bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Thoraco-lumbar Paraspinal Arteriovenous Fistulas along the Segmental Nerve
Authors: Niimi Y. , Berenstein A. , Fernandez P.M. , Brisman J.L. , Song J.K. 
Published: April 2015

To characterize the clinical presentation, imaging features and endovascular treatment of paraspinal non-vertebral arteriovenous fistulas along the segmental nerve. Retrospective review was performed on the five patients identified in our database covering 1985 to 2003. All patients presented with an incidentally found continuous murmur over the upper paraspinal or parasternal regions before three years old. In four patients, the AV fistula was in the mid-thoracic level and at L3 in one. All AV fistulas were a high-flow single-hole fistula at the neural foramen with venous drainage into paraspinal and epidural veins without intradural reflux. All fistulas were endovascularly occluded in the same session as the diagnostic angiography. The fistula was occluded with detachable coils in one case and with N-butylcyanoacrylate (NBCA) with flow control in four cases. Complete occlusion of the fistula was obtained in all cases and all patients remained neurologically intact at the last follow up (average six years). Non-vertebral paraspinal arteriovenous fistula along the segmental nerve is a specific disease entity seen in children. Embolization is the first choice of treatment for this disease.
Cisti aracnoidee spinali
Authors: Pansini A. , Conti P. , Re F. Lo , Conti R. , Mangiafico S. , Carnesecchi S. , Bono P. , Cioffi F. , Gallina P. , Buric J. 
Published: April 2015

Le cisti aracnoidee spinali costituiscono una causa rara di compressione midollare. Viene discussa la classificazione di questa entità patologica e presentate quattro osservazioni: una cisti intradurale dorsale, una in corrispondenza del tratto lombare, sempre intradurale, una extradurale con doppia localizzazione a livello del tratto dorsale ed una quarta intradurale in corrispondenza del foro di co-niugazione di C6. Dopo aver discusso l'eziopatogenesi delle cisti aracnoidee secondo i diversi autori, viene analizzato il meccanismo di crescita di queste cisti e le lesioni vertebrali associate. La presenza di concomitanti dismorfie vertebrali, il riscontro di una piccola massa lipomatosa in prossimità del polo inferiore della cisti, e l'osservazione della stessa lesione in consanguinei, fanno ritenere estremamente probabile l'eziopatogenesi disembriogenetica. Dopo aver descritto gli aspetti clinici e le diverse indagini neuroradiologiche utili per lo studio delle cisti aracnoidee, vengono riportati i principi di tecnica chirurgica ed i risultati ottenuti.
Tomografia computerizzata e risonanza magnetica nella patologia del distretto testa-collo
Authors: Roncallo F. , Turtulici I. , Bartolini A. , Margarino G. , Mereu P. , Scasso F. , Di Santillo L. Scotto , Santelli A. , Garaventa G. , Tedeschi A. 
Published: April 2015

La patologia neoplastica maligna del distretto-testa collo presenta un notevole polimorfismo istologico, in rapporto ai diversi tessuti fisiologicamente presenti. La grande maggioranza concerne comunque i carcinomi e tra questi prevale il carcinoma a cellule squamose. Nella prognosi e nella scelta e pianificazione del trattamento assumono una importanza decisiva l'estensione del tumore primitivo e l'eventuale presenza ed entità del coinvolgimento linfonodale. In base al quesito clinico sono stati preliminarmente distinte diverse categorie di esami TC e RM. Le immagini ottenute sono state interpretate sulla base di un criterio anatomo-topografico che separa diversi spazi fasciali nell'ambito delle regioni sopra- e sottoioidea del distretto testa- collo. È stata quindi effettuata una valutazione comparativa delle informazioni ottenute dagli esami clinico-endoscopici e dalla diagnostica per immagini. TC e RM consentono una stadiazione completa dei carcinomi sia su T, perchè sono in grado di documentare lo sviluppo profondo sottomucoso e nell'ambito degli spazi fasciali limitrofi, nonchè la diffusione perineurale, perivascolare e le erosioni osteocartilaginee, parametri non analizzabili dall'endoscopia, sia su N, perchè svelano linfoadenopatie che per dimensioni e soprattutto per sede sono occulte all'esame clinico. Al contrario lesioni non rilevate mucose superficiali possono risultare del tutto mute alla diagnostica per immagini, così come è pressochè impossibile formulare una corretta caratterizzazione tissutale delle ipertrofie anche spiccate degli spazi mucosi rino- ed orofaringeo, informazioni che sono esaustivamente ottenibili dagli esami endoscopico-bioptici. Pertanto TC e RM hanno un notevole impatto nella stadiazione dei carcinomi del distretto testa-collo, ma il loro utilizzo va effettuato sempre complementariamente e successivamente ad esame clinico specialistico del paziente ed indagine endoscopica delle vie aerodigestive superiori.
Cisti midollari in etá pediatrica Aspetti clinici e neuroradiologici in due casi
Authors: Drigo P. , Vecchi M. , Laverda A.M. , Salandin M. , Battistella P.A. , Rigobello L. , Pellone M. , Carollo C. 
Published: April 2015

La patologia midollare, sia di tipo malformativo che espansivo, può presentare nella prima infanzia una sintomatologia subdola, talora atipica, che può rendere difficile la diagnosi eziologica. Riportiamo 2 nuovi casi di cisti midollari in età pediatrica, non associate a malformazioni spino-vertebrali, che hanno presentato difficoltà diagnostiche sia cliniche che neuroradiologiche.
3D Angiography
Authors: Anxionnat R. , Bracard S. , Picard L. , Macho J. , Trousset Y. , Vaillant R. , Launay L. 
Published: April 2015

To evaluate the interest of 3D angiography in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of aneurysms with special regard with endovascular GDC treatment. Spin angiography with 44 subtracted views (512×512 image matrix) is first acquired with a rotation of a C-arm through 200 degrees at 40° per second in an angiographic room prototype LCV+ single plane (GEMS). 3D reconstruction ART (Algebraic Reconstruction Technique) is automatically applied and interactive visualisation of the 3D angiography is available on a workstation (UltraSparc 2, Sun microsystems) 10 minutes after the spin angiography acquisition. 3D angiography is displayed in MIP, surface rendering and endovascular views (virtual angioscopy). 52 2D and 3D angiographies were performed in 40 patients with 49 intracranial aneurysms whith the same protocol of acquisition (AP, lateral and spin angiography). Each 3D angiography (MIP and surface rendering) was analysed by 2 senior radiologists and compared with the corresponding 2D angiographies (AP, lateral and spin views). Artefacts due to GDC were present in 24 cases, but bothering in only 12 cases. Analysis of the aneurysm was better in MIP than in 2D in 32 cases, equivalent in 18 and worse in 2 due to patient movements during acquisition. Surface rendering gave additional information in 29 cases. The impact was judged important for decision making or choice of treatment in 25 cases. 3D angiography improves the analysis of the aneurysms, gives crucial information to make the decision for treatment and is now routinely used in our institution for the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms and follow-up after GDC treatment.
MR Angiography in Sickle Cell Disease: Usefulness of Orthogonal 3D-TOF Examinations in Elimination of Artifactual Flow Gaps
Authors: Snow R.D. , Khader S.M. , Greiner F.G. , Herbert D.E. , Maertens P. 
Published: April 2015

We compared maximum intensity reconstructions (MIP's) of intracranial 3D-TOF MR angiograms performed in 2 orthogonal planes (axial and coronal) with MIP of MRA in the axial plane only in patients with sickle cell disease. MR imaging has revealed ischemic changes in asymptomatic patients (1). Because artifactual MRA flow gaps are recognized in areas of rapid flow turbulence (2) such as are reported in proximal middle cerebral artery (M1) segments in this disease (3), there may be a tendency to inaccurately estimate stenoses on MRA (2). Orthogonal MIP studies in this population may improve accuracy of MRA. Nineteen patients with sickle cell disease (9 asymptomatic, 10 with suspected stroke) and 6 controls were studied using 3D RF-FAST MRA in both axial and coronal planes. MIP images were viewed in rotations about the spinal axis and flow gaps observed to be present or absent in supraclinoid internal carotid arteries (ICA's) and Ml segments. Kappa statistics were used to measure degree of agreement between paired axial and orthogonal MIP images in “series”. Addition of coronal MRA changed results from positive to negative in 1 asymptomatic patient 1 control but did not change results in 10 symptomatic patients. Kappa statistics showed agreement ranging from fair to substantial. Probability of flow gaps in ICA's and Ml segments in orthogonal MIP's ranged from 0.28 to 0.40, compared with axial MIP only of 0.40 to 0.52, respectively. Our results suggest that using axial and coronal MRA's in “series” in sickle cell disease may increase specificity and positive predictive value.
Evaluation of Fracture and Subluxation of the Cervical Spine by 2D and 3D Reconstruction CT Imaging
Authors: Chen C. Chi-Chang , Kong S.-C. , Lee S.-K. 
Published: April 2015

It is still controversial whether 2D and 3D reformation CT could present spatial information not readily available from axial CT images in complex cervical spine injuries. We collected thirty-five cases of cervical spine trauma. Thin-section 2–3 mm continuous axial section images or spiral volumetric images were obtained by Picker PQ2000 CT scanner, than, 2D and 3D reconstruction images were created of the entire spine through the area of interest. The radiological findings were classified to cervical subluxation (atlantoaxial 7, C2 to C7 subluxation 8) and post-traumatic fracture (atlas 3, odontoid process 8, bipedicular axis 4, C3 to C7 13). Associated imaging findings included spinal stenosis, basilar invagination, rotatory and facet dislocation. In our experience, 2D and 3D reconstructions are capable of detecting injuries not visualized by conventional radiography or axial CT, in particular, 3D CT has the advantage of clear depiction of the spatial relationships of the complex anatomy and traumatic pathology in the cervical spine injuries.
The energy transfer mechanism of a photoexcited and electroluminescent organic hybrid thin film of blue, green, and red laser dyes
Authors: Li Weiling , Zhang Jing , Zheng Yanqiong , Chen Guo , Cai Miao , Wei Bin 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Though optically pumped lasing has been realized for years, electrically pumped lasing has not yet been achieved in organic semiconductor devices. In order to make a better understanding of the laser mechanisms of the organic materials, we prepared organic thin films consisting of three efficient laser dyes of a blue emitter, 4″,4″′-N,N-diphenylamine-4,4′-diphenyl-1,1′-binaphthyl (BN), a green emitter, 1,4-bis[2-[4-[N,N-di(p-tolyl)amino] phenyl]vinyl]benzene (DSB), and a red emitter, 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-t-butyl-6(1,1,7,7-tetramethyljulolidy-l-9-enyl)-4H-pyran (DCJTB) with different doping concentrations for the first time to investigate the cascade energy transfer process. The energy transfer schemes in the co-doped thin films in photoluminescence and electroluminescence have been investigated. The results indicated that the DSB molecules acted as a bridge to deliver energy more effectively from the host (BN) to the guest (DCJTB). Meanwhile, the maximum current efficiency (C
E) and power efficiency (P
E) of the organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) with the emitting layer of lower doping concentration were 13.5 cd/A and 14.1 lm/W, respectively.
Ag-Cu nanoalloyed film as a high-performance cathode electrocatalytic material for zinc-air battery
Authors: Lei Yimin , Chen Fuyi , Jin Yachao , Liu Zongwen 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
A novel Ag50Cu50 film electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The electrocatalyst actually is Ag-Cu alloyed nanoparticles embedded in amorphous Cu film, based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization. The rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements provide evidence that the ORR proceed via a four-electron pathway on the electrocatalysts in alkaline solution. And it is much more efficient than pure Ag catalyst. The catalytic layer has maximum power density of 67 mW cm−2 and an acceptable cell voltage at 0.863 V when current densities increased up to 100 mA cm−2 in the Ag50Cu50-based primary zinc-air battery. The resulting rechargeable zinc-air battery exhibits low charge-discharge voltage polarization of 1.1 V at 20 mAcm−2 and high durability over 100 cycles in natural air.
Hypoxic culture of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal stem cells differentially enhances in vitro chondrogenesis within cell-seeded collagen and hyaluronic acid porous scaffolds
Authors: Bornes Troy D , Jomha Nadr M , Mulet-Sierra Aillette , Adesida Adetola B 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Introduction
The quality of cartilaginous tissue derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stromal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation has been correlated with clinical outcome. Therefore, culture conditions capable of modulating tissue phenotype, such as oxygen tension and scaffold composition, are under investigation. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of hypoxia on in vitro BMSC chondrogenesis within clinically approved porous scaffolds composed of collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA). It was hypothesized that hypoxic isolation/expansion and differentiation would improve BMSC chondrogenesis in each construct.

Methods
Ovine BMSCs were isolated and expanded to passage 2 under hypoxia (3% oxygen) or normoxia (21% oxygen). Cell proliferation and colony-forming characteristics were assessed. BMSCs were seeded at 10 million cells per cubic centimeter on cylindrical scaffolds composed of either collagen I sponge or esterified HA non-woven mesh. Chondrogenic differentiation was performed in a defined medium under hypoxia or normoxia for 14 days. Cultured constructs were assessed for gene expression, proteoglycan staining, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) quantity, and diameter change.

Results
Isolation/expansion under hypoxia resulted in faster BMSC population doublings per day (P <0.05), whereas cell and colony counts were not significantly different (P = 0.60 and 0.30, respectively). Collagen and HA scaffolds seeded with BMSCs that were isolated, expanded, and differentiated under hypoxia exhibited superior aggrecan and collagen II mRNA expressions (P <0.05), GAG quantity (P <0.05), and proteoglycan staining in comparison with normoxia. GAG/DNA was augmented with hypoxic isolation/expansion in all constructs (P <0.01). Comparison by scaffold composition indicated increased mRNA expressions of hyaline cartilage-associated collagen II, aggrecan, and SOX9 in collagen scaffolds, although expression of collagen X, which is related to hypertrophic cartilage, was also elevated (P <0.05). Proteoglycan deposition was not significantly improved in collagen scaffolds unless culture involved normoxic isolation/expansion followed by hypoxic differentiation. During chondrogenesis, collagen-based constructs progressively contracted to 60.1% ± 8.9% of the initial diameter after 14 days, whereas HA-based construct size was maintained (109.7% ± 4.2%).

Conclusions
Hypoxic isolation/expansion and differentiation enhance in vitro BMSC chondrogenesis within porous scaffolds. Although both collagen I and HA scaffolds support the creation of hyaline-like cartilaginous tissue, variations in gene expression, extracellular matrix formation, and construct size occur during chondrogenesis.
Reported clinical outcomes of high-fidelity simulation versus classroom-based end-of-life care education
Authors: Venkatasalu Munikumar Ramasamy , Kelleher Michael , Shao Chun Hua 
Published: April 2015

Background: Nursing students often experience increased anxiety, lack of clinical skills and poor coping mechanisms when dealing with death and dying for the first time. Aims: To design, use and assess the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation teaching versus classroom-based end-of-life care (EoLC) teaching for first-year nursing students on dealing with their first death experiences in clinical placements. Methods: A qualitative phenomenography approach was taken. First-year nursing students (n=187) were randomly allocated to receive either classrtoom-based (n=139) or high-fidelity simulation-based EoLC teaching (n=48). When all participants had returned from their first clinical placement, 12 individual in-depth interviews were carried out. Data were analysed using framework analysis. Results: Comparative data analysis revealed four key themes as clinical outcomes: recognising death and dying; knowledge into practice; preparedness for clinical eventualities; and emotional preparedness. Conclusions: Despite the fact that both strategies improved students' knowledge of EoLC, simulation-based EoLC education was perceived as better in terms of enhanced practical skills and improved emotional experience in their first clinical placement.
Prognostic role of BNP in children undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease: analysis of prediction models incorporating standard risk factors
Authors: Cantinotti Massimiliano , Giordano Raffaele , Scalese Marco , Molinaro Sabrina , della Pina Francesca , Storti Simona , Arcieri Luigi , Murzi Bruno , Marotta Marco , Pak Vitali , Poli Vincenzo , Iervasi Giorgio , Kutty Shelby , Clerico Aldo 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe routine use of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in pediatric cardiac surgery remains controversial. Our aim was to test whether BNP adds information to predict risk in pediatric cardiac surgery.In all, 587 children undergoing cardiac surgery (median age 6.3 months; 1.2–35.9 months) were prospectively enrolled at a single institution. BNP was measured pre-operatively, on every post-operative day in the intensive care unit, and before discharge. The primary outcome was major complications and length ventilator stay >15 days. A first risk prediction model was fitted using Cox proportional hazards model with age, body surface area and Aristotle score as continuous predictors. A second model was built adding cardiopulmonary bypass time and arterial lactate at the end of operation to the first model. Then, peak post-operative log-BNP was added to both models. Analysis to test discrimination, calibration, and reclassification were performed.BNP increased after surgery (p<0.001), peaking at a mean of 63.7 h (median 36 h, interquartile range 12–84 h) post-operatively and decreased thereafter. The hazard ratios (HR) for peak-BNP were highly significant (first model HR=1.40, p=0.006, second model HR=1.44, p=0.008), and the log-likelihood improved with the addition of BNP at 12 h (p=0.006; p=0.009). The adjunction of peak-BNP significantly improved the area under the ROC curve (first model p<0.001; second model p<0.001). The adjunction of peak-BNP also resulted in a net gain in reclassification proportion (first model NRI=0.089, p<0.001; second model NRI=0.139, p=0.003).Our data indicates that BNP may improve the risk prediction in pediatric cardiac surgery, supporting its routine use in this setting.
Proposal for the modification of the conventional model for establishing performance specifications
Authors: Oosterhuis Wytze P. , Sandberg Sverre 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAppropriate quality of test results is fundamental to the work of the medical laboratory. How to define the level of quality needed is a question that has been subject to much debate. Quality specifications have been defined based on criteria derived from the clinical applicability, validity of reference limits and reference change values, state-of-the-art performance, and other criteria, depending on the clinical application or technical characteristics of the measurement. Quality specifications are often expressed as the total error allowable (TE
Diglycolamide-Based Solvent Systems in Room Temperature Ionic Liquids for Actinide Ion Extraction: A Review
Authors: Mohapatra Prasanta Kumar 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
This review article gives a comprehensive account of the extraction of actinide ions using room temperature ionic liquid-based solvent systems containing diglycolamide (DGA) or functionalized DGA extractants. These extractants include multiple DGA-functionalized ligands such as tripodal DGA (T-DGA) and DGA-functionalized calix [4]arenes (C4DGA). Apart from metal ion extraction behaviour, other important features of the ionic liquid-based solvent systems such as separation behaviour, luminescence spectroscopic results, thermodynamics of extraction and radiolytic stability of the ionic liquid-based solvents are also reviewed. Results from studies on DGA-functionalized task-specific ionic liquids (TSIL) are also included in this review article.
Returns to Society from Investment in Cancer Research and Development
Authors: Chandra Amitabh , MacEwan Joanna P. , Campinha-Bacote Avrita , Khan Zeba M. 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Background: Since the start of the War on Cancer there have been enormous investments in improving oncology treatment. The return to society generated by this investment is unknown. We estimate the returns generated over the previous four decades and extrapolate future returns from current investment in cancer R&D.
Methods: Using data on cancer incidence, mortality, and treatment-specific R&D expenditures from 1973 to 2010, we used regression models and two-sided significance tests to relate investment in cancer treatment R&D to cancer mortality, by tumor type. For investment, we used a measure of the knowledge stock generated by cancer treatment R&D expenditures over the previous 25 years to capture the cumulative benefits of past innovations and advances in treatment.
Results: Investment of an additional $1 million in cervical, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer between 1973 and 1990 was associated with a cumulative return of more than $5 million from cancer R&D by 2010. Through 2010, investment in cancer R&D was associated with average benefits in excess of costs in all but two cancers, ovarian and pancreatic. Regarding future returns, we estimated that each additional $1 million invested in cancer treatment research and development in 2010 will produce over $28 million in value over the following 50 years.
Conclusions: The return to society from spending on cancer treatment R&D is large, but varies across tumor types.
Biomarker – vom Sein und Wesen
Authors: Leichtle Alexander 
Published: April 2015

Zusammenfassung:
Biomarker, ein inzwischen geradezu inflationär verwendeter Begriff! Während in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten die Bezeichnung „Marker“ vor allem mit Tumorerkrankungen und deren klinisch-chemischer Diagnostik verbunden war, hat die „-omics“-Welle der letzten Dekade eine Unmenge an neuen „Markern“ für alles und jedes in die medizinische Literatur gespült. Insbesondere der unkritische Umgang mit jenen Markern und die Unerfahrenheit derjenigen, die durch neue Techniken in vormals rein naturwissenschaftlichen Fachgebieten in die Lage versetzt wurden, diese neuen Marker zu messen, haben nicht nur zu einer großen Verunsicherung in bezug auf die Wertigkeit von Biomarkern an sich, sondern auch zu einer großen Enttäuschung in den wie Strohfeuer aufflammenden „-omics“-Disziplinen geführt. Kaum einer der oft hervorragend publizierten Biomarker hat den Weg in die Klinik gefunden, hochzitierten Wissenschaftlern konnten elementarste Fehler in (Prä-)analytik und Interpretation nachgewiesen werden und selbst die bisher als anerkannt angesehenen „klassischen“ Tumormarker sind vielfach in Misskredit geraten. Zu Unrecht! Denn mit alten wie neuen Markern hat die Labormedizin hervorragende Werkzeuge in der Hand, die, richtig angewandt, nicht nur das Potential haben, die Labordiagnostik zu revolutionieren, sondern auch das Gesicht des Faches verändern werden, weg von einer in vitro quantifizierenden Hilfsdisziplin hin zu einer integrativen und interpretativen Wissenschaft.