bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the esophagus with metastasis in the pineal gland
Authors: Blas Jhon Leonardo , Sánchez-Fayos Paloma , Martín Relloso Maria Jesus , Calero Barón Daniel , Porres Cubero Juan Carlos 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPrimitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) are very rare tumors that belong to a family of malignant neoplasms of tiny round cells which are derived from the neural crest. This report discusses a rare case of an adult woman with esophageal PNET, confirmed by immunohistochemistry, that presented with metastasis to the pineal gland. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a PNET with these features. Despite surgery and chemotherapeutic treatment, our case has shown disease progression.
Is Precise Targeting of the Recipient Artery in a Superficial Temporal Artery–Middle Cerebral Artery Anastomosis Crucial?
Authors: Katano Hiroyuki , Yamada Hiroshi , Nishikawa Yusuke , Yamada Kazuo , Miyachi Shigenori , Mase Mitsuhito 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Objective To investigate the difference in treatment outcomes according to the method used to select the recipient artery in superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) anastomoses.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 35 patients who underwent an STA-MCA anastomosis for internal carotid artery/MCA occlusion or stenosis. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether the recipient artery was precisely targeted by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT group) or less precisely targeted by visual assessment (Visual group). Then the bypass results in both groups were evaluated postoperatively based on changes in the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and clinical outcomes.
Results The delineated recipient artery in magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) matched the intraoperatively selected artery in 87.6% of the SPECT group cases and 83.3% of the Visual group cases. The SPECT group's digital subtraction angiography (DSA) findings coincided with the intraoperative selection in 76.9% of cases, and the MRA findings corresponded with the DSA findings in 92.3%. The postoperative areas with increased rCBF matched the perfused areas of intraoperatively selected arteries in 80.0% of the SPECT group cases and 77.8% of the Visual group cases. Postoperatively increased rCBF areas matching totally or partially with preoperative low-perfusion areas were observed in all cases.
Conclusions The present results revealed no significant differences in the change in rCBF in the low-perfusion area between the patients whose recipient arteries were selected by SPECT or visual assessment.
Fixação intramedular flexível para fraturas diafisárias dos ossos do antebraço em crianças
Authors: Acharya Balakrishnan M. , Devkota Pramod , Thakur Abhishek K. , Gyawali Bidur 
Published: August 2019

Resumo
Objetivos A maioria das fraturas dos ossos do antebraço em crianças é tratada com sucesso de forma conservadora com redução fechada e imobilização gessada. No entanto, alguns pacientes podem necessitar de manipulação adicional da fratura ou intervenção cirúrgica devido a angulações residuais. O presente estudo avalia o resultado clinico e radiológico do tratamento de fraturas com desvio do antebraço em crianças fixadas com haste elástica intramedular de titânio.
Métodos Um total de 31 pacientes com idades entre 7 e 15 anos com fraturas com desvio do antebraço foram submetidos a haste elástica de titânio flexível. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por um período médio de 8,51 meses (variação: 6–12 meses) e avaliados quanto aos resultados funcionais pelos critérios de Price e radiológicos.
Resultados Dos 31 pacientes, 21 foram submetidos a redução fechada e 10 necessitaram de abertura mínima do local da fratura durante a redução. Um total de 29 pacientes tiveram excelentes resultados com arco de movimento normal, e 2 pacientes apresentaram bons resultados. Em todos os pacientes, a consolidação ocorreu em um tempo médio de 7,9 semanas. Cinco pacientes tiveram complicações menores, como irritação da pele sobre a haste proeminente (n = 2), infecção superficial do local de inserção no rádio (n = 2) e recuo da haste ulnar (n = 1), que exigiu remoção precoce.
Conclusão A haste flexível é um método eficiente para tratamento da fratura do antebraço em crianças, permitindo mobilização precoce e retorno às atividades normais dos pacientes, com baixas e tratáveis complicações.
Implementation of Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Sequestrectomy in a German University Hospital Setting: A Long and Rocky Road
Authors: Bender Michael , Gramsch Carolin , Herrmann Lukas , Kim Seong Woong , Uhl Eberhard , Schöller Karsten 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Objective Microsurgical diskectomy/sequestrectomy is the standard procedure for the surgical treatment of lumbar disk herniations. The transforaminal endoscopic sequestrectomy technique is a minimally invasive alternative with potential advantages such as minimal blood loss and tissue damage, as well as early mobilization of the patient. We report the implementation of this technique in a German university hospital setting.
Methods One single surgeon performed transforaminal endoscopic sequestrectomy from February 2013 to July 2016 for lumbar disk herniation in 44 patients. Demographic as well as perioperative, clinical, and radiologic data were analyzed from electronic records. Furthermore, we investigated complications, intraoperative change of the procedure to microsurgery, and reoperations. The postoperative course was analyzed using the Macnab criteria, supplemented by a questionnaire for follow-up. Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging volumetric analyses were performed to assess the radiologic efficacy of the technique.
Results Our study population had a median age of 52 years. The median follow-up was 15 months, and the median length of hospital stay was 4 days. Median duration of surgery was 100 minutes with a median blood loss of 50 mL. Surgery was most commonly performed at the L4–L5 level (63%) and in caudally migrated disk herniations (44%). In six patients, surgery was performed for recurrent disk herniations. The procedure had to be changed to conventional microsurgery in four patients. We observed no major complications. Minor complications occurred in six patients, and in four patients a reoperation was performed. Furthermore, a significantly lower Oswestry Disability Index score (p = 0.03), a lower Short Form 8 Health Survey (SF-8) score (p = 0.001), a lower visual analog scale (VAS) lower back pain score (p = 0.03) and VAS leg pain score (p = 0.0008) at the 12-month follow-up were observed in comparison with the preoperative examination. In MRI volumetry, we detected a median postoperative volume reduction of the disk herniation of 57.1% (p = 0.02).
Conclusions The transforaminal endoscopic sequestrectomy can be safely implemented in a university hospital setting in selected patients with primary and recurrent lumbar disk herniations, and it leads to good clinical and radiologic results. However, learning curve, caseload, and residents' microsurgical training requirements clearly affect the implementation process.
Cardiac Health Awareness Among Women Presenting for Routine Health Checkup at Tertiary Care Center: Time Trends Over 15 Years
Authors: Chhabra Shibba Takkar , Kaur Gurleen , Kapoor Samir , Nagi Gagandeep , Kajal Devanshi , Bansal Mamta , Bansal Namita , Kaur Baljeet , Kaur Jaswinder , Tandon Rohit , Singh Gurbhej , Singh Bhupinder , Goyal Abhishek , Aslam Naved , Mohan Bishav , Wander Gurpreet S. ,   Gurinder
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background Women have been thought to be protected against the perils of cardiovascular disease (CVD) till late in their lives. But the literature suggests quite the opposite with CVD being a major cause of death even in young women. In contrast, the lack of awareness among women is disheartening and needs to be addressed radically.
Methods The study was designed and conducted as retrospective cohort at a tertiary care center. Data was collected from patients presenting for routine cardiac health checkup over the past 15 years. The parameters observed included age at presenting, symptoms and/or signs, plus area of residence or domicile.
Results A total of 32,831 patients presented for routine cardiac health checkup, of which 9,211 (28.1%) patients were women and 23,620 (71.9%) were men. On 5 yearly cumulative assessment, the mean attendance of women was 28.1 ± 2.5% as compared with 71.9 ± 2.6% men. Trend observed over the past 15 years revealed little change in the number of women versus men presenting for cardiac health checkup annually. Statistical significance was seen at p < 0.01. Among the women presenting for the checkup, it was observed that most women were in the postmenopausal age group (42.8%), followed by perimenopausal age group (34.6%), and least in premenopausal age group (22.5%) during the timeline of the study. A similar trend was observed in the male attendance; the input of males being higher at all instances. Noteworthy were trends of urban women (69.6%) presenting for health checkup more often as compared with 30.4% visiting from rural residence.
Conclusions Coronary artery disease (CAD) is not uncommon in female gender. It is accompanied by varying symptom presentation with high mortality. It is seen that cardiac health awareness is significantly lacking among women as compared with men. There are almost static trends observed over the past 15 years, especially in premenopausal age group and rural domicile. Corrective actions inclining toward campaigns and communication to distribute information on cardiac disease prevention and treatment modalities among women are needed to curb CAD. This may promote early detection of CAD leading to early interventions to promote a healthy heart among women. Recommendations and necessary actions steps for a woman oriented cardiac program are the need of the hour.
The Ramsey property implies no mad families
Authors: Schrittesser David , Törnquist Asger 
Published: August 2019

Significance
Certain infinite combinatorial structures in modern mathematics, called mad families, are known to exist only due to indirect, nonconstructive methods arising from a fundamental principle of mathematics, with many paradoxical consequences, called the axiom of choice. This paper shows that if we replace the axiom of choice with a natural assumption of universal combinatorial regularity, a principle known as the Ramsey property for all sets, then no infinite mad families can exist. This solves a problem that has been open in mathematics since the late 1960s.
MRI-based iPAGAT polymer gel dosimetry using fast recovery spin echo sequences
Authors: Fujino K , Ono K , Hayashi S , Sasaki K , Hioki K , Miyazawa M , Akagi Y , Hirokawa Y 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
In an estimation of iPAGAT polymer gel dosimeters using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the dosimetric characteristics were investigated with two echo sequences: a spin echo (SE) and a fast recovery fast spin echo (FRFSE) sequence. FRFSE can shorten total scan time compared to SE because of its short repetition time (TR) and long echo train length (ETL). Although the R2-dose response measured from FRFSE was decreased compared to SE, both responses were fitted quadratic curve with a high correlation coefficient. In addition, their calibrated dose distributions showed high conformity to the planned data in the three-dimensional (3D) gamma index, dose volume histogram (DVH) and surface rendering analyses; however, results of SE were a little superior to FRFSE. In conclusion, it is suggested that FRFSE can present the accurate characteristics of polymer gel dosimeters under the optimum parameters.
Preliminary characterization of the Duke Integrated-Lens Optical-CT scanner (DIOS)
Authors: Collins Cielle , Yoon Suk Whan , Kodra Jacob , Adamovics John , Oldham Mark 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The present study investigates a cost effective and practical non-telecentric optical-CT scanner developed for 3D dosimetry, the Duke Integrated-Lens Optical-CT scanner (DIOS). The DIOS system includes an upgraded light-collimating tank (the LC-tank) made of solid polyurethane with precision curved ends (with lensing functionality) and a precision cylindrical central hollow for the dosimeter. The LC-tank thus collimates light from a small area light source (~2cm diameter) into parallel rays through the dosimeter, with refocusing of emergent light onto a CCD camera with a focusing lens with an aperture. The solid nature of the LC-Tank dramatically reduces the amount of required refractive matching fluid compared to earlier scanning systems. The aim of this work was to perform preliminary characterization studies of DIOS in comparison to earlier systems, particularly telecentric systems. The preliminary results indicate promising performance for the DIOS approach.
Influence of angular mismatch between pre- and post-irradiation scans for optical-CT gel readout: simulation based study
Authors: Du Yi , Wang Xiangang , Xiang Xincheng , Wu Hao , De Deene Yves 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The pre- and post-irradiation scan strategy for optical-CT gel readout often turns out to be corrupted by angular mismatch between these two scans. In this study, we used computational simulations to investigate the influence of angular mismatch. Two phantoms are constructed: one cylindrical phantom with synthetic impurities and one elliptical phantom. The reconstructed results of angular mismatched pre- and post-data show that the dual-scan method is very sensitive to repositioning error, and positive-negative pair errors can be easily identified around impurities and phantom edges. From the simulation results, we believe that the angular mismatch should be less than 0.1 degree.
Fundamentals of 3D dosimetry
Authors: Schreiner L J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Since 1999 it has been convention at the IC3Ddose conferences to provide an opportunity for interested attendees to come together for an early morning session to review the basic properties of one family of 3D dosimeters: volumetric chemical dosimeters. Seasoned workers in the field benefit from a refreshed perspective, while those new to the field get an overview of this one modality for 3D dose measurement early in the conference. The intent of the session is to describe the basic science and characteristics of these true 3D systems, how they work and how they are read out. This provides some basic foundation to all attendees before the conference moves to the more detailed presentations directed to various specific issues and applications (e.g., looking at specific gel or plastic dosimeter, its readout and its clinical utilization). This talk is that session.
Initial commissioning measurements of respiratory gated liver VMAT stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy
Authors: Alexander KM , Kerr A , Olding T 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
A dosimetric evaluation of a respiratory gated VMAT SABR technique was performed at two different beam energies. Dynamic ion chamber, EBT3 film and Fricke-xylenol orange-gelatin (FXG) gel measurements were acquired using a motion phantom with custom inserts for each dosimeter. Ion chamber and gel dosimeter measurements show good agreement between the measured and calculated plan dose within the planning target volume (PTV). Lower agreement than expected was observed between calculated plan dose and measured film dose, particularly for the 10 MV flattening filter free beam plan, a result that warrants further investigation.
Chemical dosimeters
Authors: Adamovics John A , Coakley Robert J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Measuring radiation exposure has long been a priority in radiation therapy. Over the last 115 years numerous chemical-based dosimeters have been developed to measure radiation exposure. These dosimeters contain either metal complexes or leuco dyes. Among the factors which influence dose sensitivity and color stability in leuco dye based dosimeters are chemical structure and the solvent content in the formulation.
4D dosimetry and motion management in clinical radiotherapy
Authors: Bäck S Å J , Franich R D , Edvardsson A , Ceberg S 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Many novel modulated radiation treatment techniques are sensitive to patient motion which may degrade the dose distribution considerably. As there may be a simultaneous movement of the tumour and treatment machine, undesired heterogeneities in the dose distribution can be resulted. Methods to estimate the dosimetric effect of motion and treatment deliveries for both photons and protons are needed. We have recently studied Hodgkin’s lymphoma, liver and left sided breast cancer cases and developed tools to be able to simulate simultaneous organ movement and treatment delivery. Furthermore, it is of great importance to validate potential simulations in a realistic quality control set-up, ideally including a complete dosimetry volume and movement/deformation (4D). Radiation sensitive deformable gels have the potential to meet this dosimetry challenge owing to the unique 3D characteristic to form both phantom and detector in one volume. Multi-array detectors together with a moving platform and a realistic object trajectory is an alternative to evaluate the clinical setting. The evaluation could then in principle be done on-line. Gel/plastic 3D dosimeters have the potential to also be irradiated during motion in a similar matter but have to be read-out post irradiation.
High dose rate brachytherapy three-dimensional gel dosimetry using optical computed tomography readout
Authors: DeVries DA , Joshi C , Schreiner LJ 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The cause and removal of streaking artifacts from catheters within radiochromic 3D dosimeters was investigated to allow the use of these dosimeters for high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy applications. The OSC-TV iterative reconstruction algorithm’s ability to remove the streaking artifacts from one or more catheters was validated using external beam irradiations and leuco crystal violet (LCV) micelle gels. One and two catheter HDR plans were then delivered to LCV gels. Dose volumes from the gels were reconstructed with the OSC-TV algorithm, calibrated, and registered to treatment planning system dose volumes, and were shown to be artifact free and in agreement with the expected values.
Innovation in education: computer simulation in physics training
Authors: Beavis Andrew W , Ward James W 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Interest in the application of Computer Simulation within Medical training continues to grow and the use of the VERT (Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training) system in radiotherapy training equally so. Herein we explore the use of the VERT system to understand, illustrate and experience the process required to calibrate an ion chamber and use it to obtain an accurate output measurement on a high energy Linac. The VERT system provides a detailed and accurate simulation of conventional Linacs and has a variety of physics activities that mirror the tasks medical physicists are required to become familiar with during their training. One such activity has been implemented to follow the steps defined by the IAEA TRS398 protocol. All activities on the virtual Linac can be undertaken with deliberate errors having been introduced to explore their consequences. The system was used to make the necessary ‘measurements’ to determine the various calibration factors required to correct the raw electrometer reading for ion recombination, polarity, temperature/pressure. Likewise, the Quality Index of the Linac’s 6MV beam was determined to enable the correction of the Absorbed Dose to Water factor measured in the reference Quality. The VERT system provides a simulation environment for training and enhancing the trainees understanding of radiotherapy concepts and practices. Dosimetry practice can be experienced and explored in the classroom during standard working hours rather than waiting until a clinical Linac is available. Random and systematic errors can be introduced, however, the virtual machine can be used without risk of leaving it in a mis-calibrated or unsafe condition.
The poly (l-lactid-co-glycolide; PLGA) fiber component of brushite-forming calcium phosphate cement induces the osteogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells
Authors: Kunisch Elke , Gunnella Francesca , Wagner Stefanie , Dees Franziska , Maenz Stefan , Bossert Jörg , Jandt Klaus D , Kinne Raimund W 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
A brushite-forming calcium phosphate cement (CPC) was mechanically stabilized by addition of poly (l-lactid-co-glycolide; PLGA) fibers (≤10% w/w). It proved highly biocompatible and its fiber component enhanced bone formation in a sheep lumbar vertebroplasty model. However, possible effects on the osteogenic differentiation of resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remained unexplored. The present study used a novel approach, simultaneously analyzing the influence of a solid CPC scaffold and its relatively low PLGA proportion (a mimicry of natural bone) on osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation, as well as the pluripotency of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASCs). hASCs were cultured on CPC discs with/without PLGA fibers (5% and 10%) in the absence of osteogenic medium for 3, 7, and 14 d. Gene expression of osteogenic markers (Runx2, osterix, alkaline phosphatase, collagen I, osteonectin, osteopontin, osteocalcin), chondrogenic markers (collagen II, Sox9, aggrecan), adipogenic markers (PPARG, Leptin, and FABP4), and pluripotency markers (Nanog, Tert, Rex) was analyzed by RT-PCR. The ability of hASCs to synthesize alkaline phosphatase was also evaluated. Cell number and viability were determined by fluorescein diacetate/propidium iodide staining. Compared to pure CPC, cultivation of hASCs on fiber-reinforced CPC transiently induced the gene expression of Runx2 and osterix (day 3), and long-lastingly augmented the expression of alkaline phosphatase (and its enzyme activity), collagen I, and osteonectin (until day 14). In contrast, augmented expression of all chondrogenic, adipogenic, and pluripotency markers was limited to day 3, followed by significant downregulation. Cultivation of hASCs on fiber-reinforced CPC reduced the cell number, but not the proportion of viable cells (viability > 95%). The PLGA component of fiber-reinforced, brushite-forming CPC supports long-lasting osteogenic differentiation of hASCs, whereas chondrogenesis, adipogenesis, and pluripotency are initially augmented, but subsequently suppressed. In view of parallel animal results, PLGA fibers may represent an interesting clinical target for future improvement of CPC- based bone regeneration.
The features of development of agricultural land use in the Republic of Buryatia and Mongolia (the Selenga River basin)
Authors: Yekimovskaya O A , Lopatina D N 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This study seeks to identify the distinctive features in agricultural land use in the upper (Mongolian) and lower (Russian) parts of the basin. An analysis is made of the main indicators reflecting the economic-geographical characteristics of agricultural land use, the structure of agricultural lands, the level of agricultural development, the dynamics of the area and efficiency of use of croplands, the availability of natural forage lands, and crop yield of grains. This implies a higher yield level of grains and the preservation of the sown area. A decrease in the area of the cropland at the beginning of the agrarian transformations was observed throughout the territory of the basin. In the Mongolian aimags within the Selenga basin, the area of the cropland decreased by 27.5%. In the subsequent period, the sown area remained stable. In the Russian part of the basin, the area of croplands at the beginning of the agrarian transformations decreased by 21.5%. The tendency for a decrease in croplands has persisted to date. During 1999–2016 the area of croplands decreased by a further 25%. The main directions of the transformation of the agricultural land use system in the Mongolian and Russian parts of the basin are formulated.