bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adjunctive antimicrobial therapy for complicated appendicitis: Bacterial overkill by combination therapy
Authors: Hopkins Judith A. , Wilson Samuel E. , Bobey David G. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractAlthough single antimicrobials with broad‐spectrum aerobic and anaerobic coverage are effective in patients with appendicitis, many general surgeons continue to use multiple agents. A prospective, doubleblind, randomized trial was designed to detect any clinical correlate of in vitro susceptibility advantage of multiple antimicrobials as adjunctive therapy for 114 patients undergoing operation for complicated appendicitis. There was clinical resolution of intraabdominal infections with no occurrence of postoperative infectious complications in 90% (36 of 40) of the cefotetan group and 86% (31 of 36) of the clindamycin/amikacin group (p=0.11). The number of patients who had changes in antibiotic therapy due to postoperative complications was higher in the clindamycin/amikacin group: five (12.5%), compared to one (2.8%) in the cefotetan group (p=0.07). Although Bacteroides fragilis group organisms resistant to cefotetan were identified, none was responsible for the postoperative infections. Adverse drug events in 28% of the cefotetan group and 26% of the clindamycin/amikacin group consisted primarily of transient elevations of liver function tests. Monotherapy with a second‐generation, broad‐spectrum cephalosporin, such as cefotetan, given twice a day is an economical and effective adjunctive regimen in patients with complicated appendicitis for which operation is the definitive treatment. Aminoglycosides and other, more potent antimicrobials should be reserved for resistant organisms or nosocomial infections.
Estimation of feed intake by cattle using controlled-release capsules containing n-alkanes or chromium sesquioxide
Authors: FERREIRA L. M. M. , OLIVÁN M. , RODRIGUES M. A. M. , OSORO K. , DOVE H. , DIAS-DA-SILVA A. 
Published: October 2004

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the utilization of the n-alkane technique and the chromium sesquioxide (Cr2O3)/acid insoluble ash (AIA) procedure to estimate feed intake of meadow hay by two breeds of cattle. The animals were housed in individual pens, and offered known amounts of meadow hay as the sole diet component. One group of 4 Barrosã cows (average weight, 457±24 kg) and another group of 4 Holstein–Friesian cows (average weight, 635±148 kg) were dosed with intra-ruminal controlled-release capsules (CRC) that contained alkane markers or Cr2O3 in separate capsules. During intake estimation, meadow hay and faeces were sampled twice daily. There was no significant effect of grab sampling time on the meadow hay intake estimation, due to the fact that no differences were observed in the faecal marker concentrations.The mean real intakes, measured as the difference between the dry weight of feed offered each day and the dry weight of daily feed refusal, were 5·64 and 7·76 kg DM/day for Barrosã and Holstein–Friesian cows, respectively. For Barrosã cows the mean estimated intakes when using the CRC release rates documented by the manufacturer (MRR) were 5·66, 6·59 and 6·90 kg DM/day, using the Cr2O3/AIA procedure, C31[ratio ]C32 and C33[ratio ]C32 n-alkane pairs, respectively. For Holstein–Friesian cows the same markers gave values of 7·72, 8·51 and 8·95 kg DM/day, respectively. Mean daily intake estimation was improved when the release rate calculated as the reduction rate in CRCs payload performed in a additional experiment (CRR), was used. The differences from the real intake values, obtained using C31[ratio ]C32 and C33[ratio ]C32 alkane pairs, decreased from 950 and 1260 g/day to 140 and 420 g/day, respectively, for Barrosã cows and from 750 and 1190 g/day to 290 and 90 g/day for Holstein–Friesian cows. The intake estimation using the Cr2O3/AIA procedure was not affected by correcting the CRC release rate, because the release rates of both MRR and the CRR were similar.The results indicate that controlled-release capsules provide a uniform marker release in cattle, but also suggest that to obtain accurate estimates of intake, it is better to measure release rates within the context of particular experiments.
Book Reviews
Authors: Stridbeck Hans , Nakstad Per Hj , Johansson Kerstin , Ringertz Hans , Dullerud Reidar , Jonsson Kjell , Ekberg Olle , Skaane Per 
Published: October 2004

Imaging of the Pancreas - Cystic and Rare Tumors. Edited by C. Procacci and A. J. Megibow. Springer-Verlag 2003. ISBN 3-540-42742-2. Price: EUR 139.95 Emergency Radiology. Rules and Tools. Edited by Jane Young. Remedica 2003. ISBN 1-901346-28-5. Price: EUR 40. Imaging in Paediatric Urology. Edited by W. Becker, J. Meller, H. Zappel, A. Leenen and F. Seseke. Springer-Verlag 2003. ISBN 3-540-43348-1. Price hardcover EUR 145,55. Imaging in Stroke. Edited by M. G. Henerici. Remedica publishing limited 2003. ISBN 0-387-95454-6. 216 pages with 75 figures and 8 tables. Price: EUR 45. Imaging of the Foot and Ankle. Techniques and Applications. By A. M. Davies, R. W. Whietehouse and J. P. R. Jenkins. Springer-Verlag 2002. Price: EUR 159. Radiology of the Postoperative GI Tract. By B. R. Javors and E. L. Wolf. Springer-Verlag 2003. ISBN 0-387-95200-4. Price: US$ 159. Imaging-Guided Interventional Breast Techniques. Edited by D. David Dershaw. Springer-Verlag 2003. ISBN 0-387-95454-6. 212 pages, 304 figures. Price Hardcover: EUR 139.
The value of routine MR myelography at MRI of the lumbar spine
Authors: O'Connell M. J. , Ryan M. , Powell T. , Eustace S. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To determine whether a commercially available automated MR myelogram sequence improves the interpretation and diagnostic yield at MRI of the lumbar spine. Material and Methods: A total of 207 consecutive patients referred for MR examination of the lumbar spine for evaluation of low back pain or spinal radicular symptoms were included for study. All patients had initial imaging with sagittal T1-W and T2-W scans, followed by axial T2-W images. Subsequently an MR myelogram was acquired in each case in coronal, sagittal and oblique planes. MR myelogram images were evaluated initially and a diagnosis was established and recorded. Subsequently, a diagnosis was established by review of conventional images of the lumbar spine in sagittal and axial planes, in conjunction with the MR myelogram. The utility of the MR myelogram in establishing the diagnosis was graded on a 4-point scale, where grade 0 indicated that it contributed no additional information and grade 3 indicated that it was essential for diagnosis. Analysis of the additional value of myelography in patients with multilevel disease was made. Results: Primary diagnoses were disc herniation in 69 cases (33%), degenerative disc disease in 51 cases (26%), spinal stenosis in 19 cases (9%), isolated lateral recess stenosis in 5 cases (2%), or other diagnoses, including facet degeneration in 48 cases (23%). Scans were normal in 15 cases (7%). MR myelography was graded as grade 0 in 151 cases (73%), grade 1 in 44 cases (21%) and grade 2 in 12 cases (6%). In no case was MR myelography essential for diagnosis (grade 3). In patients with multilevel disease (n = 27), in 17 cases MR myelography was graded as grade 1 (63%) and in 8 cases grade 2 (30%). Conclusion: MR myelography when employed in routine practice was of limited value, assisting in establishing a diagnosis in a minority of cases (6%). The technique was of limited additional value in patients with multilevel pathology and to a lesser extent in patients with scoliosis, where it helped to establish the level most likely to account for pathology.
Volume-rendered 3D display of MR angiograms in the diagnosis of cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Tsuchiya K. , Katase S. , Hachiya J. , Shiokawa Y. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To determine whether application of a volume-rendered display of 3D time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography could assist the diagnosis of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Material and Methods: Volume-rendered 3D images of postcontrast 3D time-of-flight MR angiography were compared with conventional angiograms in 12 patients. The correlation between the 3D images and the operative findings was also analyzed in 5 patients. Results: The 3D-displayed images showed all of the feeders and drainers in 10 and 9 patients, respectively. In all patients, the nidus was three-dimensionally visualized. In 3 patients with hematomas, the relationship between the hematoma and the AVM was well demonstrated. The 3D images corresponded well with the operative findings in the 5 patients. Conclusion: This method is of help in assessing the relationship between the components of an AVM as well as that between an AVM and an associated hematoma.
MR analysis of the transverse ligament in the late stage of whiplash injury
Authors: Krakenes J. , Kaale B. R. , Nordli H. , Moen G. , Rorvik J. , Gilhus N. E. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To analyse and classify structural changes in the transverse ligament in the late stage of whiplash injury by use of high-resolution MRI, and to evaluate the reliability of our classification. Material and Methods: Ninety-two whiplash-injured (2–9 years previously, mean 6 years) and 30 non-injured individuals underwent proton-weighted MR imaging of the craniovertebral junction in three orthogonal planes. Structural changes in the transverse ligaments were graded twice (grades 1–3) based on increased signal, independently by 3 radiologists with a 4-month interval. Inter- and intraobserver statistics were calculated by ordinary and weighted kappa (K). Results: Image quality was excellent in 109 cases and slightly reduced in 13. Twenty-two out of 30 ligaments in the control group were classified as normal (73%) compared with only 32 out of 92 in the injured group (36%). Two or all 3 observers agreed in their grading in 101 out of 122 ligaments (83%). Intraobserver agreement (weighted K) was fair to good (0.33–0.73). Pair-wise interobserver agreement was fair (0.24–0.39). Reasons for divergent grading were insufficient knowledge of normal variations, low signal intensity in the peridental soft tissue obscuring the ligament and interpretation flaw. Conclusion:Whiplash trauma can damage the transverse ligament. By use of high-resolution proton-weighted MR images such lesions can be detected and classified. The reliability of this classification still needs improvement.
Quantitative and qualitative assessment of left ventricular volume with ECG-gated multislice spiral CT: value of different image reconstruction algorithms in comparison to MRI
Authors: Mahnken A. H. , Spuentrup E. , Niethammer M. , Buecker A. , Boese J. , Wildberger J. E. , Flohr T. , Sinha A. M. , Krombach G. A. , Günther R. W. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To assess the value of different image reconstruction algorithms for assessment of the left ventricular function using retrospectively ECG-gated multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) of the heart. Material and Methods: MSCT and cine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the heart were performed in 15 patients. For MSCT, standard and multisegmental image reconstruction with improved temporal resolution were used. Standardized multiplanar reformats in the short axis and long axis views were reconstructed from MSCT data. End-systolic (ESV) and end-diastolic volume (EDV), stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF) and myocardial mass (MM) were calculated. Left ventricular wall motion was assessed qualitatively. Results: MSCT was in acceptable agreement with MR imaging for quantification of the ventricular function. According to the Bland–Altman approach the mean differences for the left ventricular volumes (ESV, EDV, SV) ranged from −9.6 ml to 3.1 ml with standard image reconstruction and from −0.6 ml to 1.9 ml utilizing multisegmental image reconstruction with limits of agreement ranging from −26.6 ml to 12.5 ml and −15.6 ml to 15.0 ml, respectively. Applying the multisegmental image reconstruction algorithm, a significantly improved agreement with the MR data was found for EDV, SV and EF. For wall motion analysis, standard image reconstruction showed a significant difference to MR imaging with a correspondence in 83.75% of the 240 assessed segments, while multisegmental image reconstruction agreed with MR imaging in 92.5% of the segments. Conclusion: Multisegmental image reconstruction improves the quantitative assessment of left ventricular function when compared to standard image reconstruction. Multisegmental image reconstruction allows qualitative wall motion analysis.
The most useful findings for diagnosing acute appendicitis on contrast-enhanced helical CT
Authors: Choi D. , Park H. , Lee Y. R. , Kook S.-H. , Kim S. K. , Kwag H. J. , Chung E. C. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To evaluate the most useful findings to look for in diagnosing acute appendicitis on contrast-enhanced helical CT. Material and Methods: Appendiceal helical CT scans with intravenous contrast administration (abdomen, 7-mm collimation; abdominopelvic junction, 5-mm collimation) of 71 patients with surgically proven acute appendicitis and 167 patients with alternative diagnoses were reviewed retrospectively. Three radiologists analyzed the following parameters: enlarged appendix (>6 mm in diameter), appendiceal wall thickening, appendiceal wall enhancement, no identification of the appendix, appendicolith(s), appendiceal intraluminal air, intramural air, extraluminal air, periappendiceal fat stranding, extraluminal fluid, phlegmon, abscess, lymphadenopathy, segmental terminal ileal wall thickening, focal cecal apical thickening, focal colonic wall thickening, and segmental colonic wall thickening. The features that best distinguished appendicitis from alternative diagnoses were selected with stepwise logistic regression analysis. Results: Nine CT findings distinguished acute appendicitis from alternative diagnoses (P < 0.05): enlarged appendix ( R = 0.739), appendiceal wall thickening ( R = 0.525), periappendiceal fat stranding ( R = 0.414), appendiceal wall enhancement ( R = 0.404), focal cecal apical thickening ( R = 0.171), appendicolith(s) ( R = 0.157), extraluminal air ( R = 0.050), intramural air ( R = 0.043), and phlegmon ( R = 0.030). Enlarged appendix (sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 92%), appendiceal wall thickening (sensitivity, 66%; specificity, 96%), periappendiceal fat stranding (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 74%), and appendiceal wall enhancement (sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 85%) showed the statistically most significant association with acute appendicitis. Conclusion: On 5-mm-section contrast-enhanced helical CT examinations, enlarged appendix, appendiceal wall thickening, periappendiceal fat stranding, and appendiceal wall enhancement were the most useful findings for diagnosing acute appendicitis.
Characterization of hepatocellular carcinomas with triphasic CT and correlation with histopathologic findings
Authors: Karahan O. I. , Yikilmaz A. , Isin S. , Orhan S. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To determine the utility of triphasic CT in the characterization of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and correlations with histopathologic findings. Material and Methods: Thirty patients with hepatocellular carcinomas were included in the study and triphasic CT examinations were performed. The CT protocol included hepatic arterial, portal venous and late phases. A histopathologic examination was carried out in all but 3 patients, and the diagnosis and degrees of differentiation were determined. Results: Hepatocellular carcinomas were hyperattenuated in 17 (57%) and hypoattenuated in 13 (43%) of the 30 patients in arterial phase images. The lesions were hypoattenuated in 26 (87%) and hyperattenuated in 4 (13%) patients in portal venous phase images. These hyperattenuated tumors were well-differentiated in the histopathologic examinations (P ≤ 0.05). Portal vein invasion was seen in 50% of the patients and this relationship was significant in patients whose lesions was greater than 10 cm (P < 0.05). Capsule formation, abnormal internal vessels and necrosis were detected in 57%, 53% and 40% of the patients, respectively. Conclusion: Triphasic CT can aid in the histopathologic differentiation of HCCs, in addition to their characterization. Hyperattenuation in PVP images was found to be associated with well-differentiated HCCs and portal vein invasion was more frequent in tumors larger than 10 cm.
Stability of acetabular axis after total hip arthroplasty, repeatability using CT and a semiautomated program for volume fusion
Authors: Olivecrona H. , Olivecrona L. , Weidenhielm L. , Noz M. E. , Maguire G. Q. , Zeleznik M. P. , Svensson L. , Jonson T. 
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To validate a CT method for detecting changes in acetabular cup orientation after THA Material and Methods: 26 CT examinations were obtained from a pelvic model with an uncemented acetabular cup. The model position was altered between acquisitions, but the cup axis angle vis-à-visthe pelvis was maintained. Data sets were combined into 37 pairs, each containing a unique positioning error. The pelvi in different examinations were fused, creating transformed volumes. Landmarks corresponding to the cup before and after fusion were placed interactively by two independent examiners. The orientation of the acetabular axis was calculated for each volume and compared across volumes. Results: Before fusion the mean angle error between the acetabular axes was 4.17° (SD ± 1.95°). After fusion the mean angle error was 0.36° (SD ± 0.17). The 95% repeatability limits were below 0.7°. There was no significant interobserver difference. Analysis of the cup landmarking pattern by condition numbers and individual landmark errors showed stability. Conclusion: Non-invasive fusion of CT volumes and a stable landmarking pattern for the acetabular cup outperforms routine plain radiography in detecting changes in the orientation of the acetabular axis over time. The method delivers both visual and numerical output and could be used in clinical practice.
The Triple T Allergy Hypothesis
Authors: Wjst Matthias 
Published: October 2004

The early induction of allergy is a complex process involving protective and destructive gene variants, environmental and nutritional co‐factors as well as allergen exposure. Although critical doses, interactions and susceptible time frames have not been identified so far, late gestation and early childhood seem to be important time periods for allergic sensitization.At least three risk factors can be distinguished based on altered early Th1 lymphocyte development. First, the number of children with an inborn maturation defect may have increased since the beginning of the last century, when this condition would otherwise have had a lethal outcome without antibiotics and other modern health care (survival hypothesis). Second, another group of children in industrialized countries may have a deficit of environmental Th1 triggers during early life (hygiene hypothesis). A third factor may also be found predominantly in western societies. The prophylaxis of rickets with vitamin D has the apparent side effect of suppressing Th1 development (vitamin hypothesis).Experimental as well as epidemiological studies now provide evidence for the vitamin hypothesis, which is examined in this paper by a time‐course analysis of vitamin D application in Germany. Also paper studies in Swedish anthroposophic school children, the Tristan da Cunha islanders, and Swiss, Austrian and Bavarian farmers may be linked to either excessive or absent early vitamin D exposure.
The best bounds in Wallis’ inequality
Authors: Chen Chao-Ping , Qi Feng 
Published: October 2004

For all natural numbers

n
n

, let

n
!
!

n!!

denote a double factorial. Then

1

π

(

n
+

4
π

−
1

)

≤

(
2
n
−
1
)
!
!

(
2
n
)
!
!

>

1

π

(

n
+

1
4

)

.

\begin{equation*} \frac 1{\sqrt {\pi \bigl (n+\frac 4{\pi }-1\bigr )}}\leq \frac {(2n-1)!!}{(2n)!!}>\frac 1{\sqrt {\pi \bigl (n+\frac 14\bigr )}}. \end{equation*}

The constants

4
π

−
1

\frac {4}{\pi }-1

and

1
4

\frac 14

are the best possible. From this, the well-known Wallis’ inequality is improved.
Concentration of mass and central limit properties of isotropic convex bodies
Authors: Paouris G. 
Published: October 2004

We discuss the following question: Do there exist an absolute constant

c
>
0

c>0

and a sequence

ϕ
(
n
)

\phi (n)

tending to infinity with

n
n

, such that for every isotropic convex body

K
K

in

R

n

{\mathbb R}^n

and every

t
≥
1

t\geq 1

the inequality

Prob

(

{

x
∈
K
:
‖
x

‖
2

≥
c

n

L
K

t

}

)

≤
exp
⁡

(

−
ϕ
(
n
)
t

)

\textrm {Prob}\left (\big \{ x\in K:\| x\|_2\geq c\sqrt {n}L_Kt\big \}\right ) \leq \exp \big (-\phi (n)t\big )

holds true? Under the additional assumption that

K
K

is 1-unconditional, Bobkov and Nazarov have proved that this is true with

ϕ
(
n
)
≃

n

\phi (n)\simeq \sqrt {n}

. The question is related to the central limit properties of isotropic convex bodies. Consider the spherical average

f
K

(
t
)
=

∫

S

n
−
1

|

K
∩
(

θ

⊥

+
t
θ
)

|

σ
(
d
θ
)

f_K(t)=\int _{S^{n-1}}|K\cap (\theta ^{\perp }+t\theta )|\sigma (d\theta )

. We prove that for every

γ
≥
1

\gamma \geq 1

and every isotropic convex body

K
K

in

R

n

{\mathbb R}^n

, the statements (A) “for every

t
≥
1

t\geq 1

,

Prob

(

{

x
∈
K
:
‖
x

‖
2

≥
γ

n

L
K

t

}

)

≤
exp
⁡

(

−
ϕ
(
n
)
t

)

\textrm {Prob}\left (\big \{ x\in K:\|x\|_2\geq \gamma \sqrt {n}L_Kt\big \}\right )\leq \exp \big (-\phi (n)t\big )

" and (B) “for every

0
>
t
≤

c
1

(
γ
)

ϕ
(
n
)

L
K

0>t \leq c_1(\gamma )\sqrt {\phi (n)}L_K

,

f
K

(
t
)
≤

c
2

L
K

exp
⁡

(

−

t
2

/

(

c
3

(
γ

)
2

L
K
2

)

)

f_K(t)\leq \frac {c_2}{L_K}\exp \big (-t^2/(c_3(\gamma )^2L_K^2)\big )

, where

c
i

(
γ
)
≃
γ

c_i(\gamma )\simeq \gamma

" are equivalent.
Admiral Nelson's Tactics at the Battle of Trafalgar
Authors: CZISNIK MARIANNE 
Published: October 2004

AbstractOn 21 October 1805 the British fleet under Admiral Nelson met the Franco‐Spanish fleet under Admiral Villeneuve off Cape Trafalgar. The outcome of this encounter of 27 British ships against 33 enemy ships is justly famous, but the actual tactics that helped to achieve this notable British victory have not been fully understood and still remain a matter of dispute. This essay attempts to clarify the matter and to provide an improved account of what tactics Nelson planned to adopt and what tactics he actually adopted when he engaged the Franco‐Spanish fleet at the battle of Trafalgar.
Fiscal Discretion and Elections in the Early Years of EMU
Authors: Buti Marco , Van Den Noord Paul 
Published: October 2004

AbstractAn early criticism of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) has pointed to its asymmetric nature and the weak mechanisms to prevent politically‐motivated fiscal policies: its constraints would bite in downswings but not in upswings, especially if, in the latter, the electoral cycle increases the temptation to run expansionary policies. We find that the experience of the initial years of EMU lends support to this criticism. Overall, unlike the experience in the run‐up to EMU, fiscal policies had an expansionary bias, and a ‘genuine’ discretionary boost took place in correspondence to political elections. Both sign and composition of such discretionary changes are in line with the predictions of the recent literature on electoral budget cycles. Closer fiscal surveillance may help detect such behaviour early on, but it is unlikely to curb the incentives to run politically‐motivated fiscal policies when elections approach.