardial infection increased the follow-up volumes significantly.
Quantitative Doppler Flowmetry
Authors: Smith H.-J.
Published: June 2015

With the aim of designing a duplex scanner especially suited for flow estimation in abdominal vessels, a mechanical coupling device was constructed, combining a real time sector scanner and a pulsed Doppler velocity meter. The possible error in estimation of vessel cross-sectional area by means of ultrasound measured diameters, was studied through diameter measurements of blood-filled plastic tubes. In conclusion, the ultrasound measured outer-inner diameter seemed to be the most accurate estimation of true inner diameter. The accuracy and reproducibility of flow estimation was tested under optimum in vitro conditions, with special reference to the ability of the mechanical coupling device in giving the correct angle between Doppler beam and blood-filled tube. Ninety blood flow estimates with varying angle of insonation were all within ±10 per cent of true flow.
Tibial Torsion Measured by Computed Tomography
Authors: Laasonen E. M. , Jokio P. , Lindholm T. S.
Published: June 2015

The clinical methods for measuring tibial torsion are based on the assumption that the proximal tibial tilt invariably is 0°, an assumption which proved to be false in 38 legs examined using computed tomography. The conventional radiologic methods have not gained general acceptance. The various CT methods available for measurement of tibial torsion were investigated and have indicated too wide a variation to be clinically useful. At present, no reliable method for measuring tibial torsion seems to be available.
Kinin Activation as a Predictive Assay for Adverse Reactions to Radiographic Contrast Medium
Authors: Carr D. H. , Walker A. C.
Published: June 2015

The rate of conversion in vitro, of prekallikrein to kallikrein has been measured in 74 reactors to contrast medium and 70 controls. The conversion rate is significantly more rapid in reactors than controls. There was no difference in C1-esterase inhibitor and factor XII levels between reactors and controls. This retrospective investigation suggests that prekallikrein/kallikrein conversion rate may form the basis of a test for differentiating between reactors and non-reactors.
Maxillo-Nasal Dysplasia (Binder Syndrome) and Associated Malformations of the Cervical Spine
Authors: Olow-Nordenram M. A. K. , RÅdberg C. T.
Published: June 2015

Forty-three patients with maxillo-nasal dysplasia have been subjected to a radiographic examination of the cervical spine. In 44.2 per cent malformations of the cervical vertebrae of a minor or major type were revealed. Dysplasia of the vertebral bodies related to persistence of the chorda dorsalis, a very rare malformation, was found in six cases. No correlation between the incidence or severity of the malformations and the degree of malocclusion of the jaws and facial deformity, characteristic of Binder syndrome, were noted. The maxillo-nasal dysplasia and the spinal malformations probably have a common cause during the embryologic stage.
Psychic Changes following Myelography with Metrizamide and Iohexol
Authors: Cronqvist S. E. , Holtås S. L. , Laike T. , Ozolins A.
Published: June 2015

Based upon the results of repeated psychologic tests, psychic impairment following myelography has been studied in 60 patients. Thirty of these had lumbar myelography with metrizamide and 30 with iohexol. Psychic impairment was noted in both groups, although with a higher frequency and much more marked in the group which had metrizamide myelography. For this type of examination iohexol is thus to be recommended.
Detectability of Intraperitoneal Fluid by Ultrasonography
Authors: Forsby J. , Henriksson L.
Published: June 2015

The detectability of intraperitoneal fluid was investigated by ultrasonography following injection of physiologic saline in conjunction with hysterosalpingography in 40 patients. It was invariably possible to identify 10 to 15 ml fluid in the pouch of Douglas with the patient in supine position and in Morison's pouch after Trendelenburg and right decubitus position. Ultrasonography is superior to conventional radiography for detection of minor intraperitoneal fluid.
Recording of Bone Marrow Activity in Liver-Spleen (RES) Scintigraphy
Authors: Friman L. , Persson U. , Udén R.
Published: June 2015

The bone marrow activity in the liver-spleen (RES) scintigraphy has been diffucult to estimate correctly. If the activity of the bone marrow is to be decided as counts/time unit it is of importance that structures with a high activity as the liver and spleen are excluded from the registration. A dorsal registration of the pelvis during 180 s will give a rather correct information of bone marrow activity and besides an image of the pelvic bone marrow is obtained. Using 270 to 280 MBq 99Tcm-Albures all 45 normal cases had values below 150 KCNT (1 KCNT = 1000 counts). All cases with cirrhosis (n=15) or metastases in the liver (n=14) had values over 150 KCNT. Values over 150 KCNT were also found in 29 of 34 patients with an increase in ASAT and ALAT (GOT, GPT) as the only pathologic finding and in 12 of 21 patients with a carcinoma but without metastases in the liver.
Ultrasound in Preoperative Staging of Rectal Tumours
Authors: Påhlman L. , Adalsteinsson B. , Glimelius B. , Lindgren P. G. , Scheibenpflug L.
Published: June 2015

A dynamic ultrasound sector scanner with 5.0 and 7.5 MHz transducers was used for examination of resected bowel specimens with rectal carcinoma. Pathologic structures, i.e. tumour extension into or beyond the bowel wall, and perirectal lymph nodes, were marked. Corresponding parts of the tissue were embedded in paraffin and a detailed comparison between the findings at ultrasound and those in the histopathological sections was made. There was a good accordance between the histopathologic and ultrasonic findings which makes it possible to perform an exact preoperative staging of rectal carcinomas with ultrasound. Twenty patients with primary tumours of the rectum preoperatively underwent ultrasonography with a prototype transrectal probe with the same type of crystals and frequences. In the 14 cases, however, where ultrasound findings could be compared with the histopathologic findings only six (43%) were correctly staged at ultrasonography. Certain difficulties were encountered in the preoperative examinations with a rigid probe as used in this study.
Diaphanography in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Wallberg H. , Alveryd A. , Bergvall U. , Nasiell K. , Sundelin P. , Troell S.
Published: June 2015

Histologically classified carcinoma was present in 110 breasts of 108 symptomatic women. The results of diaphanography (DPG) were correlated with those obtained by clinical examination (CE), mammography (M) and cytology (C). A tumour was palpable in 87 cases (79.1 %). A false negative diagnosis was made in 17 cases (15.5%) using DPG, in 13 cases (11.8%) using M and in 15 cases (13.6%) using C, but in 12 of the latter cases (10.9%) the specimen was not representative. The validity of the findings using DPG and M was also analysed. The calculations were based on the results obtained from the present investigation and from a study of diaphanography in 163 cases of benign breast disorders. For DPG the sensitivity was 85 per cent, the specificity 91 per cent, the positive predictive value 86 per cent and the negative predictive value 90 per cent. For M the sensitivity was 86 per cent, the specificity 80 per cent, the positive predictive value 75 per cent and the negative predictive value 91 per cent. The specificity for diaphanography was significantly different from mammography (p<0.05). The use of both M and DPG reduced the number of false negatives from 11.8 per cent to 5.5 per cent. In conclusion, DPG has been demonstrated to be a useful adjunct to CE and M.
Transpharyngeal Radiography of Mandibular Condyle
Authors: Larheim T. A. , Johannessen S.
Published: June 2015

Transpharyngeal examination of the mandibular condyle was compared with transcranial and transmaxillary examinations in 22 patients with mandibular pain/dysfunction. All projections were supplementary and a combination of at least two methods seemed preferable. When a single examination was used, underestimation of abnormalities was evident. In demonstrating condylar destruction, the transpharyngeal examination seemed to be superior to the more commonly used transcranial, but inferior to the transmaxillary examination.
Dilatation of Biliary Strictures through a Stomatized Jejunal Limb
Authors: Russell E. , Hutson D. G. , Guerra J. J. , Nunez D. , Yrizarry J. M. , Schiff E.
Published: June 2015

This preliminary report details the radiologists' contribution to the combined surgical—radiologic approach to maintaining patency of the biliary tree that may benefit certain categories of patients with biliary strictures. We have accessed the biliary tree through the stomatized afferent limb of a side to side biliary jejunal anastomosis in 18 patients. Our early experience with this technique suggests that we may be able to maintain patency of biliary strictures without the need for permanent indwelling catheters or stents.
Significance of Collateral Arterial Supply to Wilms' Tumours
Authors: Lundkvist K. , Esscher T. , Jorulf H. , Larsson E. , Läckgren G.
Published: June 2015

The presence of collateral arterial supply was examined by angiography in 19 children with Wilms' tumour. Collateral arterial supply was related to tumour size. Ten of 14 tumours displaying collateral circulation were entirely intrarenal at operation, confirmed by histopathology. Angiography in Wilms' tumour is indicated when the results of urography, ultrasonography or computed tomography are equivocal or extrarenal tumour growth is suggested.
Movement of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter and a Manometric Device during Deglutition
Authors: Isberg A. , Nilsson M. E. , Schiratzki H.
Published: June 2015

A cineradiographic examination of 9 healthy subjects showed asynchronous movement of a manometric device in relation to movement of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) during deglutition. A single sensor placed within the UES high pressure zone at rest registered pressures existing outside this zone during the major part of deglutition. The manometric device must therefore comprise at least three sensors placed at different levels and about 10 mm apart if consistent pressure recording within this zone is to be achieved. In order to evaluate the pressure profile within the sphincter adequately, cineradiographic determination of the orientation of the measuring device is necessary. This was made possible by insertion of two mutually perpendicular radiopaque indicators into the catheter.
Morphometry of Orthopantomographic Mandibular Bone Changes during Radiation Therapy
Authors: Aitasalo K. , Neva M.
Published: June 2015

It is generally considered that mineral loss in the bone must amount to 30 per cent or more before any changes become visible to the naked eye in conventional radiography of the skeleton. Early changes in the mandibular bone during radiation therapy are therefore difficult to detect. Abnormalities of the bone caused by irradiation are vascular and cellular in nature. Morphometry detects the changes earlier than conventional radiography. Nineteen patients with a malignant process in the oral cavity or the naso- or hypopharynx but with no evidence of metastases in the mandibular periosteum or bone marrow were given radiation therapy. They were investigated using morphometry together with orthopantomography. The investigation demonstrated a decrease in the number of trabeculae and an increase in the amount of marrow space and compact bone during irradiation. Thus it is possible to detect early radiographic changes by morphometry, but this method is more laborious than scintigraphy. The abnormalities of the mandibular bone were reversible, which signifies the recovery of bone after irradiation with therapeutic doses.
Post-Operative Lesions of the Common Bile-Duct
Authors: Fork F.-T. , Rimér U. , Ekberg O. , Nyman U. , Zederfeldt B.
Published: June 2015

Cholangiograms were reviewed of 190 patients with gall-bladder disease, who were consecutively operated upon with common bile-duct exploration during a 2.5-year period. Nine patients were excluded for various reasons. In 86 patients endoscopy of the duodenum was also performed after surgery. In 181 patients post-operative cholangiography revealed the following lesions, not found at the pre-explorative examinations: Fistula to the duodenum in 27, ulcers or sinus tracts in 11, ectasia and/or irregularities in another 11. In 17 patients retained calculi were found. The clinical significance of the iatrogenic lesions is probably low, but they must be recognized as such in order not to be radiologically misinterpreted.
Radionuclide Angiography and Scintigraphy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Friman L. , Nilsson R. , Udén R.
Published: June 2015

Among 1 257 patients subjected to liver-spleen (RES) scintigraphy and radionuclide angiography (RNA), there were 13 cases of histologically confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma (1 %). All 13 patients had scintigraphic findings indicating cirrhosis. Histologically, cirrhosis was present in only 9 out of 11 cases in which liver parenchyma was available for examination. One patient had hemochromatosis without evidence of cirrhosis. In 11 cases, the tumor was clearly demonstrated as a defect in the static scintigram. However, in 2 cases with cirrhosis and poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, the tumor nodules were hardly discernible. In RNA, the tumor displayed high activity in the arterial phase and decreasing activity during the portal phase, ending up as a defect. At RNA, the lesion was clearly outlined in 12 cases, including the 2 patients in whom the scintigraphic findings were inconclusive; in one case with severe cirrhosis and a well differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma, the tumor was barely detectable. We conclude that a combination of RNA and scintigraphy is a valuable screening which usually provides a correct diagnosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Determinants of Early Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome with Special Reference to Chest Radiography
Authors: Wegenius G. , Modig J.
Published: June 2015

The medical records of 220 consecutive patients with traumatic injuries admitted to the intensive care unit in the years 1974–1982 were scrutinised in an attempt to find radiographic signs and clinical determinants of early adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). All patients included in this study were considered to run a risk of developing ARDS and had ‘pure’ major fractures in the sense that there were no accompanying severe brain, chest or abdominal injuries. There were no deaths in this series of patients. ARDS developed in 27 patients (12.3%), on an average on the second day of trauma. Chest radiographs of 21 of these patients showed features indicative of ARDS, whereas those of the other 6 patients were normal despite hypoxaemia. In most of the 27 patients the only radiographic manifestation of ARDS was interstitial oedema; only a minority presented with alveolar oedema in addition. In 6 patients no radiographic changes ever occurred. Ventilator treatment with positive end expiratory pressure may have prevented the pulmonary insufficiency from becoming radiographically manifest. The clinical determinants of post-traumatic ARDS were a high fracture index, based on the number and severity of fractures, implying severe trauma, and shock on admission. Fluid overload was not found to be the cause of ARDS.
Pharyngeal Dysfunctions and Their Interrelationship in Patients with Dysphagia
Authors: Ekberg O. , Wahlgren L.
Published: June 2015

Cineradiographic examination of the pharynx is a valuable tool for evaluation of patients with swallowing complaints. The direct functional imaging is the essence of cineradiography of the pharynx during swallowing. In this way the motor function of the pharynx can be monitored. The kind and number of specific dysfunction can give a valuable information about the severity of pharyngeal impairment. Using a scoring system compensation and decompensation of pharyngeal function can be assessed, thereby offering an understanding of the patients' swallowing ability.
Ultrasonography and Computed Tomography in Adenomyomatosis of the Gallbladder
Authors: Izumi N. , Koyama W. , Irie T. , Miyakawa H. , Ito Y. , Kanayama M. , Hasumura Y. , Takeuchi J.
Published: June 2015

Ultrasonography and computed tomography were performed in 4 patients with adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder of segmental or diffuse type. Cholecystectomy was performed in all cases, and the diagnosis of adenomyomatosis was confirmed histopathologically. Ultrasonography revealed diffuse or segmental thickening of the gallbladder wall with small intramural diverticula. Small stones were also found. The characteristic findings of adenomyomatosis at computed tomography were soft tissue density masses in the gallbladder fossa, associated with a well-delineated, distinct tumor-free space between the mass and the liver, and with small intramural diverticula and calcified stones within the mass. Ultrasonography and computed tomography demonstrate a characteristic appearance of adenomyomatosis.
Radiologic Classification of Joint Destruction in Juvenile Chronic Arthritis
Authors: Pettersson H. , Rydholm U.
Published: June 2015

A radiologic classification of the destruction of the large joints in juvenile chronic arthritis is described. Its principles are the same as previously published by the authors for evaluation of the knee joint. Osteoporosis, enlargement or other growth disturbance of the bone ends, cyst formation, erosions or deformation of the subchondral joint surface is expressed in terms of a score. In a retrospective study of 74 examinations of the large joints in 30 patients aged 6–18 years, the suggested classification was used. The radiologic score obtained had a good correlation to the clinical findings.
Computed Tomography in Deep Venous Thrombosis with Limb Oedema
Authors: Seem E. , Stranden E. , Stiris M. G.
Published: June 2015

Computed tomography was used in 12 patients to investigate the distribution of oedema in the soft tissue compartments of lower limbs with deep venous thrombosis. Oedema was evenly distributed throughout the subcutis and the muscular compartments in tomograms obtained 25 cm proximal to the ankle. Significantly less swelling in the muscular compartments was found 10 cm proximal to the ankle. Interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure was measured in the subcutis, and in anterior and posterior muscular compartments, and was significantly increased in all cases. Except for one case, the recorded pressures were well below 30 mmHg, which is considered the limit above which compartment syndromes occur. Tissue compliance was significantly lower in muscular compartments than in the subcutis.
Contrast Media Osmolality and Plasma Volume Changes
Authors: Hine A. L. , Lui D. , Dawson P.
Published: June 2015

A theoretical and experimental study of the plasma volume expansion consequent on the hyperosmolality of contrast media is presented. In the case of the ratio 1.5 media theory and experiment coincide closely but in the case of the ratio 3 media the observed changes exceed the predicted. It is proposed that this is due partly to the slower diffusion of the ratio 3 media out of the intravascular space and partly due to the fact that the osmotic load presented by these media is greater than would be expected from a study of their commercial solutions in which osmolality is reduced by molecular aggregation. The implications for the relative haemodynamic effects of different contrast media are discussed. The osmotic effects of contrast media also play a part in determining the image quality achievable in intravenous digital subtraction angiography (IV—DSA). It is predicted that ratio 3 contrast media will give better quality images in IV—DSA than ratio 1.5 media.
Iohexol and Metrizamide in Lumbar Myelography
Authors: Laasonen E. M.
Published: June 2015

In routine lumbar myelography carried out in 100 patients iohexol (n=50) produced side effects in fewer patients (p<0.03), especially meningeal and cerebral (p<0.03), and among these a lower rate of headache (p<0.07), than did metrizamide. The overall frequency of afflicted patients (50% after iohexol and 72% after metrizamide) was high, mainly because of deliberate inclusion of patients with a high risk of side effects in the investigation. The side effects recorded up to six hours after the administration of the contrast medium were less frequent when using iohexol. If severe side effects are present at 24 hours or appear thereafter, as occurred in a few of the present patients after iohexol, surgical treatment or discharge of the patient is in some cases unnecessarily delayed.
Videodensitometry in Rats with Pulmonary Damage Due to Microembolism
Authors: Wegenius G. , Wegener T. , Ruhn G. , Saldeen T. , Erikson U.
Published: June 2015

Serial pulmonary angiography with videodensitometry was performed in 18 rats with pulmonary damage caused by administration of a fibrinolysis inhibitor, tranexamic acid (200 mg/kg body weight injected intraperitoneally) and bovine thrombin (500 NIH/kg body weight injected into the right femoral vein). The mean transit time (MTT) was calculated from videodensitometry, the observed area of interest consisting of approximately one-third of the right lung, including both central and peripheral parts. The impact of the pulmonary damage was analysed by morphologic methods and correlated to MTT. Although a pressure rise presumably occurred in the pulmonary circulation, no change in MTT was found after induction of pulmonary damage, indicating opening of actual and potential anastomoses between pulmonary arterioles and venules to serve as by-pass portions and as a safety-valve mechanism for the capillary bed and the right heart, respectively. Another explanation to unchanged MTT may be opening of resting capillary beds. Two rats with very severe pulmonary damage showed prolonged MTT. These rats may have suffered from cardiac failure.
Radiologic Findings after Fundoplication Compared with a pH Reflux Test and Symptoms
Authors: Fransson S.-G. , Sökjer H. , Johansson K.-E. , Tibbling L.
Published: June 2015

In a follow-up after fundoplication, 61 patients underwent a double contrast examination of the stomach and a radiologic examination to detect any gastro-oesophageal reflux. The radiologic findings were compared with pH reflux test and symptoms. Gastro-oesophageal reflux was found in 7 patients at radiologic examination. None of these patients had an adequate fundoplication at a double contrast examination of the stomach and all had symptoms indicating reflux. Recurrence of gastro-oesophageal reflux may be shown at the radiologic examination and predicted by the morphologic appearances at the double contrast examination.
The Validity of Radiographic Assessment of Childhood Transient Synovitis of the Hip
Authors: Rosenborg M. , Mortensson W.
Published: June 2015

The diagnostic significance of some radiographic signs (abnormal hip ‘joint space’ and periarticular fat layers) as indicators of hip joint effusion or hip complaints without effusion was studied with ultrasonography and radiography in 47 children (58 examinations), of whom 40 had acute unilateral transient synovitis. It was found that ‘joint depth’ was not influenced by presence of intraarticular fluid collections; blurring and/or displacement of the periarticular fat pads medial and lateral to the hip joint occurred more frequently when joint effusion was present than in symptom-free hips or in painful hips without effusion. The radiographic signs provided, however, too low diagnostic accuracy to be of practical value. It is suggested that ultrasonography of the hip joint is a valuable means in obtaining a better definition of the diagnosis transient synovitis.
Ultrasound Examination of Skin Thickness in Patients with Progressive Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)
Authors: Åkesson A. , Forsberg L. , Hederström E. , Wollheim F.
Published: June 2015

A new ultrasound technique for measuring skin thickness in 40 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and in 10 healthy control subjects has been evaluated. High frequency (10 MHz) dynamic ultrasound examination was performed at the proximal and middle phalanges of both second fingers. Measurements of the control subjects on two separate occasions demonstrated a good reproducibility of the technique with a standard deviation of 0.06 mm. The skin was thicker in patients with scleroderma 3.3±0.7 mm (mean ± SD) compared with control subjects 2.5±0.2 mm (p<0.001). No relation between skin thickness and duration of disease was observed. This method can be used to monitor changes in skin thickness over time.
Low Dose Urography with a Low Osmolar Contrast Medium
Authors: Björk L. , Zachrisson B. F.
Published: June 2015

In a double blind study of 100 consecutive patients routinely referred for urography, a conventional contrast medium (Isopaque cerebral) was compared at a dose of 180 mg I/kg body weight with a low osmolar contrast medium (Hexabrix 160) at a dose of 90 mg I/kg body weight. In spite of 50 per cent dose reduction, equally good diagnostic effect was achieved with Hexabrix as with the conventional contrast medium.
Proton Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Times T1 and T2 Related to Postmortem Interval
Authors: Györffy-Wagner Z. , Englund E. , Larsson E.-M. , Brun A. , Cronqvist S. , Persson B.
Published: June 2015

In order to establish the validity of in vitro determination of the proton magnetic resonance (MR) relaxation times T1 and T2 in brain tissue at increasing time delay after death or operative excision, 81 brain tissue samples from 23 pigs were analyzed repeatedly. These samples, representing cortex, caudate nucleus and white matter, were studied microscopically after MR measurements. The T1 values exhibited no time dependence and the T2 values decreased slightly during the interval 2 to 90 hours after death. The samples were stored at +8°C between the measurements. These results indicate that reliable in vitro measurements can be obtained in autopsy or surgical brain tissue specimens within 90 hours after death or excision, if handled properly.
Ablation of Tumor and Inflammatory Tissue with Absolute Ethanol
Authors: Uflacker R. , Paolini R. M. , Nobrega M.
Published: June 2015

Absolute ethanol was used to ablate tumors, inflammatory lesions, and end-stage nephrosclerotic kidneys in 38 patients. Thirty patients had various types of renal tumors, and 3 had chronic end-stage renal failure with malignant hypertension. One patient had a fibrosarcoma of the right leg and one had a metastatis in the humerus from a renal carcinoma. A large adrenal carcinoma was treated with absolute ethanol in a patient who had liver metastases that were ablated one year after the first procedure. An additional patient had metastatic liver disease from a non-functioning adrenal carcinoma. The remaining patient had an extensive hypervascular inflammatory lesion (tuberculosis and aspergilloma) of the right upper pulmonary lobe. In addition to ethanol, coils were introduced in one patient and Gelfoam in another. The amount of ethanol used ranged from 5 to 50 ml. Twenty-two patients suffered from considerable transient pain during ethanol injection, but sedation was necessary in only 3 of them. Skin necrosis appeared in 2 patients requiring plastic reconstruction in one of them. Two patients died within 5 days of the procedure unrelated to the ablation. Two patients presented upper gastrointestinal bleeding within 2 days of the ethanol injection and one of these died in acute renal failure. One patient suffered from left colonic infarction after left renal tumor ablation, but survived for several months. Absolute ethanol was a useful and efficient sclerosing agent causing extensive tumor destruction and marked reduction of the vascularity in tumor and inflammatory lesions, but caused an 18 per cent complication rate.
Venous Malformations in the Face and Neck
Authors: Berthelsen B. , Fogdestam I. , Svendsen P.
Published: June 2015

Venous malformations in the face and neck have a characteristic clinical picture. They consist of a cluster of venous cavities with a very slow blood flow and are normally not demonstrated at conventional external carotid angiography. Previous methods of treatment have been of limited value but recently good results have been reported with instillation of fibrosing agents as Ethibloc and ethanol. Five patients with facial venous malformations were referred for therapy. External carotid angiography was performed and was almost normal in all patients. Superselective catheterization demonstrated the malformation clearly in 2 patients only. Direct puncture phlebography confirmed the diagnosis by demonstrating the venous cavities in all the patients. This procedure was concluded by instillation of absolute ethanol into the cavities. There was a marked reduction in size of the malformation but it was not permanently completely occluded. The treatment was repeated in 4 patients with further reduction of the size, but small remnants are still left. Serious complications with extensive soft tissue necrosis occurred in one patient probably as a result of extravasation of ethanol. The necrosis later healed well after surgical treatment. Instillation of ethanol under radiologic control seems to be a promising way of treatment of venous malformations.
Elevation of the Pharynx and the Width of the Pharyngo-Esophageal Segment during Swallow
Authors: Ekberg O.
Published: June 2015

The elevation of the pharynx and larynx at swallowing in 10 patients with a defective relaxation of the cricopharyngeal muscle, was compared with that in 10 normals. The pharynx and larynx moved higher among patients with a defective relaxation of the cricopharyngeal muscle. Therefore, it can be concluded that a defective relaxation of the cricopharyngeal muscle at swallowing has no relationship to a defective pharyngo-laryngeal elevation.

References