bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonographic findings in a case of voiding dysfunction secondary to the tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure
Authors: Yang J.‐M. , Huang W.‐C. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure was introduced as a minimally invasive surgical technique for treating female stress urinary incontinence. This procedure is supposed to be associated with less postoperative voiding dysfunction because the vaginal tape, theoretically, remains tension‐free. Nevertheless, significant voiding dysfunction or complete urinary retention has been reported to complicate 2.8% to 7.6% of TVT procedures. We report a case of voiding dysfunction following a TVT procedure. Two‐dimensional sonography revealed the tape situated beneath the mid‐urethra. The spatial orientation between the vaginal tape and the urethral structure was clearly demonstrated on three‐dimensional scanning. The urethra was indented from the posterior by the vaginal tape, resulting in acute constriction of the hypoechogenic region of the urethra. Urethral dilation was performed using Hegar dilators. Thereafter, the patient's voiding difficulty improved dramatically and the residual urine volume decreased. One week later, repeat sonography showed the hypoechogenic region of the urethra to have a normal configuration with a lesser degree of urethral indentation. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound diagnosis of intra‐urethral tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) position as a cause of postoperative voiding dysfunction and retropubic pain
Authors: Tunn R. , Gauruder‐Burmester A. , Kölle D. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractIntra‐urethral Prolene® tape erosion is a rare postoperative complication of tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) plasty. In cases reported in the literature, intra‐urethral tape positioning has been diagnosed by urethroscopy as late as 3–12 months after the procedure. Introital ultrasound using a vaginal sector scanner allows for the non‐invasive assessment of the position of the Prolene tape in relation to the urethra. Postoperative introital ultrasound might shorten the interval between surgery and the time of diagnosis of an intra‐urethrally placed tape and thus significantly shorten the duration of symptoms. We present a patient with urethral pain syndrome and dysuria following TVT plasty. In this case, introital ultrasound was not performed until 8 months after surgery, when it demonstrated intra‐urethral Prolene tape positioning as the cause of the patient's complaints. All symptoms disappeared after surgical removal of the intra‐urethrally placed parts of the tape. The patient is continent, suggesting that the remaining para‐urethral portions of the Prolene tape depicted sonographically ensured adequate stabilization of the mid‐urethra in this case. The case report emphasizes the role of introital ultrasound in assessing Prolene tape position relative to the urethra on sagittal and transverse angulated views in the postoperative diagnostic evaluation of functional disturbances occurring after TVT plasty. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time domain measurement of blood flow in the human fetal aorta during normal pregnancy
Authors: Thompson O. , Gunnarson G. , Vines K. , Fayyad A. , Wathen N. , Harrington K. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate blood‐volume flow‐rate measurement in the fetal descending thoracic aorta using a non‐invasive, non‐Doppler, ultrasound technique.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional, observational study. Volume flow measurements were obtained from the descending thoracic aorta in 59 human fetuses between 20 and 40 weeks' gestation. These were uncomplicated pregnancies that resulted in the live births of appropriately grown infants. The measurements were obtained using a time domain processing technique: color velocity imaging quantification (CVI‐Q).ResultsThe blood‐volume flow rate increased consistently from the second trimester until term. The mean values ranged between 100 mL/min at 20 weeks' gestation and approximately 350 mL/min at term. The normalized (weight‐adjusted) volume flow rates decreased with increasing gestation, from a maximum of 626 mL/min/kg at 23 weeks to a minimum of 45.6 mL/min/kg at 37 weeks.ConclusionsThe regular measurement of blood‐volume flow in the descending fetal thoracic aorta is feasible using CVI‐Q. Although there is a considerable learning curve, with adequate training there are potential clinical applications for this non‐Doppler technique. However, limitations exist with the currently available technology for clinical use in fetal vascular studies. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cesarean section scar evaluation by saline contrast sonohysterography
Authors: Regnard C. , Nosbusch M. , Fellemans C. , Benali N. , van Rysselberghe M. , Barlow P. , Rozenberg S. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the frequency of images suggesting the existence of a dehiscence at the site of the uterine scar after Cesarean section.MethodsThirty‐three women with a past history of Cesarean section who were planning a further pregnancy were involved in the study. Saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) was performed a minimum of 3 months following Cesarean section. The thickness of the residual myometrium, the thickness of the myometrium bordering the scar and the depth of the filling defect in the scar (i.e. the ‘niche’, defined as a triangular, anechoic area at the presumed site of incision) were recorded in each case. A ‘dehiscence’ was defined as a niche whose depth was at least 80% of the anterior myometrium.ResultsIn 19/33 (57.5%) patients a niche with a depth of 4.2 ± 2.5 (range, 1.2–11.7) mm was identified. In these patients the residual myometrium measured 6.5 ± 2.7 (range, 0–10.9) mm vs. 8.9 ± 2.0 (range, 6.9–13.9) mm in the remaining 14 patients without a niche. Within the 19 niches, two dehiscences were identified.ConclusionNiches can be identified by SCSH following a Cesarean section in about 60% of patients. The prevalence of scar dehiscence (in the present series 2/33 or 6%) is much higher than the reported risk of uterine rupture (0.4%). Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geometrical efficiency, solid angle contribution and gradient for a triaxial system equipped with a fluorescent source and x‐ray tube: an analysis to enhance the Compton scattered photons
Authors: Rao D. V. , Cesareo R. , Brunetti A. , Gigante G. E. , Akatsuka T. , Takeda T. , Itai Y. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe total geometrical efficiency, solid angle contribution and gradient were estimated theoretically for a sample placed in a triaxial system equipped with a fluorescent source and x‐ray tube. The contribution of all of the above parameters were assessed at two different secondary target angles with distance. These values are useful for the triaxial system to measure the basic interaction cross‐sections excited by keV photons, to enhance the Compton scattered photons, estimation of monochromacy, solid angle correction and geometrical efficiency. Initially, the secondary target and sample are located at an angle of 45° and detected the scattered radiation from the sample to enhance the Compton scattered photons. By placing the sample at 90° in a triaxial system, the contribution of background is estimated. Comparing the data obtained in the two modes, the Compton photons are enhanced. An analysis of the above parameters and their importance for various potential applications are thoroughly discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calculation of M x‐ray production cross sections from 1–1500 keV in the atomic region 70 ⩽ Z ⩽ 92
Authors: Ertuǧrul Mehmet , Sade Keziban , Erdoǧan Hasan 
Published: March 2004

AbstractM x‐ray production cross sections from 1 to 1500 keV were obtained for elements with 70 ⩽ Z ⩽ 92. Obtained values were tabulated and plotted against the atomic number and energy. In the calculation process, published sources were used. The radiative transition rates and photoionization cross sections of the elements were taken from the relativistic Hartree‐Slater model of Scofield (At. Data Nucl. Data Tab. 14, 121 (1974), UCRL‐51376 (1973)), the nonradiative transition rates were taken from the Dirac‐Hartree‐Slater model of Chen et al. (At. Data. Nucl. Data Tab. 24, 14(1979)) and average M shell fluorescence yield values were obtained from Hubbell et al. (J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 23, 339 (1994)). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A gas proportional‐scintillation counter for x‐ray spectrometry in the 0.1–3 keV range
Authors: Borges F. I. G. M. , dos Santos J. M. F. , Dias T. H. V. T. , Santos F. P. , Conde C. A. N. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractResults for the energy resolution of a uniform‐field gas proportional‐scintillation counter are presented for the range 0.1–3 keV. A comparison with results from the literature shows that the detector is most suitable for this energy range. Examples of x‐ray fluorescence pulse‐height distributions from geological and industrial samples are presented. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of silicates using wavelength‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry for major elements: effects of loss elimination and catch‐weights
Authors: Hettipathirana T. D. , Grey N. A. , Naidu R. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAnalysis of silicates using wavelength‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry was evaluated for the determination of the 10 most common major elements, Fe, Mn, Ti, P, Ca, K, Si, Al, Mg and Na and also Zr, Sr, S and Cl. The calibration was based on de Jongh alpha coefficients for loss‐eliminated matrix correction, a flux containing Li2B4O7 and LiBO2 and two‐level synthetic standards prepared in SiO2 matrices (except for S and Cl). Sulphur and Cl standards were prepared in Al2O3 matrices because of poor reproducibility of duplicates prepared in an SiO2 matrix. Backgrounds for major elements (high peak‐to‐background ratio) were not measured. Trace elements (low peak‐to‐background ratio) were not determined and their matrix effects were not considered. The method was validated for the 10 most common major elements using 23 Certified Reference Materials covering a wide range of concentrations. The absolute error was <±0.2% for most determinations and within experimental error. Sulphur and Cl in high silicate concentrations were not accurately quantifiable owing to variable retention during the vigorous fusion of the SiO2 matrix. For samples with high loss‐on‐fusion (LOF), catch‐weights caused a significant and systematic error for the major element with highest concentration. The presence of undetermined trace elements showed no significant effect except slightly overestimated LOF. For an accurate analysis, it is therefore necessary that nominal weights be used when LOF is high and all major elements are determined. The method is suitable for the ‘as received’ analysis of a wide variety of silicates for major elements. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanodroplets: a new method for dried spot preparation and analysis
Authors: Miller Thomasin C. , Havrilla George J. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe dried spot technique is an effective method for elemental analysis. However, the current technology, using microliter volume spots, suffers from lack of repeatability and long sample preparation times. In this study, a new nanoliter dried spot sample preparation method was developed and tested. Drying time, drying pattern and detection limits were compared between spots formed from microliter‐ and nanoliter‐sized droplets. This new nanoliter deposition method reproducibly produced uniform spots. The sample throughput was increased significantly with nanoliter droplet drying times ranging from only seconds to minutes. The minimum detectable concentrations for the nanoliter spots were in the ppb range with the ability to detect picogram‐level masses. This new sample preparation method has the potential for use in situations where sample availability is limited. Furthermore, nanoliter dried spots are smaller in diameter than the exciting x‐ray beam in micro‐XRF and conventional XRF instrumentation. This allows faster drying nanoliter droplet microarrays to be used in situations where microliter droplets are primarily used. Published in 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The capabilities of an electrically cooled energy‐dispersive x‐ray detector for quantitative x‐ray fluorescence analysis
Authors: Kump P. , Nečemer M. , Drinovec J. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe capabilities of the Si PIN diode x‐ray detector were determined and compared with those of a standard Si(Li) detector. The x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis systems assembled with these two detectors included annular radioisotope excitation sources of Cd‐109 and Fe‐55. The systems were calibrated for sensitivity and quantification was performed with fundamental parameters software. Based on the analysis of the standard reference material NIST 2710 (Montana soil), the elemental sensitivities and the limits of detection of both systems were obtained. The elemental sensitivities of the Si PIN detector for fluorescence x‐rays in the energy range up to 10 keV were comparable to those of the Si(Li) detector. At higher fluorescence x‐ray energies the sensitivity of the Si PIN detector gradually decreased and was smaller by a factor of ∼4 at 20 keV. The reason was mainly the small thickness of the sensitive volume of the Si PIN diode (0.2 mm) and therefore the smaller relative efficiency of this detector. The assessed limits of detection (LODs) were comparable for the two detectors, which was mainly due to the lower spectral background of the Si PIN detector in excitation with the Cd‐109 source as a result of its smaller sensitive thickness. The accuracy of elemental determinations for the two detectors was comparable and within the limits of the assessed uncertainties, which were calculated considering all the steps of the analysis, i.e. spectrum measurement and analysis, sensitivity calibration and quantification. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elemental analysis by high‐energy electron excitation
Authors: Mainardi Raul T. , Chesta Miguel A. , Caffaro Mariana 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe possibility of using high‐energy β‐particles (102–103 keV) to induce the emission of characteristic x‐rays from pure chemical elements, with important improvements with respect to conventional excitation methods, has been recently reviewed. An excitation procedure named BIXE (β‐induced x‐ray emission) is used for implementing a spectrometric technique along the lines developed for EPMA (electron probe microanalysis). We have found that by using BIXE it is possible to determine binary sample compositions of elements present at concentrations higher than 1%, by comparisons with reference samples to obtain calibration curves. Experience with EPMA shows that when ternary and higher order samples are analyzed, the use of reference samples is not enough and it is necessary to perform theoretical corrections to the relationship between the line intensity and the corresponding concentrations, as a suitable complement to the analytical procedure. Semi‐quantitative results are thus obtained with corrections applied through the ZAF method usually used in EPMA. In this work we concentrated in finding whether calibration curves as used in EPMA (where the electron beam is monochromatic) can be used in BIXE, where the electron beam is polychromatic (the β spectrum).We expect that BIXE can be developed as a spectrometric technique whose main advantages are that it is a low‐cost technique suitable for in situ studies and that the experimental arrangement and data acquisition and its evaluation are comparatively simple. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wavelength‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence measurements on organic matrices: application to milk‐based products
Authors: Perring Loïc , Andrey Daniel 
Published: March 2004

AbstractA simple and fast method for the determination of a series of analytes (sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc) in milk‐based products by wavelength‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry was developed and validated. Reference values were obtained by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and by potentiometry for chloride. The investigated samples were commercial products obtained from various parts of the world. Pellets of 4 g were prepared under 2 t pressure. For each sample, three pellets were prepared and analysed. Limits of quantification and repeatabilities were evaluated for the described analytes. Calibrations were established with 29 samples and validation of the method was made using a second set of 29 samples. An evaluation of this alternative method was done by comparison with data from the reference methods, using robust statistics. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrections to the conventional approach to Si(Li) detector efficiency
Authors: O'Meara Joanne M. , Campbell John L. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe contribution to full‐energy peak intensity from coherent or Compton scatter interactions followed by photoelectric absorption was calculated by the Monte Carlo method and found to be significant for photon energies above 30 keV. A multiple‐event term was therefore incorporated in the conventional physical model of detector efficiency. Also, a widely used approximation in the model was made rigorous, thereby removing a source of error. Efficiency measurements with and without an external collimator suggested the need for a further additional term, this one describing incomplete collimation by the internal aperture structure. Measured efficiency curves were least‐squares fitted using the conventional model with and without these corrections and new terms. The deduced detector thickness agreed with the manufacturer's value only when the new terms were used. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and attentional effects of acute nicotine treatment in Tourette’s syndrome
Authors: Howson Anne L. , Batth Sue , Ilivitsky Vadim , Boisjoli Armand , Jaworski Martine , Mahoney Colleen , Knott Verner J. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractEvidence from pre-clinical infrahuman investigations, open-label clinical trials, and a single controlled trial found acute nicotine treatment potentiated up to 4 weeks neuroleptic-induced reductions of dyskinetic symptoms characterizing Tourette’s syndrome (TS). Given the attentional disturbances associated with this syndrome, and the improvements in attentional processes reported with nicotine, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the acute (4 h) and sustained (2 weeks) effects of a single dose of transdermal nicotine on clinical (i.e., tics), attentional (continuous performance task, event-related potentials, patient and parental reports) and behavioral symptoms in 23 children and adolescents with TS receiving neuroleptic treatment. In the 14 evaluable patients with complete primary efficacy data, nicotine (compared to placebo) failed to alter symptoms at 4 h but counteracted ERP-P300 signs of diminished attention seen 2 weeks following placebo treatment. Secondary efficacy measures, including patient self-reports and parental ratings, found nicotine to reduce complex tics and improve behaviors related to inattention. Additional work with intermittent dosing schedules is required to characterize optimal clinical and cognitive effects with nicotine treatment.
Antiresorptive therapy conserves some periarticular bone and ligament mechanical properties after anterior cruciate ligament disruption in the rabbit knee
Authors: Doschak M. R. , Wohl G. R. , Hanley D. A. , Bray R. C. , Zernicke R. F. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess, in an osteoarthritic (OA) model, whether bisphosphonate (BP) antiresorptive therapy altered periarticular bone and bone–ligament biomechanics and OA progression. We surgically transected the anterior cruciate ligament (ACLX) in two groups of rabbits; the first group was dosed with BP (risedronate, 0.01 mg/kg s.c. daily for 6 wk), the second group remained untreated, and a third group of normal (unoperated) control rabbits was also evaluated. We measured distal femoral bone mineral density (BMD, Dual Energy X‐ray Absorptiometry [DEXA]), medial collateral ligament (MCL) laxity, and bone mechanical function (bone cores mechanically tested in compression). These measures were related to cartilage/joint gross morphology, histology, and measures of vascular volume (gelatin–dye perfusion) for evidence of inflammatory angiogenesis and early OA. BMD by DEXA in 6 wk ACLX animals was 18% less than normal controls (p < 0.05). In contrast, BP dosing conserved periarticular BMD; risedronate‐treated rabbits had distal femoral BMD only 5% less and not significantly different than normal controls. When the same bone cores were compressed to failure, both ACLX and BP‐dosed animals were significantly weaker than normal controls (p < 0.05). However, the bone energy to failure and elastic modulus of BP‐dosed animals was conserved and not significantly different from normal controls 6 wk after ACLX. Blocking bone resorption with BP also resulted in a significantly improved bone–ligament structural complex. MCL‐complex laxity was significantly less in BP‐dosed animals (1.2 times that of normal controls) compared to untreated ACLX animals (1.7 times that of normal controls; p < 0.05). Blocking bone resorption with risedronate did not suppress osteophytosis and inflammatory angiogenesis, which were significantly increased in the periarticular bone of both untreated and BP treated ACLX animals. Thus, administering BP immediately after ACL loss conserved some periarticular bone and MCL‐complex properties in an early OA model. © 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society.
Tendon injury response: Assessment of biomechanical properties, tissue morphology and viability following flexor digitorum profundus tendon transection
Authors: Silva Matthew J. , Ritty Timothy M. , Ditsios Konstantinos , Burns Meghan E. , Boyer Martin I. , Gelberman Richard H. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractInsertion site injuries of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon often present for delayed treatment. Apart from gross observations made at the time of surgery, the changes that occur in the flexor tendon stump during the interval from injury to repair are unknown. These changes may include tendon softening and loss of viability, which may contribute to the poor outcomes observed clinically and experimentally. Thirty‐eight FDP tendons from 23 adult dogs were transected sharply from their insertions on the distal phalanges and were not repaired. Dogs were allowed full weight bearing and were euthanized 7 or 21 days after injury. Biomechanical testing indicated that the resistance of injured tendons to pullout of a Kessler‐type suture was not different from control tendons at 7 days and was increased at 21 days by 25% (p < 0.05). Morphologically, at 7 and 21 days the cut surface had a smooth appearance and the end of the injured tendon was increased in thickness by 30% and 50%, respectively (p < 0.05). Histologically, we observed increased cellularity and dramatic fibroblast proliferation within the injured tendon stump; there was no evidence of decreased cell viability. We conclude that during the interval from 0 to 21 days after FDP insertion‐site injury, tendons cells are viable, proliferative and synthesizing new matrix. This leads to increased tendon size and enhanced resistance to suture pullout. These findings offer a scientific rationale supporting the clinical practice of surgical re‐attachment within the first 3 weeks after injury. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.