bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of the compress sensing theory for improvement of the TOF resolution in a novel J-PET instrument
Authors: Raczyński Lech , Moskal Paweł , Kowalski Paweł , Wiślicki Wojciech , Bednarski Tomasz , Białas Piotr , Czerwiński Eryk , Gajos Aleksander , Kapłon Łukasz , Kochanowski Andrzej , Korcyl Grzegorz , Kowal Jakub , Kozik Tomasz , Krzemień Wojciech , Kubicz Ewelina , Niedźwiecki Szymon , Pałka Marek , Rudy Zbigniew , Salabura Piotr , Gupta-Sharma Neha , Silarski Michał , Słomski Artur , Smyrski Jerzy , Strzelecki Adam , Wieczorek Anna , Zieliński Marcin , Zoń Natalia 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Nowadays, in positron emission tomography (PET) systems, a time of flight (TOF) information is used to improve the image reconstruction process. In TOF-PET, fast detectors are able to measure the difference in the arrival time of the two gamma rays, with the precision enabling to shorten significantly a range along the line-of-response (LOR) where the annihilation occurred. In the new concept, called J-PET scanner, gamma rays are detected in plastic scintillators. In a single strip of J-PET system, time values are obtained by probing signals in the amplitude domain. Owing to compressive sensing (CS) theory, information about the shape and amplitude of the signals is recovered. In this paper, we demonstrate that based on the acquired signals parameters, a better signal normalization may be provided in order to improve the TOF resolution. The procedure was tested using large sample of data registered by a dedicated detection setup enabling sampling of signals with 50-ps intervals. Experimental setup provided irradiation of a chosen position in the plastic scintillator strip with annihilation gamma quanta.
A Contribution to the Problem of Tree Necrosis in Cities: Soil Properties in the Habitat of Ulmus glabra Huds. and Ulmus minor Mill. Greenery Elements of the City of Kielce
Authors: Świercz Anna , Zajęcka Ewelina 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Physicochemical properties of soils have a significant impact on the growth and development of vegetation. In urban areas, because of increased human activity, changes occur in both grain-size composition as well as physical and chemical properties of soils. These soils are frequently saline and contaminated with heavy metals, which limit the development of vegetation and cause its necrosis. Elm is a commonly growing tree with low habitat requirements, whose population has been considerably reduced because of progressing Dutch elm disease. This study attempts to assess the relationship of dependency between physicochemical parameters of soils and health status of elms from the area of the City of Kielce. Two elms were selected for the study, that is, one alive tree being a natural monument and one necrotic tree. The soil analysis concerned physicochemical parameters such as size composition, reaction, salinity measured by means of proper electrolyte conductivity (PEC), acidity, organic carbon content, carbonates, nitrogen, and selected elements including heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Mn). The study indicates differentiation amongst the physicochemical parameters of the analysed soils. A characteristic feature of the soils being the habitat of the necrotic elm is that they have considerably higher salinity than those being the habitat of the alive elm. Increased levels of sodium and chlorides could negatively affect water transportation in vegetation what might have resulted, amongst others, in necrosis of the tree.
Selected properties of cobalt-contaminated soil following the application of neutralising substances
Authors: Kosiorek Milena , Wyszkowski Mirosław 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the influence of increasing cobalt soil contamination (0 mg·kg−1, 20 mg·kg−1, 40 mg·kg−1, 80 mg·kg−1, 160 mg·kg−1, 320 mg·kg−1) after the application of neutralising substances on selected soil properties. In the soil without an addition of neutralising substances, the highest doses of cobalt caused the pH, total exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity and the degree of base saturation to decrease and the hydrolytic acidity of soil to increase. Among the substances used, zeolite and calcium oxide (particularly) had the most advantageous influence on the analysed soil properties. They caused the pH, total exchangeable bases and cation exchange capacity to increase and the hydrolytic acidity to decrease. Among the other substances, it was charcoal that had the greatest influence on the soil properties, but the way it influenced the total exchangeable bases, the cation exchange capacity of soil and the degree of base saturation were opposite to the way calcium oxide influenced these properties.
The Impact of Including Immigrants without Permanent Residence Status in the Public Health Insurance System in the Czech Republic
Authors: Tepperová Jana , Zídková Hana 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Whether an individual can or cannot participate in the Czech public health insurance system depends on several characteristics, one of which is whether he/she has permanent residence status in the Czech Republic, and a second whether he/she is employed. This means that those without permanent residence status, including self-employed migrants from third countries, their dependent relatives, and the dependent relatives of third country employees in the Czech Republic, cannot participate in the public health insurance system. Some argue that such migrants should be included in the system, since commercial health insurance is disadvantageous and the contributions they would pay into the public health insurance system would increase the public health insurance agencies’ income. We estimate the value of the contributions to public health insurance that would be paid by third country self-employed and non-working immigrants, if they were insured based on data from 2011 to 2013, and compare this to the assumed costs of their medical care. To calculate the contributions for self-employed migrants we use data on the distribution of the tax base for self-employed persons from personal income tax returns. Our estimation results in an overall negative balance of 22 million CZK on the data for 2012 and 2013. In the current system this deficit would be covered by the state, which would pay contributions to the system for certain (state insured) persons amounting to 97 million CZK; overall therefore the inclusion of these immigrants would result in a positive balance of 75 million CZK.
Efficiency of Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and Nerve Conduction Studies for Diagnosis of Diabetic Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy
Authors: Muntean Cristina , Cătălin Bogdan , Tudorică Valerica , Moţa Maria 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Background and Aims: Little data regarding distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) prevalence in Romania is available. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of DSP in our cohort, to characterize it depending on glycemic control, and also to find an easy-to-apply method for DSP screening which could be used in Romania.

Material and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study enrolling 51 patients followed in the Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Clinic, Clinical County Hospital of Craiova, Romania. A complete evaluation protocol consisting in clinical examination and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), together with nerve conduction studies were applied for evaluation.

Results: Among the type 2 diabetic patients investigated, 72.54% had DSP. Three-quarters of them had poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥7%). Mean HbA1c level was 9.17%. Poor glycemic control led to a more severe DSP form as proven by nerve conduction studies and clinical examination. Allodynia and motor deficit were predominantly found with HbA1c ≥7%. Mean MNSI score for the group was 2.55, strongly correlated with nerve conduction studies.

Conclusion: MNSI is a simple and validated diagnostic tool for DSP with a strong correlation to electrophysiological parameters. Therefore, its daily implementation in clinical practice could help identify and follow patients at risk for DSP.
Markers of Bone Turnover and 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D in Women with Type 2 Diabetes and Newly Diagnosed Osteoporosis
Authors: Nan Raluca , Cursaru Adrian , Grigorie Daniel , Şucaliuc Alina , Drăguţ Ramona M. , Rusu Emilia , Muşat Mădălina D. , Radulian Gabriela 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Background and Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of bone turnover markers and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in women with type 2 diabetes and recently diagnosed postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Material and Methods: We performed a retrospective study that included 80 women with newly diagnosed postmenopausal osteoporosis: 40 women with type 2 diabetes (diabetic group) and 40 women without diabetes (non-diabetic group). For data collection we used the patients database of the National Institute of Endocrinology ”C.I. Parhon”, Bucharest, Romania.

Results: Women with type 2 diabetes had significantly reduced levels of osteocalcin and crosslaps than non-diabetic women. In the diabetic group, alkaline phosphatase and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were lower than in non-diabetic women but without statistical significance. There was not statistically significant difference of bone mineral density (BMD) between diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Magnesium was significantly lower in diabetic women compared with non-diabetic women.

Conclusions: Our results demonstrated a low bone turnover in type 2 diabetic women and it was shown an insufficiency of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in both studied groups. These findings should be taken into account when screening these patients for diabetes complications.
A Review of Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
Authors: Mogoş Tiberius , Iacobini Andra Evelin 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Fructose intolerance is a metabolic disorder with hereditary determinism, clinically manifested on terms of fructose intake. Untreated, hereditary fructose intolerance may result in renal and hepatic failure. Unfortunately, there are no formal diagnostic and surveillance guidelines for this disease. If identified and treated before the occurrence of permanent organ damage, patients can improve their symptoms and self-rated health. Implementation and adherence to a strict fructose free diet is often difficult, but not impossible.
Insulin Initiation in Type 2 Diabetes – Why, When and How?
Authors: Popa Simona Georgiana , Popa Adina , Moţa Maria 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and, despite recent progress in the treatment of diabetes, the glycemic control usually deteriorates gradually and insulin therapy is needed. When insulin therapy should be started and which are the appropriate insulin therapy strategies, still represent subjects of debates. Insulin represents a therapeutic option in type 2 diabetes due to the existence of early β-cell dysfunction and significant reduction of β-cell mass in natural history of type 2 diabetes. The current guidelines recommend insulin in double therapy in association with metformin or in combination with metformin and other noninsulin agent. Initiation of insulin therapy is recommended in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and symptomatic and/or presenting important hyperglycemia or elevated HbA1c. Initiation of insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes should take into consideration the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, the effects and the potential risks of insulin therapy, the guidelines recommendations and the barriers to insulin use. Literatures of only English language were analyzed from NCBI database. Guidelines were accessed electronically from organisations, i.e. American Diabetes Associations, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology, European Association for the Study of Diabetes, International Diabetes Federation.
Chordomas, malignant spinal tumors: a 15-year experience
Authors: Calina Niki Adrian , Filip Cristian , Serban Daniel , Podea Marius , Zamfir Costica , Checiu Gheorghe , Eduard Morosanu , Exergian Florin 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Objective: Spinal chordomas are rare, locally invasive, malignant neoplasm, representing 5% of all malignant tumors of the skeleton. In the majority of cases the segment involved is the sacrum. This study reviews our experience during the last 15 years at The Spinal Surgery Department of “Bagdasar-Arseni” Clinical Hospital, to determine the effects of various treatment methods on the overall course of this disease process.
Methods: A retrospective study was performed, from 2000 to 2015, in which, 31 patients with spinal chordomas were evaluated at our institution.
Results: Two thirds of patients were male, with a mean age of 57 years. Patients presented with local pain, radiculopathy and bladder-bowel dysfunction at hospital admission. There were 24 patients with sacral chordomas, 4 with cervical chordomas, 2 with thoracic and one with lumbar chordoma. All patients underwent at least one surgical procedure. The main goal of surgery was to achieve total resection of the tumor.
Conclusion: Our study suggests that spinal chordomas are rare tumors with a high risk of tumor recurrence. If total resection is achieved, the risk of recurrence diminishes. If the tumor resection is subtotal, than recurrence appears in all cases. After tumor resection, the surgeon faces the problem of spinal instability that needs solving. Based on these findings, we think that, whenever possible, radical resection should be the treatment of choice for spinal chordomas.
Surgical management of symptomatic spinal cord and intracerebral cavernomas in a multiple cavernomas case
Authors: Gorgan R.M. , Brehar F. , Catana M. , Pruna V. , Gheorghiu Ana , Popescu G. , Cristescu Catioara , Giovani A. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Multiple cavernous malformations are associated with familial cases and are present in 10-20% of all cavernoma cases. 5% of cavernomas are located intramedullary and of these only 10% present multiple cavernomas. With the availability of echo gradient MRI the cases of multiple cavernomas are diagnosed earlier and it is not rare that it uncovers multiple cavernomas in cases where only a single lesion can be identified on regular MRI sequences. We present the case of a 55 years old woman presented with a two years history of mild backache, followed by progressive lower legs motor deficit and urinary retention. The spine MRI showed an intramedullary T2/3 lesion and the cerebral MRI established the diagnosis of multiple cavernomas. One year after the intramedullary cavernoma was operated with success, she developed generalized seizures and a new cerebral MRI showed bleeding and volume growth of one right temporal pole cavernoma. The cerebral lesion was resected successfully and the patient was discharged free of seizures. This familial type multiple cavernomas cases should be screened and followed with repeated brain and spine MRI’s every year.
Our first experience with cervical expandable cage for vertebral body reconstruction
Authors: Chiriac A. , Faiyad Z. , Popescu C. , Costachescu B. , Poeata I. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Vertebral body reconstruction after corpectomy using expandable cage has become a common surgical procedure especially at thoracic level. The recent published papers describe the successful use of expandable cages for cervical vertebral body reconstruction. In this paper we present our first experience with expandable cervical cage in the reconstruction of the cervical spine in a patient with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM)
A rare type of tumor: orbital schwannoma. Case report and literature review
Authors: Gorgan R.M. , Neacsu Angela , Rodriguez Silvia Mara Baez , Popescu G. , Cristescu Catioara , Giovani A. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Schwannomas arise in the cells responsible for the mielinating the neurons distal to the Obersteiner-Redlich zone. Most of the intracranian Schwannomas are in the posterior fossa, developed from the VIIIth or Vth nerve stheath. The location on other cranian nerves is quite rare, only 6% of the orbital tumors being Schwannomas. We review the case of a 52 years old male patient, presenting for right eye exophthalmia and visual field deficit, diplopia due to VIth nerve paresis, and stubbing pain in the right eye, the MRI showing a tumor, located in the orbital apex displaced the globe forward and superiorly, and the optic nerve medially and superiorly. A modified lateral orbital approach was preferred. The choice of the orbitotomy allowed us to maintain the integrity of the lateral rim of the orbit without the need of a bony reconstruction at the end of the intervention, as it faced the anterior margin of the temporal muscle, covering it and not the skin over the zigomatic bone. The technical approach for orbital schwanomas should be tailored to reach the lesion through an esthetic incision and orbitotomy, immediately under the resected bone, with no need retracting the ocular globe or the vasculonervous elements in the orbit.
A rare case of suprasellar arachnoid cyst with giant perimesencephalic and mesial temporal extension - physiopathological mechanisms
Authors: Turliuc Dana Mihaela , Cucu A.I. , Dobrovăţ B. , Trandafir Daniela , Turliuc Ş. , Dumitrescu Gabriela Florenţa , Costea Claudia Florida 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
The arachnoid cyst is a lesion commonly encountered in neurosurgery, especially in pediatric pathology. We are presenting the case of an adult patient with a suprasellar arachnoid cyst with giant perimesencephalic and mesial temporal extension discovered incidentally, where there is a discrepancy between the spectacular neuroimaging and the non-specific symptomatology. Some of the physiopathological mechanisms which led to the evolution of the cyst will also be presented.
Carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms – protective features making them a rare cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Ghods Ali , Straus David 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Objective: To review the rate of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm (COA) rupture and to identify protective features that may contribute to their low rupture rate.
Methods: We reviewed the records of 790 patients with 773 aneurysms greater than 2 mm treated by endovascular routes between 2002 and 2012 at our institution. Seventy five carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms were identified in 72 patients. Three injected human cadaver heads were studied to evaluate the perianeurysmal environment of the carotid-ophthalmic region.
Results: Only 2 (2.8%) of these 72 patients presented with acute SAH due to a ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm. The average size of ruptured COA was 11.3 mm versus 7 mm for unruptured aneurysms. Most of the aneurysms were discovered in patients who were asymptomatic. The most common presenting symptom was headache. In this study, we also provide cadaveric anatomic illustrations of the perianeurysmal environment in order to investigate the low rate of COA rupture. Additionally, we highlight the existence of a double arachnoid layer consisting of the arachnoid on the inferior aspect of the optic nerve and surrounding the internal carotid artery (ICA), which could further contribute to the low rupture rate of these aneurysms.
Conclusions: Carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms are uncommon sources of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The perianeurysmal environment surrounding these aneurysms may provide protection, lending these aneurysms to a relatively benign natural history.
Post-traumatic cerebellar infarction due to vertebral artery foramina fracture: case report
Authors: Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Rubiano Andres M. , Calderon-Miranda Willem Guillermo , Agrawal Amit 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPosttraumatic cerebral infarction is an uncommon cause of morbidity and mortality and many studies have highlighted that trauma needs to considered as causative factor for cerebellar infarction. We present a case of cerebellar infarction in a 35 year old young patient secondary to vertebral fracture involving the vertebral foramen and vertebral artery injury. CT scan cervical spine showed C2-3 fracture on left side with fracture extending into the left vertebral foramen. A CT scan angiogram could not be performed because of poor neurological status. Possibly the infarction was due to left vertebral artery injury. Without surgical intervention prognosis of these patients remain poor. Prognosis of patients with traumatic cerebellar infarction depends on the neurological status of the patient, intrinsic parenchymal damage and more importantly extrinsic compression of the brainstem by the edematous cerebellar hemispheres.
Magnetic resonance imaging study; does the olfactory bulb volume change in major depression?
Authors: Ozdemir Nuriye Guzin , Atci Ibrahim Burak , Bag Sevda , Yilmaz Hakan , Karagoz Yesim , Yilmaz Adem 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Goal: The olfactory region function disorders and olfactory bulb volume changes in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders are defined. In this study, the olfactory bulb values of patients diagnosed with major depression in accordance with DMS-IV criteria, are measured with MRI, and these values are compared with the values of healthy volunteers to see if there are any statistically significant changes.
Method: The study was carried out with 20 healthy volunteers and 20 patients who had been diagnosed with acute major depression in accordance with ‘diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders’ (DMS) IV criteria and have been getting treatment for more than 2 years in Istanbul Education and Research Hospital. 1,5 Tesla MRI were used in 40 cases, and the olfactory bulb volume on two hemispheres were measured separately.
Results: Contrary to the former studies, we found no statistically significant difference between the olfactory bulb volume measurements of the control group and the group diagnosed with major depression.
Intradural extramedullary spinal cord tumors: a retrospective study at tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Govind Mangal , Radheyshyam Mittal , Achal Sharma , Ashok Gandhi 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Introduction: Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal cord tumours account two thirds of all intraspinal tumours. The objective of this study was to determine short- and long-term outcomes of surgical patients with IDEM spinal cord tumours, and to see clinical features that could be helpful in management of patients with these lesions (operated by single senior surgeononly).
Methods: A retrospective review of 201 operative IDEM spinal cord tumours cases between 1993 and 2014 was performed. Outcomes were scored at one month and at mean follow-up of 8.5 months postoperatively. In addition, patient demographics, tumour types and locations were also collected. Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing Chi-square and Student's t-tests.
Results: There were 93 men and 108 women (mean age 48 yrs, range 5-87 yrs). Men presented at a younger age than women (42 vs 51 yrs, P<0.02). 165 (82.08 %) patients presented with severe radiculopathy and myelopathy. The 36 (17.91 %) had symptoms of radiculopathy. Mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 11 months. Schwannomas (113 patients) had the longest mean duration of symptoms (14.9 months), followed by meningiomas (68 patients, 8.4 months), and ependymomas (20 patients, 2 months). Hundred and eighty nine (94%) of patients demonstrated significant improvement at one-month and 186 (92%) at 6-month mean follow-up. Only 39/201 (19.4%) patients had residual focal deficits on long term follow-up.
Conclusions: Surgery for IDEM should be expected to produce significant and dramatic improvement in most of patients. Demographic, tumor-specific and anatomic considerations will be clinically useful while managing IDEM.