bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of fine needle aspiration cytology with histopathology findings in cases of thyroid lesions in Bir Hospital
Authors: Thapa PB , Shrestha D , Pradhananga JP 
Published: January 2014

Aims: To correlate the findings of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with the histopathology( HPE) of the excised nodule or specimen and to assess the accuracy and efficacy of FNAC in the diagnosis of the thyroid nodules. Materials and methods: This is a prospective study conducted at the Department of Ear Nose Throat (ENT) & Head & NecK Surgery( HNS), National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu from 2nd January 2009 to 29th December 2011. One hundred patients with thyroid nodule were included in the study. Results: Out of 100 patients 77 were females and 23 males. The age ranged from 11-60 years. Statistical analysis of results for Benign Thyroid lesion showed 98.6% sensitivity, 75 % specificity. Likewise, results for Malignant thyroid lesions showed 75 % sensitivity, 98.6 % specificity . Conclusion: FNAC has high accuracy in the diagnostic evaluation of thyroid lesions. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-1, 23-29 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i1.9670
Infections in acute leukemia in Indian Children
Authors: Roy B , Biswas Arnab , Chaterjee A , Pan A , Basu K 
Published: January 2014

Aims: In the present study acute leukemic children were studied to determine the incidence and principal site of infection, correlation with absolute neutrophil count, causative organisms and to standardize the initial empirical anti microbial therapy. Materials and methods: A total 40 children in the age group 6 month to 12 year with acute leukemia relapse were included in this study. A total 82 infectious episodes including 61 febrile episodes were investigated for infectious etiology. Results: We found that the frequency of infections increased significantly with the degree of immunocompromisation specially neutropenia (ANC < 500/cmm). The skin and soft tissue was the commonest site of infection (26.83%), followed by respiratory tract (21.95%). Staphylococcus nonhemolytic coagulase-negative (34%), followed by Klebsiella (17%) were the most common organisms isolated from blood. Staphylococcus non-hemolytic coagulase-negative was also the commonest isolate (26%) from other sites of infection. Most strains were sensitive to Cloxacillin, cephalosporin and aminoglycosides. Conclusion: For the treatment of febrile episodes, empirical use of beta-lactamase resistant penicillin e.g. Cloxacillin or cephalosporin combined with an aminoglycosides with a broad spectrum antifungal like fluconazole in selective cases at the first sign of infection is recommended. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-1, 40-47 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i1.9672
IL-17A Promotes the Exacerbation of IL-33–Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness by Enhancing Neutrophilic Inflammation via CXCR2 Signaling in Mice
Authors: Mizutani Nobuaki , Nabe Takeshi , Yoshino Shin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Neutrophilic airway inflammation is a hallmark of patients with severe asthma. Although we have reported that both IL-33 and IL-17A contributed to IgE-mediated neutrophilic inflammation in mice, the relationship remains unclear. In this article, we examined how IL-17A modifies IL-33–induced neutrophilic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). IL-33 was intratracheally administered to BALB/c mice on days 0–2; furthermore, on day 7, the effect of the combination of IL-33 and IL-17A was evaluated. Compared with IL-33 or IL-17A alone, the combination exacerbated neutrophilic inflammation and AHR, associated with more increased levels of lung glutamic acid-leucine-arginine+ CXC chemokines, including CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL5, and infiltration by alveolar macrophages expressing CXCR2. Treatment with anti-CXCR2 mAb or depletion of alveolar macrophages repressed neutrophilic inflammation and AHR; in addition, depletion of neutrophils suppressed AHR. These findings prompted us to examine the role of CXCR2 in IgE-sensitized mice; a single treatment with anti-CXCR2 mAb in the seventh Ag challenge inhibited late-phase airway obstruction, AHR, and neutrophilic inflammation. In addition to inhibition, multiple treatments during the fourth to seventh challenge attenuated early-phase airway obstruction, eosinophilic inflammation, and goblet cell hyperplasia associated with the reduction of Th2 cytokine production, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Collectively, IL-33 cooperated with IL-17A to exacerbate AHR by enhancing neutrophilic inflammation via CXCR2 signaling; furthermore, CXCR2 signaling derived Th2 responses. We thus suggest the underlying mechanisms of IL-33 and IL-17A in allergic asthma and CXCR2 as potential therapeutic targets for the disease.
Radiological review of pleural tumors
Authors: Sureka Binit , Thukral Brij Bhushan , Mittal Mahesh Kumar , Mittal Aliza , Sinha Mukul 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTumors of the pleura are not uncommon and diagnosis is clinched by combined imaging and clinical correlation. Malignant tumors are more common than benign tumors. Initial imaging modalities are chest radiography and Computed Tomography (CT). Further characterization may be required using Ultrasoundgraphy (USG), Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) and PET-CT. Biopsy remains gold standard. This article highlights various common and uncommon tumors of pleura and characteristic imaging findings.
The inguinal and femoral canals: A practical step-by-step approach to accurate sonographic assessment
Authors: Yoong Philip , Duffy Stephen , Marshall Thomas J 
Published: January 2014

AbstractUltrasonography (USG) is an accepted and reliable tool for the assessment of groin hernias.However, USG of the groin is operator dependent and challenging. The anatomy of this region is complex and the normal sonographic findings can be difficult to interpret. We describe the relevant normal anatomy of the groin relating to inguinal and femoral hernias, and describe a straightforward, reliable technique for identifying and assessing the integrity of the inguinal and femoral canals. The inferior epigastric vessels are a critical landmark for assessment of the inguinal canal and deep inguinal ring.
Unconventional abdominal uses of FIESTA (CISS) sequence
Authors: Sen Anitha 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe ability to provide cross-sectional imaging, combined with a lack of ionizing radiation has made magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of abdomen popular. We report four interesting cases: Midgut malrotation with volvulus, sigmoid volvulus, biliary rupture of hydatid cyst, and small bowel lipomatosis, where fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition [FIESTA]/constructive interference into steady state [CISS] sequence helped in clinching the diagnosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging of placenta accreta
Authors: Varghese Binoj , Singh Navdeep , George Regi A.N , Gilvaz Sareena 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPlacenta accreta (PA) is a severe pregnancy complication which occurs when the chorionic villi (CV) invade the myometrium abnormally. Optimal management requires accurate prenatal diagnosis. Ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the modalities for prenatal diagnosis of PA, although USG remains the primary investigation of choice. MRI is a complementary technique and reserved for further characterization when USG is inconclusive or incomplete. Breath-hold T2-weighted half-Fourier rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) and balanced steady-state free precession imaging in the three orthogonal planes is the key MRI technique. Markedly heterogeneous placenta, thick intraplacental dark bands on half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE), and disorganized abnormal intraplacental vascularity are the cardinal MRI features of PA. MRI is less reliable in differentiating between different degrees of placental invasion, especially between accreta vera and increta.
Cone-beam computed tomography in the management of dentigerous cyst of the jaws: A report of two cases
Authors: Vidya Lakshminarayanan , Ranganathan Kannan , Praveen B , Gunaseelan Rajan , Shanmugasundaram S 
Published: January 2014

AbstractCone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an emerging technology finding application in all branches of dentistry. The current series highlights the application of CBCT in the preoperative assessment of dentigerous cyst of the jaws.
An Exploration into Challenges Facing Public Sector Labor Relations: A Literature Review and Analysis
Authors: Chambers Michael 
Published: January 2014

This analysis explores some of the challenges facing public managers in nurturing their relationship and partnership with public-sector unions. It begins with a discussion of the background that elaborates on union history, discussing the birth of unions, the fall of private-sector unions, and the rise of government unions. This is followed by a review of the relevant professional and scientific literature to better develop the topic and focus the analysis. As the field of government labor-management relations is complex, the unique characteristics of government labor-management relationships that are lacking in the private-sector context necessitate a practitioner approach and an integrated synthesis of the literature. The analysis concludes that when collective bargaining is applied to public-sector business, it must be tailored to achieve proper alignment with taxpayers, who are the major stakeholders in public-sector services.
Factores que influyen en el consumo de alcohol de adolescentes argentinos: un path análisis prospectivo
Authors: Pilatti Angelina , Brussino Silvina Alejandra , Godoy Juan Carlos 
Published: January 2014

El inicio temprano del consumo de alcohol se relaciona con el desarrollo de un patrón de consumo riesgoso y de problemas relacionados al consumo. Dada la importancia de desarrollar modelos conceptuales integrales y longitudinales se analizó el efecto prospectivo de diferentes variables sobre el consumo de alcohol adolescente (CAA). Participaron 332 adolescentes que completaron escalas para medir rasgos de personalidad, expectativas hacia el alcohol (EA), motivos de consumo de alcohol (MC), consumo de alcohol de pares (CP) y padres, apoyo parental y CAA. Se realizaron dos administraciones, al inicio y 12 meses después. Se aplicó la técnica de path análisis para determinar el efecto prospectivo de los factores implicados. Los rasgos de personalidad y las EA positivas tuvieron un menor efecto, mientras que el CAA inicial, el CP y las EA negativas fueron importantes predictores del CAA. Los MC fueron el antecedente más próximo del consumo. Se destaca la importancia de considerar múltiples variables para obtener una explicación más completa de este fenómeno. La fuerte influencia del CAA inicial sugiere que, una vez desarrollado un patrón de consumo de alcohol, es muy probable que este consumo se mantenga o aumente.
Characterization of Aegilops kotschyi Boiss. x Triticum aestivum L. hybrid lines
Authors: Prażak Roman , Paczos-Grzęda Edyta 
Published: January 2014

A study of four F5 and one BC1F1 <em>Aegilops kotschyi </em>Boiss. x <em>Triticum aestivum </em>L. hybrid lines was conducted to determine their quantitative morphological and qualitative features as well as a molecular investigation was carried out. Observations of ten quantitative traits showed that the F5 hybrid lines exhibited intermediate values between <em>Ae. kotschyi </em>Boiss. and <em>T. aestivum </em>L., or had similar traits to one of the parents. These hybrid lines had a significantly lower number and weight of grains per main spike, main spike fertility and 1000-grain weight than <em>T. aestivum </em>L. cv. ‘Rusałka’. The BC1F1 hybrid line was characterized by wheat-like fertility and phenotype. The F5 hybrid lines were characterized by much higher variability of the analysed morphological traits than <em>T. aestivum </em>L. cv. ‘Rusałka’. Grains of the hybrid lines had higher protein and micronutrient (iron and zinc) content than wheat grains. The presence of DNA fragments specific to <em>Ae. kotschyi </em>Boiss. in the genotypes of the hybrid lines was confirmed by seven ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) molecular markers. Two ISSR markers – ISSR23690 and ISSR33650 – were the most effective for germplasm analysis of the hybrid lines. The analysed lines can become a source material for improvement of common wheat <em>T. aestivum </em>L. in crossing programs.
Changes in the chlorophyll content in stored lettuce Lactuca sativa L. after pre-harvest foliar application of CaCl2
Authors: Perucka Irena , Olszówka Katarzyna , Chilczuk Barbara 
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present investigations was to determine the cumulative effect of foliar treatment of lettuce plants with a CaCl2 solution and the cold-storage period on the level of chlorophylls in the leaves of lettuce cv. ،Omega٫ (<em>Lactuca sativa </em>L.). Plants were grown in a pot experiment conducted in the greenhouse of the Department of Cultivation and Fertilisation of Horticultural Plants, University of Life Sciences in Lublin. During the growing period, 10 and 20 days before harvest, the plants received foliar application of CaCl2 at the concentrations of 0.1 M and 0.2 M. Control plants were sprayed with water. Some plants were analysed immediately after the harvest; other specimens were cold-stored at a temperature of 4oC for 7 and 14 days. Whole leaves and blades without the midrib were analysed. The results obtained indicated that the foliar application of 0.2M CaCl2 in lettuce resulted in a decrease in the level of chlorophylls in fresh plants, compared with the control. A beneficial cumulative effect of the CaCl2 application and storage period on the chlorophyll level in lettuce leaves was observed in the leaf blades of plants after foliar treatment with the 0.1M CaCl2.solution and cold-stored for 7 and 14 days, in which in- creased levels of chlorophyll “a” and “b” and total chlorophyll, compared with the control, were found.
Computer‐Aided Diagnostic System for Detection of Hashimoto Thyroiditis on Ultrasound Images From a Polish Population
Authors: Acharya U. Rajendra , Sree S. Vinitha , Krishnan M. Muthu Rama , Molinari Filippo , ZieleŸnik Witold , Bardales Ricardo H. , Witkowska Agnieszka , Suri Jasjit S. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesComputer‐aided diagnostic (CAD) techniques aid physicians in better diagnosis of diseases by extracting objective and accurate diagnostic information from medical data. Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common type of inflammation of the thyroid gland. The inflammation changes the structure of the thyroid tissue, and these changes are reflected as echogenic changes on ultrasound images. In this work, we propose a novel CAD system (a class of systems called ThyroScan) that extracts textural features from a thyroid sonogram and uses them to aid in the detection of Hashimoto thyroiditis.MethodsIn this paradigm, we extracted grayscale features based on stationary wavelet transform from 232 normal and 294 Hashimoto thyroiditis–affected thyroid ultrasound images obtained from a Polish population. Significant features were selected using a Student t test. The resulting feature vectors were used to build and evaluate the following 4 classifiers using a 10‐fold stratified cross‐validation technique: support vector machine, decision tree, fuzzy classifier, and K‐nearest neighbor.ResultsUsing 7 significant features that characterized the textural changes in the images, the fuzzy classifier had the highest classification accuracy of 84.6%, sensitivity of 82.8%, specificity of 87.0%, and a positive predictive value of 88.9%.ConclusionsThe proposed ThyroScan CAD system uses novel features to noninvasively detect the presence of Hashimoto thyroiditis on ultrasound images. Compared to manual interpretations of ultrasound images, the CAD system offers a more objective interpretation of the nature of the thyroid. The preliminary results presented in this work indicate the possibility of using such a CAD system in a clinical setting after evaluating it with larger databases in multicenter clinical trials.
Comparison of Transcranial Color‐Coded Real‐time Sonography and Contrast‐Enhanced Color‐Coded Sonography for Detection and Characterization of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Wang Li-Shu , He Wen , Wang Hao , Zhao Yuan-Li , Tian Feng-Lan , Ning Bin , Gao Jing 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo compare the diagnostic value of transcranial color‐coded real‐time sonography and contrast‐enhanced color‐coded sonography in detection and characterization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations.MethodsThirty‐one patients highly suspected to have an intracranial arteriovenous malformation were imaged with real‐time and contrast‐enhanced sonography. With digital subtraction angiography as the reference standard, the ability to detect the malformations and accurately determine their size and location was compared between the two imaging techniques.ResultsOne cavernous hemangioma and 30 intracranial arteriovenous malformations were imaged with real‐time and contrast‐enhanced sonography, which were confirmed by angiography. The detectability of contrast‐enhanced sonography, especially for optimizing visualization of malformations located in the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, was higher than that of real‐time sonography, although the overall number of malformations was too small to demonstrate significance. The sizes of the malformations (6 in the frontal lobe, 1 in the parietal lobe, and 1 in the occipital lobe) were underestimated by real‐time sonography compared to angiography, whereas there was agreement in the sizes between contrast‐enhanced sonography and angiography. The detection rates for the 30 arteriovenous malformations on contrast‐enhanced and real‐time sonography were 96.7% (29 of 30) and 70.0% (21 of 30), respectively (P = .008). Moreover, contrast‐enhanced sonography was significantly superior to real‐time sonography for detection of feeding arteries (59.5% [22 of 37] versus 83.7% [31 of 37]; P = .004). Although the feeding arteries showed increased peak systolic and end‐diastolic velocities after contrast agent injection, there were no statistically significant differences in the velocities before and after injection.ConclusionsTranscranial contrast‐enhanced color‐coded sonography is superior to color‐coded real‐time sonography for detection of intracranial arteriovenous malformations, particularly for lesions located in the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes of the brain.
Quantitative Assessment of Left Ventricular Function by 3‐Dimensional Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Ma Chunyan , Chen Jiang , Yang Jun , Tang Li , Chen Xin , Li Nan , Liu Shuang , Zhang Yan 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinical utility of 3‐dimensional (3D) speckle‐tracking echocardiography for left ventricular (LV) function in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).MethodsLiterature searches were conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China BioMedicine databases on relevant articles published before October 1, 2012. Crude standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsSeven case‐control studies were included with a total of 375 patients with CHF and 181 healthy control participants. Meta‐analysis results showed that the LV ejection fraction in the patients was significantly lower than in the controls (standardized mean difference, −4.62; 95% CI, −6.19 to −3.04), whereas the LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV end‐systolic volume (LVESV) in the patients were higher than in the controls (LVEDV: standardized mean difference, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.44; LVESV: standardized mean difference, 2.04, 95% CI, 1.30 to 2.78). The results also indicated that the patients had a greater delay in the standard deviation of the time to peak area tracking and the maximum difference in the time to peak area tracking in the 16 LV segments than the controls (standard deviation of the time to peak area tracking: standardized mean difference, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.73 to 4.29; maximum difference in the time to peak area tracking: standardized mean difference, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.58 to 4.93). Furthermore, global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain were also significantly impaired in the patients compared to the controls (longitudinal strain: standardized mean difference, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.11 to 4.39; circumferential strain: standardized mean difference, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.15 to 4.27; radial strain: standardized mean difference, 1.80; 95% CI, 0.45 to 3.14).ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis suggests that LV function in patients with CHF can be noninvasively and objectively measured by 3D speckle‐tracking echocardiography.
Early Screening for Cardiovascular Abnormalities With Preparticipation Echocardiography
Authors: Yim Eugene S. , Basilico Frederick , Corrado Gianmichel 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesWe have developed the Early Screening for Cardiovascular Abnormalities With Preparticipation Echocardiography protocol to improve false‐positive rates, reduce referrals, and broaden the spectrum of disease that can be captured through preparticipation screening of athletes. This study documents the first application of this protocol and uses case analysis to discuss the potential utility of portable sonography in screening.MethodsSixty‐five male collegiate athletes, aged 18 to 25 years, were prospectively enrolled. Each athlete was screened with a history and physical examination, electrocardiography (ECG), and focused echocardiography performed by a noncardiologist sports medicine physician. The history and physical examination were based on the 12‐element American Heart Association recommendations; 2010 European Society of Cardiology criteria were used to screen ECGs. Focused physician‐operated echocardiography was performed to assess for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and aortic root dilatation. Athletes screening positive were referred to a cardiologist.ResultsMost of the athletes (n = 59) did not screen positive by any screening modality. Three athletes screened positive on ECG but had normal focused echocardiographic findings. Three athletes screened positive by history and physical examination but had normal ECG and focused echocardiographic findings. All athletes screening positive were referred to a cardiologist and eventually cleared for sports participation. No athlete screened positive by focused echocardiography alone. Focused echocardiography was able to reduce the referral rate for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by 33% and obtained measurements statistically similar to those of formal echocardiography.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that focused physician‐operated echocardiography can improve false‐positive rates and broaden the spectrum of disease that is detectable through preparticipation screening of athletes.