bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of a large unnamed Babesia piroplasm originally identified in dogs in North Carolina in a dog with no history of travel to that state
Authors: Holman Patricia J. , Backlund Brianna B. , Wilcox Angela L. , Stone Richard , Stricklin Andrew L. , Bardin Kendall E. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
Case Description—A 12-year-old 46-kg (101.2-lb) sexually intact male Labrador Retriever was evaluated because of lymphadenomegaly. The dog resided in Texas, and its travel history included many southeastern and eastern shore states but not North Carolina.
Clinical Findings—Following evaluation of the dog, a diagnosis of stage IVa intermediate- to large-cell lymphoma was made. A cyclophosphamide-hydroxydaunorubicin (doxorubicin)-vincristine-prednisone chemotherapy protocol was initiated. One week after the first chemotherapeutic treatment, a routine blood smear evaluation revealed single and paired intraerythrocytic large piroplasms that resembled Babesia canis. Via molecular testing, the organism was identified as a Babesia sp that had been detected previously in dogs in North Carolina.
Treatment and Outcome—The dog was administered imidocarb diproprionate (7 mg/kg [3.2 mg/lb], IM) on 2 occasions (3-week interval). At 1, 4, 15, and 50 weeks after the second treatment, blood samples were analyzed specifically for the North Carolina Babesia sp via PCR assay; the result of each assay was positive.
Clinical Relevance—Because of the morphologic similarity of the large piroplasm detected in dogs in North Carolina to B canis, molecular testing of large piroplasms detected in dogs is needed to definitively identify the infective Babesia sp. In the dog of this report, the infection was not eliminated following treatment with imidocarb diproprionate, which may have been a result of the immunocompromised state of the dog or the drug's ineffectiveness against this parasite. If imidocarb diproprionate is ineffective against the North Carolina Babesia sp, treated dogs may act as reservoirs of infection.
The effects of copper and zinc on biomass and taxonomic composition of algal periphyton communities from the River Gharasou, Western Iran
Authors: Atazadeh Islam , Kelly Martyn , Sharifi Mozafar , Beardall John 
Published: October 2009

The effects of copper and zinc on biomass and taxonomic composition of algal periphyton communities from the River Gharasou, Western Iran
Indoor artificial streams were used to evaluate the short-term (24 day) influence of copper and zinc, individually and in combination, on the biomass and taxonomic composition of algal periphyton communities. The effects of Cu (50 μg 1-1) and Zn (1 mg 1-1) were assessed using measurements of biomass, ash-free dry mass (AFDM), chlorophyll-a concentration, taxonomic composition and biovolume. In artificial streams with Cu, Zn and Cu+Zn, there were significant (p > 0.05) reductions of chlorophyll-a concentrations, dry mass and AFDM, and also changes in the species diversity and relative abundances of periphyton species. In artificial streams containing both Cu and Zn the taxonomic composition shifted from a Cyanophyceaen dominated community to one consisting mainly of Chlorophyceae, whilst the relative contribution of Bacillariophyceae was not significantly altered.
The use of the delayed luminescence method for determinations of chlorophyll a concentrations in phytoplankton
Authors: Prokowski Zdzisław 
Published: October 2009

The use of the delayed luminescence method for determinations of chlorophyll a concentrations in phytoplankton
Delayed luminescence is the phenomenon of long-lived emission of light by living plants and cyanobacteria after being illuminated with light and put into darkness. This study presents uses of this phenomenon as a tool for monitoring the chlorophyll a concentration in phytoplankton. The luminescence method was used on natural phytoplankton from the surface waters in tributaries supplying Lake Miedwie and compared with the commonly used spectrophotometric method of determining chlorophyll a concentrations.
The application of photoinduced luminescence in research on humic substances of various origins
Authors: Mielnik Lilla 
Published: October 2009

The application of photoinduced luminescence in research on humic substances of various origins
This paper discusses preliminary research on using photoinduced luminescence phenomena in determining the structural properties of humic acids extracted from the bottom sediments of two lakes. The lakes examined differ in the hydrochemical parameters of the water body, as well as in the drainage basins surrounding the lakes. Photoinduced luminescence of humic acids was induced with a halogen light of 1500 μmol m-2 s-1 photon flux density. The differences observed are evidence of both the variable qualitative and quantitative contribution of photoluminophors to the structure of the examined humic acids, and of their different photochemical activity. Furthermore, photoinduced luminescence intensity depends on the degree of transformation of the humic acids.
Can poor foraging habitat (an inundated opencast sulphur mine) be attractive to the great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus)?
Authors: Gwiazda Robert 
Published: October 2009

Can poor foraging habitat (an inundated opencast sulphur mine) be attractive to the great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus)?
During investigations of an inundated opencast sulphur mine (an open, deep water habitat with a relatively small littoral area) only five species of breeding water birds were recorded. The density of breeding great crested grebes Podiceps cristatus was relatively high (c. 1.0-1.1 pairs 10 ha-1 of water, and 1.6-1.8 pairs ha-1 of the macrophyte area) although fish density was very low. High water transparency probably compensated for low prey density, because potential prey could be readily detected. Most of the fish were small and occurred in the upper layers of the water column (they could not live below 10 m where the water was anoxic), so were readily available and easily caught by the grebes.
Development of tools for ecological quality assessment in Polish marine areas according to the Water Framework Directive. Part I - Nutrients
Authors: Łysiak-Pastuszak Elżbieta , Krzymiński Włodzimierz , Lewandowski Łukasz 
Published: October 2009

Development of tools for ecological quality assessment in Polish marine areas according to the Water Framework Directive. Part I - Nutrients
Assessment of the ecological status of an aquatic environment according to the European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires the determination of a link between the observed status of the marine ecosystem and catchment loading as well as the establishment of criteria for ecological status definitions. This article presents the results of a study identifying links between environmental pressures in the Polish sector of the Baltic Sea and state parameters applied in the assessment of eutrophication. Strong, statistically significant correlations were found between riverine loads of nutrients and their marine concentrations even in relatively short time data series.
Development of tools for ecological quality assessment in polish marine areas according to the Water Framework Directive. Part III — Secchi depth
Authors: Łysiak-Pastuszak Elżbieta , Krzymiński Włodzimierz , Lewandowski Łukasz 
Published: October 2009

Development of tools for ecological quality assessment in polish marine areas according to the Water Framework Directive. Part III — Secchi depth
The implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires ecological status quantification on the basis of biological and physico-chemical parameters, and an assessment of reference conditions and relevant environmental pressures for the construction of response curves. In this study the linking of water transparency, a proposed eutrophication indicator, to environmental pressure parameters was examined in the Polish sector of the Baltic Sea. Statistically significant linear correlations were detected between nutrient concentrations in sea water and Secchi depth, and between nutrient riverine loads and Secchi depth. The magnitude of acceptable deviation from reference conditions is also discussed.
Axial Loading of the Spine during CT and MR in Patients with Suspected Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Danielson B. I. , Willén J. , Gaulitz A. , Niklason T. , Hansson T. H. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of compressive axial loading in imaging of the lumbar spine in patients with clinically suspected spinal stenosis. Material and Methods: A total of 84 patients were examined, 50 with CT (after intrathecal contrast administration) and 34 with MR. First the dural sac cross-sectional area (CSA) was determined with the patient in the supine psoas relaxed position (PRP). Then the CSA was determined during supine axial compression in slight extension (ACE), obtained with a specially designed loading device. A measurement error study was performed. Results: A minimum difference in CSA of 15 mm2 between PRP and ACE was found to be significant. In 40/50 (80%) of CT-examined patients and in 26/34 (76%) of MR-examined patients a significant difference in CSA was found. In 25/84 (30%) of the patients there was a significant difference at more than one level. Conclusion: for an adequate evaluation of the CSA, CT or MR studies should be performed with axial loading in patients who have symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis.
Assessment of Image Post-Processing and of Measuring Assistance Tools in Computed Radiography
Authors: Sanfridsson J. , Svahn G. , Ryd L. , Ahl T. L. , Sundén P. , Jonsson K. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: A system for the examination and measurement of the weight-bearing knee was adapted to computed radiography (CR) and to a picture archiving and communication system (PACS). the examination and measurement system was developed on examination equipment used for QUESTOR precision radiography (QPR). for an easier and more standardised localisation of bony landmarks on the screen, 4 measuring assistance tools (MATs) were developed. the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the tools developed and of image post-processing, specifically as magnification (zoom) and filtering (edge enhancement), by determining intra-observer variation in the measurement of angles and distances. Material and Methods: the original QPR measurement program, generating 19 angles and distances corrected for parallax and magnification, was converted and installed on a multi-modality workstation (Imtec Image 1200). A CR system (Fuji AC-2) was used for the generation of the related images and the measurements were made on the workstation. Four unilateral examinations of weight-bearing knees were undertaken. These examinations were measured twice under 5 different measurement conditions by 4 viewers. Results and Conclusions: the most important factor in reducing intra-observer variation was the ability to magnify (zoom) the images. the MATs also reduced variation. Filtering (edge enhancement), however, did not affect precision.
2D Inflow MR Angiography in Severe Chronic Leg Ischemia
Authors: Eklöf H. , Smedby Ö. , Ljungman C. , Karacagil S. , Bergqvist D. , Ahlström H. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: the aim of this study was to compare 2D inflow MR angiography (MRA) with selective X-ray angiography (XRA) in patients with severe chronic leg ischemia. Material and Methods: In a blinded prospective study, 2D inflow MRA and XRA were compared with regard to evaluation of the arteries distal to the knee in 24 patients (median age 72 years) with severe ischemia; 23 of them had either rest pain or tissue loss. Statistics were calculated with XRA as the reference method. Results: the interpretations of 2D inflow MRA and XRA showed moderate agreement in the calf arteries but poor agreement in the foot arteries. of the discrepancies, two-thirds were observer-related and only one-third method-related. of all the comparable arteries, 9% showed method-related differences between the two methods. An assessment of MRA using only maximum intensity projections (MIP) resulted in 19% of findings being judged inconclusive whereas all the arteries could be classified when the cross-sectional images were studied on the viewing console. Conclusion: the agreement between MRA and XRA was good in the calf but questionable in the foot.
Clinical Outcome of Stenting in Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Associated with Malignant Tumors
Authors: Tanigawa Noboru , Sawada S. , Mishima K. , Okuda Y. , Mizukawa K. , Ohmura N. , Toita T. , Ogawa K. , Kobayashi M. , Kobayashi M. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: We analyzed the clinical outcome of treatment with the expandable metallic stent (EMS) for the superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome associated with malignant tumors, and the results were compared with those of radiotherapy. Material and Methods: of 33 patients with the SVC syndrome, 23 were treated by Gianturco EMS placement and 10 were treated by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy alone. of the 23 EMS patients, 11 had treatment before EMS placement and 12 had no treatment before EMS placement. Results: After stenting, the clinical symptoms disappeared in 78% (18/23) of the patients, i.e. in 50% of the patients with intraluminal tumors, and in 93% of those with extrinsic compression. the clinical symptoms improved in 80% of patients who received radiotherapy. the mean duration of survival was 145 days in patients who underwent stenting, and 146 days in those receiving radiotherapy. However, the survival period differed significantly between patients with intraluminal tumors (44.9 days) and those with extrinsic compression (198.6 days). Between patients with previous treatment and those with no previous treatment, there was no significant difference in response rate or in survival period which were 82% versus 75%, and 127 days versus 162 days, respectively. Conclusion: the clinical symptoms showed similar improvement in patients receiving EMS placement or radiotherapy. EMS placement was effective in relieving clinical symptoms in patients who had failed to respond to radiotherapy.
Transjugular Biopsy of the Liver with an Automated Device
Authors: Gonzalez-Tutor A. , García-Valtuille R. , Cerezal L. , Bustamante M. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the results of transjugular liver biopsies conducted with an automated device. Material and Methods: Transjugular liver biopsies were conducted on 37 patients. the principal indication was coagulation disorders. the biopsies were performed with a 1.3-mm automated device. Each patient underwent three biopsies: anterior, lateral and posterior. A fourth biopsy was conducted if the first three did not produce at least one core sample that was sufficient for the histologic diagnosis. Results: Transjugular liver biopsy was successful in all 37 patients. We performed a mean of 3.06 punctures per patient (average 2.86 samples). the length of the samples varied from 5 to 23 mm (mean 13.6 mm). Biopsy specimens were useful for histologic diagnosis in 97% of the cases. No serious complications were caused by the procedure. Conclusion: the transjugular liver biopsy technique is an efficient way of obtaining tissue samples. the procedure shows a high success ratio and a low complication rate.
Transcatheter Embolization of Celiac Artery Pseudoaneurysm following Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Mori K. , Murata S. , Yoshioka H. , Michishita N. , Kuramochi M. , Oda T. , Saida Y. , Itai Y. 
Published: October 2009

A case of transcatheter embolization of a celiac artery pseudoaneurysm in a 70-year-old man is reported. the pseudoaneurysm was considered to be the result of pancreatic anastomotic leakage and an intra-abdominal abscess following pancreaticoduodenectomy with irradiation of 66 Gy for pancreatic carcinoma. To avoid recanalization of the pseudoaneurysm due to retrograde blood flow, first all branches of the celiac artery were embolized with metallic coils, and then the celiac trunk was also occluded. Hepatic arterial flow was preserved by the right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery. After the procedure, the patient had no noticeable complications associated with the embolization nor any recurrence of the pancreatic cancer, and he achieved a 2-year survival.
3D Surface Rendering of Images from Multiple MR Pulse Sequences in the Pre-Operative Evaluation of Hepatic Lesions
Authors: Bjerner T. , Johansson L. , Haglund U. , Ahlström H. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To develop a method for making three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of liver vessels and hepatic lesions from different MR data sets. Material and Methods: To reduce the time required for segmentation and reconstructions, we used T1, T2 and phase contrast angiography, optimised for liver, lesion and vessels respectively. Following segmentation and reconstruction, the different volumes were combined on the same workstation and presented to the surgeon. Results and Conclusion: Segmentation and reconstruction took 1–2 h. To be able to combine the volumes from the different data sets, certain criteria had to be fulfilled: a) the field of view had to be constant; b) the same volume had to be scanned every time which meant that the slice thickness and the number of slices could be adjusted as long as the volume covered was the same; and c) the positioning of each volume had to be identical between every scan. the resulting 3D reconstruction gave the surgeon a clear appreciation of the different lesions and their relation to the different liver segments in the pre-operative planning of hepatic resections.
Shear Stress in Cerebral Arteries Carrying Saccular Aneurysms
Authors: Rossitti S. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To investigate whether the branching geometry determines an underlying increase of shear stress (SS) on the vessel wall in cerebral arteries of patients with aneurysms located distally to the circle of Willis. Increased SS is regarded as a major factor in the etiology of intracranial saccular aneurysm. Aneurysms occur commonly in the Willisian arteries, where the role of hemodynamic forces are evident, but they occur also in more peripheral arteries. Material and Methods: the ratio between SS in the branches and SS in the parent vessel at bifurcations was estimated using exponential relations of vessel caliber. the absolute difference of SS branch ratios in every bifurcation represents the SS gradient at the apex. Cerebral angiograms of 10 patients with aneurysm of the distal anterior cerebral artery were analyzed and compared with normal values from an earlier study. Results: the branching geometry determines a relatively small but significant increase of SS in branches and of SS gradients at bifurcation apices in cerebral arteries of patients with aneurysm. Conclusion: the results may reflect increased cerebral vessel tone after sub-arachnoidal hemorrhage, or alternatively an underlying derangement of the regulation of cerebral arterial caliber and SS in these patients.
Acute Side Effects of Iopromide and Diatrizoate in Urography
Authors: Şahin H. , Bircan M. K. , Akay A. F. , Kuru A. F. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: In a prospective study, we compared the acute (0–2 h) side effects of ionic and nonionic contrast media in 767 patients undergoing intravenous urography. Material and Methods: A nonionic contrast medium (iopromide) was compared to an ionic contrast medium (diatrizoate). Results: Side effects occurred in 25 patients (7.9%) receiving iopromide and in 104 patients (23.1%) receiving diatrizoate ( p<0.01). the reactions in the iopromide group were mild in 11 patients, moderate in 5, and severe in 1. the reactions were 83, 19 and 2, respectively, in the diatrizoate group. the number of reactions that required treatment was equal in the two groups ( p>0.05). Conclusion: At intravenous urography, iopromide induced fewer side effects compared to diatrizoate.
Ligaments and Tendons of the Ankle
Authors: Rand T. , Mo Ahn J. , Muhle C. , Garcia M. , Resnick D. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To investigate the value of MR imaging using a low-field imaging unit (0.2 T) for the evaluation of ligaments and tendons of the ankle. Material and Methods: Twelve ankle specimens were studied using low-field MR imaging (0.2 T). the Achilles tendon, the tibialis posterior tendon, and the lateral collateral ligaments were evaluated for the presence of degenerative changes and partial and complete tears. Visibility and overall image quality were analyzed by qualitative evaluation. Results: Low-field MR images of the 24 tendons were interpreted as normal in 11 cases, showing degenerative changes in 9 cases and a partial tear in 1 case. Visualization was regarded as not sufficient for a diagnosis in 3 cases. of the 36 ligaments, 14 were regarded as normal while degenerative changes were seen in 5 cases and a tear in 2 cases. In 13 cases, no diagnosis could be established, and in 2 cases only a probable diagnosis was established. the best overall quality was obtained with the use of T1 spin-echo (680/20/4) and T2 multi-echo (3000/40/1) images. Conclusion: Optimized protocols for examination of the ankle using low-field MR imaging may allow evaluation of the Achilles and tibialis posterior tendons, but these protocols may not be as useful for diagnosing ligamentous changes.
MR Imaging of the Liver Using an Ultrafast 3D Multi-Shot EPI Sequence
Authors: Papanikolaou N. , Karantanas A. , Lavdas E. 
Published: October 2009

Purpose: To compare a 3D echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence with four other T1-weighted sequences for imaging of the liver at 1 T. Material and Methods: Twenty volunteers were included in our imaging protocol. Spin-echo (SE), turbo SE (TSE), turbo field echo (TFE) in 2D and 3D acquisition mode, fast field echo (T1-FFE) and 3D EPI sequences were applied. Signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of the liver, contrast-to-noise (C/N) ratio and relative contrast (ReCon) between the liver and the spleen, scanning time per slice and artifact levels were evaluated. Results: 3D EPI provided a statistically equivalent S/N ratio of the liver with SE and T1-FFE sequences ( p > 0.05), while it provided a statistically higher S/N ratio of the liver compared to TFE sequences ( p < 0.05). The TSE technique provided a statistically higher S/N ratio of the liver compared to 3D EPI ( p < 0.05). With regard to the liver-spleen C/N ratio, 3D EPI provided statistically equivalent results compared to all sequences except T1-FFE, where 3D EPI was superior. With regard to liver-spleen ReCon, 3D EPI was statistically equivalent to SE, TSE and T1-FFE, while it provided significantly higher liver-spleen ReCon than 3D TFE and significantly lower than 2D TFE. Conclusion: 3D EPI provided sufficient ReCon and C/N ratio and produced motion-free images in one breath-hold period. Further clinical studies are required to estimate the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the sequence.