bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Findings and Implications of Focal Fatty Sparing of the Liver at Follow‐up
Authors: Wu Size , Tu Rong , Zheng Enhai , Shi Yusen , Liu Guangqing 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the stability of focal fatty sparing of the liver and its clinical implications.MethodsThis prospective study consisted of 2 parts. In the first part, patients who underwent sonography and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were selected, and abnormal findings including focal and diffuse liver abnormalities were documented. In the second part, patients with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis and focal fatty sparing were included and underwent follow‐up with sonography in the second and third years (study interval, 34–37 months; mean ± SD, 35.9 ± 1.14 months). Some cases of focal fatty sparing that were not appreciable on sonography in the third year were reevaluated with CT.ResultsA total of 6781 patients with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis and focal abnormalities were found among 35,337 people undergoing liver sonography; 2133 underwent CT, MRI, biopsy, or a combination thereof. Eighty‐nine of those patients (63 male and 26 female; mean age, 37.6 ± 17.5 years; range, 18–72 years) with hepatic steatosis and focal fatty sparing were finally included. In the second part of the study, focal fatty sparing was appreciable on follow‐up sonography in 78 cases (87.6%) and 61 cases (68.5%) in the second and third years, respectively. The hepatic steatosis resolved in the third year in 4 patients, and 26 of 28 cases (92.8%) of focal fatty sparing that were not appreciable on follow‐up sonography were found on CT in the third year.ConclusionsFocal fatty sparing may change with fatty liver changes over time, and it is sometimes not appreciable on sonography, although it is often evident on CT. These findings imply that if differentiation between focal fatty sparing and a tumor is undetermined and follow‐up is performed, should any change occur, then an abnormality that is no longer appreciable at follow‐up is probably focal fatty sparing rather than a true tumor.
Size Discrepancy Between Sonographic and Computed Tomographic/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurement of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cha Min Jae , Lee Min Woo , Cha Dong Ik , Kim Jae-Hun , Rhim Hyunchul , Cho Yun Ku , Kim Young Jun , Choi Dongil , Kim Young-sun , Lim Hyo K. 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesThere is no standardized method for size measurement of hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the size and stage of hepatocellular carcinoma differ according to the imaging modality.MethodsThis retrospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board, and written informed consent was waived. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with planning sonography for radiofrequency ablation on the same day were included. A total of 113 patients with 127 hepatocellular carcinomas were included. The sizes of the tumors were measured and the tumor stages were assessed on CT/MRI and sonography. The results were compared by a t test, Bland‐Altman limits of agreement, and a McNemar test.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the hepatocellular carcinoma size between CT/MRI and sonographic measurements (mean difference, 0.26 cm; P < .0001). The sizes of 102 tumors (80.3%) were larger on sonography than on CT/MRI. Twelve tumors (9.5%) were the same size and 13 (10.2%) were smaller on sonography than on CT/MRI. There was also difference in the tumor stage (very early or not) between CT/MRI and sonography (P= .006, McNemar test). The stage was discordant in 16 of 127 tumors (12.6%). Among 69 tumors at the very early stage on CT/MRI, 14 (20.3%) were beyond the very early stage on sonography.ConclusionsThe size of hepatocellular carcinoma measured on sonography tends to be larger than on CT/MRI; therefore, the tumor stage can differ between sonography and CT/MRI.
Evaluation of the Fetal Heart at 14 to 18 Weeks' Gestation in Fetuses With a Screening Nuchal Translucency Greater Than or Equal to the 95th Percentile
Authors: Foy Pamela M. , Wheller John J. , Samuels Philip , Evans Kevin D. 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine whether normal fetal cardiac anatomy could be successfully demonstrated and congenital heart disease detected transabdominally at 14 to 18 weeks' gestation in fetuses with a nuchal translucency greater than or equal to the 95th percentile.MethodsIn this retrospective chart review, grayscale images, Z scores, and Doppler evaluations, including pulsed, color, and spectral Doppler imaging, were reviewed to determine whether fetal heart evaluation findings at 14 to 18 weeks' gestation were normal or abnormal.ResultsNormal cardiac anatomy was successfully evaluated in 32 of 33 normal cases; only an aortic arch and a ductal arch were not successfully visualized in 1 case. Major congenital heart disease was detected prenatally in 4 abnormal cases.ConclusionsThe fetal heart can be successfully evaluated at an earlier gestational age but may be dependent on the skill of the sonographer and reading physician. Maternal decisions can be made earlier in gestation, before the pregnancy is obvious, and can allow planning for a pregnancy that will need to be delivered at a medical center that has a level 3 nursery.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Training and Competency Assessment Program for Rheumatology Fellows
Authors: Kissin Eugene Y. , Niu Jingbo , Balint Peter , Bong David , Evangelisto Amy , Goyal Janak , Higgs Jay , Malone Daniel , Nishio Midori J. , Pineda Carlos , Schmidt Wolfgang A. , Thiele Ralf G. , Torralba Karina D. , Kaeley Gurjit S. 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to establish standards for musculoskeletal ultrasound competency through knowledge and skills testing using criterion‐referenced methods.MethodsTwo groups of rheumatology fellows trained in musculoskeletal ultrasound through a standardized curriculum, which required submission of ultrasound studies for review over 8 months. Both groups then completed written and practical examinations in musculoskeletal ultrasound. Instructors, advanced users, and intermediate users of musculoskeletal ultrasound served as comparison groups. A passing score (competency) was established for the written examination by the Angoff procedure and for the practical examination by the borderline method.ResultsThirty‐eight fellows (19 in each group) took the final examination. Five fellows failed the written examination, and 1 failed the practical examination, whereas none of the advanced users failed. Written examination scores did not differ between the two fellow groups (74% versus 70%; P > .05), were reliable, and were able to discriminate between the intermediate and advanced groups. Practical and written examination results correlated in both groups (first group, r = 0.70; P = .0008; second group, r = 0.59; P = .009).ConclusionsCriterion‐referenced methods were used for the first time to determine fellow musculoskeletal ultrasound competency. The examination used to determine competency was reproducible, was reliable, and could differentiate musculoskeletal ultrasound users with different levels of experience. Most rheumatology fellows completing our program passed the written and practical examinations, suggesting achievement of basic musculoskeletal ultrasound competency.
Movement of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow
Authors: Yang Seung Nam , Yoon Joon Shik , Kim Sei Joo , Kang Hyo Jung , Kim Se Hwa 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to measure the degree of movement of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel using sonography in patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow compared to a healthy control group.MethodsWe examined the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel using sonography with the elbow extended and then flexed in 26 patients with ulnar neuropathy and 13 control participants. The distance from the ulnar nerve to the skin, medial epicondyle, and tip of olecranon at the inlet of the cubital tunnel and the distance from the ulnar nerve to the skin and olecranon recess at the outlet of the cubital tunnel were measured when the elbow was extended and flexed, respectively. Displacement of the ulnar nerve during elbow extension and flexion between patients with ulnar neuropathy and controls was compared.ResultsThere was significantly greater displacement of the ulnar nerve to the medial epicondyle at the inlet of the cubital tunnel in the patients with ulnar neuropathy (mean ± SD, 4.22 ± 3.79 mm) compared to the controls (1.76 ± 1.51 mm) during elbow extension and flexion (P = .008).ConclusionsA significantly greater degree of movement of the ulnar nerve occurs in patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow compared to healthy people, as determined by sonography.
Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Park Joong Hyun , Kim Shi Nae , Han Seung Min , Cheon Kyeong Yeol , Han Sang Won , Kim Jeong Yeon , Baik Jong Sam , Park Jae Hyeon 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesWe measured the carotid intima‐media thickness, a surrogate marker of early atherosclerosis, in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome compared to a control group to evaluate the risk of atherosclerotic disease.MethodsBetween January 2011 and December 2011, female patients presenting to the outpatient neurology clinic for pain and paresthesia in the hands were screened for study enrollment. Patients 30 years or older were eligible for the study if they did not have a history of stroke or cardiovascular disease.ResultsDuring the study period, 111 patients (58 in the carpal tunnel syndrome group and 53 in the control group) were enrolled, with a mean age of 56 years (range, 32–79 years). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics except maximum carotid intima‐media thickness and body mass index. The maximum intima‐media thickness was greater in the carpal tunnel syndrome group (mean ± SD, 1.05 ± 0.17 mm) than the control group (0.85 ± 0.22 mm; P < .0001). The body mass index was greater among the controls (P = .012). Simple linear regression analysis revealed that age (P < .0001), carpal tunnel syndrome (P < .0001), hypertension (P = .022), and systolic blood pressure (P = .034) were statistically significantly associated with increased intima‐media thickness. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that hypertension (P = .033), systolic blood pressure (P = .022), age (P < .0001), and carpal tunnel syndrome (P < .0001) were significantly associated with increased intima‐media thickness, with carpal tunnel syndrome being the most influential factor (β= 0.489).ConclusionsThe maximum carotid intima‐media thickness was significantly increased in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome compared to controls. Chronic inflammation beyond the traditional cardiovascular risk factors might be related to increased carotid intima‐media thickness in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Role of Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography for Characterization and Monitoring of Extramedullary Myeloma
Authors: Pintoffl Jan P. , Weisel Katja , Schulze Maximilian , Maksimovic Olga , Claussen Claus D. , Kramer Ulrich , Horger Marius 
Published: September 2013

ObjectiveTo measure blood perfusion in extramedullary myeloma by contrast‐enhanced sonography, correlate it with specific hematologic parameters, and determine their utility for local and systemic response monitoring.MethodsTwenty‐five consecutive patients (14 male and 11 female; median age, 68 years) with extramedullary myeloma were included. After intravenous administration of 2.4 mL of sulfur hexafluoride, extramedullary myeloma masses were examined for 60 seconds. All patients underwent contrast‐enhanced sonography at baseline, and 15 were monitored additionally (3 weeks during therapy). Average peak perfusion, regional blood flow (RBF), and regional blood volume (RBV) were calculated. Baseline perfusion parameters were compared with short‐term follow‐up sonographic data and serologic biomarkers (M gradient). For validation of extramedullary myeloma and systemic myeloma, patients underwent midterm (<3 months) imaging and serologic diagnosis.ResultsPatients with baseline β2‐microglobulin (B2M) greater than 3.5 mg/L (n = 17) showed higher perfusion parameters compared with baseline B2M less than 3.5 mg/L (n = 8). At short‐term follow‐up, patients were classified by serologic criteria as responders (n = 9) and nonresponders (n = 6) and by sonographic criteria as responders (n = 10) and nonresponders (n = 5). In sonographic responders, mean peak, RBV, and RBF dropped from 59.13, 1446.09, and 71.52 (artificial units) at baseline to 29.30, 364.19, and 34.64 at follow‐up (P < .05), whereas in nonresponders, perfusion parameters increased from 33.18, 789.82, and 36.92 at baseline to 51.14, 1491.06, and 65.34 at follow‐up (P > .05). Prediction of a midterm course of systemic myeloma using serologic data yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.66, 0.77, 0.66, and 0.77, whereas sonographic results (judged by RBV) yielded values of 0.66, 0.55, 0.5, and 0.71. Separate prediction of a local (extramedullary myeloma) response by sonography yielded sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 0.8, 1.0, 1.0, and 0.71.ConclusionsContrast‐enhanced sonography is a valuable tool for short‐term monitoring of the treatment response in extramedullary myeloma.
Evaluation of a Hydrogen Peroxide‐Based System for High‐Level Disinfection of Vaginal Ultrasound Probes
Authors: Johnson Stephen , Proctor Matthew , Bluth Edward , Smetherman Dana , Baumgarten Katherine , Troxclair Laurie , Bienvenu Michele 
Published: September 2013

ObjectivesBecause of the complex process and the risk of errors associated with the glutaraldehyde‐based solutions previously used at our institution for disinfection, our department has implemented a new method for high‐level disinfection of vaginal ultrasound probes: the hydrogen peroxide‐based Trophon system (Nanosonics, Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia). The aim of this study was to compare the time difference, safety, and sonographers' satisfaction between the glutaraldehyde‐based Cidex (CIVCO Medical Solutions, Kalona, IA) and the hydrogen peroxide‐based Trophon disinfection systems.MethodsThe Institutional Review Board approved a 14‐question survey administered to the 13 sonographers in our department. Survey questions addressed a variety of aspects of the disinfection processes with graded responses over a standardized 5‐point scale. A process diagram was developed for each disinfection method with segmental timing analysis, and a cost analysis was performed.ResultsNonvariegated analysis of the survey data with the Wilcoxon signed rank test showed a statistical difference in survey responses in favor of the hydrogen peroxide‐based system over the glutaraldehyde‐based system regarding efficiency (P = .0013), ease of use (P = .0013), ability to maintain work flow (P = .026), safety (P = .0026), fixing problems (P = .0158), time (P = .0011), and overall satisfaction (P = .0018). The glutaraldehyde‐based system took 32 minutes versus 14 minutes for the hydrogen peroxide‐based system; the hydrogen peroxide‐based system saved on average 7.5 hours per week. The cost of the hydrogen peroxide‐based system and weekly maintenance pays for itself if 1.5 more ultrasound examinations are performed each week.ConclusionsThe hydrogen peroxide‐based disinfection system was proven to be more efficient and viewed to be easier and safer to use than the glutaraldehyde‐based system. The adoption of the hydrogen peroxide‐based system led to higher satisfaction among sonographers.
Invasive and socially parasitic ants are good bioindicators of habitat quality in Mediterranean forest remnants in northeast Spain
Authors: Bernal Víctor , Espadaler Xavier 
Published: September 2013

AbstractWe surveyed ants in 16 forest remnants in the Vallès lowlands north of Barcelona, Spain: eight with invasive exotic ants (IE =Linepithema humileand/orLasius neglectus) present, seven with native parasitic ants (P =Lasius meridionalis,Lasius carniolicus,Plagiolepis xene,Chalepoxenus muellerianus, and/orPolyergus rufescens) present, and one remnant with both invasive exotic and parasitic ants present. Forest remnants with IE ants were smaller, more isolated, had greater perimeter/area, lower ant species density, and lower ant species richness than remnants with P ants. The community composition was also significantly different, with greater dissimilarity within remnants with alien, invasive species. The presence of some species is bio‐indicator of low disturbance, whereas others are indicative of high disturbance. Our findings underscore the value of different types of ants as bio‐indicators of fragmentation and habitat quality.
Cationic Imidazolium Monomeric Surfactants: Their Synthesis and Surface Active Properties
Authors: Ahmad Ishtiaque , Patial Pankaj , Kaur Charanjeet , Kaur Satindar 
Published: September 2013

AbstractA series of long‐chain ester‐based water‐soluble cationics have been synthesized by using renewable raw materials like fatty acids and halogenated alcohols. The surface activity of the molecules has been determined by measurement of their conductance and surface tension in aqueous solution. The dynamics of surface activity of these surfactants have also been investigated in the presence of sodium halides (NaCl and NaBr) by surface tension measurement. A series of useful parameters like critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface tension at the CMC (γCMC), adsorption efficiency (pC20), effectiveness of surface tension reduction (ΠCMC), Gibbs free energy of the micellization (ΔG0mic) and Gibbs free energy of adsorption (ΔG0ads) have been determined from the measurements obtained by surface tension and conductivity methods. Further with the application of the Gibbs adsorption isotherm, maximum surface excess concentration (Γmax) and minimum surface area/molecule (Amin) at the air–water interface were also estimated. Thermal stability of these long chain cationics have been measured by thermal gravimetric analysis under a nitrogen atmosphere. Analysis of thermal stability measurement indicated that the thermal stability of these long chain imidazoliums increases with an increase in chain length.
Xanthophylls, Phytosterols and Pre‐β1‐HDL are Differentially Affected by Fenofibrate and Niacin HDL‐Raising in a Cross‐Over Study
Authors: Niesor Eric J. , Gauthamadasa Kekulawalage , Silva R. A. Gangani D. , Suchankova Gabriela , Kallend David , Gylling Helena , Asztalos Bela , Damonte Elisabetta , Rossomanno Simona , Abt Markus , Davidson W. Sean , Benghozi Renee 
Published: September 2013

AbstractFenofibrate and extended‐release (ER) niacin similarly raise high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentration but their effects on levels of potent plasma antioxidant xanthophylls (lutein and zeaxanthin) and phytosterols obtained from dietary sources, and any relationship with plasma lipoproteins and pre‐β1‐HDL levels, have not been investigated. We studied these parameters in 66 dyslipidemic patients treated for 6 week with fenofibrate (160 mg/day) or ER‐niacin (0.5 g/day for 3 week, then 1 g/day) in a cross‐over study. Both treatments increased HDL‐C (16 %) and apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I (7 %) but only fenofibrate increased apoA‐II (28 %). Lutein and zeaxanthin levels were unaffected by fenofibrate but inversely correlated with percentage change in apoB and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and positively correlated with end of treatment apoA‐II. ApoA‐II in isolated HDL in vitro bound more lutein than apoA‐I. Xanthophylls were increased by ER‐niacin (each ~30 %) without any correlation to lipoprotein or apo levels. Only fenofibrate markedly decreased plasma markers of cholesterol absorption; pre‐β1‐HDL was significantly decreased by fenofibrate (−19 %, p < 0.0001), with little change (3.4 %) for ER‐niacin. Although fenofibrate and ER‐niacin similarly increased plasma HDL‐C and apoA‐I, effects on plasma xanthophylls, phytosterols and pre‐β1‐HDL differed markedly, suggesting differences in intestinal lipidation of HDL. In addition, the in vitro investigations suggest an important role of plasma apoA‐II in xanthophyll metabolism.
Growing Up Together: Cohort Composition and Child Investment
Authors: Jones Kelly M. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, 60 % of child deaths are preventable by investments in child health as simple as immunizations, bed nets, or water purification. This article investigates how a household’s decisions regarding such investments are affected by the size and gender composition of a child’s cohort. I focus on a previously overlooked type of investment: nonrival, child-specific goods (club goods). I empirically estimate the response of immunization status to cohort characteristics. I carefully address the problem of endogenous fertility, which is common in cohort studies. Because most rural Senegalese households are composed of multiple nuclear families, a child’s cohort is composed of both siblings and nonsibling children. Estimating within households, I instrument cohort characteristics with those of the nonsibling (exogenous) portion. I find that children with larger (or more predominantly male) cohorts of vaccine-eligible age are significantly more likely to receive immunization. These findings suggest that children with larger cohorts may be better off in terms of club investments; this is a significant finding for child health given that many illness prevention methods are of a club good nature.
Assessing Validity and Application Scope of the Intrinsic Estimator Approach to the Age-Period-Cohort Problem
Authors: Luo Liying 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
In many different fields, social scientists desire to understand temporal variation associated with age, time period, and cohort membership. Among methods proposed to address the identification problem in age-period-cohort analysis, the intrinsic estimator (IE) is reputed to impose few assumptions and to yield good estimates of the independent effects of age, period, and cohort groups. This article assesses the validity and application scope of IE theoretically and illustrates its properties with simulations. It shows that IE implicitly assumes a constraint on the linear age, period, and cohort effects. This constraint not only depends on the number of age, period, and cohort categories but also has nontrivial implications for estimation. Because this assumption is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to verify in empirical research, IE cannot and should not be used to estimate age, period, and cohort effects.
International note: Temperament and character's relationship to subjective well‐being in Salvadorian adolescents and young adults
Authors: Garcia Danilo , Nima Ali A. , Archer Trevor 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe present study investigated the relationship between personality and Subjective Well‐Being in a sample of 135 Salvadorian adolescents and young adults (age mean = 21.88 sd. = 4.70). Personality was assessed through self‐reports using the Temperament and Character Inventory‐Revised. Subjective Well‐Being was also self‐reported using the Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Structural equation modeling was used to determine relationships between personality and Subjective Well‐Being. Regarding temperament dimensions, Harm Avoidance was positively associated to negative affect and negatively associated to positive affect, while Persistence was positively associated to positive affect. Regarding character dimensions, only Self‐directedness was related to Subjective Well‐Being: positively related to life satisfaction and positive affect. The results presented here mirror findings using the temperament and character model of personality among European and North American adolescents.