bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Liver Tumors Based on Multi-Image Texture Analysis of Contrast-Enhanced CT. Selection of the Most Appropriate Texture Features
Authors: Duda Dorota , Krętowski Marek , Bézy-Wendling Johanne 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In this work, a system for the classification of liver dynamic contest- enhanced CT images is presented. The system simultaneously analyzes the images with the same slice location, corresponding to three typical acquisition moments (without contrast, arterial- and portal phase of contrast propagation). At first, the texture features are extracted separately for each acquisition mo- ment. Afterwards, they are united in one “multiphase” vector, characterizing a triplet of textures. The work focuses on finding the most appropriate features that characterize a multi-image texture. At the beginning, the features which are unstable and dependent on ROI size are eliminated. Then, a small subset of remaining features is selected in order to guarantee the best possible classification accuracy. In total, 9 extraction methods were used, and 61 features were calculated for each of three acquisition moments. 1511 texture triplets, corresponding to 4 hepatic tissue classes were recognized (hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, cirrhotic, and normal). As a classifier, an adaptive boosting algorithm with a C4.5 tree was used. Experiments show that a small set of 12 features is able to ensure classification accuracy exceeding 90%, while all of the 183 features provide an accuracy rate of 88.94%.
Analyzing Outcomes of Intrauterine Insemination Treatment by Application of Cluster Analysis or Kohonen Neural Networks
Authors: Milewska Anna Justyna , Jankowska Dorota , Cwalina Urszula , Więsak Teresa , Citko Dorota , Morgan Allen , Milewski Robert 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of many treatments provided to infertility patients. Many factors such as, but not limited to, quality of semen, the age of a woman, and reproductive hormone levels contribute to infertility. Therefore, the aim of our study is to establish a statistical probability concerning the prediction of which groups of patients have a very good or poor prognosis for pregnancy after IUI insemination. For that purpose, we compare the results of two analyses: Cluster Analysis and Kohonen Neural Networks. The k-means algorithm from the clustering methods was the best to use for selecting patients with a good prognosis but the Kohonen Neural Networks was better for selecting groups of patients with the lowest chances for pregnancy.
The Evaluation of Skeletal Age Based on Computer-Supported Methods in Comparison to the Atlas Method
Authors: Predko-Maliszewska Anna , Predko-Engel Agnieszka , Goliński Maciej 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
This article describes methods used in estimating skeletal age based both on the evaluation of skeletal maturation of the palm and the wrist (Greulich and Pyle’s atlas method) and the Cervical Vertebral Maturation method (CVM). The method of evaluating the skeletal age based on the measurement of cervical vertebrae with equations introduced by A. Machorowska-Pieniążek is also mentioned. The article shows results obtained by computer analysis of the age of cervical vertebrae compared to the results gained from the implemented equations provided by A. Machorowska-Pieniążek and the results obtained from the atlas method.
LARVAL STAGES OF PHYLLODISTOMUM SP. (DIGENEA, GORGODERIDAE) FROM THE DUCK MUSSELS ANODONTA ANATINA IN UKRAINE
Authors: Kudlai O. S. , Yanovich L. N. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Rhopalocercous cercariae were found in the gonads of duck mussels, Anodonta anatina (Linnaeus, 1758) collected from the Sluch River (Zhytomyr oblast, Ukraine). The morphological features observed led to conclusion that this species belonged to the genus Phyllodistomum Braun, 1899. Obtained results suggested that the second intermediate hosts in the life cycle of this trematode were absent. Free-swimming cercariae were observed encysting in water. This species is similar to Phyllodistomum pseudofolium Nybelin, 1926 by overall body proportions and ratio of suckers: lengths of oral to ventral sucker 1 : 1.1; widths of the same organs 1 : 1.2. To confirm the taxonomic position of the species found and establish a possible relationship between it and P. pseudofolium an experimental infection of fish Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758) as potential definitive host was performed. The infection was not successful. Descriptions and figures of all detected larval stages of Phyllodistomum sp. are provided.
CESTODE PARASITES OF BIRDS OF SUBODER CHARADRII FROM SYVASH LAKE, UKRAINE
Authors: Greben O. B. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Twelve birds species of the suborder Charadrii of the families Charadriidae, Recurvirostridae, Scolopacidae, Glareolidae were examined at Syvash Lake (Ukraine) in spring 2011. Cestodes were found in 82.1 % of examined birds. Seventeen cestode species of 6 families were found. Aploparaksis octacantha from Calidris alpinà and Echinocotyloides dubininae from C. ferruginea are new geographical records for the first time in Ukraine. Glareola pratincola is a new host record for Nadejdolepis paranitidulans. Cestodes of the genus Microsomacanthus were found in waders apparently due to the infection (2.8 %) in their intermediate hosts, gammarid crustaceans.
TRANSITIONAL MORPHOLOGY IN HYBRIDS OF HIRUDO VERBANA AND H. ORIENTALIS (CLITELLATA, HIRUDINIDA)
Authors: Kovalenko M. V. , Utevsky S. Yu. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The aim of this research was to test the ability of hybridizing Hirudo orientalis S. Utevsky et Trontelj, 2005 and Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820. We obtained offspring from both species. The color pattern of all the hybrids was uniform and quite different from both the parents. The venter was similar to H. verbana. The dorsum was very similar to the color pattern of Hirudo medicinalis Linnaeus, 1758 that was not involved to the experiment. The coloration pattern of the hybrids, which is very similar to that of H. medicinalis suggests the hybrid origin of this species.
Outcome of manual hemorrhoidopexy in the management of hemorrhoids
Authors: Kumar Sujit , Kafle P , Shrestha SJ , Agrawal S , Patowary BN 
Published: January 2014

Background: Manual hemorrhoidopexy is a new technique of treating second degree hemorrhoids. In contrast to the conventional resectional techniques (Milligan-Morgan), manual hemorrhoidopexy is a novel technique as described by T Carlo. It does not involve excision but plication with fixation of the prolapsing hemorrhoid. Objective: To study the outcome of manual hemorrhoidopexy and to compare manual hemorrhoidopexy with the traditional hemorrhoidectomy. Methods: This is a prospective study conducted over 16 months (January 2012 to April 2013) in the College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (COMS-TH), Bharatpur, Chitwan, Department of Surgery. The patients who presented with third degree internal-hemorrhoids on a random basis, and underwent either conventional hemorrhoidectomy (Group A) or Manual hemorrhoidopexy (Group B) by senior consultant surgeons were included. The patients who had external hemorrhoids in addition to internal were excluded. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics were evaluated. Results: Twenty five patients with median age group 42.5 years underwent conventional (Milligan-Morgan) hemorrhoidectomy (Group A) and 25 patients with mean age of 40.1 years underwent manual hemorrhoidopexy (Group B). Male patients were predominant in both groups. The patients in group A had more postoperative pain as compared to group B (as assessed by the visual analogue scale and requirement of post-operative analgesic) and this was statistically significant (p<0.001). There was no significant difference among the other post-operative urinary retention. Twelve percent (n=3) patients in group A had post-operative bleeding and only 4% (n=1) in group B which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Mean duration of hospital stay in group A was 2.5 days as compared to 1.5 day in group B. Median follow up in both the study group was 3 (2-4) months. Conclusion: Manual hemorrhoidopexy has comparable outcomes in term of postoperative analgesic requirement, and post operative complications. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-2, 15-19 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i2.9682
Clinical profile and outcome of acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) patients treated in College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital
Authors: Thapa Lekhjung J , Twayana RS , Shilpakar R , Ghimire MR , Shrestha A , Sapkota S , Rana PVS 
Published: January 2014

Objective: Acute encephalitis syndrome is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in Nepal. Although Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was thought to be a major cause for acute encephalitis syndrome, more non-Japanese encephalitis virus cases are reported. The outcome of patients with acute encephalitis syndrome is variable. Our study was designed to study the clinical profile and outcome of patients with acute encephalitis syndrome managed in tertiary care center in central Nepal. Methods: The record of patients admitted with diagnosis of acute encephalitis syndrome,from January 2010 to December 2010 in College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital (CMS-TH) was reviewed. They were classified clinically as meningitis, encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. The clinical details and reports of the patients were recorded and analyzed. Results: Total of 85 cases of meningitis and encephalitis were identified. Mean age was 19.18 years. Fifty-six (65.9%) patients were males and 29 (34.1%) were females. Sixty (70.58%) patients had meningitis, 8 (9.41%) had encephalitis, and 17 (20.0%) had meningoencephalitis. JE serology was positive in 4 patients (4.7%). Seventy-two (84.7%) patients made full recovery and were discharged from hospital. Thirteen (15.3%) patients left against medical advice (LAMA). Conclusion: Acute encephalitis syndrome is still a major public health problem in Nepal. Few of these patients have Japanese Encephalitis. There is a trend towards improved outcome because of availability of improved health services. However, financial constraint remains a challenge in management of acute encephalitis syndrome. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-2, 31-37 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i2.9685
Outcome of Minimal Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis in closed fractures of distal tibia
Authors: Mishra Anil K , Chalise PK , Shah SB , Adhikari V , Singh RP 
Published: January 2014

Background: The limited soft tissue, subcutaneous location and poor vascularity render the dista tibial fractures very challenging. Treatment of distal tibial fractures using minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique may minimise damage to soft tissues and vascular integrity of bony fragments, leaving comminuted fragments out of the mechanical construct, preserving soft tissues with limited operative exposure. Objective: To assess the outcome of patients treated with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique for closed distal tibial fractures. Methods: The study included total of 30 patients (24males and 6females) with close distal tibia fracture, which were treated with distal tibia locking plate using minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis technique. Results: The mean ages of the patient were 44.23 years (30 to58 years). Patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 6weeks, 12weeks, 24weeks and 1 year after the operation and evaluated clinically and radiologically. Among 30 pateints, all fractures went to union. The mean American orthopaedic foot and ankle score was 89.23% (SD-3.92). There was 2case of superficial infection and 3 case of plate impingement with no intraoperative complication and mortality rates. Conclusion: Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis is an effective technique for the management of distal tibial fractures. It is minimally invasive, though technically demanding, but preserves the biological environment by preserving the soft tissue with better outcome in terms of radiological union and functional outcome. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-2, 38-44 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i2.9686
To evaluate the diagnostic value of protein: creatinine ratio in a single voided urine sample for quantitation of proteinuria compared to those of a 24-hour urine sample in patients with preeclampsia
Authors: Hossain S , Ghosh A , Chatterjee A , Sarkar G , Mondal SS 
Published: January 2014

Objective: This study was done to evaluate the diagnostic value of protein: creatinine ratio in a single voided urine sample for quantitation of proteinuria compared to those of a 24 hour urine sample in patients with preeclampsia. Methods: A prospective simple random sample study was done on the hypertensive pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic or admitted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. It included all women being evaluated for preeclampsia, regardless of the alerting sign or symptom, suspected severity or co-morbid conditions. The main measures were the urinary protein to urinary creatinine ratio by random (spot) direct measurement and the 24-h urinary protein excretion by a 24-h urine collection. The data obtained was statistically analyzed. Results: Out of the 78 patients with gestational hypertension included in our study 48 patients had significant proteinuria (e”300mg/day). Only 2 patients had proteinuria of the range of greater than 3500mg. Among the patients, 50 had a positive protein: creatinine ratio (e”0.3) while 28 patients had a negative protein: creatinine ratio (<0.3). The P: C ratio was able to correctly identify 44 out of 48 patients with significant proteinuria (when the comparison is made with the gold-standard test; i.e., 24-hour urine protein). It could also identify 24 out of 30 patients without significant proteinuria as compared to the gold-standard test. In this study, the Protein: Creatinine ratio with a sensitivity of 91.67%, a specificity of 80%, positive predictive values 88% and the negative predictive values 85.71%. Conclusions: Our data suggests that the protein: creatinine ratio in single voided urine is a highly accurate test (p value < 0.0000001) for discriminating between insignificant and significant proteinuria. Based on the above findings we conclude that a random urine protein excretion predicts the amount of 24- hour urine protein excretion with high accuracy. This could be a reasonable alternative to the 24-hour urine collection for detection of significant proteinuria in hospitalised pregnant women with suspected preeclampsia. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2013, Vol-9, No-2, 45-53 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v9i2.9687
The Joke’s on You: Invalid as Comic inThe Diary of Alice James
Authors: French Haley 
Published: January 2014

Abstract:This paper examines the function of humour in the diary of Alice James, specifically its relation to her project of self-authorship and her desire to subvert the debility inflicted by the sympathetic gaze. By discussing her illness in terms of its status as a disability and noting the intersections between disability studies and humour theory, I am able to explore the transgressive and transformative potential of James’s humour as she simultaneously performs and rejects the terms of her own abjection. While many critics take note of the peculiar comedic tone that James adopts in her discussions of traditionally grave subjects, very few attach any significant meaning to this essential aspect of the text. This paper seeks to suggest that James belongs to a tradition of disability humour that attempts to reclaim the speaker’s own subjective experience with suffering through a combination of the tragic and the comic.
Drug resistance pattern of M. tuberculosis in category II treatment failure pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Authors: Rahman Fahmida , Sharmin Sadia , Kamal Md Mustafa , Miah Md Ruhul Amin 
Published: January 2014

This study was designed to determine the extent of drug resistance of M. tuberculosis (MTB) isolated from category II treatment failure pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients. A total of 100 Ziehl-Neelsen (Z-N) smear positive category II failure PTB patients were included in this study. Sputum culture was done in Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media. Conventional proportion method on Lowenstein-Jensen (L-J) media was used to determine the drug susceptibility of M. tuberculosis to isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), ofloxacin (OFX) and kanamycin (KA). Out of 100 sputum samples, a total of 87 samples were positive by culture. Drug susceptibility test (DST) revealed that 82 (94.25%) isolates were resistant to one or more anti -TB drugs. Resistance to isoniazide (INH), rifampicin (RMP), ofloxacin (OFX) and kanamycin (KA) was 94.25%, 82.75%, 29.90% and 3.45% respectively. Among these isolates, 79.31% and 3.45% isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extended drug resistant (XDR) M. tuberculosis respectively. High rate of anti-tubercular drug resistance was observed among the category II treatment failure TB patients.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v7i1.17741 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2013; 7(1): 9-11
Towards Prevention of Acute Syndromes
Authors: Thongprayoon C. , Pickering B.W. , Akhoundi A. , Wilson G. , Pieczkiewicz D. , Herasevich V. , Ahmed A. 
Published: January 2014

Summary
Background: Identifying patients at risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) before their admission to intensive care is crucial to prevention and treatment. The objective of this study is to determine the performance of an automated algorithm for identifying selected ARDS predis-posing conditions at the time of hospital admission.
Methods: This secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study included 3,005 patients admitted to hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2010. The automated algorithm for five ARDS pre-disposing conditions (sepsis, pneumonia, aspiration, acute pancreatitis, and shock) was developed through a series of queries applied to institutional electronic medical record databases. The automated algorithm was derived and refined in a derivation cohort of 1,562 patients and subsequently validated in an independent cohort of 1,443 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of an automated algorithm to identify ARDS risk factors were compared with another two independent data extraction strategies, including manual data extraction and ICD-9 code search. The reference standard was defined as the agreement between the ICD-9 code, automated and manual data extraction.
Results: Compared to the reference standard, the automated algorithm had higher sensitivity than manual data extraction for identifying a case of sepsis (95% vs. 56%), aspiration (63% vs. 42%), acute pancreatitis (100% vs. 70%), pneumonia (93% vs. 62%) and shock (77% vs. 41%) with similar specificity except for sepsis and pneumonia (90% vs. 98% for sepsis and 95% vs. 99% for pneumonia). The PPV for identifying these five acute conditions using the automated algorithm ranged from 65% for pneumonia to 91 % for acute pancreatitis, whereas the NPV for the automated algorithm ranged from 99% to 100%.
Conclusion: A rule-based electronic data extraction can reliably and accurately identify patients at risk of ARDS at the time of hospital admission.
Citation: Ahmed A, Thongprayoon C, Pickering BW, Akhoundi A, Wilson G, Pieczkiewicz D, Herasevich V. Towards prevention of acute syndromes: Electronic identification of at-risk patients during hospital admission. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 58–72http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2013-07-RA-0045
Analysis of an Intermodal Transportation Network in Korea from an Environmental Perspective
Authors: Kim Hwa-Joong , Chang Young-Tae 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
This article analyzes an intermodal transportation network for international container cargoes in Korea. The actual transportation situation in Korea is formulated by a linear programming model. The model is validated first by comparing the model output with actual performance, and then the model is extended by incorporating various externalities arising from inland transport modes such as air pollution, congestion, accidents, noise pollution, and wear and tear. Moreover, the model is extended for assessing the effects of complying with carbon taxation and emission trading schemes, which loom large in international shipping communities. Test results of the models using the data obtained from reliable sources are presented and policy directions are discussed from an environmental perspective.
OMT Associated With Reduced Analgesic Prescribing and Fewer Missed Work Days in Patients With Low Back Pain: An Observational Study
Authors: Prinsen Joseph K. , Hensel Kendi L. , Snow Richard J. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Context: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the standard for establishing practice guidelines; however, they are expensive and time-consuming, and often the generalizability of the results is limited.

Objectives: To conduct an observational study using the findings of the American Osteopathic Association's Clinical Assessment Program (AOA-CAP) low back pain module, and to compare these findings with those of a major back pain–related RCT to determine the validity and generalizability of this pseudoexperimental model.

Methods: Data were abstracted from the AOA-CAP for Residencies platform from April 1, 2006, through October 5, 2007, with a diagnosis code consistent with low back pain. Process and outcome measures were compared after segregating a similar patient population to an RCT that compared “osteopathic spinal manipulation” with standard care.

Results: A total of 1013 medical records were abstracted and entered into the AOA-CAP low back pain module. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 44.7 (15.9) years, and body mass index was 29.6 (8.1). The eligible patients comprised 415 men (41.0%) and 598 women (59.0%), and common comorbid disease was found in 69 patients (6.8%). Activities of daily living were limited in 402 patients (42.4%), whereas 546 (57.6%) had no limitations. Previous exacerbations of low back pain occurred in 653 patients (65.9%). Most patients had no sensory or proprioception deficit (729 [87.7%]), and motor function was normal in 636 patients (74.5%). Normal ankle and knee reflexes were found in 744 of 814 (91.4%) and 755 of 829 (89.0%) patients, respectively. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) was performed on the lumbar spine (576 patients [56.9%]), thoracic spine (411 [40.6%]), sacrum/pelvis (440 [43.4%]), rib (261 [25.8%]), and lower extremity (256 [25.3%]). A segregated patient cohort (n=539) showed statistically significant differences between patients who received OMT and those who did not with the use of analgesics, steroids, spinal injections, straight-leg raising, and days off or limited work duties.

Conclusion: The observational findings of the present study, which suggest that analgesic medication use is lower in patients who receive OMT, align with previous findings of RCTs and support the generalizability of these findings.
The “Diplomate in Osteopathy”: From “School of Bones” to “School of Medicine”
Authors: Gevitz Norman 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis article is the second installment in a series of 6 articles on the history of and controversies related to the DO degree. This article examines how Andrew Taylor Still made the transition from informally training apprentices to launching a formal chartered institution—the American School of Osteopathy. In its first decade of existence, Still expanded both the length and breadth of the curriculum and transformed his college from what he called a “school of bones” to a “school of medicine.” As this shift was occurring, J. Martin Littlejohn, then the dean of the American School of Osteopathy, questioned whether the DO degree was the appropriate degree to award its graduates.