bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neotypification of Larus cachinnans Pallas, 1811 (Aves: Laridae)
Authors: MLÍKOVSKÝ JIŘÍ , LOSKOT VLADIMIR M.
Published: April 2013

The systematics of large white-headed gulls of the Larus fuscus-argentatus complex has long been problematic (e.g. Bruch 1853, 1855; Dresser 1873; Hartert 1921; Dwight 1925; Štegman 1934; Geyr von Schweppenburg 1938; Voous 1959) and is still in flux (e.g. Wink et al. 1994; Klein & Buchheim 1997; Panov & Monzikov 1999; de Knijff et al. 2001; Yésou 2002; Crochet et al. 2002, 2003; Liebers et al. 2004; Gay et al. 2007; Sternkopf et al. 2010). The earliest name for any Asian form is Larus cachinnans, proposed by Pallas (1811b: 318). This name is now generally applied to large white-headed gulls breeding in the Caspian region, but, as we show below, there is nothing in Pallas's (1811b) description of the taxon that unambiguously links it with southern Palearctic forms, even less with any particular one of them (see below for the type series).
Gastrointestinal Complications After Open Heart Surgery
Authors: Sever Kenan , Ozbek Cihan , Goktas Burce , Bas Serap , Ugurlucan Murat , Mansuroglu Denyan
Published: April 2013

Acute mesenteric ischemia is a rare but serious complication of open heart surgery. Between January 2009 and January 2012, 1360 adult patients underwent open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at our institution; 29 patients presented gastrointestinal complications. Eight patients developed acute mesenteric ischemia and all of them died. Significant predictors of the complication were New York Heart Association functional class III/IV, history of extensive atherosclerosis and chronic renal failure, acute renal failure following surgery, low cardiac output, use of 2 or more vasoconstrictor drugs, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and multiorgan failure. Atherosclerosis is a multisystemic disease that affects several organs. Radiologic evaluation of mesenteric arterial system should be performed in high-risk patient populations. Perioperative percutaneous and open vascular procedures will reduce the risk of acute mesenteric ischemia that may develop after cardiac surgery and consequent morbidity and mortality rates.
Social disadvantage and individual vulnerability: A longitudinal investigation of welfare receipt and mental health in Australia
Authors: Kiely Kim M , Butterworth Peter
Published: April 2013

Objective:

To examine longitudinal associations between mental health and welfare receipt among working-age Australians.

Method:

We analysed 9 years of data from 11,701 respondents (49% men) from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. Mental health was assessed by the mental health subscale from the Short Form 36 questionnaire. Linear mixed models were used to examine the longitudinal associations between mental health and income support adjusting for the effects of demographic and socio-economic factors, physical health, lifestyle behaviours and financial stress. Within-person variation in welfare receipt over time was differentiated from between-person propensity to receive welfare payments. Random effect models tested the effects of income support transitions.

Results:

Socio-demographic and financial variables explained the association between mental health and income support for those receiving student and parenting payments. Overall, recipients of disability, unemployment and mature age payments had poorer mental health regardless of their personal, social and financial circumstances. In addition, those receiving unemployment and disability payments had even poorer mental health at the times that they were receiving income support relative to the times when they were not. The greatest reductions in mental health were associated with transitions to disability payments and parenting payments for single parents.

Conclusions:

The poor mental health of welfare recipients may limit their opportunities to gain work and participate in community life. In part, this seems to reflect their adverse social and personal circumstances. However, there remains evidence of a direct link between welfare receipt and poor mental health that could be due to factors such as welfare stigma or other adverse life events coinciding with welfare receipt for those receiving unemployment or disability payments. Understanding these factors is critical to inform the next stage of welfare reform.
Interference Between Accustomed Number–Space Mappings and Unacquainted Letter–Space Mappings in a Button Press Task
Authors: Tanaka Kanji , Watanabe Katsumi
Published: April 2013

Objective:

We aimed to investigate how ordered mappings (e.g., left-to-right and right-to-left order representations) would interfere with each other.

Background:

Mental representations of numbers and letters are linked with spatial representation and can be changed intentionally.

Method:

The experiment consisted of three sessions. In the digit-alone session, two digits randomly selected from [1], [2], and [3] were shown. If the two digits were the same, participants pressed the button corresponding to the digit, and if the digits differed, they pressed the remaining button. The response buttons were ordered [1][2][3] from the left. In the letter-alone session, three different button configurations were prepared: sequential [A][B][C], reversed [C][B][A], or partially reversed [B][A][C]. The same-versus-different rules were basically identical to those in the digit task. In the mixed session, trials of the digit task and those of the letter task were randomly mixed.

Results:

We found that two ordinal representations did not interfere with each other when they shared the same direction of order ([1][2][3] vs. [A][B][C]), two ordinal mappings interfered with each other when they had different directions of order ([1][2][3] vs. [C][B][A]), and an ordinal mapping ([1][2][3]) was affected by a nonordinal mapping ([B][A][C]), but the nonordinal mapping was less affected by the ordinal mapping.

Conclusion:

The mapping between ordinal information and space can be modulated by top-down processes, and it is prone to interference depending on the nature of another coexisting mapping.

Application:

Our findings may be used in designing response assignments for input devices for multiple functions.
Frames, Framing, and Designed Conversational Processes
Authors: Jorgenson Jane , Steier Frederick
Published: April 2013

In this article, we use the anthropologist Gregory Bateson’s conceptualization of framing and his theory of interpersonal communication process to explore how relational realities develop in designed conversational processes. In recent years, there has been a blossoming of interest in large group methods as a way of achieving whole-system change. Many of these techniques seek to construct alternative spaces or dialogic “containers” in which the usual routines and authority structures are suspended; as such, they require that practitioners give particular attention to issues of framing. By analyzing examples drawn from two World Café events, we attempt to clarify theoretical principles underlying dialogic approaches to organizational change. We also consider the practical implications inherent in Bateson’s ideas, particularly the possibilities they offer for enhancing the facilitator’s awareness of the context in which he or she is a participating member.
The way of words: Vernacular cosmopolitanism in Amitav Ghosh’s Sea of Poppies
Authors: Luo Shao-Pin
Published: April 2013

In Amitav Ghosh’s Sea of Poppies I examine the ways of imagining and practising resistance by way of the concept of “vernacular cosmopolitanism”. I use the concept in two senses: first, as a cultural and political term that Homi Bhabha describes as a “cosmopolitan community envisaged in a marginality”, a form of materialist, actually existing, and rooted cosmopolitanism; second, in its vernacular, linguistic sense that reflects the way of words and the politics of language in the novel. In applying the term “vernacular”, I wish to bring to the fore — in the spirit of Sheldon Pollock’s groundbreaking work on “Sanskrit Cosmopolis” — the linguistic aspect of the concept of cosmopolitanism, which I feel has been inadequately discussed. In Sea of Poppies, language importantly serves both as an index of the cross-cultural fusion that was operating in the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and their littoral zone and hinterland in the second quarter of the nineteenth-century, and also as a trope for the emergence of new identities in the Ibis trilogy.
Cell Junction Remodeling in Gingival Tissue Exposed to a Microbial Toxin
Authors: Damek-Poprawa M. , Korostoff J. , Gill R. , DiRienzo J.M.
Published: April 2013

The gingival epithelium plays a key role in protecting the supporting structures of the teeth from bacteria and their products. In ex vivo experiments, we recently showed that the cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt) from the periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans causes extensive damage to gingival tissue. Morphological changes included detachment of the keratinized outer layer, distention of spinous and basal cells in the oral epithelium, disruption of rete pegs, and apparent dissolution of cell junctions. Adherens junctions (zonula adherens) are essential for maintaining barrier function and integrity of gingival epithelium. Therefore, immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analyses of human gingival explants (HGX) and human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC) were utilized for a closer examination of the effects of the Cdt on E-cadherin, the key membrane component of adherens junctions. Although there was some variability among tissue donors, exposure of gingival tissue or isolated epithelial cells to the toxin generally resulted in a pronounced increase in the expression and cytosolic distribution of E-cadherin, accompanied by an increase in levels of the intracellular scaffolding proteins β-catenin and β-actin. These results indicate that the Cdt induced substantial remodeling of adherens junctions, with a potential impact on the barrier function of gingival epithelium.

Abbreviations: cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt), 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC), human gingival explants (HGX), human gingival fibroblasts (HGF), transepithelial resistance (TER).
Disc1 deletion is present in Swiss-derived inbred mouse strains: implications for transgenic studies of learning and memory
Authors: Ritchie DJ , Clapcote SJ
Published: April 2013

Inbred mouse strains are widely used for genetic studies because of the isogenicity within a strain or F1 hybrid and the genetic heterogeneity between inbred strains. In the process of modifying Disc1 in the mouse genome, a 25-bp deletion was discovered in exon 6 of the gene in the 129S6/SvEvTac inbred strain, and subsequently in 16 other inbred strains in the category known as ‘Castle’s mice’. The deletion ( Disc1del) induces a frame shift that introduces a premature termination codon, which has been shown to confer an impairment in working memory. To extend knowledge of the distribution of Disc1del among the various inbred strains of laboratory mouse, we investigated whether Disc1del is present in the categories known as ‘Swiss mice’ and ‘strains derived from China and Japan’. We found that the FVB/NJ, SJL/J and SWR/J strains in the ‘Swiss mice’ category and DDY/JclSidSeyFrkJ in the ‘China and Japan’ category are homozygous for the Disc1del allele, while ICR/HaJ in the ‘Swiss mice’ category is homozygous for wild-type Disc1. Since the Disc1del-positive strains FVB and SJL are commonly used for the generation of transgenic mice, and thus contribute to the genetic background of multiple transgenic lines, our results may allow scientists to avoid the potential confounding effects of the Disc1del allele in transgenic studies of learning and memory.
ICLAS Working Group on Harmonization: International guidance concerning the production care and use of genetically-altered animals
Authors: Rose M , Everitt J , Hedrich H , Schofield J , Dennis M , Scott E , Griffin G
Published: April 2013

Replacement, Reduction and Refinement, the ‘Three Rs’ of Russell & Burch, are accepted worldwide as fundamental to the ethics of animal experimentation. The production, care and use of genetically-altered animals can pose particular challenges to the implementation of the Three Rs,1 necessitating additional considerations by those responsible for overseeing the ethical use and appropriate care of animals involved in science. The International Council for Laboratory Animal Science brings representatives of the international laboratory animal science community together to recommend acceptance of guidance documents. The harmonization of guidance concerning genetically-altered animals was seen as a priority because of the increasing globalization of research involving these animals.
How Contextual Cues Impact Response and Conversion Rates of Online Surveys
Authors: Pan Bing , Woodside Arch G. , Meng Fang
Published: April 2013

This study investigates how three contextual cues—researcher identity, sponsor identity, and incentive type—affect response and conversion rates of online conversion surveys. Applying an experimental design via an online survey of information inquirers to a tourist destination, the study demonstrates that researcher identity and sponsor identity affect the response rates, and the specific arrangement can increase the response rate substantially. The three contextual cues do not affect conversion rates significantly.
Mobile health use in low- and high-income countries: an overview of the peer-reviewed literature
Authors: Bastawrous Andrew , Armstrong Matthew J
Published: April 2013

The evolution of mobile phone technology has introduced new possibilities to the field of medicine. Combining technological advances with medical expertise has led to the use of mobile phones in all healthcare areas including diagnostics, telemedicine, research, reference libraries and interventions. This article provides an overview of the peer -reviewed literature, published between 1 August 2006 and 1 August 2011, for the application of mobile/cell phones (from basic text-messaging systems to smartphones) in healthcare in both resource-poor and high-income countries. Smartphone use is paving the way in high-income countries, while basic text-messaging systems of standard mobile phones are proving to be of value in low- and middle-income countries. Ranging from infection outbreak reporting, anti-HIV therapy adherence to gait analysis, resuscitation training and radiological imaging, the current uses and future possibilities of mobile phone technology in healthcare are endless. Multiple mobile phone based applications are available for healthcare workers and healthcare consumers; however, the absolute majority lack an evidence base. Therefore, more rigorous research is required to ensure that healthcare is not flooded with non-evidence based applications and is maximized for patient benefit.
Trade unions, equal pay and the law in the UK
Authors: Conley Hazel
Published: April 2013

Trade unions in the UK have traditionally followed a voluntarist strategy that has preferred collective bargaining and avoided the use of the law wherever possible. The exception to this has been in relation to the pursuit of equal pay between women and men. This article examines this apparent contradiction by examining the ways in which British trade unions have used the equality legislation in the past to secure equal pay through the courts. The article further considers recent legislative changes that, by adopting a reflexive approach, appeared to open up ways for equality bargaining to take place. Unfortunately the conclusion is not a positive one as political conservatism in relation to equality and judicial animosity towards trade unions have secured the status quo, ironically forcing trade unions to continue to use adversarial legal methods to pursue equal pay.
The Process and Rationale for an Online Master’s Program in Diabetes Education and Management
Authors: Dickinson Jane K. , Scollan-Koliopoulos Melissa , Vergili Joyce Marcley , O’Connell Kathleen A.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Although all certified diabetes educators have been required to have specific clinical training in a health discipline, graduate programs in diabetes education are relatively rare. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a different approach to educating diabetes educators: an interdisciplinary graduate degree in diabetes education and management. In addition to preparing more diabetes educators, a graduate degree encourages existing diabetes educators to expand their area of expertise and their leadership skills. The article provides a discussion of the current trend toward interprofessional education and describes the challenges associated with mounting an online graduate program.

Conclusions

Those who are engaged in or seeking a career in diabetes education are interested in a graduate degree in the specialty. Such a degree offers a route into diabetes education for those who are not currently in the field as well as a method for current diabetes educators to increase their expertise and their potential for leadership. The time has come to raise the professional standard for diabetes education by providing an academic preparation for diabetes educators.
The pedagogical value of Léo Brouwer’s Études Simples: A perspective on preserving an exquisite, yet neglected custom
Authors: Kronenberg Clive W.
Published: April 2013

The decline in the status of the classical guitar is, for many, a cause of concern, calling for viable answers to restore its place in the expressive arts tradition. In this article, I explore a pedagogical style specifically intended for young and/or inexperienced players. It is argued that this endeavor could prospectively benefit a range of guitar teachers, their locality or nationality notwithstanding. Following the brief overview of guitar methodologies, the article presents some of the key pedagogical goals and ideas of the universally-acclaimed Cuban guitar composer Léo Brouwer (1939–). Employing the first 10 studies of Brouwer’s Études Simples for analysis, I illustrate the composer’s pragmatic presentation of a range of mandatory techniques. It is argued that Brouwer’s pedagogical approach meaningfully contributes to the restoration and elevation of an exquisite, yet neglected musical custom.
Enumerating Photography from Spot Meter to CCD
Authors: Cubitt Sean , Palmer Daniel , Walkling Les
Published: April 2013

The transition from analogue to digital photography was not accomplished in a single step. It required a number of feeder technologies which enabled and structured the nature of digital photography. Among those traced in this article, the most important is the genesis of the raster grid, which is now hard-wired into the design of the most widely employed photographic chip, the charge-coupled device (CCD). In tracing this history from origins in half-tone printing, the authors argue that qualities available to analogue photographers are no longer available to digital, and that these changes correspond to historical developments in the wider political and economic world. They conclude, however, that these losses may yet be turned into gains.
Sovereignty without Hegemony, the Nuclear State, and a ‘Secret Public Hearing’ in India
Authors: Kaur Raminder
Published: April 2013

How can sovereignty provide the premises to think outside of sovereignty? In other words, how is it possible to perceive of resistance to sovereignty which itself is deemed to have been caught up in the double bind of sovereignty? With a critical appraisal of theories on the ‘state of exception’ in conversation with Robert Jungk’s consideration of the ‘nuclear state’, I account for the nuclear state of exception which has acquired sovereignty in several nations in the post-Second World War scenario, before going on to consider ‘spaces of exception’ to it. I then provide a critical appraisal of studies of resistance. Using the case of a public hearing on the Koodankulam nuclear power plant in south India, I account for how ways of conceptualizing contestation and challenges in the shadows of sovereignty can be pursued in what I describe as a case of ‘sovereignty without hegemony’.
The European videogame: An introduction to its history and creative traits
Authors: Pérez Latorre Óliver
Published: April 2013

This article presents the main findings of research into the history and creative characteristics of the European videogame. Faced with the long hegemony of the US and Japan in the videogame industry, it is necessary for Europe to become more aware of its role in this sector and determine its aspirations and plans for the future. To do this, it is vital to deepen our knowledge of European videogame history and its main ‘actors’ (designers, development studios, publishers) as well as the creative traits of European videogame production. This article aims to contribute to raising this awareness. The research employs two complementary approaches, first a survey of the historiographic literature on videogames and second, an analysis based on game design theory, in order to gain a wide overview of the subject.
Stroke Social Network Scale: development and psychometric evaluation of a new patient-reported measure
Authors: Northcott Sarah , Hilari Katerina
Published: April 2013

Objective:

To describe the development and psychometric evaluation of a new patient-reported measure that assesses a person’s social network in the first six months post stroke. Although it is known that the social networks of those with stroke and aphasia are vulnerable to change, there is currently no social network scale that has been validated for this population.

Design and setting:

Repeated measures psychometric study, evaluating internal consistency, construct validity, and responsiveness to change of the Stroke Social Network Scale. Participants were interviewed two weeks, three months and six months following a first stroke.

Measures:

Stroke Social Network Scale; Medical Outcomes Studies (MOS) Social Support Survey; National Institute of Health Stroke Scale; Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39g; Frenchay Aphasia Screening Test.

Results:

87 participants were recruited, of whom 71 were followed up at six months. Factor analysis was used with the Stroke Social Network Scale to derive five subdomains: satisfaction; children; relatives; friends; and groups, which explained 63% of variance. There was good evidence for the scale’s internal consistency (α = 0.85); acceptability; and convergent (r = 0.34; r = 0.53) and discriminant validity (r = −0.10; r = −0.19). It differentiated between those with high versus low perceived social support ( p = 0.01). Moderate changes from two weeks to six months supported responsiveness (d = 0.32; standardised response mean (SRM) = 0.46), with the friends factor, as expected, showing more change than the children’s factor (friends factor: d = 0.46; SRM = 0.50; children’s factor: d = 0.06; SRM = 0.19).

Conclusions:

The Stroke Social Network Scale is a new measure that demonstrates good internal consistency, validity and responsiveness to change.
Mr Imaging of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Additional Value of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and ADC Measurement
Authors: Kovač Jelena Djokić , Ješić Rada , Stanisavljević Dejana , Kovač Bojan , Maksimović Ružica
Published: April 2013

Background

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a cholestatic liver disease with chronic inflammation and progressive destruction of biliary tree. Magnetic resonance (MR) examination with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) allows analysis of morphological liver parenchymal changes and non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis. Moreover, MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), as a part of standard MR protocol, provides insight into bile duct irregularities.

Purpose

To evaluate MR and MRCP findings in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis and to determine the value of DWI in the assessment of liver fibrosis.

Material and Methods

The following MR findings were reviewed in 38 patients: abnormalities in liver parenchyma signal intensity, changes in liver morphology, lymphadenopathy, signs of portal hypertension, and irregularities of intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated for six locations in the liver for b = 800 s/mm2.

Results

T2-weighted hyperintensity was seen as peripheral wedge-shaped areas in 42.1% and as periportal edema in 28.9% of patients. Increased enhancement of liver parenchyma on arterial-phase imaging was observed in six (15.8%) patients. Caudate lobe hypertrophy was present in 10 (26.3%), while spherical liver shape was noted in 7.9% of patients. Liver cirrhosis was seen in 34.2% of patients; the most common pattern was micronodular cirrhosis (61.5%). Other findings included lymphadenopathy (28.9%), signs of portal hypertension (36.7%), and bile duct irregularities (78.9%). The mean ADCs (×10-3mm2/s) were significantly different at stage I vs. stages III and IV, and stage II vs. stage IV. No significant difference was found between stages II and III. For prediction of stage ≥II and stage ≥III, areas under receiver-operating characteristic curves were 0.891 and 0.887, respectively.

Conclusion

MR with MRCP is a necessary diagnostic procedure for diagnosis of PSC and evaluation of disease severity. Moreover, DWI could be used in continuation with standard MR sequences for the evaluation of liver fibrosis stage and distribution.
The effect of gadolinium chelate contrast agent on diffusion-weighted imaging of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Kefu , Peng Weijun , Zhou Zhengrong
Published: April 2013

Background

There are only two studies that discuss the effect of a gadolinium chelate contrast agent on pancreatic diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). However, both studies only included normal pancreas and/or pancreas with pancreatitis and did not include pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA).

Purpose

To investigate the effect of gadolinium chelate contrast agent on DWI of PDA.

Material and Methods

Twenty-two patients (13 men, 9 women; mean age 62 years) with histopathologically proven PDA were included in this study. DWI was acquired before and after administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist) with two b-values: 0 and 1000 s/mm2. The signal intensity (SI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the lesion were recorded for comparison.

Results

The mean time interval between the initiation of contrast administration and the start of the postcontrast DWI series was 393 s (range, 350–510 s). The SIs and SNRs of lesions of b1000 and b0 images of enhanced images were significantly higher than non-enhanced images ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001 for b1000 s/mm2; P = 0.001, P = 0.001 for b0 s/mm2). The ADC of all PDAs revealed no statistically significant difference between non-enhanced and enhanced images ( P = 0.709). There was also no significant difference between non-enhanced and enhanced images in subgroups based on grades of differentiation and locations of lesion.

Conclusion

With increasing SI and SNR of PDA, intravenous contrast administration does not result in a significant difference in quantitative ADC measurements when comparing precontrast to postcontrast DWI when acquired approximately 6–7 min after administration.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of renal cell carcinomas in patients with von Hippel Lindau disease: indications, techniques, complications, and outcomes
Authors: Park Byung Kwan , Kim Chan Kyo , Park Sung Yoon , Shen Shu-Huei
Published: April 2013

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients with von Hippel Lindau (VHL) disease tends to be multifocal, bilateral, and recur or develop new tumors after removal. These characteristics make treating hereditary RCCs difficult for urologists or radiologists compared to treating a sporadic RCC. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally-invasive treatment for small hereditary RCCs associated with a low complication rate and a minimal decrease in renal function.

No RFA guidelines have been established about what to treat and when and how to ablate RCCs in patients with VHL disease. Besides, reports on complications and treatment outcomes in this patient group are rare. The purpose of this review is to discuss the indications, techniques, complications, and outcomes of RFA in treating RCC in patients with VHL disease.
MRI findings with arthroscopic correlation for tear of discoid lateral meniscus: comparison between children and adults
Authors: Jung Jee Young , Choi Sang-Hee , Ahn Jin Hwan , Lee Seung Ah
Published: April 2013

Background

Discoid lateral meniscus is more susceptible to tear than normal meniscus. A comparison study for tear types of discoid lateral meniscus between children and adults has not been reported.

Purpose

To compare tear type of surgically proven discoid lateral meniscus between adults and children, and to analyze diagnostic performance for tear type of discoid lateral meniscus using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Material and Methods

Knee MR examinations of 53 children and 84 adults who had discoid lateral menisci identified at arthroscopic surgery were retrospectively evaluated with consensus by two radiologists for tear type including displacement of torn meniscus. MRI findings were compared with surgery as the reference standard. The difference of tear type and displacement of torn meniscus between children and adults in arthroscopic finding was analyzed using the Fisher's exact test or the Chi-squared test with Bonferroni's correction.

Results

At arthroscopy, complex tear (children, n = 22; adults, n = 56) and peripheral tear (children, n = 17; adults, n = 8) differed significantly between children and adults ( P = 0.006 for complex tear, P = 0.002 for peripheral tear). Displacement of torn meniscus was seen in 28 cases of children and 41 cases of adults, not a statistically significant difference. In children, the positive predictive value (PPV) for horizontal tears was 90%, for peripheral tears 60%, and for complex tears 57%. PPV in adults for horizontal tears was 78%, peripheral tears 25%, and for complex tears 89%.

Conclusion

Complex tears were more commonly found in adults than children and peripheral tears were more commonly found in children than adults. MRI has a high PPV for diagnosing the type of tear in discoid lateral meniscus for horizontal tears in children and adults and for complex tears in adults.
Perfusion MRI at rest in subacute and chronic myocardial infarct
Authors: Hopp Einar , Bjørnerud Atle , Lunde Ketil , Solheim Svein , Aakhus Svend , Arnesen Harald , Forfang Kolbjørn , Edvardsen Thor , Smith Hans-Jørgen
Published: April 2013

Background

Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and delayed contrast-enhanced MRI (DE-MRI) serve as tools for tissue characterization.

Purpose

To assess and compare semi-quantitative parameters of myocardial infarct (MI) in the subacute and chronic phase, and to correlate these parameters with qualitative enhancement analysis.

Material and Methods

Perfusion MRI at rest and DE-MRI were performed in 63 patients with anterior wall MI at 2–3 weeks after revascularization and repeated after 6 months. Descriptive enhancement parameters of contrast arrival time, initial upslope, enhancement at normal tissue peak (TTPn) and wash-out slope, and kinetic tissue parameters rBF, Ktrans, kep and ve were calculated. Subacute infarct tissue was compared to normal myocardium and chronic infarct tissue. Patients were stratified at baseline according to a qualitative grading of hypoenhancement based on first-pass enhancement and presence of microvascular obstruction (MO) at perfusion MRI and on persistent MO at DE-MRI. The qualitative grade was correlated to semi-quantitative perfusion MRI parameters.

Results

Initial upslope, enhancement at TTPn, rBF, and kep were decreased and wash-out slope and ve were increased in infarct tissue ( P < 0.001 for all analyses). Infarct tissue ve decreased from baseline to 6 months ( P = 0.045). At baseline infarct tissue with persistent MO revealed decreased Ktrans and delayed contrast arrival, and more pronounced decrease of enhancement at TTPn, rBF and kep compared to other enhancement groups ( P < 0.008 for pairwise analyses).

Conclusion

Perfusion is decreased in subacute reperfused infarct tissue compared to normal tissue. Ktrans is not decreased, consistent with increased surface area of the vascular bed of the subacute infarct. Infarct tissue ve is increased, and decreases with scarring. The presence of persistent MO correlates to more pronounced perfusion reduction and results in delayed contrast arrival, indicating microvascular collateral circulation.
MRI for occult physeal fracture detection in children and adolescents
Authors: Gufler Hubert , Schulze Christian Georg , Wagner Sabine , Baumbach Lutz
Published: April 2013

Background

Conventional radiography has limitations in the detection of physeal fractures before the closure of the physis occurs. Fracture detection may be improved by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of MRI for the detection of occult fractures involving the physis when radiography results are negative.

Material and Methods

In this prospective study, 24 children (age range, 3–15 years; mean age, 10.7 years) received MRI if they met the following criteria: acute joint trauma, swelling and tenderness around the joint, limitations in bearing weight, an open physis, and negative radiography results for fractures. Fractures revealed by the MRI were classified according to the Salter-Harris classification system. Joint effusion, bone marrow edema, and periosteal alterations were graded on a three-point scale. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test and Fisher's exact test were used for the statistical evaluation.

Results

From a total of 24 MR data-sets, 23 were evaluated (one patient was excluded due to poor MR image quality). Elbow injuries were present in 10 patients (43.5%), distal tibia injuries in 10 patients (43.5%), and distal femur injuries in three patients (13%). MRI results excluded physeal fractures in 15 (65.2%) of the 23 children. An occult physeal fracture was detected with MRI in eight (34.8%) patients; of these, five (21.7%) had fractures of the elbow, two (8.7%) had fractures of the distal tibia, and one (4.3%) had a fracture of the distal femur. All of the patients with fractures and 11 of the 15 patients without fractures demonstrated bone marrow edema.

Conclusion

The frequency of occult fracture, as detected by MRI, was 34.8%. Thus, MRI is a useful additional imaging method for the detection of occult fractures when radiography is negative.
Incidental detection of clinically unexpected breast lesions by computed tomography
Authors: Monzawa Shuichi , Washio Tetsuo , Yasuoka Rie , Mitsuo Manabu , Kadotani Yoichi , Hanioka Keisuke
Published: April 2013

Background

Increased use of computed tomography (CT) has resulted in greater detection of incidental breast lesions unrelated to the primary diagnostic inquiry.

Purpose

To investigate the morphology and clinical significance of breast abnormalities detected incidentally by conventional CT.

Material and Methods

A total of 2945 female patients underwent CT examinations of the body, including the chest, from May 2006 to April 2010. Two radiologists interpreted these CT scans independently and pointed out a mass or non-mass-like lesion as abnormalities in the breast. Patients who incidentally showed breast lesions on CT scans were identified by a computer-based search of the diagnostic reports and were enrolled in this study. The morphology and enhancement patterns of CT-detected breast lesions were evaluated according to BI-RADS-MRI.

Results

In total, 32 clinically unexpected abnormal breast lesions were found in 31 (1.1%) patients. Twenty-nine of the 32 lesions were detected by contrast-enhanced CT and three by unenhanced CT. Ten breast cancers were found in 10 patients (0.34%), which yielded the prevalence for malignancy of 31% (10/32). Invasive ductal carcinomas accounted for eight lesions, while two were ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS). Nine lesions were depicted as a mass and one DCIS was a non-mass-like lesion. Good morphological predictors of breast cancers for a mass were an irregular shape, a lobulated shape, and an irregular margin. Benign lesions accounted for 22 lesions from 21 patients (0.71%). Of these, 13 lesions in 13 patients were depicted as a mass and nine lesions in nine patients as a non-mass-like lesion.

Conclusion

Unexpected breast lesions can be identified as a mass or non-mass-like lesion on conventional chest CT scans. Among these, breast cancers that are not clinically apparent occur with considerable prevalence. We suggest that careful interpretation of the breast should be a routine part of CT examinations.
X-ray dose delivered during a longitudinal micro-CT study has no adverse effect on cardiac and pulmonary tissue in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Detombe Sarah A , Dunmore-Buyze Joy , Petrov Ivailo E , Drangova Maria
Published: April 2013

Background

Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) offers numerous advantages for small animal imaging, including the ability to monitor the same animals throughout a longitudinal study. However, concerns are often raised regarding the effects of X-ray dose accumulated over the course of the experiment.

Purpose

To scan C57BL/6 mice multiple times per week for 6 weeks, in order to determine the effect of the cumulative dose on pulmonary and cardiac tissue at the end of the study.

Material and Methods

C57BL/6 male mice were split into two groups (irradiated group = 10, control group = 10). The irradiated group was scanned (80 kVp/50mA) three times weekly for 6 weeks, resulting in a weekly dose of 0.84 Gy, and a total study dose of 5.04 Gy. The control group was scanned on the final week. Scans from week 6 were reconstructed and the lungs and heart were analyzed.

Results

Overall, there was no significant difference in lung volume or lung density or in left ventricular volume or ejection fraction between the control group and the irradiated group. Histological samples taken from excised lung and myocardial tissue also showed no evidence of inflammation or fibrosis in the irradiated group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that a 5 Gy X-ray dose accumulated over 6 weeks during a longitudinal micro-CT study had no significant effects on the pulmonary and myocardial tissue of C57BL/6 mice. As a result, the many advantages of micro-CT imaging, including rapid acquisition of high-resolution, isotropic images in free-breathing mice, can be taken advantage of in longitudinal studies without concern for negative dose-related effects.
Reversed halo sign in acute pulmonary embolism and infarction
Authors: Casullo Joseph , Semionov Alexandre
Published: April 2013

Background

The reversed halo sign, originally described in cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, has been observed in a variety of pulmonary diseases, including pulmonary embolism (PE).

Purpose

To describe the computed tomographic (CT) findings in patients with the reversed halo sign and acute PE at initial presentation and in subsequent scans.

Material and Methods

Contrast-enhanced CT examinations of 12 patients with the reversed halo sign and acute PE were analyzed retrospectively. The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was made by CT angiography in 11 cases and by a routine contrast-enhanced scan of the chest in the other case. Follow-up scans of seven patients and follow-up radiographs of two patients were also examined retrospectively. The average age of the patients was 49 years (range, 21–80 years). Seven (58%) patients were women. Six patients had no significant medical history, and six patients had deep venous thrombosis initially.

Results

The reversed halo sign was observed as a single lesion in 10 patients; in two patients, two lesions were found. The lesions, all pleural-based, occurred more frequently in the lower lobes and were associated with acute thromboemboli in segmental and subsegmental pulmonary arteries of the corresponding segment. Ten (10/14, 71%) lesions displayed an ellipsoid configuration, two (2/14, 14%) had a pyramidal shape, and two involved an almost entire pulmonary segment. The average largest dimension was 3.9 cm (range, 2.1–6.7 cm). All lesions subtended one or more bronchovascular bundles; three (3/14, 21%) showed air-bronchograms, and a thromboembolus was identified in the subtended arteries in nine (9/14, 64%) lesions. In succeeding CT scans (eight lesions) and follow-up radiographs (three lesions), the lesions became smaller, and the majority evolved into pleural-based linear scars by 7 months.

Conclusion

The reversed halo sign very likely corresponds to pulmonary infarction in patients with acute PE. Its recognition may have important clinical implications.
Pertinent reportable incidental cardiac findings on chest CT without electrocardiography gating: review of 268 consecutive cases
Authors: Choy Garry , Kröpil Patric , Scherer Axel , El-Sherief Ahmed H , Chung Jonathan , Rojas Carlos A , Abbara Suhny
Published: April 2013

Background

Pertinent reportable cardiac findings on non-electrocardiography (ECG)-gated chest CT examinations have become easier to detect given recent advancements in multidetector CT technology. However, those findings are easily overlooked on routine chest CT without ECG gating given residual inherent cardiac motion artifact and non-cardiac indications.

Purpose

To describe and quantify the types of pertinent reportable cardiac findings that can be detected on chest CT examinations without ECG gating and evaluate how often they were reported.

Material and Methods

Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed (blinded to the original interpretation) 268 consecutive routine adult chest CT examinations without ECG gating for the presence of pertinent reportable cardiac findings. Retrospective interpretations were then compared with the original radiological reports.

Results

One hundred and sixty-three patients (61%) had pertinent reportable cardiac findings. The findings encountered included: coronary artery disease ( n = 131; 80.0%), coronary artery bypass grafts ( n = 10; 6.1%), left ventricular aneurysm ( n = 1; 0.6%), valve calcification ( n = 131; 80.0%), valve repair/replacement ( n = 5; 3.1%), pericardial effusion ( n = 33; 20.2%), left atrial appendage thrombus ( n = 1; 0.6%), cardiac mass ( n = 1; 0.6%), and cardiac chamber enlargement ( n = 29; 17.8%). On the original radiological reports 22.3% of the pertinent reportable cardiac findings, detected by the two radiologists retrospectively, were not reported.

Conclusion

Detection of pertinent reportable cardiac findings on routine chest CT examinations without ECG gating is possible. The high volume of chest CT examinations without ECG gating represents an opportunity for radiologists to comment on the presence or absence of cardiac disease which may influence future clinical decisions.
Application value of 3T 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy in diagnosing breast tumors
Authors: Vassiou Katerina , Tsougos Ioannis , Kousi Evanthia , Vlychou Marianna , Athanasiou Evaggelos , Theodorou Kiriaki , Arvanitis Dimitrios L , Fezoulidis Ioannis V
Published: April 2013

Background

Assessment of breast lesions with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a means for lesion detection and diagnosis. Proton (hydrogen-1) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) has been proposed as a useful diagnostic technique in providing metabolic information of suspicious breast lesions.

Purpose

To determine the clinical significance of in-vivo single voxel 1H-MRS at 3T in the assessment of benign and malignant breast lesions in combination with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI).

Material and Methods

Twenty-four women with known breast abnormalities from conventional imaging (mammography, ultrasonography) underwent DCE-MRI at a 3T MR scanner and 26 breast lesions were detected. Breast lesions were assessed according BI-RADS classification. Single voxel 1H-MRS was performed after gadolinium administration and choline peak was qualitatively evaluated. All lesions were confirmed histologically from the surgically excised specimens. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the 1H-MRS, of the BI-RADS classification and of their combination (DCE-MRI + 1H-MRS) were calculated.

Results

Fifteen out of 26 lesions proved to be malignant and 11 proved to be benign. In our study 1H-MRS showed sensitivity 80%, specificity 81.8%, and accuracy 80.7%. DCE-MRI showed sensitivity 100%, specificity 63.6%, and accuracy 84.6%. The combination of DCE-MRI and 1H-MRS provided higher accuracy (96.4%), as well as higher specificity 81.8% compared to BI-RADS classification.

Conclusion

The combined use of 1H-MRS and DCE-MRI found to have improved diagnostic performance in the assessment of equivocal breast lesions. 1H-MRS can be used as a useful adjunct during lesion characterization in clinical routine in cases classified as BI-RADS 3 and 4.
Conventional MRI findings for predicting submandibular pleomorphic adenoma
Authors: Kashiwagi Nobuo , Murakami Takamichi , Nakanishi Katsuyuki , Maenishi Osamu , Okajima Kaoru , Takahashi Hiroto , Sakai Mio , Tomita Yasuhiko , Terao Kyoichi , Tomiyama Noriyuki
Published: April 2013

Background

Although pleomorphic adenomas account for over 90% of all benign submandibular gland tumors, the imaging features of submandibular pleomorphic adenomas have not been reported in a large number of cases.

Purpose

To assess the conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for predicting the submandibular pleomorphic adenoma.

Material and Methods

MR studies of 42 pleomorphic adenomas and 28 other types of tumor were reviewed. MR images were assessed for the presence of hyperintense areas on T2-weighted images (first sign), a well-defined margin (second sign), and presence of crescent-shaped compression of the ipsilateral normal submandibular gland (third sign).

Results

For identifying submandibular pleomorphic adenoma, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 97.6%, 50.0%, 74.5%, 93.3%, and 78.6% for the first sign, 95.2%, 46.4% 72.7%, 86.7%, and 75.7% for the second sign, and 23.8%, 100%, 86.7%, 46.7%, and 54.3% for the third sign, respectively. Combining the first and second findings achieved to 85.7% specificity and 90.9% accuracy.

Conclusion

Although non-specific, submandibular pleomorphic adenomas usually have hyperintense areas on T2-weighted images and well-defined margins. In addition, crescent-shaped compression of the ipsilateral normal gland seems to represent a highly specific sign.