bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethanol-induced vasoconstriction is mediated via redox-sensitive cyclo-oxygenase-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Yogi Alvaro , Callera Glaucia E. , Hipólito Ulisses V. , Silva Catiane R. , Touyz Rhian M. , Tirapelli Carlos R. 
Published: December 2009

The present study investigated the role of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and COX (cyclo-oxygenase) in ethanol-induced contraction and elevation of [Ca2+]i (intracellular [Ca2+]). Vascular reactivity experiments, using standard muscle bath procedures, showed that ethanol (1–800 mmol/l) induced contraction in endothelium-intact (EC50: 306±34 mmol/l) and endothelium -denuded (EC50: 180±40 mmol/l) rat aortic rings. Endothelial removal enhanced ethanol-induced contraction. Preincubation of intact rings with L-NAME [NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester; non-selective NOS (NO synthase) inhibitor, 100μmol/l], 7-nitroindazole [selective nNOS (neuronal NOS) inhibitor, 100μmol/l], oxyhaemoglobin (NO scavenger, 10μmol/l) and ODQ (selective inhibitor of guanylate cyclase enzyme, 1μmol/l) increased ethanol-induced contraction. Tiron [O2− (superoxide anion) scavenger, 1 mmol/l] and catalase (H2O2 scavenger, 300 units/ml) reduced ethanol-induced contraction to a similar extent in both endothelium-intact and denuded rings. Similarly, indomethacin (non-selective COX inhibitor, 10μmol/l), SC560 (selective COX-1 inhibitor, 1μmol/l), AH6809 [PGF2α (prostaglandin F2α)] receptor antagonist, 10μmol/l] or SQ29584 [PGH2(prostaglandin H2)/TXA2 (thromboxane A2) receptor antagonist, 3μmol/l] inhibited ethanol-induced contraction in aortic rings with and without intact endothelium. In cultured aortic VSMCs (vascular smooth muscle cells), ethanol stimulated generation of O2− and H2O2. Ethanol induced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, which was significantly inhibited in VSMCs pre-exposed to tiron or indomethacin. Our data suggest that ethanol induces vasoconstriction via redox-sensitive and COX-dependent pathways, probably through direct effects on ROS production and Ca2+ signalling. These findings identify putative molecular mechanisms whereby ethanol, at high concentrations, influences vascular reactivity. Whether similar phenomena occur in vivo at lower concentrations of ethanol remains unclear.
La categoría ‘adjetivo’ en el Arte del idioma zapoteco (1578) y el Vocabulario en lengua çapoteca (1578) de Juan de Córdova
Authors: Torres Rosa María Rojas 
Published: December 2009

Resumen
Este artículo es un acercamiento a la descripción de la categoría lingüística Adjetivo en dos fuentes coloniales: el Arte del idioma zapoteco y el Vocabulario en lengua çapoteca ambas escritas por Fray Juan de Córdova, O.P. (1501–1595) en 1578. A partir de la descripción lingüística de esta categoría propuesta por Juan de Córdova y de la situación de las lenguas zapotecas actuales, sobre todo el zapoteco de Santa Ana del Valle (lengua hablada en el estado de Oaxaca, México), la autora mostrará que la categoría adjetivo que Juan de Córdova describe en su obra, aún no estaba conformada. Del mismo modo, se mostrará que en dos textos coloniales (el testamento de Gabriel Luis de1610 y el de Juan López de 1618), las palabras que Córdova llama adjetivos son poco frecuentes y su uso como tales se debe a una traducción literal del español y no propiamente a las características gramaticales del zapoteco de la época. Al final del texto, la autora compara los adjetivos del zapoteco contemporáneo con las entradas del Vocabulario de Córdova para mostrar que, en la mayoría de los casos, los adjetivos actuales tienen un verbo correspondiente en el zapoteco colonial.
Value of multidetector computed tomography in assessing blunt multitrauma patients
Authors: Ahvenjärvi L. , Mattila L. , Ojala R. , Tervonen O. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To find out if multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), using a dedicated trauma protocol, provides sufficient diagnostic information of the injuries of blunt multitrauma patients to enable the planning of treatment for all body compartments. Material and Methods: One‐hundred‐and‐thirty‐three patients exposed to high‐energy trauma were referred and scanned with the standardized MDCT multitrauma protocol. The imaging protocol consisted of axial scanning of the head and helical scanning of the facial bones, cervical spine, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. The scanning times were 12 s for the head, 19–21 s for the facial bones and cervical spine (1 mm collimation), and 32–50 s for the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis (2 mm collimation). One‐hundred‐and‐forty milliliters of non‐iodinated contrast material (300 mg I/ml) was administered intravenously at 3 ml/s. Results: Ninety‐nine of the patients (74%) had at least one finding consistent with trauma. The most frequent findings were in the thorax in 58 patients (44%). Nineteen false‐negative findings and two false‐positive findings were made. The overall sensitivity of MDCT was 94%, specificity 100%, and accuracy 97%. Conclusion: MDCT is accurate in the assessment of blunt multitrauma patients. The decision to treat the patient can be made on the basis of MDCT with a reasonable level of certainty.
Compliance with european guidelines for diagnostic mammography in a decentralized health‐care setting
Authors: Jensen A. , Mikkelsen G. J. , Vestergaard M. , Lynge E. , Vejborg I. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the compliance of Danish mammography clinics with requirements concerning organization, activity volume, and assessment procedures from two European guidelines for quality assurance in diagnostic mammography (EUSOMA and EUREF). Material and Methods: We used individual records on all diagnostic mammographies performed in Denmark in 2000, and questionnaires given to Danish mammography clinics in 2000, 2002, and 2004. Results: The study showed a marked centralization of the diagnostic activity from 2000 to 2004 to a smaller number of public breast assessment centers with full multidisciplinary breast assessment. However, a relatively large number of these centers did not comply with the activity volume requirement of 2000 mammograms per clinic per year. The number of private diagnostic mammography clinics performing basic diagnostic mammography has remained fairly stable in the period 2000 to 2004. Compared with public breast assessment centers, the private diagnostic mammography clinics had a lower compliance with activity volume requirements. Conclusion: A marked proportion of Danish public breast assessment centers operate with less than optimal activity volume, suggesting that further centralization would be appropriate. The situation in private diagnostic mammography clinics may cause concern, as our study showed that the majority of these clinics did not meet the activity volume requirements.
Prevalence study of proximal vertebral artery stenosis using high‐resolution contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Kim S. H. , Lee J. S. , Kwon O. K. , Han M. K. , Kim J. H. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of proximal vertebral artery stenosis, compared with those of the distal vertebral/basilar artery and extracranial internal carotid artery, in a large population of stroke and non‐stroke patients. Material and Methods: Nine‐hundred‐and‐thirty‐five patients who underwent high‐resolution contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography in a regional general hospital were categorized into six groups based on neurological symptoms and disease: an asymptomatic group ( n = 182), a minor symptom group with headache or dizziness ( n = 519), a cardiac group with coronary artery steno‐occlusive disease ( n = 15), a hemorrhagic group with old cerebral hemorrhage ( n = 26), an anterior circulation infarct group ( n = 121), and posterior circulation infarct group ( n = 72). Prevalence of stenosis of the proximal vertebral artery, distal vertebral/basilar artery, and internal carotid artery was analyzed. Results: The prevalence of stenosis of the proximal vertebral artery, distal vertebral/basilar artery, and internal carotid artery was 12.9%, 5.5%, and 7.2%, respectively, in the study population, and rose as the age increased ( P<0.0001 for all arteries). The prevalence of stenosis of the proximal vertebral artery, distal vertebral/basilar artery, and internal carotid artery was 3.3%, 0.5%, and 1.1%, respectively, in the asymptomatic group; 8.3%, 2.1%, and 3.7%, respectively, in the minor symptom group; 13.3%, 6.7%, and 6.7%, respectively, in the cardiac group; 19.2%, 7.7%, and 7.7%, respectively, in the hemorrhagic group; 27.3%, 8.3%, and 25.6%, respectively, in the anterior circulation infarct group; and 44.4%, 36.1%, and 16.7%, respectively, in the posterior circulation infarct group. This increasing tendency of stenosis accordingly was statistically significant ( P<0.0001 for all arteries). Conclusion: The prevalence of proximal vertebral artery stenosis was highest, compared with those of the distal vertebral/basilar artery and internal carotid artery, although the clinical significance of proximal vertebral artery stenosis should be investigated in further studies.
Posterior “nutcracker” phenomenon: hemodynamic relevant aorto‐retroaortal renal vein fistula leading to fatal right heart failure
Authors: Breitwieser C. , Asbach P. , Sachs M. , Rogalla P. , Rodenwaldt J. 
Published: December 2009

A rare complication of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is the so‐called “posterior nutcracker phenomenon”, which describes compression of a retroaortal renal vein between the abdominal aorta and the vertebral column. The clinical presentation is flank pain and hematuria, which are usually caused by a renal (respectively ureteral) calculus or neoplasia. Another rare differential diagnosis for these very common clinical symptoms is an aorto‐left renal vein fistula (ALRVF), which is a spontaneous vascular fistula, usually also associated with an aortic aneurysm, infrequently a result of abdominal trauma.
Metacarpophalangeal pattern profile analysis in leri‐weill dyschondrosteosis
Authors: Laurencikas E. , Söderman E. , Grigelioniene G. , Hagenäs L. , Jorulf H. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To analyze the metacarpophalangeal profile (MCPP) in individuals with Leri‐Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) and to assess its value as a possible contributor to early diagnosis. Material and Methods: Hand profiles of 39 individuals with a diagnosis of LWD were calculated and analyzed. Discriminant analysis was applied to differentiate between LWD and normal individuals. Results: There was a distinct pattern profile in LWD. Mean pattern profile showed two bone‐shortening gradients, with increasing shortening from distal to proximal and from medial to lateral. Distal phalanx 2 was disproportionately long and second metacarpal was disproportionately short. Discriminant analysis yielded correct classification in 72% of analyzed cases. Conclusion: MCPP is not age‐related and the analysis can be applied at any age, facilitating early diagnosis of LWD. In view of its availability, low costs, and diagnostic value, MCPP analysis should be considered as a routine method in the patients of short stature where LWD is suspected.
Detection of mild emphysema by computed tomography density measurements
Authors: Vikgren J. , Friman O. , Borga M. , Boijsen M. , Gustavsson S. , Ekberg‐Jansson A. , Bake B. , Tylén U. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To assess the ability of a conventional density mask method to detect mild emphysema by high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT); to analyze factors influencing quantification of mild emphysema; and to validate a new algorithm for detection of mild emphysema. Material and Methods: Fifty‐five healthy male smokers and 34 never‐smokers, 61–62 years of age, were examined. Emphysema was evaluated visually, by the conventional density mask method, and by a new algorithm compensating for the effects of gravity and artifacts due to motion and the reconstruction algorithm. Effects of the reconstruction algorithm, slice thickness, and various threshold levels on the outcome of the density mask area were evaluated. Results: Forty‐nine percent of the smokers had mild emphysema. The density mask area was higher the thinner the slice irrespective of the reconstruction algorithm and threshold level. The sharp algorithm resulted in increased density mask area. The new reconstruction algorithm could discriminate between smokers with and those without mild emphysema, whereas the density mask method could not. The diagnostic ability of the new algorithm was dependent on lung level. At about 90% specificity, sensitivity was 65–100% in the apical levels, but low in the rest of the lung. Conclusion: The conventional density mask method is inadequate for detecting mild emphysema, while the new algorithm improves the diagnostic ability but is nevertheless still imperfect.
Learning curve for add-on stereotactic core needle breast biopsy
Authors: Koskela A. , Berg M. , Sudah M. , Malinen A. , Kärjä V. , Mustonen P. , Kataja V. , Soimakallio S. , Vanninen R. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the learning curve for an add-on 14 G stereotactic core needle biopsy (SCNB). Material and Methods: A total of 231 non-palpable breast lesions that had undergone add-on SCNB were evaluated in this prospective study. Five radiologists performed their first three biopsies under supervision. Subsequent, independently performed, biopsies were also evaluated. The samples were collected in three different containers: the first sample in container A, the second and third samples in container B, and subsequent samples in container C (available for four radiologists from the first biopsy on). Technically successful biopsies and false-negative rate in three container combinations (A, A+B, A+B+C) were reported as a function of operator experience. Results: Technically unsuccessful biopsies occurred significantly more often in microcalcifications than in masses (14.9% versus 3.8%; P = 0.04). For microcalcifications, the rate of successful biopsies was 75% (18/24) for the first 5 biopsies and 87.8% (79/90) for the subsequent biopsies ( P = 0.335); rates for the masses were 95.7% (22/23) and 96.3% (79/82) ( P = 1.0), respectively. A tendency was noted for the false-negative rate to be higher for the first five biopsies in three container combinations than in subsequent cases. Conclusion: Our results support the existence of a learning curve, especially in the biopsy of microcalcifications. More than three mentor-guided biopsies are needed.
Diagnostic efficacy in knee MRI comparing conventional technique and multiplanar reconstruction with one-millimeter FSE PDW images
Authors: Yoon Y. C. , Kim S. S. , Chung H. W. , Choe B-K. , Ahn J. H. 
Published: December 2009

Background: Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has proved to be an excellent tool in diagnosing injuries of the cruciate ligaments and menisci. However, multiple planes and sometimes optimal oblique or double-oblique scan planes are needed due to the variability in the positioning of important structures, which means there is a lower throughput and longer scanning time. Purpose: To compare the performance of a 1-mm-thickness fast spin-echo (FSE) proton-density-weighted (PDW) MR imaging technique with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) in diagnosing tears of the menisci and cruciate ligaments with that of conventional MR imaging. Material and Methods: Twenty-five consecutive patients underwent preoperative conventional and 1-mm-thickness FSE PDW MR imaging with subsequent knee arthroscopic surgery. Two musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated the status of the cruciate ligaments and menisci using two sets of MR images (method A: conventional images including seven sequences, taking 26 min; method B: 1-mm-thickness FSE PDW images with MPR, taking 7 min 20 s). The diagnostic efficacies of both methods for tears of the cruciate ligament and menisci were calculated and compared. Results: Arthroscopic surgery revealed 10 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, one posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear, and 26 meniscal tears. The diagnostic values of both methods were 100% for a cruciate ligament tear. The diagnostic values (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value) for meniscal tears were 90%, 100%, 96%, 100%, and 94% for method A, and 95%, 100%, 98%, 100%, and 97% for method B, respectively. There were no significant differences in the diagnostic values between methods A and B. Conclusion: 1-mm-slice-thickness FSE PDW imaging with MPR showed comparable performance in diagnosing tears of the cruciate ligaments and menisci to conventional sequences but the scan time was much shorter. Therefore, this technique (method B) might improve the throughput of a 3T MR imaging system.
Magnetic resonance perfusion imaging in malformations of cortical development
Authors: Widjaja E. , Wilkinson I. D. , Griffiths P. D. 
Published: December 2009

Background: Malformations of cortical development vary in neuronal maturity and level of functioning. Purpose: To characterize regional relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and difference in first moment transit time (TTfm) in polymicrogyria and cortical tubers using magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging. Material and Methods: MR imaging and dynamic T2*-weighted MR perfusion imaging were performed in 13 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, 10 with polymicrogyria, and 18 controls with developmental delay but no macroscopic brain abnormality. Regions of interest were placed in cortical tubers or polymicrogyric cortex and in the contralateral normal-appearing side in patients with malformations. In “control” subjects, regions of interest were placed in the frontal and parietal lobes in both hemispheres. The rCBV and TTfm of the tuber/contralateral side (rCBVRTSC and ΔTTFMTSC) as well as those of the polymicrogyria/contralateral side (rCBVRPMG and ΔTTFMPMG) were assessed. The right-to-left asymmetry of rCBV and TTfm in the control group was also assessed (rCBVRControls and ΔTTFMControls). Results: There was no significant asymmetry between right and left rCBV or TTfm ( P>0.05) in controls. There was significant reduction in rCBVRTSC compared to rCBVRControls ( P<0.05), but no significant difference in ΔTTFMTSC compared to ΔTTFMControls ( P>0.05). There were no significant differences between rCBVRPMG and rCBVRControls ( P>0.05) or ΔTTFMPMG and ΔTTFMControls ( P>0.05). Conclusion: Our findings imply that cerebral blood volume of polymicrogyria is similar to normal cortex, but there is reduced cerebral blood volume in cortical tubers. The lower rCBV ratio of cortical tubers may be related to known differences in pathogenetic timing of the underlying abnormalities during brain development or the presence of gliosis.
Intraarterial infusion chemotherapy and conformal radiotherapy for cancer of the mouth: prediction of the histological response to therapy with magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ishii A. , Korogi Y. , Hirai T. , Nishimura R. , Murakami R. , Ikushima I. , Kawanaka K. , Shinohara M. , Yamashita Y. 
Published: December 2009

Background: Although intraarterial chemotherapy has been used to treat head and neck cancers, some cases have shown poor response. If we can predict the response to this therapy on MRI, individual treatment plans may be altered to the most appropriate form of treatment. Purpose: To evaluate whether MRI can predict the histological response to preoperative chemoirradiation in patients with cancer of the mouth. Material and Methods: This study comprised of 29 consecutive patients with 30 oral cancers. All patients underwent tumor resection after intraarterial infusion chemotherapy and conformal radiotherapy. We compared the margin of the tumor, the presence of bone invasion, tumor area, and volume on pre- and post-treatment MRI with histological responses. Results: Eighteen lesions showed an excellent response, nine exhibited a good response, and three a poor response. Only the tumor area on pretreatment T1-weighted images and the tumor area and volume on pretreatment enhanced T1-weighted images were significantly correlated with the histological response ( P = 0.039, 0.008, and 0.016, respectively); smaller cancers showed better responses. The other factors were not significantly correlated with the histological responses. Conclusion: MRI parameters, excluding initial tumor area and volume, were not predictive of the histological response of oral tumors to preoperative treatment.
Evaluation of a Mental Health Literacy Training Program for Junior Sporting Clubs
Authors: Bapat Swagata , Jorm Anthony , Lawrence Katherine 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate a training program designed to improve mental health literacy in junior sporting club coaches and leaders. It was anticipated that participants would demonstrate an improvement in knowledge, confidence, and attitudes in relation to mental disorders and help seeking. Methods: A training program called Read the Play was delivered to 40 participants from junior AFL football and netball leagues in the Barwon region of Victoria. The effects of the training were evaluated using pre- and post-questionnaires. Results: The course led to significant improvement in knowledge about mental disorders, increased confidence in helping someone with a mental disorder and more positive attitudes towards people with mental disorders. Conclusions: Training programs delivered within sporting settings may be effective in improving mental health literacy. Future evaluations would benefit from assessing whether these changes are sustained over time and whether trainees subsequently assist young club members to seek appropriate professional help.
Two Models of Suicide
Authors: Pridmore Saxby , Jamil Mohammed Yaacob 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of this paper is to present two models of separate but related aspects of suicide, developed with a view to improving understanding and management of this behaviour. Conclusions: First, the predicament model of suicide posits that all suicide represents an escape from a predicament and associated distress. Predicaments are composed of either external (environmental) or internal (mental disorders) factors, or both. Suicide occurs when a threshold is exceeded on a suicide risk ladder, and the degree of movement toward the threshold in response to a particular stressor depends on a range of factors. Second, the suicide pathways model integrates medical and sociological concepts, with distress as the central component, and three run-offs: mental disorder, medicalized and a non-mental disorder (egoistic/anomic; reaction) suicide.