bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative and qualitative bowel analysis using mannitol, water and iodine-based endoluminal contrast agent on 64-row detector CT
Authors: Prakashini K , Kakkar Chandan , Sambhaji Charudutt , Shetty Chandrakant M , Rao Vedula Rajanikanth 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Objective: To assess the performance of mannitol as a luminal contrast as compared to water and positive contrast in evaluation of bowel on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Materials and Methods: Three hundred patients were randomly selected for this study and were divided equally into three groups. Each subject received 1500 ml of oral contrast. Group 1 received 3% mannitol in water, group 2 received diluted iodinated positive contrast, and group 3 received plain water without additives. Qualitative and quantitative analysis for distension, fold visibility, and overall image quality were analyzed by actual diameter measurement and point scale system at different bowel levels. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey′s HSD Post-hoc test and Pearson′s Chi-square (exact test) test were applied. Results: Group 1 showed better results for small bowel distension, intraluminal homogeneity, and visibility of mucosal folds on quantitative and qualitative analysis with statistically significant P value (P<0.001). The ileo-caecal junction distension and mural feature visibility was better with mannitol (P < 0.001). No significant difference in distension of stomach and duodenum was found between the three groups. Conclusion: Mannitol as endoluminal contrast increases the diagnostic accuracy of the investigative studies in comparison to water and iodine-based contrast by producing significantly better bowel distension and visibility of mural features with improved image quality without additional adverse effects.
Retrograde fluoroscopy-guided trans-urethral exchange of ureteral stents: Comparison of direct grasping vs. modified snare
Authors: Grasso Rosario Francesco , Faiella Eliodoro , Cazzato Roberto Luigi , Luppi Giacomo , Vescovo Riccardo Del , Giurazza Francesco , Mercurio Simona , Zobel Bruno Beomonte 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Background: Several different techniques including guide-wire lasso, simple snare, modified snare (MS) and direct grasping (DG), are available for retrograde ureteral stent retrieval and exchange. Choice among them is not always easy and depends on many different factors, including the local level of expertise. Objective: To compare the MS and DG during retrograde exchange of double-J ureteral stent under fluoroscopic guidance. Settings and Design: 66 patients (36 men and 30 women; mean age 66.6 years) needing retrograde ureteral stent exchange were included. All stents were previously placed through an anterograde way. Materials and Methods: Time needed to grasp each single stent was recorded as well as the complications.Statistical Analysis: Fisher′s test was used to compare procedural time in both groups; P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: 102 stents were exchanged. Mean time was 4.46 min for DG and 7.81 min for MS (P = 0.029). No significant complications were encountered. Conclusions: Compared to the MS, the DG is easier, quicker, and less expensive.
Percutaneous transhepatic portal vein stenting in a patient with benign non-transplant postoperative portal vein stenosis: A case report
Authors: Madhusudhan KS , Agrawal Nikhil , Srivastava Deep N , Pal Sujoy , Gupta Arun K 
Published: January 2014

AbstractExtrahepatic portal vein stenosis is caused by a variety of benign and malignant diseases and results in development of symptoms due to portal hypertension. Benign post-surgical adhesions causing portal vein stenosis in non-transplant population is an uncommon etiology of portal hypertension. Endovascular treatment of such patients with angioplasty and stenting is uncommonly reported in literature. We report a case of portal hypertension caused by benign postoperative portal vein fibrosis, successfully treated by self-expandable metallic stent.
DISPERSION AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CERIUM OXIDE FILLED INTO RUBBER COMPOSITES
Authors: Liu Zhaogang , Li Mei , Hu Yanhong , Fu Hai , Wang Mitang , Jiang Zaiyong 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
Rubber composites were synthesized by natural rubber filled with cerium oxide with different particle diameters. The dispersion morphology of cerium oxide in rubber matrix and the mechanical properties of composites were studied, and the contrast experiment of reinforcing rubber with cerium oxide was performed. The results showed that the small particles of cerium oxide had better disparity than the large particles of cerium oxide in NR. The mechanical properties of rubber filled with small particles of cerium oxide were better than those of rubber filled with large particles of cerium oxide. The crystalline rubber was measured by X-ray diffraction, which indicated that the CeO2 accelerated crystallization capacity and confined the rubber chain movement. The tensile strength of rubber was increased by this confinement.
Changes in chlorophyll content and fluorescence and fruit yield contributing traits in different genotypes of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa DUCH.)
Authors: Kaczmarska Elżbieta , Michałek Władysław 
Published: January 2014

Analysis of changes in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in strawberry leaves was based on a field experiment performed in the years 2009–2010. Ten genotypes including 5 cultivars: ‘Kent’, ‘Teresa’, ‘Senga Sengana’, ‘Chandler’ and the breeding clone 1387 as well as their inbred progeny, were the object of the study. During the experiment the following indicators were evaluated: chlorophyll a and b content in fresh leaf mass as well as fluorescence parameters: minimum (F0) and maximum fluorescence yield (Fm), photochemical efficiency of PS II (Fv/Fm), actual quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (Y), minimum (F0’) and maximum efficiency of fluorescence (Fm’) in the light, coefficient of photochemical (qP) and non-photo- chemical (qN) fluorescence quenching. In this work, we also examined the effect of repeated inbreeding on strawberry fruit yield and yield components. The analysis of changes of these parameters showed that inbreeding caused a reaction in all tested cultivars. In all inbred progeny, chlorophyll a and b content decreased compared to the cultivars. Generally, the photoche- mical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and the parameter ΔF/ Fm’ were not affected by strong inbreeding. In analyzing the values of the coefficients qP and qN, it has been observed that changes in their values depend on the sensitivity of the examined genotypes to self-pollination. The functioning of PS II is the most sensitive indicator of the effect of various factors on plants and is useful, among others, in breeding to select plants with a required genotype. The yield – determining features such as: fruit yield per plant, weight of single fruit, number of fruit per plant and weight of leaves per plant in S3 generation, were lower as compared with parental forms.
Impact of point‐of‐care CD4 testing on linkage to HIV care: a systematic review
Authors: Wynberg Elke , Cooke Graham , Shroufi Amir , Reid Steven D , Ford Nathan 
Published: January 2014

IntroductionPoint‐of‐care testing for CD4 cell count is considered a promising way of reducing the time to eligibility assessment for antiretroviral therapy (ART) and of increasing retention in care prior to treatment initiation. In this review, we assess the available evidence on the patient and programme impact of point‐of‐care CD4 testing.MethodsWe searched nine databases and two conference sites (up until 26 October 2013) for studies reporting patient and programme outcomes following the introduction of point‐of‐care CD4 testing. Where appropriate, results were pooled using random‐effects methods.ResultsFifteen studies, mainly from sub‐Saharan Africa, were included for review, providing evidence for adults, adolescents, children and pregnant women. Compared to conventional laboratory‐based testing, point‐of‐care CD4 testing increased the likelihood of having CD4 measured [odds ratio (OR) 4.1, 95% CI 3.5–4.9, n=2] and receiving a CD4 result (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5–5.6, n=6). Time to being tested was significantly reduced, by a median of nine days; time from CD4 testing to receiving the result was reduced by as much as 17 days. Evidence for increased treatment initiation was mixed.DiscussionThe results of this review suggest that point‐of‐care CD4 testing can increase retention in care prior to starting treatment and can also reduce time to eligibility assessment, which may result in more eligible patients being initiated on ART.
Combined Value of Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification and Conventional Sonographic Features for Differentiating Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules Smaller Than 10 mm
Authors: Zhang Huiping , Shi Qiusheng , Gu Jiying , Jiang Luying , Bai Min , Liu Long , Wu Ying , Du Lianfang 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the value of sonographic features including Virtual Touch tissue quantification (VTQ; Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA) for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules smaller than 10 mm.MethodsSeventy‐one thyroid nodules smaller than 10 mm with pathologic diagnoses were included in this study. The conventional sonographic features and quantitative elasticity features (VTQ) were observed and compared between benign and malignant nodules.ResultsThere were 39 benign and 32 malignant nodules according to histopathologic examination. When compared with benign nodules, malignant nodules were more frequently taller than wide, poorly defined, and markedly hypoechoic (P < .05). Color Doppler sonographic features were not significantly different between benign and malignant nodules. The VTQ value for malignant nodules (mean ± SD 3.260 ± 0.725 m/s) was significantly higher than that of benign ones (2.108 ± 0.455 m/s; P < .001). The cutoff point for the differential diagnosis was 2.910 m/s, with sensitivity, specificity, a positive predictive value, a negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of 71.9%, 100%, 100%, 81.2%, and 87.3% respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that a taller‐than‐wide shape, a poorly defined boundary, marked hypoechogenicity, and a VTQ value greater than 2.910 m/s were independent risk factors for malignancy, with odds ratios of 69.366, 41.864, 5.945, and 64.991. The combination of VTQ with a taller‐than‐wide shape had the highest sensitivity and specificity of 90.6% and 97.4%.ConclusionsThe shape, margin, echogenicity, and VTQ value are useful sonographic criteria for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules smaller than 10 mm. When VTQ was combined with B‐mode sonographic features, the sensitivity was improved significantly.
Evaluation of a New 3‐Dimensional Color Doppler Flow Method to Quantify Flow Across the Mitral Valve and in the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract
Authors: Kimura Sumito , Streiff Cole , Zhu Meihua , Shimada Eriko , Datta Saurabh , Ashraf Muhammad , Sahn David J. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the accuracy, feasibility, and reproducibility of determining stroke volume from a novel 3‐dimensional (3D) color Doppler flow quantification method for mitral valve (MV) inflow and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) outflow at different stroke volumes when compared with the actual flow rate in a pumped porcine cardiac model.MethodsThirteen freshly harvested pig hearts were studied in a water tank. We inserted a latex balloon into each left ventricle from the MV annulus to the LVOT, which were passively pumped at different stroke volumes (30–80 mL) using a calibrated piston pump at increments of 10 mL. Four‐dimensional flow volumes were obtained without electrocardiographic gating. The digital imaging data were analyzed offline using prototype software. Two hemispheric flow‐sampling planes for color Doppler velocity measurements were placed at the MV annulus and LVOT. The software computed the flow volumes at the MV annulus and LVOT within the user‐defined volume and cardiac cycle.ResultsThis novel 3D Doppler flow quantification method detected incremental increases in MV inflow and LVOT outflow in close agreement with pumped stroke volumes (MV inflow, r = 0.96; LVOT outflow, r = 0.96; P < .01). Bland‐Altman analysis demonstrated overestimation of both (MV inflow, 5.42 mL; LVOT outflow, 4.46 mL) with 95% of points within 95% limits of agreement. Interobserver variability values showed good agreement for all stroke volumes at both the MV annulus and LVOT.ConclusionsThis study has shown that the 3D color Doppler flow quantification method we used is able to compute stroke volumes accurately at the MV annulus and LVOT in the same cardiac cycle without electrocardiographic gating. This method may be valuable for assessment of cardiac output in clinical studies.
Sex Differences Between Vascular Endothelial Function and Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness by Framingham Risk Score
Authors: Yao Fengjuan , Liu Yanqiu , Liu Donghong , Wu Suhua , Lin Hong , Fan Rui , Li Cuiling 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate sex differences associated with changes in brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation and carotid intima‐media thickness by Framingham Risk Score.MethodsThe study included 1083 patients aged 30 to 80 years. According to the Framingham Risk Score, patients were divided into 3 groups: low, mid, and high risk. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as age, sex, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol were assessed by Framingham Risk Score, as well as laboratory and vascular parameters, including flow‐mediated dilatation and intima‐media thickness. Correlations between flow‐mediated dilatation, intima‐media thickness, and the Framingham Risk Score were analyzed by sex.ResultsCompared with women, flow‐mediated dilatation in men was significantly lower in the low‐risk group (mean ± SD, 8.31% ± 2.89% versus 9.76% ± 3.62%; P< .001) but significantly higher in the mid‐ and high‐risk groups (mid‐risk, 7.43% ± 2.65% versus 6.67% ± 2.42%; high‐risk, 6.41% ± 2.27% versus 5.78% ± 2.39%; P< .001). Flow‐mediated dilatation decreased with an increasing Framingham Risk Score in both sexes but especially in women. Although intima‐media thickness increased with the Framingham Risk Score in both sexes, there was no significant sex difference between the groups. Univariate analysis showed significant negative correlations between flow‐mediated dilatation and the Framingham Risk Score in both sexes (Rmen = −0.308; P < .001; Rwomen = −0.572; P < .001) and flow‐mediated dilatation and intima‐media thickness (Rmen = −0.295; P < .001; Rwomen = −0.474; P< .001). There was a significant positive correlation between intima‐media thickness and the Framingham Risk Score (Rmen = 0.571; P< .001; Rwomen = 0.633; P < .001).ConclusionsA sex difference existed only for flow‐mediated dilatation at the same Framingham risk level. Flow‐mediated dilatation might be more sensitive than intima‐media thickness for detecting sex differences in vascular dysfunction, according to Framingham risk stratification in a Chinese population.
Reference Ranges for Ductus Venosus Velocity Ratios in Pregnancies With Normal Outcomes
Authors: Turan Ozhan M. , Turan Sifa , Sanapo Laura , Wilruth Arne , Berg Christoph , Gembruch Ulrich , Harman Christopher R. , Baschat Ahmet A. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to establish reference ranges for ductus venosus velocity ratios.MethodsSingleton pregnancies from 11 to 38 weeks with exactly established gestational ages (GAs) were recruited for the study. Pregnancies with fetal anomalies, growth abnormalities, maternal medical complications, stillbirth, birth weight below the 10th or above the 90th percentile, and neonatal anomalies were excluded. The ductus venosus pulsatility index for veins (PIV) and velocity ratios (S/v, S/D, v/D, S/a, v/a, and D/a, where S indicates ventricular systole [s‐wave], v, ventricular end‐systolic relaxation [v‐descent], D, passive diastolic ventricular filling [D‐wave], and a, active ventricular filling during atrial systole [a‐wave]) were calculated. Separate regression models were fitted to estimate the mean and standard deviation at each GA for each ratio.ResultsA total of 902 velocity wave ratios and ductus venosus PIVs were used for reference ranges. The S/v, S/D, and v/D ratios were not changed with GA (P > .05 for all). The PIV and S/a, v/a, and D/a ratios were reduced with GA (P < .0001 for all). Significant reductions in the means and standard deviations of the PIV and S/a, v/a, and D/a ratios were observed between 17 and 18 weeks' gestation. Therefore, nomograms were separately created between 11 and 17 weeks and 18 and 38 weeks.ConclusionsWe created reference ranges for ductus venosus velocity ratios between 11 and 38 weeks' gestation in normal pregnancies. These reference ranges may prove beneficial for evaluation of fetal conditions that are associated with cardiovascular abnormalities.
Quantitative Analysis of Copy Number Variants Based on Real‐Time LightCycler PCR
Authors: Ma Lijiang , Chung Wendy K. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractQuantitative real‐time PCR is PCR visualized in real time by the use of fluorescent or intercalating dyes, which are employed to measure gene expression or gene quantification including contiguous gene deletions or duplications. A simple method is described here to quantify DNA copy number from human samples. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 80:7.21.1‐7.21.8. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Design of Large‐Insert Jumping Libraries for Structural Variant Detection Using Illumina Sequencing
Authors: Hanscom C. , Talkowski M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractNext‐generation sequencing is an important and efficient tool for the identification of structural variation, particularly balanced chromosomal rearrangements, because such events are not routinely detected by microarray and localization of altered regions by karyotype is imprecise. Indeed, the degree of resolution that can be obtained through next‐generation technologies enables elucidation of precise breakpoints and has facilitated the discovery of numerous pathogenic loci in human disease and congenital anomalies. The protocol described here explains one type of large‐insert “jumping library” and the steps required to generate such a library for multiplexed sequencing using Illumina sequencing technology. This approach allows for cost‐efficient multiplexing of samples and provides a very high yield of fragments with large inserts, or “jumping” fragments. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 80:7.22.1‐7.22.9. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Internet Resources in Medical Genetics
Authors: Waggoner Darrel J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis unit presents an overview of the most commonly used Web‐based information resources for clinicians seeking to apply molecular or array‐based genetic testing to patient care, learn more about newborn screening, or understand the molecular basis of inherited diseases. It is also for consumers seeking advocacy or scientific/management information, and for genetics professional societies. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 80:9.12.1‐9.12.8. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Retroviral Vector Production
Authors: Miller A. Dusty 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn this unit, the basic protocol generates stable cell lines that produce retroviral vectors that carry selectable markers. Also included are an alternate protocol that applies when the retroviral vector does not carry a selectable marker, and another alternate protocol for rapidly generating retroviral vector preparations by transient transfection. A support protocol describes construction of the retroviral vectors. The methods for generating virus from retroviral vector plasmids rely on the use of packaging cells that synthesize all of the retroviral proteins but do not produce replication‐competent virus. Additional protocols detail plasmid transfection, virus titration, assay for replication‐competent virus, and histochemical staining to detect transfer of a vector encoding alkaline phosphatase. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 80:12.5.1‐12.5.22. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Can we test for the maximum possible earthquake magnitude?
Authors: Holschneider M. , Zöller G. , Clements R. , Schorlemmer D. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWe explore the concept of maximum possible earthquake magnitude,M, in a region represented by an earthquake catalog from the viewpoint of statistical testing. For this aim, we assume that earthquake magnitudes are independent events that follow a doubly truncated Gutenberg‐Richter distribution and focus on the upper truncationM. In earlier work, it has been shown that the value ofMcannot be well constrained from earthquake catalogs alone. However, for two hypothesized valuesMandM′, alternative statistical tests may address the question: Which value is more consistent with the data? In other words, is it possible to reject a magnitude within reasonable errors, i.e., the error of the first and the error of the second kind? The results for realistic settings indicate that either the error of the first kind or the error of the second kind is intolerably large. We conclude that it is essentially impossible to inferMin terms of alternative testing with sufficient confidence from an earthquake catalog alone, even in regions like Japan with excellent data availability. These findings are also valid for frequency‐magnitude distributions with different tail behavior, e.g., exponential tapering. Finally, we emphasize that different data may only be useful to provide additional constraints forM, if they do not correlate with the earthquake catalog, i.e., if they have not been recorded in the same observational period. In particular, long‐term geological assessments might be suitable to reduce the errors, while GPS measurements provide overall the same information as the catalogs.
Basement shear zones development and shortening kinematics in the Ecrins Massif, Western Alps
Authors: Bellanger M. , Bellahsen N. , Jolivet L. , Baudin T. , Augier R. , Boutoux A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn the Western Alps, Oligocene shortening affected a highly heterogeneous European crust with Liassic half‐grabens inherited from the rifting stage and the finite deformation was strongly partitioned between the rigid basement and the weak Jurassic sediments. In the Ecrins Massif (Oisans, external crystalline massifs), where the half‐grabens are best exposed and preserved, compressional structures within the basement have to date never been described in details. This massif was shortened under moderate metamorphic conditions (250–350°C and 0.1–0.5 GPa), and the rheological contrast between the basement and the cover is strong. While the sediments are intensely folded, the cover‐basement interface presents apparent open folds underlined by the Lower Triassic layers. The basement itself shows a more localized deformation along several brittle‐ductile shear zones. We here report new evidences of such brittle‐ductile shear zones characterized by anastomosed phyllonitic shear bands rich in phengite and quartz, a low‐strength material where strain has localized. New detailed maps of reverse shear zones, faults, schistosity, and stretching lineations in both the cover and the basement are provided. We show that the Oligocene crustal shortening was mainly E‐W to ENE‐WSW. Local N‐S to NW‐SE shortening occurred and was limited to the eastern border of the Ecrins Massif, around the Penninic Frontal Thrust, which likely was a sinistral transpressive structure in this area. Finally, new balanced cross sections show that these basement shear zones have accommodated more than 50% of the Oligocene crustal shortening.