bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MDCT abnormalities of small- and medium-sized bronchus in active tuberculosis: a new angle on an old disease
Authors: Oh Jin Kyoung , Ahn Myeong Im , Jung Jung Im , Kim Young Kyoon , Oh Eun-Jee , Park Yeon-Joon , Han Dae Hee 
Published: February 2011

Background The incidence and findings of tuberculous invasion of the peripheral bronchus have not been fully investigated with MDCT. Purpose To evaluate the prevalence and findings of MDCT abnormalities of small- and medium-sized bronchus (SMB) in active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Material and Methods Using multiplanar reformation, 35 consecutive MDCT scans (follow-up exams available in 14 patients with a mean interval of 8.1 months) were assessed for following abnormalities of SMB: bronchial impaction (BI), wall thickening, dilatation, peribronchial cuff of soft tissue, and bronchocavitary fistula. It was also assessed whether tree-in-buds (TIB) have a tendency to distribute in the territories of diseased SMB, and whether SMB abnormalities are present in patients with relatively mild disease. Results SMB abnormalities were observed in 23 (65.7%) patients with active TB. The most frequent finding was wall thickening ( n = 18, 51.4%), followed by BI ( n = 13, 37.1%; zigzag-shaped in four), dilatation ( n = 11, 31.4%), amputated appearance of air column ( n = 11, 31.4%), peribronchial cuff of soft tissue ( n = 10, 28.6%), and bronchocavitary fistula ( n =8, 22.9%). TIB ( n = 29; absent in two patients with SMB) was mainly within ( n = 14) or close to ( n = 4) the territory of diseased SMB. Follow-up CT frequently showed improvement of wall thickening (11/12) and persistence of bronchial dilatation (11/13). SMB abnormality was present in all of six patients with mild disease. Conclusion MDCT shows that tuberculous invasion of the peripheral bronchus may be more frequent than previously thought, of which findings include wall thickening, BI, dilatation, amputated appearance of air column, peribronchial cuff of soft tissue and bronchocavitary fistula.
Imaging findings and accuracy of core needle biopsy in mucinous carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Bode MK , Rissanen T 
Published: February 2011

Background Diagnosis of mucinous carcinoma can be difficult due to its benign appearance on mammograms and ultrasonographic (US) images. In the light of the rather scarce literature, core needle biopsy (CNB) has proved useful in diagnosing mucinous lesions. Purpose To assess mammographic, US, and CNB findings of mucinous breast tumors and to correlate them with final histology obtained in therapeutic surgery. Material and Methods From 2000–2006, 25 mucinous carcinomas detected with CNB were surgically removed. The mammography, US, and CNB results were analyzed and correlated with final histology. Results Ninety-six percent of the mucinous carcinomas (24/25) were visible with US. All except two of the 24 tumors were solid masses. All the mixed-type lesions (group 2) were hypoechoic and had irregular or lobulated margins and heterogeous internal echotexture. The US features were more variable among the 14 pure mucinous carcinomas (group 1) and the six US visible mucinous carcinomas with cancerous cells outside the tumor (group 3). Fifty-seven percent of group 1 and 50% of group 3 tumors had clearly lobulated or irregular margins. Fifty-seven percent of group 1 and 67% of group 3 cancers were hypoechoic. A vast majority of these tumors had heterogenous echotexture. Seventy-one percent (17/24) of the lesions visible with US had posterior acoustic enhancement. Eighty percent (20/25) of the mucinous carcinomas were classified as BI-RADS 4 lesions in US. All the lesions with images available were visible on mammograms, where most of the tumors were seen as a high-density circumscribed lesion and classified as BI-RADS 4 lesions, while none were classified as BI-RADS 1, 2 or 5. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of CNB regarding mucinous carcinoma was 100%. Conclusion CNB was found to be a highly reliable diagnostic tool for diagnosing mucinous carcinoma in this selected material. US findings of pure mucinous carcinoma were variable, however, all reached BI-RADS 4 category. The presence of posterior acoustic enhancement beneath a solid breast lesion should raise suspicion of mucinous carcinoma. Most of the tumors appeared as BI-RADS 4 lesions in US and in mammography thus making both a useful tool for raising a suspicion of malignancy in mucinous cancers.
Combination of high-resolution and color Doppler ultrasound in diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Ghasemi-Esfe Ahmad Reza , Khalilzadeh Omid , Mazloumi Mehdi , Vaziri-Bozorg Seyed Mehran , Niri Sanaz Ghaderi , Kahnouji Hossein , Rahmani Maryam 
Published: February 2011

Background Ultrasound has recently emerged as a diagnostic tool in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Purpose To evaluate the utility of a combination of high-resolution and color Doppler ultrasound as an alternative to electrodiagnostic tests (EDT), in CTS diagnosis, and to define an ultrasonographic prediction model for CTS. Material and Methods A total of 85 patients with certain clinical diagnosis of CTS and 49 healthy controls were enrolled. High-resolution and color Doppler ultrasound were performed and the cross-sectional area (CSA), hypoechogenicity, and hypervascularity of the median nerve were evaluated. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to determine the optimal cut-off point of median nerve CSA in diagnosis of CTS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to formulate a prediction model for CTS. Results The optimal cut-off point of median CSA in wrist was 10.5 mm2. Hypervascularity (OR = 37.95), hypoechogenicity (OR = 12.30), and high CSA (OR = 34.79) of median nerve were significantly ( P < 0.001) higher in CTS patients than in controls. No significant difference was found between the sensitivity and specificity of EDT and any of the above indices in prediction of CTS. An ultrasonographic model for prediction of CTS, comprised hypervascularity and/or high CSA of median nerve, could predict the CTS probability between 87–99%. The sensitivity and specificity of this model (86% and 84%) was not different from EDT (80% and 84%). Conclusion A combination of high-resolution and color Doppler ultrasound can be used as a non-invasive alternative to EDT in diagnosis of CTS.
Amyloid β (Aβ) and phospho-tau (p-tau) as diagnostic biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Prvulovic David , Hampel Harald 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial disease resulting in the well-known, common neuropathological pathway characterized by extracellular fibrillar β amyloid (Aβ) deposits in the brain, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and neuronal as well as axonal degeneration. While fairly accurate, the clinical diagnosis of probable AD based on standard diagnostic criteria does not take into account the long preclinical and prodromal course of AD. AD-related pathophysiological changes can occur many years and even decades before the appearance of clinical dementia syndrome. Biomarkers that are related to the pathophysiology of AD may thus help detect the preclinical stages of disease, and improve early and differential diagnosis. Here, we provide an overview of current literature on the core AD biomarkers, Aβ and phosphor-tau (p-tau), on different methods and modalities of assessing them [e.g., cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and PET imaging], and on their diagnostic and predictive value in preclinical and clinical stages of AD.
Indirect reference intervals of plasma and serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations from intra-laboratory data bases from several German and Italian medical centres
Authors: Arzideh Farhad , Wosniok Werner , Haeckel Rainer 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background: The dogma of establishing intra-laboratory reference limits (RLs) and their periodic review cannot be fulfilled by most laboratories due to the expenses involved. Thus, most laboratories adopt external sources for their RLs, often neglecting the problems of transferability. This is particularly problematic for analytes with a large diversity of existing RLs, as for example thyrotropin (TSH). Several attempts were taken to derive RLs from the large data pools stored in modern laboratory information systems. These attempts were further developed to a more sophisticated indirect procedure. The new approach can be considered a combined concept because it pre-excludes some subjects by direct criteria a-posterior. In the current study, the applicability of the new concept for modern protein bindings assays was examined for estimating RLs of serum and plasma TSH with data sets from several German and Italian laboratories.

Methods: A smoothed kernel density function was estimated for the distribution of the total mixed data of the sample group (combined data of non-diseased and diseased subjects). It was assumed that the “central” part of the distribution of all data represents the non-diseased (“healthy”) population. The central part was defined by truncation points using an optimisation method, and was used to estimate a Gaussian distribution of the values of presumably non-diseased subjects after Box-Cox transformation of the empirical data. This distribution was now considered as the distribution of the non-diseased subgroup. The percentiles of this parametrical distribution were calculated to obtain RLs.

Results: RLs determined by the indirect combined decomposition technique led to similar RLs as found by several recent study reports using a direct method according to international recommendations. Furthermore, the RLs obtained from 13 laboratories in two different European regions re-flected the well-known differences of various analytical procedures. Stratification for gender and age was necessary in contrast to earlier reports. With increasing age, an increase of the upper RL and the reference range was observed. Hospitalisation also affected the RLs. Common RLs appeared acceptable only within the same analytical systems. Some laboratories used RLs which were not appropriate for the population served.

Conclusions: The proposed strategy of combining exclusion criteria with a resolution technique led to retrospective RLs from intra-laboratory data pools for TSH which were comparable with directly determined RLs. Differences between laboratories were due primarily to the well-known bias of the different analytical procedures and to the status of the population.
Quality Indicators in Laboratory Medicine: from theory to practice
Authors: Sciacovelli Laura , O’Kane Maurice , Skaik Younis Abdelwahab , Caciagli Patrizio , Pellegrini Cristina , Da Rin Giorgio , Ivanov Agnes , Ghys Timothy , Plebani Mario 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background: The adoption of Quality Indicators (QIs) has prompted the development of tools to measure and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of laboratory testing, first in the hospital setting and subsequently in ambulatory and other care settings. While Laboratory Medicine has an important role in the delivery of high-quality care, no consensus exists as yet on the use of QIs focussing on all steps of the laboratory total testing process (TTP), and further research in this area is required.

Methods: In order to reduce errors in laboratory testing, the IFCC Working Group on “Laboratory Errors and Patient Safety” (WG-LEPS) developed a series of Quality Indicators, specifically designed for clinical laboratories. In the first phase of the project, specific QIs for key processes of the TTP were identified, including all the pre-, intra- and post-analytic steps. The overall aim of the project is to create a common reporting system for clinical laboratories based on standardized data collection, and to define state-of-the-art and Quality Specifications (QSs) for each QI independent of: a) the size of organization and type of activities; b) the complexity of processes undertaken; and c) different degree of knowledge and ability of the staff. The aim of the present paper is to report the results collected from participating laboratories from February 2008 to December 2009 and to identify preliminary QSs.

Results and conclusions: The results demonstrate that a Model of Quality Indicators managed as an External Quality Assurance Program can serve as a tool to monitor and control the pre-, intra- and post-analytical activities. It might also allow clinical laboratories to identify risks that lead to errors resulting in patient harm: identification and design of practices that eliminate medical errors; the sharing of information and education of clinical and laboratory teams on practices that reduce or prevent errors; the monitoring and evaluation of improvement activities.
Isolation and characterization of the phenolic fractions of wood pyrolytic oil
Authors: Dobele Galina , Dizhbite Tatiana , Ponomarenko Jevgenija , Urbanovich Igor , Kreicberga Jana , Kampars Valdis 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA fraction of pyrolytic oils (PyO) – obtained by fast pyrolysis of alder (Alnus incana), ash-tree (Fraxinus excelsior) and aspen (Populus tremula) in a laboratory scale reactor – was precipitated in water. This hydrophobic moiety of PyO is called pyrolytic lignin (PyL). The composition of the volatile monomeric compounds of PyO and the PyL fraction was determined by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). It has been found that PyL has a high content of phenolic products (between 75% and 83%), which varies depending on the wood species. The antioxidant properties of the PyL fraction were studied and it was demonstrated that the antioxidant activity determined in different tests exceeded the corresponding activity of alkali lignin. The antioxidant properties of PyL are on the same level as those of the widely used antioxidants, such as rutin, trolox, curcumine, andtert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). A new method was developed for the extraction of a monomeric phenol fraction (Py-monPh) from PyO by means of the organic solvent methyltert-butyl ether (MTBE). The Py-monPh can be considered as a promising source of antioxidants.
Tribological Aspects of Carbon-Based Nanocoatings – Theory and Simulation
Authors: Kunze Tim , Gemming Sibylle , Posselt Matthias , Seifert Gotthard 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Nanocoatings have the potential to improve the surface properties of various materials. They are of extreme importance for surfaces in sliding contact such as highly stressed engine parts. Here, nanocoatings have to be optimized with respect to low friction properties and a high wear resistance to enhance the energetic and environmental efficiency. An important example are diamond-like carbon (DLC) films, which exhibit high mechanical stability depending on their deposition process. We present an introduction to this field of tribology by giving a short overview on DLC films, on the influence of lubricants from a theoretical point of view and in a broader sense, on basic principles of modeling tribological processes with molecular dynamic methods.
Deep UV Resonance Raman Spectroscopy with a Tunable 4 kHz Nanosecond Solid-State Laser and a 1 mL Circulating Free-Flow System
Authors: Bröermann Andreas , Schlücker Sebastian 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Deep UVRR spectra of the aromatic amino acids Phe and Tyr in the wavenumber range 800–1800 cm−1 with λ
exc=195–208 nm exhibit a selective enhancement of signals arising from vibrations localized in the aromatic ring. For λ
exc>198 nm, the UVRR spectra of Phe and Tyr are dominated by contributions from the in-plane ring stretching modes ν
8a
and ν
8b
at ∼1600 cm−1. For λ
exc≤198 nm, intense signals from the symmetric ring stretching, in-plane C–H bending and phenyl–C stretching vibrations below 1400 cm−1 are observed. Excellent stray light rejection is achieved by a triple monochromator, which can be used either in the additive or subtractive mode for high-resolution and low-wavenumber measurements, respectively. A home-built circulating free-flow system allows the investigation of sample volumes as small as 1 mL.
Chemotherapy-Related Hospitalization Among Community Cancer Center Patients
Authors: Hassett Michael J. , Rao Sowmya R. , Brozovic Suzana , Stahl James E. , Schwartz Joel H. , Maloney Betty , Jacobson Joseph O. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Define the potential risks of chemotherapy and evaluate the relationship between multiple comorbid conditions and the likelihood of experiencing these risks.Describe a process for tracking severe chemotherapy toxicity in a patient population, enumerate the barriers to implementation, and describe ways to overcome the barriers.
This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Purpose.
To describe the frequency, nature, trends, predictors, and outcomes of chemotherapy-related hospitalizations (CRHs) among a nonselected population of cancer patients treated at a community cancer center, and to explore the feasibility of implementing continuous quality improvement methodologies in routine oncology practice.

Methods.
We conducted a prospective cohort study of consecutive adult cancer patients who received chemotherapy at a community cancer center January 2003 to December 2006. Demographic, comorbidity, diagnosis, treatment, and laboratory data were collected via medical record abstraction. Hospitalizations were classified as chemotherapy related or unrelated by a multidisciplinary panel. Patients who experienced CRHs were compared with those who did not. Using a randomly sampled subset of cases and controls, we built a logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of CRH.

Results.
Of 2,068 chemotherapy recipients, 179 (8.7%) experienced 262 CRHs. Most hospitalizations were not chemotherapy related (73.7%). The mean monthly rate of CRH was 1.5%, the median length of stay was 5 days, the most common type of CRH was gastrointestinal (46.1%) followed by infectious (31.4%), and 0.9% of chemotherapy recipients had a fatal CRH. Significant predictors of CRH included having a comorbidity score of 3–4 versus 0 and having a higher creatinine level.

Conclusions.
Although the vast majority of chemotherapy recipients did not experience a CRH, these events were, unfortunately, not without serious consequences. Care should be taken when offering chemotherapy to patients with multiple comorbid conditions. Systematic efforts to monitor toxicity can lead directly to improvements in quality of care.
Aliskiren in Combination with Losartan Reduces Albuminuria Independent of Baseline Blood Pressure in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Nephropathy
Authors: Persson Frederik , Lewis Julia B. , Lewis Edmund J. , Rossing Peter , Hollenberg Norman K. , Parving Hans-Henrik 
Published: February 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Elevated BP contributes to development and progression of proteinuria and decline in renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our post hoc analysis assessed the baseline BP influence on the antiproteinuric effect in the Aliskiren in the Evaluation of Proteinuria in Diabetes (AVOID) study.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
In the AVOID study, 599 hypertensive type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy received 6 months of aliskiren (150 mg force titrated to 300 mg daily after 3 months) or placebo added to losartan (100 mg) daily and optimal antihypertensive therapy. Changes in early morning urinary albumin:creatinine ratio and eGFR at week 24 were assessed by subgroups of baseline BP: Group A (prespecified target), <130/80 mmHg (n = 159); Group B, <140/90 mmHg but ≥130/80 mmHg (n = 189); and Group C (insufficient BP control), ≥140/90 mmHg (n = 251).

Results
Mean baseline BP (mmHg) levels for Groups A, B, and C were 120/71, 133/78, and 145/81, respectively. BP during the trial was nearly identical to baseline levels in all groups. The antiproteinuric effects of aliskiren were consistent across subgroups of baseline BP (19 to 22% reduction versus placebo). In Group C, the decline in eGFR was significantly lower with aliskiren than with placebo (P = 0.013).

Conclusions
Aliskiren (300 mg) added to losartan (100 mg) plus optimal antihypertensive therapy provides antiproteinuric effects independent of BP in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. Renal function was better preserved with aliskiren in patients with insufficient BP control.
Depression in the Perinatal Period: Awareness, Attitudes and Knowledge in the Australian Population
Authors: Highet Nicole J. , Gemmill Alan W. , Milgrom Jeannette 
Published: February 2011

Objective: To establish a benchmark of awareness, knowledge and attitudes in Australia in relation to depression and its treatment in the perinatal period, and to identify demographic factors associated with perinatal mental health literacy. Method: A cross-sectional telephone survey (n = 1201) of a randomly selected sample of adults in each State and Territory of Australia, conducted in late 2009. Results: Depression was the most frequently cited general health problem for women after childbirth (43.6% of spontaneous responses), in contrast to previous findings of low awareness of depression generally. A total of 94% of adults believed that postnatal depression requires specialized treatment. Older Australians (55 + years) identified postnatal depression less readily than younger Australians. Although well recognized as a specific mental health issue, as a general health issue antenatal depression had low recognition and was viewed by 52% of respondents as ‘normal’. Community beliefs about perinatal rates of depression appeared realistic. Men and women differed in their knowledge and beliefs about the symptoms and causes of postnatal depression. Difficulty in mother-infant bonding was seen as a common sign of postnatal depression, particularly by women. Most commonly, postnatal depression was perceived as having a biological rather than psychosocial etiology (30% of men, 41% of women). Recognition of anxiety in the postnatal period was relatively low, although higher among those with mental health training. Over 80% of Australians believed that all new mothers should be routinely assessed for depression. Conclusions: Awareness of postnatal depression appeared to be at a high level in the community, but both anxiety and antenatal depression were comparatively under-recognized, suggesting there is considerable scope for awareness-raising. Established risk factors for postnatal depression were not coherently recognized. Ongoing tracking of perinatal mental health literacy in Australia is likely to be valuable in assessing the impact of future public awareness efforts.