MR urography (MRU of non-dilated ureter with diuretic administration: Static fluid 2D FSE T2-weighted versus 3D gadolinium T1-weighted GE excretory MR

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C. Roy

2014-01-01

Conclusion: T2-weighted MRU with multiple orientations and diuretic is sufficient to identify the non-dilated ureter. It offers information on ureteral peristaltism. It can be suggested that this sequence is able to detect an initial obstruction before hydronephrosis occurs.

Magnetic and dielectric properties of the ruthenium double perovskites La2MRuO6 (M=Mg, Co, Ni, and Zn)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoshii, Kenji; Ikeda, Naoshi; Mizumaki, Masaichiro

2006-01-01

Magnetic and dielectric properties of the ruthenium double perovskites La 2 MRuO 6 (M=Mg, Co, Ni, and Zn) were investigated. The magnetization measurements for M=Co and Ni showed the existence of magnetic order at 20-30 K. Though the oxides with M=Zn and Mg exhibit a deviation from the Curie-Weiss law, magnetic order was not clearly observed. The result of La 2 ZnRuO 6 was different from that previously reported, in which a ferromagnetic transition was found at around 165 K. The AC dielectric measurements for M = Co and Ni showed large dielectric constants (typically larger than 1000) at around room temperature, suggesting both the formation of short-ranged polar regions and the magnetic origin of large dielectric constant. In addition, two peaks were found for the temperature dependence of the tan δ component for La 2 NiRuO 6 . The behavior suggests the existence of two different polar regions. (copyright 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (Abstract Copyright [2006], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Renal transplant failure due to urologic complications: Comparison of static fluid with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance urography

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Blondin, D. [University Hospital Duesseldorf, Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Duesseldorf (Germany)], E-mail: blondin@med.uni-duesseldorf.de; Koester, A.; Andersen, K.; Kurz, K.D.; Moedder, U.; Cohnen, M. [University Hospital Duesseldorf, Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Duesseldorf (Germany)

2009-02-15

Purpose: Postrenal reasons of renal transplant failure can be assessed by magnetic resonance urography. This study was designed to retrospectively compare the diagnostic accuracy of static fluid (T2-)MRU compared to contrast enhanced (CE-)MRU in patients with renal transplant failure. Material and methods: Thirty-five consecutive patients (14 female, 21 men; mean age 48.6 years) with renal transplant failure and sonographically detected hydronephrosis were examined both with T2-MRU as well as CE-MRU resulting in 39 MRU examinations. MRU was performed both using T2-weighted HASTE-sequence (T2-MRU) as well as Gadolinium-enhanced 3D-FLASH-sequence (CE-MRU) on a 1.5-T clinical MRI scanner (Magnetom Vision, Siemens Medical Solutions). Subjective image quality of resulting maximum intensity projection was assessed in consensus by two readers blinded to the final diagnosis, using a five point scale. MRU findings were correlated to sonography, operative results or clinical follow up. Results: CE-MRU yielded a sensitivity of 85.7% (T2-MRU 76.2%), and a specificity of 83.3% (T2-MRU: 73.7%), however statistical significance was not reached. The subjective image quality was significantly better in CE-MRU. Conclusions: Only concerning subjective image quality CE-MRU proved superior to T2-MRU. Yet, there was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between T2- and CE-MRU. Thinking of incipient nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, T2-MRU can be used as reliable alternative in patients with decreased renal transplant function due to urological complications.

Renal transplant failure due to urologic complications: Comparison of static fluid with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance urography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Blondin, D.; Koester, A.; Andersen, K.; Kurz, K.D.; Moedder, U.; Cohnen, M.

2009-01-01

Purpose: Postrenal reasons of renal transplant failure can be assessed by magnetic resonance urography. This study was designed to retrospectively compare the diagnostic accuracy of static fluid (T2-)MRU compared to contrast enhanced (CE-)MRU in patients with renal transplant failure. Material and methods: Thirty-five consecutive patients (14 female, 21 men; mean age 48.6 years) with renal transplant failure and sonographically detected hydronephrosis were examined both with T2-MRU as well as CE-MRU resulting in 39 MRU examinations. MRU was performed both using T2-weighted HASTE-sequence (T2-MRU) as well as Gadolinium-enhanced 3D-FLASH-sequence (CE-MRU) on a 1.5-T clinical MRI scanner (Magnetom Vision, Siemens Medical Solutions). Subjective image quality of resulting maximum intensity projection was assessed in consensus by two readers blinded to the final diagnosis, using a five point scale. MRU findings were correlated to sonography, operative results or clinical follow up. Results: CE-MRU yielded a sensitivity of 85.7% (T2-MRU 76.2%), and a specificity of 83.3% (T2-MRU: 73.7%), however statistical significance was not reached. The subjective image quality was significantly better in CE-MRU. Conclusions: Only concerning subjective image quality CE-MRU proved superior to T2-MRU. Yet, there was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between T2- and CE-MRU. Thinking of incipient nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, T2-MRU can be used as reliable alternative in patients with decreased renal transplant function due to urological complications

Evaluation of anterior urethral stricture using thick slab SSFSE MR urethrography

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Park, Byung Kwan; Kim, Chan Kyo (Dept. of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan Univ. School of Medicine, Seoul (Korea)), e-mail: rapark@skku.edu; Lee, Sung Won (Dept. of Urology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan Univ. School of Medicine, Seoul (Korea))

2010-12-15

Background: Magnetic resonance urethrography (MRU) can be used for depicting not only anterior urethral strictures but also periurethral anatomy in order to produce a management plan. Purpose: To determine if thick slab single-shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) MRU is useful for evaluating anterior urethral stricture compared to fast recovery fast spin echo (FRFSE) MRU. Material and Methods: Ten patients with benign anterior urethral stricture underwent both thick slab SSFSE MRU and FRFSE MRU using sterile jelly for urethral distension before retrograde urethrography. The glans penis was tied at the time of MRU. The two types of MR image were compared regarding stricture length, scan time, and image quality. We also determined whether or not both of the two MR sequences could display an entire anterior urethra on one image. Results: The stricture length on thick slab SSFSE and FRFSE MRU ranged from 4.0 to 71.3 mm (36.4 {+-} 21.8 mm) and from 4.0 to 67.5 mm (35.7 {+-} 20.8 mm), respectively (P > 0.05). The mean scan time for thick slab SSFSE and FRFSE sequences was 2 s and 194 s, respectively (P < 0.05). However, regarding image quality, thick slab SSFSE MRU was inferior to FRFSE MRU (P < 0.05). All the thick slab SSFSE MRU displayed the entire anterior urethra on one image, while only five FRFSE MRU did so (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Thick slab SSFSE MRU can provide a concordant stricture length when compared to the FRFSE MRU and imaging of the entire length of the anterior urethral stricture with subjective reduced image quality and scan time.

Evaluation of anterior urethral stricture using thick slab SSFSE MR urethrography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Park, Byung Kwan; Kim, Chan Kyo; Lee, Sung Won

2010-01-01

Background: Magnetic resonance urethrography (MRU) can be used for depicting not only anterior urethral strictures but also periurethral anatomy in order to produce a management plan. Purpose: To determine if thick slab single-shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) MRU is useful for evaluating anterior urethral stricture compared to fast recovery fast spin echo (FRFSE) MRU. Material and Methods: Ten patients with benign anterior urethral stricture underwent both thick slab SSFSE MRU and FRFSE MRU using sterile jelly for urethral distension before retrograde urethrography. The glans penis was tied at the time of MRU. The two types of MR image were compared regarding stricture length, scan time, and image quality. We also determined whether or not both of the two MR sequences could display an entire anterior urethra on one image. Results: The stricture length on thick slab SSFSE and FRFSE MRU ranged from 4.0 to 71.3 mm (36.4 21.8 mm) and from 4.0 to 67.5 mm (35.7 20.8 mm), respectively (P > 0.05). The mean scan time for thick slab SSFSE and FRFSE sequences was 2 s and 194 s, respectively (P < 0.05). However, regarding image quality, thick slab SSFSE MRU was inferior to FRFSE MRU (P < 0.05). All the thick slab SSFSE MRU displayed the entire anterior urethra on one image, while only five FRFSE MRU did so (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Thick slab SSFSE MRU can provide a concordant stricture length when compared to the FRFSE MRU and imaging of the entire length of the anterior urethral stricture with subjective reduced image quality and scan time.

Appearances of the circumcaval ureter on excretory urography and MR urography: A single-center case series

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Prakash Muthusami

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Objectives: To describe Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU appearances of the circumcaval ureter, a rare congenital cause of hydronephrosis. Materials and Methods: Seven cases of circumcaval ureter, suspected on intravenous urography (IVU, underwent subsequent static MRU using heavily T2-weighted sequences. Results: The various appearances of circumcaval ureter on IVU and MRU were studied and compared. The circumcaval portion of the ureter was especially well seen on axial MRU sections, though this portion was routinely not visualized on IVU. In one case with a ureteric calculus, MRU also depicted a circumcaval course of the ureter, thus providing a complete diagnosis. In yet another case, where a circumcaval ureter was suspected on IVU, MRU proved the actual cause of ureteric obstruction to be a crossing vessel. Conclusion: Static MRU using heavily T2-weighted coronal and axial sequences can make or exclude the diagnosis of circumcaval ureter unequivocally.

The diagnostic value of magnetic resonance urography using a balanced turbo field echo sequence

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Cifci, Egemen; Coban, Goekcen [Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiology, Konya (Turkey); Cicek, Tufan; Goenuelalan, Umut [Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Konya (Turkey)

2016-12-15

The aim of the study was to compare the inter-observer variability and the accuracy of magnetic resonance urography (MRU) using a thin sectional balanced-turbo field echo (B-TFE) sequence for detecting ureteral calculi and to determine the effect of additional factors (size, density and location of the calculus) on the sensitivity and specificity of the MRU. MRU and CT images were evaluated independently by two radiologists according to presence, density and localization of calculi. The degrees of inter-rater agreement for categorical items were evaluated by the Kappa coefficient. According to the 1st and 2nd observers, the sensitivity of MRU was 65.9 %, 71.8 % and the specificity of MRU was 95.9 %, 100 %, respectively. Inter-observer agreement was 84.6 % for stone detection. The larger size had a better effect on detectability (p < 0.05). Also, the higher density had a better impact on detectability (p < 0.05). Our study has shown that B-TFE MRU was useful to detect ureteral calculi. However, B-TFE MRU has low sensitivity and high specificity in comparison with CT images. MRU is a reasonable alternative imaging technique for follow-up periods of selective groups like patients with large urinary stones, children or pregnant patients when ionizing radiation is undesirable. (orig.)

Spectroscopic investigation on structure (monomer and dimer), molecular characteristics and comparative study on vibrational analysis of picolinic and isonicotinic acids using experimental and theoretical (DFT & IVP) methods

Science.gov (United States)

Ramesh, Gaddam; Reddy, Byru Venkatram

2018-05-01

In this investigation, the monomeric structure is determined for picolinic and isonicotinic acids based on geometry optimization for one of the four possible conformers and intramolecular hydrogen bond of Osbnd H⋯O using density functional theory (DFT) employing B3LYP functional supplemented with 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Using this optimized monomeric form, the dimer structure is determined based on minimum energy and length of hydrogen bonds obtained for two possible dimeric forms yielded due to head-to-tail intermolecular Osbnd H⋯N hydrogen bond (dimer 1) linkage and tail-to -tail intermolecular Osbnd H⋯O hydrogen bond (dimer 2) linkage between pyridine ring and carboxyl group. The structure parameters obtained for monomer and dimer forms are in good agreement with the experimental literature values. The vibrational assignments have been made unambiguously for all the vibrations from FTIR and FT-Raman spectra based on the potential energy distribution (PED) and eigen vectors obtained in DFT and inverse vibrational problem (IVP) computations. The rms error between the observed and scaled frequencies is 7.7 and 9.4 cm-1 for PIA and INA, respectively. A 74-element modified valence force field is derived by Wilson's GF matrix method using 58 experimental frequencies of the two molecules in overlay least-squares technique. The average error between observed and computed frequencies by this method is calculated to be 10.39 cm-1. The results of both DFT and IVP computations yielded good agreement between observed and calculated frequencies. The NLO behaviour using hyperpolarizability values; and HOMO and LUMO energies; of the two molecules are investigated by DFT. Charge density distribution and site of chemical reactivity of the molecules are studied by molecular electrostatic surface potential (MESP). Stability of the molecules arising from hyper conjugative interactions and charge delocalization has been analyzed using natural bond orbital (NBO

Comparison of computed tomographic urography, magnetic resonance urography and the combination of diffusion weighted imaging in diagnosis of upper urinary tract cancer

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Wu, Guang-yu; Lu, Qing; Wu, Lian-ming [Department of Radiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 1630, Dongfang Road, Pudong, Shanghai 200120 (China); Zhang, Jin [Department of Urinary Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 1630, Dongfang Road, Pudong, Shanghai 200120 (China); Chen, Xiao-xi [Department of Radiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 1630, Dongfang Road, Pudong, Shanghai 200120 (China); Xu, Jian-rong, E-mail: renjixujr@163.com [Department of Radiology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 1630, Dongfang Road, Pudong, Shanghai 200120 (China)

2014-06-15

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of computed tomographic urography (CTU), static-fluid magnetic resonance urography (static-fluid MRU) and combinations of CTU, static-fluid MRU and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of upper urinary tract cancer. Material and Methods: Between January 2010 and June 2011, patients with suspected UUT cancer underwent CTU, static-fluid MRU and DWI (b = 1000 s/mm{sup 2}) within a 1-week period. The diagnostic performances of CTU, static-fluid MRU and combinations of CTU, static-fluid MRU and DWI for upper urinary tract cancer were prospectively evaluated. The ureteroscopic and histopathologic findings were compared with the imaging findings. Results: Compared to static-fluid MRU alone (sensitivity: 76/75%, reader 1/reader 2), combining DWI with MRI can increase the sensitivity (sensitivity: 84/84%, p = 0.031/p = 0.016) of upper urinary tract cancer diagnosis. CTU had greater sensitivity (95/94%) and accuracy (92/91%) than both static-fluid MRU (sensitivity: p < 0.001/p < 0.001 and accuracy: 83/81%, p = 0.001/p < 0.001) and static-fluid MRU with DWI (sensitivity: p = 0.023/p = 0.039 and accuracy: 87/85%, p = 0.042/p = 0.049) for the diagnosis of upper urinary tract cancers. Compared with CTU alone, CTU with DWI did not significantly increase sensitivity, specificity or accuracy. However, the diagnostic confidence was improved when the combined technique was used (p = 0.031/p = 0.024). Moreover, there was no significant change in sensitivity, specificity, accuracy or diagnostic confidence when static-fluid MRU was used in combination with CTU and DWI. Conclusion: Although there is a potential role for static-fluid MRU and static-fluid MRU with DWI in urinary tract imaging, CTU is still the better choice for the diagnosis of upper urinary tract cancer. Combining DWI with CTU can help improve confidence in upper urinary tract cancer diagnoses.

Functional analysis in MR urography - made simple

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Khrichenko, Dmitry; Darge, Kassa [Children' s Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Radiology, Philadelphia, PA (United States)

2010-02-15

MR urography (MRU) has proved to be a most advantageous imaging modality of the urinary tract in children, providing one-stop comprehensive morphological and functional information, without the utilization of ionizing radiation. The functional analysis of the MRU scan still requires external post-processing using relatively complex software. This has proved to be a limiting factor in widespread routine implementation of MRU functional analysis and use of MRU functional parameters similar to nuclear medicine. We present software, developed in a pediatric radiology department, that not only enables comprehensive automated functional analysis, but is also very user-friendly, fast, easily operated by the average radiologist or MR technician and freely downloadable Virtual Machine is required for the installation, which is obtained at no charge. The analysis software, known as ''CHOP-fMRU,'' has the potential to help overcome the obstacles to widespread use of functional MRU in children. (orig.)

Impact of magnetic resonance urography and ultrasonography on diagnosis and management of hydronephrosis and megaureter in paediatric patients

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Peer Wildbrett

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Background: (1 To evaluate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance urography (MRU in comparison with ultrasonography (US to determine the extent of upper urinary tract dilation and (2 to evaluate the impact of MRU on therapy management. Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to December 2010, paediatric patients with hydronephrosis or megaureter who underwent MRU in addition to standard work-up imaging were included. Data were retrospectively collected and analysed in comparison with the data obtained from results by US. Results: Forty-five patients with upper urinary tract dilatation were included into the study. Twenty-six patients (58% had a hydronephrosis and 19 patients (42% presented with a megaureter. Diagnosis was established in all patients by multimodulary imaging work-up including micturating cysto-urethrography, MAG3 renography, US and MRU and could be confirmed in all patients who underwent surgery (n = 28. Hydronephrosis was detected in 26 of 26 patients by US (100% sensitivity and in 25 of 26 patients (96% by MRU (Not significant (n.s.. Megaureter was detected in 17 of 19 patients (sensitivity 89% by US and in 18 of 19 patients (sensitivity 95% by MRU (n.s.. In all 45 patients, MRU had no impact on surgical or conservative management of hydronephrosis or megaureter. Conclusion: In our experience, MRU was not superior to US in detecting hydronephrosis or megaureter and had no impact on the surgical or conservative management of upper urinary tract dilation.

MR urography versus retrograde pyelography/ureteroscopy for the exclusion of upper urinary tract malignancy

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Lee, K.S., E-mail: kslee@bidmc.harvard.ed [Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA (United States); Zeikus, E. [Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA (United States); DeWolf, W.C. [Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA (United States); Rofsky, N.M.; Pedrosa, I. [Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA (United States)

2010-03-15

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance urography (MRU) versus retrograde pyelography and/or ureteroscopy (RPU) in the detection of upper urinary tract neoplasms. Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 35 patients with suspected upper urinary tract malignancy who underwent MRU and RPU within 6-months in our institution during the study period (February 2002 to January 2007). MRU and RPU reports were reviewed and results recorded. For each patient, the urinary tract was sub-divided into four regions for analysis: left kidney/renal pelvis, left ureter, right kidney/renal pelvis, and right ureter. MRU and RPU results for each patient were compared to a reference standard and the diagnostic performance of both techniques was compared. Results: A total of 113 regions were analysed on MRU and 90 regions on RPU. Nineteen neoplasms were identified. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the detection of urinary tract neoplasms were 63, 91, 60, and 92% for MRU, respectively, and 53, 97, 83, and 88% for RPU, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The high negative predictive value of MRU in the present series supports its use as a non-invasive screening examination for excluding the presence of upper urinary tract malignancy.

Combined static-dynamic MR urography for the simultaneous evaluation of morphology and function in urinary tract obstruction. II. Findings in experimentally induced ureteric stenosis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rohrschneider, W.K.; Becker, K.; Hoffend, J.; Clorius, J.H.; Darge, K.; Kooijman, H.; Troeger, J.

2000-01-01

Purpose. To assess the diagnostic value of combined static-dynamic MR urography (MRU) for the functional-morphological evaluation of experimentally induced urinary tract obstruction in the piglet. Materials and methods. In 20 piglets unilateral ureteric stenosis was created operatively. Post-surgery repeated comparative examinations were obtained with MRU, diuretic renal scintigraphy (DRS), excretory urography (EU) and ultrasound (US). MRU was performed as a combination study with a static 3D-IR-TSE sequence and a dynamic 2D-FFE sequence after Gd-DTPA with frusemide administration. Results. MRU allowed complete depiction of the prestenotic urinary tract and of the stenosis in all cases. In 43 comparative studies MRU was superior to EU in 36, EU to MRU in 2. When single kidney function was calculated with both MRU and DRS, results were highly correlated (r = 0.92). When urinary excretion was compared, significant agreement was achieved with concordant findings in 86 % and slightly discordant results in 12 %. Conclusions. Static-dynamic MR urography permits excellent depiction of experimentally induced urinary tract obstruction in piglets and reliable assessment of individual renal function and urinary excretion. Two advantages of the method stand out - it does not require radiation and it permits functional-morphological correlation. (orig.)

Static fluid magnetic resonance urography in evaluation of ureteral ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

T.Y. Gaweesh

2012-09-06

Sep 6, 2012 ... clinical or conventional imaging techniques) were included in this study and prospectively studied by. MRU aiming to confirm the .... T2W-MRU sequence in oblique coronal plane parallel to long axis of kidneys, was TR2000, ..... imaging algorithm with a high diagnostic yield. MRU will demonstrate the ...

MR urography of obstructive uropathy: diagnostic value of the method in selected clinical groups

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Zielonko, J.; Studniarek, M. [Department of Radiology, Institute of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 7, 80-211 Gdansk (Poland); Markuszewski, M. [Department of Radiology, Clinical Hospital No. 3, Kieturakisa 1, 80-742 Gdansk (Poland)

2003-04-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of MR urography (MRU) in the diagnosis of obstructive uropathy in selected groups of patients. The groups involved following pathologies: calculi; strictures of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ); benign and malignancy-induced ureterostenosis. Sixty patients with clinical diagnosis of obstructive uropathy were subjected to static fluid MRU (sMRU) with the use of 3D turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence in a 0.5-T magnet. The examination was completed with conventional MR sequences and in 12 cases additionally with sequences after the administration of Gd-DTPA and excretory MRU. The results were compared with intravenous urography (IVU), CT, US, clinical and histopathological data. The degree of the urinary tract dilatation as well as the level and type of obstruction were estimated. In patients with urolithiasis sMRU correctly depicted the degree of ureterohydronephrosis in 85%, in cases of UPJ stenosis and malignancy-induced ureterostenosis in 100% and in the group of benign ureterostenosis in 91% of patients. Determination of obstruction level in patients with stones was adequate in 92% and in cases of non-calculous ureteral strictures in 100% of patients. The sMRU sequence alone could not specify the nature of obstruction except 1 case of bladder carcinoma. Filling defects in ureters visible on MR urograms were verified with IVU or CT to exclude intrinsic tumours. Completed with conventional MR sequences sMRU enabled the depiction of solid mass or infiltration in 83% cases of malignancy-induced ureterostenosis, and in the remaining groups of patients neoplastic process was excluded in 91%. In conjunction with excretory MRU and conventional MR images sMRU appears to be a highly useful technique in assessment of obstructive uropathy, especially that of non-calculous origin. Among different clinical applications MRU is superior in the evaluation of dilated urinary tract in altered anatomical conditions (e.g. in patients with ileal

Military Hybrid Vehicle Optimization and Control

Science.gov (United States)

2012-08-14

Iep S 2 lep K R 2 ) T ( S 2 K R2 ) We + + lgp (R+S) + lvp (R+S) = e Igp (R+S) + Ivp (R+S) - CR STg KRTm ---+ (2) Ivp... Iep = Ic + Ie B = 4Rbatt Cbatt C = T + 1\\1! R. . f + 0.5 Cd Rtire3 apw/ fb t1re r 9 K 2 and the vehicle constants are defined as: Unclass·ified...3_ + lvpRWr + 2IvpSwr +. IvpS2 wr + IvpS2 w,.] lep K Iep K Iep I< R lgp K R Iep K Iep I< Iep K R Igp I< R b = R W + S W + C R + Iep S 2 we + Iep K

Diagnostic Value Of Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Urography In Childhood Obstructive Kidney Diseases

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Zafer Ozmen

2017-12-01

Results: In order to find whether there was a functional difference between dynamic MRU and DRS measurement results, dependent t-test for paired samples was used .There was no statistically significant difference between (p = 0.978 in split renal function(SRF results which calculated from dynamic MRU and DRS examinations. Conclusions: We found a very strong and highly significant correlation and consistency between dynamic MRU and DRS methods in terms of evaluation of renal functions. Dynamic MRU is 100% effective for discrimination of normal and abnormal kidneys in terms of excretion. [J Contemp Med 2017; 7(4.000: 306-315

Diagnosis of bladder tumours in patients with macroscopic haematuria

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Gandrup, Karen L; Løgager, Vibeke B; Bretlau, Thomas

2015-01-01

patients underwent CTU, MRU and flexible cystoscopy. Two uroradiologists individually reviewed the images without any clinical information, using a questionnaire. Patient records and pathology reports were also reviewed. RESULTS: At flexible cystoscopy, MRU and CTU, 32, 19 and 15 bladder lesions were...... identified, respectively. Histopathology showed that 13 of the 29 biopsied lesions were transitional cell carcinomas. Compared with the histopathology, the sensitivity and specificity for detection of tumours by CTU and MRU were 61.5% and 94.9%, and 79.9% and 93.4%, respectively. False-positive detection...... of bladder tumours, compared with histopathology, was reported in seven CTUs and nine MRUs, whereas the number of false-negative findings was five for CTUs and three for MRUs. CONCLUSIONS: Split-bolus CTU or MRU cannot replace cystoscopy in cases of macroscopic haematuria. MRU has a higher sensitivity than...

Static-dynamic MR urography. Comparison with excretory urography and scintigraphy in experimentally induced urinary tract obstruction (UTO); Statisch-dynamische MR-Urographie. Vergleich mit Ausscheidungsurographie und Szintigraphie bei experimentell induzierter Harntransportstoerung (HTS)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rohrschneider, W.K.; Wunsch, R.; Troeger, J. [Paediatrische Radiologie, Univ. Heidelberg (Germany); Hoffend, J. [Nuklearmedizinische Klinik, Univ. Heidelberg (Germany); Becker, K. [Inst. fuer Versuchstierkunde, Univ. Heidelberg (Germany); Darge, K.; Clorius, J.H. [Kooperationseinheit Nuklearmedizin, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg (Germany); Kooijman, H. [Philips Medizin-Systeme, Hamburg (Germany)

2001-02-01

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic value of combined static-dynamic MR urography (MRU) for the functional-morphological evaluation of experimentally induced urinary tract obstruction. Methods: Static-dynamic MRU - combination study with a respiratory-triggered 3D-IR-TSE sequence and a dynamic 2D-FFE sequence after Gd-DTPA and furosemide - was obtained in comparison with {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3 diuretic renal scintigraphy (DRS), excretory urography (EU) and ultrasound (US) in 29 healthy piglets and in 20 piglets with surgically induced ureteric stenosis (total of 50 postoperative examination blocks). Results: MRU allowed complete depiction of the urinary tract in all controls, in operated piglets the stenosis was always correctly identified. Quality of MRU was superior to EU in 36 to 43 comparative studies. Calculation of single kidney function from parenchymal renograms, and assessment of urinary excretion from whole-kidney renograms resulted in a highly significant agreement of MRU with DRS. Conclusion: Static-dynamic MR urography allows excellent depiction of experimentally induced urinary tract obstruction, and reliable assessment of individual renal function and urinary excretion. Two advantages of the method stand out, it does not require radiation and it permits a functional-morphological correlation. (orig.) [German] Ziel: Einschaetzung der Wertigkeit der kombinierten statisch-dynamischen MR-Urographie (MRU) zur umfassenden funktionell-morphologischen Diagnostik tierexperimentell induzierter Harntransportstoerungen. Methodik: Die statisch-dynamische MRU-Kombination aus einer atemgetriggerten 3D-IR-TSE-Sequenz und einer dynamischen 2D-FFE-Sequenz nach Gd-DTPA und Furosemid - wurde im Vergleich zu {sup 99m}Tc-MAG3-Diurese-Nierenszintigraphie (DNS), Ultraschall (US) und Ausscheidungsurographie (AUG) bei 29 gesunden Ferkeln sowie bei 20 Ferkeln mit operativ indizierter Harnwegsstenose (insgesamt 50 postoperative Untersuchungsbloecke) durchgefuehrt. Ergebnisse: Die MRU

The usefulness of T2-weighted MR urography and contrast enhanced MR urography in the evaluation of obstructive uropathy: comparisonal study with antegrade pyelography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oh, Chang Hoon; Lee, Jeong Min; Jin, Kong Yong; Chung, Gyung Ho; Cho, Seung Il; Lee, Sang Hun; Kim, Young Kon; Oh, Gyung Jae

2002-01-01

To compare the efficacy of contrast-enhanced and T2-weighted magnetic resonance urography (MRU) for the depiction of obstruction and evaluation of the causes of obstructive uropathy with that of antegrade pyelography. Twenty-five patients with obstructive uropathy who underwent percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and antegrade pyelography( AGP) were included in the study. We performed MR urography, comprising half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) T2- weighted imaging and 3-D fast imaging with steady state precession (3-D FISP) T1-weighted imaging after gadolinium enhancement and compared the quality of the images of both the HASTE and 3-D FISP MRU technique in terms of their depiction of the dilated pelvocalyceal system, and the level, type, and causes of obstruction. In terms of anatomical depiction of the pelvocalyceal system (p=0.002) and the causes of obstruction (p=0.003). T1-weighted MRU using 3D-FISP was significantly better than T2-weighted MRU using the HASTE sequence. Regarding level of obstruction, T2-weighted MRU using the HASTE sequence and contrast enhanced T1-weighted MRU using 3D-FISP showed an accuracy of 76% (19/25) and 84% (21/25), respectively. In terms of type of obstruction, the accuracy of T2-weighted MRU and T1-weighted CEMRU was 72% (18/25) and 88% (22/25), respectively. T2-weighted MRU and Ta-weighted CEMRU provided both anatomical information and that relating to impaired renal function. The two modelities played a complementary role and their use could decrease the unnecessary use of invasive diagnostic examination for the evaluation of obstructive uropathy

MR urography in children. Pt. 2. How to use ImageJ MR urography processing software

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Vivier, Pierre-Hugues; Dacher, Jean-Nicolas [University Hospital of Rouen, Department of Radiology, Rouen (France); University of Rouen, LITIS Laboratory EA 4108, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rouen (France); Dolores, Michael [University Hospital of Rouen, Department of Radiology, Rouen (France); Taylor, Melissa [Department of Paediatrics, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne Billancourt (France)

2010-05-15

MR urography (MRU) is an emerging technique particularly useful in paediatric uroradiology. The most common indication is the investigation of hydronephrosis. Combined static and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRU (DCE-MRU) provides both morphological and functional information in a single examination. However, specific post-processing must be performed and to our knowledge, dedicated software is not available in conventional workstations. Investigators involved in MRU classically use homemade software that is not freely accessible. For these reasons, we have developed a software program that is freely downloadable on the National Institute of Health (NIH) website. We report and describe in this study the features of this software program. (orig.)

Comprehensive MR Urography Protocol: Equally Good Diagnostic Performance and Enhanced Visibility of the Upper Urinary Tract Compared to Triple-Phase CT Urography.

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Mazen Sudah

Full Text Available To prospectively compare the diagnostic performance and the visualization of the upper urinary tract (UUT using a comprehensive 3.0T- magnetic resonance urography (MRU protocol versus triple-phase computed tomography urography (CTU.During the study period (January-2014 through December-2015, all consecutive patients in our tertiary university hospital scheduled by a urologist for CTU to exclude UUT malignancy were invited to participate. Diagnostic performance and visualization scores of 3.0T-MRU were compared to CTU using Wilcoxon matched-pairs test.Twenty patients (39 UUT excreting units were evaluated. 3.0T-MRU and CTU achieved equal diagnostic performances. The benign etiology of seven UUT obstructions was clarified equally with both methods. Another two urinary tract malignant tumors and one benign extraurinary tumor were detected and confirmed. Diagnostic visualization was slightly better in the intrarenal cavity areas with CTU but worsened towards distal ureter. MRU showed consistently slightly better visualization of the ureter. In the comparison, full 100% visualizations were detected in all areas in 93.6% (with 3.0T-MRU and 87.2% (with CTU and >75% visualization in 100% (3.0T-MRU and 93.6% (CTU. Mean CTU effective radiation dose was 9.2 mSv.Comprehensive 3.0T-MRU is an accurate imaging modality achieving comparable performance with CTU; since it does not entail exposure to radiation, it has the potential to become the primary investigation technique in selected patients.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02606513.

MR urography: the future gold standard in paediatric urogenital imaging?

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Borthne, A.; Nordshus, T.; Reiseter, T. [Department of Paediatric Radiology, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo (Norway); Geitung, J.T. [Department of General Radiology, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo (Norway); Gjesdal, K.I. [Department of Medical Physics and Techniques, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo (Norway); Babovic, A. [Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo (Norway); Bjerre, A. [Department of Paediatrics, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo (Norway); Loe, B. [Department of Paediatric Surgery, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo (Norway)

1999-09-01

Background. Examination of the paediatric urogenital tract is traditionally performed using methods that utilise ionising radiation, such as intravenous urography (IVU), computerised tomography (CT), voiding cystourethrography (VCU), and scintigraphy, in addition to ultrasound (US). Objective. To determine the potential and effectiveness of MR urography (MRU) in infants and children. Materials and methods. 44 MRU examinations were prospectively performed in 39 patients (21 infants, mean age 3.5 months, and 18 children, mean age 6 years 2 months) with known or suspected pathology of the urinary tract. Non-enhanced, fast spin-echo sequences (TSE) were performed in all patients. In 70 % of the patients a contrast-enhanced, fast gradient-echo sequence (TFE) was included. The dynamic sequence was prolonged and supplemented with furosemide provocation in some patients with suspected urinary-tract obstruction. Results. Nine percent of examinations were non-diagnostic or interrupted due to movement. MRU contributed additional information in 66 %. Nine patients with suspected urinary-tract obstruction were examined with both contrast-enhanced MRU and scintigraphy. Three MRU examinations were less informative and one equal to scintigraphy when obstruction was the diagnosis. When using a technique with a prolonged dynamic sequence, including frusemide provocation, four MRU examinations were equal and one was superior to scintigraphy. Conclusions. MRU has the potential to replace traditional diagnostic methods which use ionising radiation in paediatric patients. Further studies are needed before definite conclusions can be drawn. (orig.) With 6 figs., 3 tabs., 34 refs.

An Instrumental Variable Probit (IVP Analysis on Depressed Mood in Korea: The Impact of Gender Differences and Other Socio-Economic Factors

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Lara Gitto

2015-08-01

Full Text Available Background Depression is a mental health state whose frequency has been increasing in modern societies. It imposes a great burden, because of the strong impact on people’s quality of life and happiness. Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care: if more people could get effective treatments earlier, the costs related to depression would be reversed. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of socio-economic factors and gender on depressed mood, focusing on Korea. In fact, in spite of the great amount of empirical studies carried out for other countries, few epidemiological studies have examined the socio-economic determinants of depression in Korea and they were either limited to samples of employed women or did not control for individual health status. Moreover, as the likely data endogeneity (i.e. the possibility of correlation between the dependent variable and the error term as a result of autocorrelation or simultaneity, such as, in this case, the depressed mood due to health factors that, in turn might be caused by depression, might bias the results, the present study proposes an empirical approach, based on instrumental variables, to deal with this problem. Methods Data for the year 2008 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES were employed. About seven thousands of people (N= 6,751, of which 43% were males and 57% females, aged from 19 to 75 years old, were included in the sample considered in the analysis. In order to take into account the possible endogeneity of some explanatory variables, two Instrumental Variables Probit (IVP regressions were estimated; the variables for which instrumental equations were estimated were related to the participation of women to the workforce and to good health, as reported by people in the sample. Explanatory variables were related to age, gender, family factors (such as the number of family members and marital status and socio

An Instrumental Variable Probit (IVP) analysis on depressed mood in Korea: the impact of gender differences and other socio-economic factors.

Science.gov (United States)

Gitto, Lara; Noh, Yong-Hwan; Andrés, Antonio Rodríguez

2015-04-16

Depression is a mental health state whose frequency has been increasing in modern societies. It imposes a great burden, because of the strong impact on people's quality of life and happiness. Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care: if more people could get effective treatments earlier, the costs related to depression would be reversed. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of socio-economic factors and gender on depressed mood, focusing on Korea. In fact, in spite of the great amount of empirical studies carried out for other countries, few epidemiological studies have examined the socio-economic determinants of depression in Korea and they were either limited to samples of employed women or did not control for individual health status. Moreover, as the likely data endogeneity (i.e. the possibility of correlation between the dependent variable and the error term as a result of autocorrelation or simultaneity, such as, in this case, the depressed mood due to health factors that, in turn might be caused by depression), might bias the results, the present study proposes an empirical approach, based on instrumental variables, to deal with this problem. Data for the year 2008 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were employed. About seven thousands of people (N= 6,751, of which 43% were males and 57% females), aged from 19 to 75 years old, were included in the sample considered in the analysis. In order to take into account the possible endogeneity of some explanatory variables, two Instrumental Variables Probit (IVP) regressions were estimated; the variables for which instrumental equations were estimated were related to the participation of women to the workforce and to good health, as reported by people in the sample. Explanatory variables were related to age, gender, family factors (such as the number of family members and marital status) and socio-economic factors (such as education

Kontrastmittelverstärkte Magnet-Resonanz-Urographie unter forcierter Diurese - Stellenwert in der Differentialdiagnostik bei Obstruktionen des oberen Harntraktes

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Jung P

2001-01-01

Full Text Available Die Magnet-Resonanz-Urographie (MRU ist ein relativ neues Verfahren in der Diagnostik des oberen Harntraktes. Das Ziel dieser Studie war der Vergleich der Aussagefähigkeit der MRU unter Gabe von Gadolinium und Furosemid und dem konventionellen Urogramm (IVU in der Diagnostik der Ursache von Obstruktionen im Bereich des Harnleiters. 82 Patienten mit im IVU nachgewiesener Obstruktion des oberen Harntraktes oder urographisch stummer Niere bei sonographisch nachgewiesener Dilatation wurden der MRU zugeführt. Die Bilder beider Untersuchungsmethoden wurden von voneinander unabhängigen Untersuchern befundet. Zwei Urologen befundeten die IVU-Bilder, zwei Radiologen die MRU-Bilder, die Radiologen kannten die IVU-Diagnose nicht. Bei unklarer Diagnose wurden weitere Untersuchungen wie Computertomographie, retrograde Pyelographie oder Ureteroskopie durchgeführt. Die Diagnosen waren: Harnleitersteine bei 72 Patienten, Harnleitertumore bei 8 Patienten und extraureterale Tumore bei 2 Patienten. Eine richtige Diagnose bei den Steinpatienten wurde durch IVU bei 49 von 72 Patienten und durch MRU bei 64 von 72 Patienten gestellt. In dieser Patientengruppe wurden durch die MRU zwei falsche Diagnosen gestellt. Fehlende Kontrastmittelausscheidung war der Hauptgrund für Versagen der IVU. 3 der 8 Patienten mit Harnleitertumoren wurden durch die IVU richtig dignostiziert, bei dreien wurde eine falsche Diagnose gestellt. Durch die MRU konnten in dieser Gruppe 7 von 8 Patienten korrekt diagnostiziert werden, es wurde keine falsche Diagnose erhoben. IVU wird zunächst die Standarduntersuchungstechnik zur Darstellung des oberen Harntraktes bleiben, aber durch diese Studie konnte die Möglichkeit gezeigt werden, die in der MRU in Kombination mit Gadolinium und Furosemid liegt. Die größte Bedeutung dieser Untersuchung liegt in der urographisch stummen Niere, bei Untersuchungen in der Schwangerschaft, bei Kindern und bei Patienten mit Kontrastmittelunverträglichkeit.

Detailed evaluation of the upper urinary tract in patients with prune belly syndrome using magnetic resonance urography.

Science.gov (United States)

Garcia-Roig, M L; Grattan-Smith, J D; Arlen, A M; Smith, E A; Kirsch, A J

2016-04-01

Magnetic resonance urography (MRU) has proven to be useful in the setting of complex urologic anatomy. Prune belly syndrome (PBS) patients are known to have malformed and highly variable urinary tract anatomy due to significant dilation and renal dysplasia. To further characterize the renal and ureteral anatomy and renal function in patients with PBS via MRU. Children with PBS undergoing MRU (2006-2011) were identified. Studies were performed to evaluate severe hydronephrosis in all patients. Demographics, previous imaging, and MRU findings were collected. A single radiologist reviewed all studies. MRU was performed on 13 boys, with a median age of 29.3 months (IQR 6-97). Two patients underwent >1 study for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJ obstruction) and calyceal diverticulum with a solitary kidney, respectively. Hydroureteronephrosis (HUN) was identified in 12 boys (92%), while one (8%) did not have ureteral dilation. All patients demonstrated morphologic abnormalities beyond HUN as follows: five (38%) renal dysplasia; five (38%) scarring; four (31%) calyceal diverticula; and three (23%) thickened bladder. The median renal transit time (RTT) was 6 min (IQR 3.5-10.5), and >8 min (range 8.5-35) in six patients; one patient was ultimately diagnosed with obstruction. The mean serum creatinine was 0.5 ± 0.3 mg/dl. This summary figure is a coronal excretory phase T1 MRU image demonstrating absence of well-defined calyces and a 5-cm calyceal diverticulum (white arrow). This study reports significant anatomic and functional findings on MRU that were not readily apparent when using standard imaging for children with PBS. The high-resolution images and functional data obtained with MRU allowed for visualization of calyceal diverticula and abnormal renal pelvic anatomy not previously described in PBS. In addition, renal dysplasia could be identified with MRU, which is badly characterized in the PBS population outside of renal biopsy studies. Potential limitations

Gadolinium-enhanced T{sub 1}-weighted MR urography versus T{sub 2}-weighted (HASTE) MR urography in children; Kontrastangehobene T{sub 1}-gewichtete MR-Urographie versus T{sub 2}-gewichtete (HASTE) MR-Urographie im Kindesalter

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Staatz, G.; Nolte-Ernsting, C.C.A.; Haage, P.; Tacke, J.; Guenther, R.W. [Technische Hochschule Aachen (Germany). Klinik fuer Radiologische Diagnostik; Rohrmann, D. [Technische Hochschule Aachen (Germany). Urologische Klinik; Stollbrink, C. [Technische Hochschule Aachen (Germany). Kinderklinik

2001-11-01

Purpose: To evaluate gadolinium-enhanced T{sub 1}-weighted excretory MR urography (EMRU) versus T{sub 2}-weighted (HASTE) MR urography in children with upper urinary tract abnormalities. Patients and Methods: In a prospective study 63 children, aged from 3 weeks to 15 years, underwent MR urography in a 1.5-T scanner. Before and after an intravenous injection of 0.05 mg/kg body weight of furosemide, respiratory-triggered HASTE images were obtained for T{sub 2}-weighted MR urography. EMRU was performed subsequent to i.v. gadolinium injection with respiratory-gated, coronal 3D-gradient-echo sequences. Results: Compared to T{sub 2}-weighted (HASTE) MR urography, gadolinium-enhanced MR urography revealed a superior diagnostic accuracy in non-dilated collecting systems (horseshoe kidneys, ectopic kidneys, duplex systems, single ectopic ureters, ureteroceles). EMRU and T{sub 2}-weighted (HASTE) MRU turned out to be equivalent in the assessment of obstructed but normal functioning upper urinary tracts (UPJ obstructions, megaureters). Non-functioning dilated collecting systems and multicystic dysplastic kidneys were best visualized with use of T{sub 2}-weighted (HASTE) MR urography. Conclusion: Respiratory-gated gadolinium-enhanced T{sub 1}-weighted MRU allows accurate evaluation of most upper urinary tract abnormalities. T{sub 2}-weighted (HASTE) MRU complements GMRU in the evaluation of non-functioning renal units and cystic disease of the kidneys. (orig.) [German] Ziel: Vergleich der kontrastangehobenen T{sub 1}-gewichteten MR-Urographie mit der T{sub 2}-gewichteten (HASTE) MR-Urographie bei Kindern mit Anomalien des oberen Harntraktes. Methoden: In einer prospektiven Studie wurde bei 63 Kindern (3 Wo. - 15J.) eine MR-Urographie (MRU) in einem 1,5-Tesla-Magneten durchgefuehrt. Die T{sub 2}-gewichtete MRU erfolgte vor und nach intravenoeser Injektion von 0,05 mg/kg KG Furosemid mit atemgetriggerten HASTE-Sequenzen. Fuer die T{sub 1}-gewichtete MRU wurden nach

MR-urography and CT-urography: principles, examination techniques, applications; MR-Urographie und CT-Urographie: Prinzipien, Untersuchungstechniken, Anwendungsmoeglichkeiten

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Nolte-Ernsting, C.; Adam, G. [Universitaetsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (Germany). Klinik fuer Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie; Staatz, G.; Wildberger, J. [RWTH Aachen (Germany). Klinik fuer Radiologische Diagnostik

2003-02-01

MR-urography (MRU) and CT-urography (CTU) provide refined imaging of the upper urinary tract not achievable with conventional intravenous urography (IVU). The traditional MR-urographic technique utilizes unenhanced, heavily T{sub 2}-weighted turbo spin-echo sequences for obtaining static fluid images of the urinary tract independent of the excretory renal function. T{sub 2}-weighted MR-urograms have proved to be excellent in visualizing the dilated urinary tract, even in non-excreting kidneys. In contrast, T{sub 1}-weighted MRU reflects the excretory renal function and displays the urine flow through the upper tract after renal excretion of an intravenously administered gadolinium chelate. The gadolinium-enhanced urine is visualized with fast T{sub 1}-weighted 3D-gradient-echo sequences. The combination of gadolinium and low-dose furosemide (5-10 mg) is the key for achieving a uniform distribution of gadolinium in the collecting system and for avoiding susceptibility artifacts (T{sub 2}*-effects) in the urine. T{sub 1}-weighted excretory MRU provides impressive urograms of both non-dilated and obstructed collecting systems in patients with normal or moderately impaired renal function. Multislice-CT-urography (MS-CTU) is also an excretory urography like T{sub 1}-weighted MRU. Furthermore, MS-CTU can be combined with low-dose furosemide for accelerated passage of excreted contrast material obviating the need for abdominal compression. CT-urography is limited by its radiation burden and the nephrotoxicity of radiographic contrast media. Combining MRU or MS-CTU with conventional MRI or CT offers several applications, e.g., diagnosis of intrinsic and extrinsic tumors. Meanwhile, MRU has replaced IVU in pediatric uroradiology and is also recommended for the assessment of renal transplants. MS-CTU may provide valuable information in chronic urolithiasis, especially if associated with a distorted urinary tract anatomy. Both MRU and MS-CTU will play an important role in

Natures and incidences of each normal variations on I.V.P. series of 1000 Korean females

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shin, Ok Ja; Chin, Soo Yil

1980-01-01

Each organ of body has many normal variation and/or abnormal developments from fetus to adult, especially urogenital system is very complex and markedly abnormal. The authors attempt to analyze the natures, incidences and differences of each normal variations based on I.V.P. series of 1000 Korean females and the review of literatures were carried out. The results are as follows: 1. The normal variations of urinary tracts are about 30 kinds as follows; Aphasia 0/1000 (0%), Hypoplasia 4/1000 (0.4%), Atrophic kidney 0/1000 (0%), Hyperplasia 0/1000 (0%), Hypertrophied kidney 0/1000 (0%), Supernumerary kidney 0/1000 (0%), Pelvic kidney 0/1000 (0%), Wandering kidney 7/1000 (7%), Horseshoe kidney 2/1000 (2%), Nephroptosis 6/1000 (0.6%), Malroated kidney 0/1000 (0%), Crossed ecotopic kidney 0/1000 (0%), Ureteral kingking 440/1000 (44.0%), Short ureter 3/1000 (0.3%), Long ureter 49/1000 (4.9%), Retrocaval ureter 0/1000 (0%), Retroiliac ureter 0/1000 (0%), Mega-ureter 0/1000 (0%), Aberrant vessel in ureter 79/1000 (7.9%), Congenital ureteral valves 0/1000 (0%), Anomalous ureteral orifices 0/1000 (0%), Double ureter 22/1000 (2.2%), Ureteral diverticulum 0/1000 (0%), Extrarenal pelvis 170/1000 (17.0%), Intrarenal pelvis 830/1000 (83.0%), Supernumerary pelvis 55/1000 (55%), Renal backflow 2/1000 0.2%), Multiple calyces 0/1000 (0.1%), Calyceal diverticulum 2/1000 (0.2%), Unilateral fused kidney 0/1000 (0%), Polar enlarged kidney 0/1000 (0%). 2. The order of incidence of common variations in Korean females are as follows: 1. Intrarenal pelvis 2. Ureteral kingking 3. Extrarenal pelvis 4. Aberrant vessel in ureter 5. Double pelvis 6. Long ureter 7. Double ureter 8. Wandering Kidney 9. Nephrotosis 10. Hypoplasia 11. Short ureter 12. Horseshoe kidney 13. Renal backflow 14. Calyceal diverticulum 15. Supernumerary calyces. 3. The most common variations in Korean females are intrarenal pelvis, extrarenal pelvis, aberrant vessel in ureters and most of them are acquired origin. Contrary

Magnetic resonance urography: application in urinary tract obstruction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martin, J.; Malet, A.; Rue, M.; Villajos, M.; Martin, C.; Garcia, D.; Prats, J.

1999-01-01

To compare magnetic resonance urography (MRU) and conventional intravenous urography (IVU) in the assessment of the upper urinary tract in patients with obstructive uropathy. Twenty-three patients suspected of having urinary tract obstruction were examined by IVU and MRU, MRU imaging was performed with a 1.0 Tesla multicoil unit. The images were obtained with two MR sequences: a) half-Fourier single shot turbo spin echo (HASTE), and b) highly T2-weighted turbo spin echo (TSE) based on fast acquisition with the relaxation and enhancement (RARE) method. The images were examined independently by four radiologists. Two radiologists reviewed the IVU images by consensus and two reviewed the MRU images by consensus. The incidencences of dilatation and of stricture were calculated and the McNemar test was used to compare the two techniques. The mean duration of MRU was 11 minutes (range: 7 to 25 minutes), while the mean duration of IVU was 363 minutes (range: 45 to 2,160 minutes). IVU took more than 150 minutes to complete in over 50% of the patients. Twenty.one patients presented dilatation of the pyelocaliceal system. MRU disclosed the urinary tract dilatation in all 21 cases, while IVU detected it in 15 (65%: p=0.03). The causes of obstruction were neoplasm (n=9), calculi (n=6) and extrinsic stricture (n=6). MRU is much more reliable and rapid in the detection of dilatation and the site of obstruction in patients with obstructive uropathy, and could be used as an alternative to IVU in certain cases. (Author) 13 refs

Crystal structure and phase transition studies in perovskite-type oxides using powder-diffraction techniques and symmetry-mode analysis : SrLnMRuO6 (Ln=La,Pr,Nd; M=Zn,Co,Mg,Ni,Fe) and ALn2CuTi2O9 (A=Ca,Ba; Ln=La,Pr,Nd,Sm)

OpenAIRE

Iturbe Zabalo, Edurne

2013-01-01

La tesis se ha centrado en la síntesis y caracterización estructural de materiales tipo perovskita: SrLnMRuO6 (Ln=La,Pr,Nd; M=Zn,Co,Mg,Ni,Fe) y ALn2CuTi2O9 (A=Ca,Ba; Ln=La,Pr,Nd,Sm). El estudio de las estructuras de los materiales se ha realizado mediante el análisis de los patrones de difracción en polvo de rayos-X, sincrotrón y/o neutrones. En el refinamiento por el método de Rietveld de las estructuras se han sustituido las coordenadas atómicas (el método más común), por coordenadas colect...

Pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction: can magnetic resonance urography identify crossing vessels?

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Parikh, Kushal R.; Kraft, Kate H.; Ivancic, Vesna; Smith, Ethan A.; Dillman, Jonathan R. [Section of Pediatric Radiology, Mott Children' s Hospital, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI (United States); Hammer, Matthew R. [University of Texas Southwestern, Department of Radiology, Dallas, TX (United States)

2015-11-15

MR Urography (MRU) is an increasingly used imaging modality for the evaluation of pediatric genitourinary obstruction. To determine whether pediatric MR urography (MRU) reliably detects crossing vessels in the setting of suspected ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction. The clinical significance of these vessels was also evaluated. We identified pediatric patients diagnosed with UPJ obstruction by MRU between May 2009 and June 2014. MRU studies were evaluated by two pediatric radiologists for the presence or absence of crossing vessels. Ancillary imaging findings such as laterality, parenchymal thinning/scarring, trapped fluid in the proximal ureter, and presence of renal parenchymal edema were also evaluated. Imaging findings were compared to surgical findings. We used the Mann-Whitney U test to compare continuous data and the Fisher exact test to compare proportions. Twenty-four of 25 (96%) UPJ obstructions identified by MRU were surgically confirmed. MRU identified crossing vessels in 10 of these cases, with 9 cases confirmed intraoperatively (κ = 0.92 [95% CI: 0.75, 1.0]). Crossing vessels were determined to be the primary cause of UPJ obstruction in 7/9 children intraoperatively, while in two children the vessels were deemed incidental and noncontributory to the urinary tract obstruction. There was no significant difference in age or the proportions of ancillary findings when comparing children without and with obstructing vessels. MRU allows detection of crossing vessels in pediatric UPJ obstruction. Although these vessels are the primary cause of obstruction in some children, they are incidental and non-contributory in others. Our study failed to convincingly identify any significant predictors (e.g., age or presence of renal parenchymal edema) that indicate when a crossing vessel is the primary cause of obstruction. (orig.)

Diagnostic assessment of painless microhematuria: prospective study comparing image quality, assessibility and diagnostic certainty of multidetector-row CT and intravenous pyelography within a single examination

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boehm, T.; John, H.; Ruedi, C.; Marincek, B.; Wildermuth, S.; Michael, M.

2005-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to prospectively compare intravenous pyelography (IVP) and combined unenhanced and excretory phase multidetector-row CT (MDCT) with respect to image quality, diagnostic certainty and diagnostic concordance with the final clinical diagnosis in patients with painless microhematuria. Materials and Methods: Unenhanced MDCT, IVP and excretory phase MDCT were performed in 59 consecutive patients (21 women, 38 men, mean age 56±19 years, range 23-83 years) with painless microhematuria of unknown origin during a single examination with a single contrast media application (100 ml, non-ionic iodinate contrast media). Images were assessed by two experienced urogenital radiologists in consensus for image quality, diagnostic certainty of stone detection, obstruction, parenchymal lesions and morphological distinctive features. Imaging diagnoses of MDCT and IVP were compared with the final clinical diagnoses. In case of failure to detect an relevant pathology, the final clinical diagnosis was established after a mean follow-up period of 18±6 months (10 months to 2 years). Costs and radiation exposure of IVP and MDCT were compared. Results: MDCT scan performed better than IVP in terms of image quality for all regarded variables. Image quality of MDCT was rated in all parameters as very good or good; the image quality of IVP differed in a wide range. MDCT and IVP reached a sensitivity of 100% and 50% for stone detection (n=14, p=0.008), respectively. Two bladder stones were not detected by IVU but correctly seen with MDCT. MDCT and IVP were unsatisfactory for detecting transitional cell carcinomas (n=4, 2 of 4 detected with MDCT, 0 of 4 detected with IVU). One false positive transitional cell carcinoma was detected with IVP, none with MDCT. Additional relevant pathological changes (one teratoma, one abdominal aortic aneurysma and one abscess) were detected using MDCT but missed with IVP. In 38 of 59 patients (64%) imaging and clinical follow

A cross-sectional study of bacterial vaginosis, intravaginal practices and HIV genital shedding; implications for HIV transmission and women's health.

Science.gov (United States)

Alcaide, Maria L; Chisembele, Maureen; Malupande, Emeria; Arheart, Kristopher; Fischl, Margaret; Jones, Deborah L

2015-11-09

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with an increased risk of HIV transmission, and intravaginal practices (IVP) are an important risk factor for developing BV. The relationship between IVP, BV and HIV lower genital shedding, responsible for HIV transmission, has not been examined in women receiving antiretrovirals in Zambia. Cross-sectional study. Community Health Center in Lusaka, Zambia. Participants were HIV-infected women receiving antiretroviral therapy and engaging in IVP (n=128). Participants completed audio computer-administered self-interviews to assess IVP and underwent a vaginal examination. BV was diagnosed using Nugent criteria. HIV-1 lower genital shedding was assessed by measuring HIV-1 RNA in cervicovaginal lavages. Most women engaged in IVP daily (114, 89.0%) and 81 (63.3%) of the participants had BV. HIV-1 genital shedding was detected in 18 (14.2%) participants. BV was associated with daily use of IVP (prevalence ratio, PR=4.58, CI 1.26 to 16.64, p=0.02) and weekly use of traditional medicines for IVP (PR=1.33, CI 1.05 to 1.68, p=0.02). The only factor associated with HIV-1 lower genital shedding was plasma viraemia (PR=4.61, CI 2.02 to 10.54, pHIV shedding. Despite the frequency of IVP and high prevalence of BV, plasma viraemia was the primary factor associated with HIV lower genital shedding. These findings support early initiation of antiretrovirals as an HIV prevention tool. Given adverse health outcomes associated with BV, the association between frequent IVP and BV, and the powerful local norms and traditions encouraging IVP, there is a need for studies assessing culturally tailored interventions to decrease BV in high-prevalence settings. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Optimized mobile retroreflectivity unit data processing algorithms : [project summary].

Science.gov (United States)

2017-06-01

Researchers examined both hardware and : software components of the MRU to determine : where improvements could be made. The MRUs laser makes one-meter sweeps, which : detect retroreflective striping and measure its reflectivity. The MRU also dete...

Microorganisms in cryopreserved semen and culture media used in the in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS).

Science.gov (United States)

Zampieri, Dávila; Santos, Vanessa G; Braga, Patrícia A C; Ferreira, Christina R; Ballottin, Daniela; Tasic, Ljubica; Basso, Andréa C; Sanches, Bruno V; Pontes, José H F; da Silva, Bárbara Pereira; Garboggini, Fabiana Fantinatti; Eberlin, Marcos N; Tata, Alessandra

2013-09-01

Commercial cattle breeders produce their own herd offspring for the dairy and beef market using artificial insemination. The procedure involves sanitary risks associated with the collection and commercialization of the germplasm, and the in vitro production and transfer of the bovine embryos must be monitored by strict health surveillance. To avoid the spreading of infectious diseases, one must rely on using controlled and monitored germplasm, media, and reagents that are guaranteed free of pathogens. In this article, we investigated the use of a new mass spectrometric approach for fast and accurate identification of bacteria and fungi in bovine semen and in culture media employed in the embryo in vitro production process. The microorganisms isolated from samples obtained in a commercial bovine embryo IVP setting were identified in a few minutes by their conserved peptide/protein profile, obtained applying matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), matched against a commercial database. The successful microorganisms MS identification has been confirmed by DNA amplification and sequencing. Therefore, the MS technique seems to offer a powerful tool for rapid and accurate microorganism identification in semen and culture media samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MR-urography and CT-urography: principles, examination techniques, applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nolte-Ernsting, C.; Adam, G.; Staatz, G.; Wildberger, J.

2003-01-01

MR-urography (MRU) and CT-urography (CTU) provide refined imaging of the upper urinary tract not achievable with conventional intravenous urography (IVU). The traditional MR-urographic technique utilizes unenhanced, heavily T 2 -weighted turbo spin-echo sequences for obtaining static fluid images of the urinary tract independent of the excretory renal function. T 2 -weighted MR-urograms have proved to be excellent in visualizing the dilated urinary tract, even in non-excreting kidneys. In contrast, T 1 -weighted MRU reflects the excretory renal function and displays the urine flow through the upper tract after renal excretion of an intravenously administered gadolinium chelate. The gadolinium-enhanced urine is visualized with fast T 1 -weighted 3D-gradient-echo sequences. The combination of gadolinium and low-dose furosemide (5-10 mg) is the key for achieving a uniform distribution of gadolinium in the collecting system and for avoiding susceptibility artifacts (T 2 *-effects) in the urine. T 1 -weighted excretory MRU provides impressive urograms of both non-dilated and obstructed collecting systems in patients with normal or moderately impaired renal function. Multislice-CT-urography (MS-CTU) is also an excretory urography like T 1 -weighted MRU. Furthermore, MS-CTU can be combined with low-dose furosemide for accelerated passage of excreted contrast material obviating the need for abdominal compression. CT-urography is limited by its radiation burden and the nephrotoxicity of radiographic contrast media. Combining MRU or MS-CTU with conventional MRI or CT offers several applications, e.g., diagnosis of intrinsic and extrinsic tumors. Meanwhile, MRU has replaced IVU in pediatric uroradiology and is also recommended for the assessment of renal transplants. MS-CTU may provide valuable information in chronic urolithiasis, especially if associated with a distorted urinary tract anatomy. Both MRU and MS-CTU will play an important role in modern uroradiology. (orig

Comparison of postinfusion phlebitis in intravenous push versus intravenous piggyback cefazolin.

Science.gov (United States)

Biggar, Constance; Nichols, Cynthia

2012-01-01

Reducing health care costs without adversely affecting patient safety is a constant challenge for health care institutions. Cefazolin prophylaxis via intravenous push (IVP) is more cost-effective than via intravenous piggyback (IVPB). The purpose of this study was to determine whether patient safety would be compromised (ie, an increased rate of phlebitis) with a change to the IVP method. Rates of phlebitis in orthopedic surgical patients receiving cefazolin prophylaxis via IVP versus IVPB were evaluated in a prospective quasi-experimental design of 240 patients. The first 120 subjects received cefazolin via IVPB, and the second 120 subjects received it via IVP. Results indicated no statistically significant difference in phlebitis rates in the IVPB (3.4%) versus the IVP groups (3.3%).

Contribution of abdoscan using MR cholangio-pancreatography and MR urography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lecesne, R.; Drouillard, J.; Cisse, R.; Schiratti, M.

1998-01-01

MR cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) and MR Urography (MRU) are promising recent imaging modalities. Oral magnetic particles (Abdoscan, Nycomed SA, Oslo, Norway) is an negative contrast agent eliminating signal intensity of the gastro-intestinal tract thus improvising image quality at MRCP and MRU. (author)

Combined static-dynamic MR urography for the simultaneous evaluation of morphology and function in urinary tract obstruction. I. Evaluation of the normal status in an animal model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rohrschneider, W.K.; Hoffend, J.; Becker, K.; Clorius, J.H.; Darge, K.; Kooijman, H.; Troeger, J.

2000-01-01

Objective. A new approach, combined static-dynamic MR urography is evaluated to determine its potential utility for the functional-morphological diagnosis of paediatric urinary tract obstruction. In this initial investigation we sought to evaluate the procedure by imaging the urinary tract of piglets. Materials and methods. Twenty-nine healthy piglets were studied with MR urography (MRU), 99 m Tc-MAG3 diuretic renal scintigraphy (DRS), ultrasound (US) and excretory urography (EU). The functional and morphological findings were compared. For MRU we combined a respiration-triggered 3D-IR-TSE sequence and a dynamic 2D-FFE sequence after Gd-DTPA injection. Results. MRU depicted the complete urinary tract with superior image quality compared to EU. Calculation of time-intensity curves from the dynamic sequence permitted determination of single kidney function from parenchymal ROIs and urinary excretion using the whole kidney ROI. MRU and DRS showed significant agreement in the assessment of both single kidney function and urinary excretion. Disturbances of urinary drainage were generally caused by an overfilled bladder. Conclusions. Combined static-dynamic MRU is well suited for the depiction of the complete urinary tract and for the determination of individual kidney function and urinary excretion in the piglet. (orig.)

Role of magnetic resonance urography in pediatric renal fusion anomalies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chan, Sherwin S.; Ntoulia, Aikaterini; Khrichenko, Dmitry; Back, Susan J.; Darge, Kassa; Tasian, Gregory E.; Dillman, Jonathan R.

2017-01-01

Renal fusion is on a spectrum of congenital abnormalities that occur due to disruption of the migration process of the embryonic kidneys from the pelvis to the retroperitoneal renal fossae. Clinically, renal fusion anomalies are often found incidentally and associated with increased risk for complications, such as urinary tract obstruction, infection and urolithiasis. These anomalies are most commonly imaged using ultrasound for anatomical definition and less frequently using renal scintigraphy to quantify differential renal function and assess urinary tract drainage. Functional magnetic resonance urography (fMRU) is an advanced imaging technique that combines the excellent soft-tissue contrast of conventional magnetic resonance (MR) images with the quantitative assessment based on contrast medium uptake and excretion kinetics to provide information on renal function and drainage. fMRU has been shown to be clinically useful in evaluating a number of urological conditions. A highly sensitive and radiation-free imaging modality, fMRU can provide detailed morphological and functional information that can facilitate conservative and/or surgical management of children with renal fusion anomalies. This paper reviews the embryological basis of the different types of renal fusion anomalies, their imaging appearances at fMRU, complications associated with fusion anomalies, and the important role of fMRU in diagnosing and managing children with these anomalies. (orig.)

Role of magnetic resonance urography in pediatric renal fusion anomalies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chan, Sherwin S. [Children' s Mercy Hospital, Department of Radiology, Kansas City, MO (United States); Ntoulia, Aikaterini; Khrichenko, Dmitry [The Children' s Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Body Imaging, Department of Radiology, Philadelphia, PA (United States); Back, Susan J.; Darge, Kassa [The Children' s Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Body Imaging, Department of Radiology, Philadelphia, PA (United States); University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (United States); Tasian, Gregory E. [University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (United States); The Children' s Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA (United States); Dillman, Jonathan R. [Cincinnati Children' s Hospital Medical Center, Division of Thoracoabdominal Imaging, Department of Radiology, Cincinnati, OH (United States)

2017-12-15

Renal fusion is on a spectrum of congenital abnormalities that occur due to disruption of the migration process of the embryonic kidneys from the pelvis to the retroperitoneal renal fossae. Clinically, renal fusion anomalies are often found incidentally and associated with increased risk for complications, such as urinary tract obstruction, infection and urolithiasis. These anomalies are most commonly imaged using ultrasound for anatomical definition and less frequently using renal scintigraphy to quantify differential renal function and assess urinary tract drainage. Functional magnetic resonance urography (fMRU) is an advanced imaging technique that combines the excellent soft-tissue contrast of conventional magnetic resonance (MR) images with the quantitative assessment based on contrast medium uptake and excretion kinetics to provide information on renal function and drainage. fMRU has been shown to be clinically useful in evaluating a number of urological conditions. A highly sensitive and radiation-free imaging modality, fMRU can provide detailed morphological and functional information that can facilitate conservative and/or surgical management of children with renal fusion anomalies. This paper reviews the embryological basis of the different types of renal fusion anomalies, their imaging appearances at fMRU, complications associated with fusion anomalies, and the important role of fMRU in diagnosing and managing children with these anomalies. (orig.)

Impact of magnetic resonance urography and ultrasonography on ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Background: (1) To evaluate the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance urography (MRU) in comparison with ultrasonography (US) to determine the extent of upper urinary tract dilation and (2) to evaluate the impact of MRU on therapy management. Materials and Methods: From January 2005 to December 2010, ...

Identification of potential biomarkers in donor cows for in vitro embryo production by granulosa cell transcriptomics

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mazzoni, Gianluca; Salleh, Suraya M; Freude, Kristine

2017-01-01

The Ovum Pick Up-In vitro Production (OPU-IVP) of embryos is an advanced reproductive technology used in cattle production but the complex biological mechanisms behind IVP outcomes are not fully understood. In this study we sequenced RNA of granulosa cells collected from Holstein cows at oocyte......) involved in these mechanisms. We found a range of evidence that good IVP outcome is positively correlated with early follicular atresia. Furthermore we showed that high genetic index bulls can be used in breeding without reducing the IVP performances. These findings can contribute to the development......, TNFAIP6 and TXNDC11 were negatively associated while Mx1 and STC1 were positively associated with all IVP scores. Functional analysis highlighted a wide range of biological mechanisms including apoptosis, cell development and proliferation and four key upstream regulators (COX2, IL1, PRL, TRIM24...

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

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... the kidney, ureters or urinary bladder scarring from urinary tract infection surgery on the urinary tract congenital anomalies of ... Gallery Radiography procedure View full size with caption Pediatric Content Some imaging tests and treatments have special ...

Automated Support for Rapid Coordination of Joint UUV Operation

Science.gov (United States)

2015-03-01

Figure 20. MOOS -IvP Simulation Test Run Using the pMarineViewer Graphical User Interface, from [9...Global Positioning System ISR intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance MAUV multiple AUVs Mbps megabits per second MOOS -IvP mission oriented...it to UUV coordination. D. Jiang et al. used the mission-oriented operating suite interval programming ( MOOS -IvP) architecture (open source) and a

MR urography: Anatomical and quantitative information on ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Background and Aim: Magnetic resonance urography (MRU) is considered to be the next step in uroradiology. This technique combines superb anatomical images and functional information in a single test. In this article, we aim to present the topic of MRU in children and how it has been implemented in Northern Greece so ...

Economic and genetic performance of various combinations of in vitro-produced embryo transfers and artificial insemination in a dairy herd.

Science.gov (United States)

Kaniyamattam, Karun; Block, Jeremy; Hansen, Peter J; De Vries, Albert

2018-02-01

The objective of this study was to find the optimal proportions of pregnancies from an in vitro-produced embryo transfer (IVP-ET) system and artificial insemination (AI) so that profitability is maximized over a range of prices for embryos and surplus dairy heifer calves. An existing stochastic, dynamic dairy model with genetic merits of 12 traits was adapted for scenarios where 0 to 100% of the eligible females in the herd were impregnated, in increments of 10%, using IVP-ET (ET0 to ET100, 11 scenarios). Oocytes were collected from the top donors selected for the trait lifetime net merit (NM$) and fertilized with sexed semen to produce IVP embryos. Due to their greater conception rates, first ranked were eligible heifer recipients based on lowest number of unsuccessful inseminations or embryo transfers, and then on age. Next, eligible cow recipients were ranked based on the greatest average estimated breeding values (EBV) of the traits cow conception rate and daughter pregnancy rate. Animals that were not recipients of IVP embryos received conventional semen through AI, except that the top 50% of heifers ranked for EBV of NM$ were inseminated with sexed semen for the first 2 AI. The economically optimal proportions of IVP-ET were determined using sensitivity analysis performed for 24 price sets involving 6 different selling prices of surplus dairy heifer calves at approximately 105 d of age and 4 different prices of IVP embryos. The model was run for 15 yr after the start of the IVP-ET program for each scenario. The mean ± standard error of true breeding values of NM$ of all cows in the herd in yr 15 was greater by $603 ± 2 per cow per year for ET100 when compared with ET0. The optimal proportion of IVP-ET ranged from ET100 (for surplus dairy heifer calves sold for ≥$300 along with an additional premium based on their EBV of NM$ and a ≤$100 embryo price) to as low as ET0 (surplus dairy heifer calves sold at $300 with a $200 embryo price). For the default

Radiation dose measurements in intravenous pyelography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Egeblad, M.; Gottlieb, E.

1975-01-01

Intravenous pyelography (IVP) and micturition cystourethrography (MCU) are the standard procedures in the radiological examination of children with urinary tract infections and in the control of these children. Gonad protection against radiation is not possible in MCU, but concerning the girls partly possible in IVP. It is of major importance to know the radiation dose in these procedures, especially since the examination is often repeated in the same patients. All IVP were done by means of the usual technique including possible gonad protection. The thermoluminescence dosimeter was placed rectally in the girls and fixed on the scrota in the boys. A total of 50 children was studied. Gonad dose ranged from 140 to 200mR in the girls and from 20 to 70mR in the boys (mean values). The radiation dose in IVP is very low compared to that of MCU, and from this point of view IVP is a dose saving examination in the control of children with urinary tract infections [fr

Role of magnetic resonance urography in diagnosis of duplex renal system: Our initial experience at a tertiary care institute

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Milind P Joshi

2009-01-01

Full Text Available Aim: To determine diagnostic value of magnetic resonance urography in cases of duplex renal system. Method: Twenty cases between five month to nine years with suspected or known duplex renal system were evaluated by ultrasound (USG, micturating cystourethrography (MCU, intravenous urography (IVU and magnetic resonance urography (MRU. The findings of these diagnostic imaging studies were then compared with each other and against the results of final diagnosis established at surgery. Results: Duplex renal system could be identified in two of these cases on USG, was diagnosed in four in IVU and could be diagnosed in all cases with MRU. Conclusion: MRU is superior and far accurate than IVU, MCU and USG in diagnosing duplex renal system.

Understanding motives for intravaginal practices amongst Tanzanian and Ugandan women at high risk of HIV infection: The embodiment of social and cultural norms and well-being☆

Science.gov (United States)

Lees, Shelley; Zalwango, Flavia; Andrew, Bahati; Vandepitte, Judith; Seeley, Janet; Hayes, Richard J.; Francis, Suzanna C.

2014-01-01

Some types of intravaginal practices (IVP) may increase the risk for HIV acquisition. This is particularly worrisome for populations with dual high prevalence of HIV and IVP. Women involved in transactional sex are at increased risk for HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Social, cultural and economic influences are strong drivers of IVP in this population. To explore this, we carried out a qualitative research study to investigate the drivers and motivations for using IVP within a large observational study of women at high risk of HIV in Tanzania and Uganda from September 2008 to September 2009. Of the 201 women selected, 176 women took part in a semi-structured in-depth interview. Additionally, in Tanzania, eight focus group discussions among study participants and community members were carried out to obtain information on community norms and expectations. IVP were motivated by overlapping concerns with hygiene, morality, sexual pleasure, fertility, relationship security, and economic security. These motives were driven by the need to meet cultural and social expectations of womanhood, and at the same time attend to personal well-being. Among women involved in transactional sex in East Africa, interventions aimed at modifying or eliminating IVP should attend to local cultural and social norms as well as the individual as an agent of change. PMID:24565154

Comparison between an exclusive in vitro-produced embryo transfer system and artificial insemination for genetic, technical, and financial herd performance.

Science.gov (United States)

Kaniyamattam, K; Block, J; Hansen, P J; De Vries, A

2017-07-01

The objective of this study was to implement an in vitro-produced embryo transfer (IVP-ET) system in an existing stochastic dynamic dairy simulation model with multitrait genetics to evaluate the genetic, technical, and financial performance of a dairy herd implementing an exclusive IVP-ET or artificial insemination (AI) system. In the AI system, sexed semen was used on the genetically best heifers only. In the IVP-ET system, all of the animals in the herd were impregnated with female sexed embryos created through in vitro fertilization of oocytes collected from animals of superior genetics for different traits of interest. Each donor was assumed to yield on average 4.25 transferable embryos per collection. The remaining animals in the herd were used as recipients and received either a fresh embryo or a frozen embryo when fresh embryos were not available. Selection of donors was random or based on the greatest estimated breeding value (EBV) of lifetime net merit (NM$), milk yield, or daughter pregnancy rate. For both the IVP-ET and AI systems, culling of surplus heifer calves not needed to replace culled cows was based on the lowest EBV for the same traits. A herd of 1,000 milking cows was simulated 15 yr over time after the start of the IVP-ET system. The default cost to produce and transfer 1 embryo was set at $165. Prices of fresh embryos at which an exclusive IVP-ET system financially breaks even with the comparable AI system in yr 15 and for an investment period of 15 yr were also estimated. More surplus heifer calves were sold from the IVP-ET systems than from the comparable AI systems. The surplus calves from the IVP-ET systems were also genetically superior to the surplus calves from the comparable AI systems, which might be reflected in their market value as a premium price. The most profitable scenario among the 4 IVP-ET scenarios in yr 15 was the one in which NM$ was maximized in the herd. This scenario had an additional profit of $8/cow compared with a

MR urography in children. Pt. 1. How we do the F0 technique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vivier, Pierre-Hugues; Dacher, Jean-Nicolas [University Hospital of Rouen, Department of Radiology, Rouen (France); University of Rouen, LITIS Laboratory EA 4108, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rouen (France); Dolores, Michael [University Hospital of Rouen, Department of Radiology, Rouen (France); Taylor, Melissa [Ambroise Pare Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Boulogne Billancourt (France); Elbaz, Frederic; Liard, Agnes [University Hospital of Rouen, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Rouen (France)

2010-05-15

MR urography (MRU) has been widely accepted as a substitute to intravenous urography for investigating children with a dilated urinary tract after preliminary assessment by US and voiding cystourethrography. Hydronephrosis is by far the main indication for MRU because upper tract dilatation is a frequent condition in infants and children. Recent advances in technology have allowed MR to go beyond morphology and to assess renal function parameters such as split renal function and drainage. In this article we report our routine practice of the F0 MRU technique. The main advantages of our protocol are no requirement for general anaesthesia, no bladder catheterization, use of low-dose gadolinium-based contrast agent (0.05-0.1 mmol/kg) and total acquisition time of 30 min or less. (orig.)

Understanding motives for intravaginal practices amongst Tanzanian and Ugandan women at high risk of HIV infection: the embodiment of social and cultural norms and well-being.

Science.gov (United States)

Lees, Shelley; Zalwango, Flavia; Andrew, Bahati; Vandepitte, Judith; Seeley, Janet; Hayes, Richard J; Francis, Suzanna C

2014-02-01

Some types of intravaginal practices (IVP) may increase the risk for HIV acquisition. This is particularly worrisome for populations with dual high prevalence of HIV and IVP. Women involved in transactional sex are at increased risk for HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Social, cultural and economic influences are strong drivers of IVP in this population. To explore this, we carried out a qualitative research study to investigate the drivers and motivations for using IVP within a large observational study of women at high risk of HIV in Tanzania and Uganda from September 2008 to September 2009. Of the 201 women selected, 176 women took part in a semi-structured in-depth interview. Additionally, in Tanzania, eight focus group discussions among study participants and community members were carried out to obtain information on community norms and expectations. IVP were motivated by overlapping concerns with hygiene, morality, sexual pleasure, fertility, relationship security, and economic security. These motives were driven by the need to meet cultural and social expectations of womanhood, and at the same time attend to personal well-being. Among women involved in transactional sex in East Africa, interventions aimed at modifying or eliminating IVP should attend to local cultural and social norms as well as the individual as an agent of change. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Nuclear Fuel Depletion Analysis Using Matlab Software

Science.gov (United States)

Faghihi, F.; Nematollahi, M. R.

Coupled first order IVPs are frequently used in many parts of engineering and sciences. In this article, we presented a code including three computer programs which are joint with the Matlab software to solve and plot the solutions of the first order coupled stiff or non-stiff IVPs. Some engineering and scientific problems related to IVPs are given and fuel depletion (production of the 239Pu isotope) in a Pressurized Water Nuclear Reactor (PWR) are computed by the present code.

Vaginal practices among women at high risk of HIV infection in Uganda and Tanzania: recorded behaviour from a daily pictorial diary.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Suzanna C Francis

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: Intravaginal practices (IVP are highly prevalent in sub-Saharan African and have been implicated as risk factors for HIV acquisition. However, types of IVP vary between populations, and detailed information on IVP among women at risk for HIV in different populations is needed. We investigated IVP among women who practice transactional sex in two populations: semi-urban, facility workers in Tanzania who engage in opportunistic sex work; and urban, self-identified sex workers and bar workers in Uganda. The aim of the study was to describe and compare IVP using a daily pictorial diary. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Two hundred women were recruited from a HIV prevention intervention feasibility study in Kampala, Uganda and in North-West Tanzania. Women were given diaries to record IVP daily for six weeks. Baseline data showed that Ugandan participants had more lifetime partners and transactional sex than Tanzanian participants. Results from the diary showed that 96% of Tanzanian participants and 100% of Ugandan participants reported intravaginal cleansing during the six week study period. The most common types of cleansing were with water only or water and soap. In both countries, intravaginal insertion (e.g. with herbs was less common than cleansing, but insertion was practiced by more participants in Uganda (46% than in Tanzania (10%. In Uganda, participants also reported more frequent sex, and more insertion related to sex. In both populations, cleansing was more often reported on days with reported sex and during menstruation, and in Uganda, when participants experienced vaginal discomfort. Participants were more likely to cleanse after sex if they reported no condom use. CONCLUSIONS: While intravaginal cleansing was commonly practiced in both cohorts, there was higher frequency of cleansing and insertion in Uganda. Differences in IVP were likely to reflect differences in sexual behaviour between populations, and may warrant

The Analysis of Physical Power and Development Indexes of the Students from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and Mykolas Romeris University for the Period 2011–2013

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Robertas Veršinskas

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Recently, physical activity and physical education has become an integral part of the human and the most important tool for increasing health condition that can liberate from passivity, floppiness and the overload of mental work. The conducted research is focused on determining indexes for physical activity and development of VGTU and MRU students and on evaluating variations in the applied indicators. The surveyed participants represent the faculties of Environmental Engineering, Mechanics, Electronics, Fundamental Sciences, Transport Engineering of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU and the faculties of Law, Social Technologies, Policy and Management, Finances and Economic Management of Mykolas Romeris University (MRU. For evaluating the physical condition of the students, Eurofit tests were used: standing long jump for examining the explosive power of legs, hanging with bent arms for testing the endurance of arm power, the crunch for measuring the strength and stamina of abdominal muscles, the flamingo exercise for checking balance, teping for checking the speed of upper limb motion, pressing a hand for measuring static power, etc. The carried out first testing has disclosed that MRU students are the tallest and make (184.6 (4.2 cm, whereas weight indexes of the surveyed VGTU and MRU students are almost the same. The majority of the participants from VGTU (80.9% and MRU (88.24% had normal body weight, and only 14.1% and 11.76% respectively had overweight. During the period between testing, VGTU students statistically (p < 0.001 improved the speed of upper limb motion, the relative force of the hand, the endurance of arms and shoulders. MRU students increased indexes of the stamina of the dynamic strength of abdominal muscles, endurance, agility and the strength of the left and right hand as well as flexibility characteristics. The examined participants showed higher results of the flamingo exercise, crunch and hanging (p < 0

Assessing Injury and Violence Prevention in North Carolina's Local Health Departments.

Science.gov (United States)

Mouw, Mary S; Counts, Jennifer; Fordham, Corinne; Francis, Molly Merrill; Bach, Laura E; Maman, Suzanne; Proescholdbell, Scott K

2016-01-01

Injury and violence-related morbidity and mortality present a major public health problem in North Carolina. However, the extent to which local health departments (LHDs) engage in injury and violence prevention (IVP) has not been well described. One objective of the current study is to provide a baseline assessment of IVP in the state's LHDs, describing capacity, priorities, challenges, and the degree to which programs are data-driven and evidence-based. The study will also describe a replicable, cost-effective method for systematic assessment of regional IVP. This is an observational, cross-sectional study that was conducted through a survey of North Carolina's 85 LHDs. Representatives from 77 LHDs (91%) responded. Nearly one-third (n = 23; 30%) reported that no staff members were familiar with evidence-based interventions in IVP, and over one-third (n = 29; 38%) reported that their LHD did not train staff in IVP. Almost one-half (n = 37; 48%) had no dedicated funding for IVP. On average, respondents said that about half of their programs were evidence-based; however, there was marked variation (mean, 52%; standard deviation = 41). Many collaborated with diverse partners including law enforcement, hospitals, and community-based organizations. There was discordance between injury and violence burden and programming. Overall, 53% of issues listed as top local problems were not targeted in their LHDs' programs. Despite funding constraints, North Carolina's LHDs engaged in a broad range of IVP activities. However, programming did not uniformly address state injury and violence priorities, nor local injury and violence burden. Staff members need training in evidence-based strategies that target priority areas. Multisector partnerships were common and increased LHDs' capacity. These findings are actionable at the state and local level. ©2016 by the North Carolina Institute of Medicine and The Duke Endowment. All rights reserved.

In vitro production of bovine embryos

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Stroebech, L.; Mazzoni, Gianluca; Pedersen, Hanne Skovsgaard

2015-01-01

be improved, and aspects related to the oocyte donor, oocyte maturation and the recipients are addressed in the following. Also, some of the future aspects of genomic selection and systems biology are addressed with particular focus on the Brazilian-Danish collaboration in the so-called GIFT-project.......In vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos has become a widespread technology implemented in cattle breeding and production. The implementation of genomic selection and systems biology adds great dimensions to the impact of bovine IVP. The physical procedures included in the IVP process can still...

Magnetic resonance urography in duplex kidney with ectopic ureteral insertion

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Conjeevaram Rajendrarao Thambidorai

2011-01-01

Full Text Available This is a report on the use of magnetic resonance urography (MRU in a 6-year-old girl who presented with urinary incontinence. She had a left duplex kidney with poorly functioning upper moiety and ectopic insertion of the dilated upper pole ureter. MRU has been shown to be superior to conventional imaging techniques in delineating poorly functioning moieties of duplex kidneys and ectopic ureters.

Feasibility of MR urography in neonates and infants with anomalies of the upper urinary tract

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Riccabona, M.; Ruppert-Kohlmayr, A.; Fotter, R.; Simbrunner, J.; Ebner, F.; Ring, E.

2002-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic potential of dynamic MR urography (MRU) in neonates and infants with sonographically detected abnormalities of the upper urinary tract. Thirty infants (age range 5 days to 3 years, mean age 7.9 months; male:female: 22:8) underwent MRU using T2 and contrast-enhanced dynamic T1-weighted sequences. The results were compared with the findings of ultrasound (n=30), intravenous urography (IVU, n=19) and/or scintigraphy (n=25) based on the criteria suggestive of obstructive uropathy. Oral sedation was sufficient to perform MRU with diagnostic quality in 20 of 21 patients younger than 1 year; 9 older patients needed intravenous sedation. Diagnosis of the 66 renal units (58 kidneys, 29 successful examinations) included normal systems (contralateral units), duplex systems, vesico-ureteral reflux, obstructive megaureter, ureteropelvic junction obstruction and accompanying renal parenchymal disease, with complex pathology in 10 patients. Magnetic resonance urography demonstrated anatomy better than IVU, particularly the renal parenchyma, (ectopic) ureters, and poorly functioning dilated systems. Magnetic resonance urography was superior to US in showing ureteral pathology. Tiny cysts in dysplastic kidneys were better seen by US. Gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MRU allowed accurate assessment of obstruction applying IVU criteria. Here MRU matched IVU results, and most of the scintigraphic findings. Magnetic resonance urography can be performed in young infants with diagnostic quality using oral sedation. Magnetic resonance urography correctly depicts anatomy and allows assessment of the urinary tract better than US and IVU, with additional functional information. Magnetic resonance urography thus has the potential to replace IVU for many indications. (orig.)

Magnetic resonance urography in children – when and why?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vegar-Zubovic, Sandra; Kristic, Spomenka; Lincender, Lidija

2011-01-01

The aim of the study was to determine the potential of magnetic resonance urography (MRU) in evaluation of paediatric urinary tract pathologies. Twenty-one paediatric urological patients were evaluated with T1, T2 prior and after and 3D gradient echo sequences after the contrast administration. Results were compared with findings obtained with ultrasound which was performed to all of patients, intravenous urography performed to 14 patients with the diagnosis of hydronephrosis and voiding cystouretrography performed to 6 patients where hydronephrosis was suspected to be caused by vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). MRU not only established the cause of hydronephrosis in all 14 cases (5 ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) stenosis, 1 functional stenosis, 3 residual hydronephrosis, 1 combination of UPJ and vesico-ureteric junction (VUJ) stenosis with hydromegaureter, 2 fetal ureters and 3 insufficient broad ureteral orifices), but gave additional information about existing pathological conditions in all of patients compared to other previously performed examination (1 caliceal lithiasis, 4 UPJ stenosis, 1 VUJ stenosis, 1 neurogenic bladder, 1 hypotonic ureter, 1 urinary infection, 1 duplication of pelvis and ureter, 1 urinary retention and 1 fetal ureter). Other MRU findings were: 3 polycystic kidney disease, 1 caliceal cyst, 2 simple renal cysts, 1 long hypotonic twisted ureters and 1 hypertrophied column of Bertini. Because of the ability to acquire high contrast and spatial resolution images of the whole urinary tract in any orthogonal plane, MRU enables a precise detection and differentiation of pathological urological conditions. We believe that in the future, because of its advantages, MRU will replace traditional methods in the evaluation of urinary tract pathologies

Evaluation of the long-term efficacy and safety of an imidacloprid 10%/flumethrin 4.5% polymer matrix collar (Seresto® in dogs and cats naturally infested with fleas and/or ticks in multicentre clinical field studies in Europe

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Stanneck Dorothee

2012-03-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The objective of these two GCP multicentre European clinical field studies was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of a new imidacloprid/flumethrin collar (Seresto®, Bayer AnimalHealth, Investigational Veterinary Product(IVP in dogs and cats naturally infested with fleas and/or ticks in comparison to a dimpylat collar ("Ungezieferband fuer Hunde/fuer Katzen", Beaphar, Control Product (CP. Methods 232 (IVP and 81 (CP cats and 271(IVP and 129 (CP dogs were treated with either product according to label claims and formed the safety population. Flea and tick counts were conducted in monthly intervals for up to 8 months in the efficacy subpopulation consisting of 118 (IVP + 47 (CP cats and 197 (IVP + 94 (CP dogs. Efficacy was calculated as reduction of infestation rate within the same treatment group and statistically compared between the two treatment groups. Results Preventive efficacy against fleas in cats/dogs varied in the IVP group between 97.4%/94.1% and 100%/100% (overall mean: 98.3%/96.7% throughout the 8 month period and in the CP group between 57.1%/28.2% and 96.1%/67.8% (overall mean: 79.3%/57.9%. Preventive efficacy against ticks in cats/dogs varied in the IVP group between 94.0%/91.2% and 100%/100% (overall mean: 98.4%/94.7% throughout the 8 month period and in the CP group between 90.7%/79.9% and 100%/88.0% (overall mean: 96.9%/85.6%. The IVP group was statistically non-inferior to the CP group, and on various assessment days, statistical superiority was proven for flea and tick count reduction in dogs and cats. Both treatments proved to be safe in dogs and cats with mainly minor local observations at the application site. There was moreover, no incidence of any mechanical problem with the collar in dogs and cats during the entire study period. Conclusions The imidacloprid/flumethrin collar proved to reduce tick counts by at least 90% and flea counts by at least 95% for a period of at least 7-8 months in

Evaluation of the long-term efficacy and safety of an imidacloprid 10%/flumethrin 4.5% polymer matrix collar (Seresto®) in dogs and cats naturally infested with fleas and/or ticks in multicentre clinical field studies in Europe

Science.gov (United States)

2012-01-01

Background The objective of these two GCP multicentre European clinical field studies was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of a new imidacloprid/flumethrin collar (Seresto®, Bayer AnimalHealth, Investigational Veterinary Product(IVP)) in dogs and cats naturally infested with fleas and/or ticks in comparison to a dimpylat collar ("Ungezieferband fuer Hunde/fuer Katzen", Beaphar, Control Product (CP)). Methods 232 (IVP) and 81 (CP) cats and 271(IVP) and 129 (CP) dogs were treated with either product according to label claims and formed the safety population. Flea and tick counts were conducted in monthly intervals for up to 8 months in the efficacy subpopulation consisting of 118 (IVP) + 47 (CP) cats and 197 (IVP) + 94 (CP) dogs. Efficacy was calculated as reduction of infestation rate within the same treatment group and statistically compared between the two treatment groups. Results Preventive efficacy against fleas in cats/dogs varied in the IVP group between 97.4%/94.1% and 100%/100% (overall mean: 98.3%/96.7%) throughout the 8 month period and in the CP group between 57.1%/28.2% and 96.1%/67.8% (overall mean: 79.3%/57.9%). Preventive efficacy against ticks in cats/dogs varied in the IVP group between 94.0%/91.2% and 100%/100% (overall mean: 98.4%/94.7%) throughout the 8 month period and in the CP group between 90.7%/79.9% and 100%/88.0% (overall mean: 96.9%/85.6%). The IVP group was statistically non-inferior to the CP group, and on various assessment days, statistical superiority was proven for flea and tick count reduction in dogs and cats. Both treatments proved to be safe in dogs and cats with mainly minor local observations at the application site. There was moreover, no incidence of any mechanical problem with the collar in dogs and cats during the entire study period. Conclusions The imidacloprid/flumethrin collar proved to reduce tick counts by at least 90% and flea counts by at least 95% for a period of at least 7-8 months in cats and dogs

Maternal age and in vitro culture affect mitochondrial number and function in equine oocytes and embryos

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hendriks, W Karin; Colleoni, Silvia; Galli, Cesare; Paris, Damien B B P; Colenbrander, Ben; Roelen, Bernard A J; Stout, Tom A E

2015-01-01

Advanced maternal age and in vitro embryo production (IVP) predispose to pregnancy loss in horses. We investigated whether mare age and IVP were associated with alterations in mitochondrial (mt) DNA copy number or function that could compromise oocyte and embryo development. Effects of mare age

Macromolecule absorption and cortisol secretion in newborn calves derived from in vitro produced embryos

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jacobsen, H; Sangild, P T; Schmidt, M

2002-01-01

Earlier reports indicate that calves derived from in vitro produced (IVP) embryos are more susceptible to neonatal disease than calves produced after artificial insemination (AI) or natural mating. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether calves born after IVP embryos show...

Post-implantation mortality of in vitro produced embryos is associated with DNA methyltransferase 1 dysfunction in sheep placenta.

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Ptak, Grazyna Ewa; D'Agostino, Antonella; Toschi, Paola; Fidanza, Antonella; Zacchini, Federica; Czernik, Marta; Monaco, Federica; Loi, Pasqualino

2013-02-01

Is DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) dysfunction involved in epigenetic deregulation of placentae from embryos obtained by assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs)? DNMT1 expression in growing placentae of in vitro produced (IVP) embryos is compromised and associated with pregnancy loss. DNMT1 maintains the methylation profile of genes during cell division. The methylation status of genes involved in placenta development is altered in embryos obtained in vitro. Disturbances in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression during placentogenesis could be involved in the frequent developmental arrest and loss of IVP embryos. Forty sheep were naturally mated (Group 1, CTR). IVP blastocysts (2-4 per ewe) were surgically transferred to the remaining 46 recipient sheep 6 days after oestrus (Group 2). Twenty-one recipients from Group 1 and 27 recipients from Group 2 were allowed to deliver in order to compare embryo survival in both groups at term (150 days). From the remaining recipients (n = 38), fetuses and placentae of both groups were recovered by paramedian laparotomy at Days 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 of gestation. Immediately after collection, early placental tissues (chorion-allantois) were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and DNMT1 expression and activity was evaluated. mRNA levels (for DNMT1, HDAC2, PCNA, DMAP1, MEST, IGF2, CDKN1C, H19) and the methylation status of H19 were also analyzed. Furthermore, embryo size and survival rate were measured. Our study shows that DNMT1 expression was reduced in early placentae from sheep IVP embryos. This reduction was associated with growth arrest and subsequent death of the sheep embryos. Conversely, normal levels of DNMT1 and its cofactors were observed in placentae from IVP embryos that survived this developmental bottleneck. Although DNA methylation machinery was severely compromised in IVP placentae only up to Day 24, the low DNMT1 enzymatic activity that persisted after this stage in IVP placentae was not lethal for the

Identification of potential biomarkers in donor cows for in vitro embryo production by granulosa cell transcriptomics

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mazzoni, Gianluca; Salleh, Suraya M; Freude, Kristine

2017-01-01

The Ovum Pick Up-In vitro Production (OPU-IVP) of embryos is an advanced reproductive technology used in cattle production but the complex biological mechanisms behind IVP outcomes are not fully understood. In this study we sequenced RNA of granulosa cells collected from Holstein cows at oocyte...

Gadolinium-enhanced excretory MR urography: comparison with MR urography using HASTE technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jin, Gong Yong; Lee, Jeong Min; Han, Young Min; Cheong, Gyung Ho; Oh, Hee Sul; Kim, Chong Soo; Park, Sung Kwang; Kim, Young Gon

2000-01-01

To compare the feasibility of gadolinium-enhanced excretory MR urography (GEMRU) and conventional MR urography using the half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) sequence in patients with hydronephrosis or non-visualized kidney. Fifteen patients with hydronephrosis or non-visualized kidney, as demonstrated by ultrasonography or intravenous urography, were enrolled in this study. Nine were men and six were women, and their age ranged from 18 to 77 (mean, 60.6) years. For all MR examinations, a 1.5T MR unit was employed. For breath-hold MR urography, the HASTE technique (MRU) was used, and reconstruction involved the use of a maximum intensity-projection (MIP) algorithm. For gadolinium-enhanced excretory MR urography, the fast low angle shot (FLASH) 3-D method was used and images were obtained at 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes, and reconstruction again involved the use of MIP algorithm. In some cases, additional GEMRU was obtained 24 hour after contrast material injection, and an MIP algorithm was used for reconstruction. MRU and GEMRU were independently interpreted by two radiologists who for quantitative analysis compared SNR with CNR, and at each anatomic level qualitatively analyzed morphologic accuracy and diagnostic value of the lesions. In quantitative analysis, SNR and CNR differences between the two sequences at the renal pelvis and the level of the ureter were not significant (p greater than 0.05). In qualitative analysis, GEMRU was superior to MRU for the assessment of evaluated ureter at each level (p less than 0.05), anatomic anomaly and intrinsic tumor. Ureteral stones, however, were more easily diagnosed with MRU. For assessment of the ureter GEMRU is superior to MRU and has the advantage of evaluating renal function. We believe that for evaluation of the urinary tract, especially the distal ureter, GEMRU may be a valuable adjunct to routine MR urography. (author)

Factors affecting the outcome of in vitro bovine embryo production using ovum pick-up-derived cumulus oocyte complexes

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Merton, J.S.

2013-01-01

Optimization of bovine ovum pick up (OPU) followed by in vitro embryo production (IVP) has been driven by the desire of both beef and dairy cattle breeders to enhance genetic improvement. The work presented in this thesis focuses on optimizing the efficiency and efficacy of the OPU-IVP program.

In vitro produced and cloned embryos: Effects on pregnancy, parturition and offspring

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kruip, T.A.M.; Daas, den J.H.G.

1997-01-01

Earlier reports have indicated that the transfers of bovine and ovine embryos produced by in vitro procedures (IVP) or by nuclear transfer (NT) have resulted in the birth of heavy offspring. The present paper presents summary information from 30 data sets obtained worldwide (WW) on IVP and NT in

Comparison of the effect between pegaptanib and ranibizumab on exudative age-related macular degeneration with small lesion size

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Fujihara M

2012-03-01

Full Text Available Yoshihiro Nishimura1,2, Maiko Taguchi1, Takafumi Nagai1, Masashi Fujihara1,2, Shigeru Honda2, Mamoru Uenishi11Department of Ophthalmology, Mitsubishi Kobe Hospital, Kobe, Japan; 2Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, JapanPurpose: To compare the effect of pegaptanib versus ranibizumab on exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD with small lesion size.Methods: This is a retrospective study of 81 eyes from 78 patients with exudative AMD treated and followed up over 12 months. Patients with baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA under 20/400 and with a greatest linear dimension of lesion over 4500 µm were excluded from the study. Twenty-six eyes from 25 patients were treated with three consecutive intravitreal injections of pegaptanib (IVP group and 55 eyes from 54 patients were treated with three consecutive ranibizumab injections (IVR group. Each therapy was repeated as needed. The alteration in BCVA was evaluated in the IVP and IVR groups.Results: No differences were detected in baseline parameters between the IVP and IVR groups. The mean BCVA (logMAR at month 1, 3, 6 and 12 after the initial treatment was improved from baseline in the IVP group (-0.095, -0.17, -0.18 and -0.18, respectively and in the IVR group (-0.077, -0.15, -0.17 and -0.11, respectively, which was statistically significant. There was no difference in the change in mean BCVA between IVP and IVR groups at the same time periods.Conclusions: The visual outcome of IVP was equivalent with IVR in exudative AMD with small lesion size.Keywords: pegaptanib, ranibizumab, age-related macular degeneration, small lesion size

A prospective randomized, double-dummy trial comparing IV push low dose ketamine to short infusion of low dose ketamine for treatment of  pain in the ED.

Science.gov (United States)

Motov, Sergey; Mai, Mo; Pushkar, Illya; Likourezos, Antonios; Drapkin, Jefferson; Yasavolian, Matthew; Brady, Jason; Homel, Peter; Fromm, Christian

2017-08-01

Compare adverse effects and analgesic efficacy of low-dose ketamine for acute pain in the ED administered either by single intravenous push (IVP) or short infusion (SI). Patients 18-65, presenting to ED with acute abdominal, flank, or musculoskeletal pain with initial pain score≥5, were randomized to ketamine 0.3mg/kg by either IVP or SI with placebo double-dummy. Adverse effects were evaluated by Side Effects Rating Scale for Dissociative Anesthetics (SERSDA) and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) at 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120min post-administration; analgesic efficacy was evaluated by Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). 48 patients enrolled in the study. IVP group had higher overall rates of feeling of unreality on SERSDA scale: 92% versus 54% (difference 37.5%; p=0.008; 95% CI 9.3-59.5%). At 5min median severity of feeling of unreality was 3.0 for IVP versus 0.0 for SI (p=0.001). IVP also showed greater rates of sedation on RASS scale at 5min: median RASS -2.0 versus 0.0 (p=0.01). Decrease in mean pain scores from baseline to 15min was similar across groups: 5.2±3.53 (95% CI 3.7-6.7) for IVP; 5.75±3.48 (95% CI 4.3-7.2) for SI. There were no statistically significant differences with respect to changes in vital signs and need for rescue medication. Low-dose ketamine given as a short infusion is associated with significantly lower rates of feeling of unreality and sedation with no difference in analgesic efficacy in comparison to intravenous push. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessing Injury and Violence Prevention in North Carolina’s Local Health Departments

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Mouw, Mary S.; Counts, Jennifer; Fordham, Corinne; Francis, Molly Merrill; Bach, Laura E.; Maman, Suzanne; Proescholdbell, Scott K.

2016-01-01

Context Injury and violence-related morbidity and mortality present a major public health problem in North Carolina. However, the extent to which local health departments (LHDs) engage in injury and violence prevention (IVP) is not well described. Objectives 1) Provide a baseline assessment of IVP in the state’s LHDs, describing capacity, priorities, challenges, and the degree to which programs are data-driven and evidence-based. 2) Describe a replicable, cost-effective method for systematic assessment of regional IVP. Design An observational, cross-sectional study, through a survey of NC’s 85 LHDs. Results Representatives from 77 LHDs (91%) responded. Nearly a third (n=23, 30%) reported no staff were familiar with evidence-based interventions in IVP; over a third (n=29, 38%) reported their LHD did not train staff in IVP. Almost half (n=37, 46%) had no dedicated funding. On average, respondents said about half of their programs were evidence-based; however, there was marked variation (mean 52%, SD = 41). Many collaborated with diverse partners including law enforcement, hospitals, and community-based organizations. There was discordance between injury and violence burden and programming. Overall, 53% of issues listed as top local problems were not targeted in their LHDs’ programs. Conclusions Despite funding constraints, NC’s LHDs are engaged in a broad range of IVP activities. Programming did not uniformly address state injury and violence priorities, however, nor local injury and violence burden. Staff need training in evidence-based strategies targeting priority areas. Multi-sector partnerships were common and increased LHDs’ capacity. These findings are actionable at the state and local-level. PMID:27621337

The Structure of Policy Networks for Injury and Violence Prevention in 15 US Cities.

Science.gov (United States)

Harris, Jenine K; Jonson-Reid, Melissa; Carothers, Bobbi J; Fowler, Patrick

Changes in policy can reduce violence and injury; however, little is known about how partnerships among organizations influence policy development, adoption, and implementation. To understand partnerships among organizations working on injury and violence prevention (IVP) policy, we examined IVP policy networks in 15 large US cities. In summer 2014, we recruited 15 local health departments (LHDs) to participate in the study. They identified an average of 28.9 local partners (SD = 10.2) working on IVP policy. In late 2014, we sent survey questionnaires to 434 organizations, including the 15 LHDs and their local partners, about their partnerships and the importance of each organization to local IVP policy efforts; 319 participated. We used network methods to examine the composition and structure of the policy networks. Each IVP policy network included the LHD and an average of 21.3 (SD = 6.9) local partners. On average, nonprofit organizations constituted 50.7% of networks, followed by government agencies (26.3%), schools and universities (11.8%), coalitions (11.2%), voluntary organizations (9.6%), hospitals (8.5%), foundations (2.2%), and for-profit organizations (0.7%). Government agencies were perceived as important by the highest proportion of partners. Perceived importance was significantly associated with forming partnerships in most networks; odds ratios ranged from 1.07 (95% CI, 1.02-1.13) to 2.35 (95% CI, 1.68-3.28). Organization type was significantly associated with partnership formation in most networks after controlling for an organization's importance to the network. Several strategies could strengthen local IVP policy networks, including (1) developing connections with partners from sectors that are not well integrated into the networks and (2) encouraging indirect or less formal connections with important but missing partners and partner types.

The Structure of Policy Networks for Injury and Violence Prevention in 15 US Cities

Science.gov (United States)

Jonson-Reid, Melissa; Carothers, Bobbi J.; Fowler, Patrick

2017-01-01

Objectives: Changes in policy can reduce violence and injury; however, little is known about how partnerships among organizations influence policy development, adoption, and implementation. To understand partnerships among organizations working on injury and violence prevention (IVP) policy, we examined IVP policy networks in 15 large US cities. Methods: In summer 2014, we recruited 15 local health departments (LHDs) to participate in the study. They identified an average of 28.9 local partners (SD = 10.2) working on IVP policy. In late 2014, we sent survey questionnaires to 434 organizations, including the 15 LHDs and their local partners, about their partnerships and the importance of each organization to local IVP policy efforts; 319 participated. We used network methods to examine the composition and structure of the policy networks. Results: Each IVP policy network included the LHD and an average of 21.3 (SD = 6.9) local partners. On average, nonprofit organizations constituted 50.7% of networks, followed by government agencies (26.3%), schools and universities (11.8%), coalitions (11.2%), voluntary organizations (9.6%), hospitals (8.5%), foundations (2.2%), and for-profit organizations (0.7%). Government agencies were perceived as important by the highest proportion of partners. Perceived importance was significantly associated with forming partnerships in most networks; odds ratios ranged from 1.07 (95% CI, 1.02-1.13) to 2.35 (95% CI, 1.68-3.28). Organization type was significantly associated with partnership formation in most networks after controlling for an organization’s importance to the network. Conclusions: Several strategies could strengthen local IVP policy networks, including (1) developing connections with partners from sectors that are not well integrated into the networks and (2) encouraging indirect or less formal connections with important but missing partners and partner types. PMID:28426291

Development of Meta Level Communication Analysis using Temporal Data Crystallization and Its Application to Multi Modal Human Communication

Science.gov (United States)

2013-07-22

shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1...don’t you allow your staffs to telecommute ? Mr.X: I will take your idea. Then we do not need a big building. Mr.U (working for Mr.X’s firm... Telecommuting …? Doesn’t it weaken our teamwork? Mr.X: I will then certainly introduce telecommuting partially. Mr.U: Partially… to what part? Mr.X: Maybe

Characterization of the onset of embryonic control and early development in the bovine embryo

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barnes, F.L.

1988-01-01

Bovine embryos were used to determine if morphological and molecular features of early development are similar to in vivo recovered bovine embryos and to determine at what level early bovine development is regulated. Radiolabeling of IVP embryos and in vivo recovered embryos with 35 S-methionine for SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals that these embryos are equivalent. Few differences in protein profiles are observed between 1- and early 4-cell embryos. A change in protein profiles begins at the mid 4-cell stage and continues into the 8-cell stage. Few differences in protein profiles are observed between 1- and early 4-cell embryos. A change in protein profiles begins at the mid 4-cell stage and continues into the 8-cell stage. Few differences in protein profiles are observed between late 8-cells and morulae. This transition is α-amanitin sensitive therefore due to de novo embryonic transcription. Embryonic transcription is partially responsible for terminating the post-transcriptionally regulated period of early bovine development. Argentophillic nucleolar organizing regions (Ag-NORs) indicate onset of nucleolar activation. Ag-NORs were absent in 2- and 4-cell IVP embryos and rarely occurred in 8-cell IVP embryos cultured in vitro. IVP 1- and 2-cell embryos cultured to blastocysts in sheep oviducts demonstrated Ag-NORs. Thus the lack of nucleolar activation of IVP embryos cultured in vitro is culture induced between the 2- and 8-cell stage

Magnetic resonance urography in pediatrics: utilization of ultrafast single-shot spin echo sequences

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martin, C.; Martin, J.; Duran, C.; Rigol, S.; Rojo, J. C.

1999-01-01

To determine the value of magnetic resonance urography (MRU) using ultrafast single-shot (SS) rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) and half-Fourier (HF) SS-RARE (SS-HF-RARE or HASTE) in the evaluation of congenital urinary tract anomalies in pediatric patients, and their possible application as alternatives to intravenous urography (IVU). Eighteen children (11 boys and 7 girls) aged 2 months to 15 years (mean: 5 years) with a total of 19 congenital urinary tract anomalies were studies by MU using SS-RARE and HASTE sequences in a 1 Tesla scanner. All the patients had previously been studies by ultrasound (US) and IVU. Twelve patients required anesthesia. The images were acquired by means of a HASTE sequence with multisection technique (TR, infinite; TE e f, 87 msec; echo train, 128; interval between echoes, 10.9 msec; total acquisition time, 13 sections/12 seconds), and SS-RARE (TR, infinite; TE e f, 1.100 msec; echo train, 240, and acquisition time, 7 seconds). Four radiologists evaluated the images independently; two who reviewed the IV images in consensus and two who reviewed the MRU images in consensus. The images were evaluated to assess the dilatation of the urinary tract and their utility in detecting the level and cause of the obstruction. MRU images revealed the urinary tract dilation, the level of the obstruction and the type of anomaly in 18 patients (100%), while IVU provided this information in only 10 [ sensitivity, 53%, 95% confidence interval (29%, 76%)]. The mean time required for MRU was 20 minutes (range: 7 to 30 minutes), while that of IVU was 1,242 minutes (range: 45 to 1,440 minutes). MRU using ultrafast single-short spin echo sequences is a rapid and effective technique that permits and excellent evaluation of congenital urinary tract anomalies in pediatric patients and does not require the administration of contrast media or ionizing radiation. (Author) 10 refs

Modeling the effect of age at calving × breed group of dam's interaction on weaning weight of Charolais-Zebu crossbred calves Modelagem da interação idade ao parto × composição genética da vaca e seus efeitos sobre o peso à desmama de bezerros mestiços Charolês-Zebu

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fábio Luiz Buranelo Toral

2010-05-01

alternativas para modelar a interação entre idade ao parto e grupo genético da vaca (GGV sobre o peso à desmama de bezerros mestiços Charolês-Zebu. Dados de peso à desmama de 56.965 bezerros Charolês-Zebu foram analisados utilizando o método de quadrados mínimos. Foram estimados coeficientes de regressão para idade da vaca ao parto (IVP dentro de cada grupo genético da vaca (modelo CLA; para IVP × fração esperada de alelos de origem da raça Charolesa na vaca (IVP × FCh e IVP × fração esperada dos loci da vaca com um alelo proveniente da raça Charolesa e outro proveniente de raças zebuínas (IVP × FH (modelo FChFH; para IVP × FCh (modelo FCh; para IVP × FH (modelo FH; ou apenas para IVP (modelo SINT. A forma geral do efeito da IVP sobre o peso à desmama foi modelada por polinômios segmentados com efeitos linear e quadrático gerais e quadráticos específicos, a partir de cada nó (6,33 e 10,66 anos. Os coeficientes de regressão foram estimados dentro de cada sexo do bezerro em todas as situações. De acordo com o teste F para redução da soma de quadrados do resíduo, a inclusão da interação IVP × FH não melhorou significativamente os ajustes e o modelo CLA foi o que melhor se ajustou aos dados. Contudo, para classes de GGV × sexo do bezerro com reduzido número de observações, o modelo CLA proporcionou estimativas inconsistentes para o efeito da interação IVP × GGV e o modelo FCh mostrou-se adequado. Para as classes de GGV × sexo do bezerro com grande número de observações, as diferenças entre as estimativas do efeito da interação IVP × GGV obtidas pelos modelos CLA e FCh foram de pequena magnitude.

Magnetic resonance urography in the assessment of hydronephrosis and hydroureter in children

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hadjidekov, V.

2011-01-01

MR urography is a new, modern modality for evaluation of various urological abnormalities in children. The goal of this article is to describe the role of MR urography in the assessment of hydronephrosis and hydroureters. MRU is most commonly applied to the evaluation of hydronephrosis and provides valuable insight into a wide range of obstructive uropathies. In our study we investigate 96 children with suspected abnormalities of the upper urinary tract. Using static and excretory MRU we obtain both morphological and functional information by means of different sequences with or without injection of gadolinium. MR urography is promising diagnostic method of wide spectrum of pathological conditions affecting the urinary tract with potential to revolutionize uroradiology imaging in children. It integrates exquisite anatomical information with a variety of functional data and avoids ionizing radiation. MRU is increasingly employed as a problem solver when conventional imaging studies remain inconclusive and overcomes a lot of their limitations with the potential to become in the future leading modality to diagnose diseases of the kidney especially in newborns and children. (authors)

A comparison of two different T-grain films in rare-earth screens with a standard film-screen combination for intravenous pyelography and bone examinations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Logan, H.; Daly, L.; Masterson, J.

1989-01-01

T-grain film is claimed to give significantly improved image quality, allowing use of faster screens without loss of quality, thus reducing radiation dose. We tested this claim for two systems. In each case comparison was made with our usual screen-film combination, Agfa Curix RP1 film with Kodak Xomatic Regular screens (a nominally 200 speed system). The systems tested were Kodak TMatG in Kodak Lanex Medium screens (300 speed) and Agfa STG in Kodak Lanex Regular screens (400 speed). The Agfa STG-Lanex Regular system performed less well than the standard system for intravenous pyelograms (IVPs), bones and soft-tissue detail. Its speed advantage was not apparent below 70 kV. The Kodak TMatG-Lanex Medium system was better than the standard system for IVPs but not as good for bones. It gave virtually no speed advantage below 90 kV. Kodak T-grain film in a medium-speed, rare-earth screen was found to be better than the standard system for IVPs. Agfa T-grain film in a fast rare-earth screen was unsatisfactory for IVPs. Neither combination was as good as the standard system for bones. (author)

Simulation and economic analysis of bovine sex selection

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Renato Travassos Beltrame

2013-05-01

Full Text Available A simulation model implemented in the programming software Delphi XE® was applied to evaluate sex selection in bovine. The hypothesis under investigation was that a dynamic model with stochastic and deterministic elements could detect the sexed semen technique to minimize pregnancy cost and to determine the adequate number of recipients required for in vivo (ET and in vitro embryo production (IVP in the proposed scenarios. Sex selection was compared through semen sexed using flow cytometry (C1 and density gradient centrifugation techniques (C2 in ET and IVP. Sensibility analyses were used to identify the adequate number of recipients for each scenario. This number was reinserted into the model to determine the biological and financial values that maximized ET and IVP using sexed semen (C1M and C2M. New scenarios showed that the density gradient technique minimized pregnancy cost based on the proposed scenarios. In addition, the adequate number of recipients (ET - C1M - 115 and C2M - 105/(IVP - C1M - 145 and C2M - 140 per donor used was determined to minimize the pregnancy cost in all scenarios.

Intergenomic evolution and metabolic cross-talk between rumen and thermophilic autotrophic methanogenic archaea.

Science.gov (United States)

Bharathi, M; Chellapandi, P

2017-02-01

Methanobrevibacter ruminantium M1 (MRU) is a rumen methanogenic archaean that can be able to utilize formate and CO 2 /H 2 as growth substrates. Extensive analysis on the evolutionary genomic contexts considered herein to unravel its intergenomic relationship and metabolic adjustment acquired from the genomic content of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus ΔH. We demonstrated its intergenomic distance, genome function, synteny homologs and gene families, origin of replication, and methanogenesis to reveal the evolutionary relationships between Methanobrevibacter and Methanothermobacter. Comparison of the phylogenetic and metabolic markers was suggested for its archaeal metabolic core lineage that might have evolved from Methanothermobacter. Orthologous genes involved in its hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis might be acquired from intergenomic ancestry of Methanothermobacter via Methanobacterium formicicum. Formate dehydrogenase (fdhAB) coding gene cluster and carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (cooF) coding gene might have evolved from duplication events within Methanobrevibacter-Methanothermobacter lineage, and fdhCD gene cluster acquired from bacterial origins. Genome-wide metabolic survey found the existence of four novel pathways viz. l-tyrosine catabolism, mevalonate pathway II, acyl-carrier protein metabolism II and glutathione redox reactions II in MRU. Finding of these pathways suggested that MRU has shown a metabolic potential to tolerate molecular oxygen, antimicrobial metabolite biosynthesis and atypical lipid composition in cell wall, which was acquainted by metabolic cross-talk with mammalian bacterial origins. We conclude that coevolution of genomic contents between Methanobrevibacter and Methanothermobacter provides a clue to understand the metabolic adaptation of MRU in the rumen at different environmental niches. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of N, N-dimethylglycine on the development of in vitro produced bovine embryos.

Science.gov (United States)

Takahashi, Toshikiyo; Itoh, Ryu; Nagai, Takashi

2009-06-01

This study investigated the effects of N, N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) on the development of in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos. IVP embryos were obtained by in vitro fertilization of in vitro matured oocytes for 6 h. In Experiment 1, IVP embryos were cultured in mSOFaa supplemented with bovine serum albumin but without glucose (SOF1) for 4 days, transferred to mSOFaa (with 5% fetal bovine serum and 1.5 mM glucose; SOF2) supplemented with 0 (control), 0.1,1 or 10 microM DMG and cultured for an additional 7 days (11 days in total) to assess their development in vitro. When cultured in the medium with 0.1 microM DMG, a significantly higher number of IVP embryos developed to the blastocyst and hatched blastocyst stages (40.3 and 40.8%, respectively) compared with the other groups (18.7-31.0% and 15.0-28.7%, respectively; PDMG for 4 days, transferred to SOF2 with or without 0.1 microM DMG and further cultured as in Experiment 1; DMG was added to either SOF1 or SOF2 and to both of them to assess its exposure effects on embryo development. When cultured continuously with DMG for 11 days, significantly higher rates of IVP embryos developed into blastocyst and hatched blastocyst stages (39.0 and 47.7%, respectively) compared with the other groups (31.0-32.2% and 29.5-31.0%, respectively; PDMG to IVC medium after 7 days of IVC. When DMG was added to IVC medium, the ratio of embryos developed to advanced developmental stages (No. of embryos developed to the blastocyst and expanded blastocyst stages/No. of embryos developed to the morula stage) was 28.7% (86/3) and 7 times higher than that of those cultured without DMG, 4.0% (52/13). These results suggest that addition of 0.1 microM DMG to mSOFaa during IVC of IVP bovine embryos has a promoting effect on their development.

Cryotop vitrification for in vitro produced bovine and buffalo (Bubalus bubalis embryos at different stages of development

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

B. Gasparrini

2010-02-01

Full Text Available The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility to vitrify in vitro produced (IVP buffalo and bovine embryos at different stages of development by an advanced version of the “minimal volume approaches”: the Cryotop method. In both experiments, the embryos were vitrified at the tight morula (TM, early blastocyst (eBl, blastocyst (Bl, expanded blastocyst (xBl and, only for buffalo, at the hatched blastocyst (hBl stage. After warming, the embryos were cultured in vitro for 24 hours. Stage of development affected the freezability of IVP embryos of both species with the highest embryo survival rates at advanced stages (xBl=76% and hBl=75% for buffalos and xBl=75% for bovine. These results suggest that Cryotop vitrification is an efficient method for buffalo and bovine IVP embryo cryopreservation.

Metacognitive Online Reading Strategies in Foreign Language Learning Context at University

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vilhelmina Vaičiūnienė

2014-03-01

Full Text Available Purpose – this research is aimed to identify the metacognitive online reading strategies employed by MRU students and assess the interrelation between online reading strategies and metacognitive awareness.Design/methodology/approach – the authors present and evaluate the findings obtained by using Online Survey of Reading Strategies (OSORS, the survey, which helped to identify MRU students’ metacognitive online reading strategies in a foreign language learning context. The methods applied in the research were the following ones: literature review and descriptive analysis of the obtained quantitative data. The quantitative research and descriptive analysis of the data received from the survey was applied. The target group of the study conducted at MRU consisted of 89 full-time students having different online reading experience. The sample was composed of students from five Bachelor study programmes studying in the academic year of 2012-2013. The instrument of the research (OSORS was composed of 38 items.Findings – the findings obtained through the survey revealed that readers work directly with the text to solve problems while reading online. However, a low score on any of the subscales of the inventory (i.e. Support strategies use indicates that there may be strategies in these parts that students might want to learn about and consider using them when reading online. By focusing students’ attention on the metacognitive reading strategies identified in the OSORS language, teachers could help students improve their online reading ability. Teachers should include strategy awareness as training component in their students’ online learning tasks.Research limitations/implications – the research sample is rather limited (89 participants.Practical implications – seeking to develop students’ online reading capacity, it is valuable for teachers to discover students’ preferences for online reading strategies and identify encountered

Multidetector computed tomography of urolithiasis. Technique and results; Multidetektor-Computertomografie der Urolithiasis. Technik und Ergebnisse

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Karul, M.; Regier, M. [Universitaetsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg (Germany). Zentrum fuer Radiologie und Endoskopie; Heuer, R. [Universitaetsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg (Germany). Zentrum fuer Operative Medizin

2013-02-15

The diagnosis of acute urolithiasis results from unenhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). This test analyses the functional and anatomical possibility for passing an ureteral calculi, the localization and dimension of which are important parameters for further therapy. Alternatively chronic urolithiasis could be ruled out by magnetic resonance urography (MRU). MRU is the first choice especially in pregnant women and children because of radiation hygiene. Enhanced MDCT must be emphasized as an alternative to intravenous urography (IVU) for diagnosis of complex drainage of urine and suspected disorder of the involved kidney. This review illustrates the principles of different tests and the clinical relevance thereof. (orig.)

A case of retrocaval ureter diagnosed by CT scan combined with a ureteral catheter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsumoto, Atsushi; Iio, Shozo; Toyama, Takashi; Mochizuki, Teruichi

1986-01-01

The patient was a 45-year-old male who was admitted for right flank pain, nausea and vomitting. IVP revealed right hydronephrosis and hydroureter with medial distortion at the level of the 3rd lumbar spine. The diagnosis of retrocaval ureter was made with CT scan combined with a ureteral catheter. End to end anastomosis after resection of the retrocaval segment was performed. IVP 21 days after the operation showed that the right hydroureteronephrosis had moderately improved. (author)

Gd-BOPTA-enhanced excretory MR urography without administration of diuretics; Gd-BOPTA-gestuetzte MR-Ausscheidungsurographie ohne Diuretikagabe

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Allkemper, T.; Tombach, B.; Heindel, W. [Muenster Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Klinische Radiologie

2001-02-01

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of Gd-BOPTA enhanced excretory magnetic resonance urography without additional administration of diuretics in correlation with conventional urography. Method: 15 preoperative patients with pelvic tumors were examined at 1.5 T using a breath-hold high-resolution 3D-FLASH sequence during first-pass as well as 5, 10, 15 minutes after iv. injection of 0.05 mmol/kg BW Gd-BOPTA (MultiHance {sup trademark}) without administration of diuretics. Post-processed coronal and multiplanar MIP reconstructions were compared to conventional excretory urography with regard to morphologic accuracy, anatomic variability, filling defects, cause and level of obstruction or compression, tumor visibility, and time-effectiveness by two independent radiologists. Results: Visualization of the urinary tract by MRU was comparable to conventional excretory urography in 14 of 15 cases. Caliceal fornices were better delineated on conventional urographies, whereas MRU was considered superior in the assessment of the inferior ureter sections, the urinary bladder and obstructive tumors, whose extents could be clearly marked out. Examination times of both techniques were comparable. Conclusion: These first results show that non-diuretic Gd-BOPTA enhanced MRU is comparable to conventional excretory urography for the preoperative diagnosis of pelvic tumors. Further improvements of this technique seem possible by optimization of examination intervals and injection doses. (orig.) [German] Ziel: Abschaetzung der Durchfuehrbarkeit und des klinischen Nutzens der Gd-BOPTA-gestuetzten MR-Ausscheidungsurographie (MRU) ohne zusaetzliche Diuretikagabe im Vergleich zur konventionellen Ausscheidungsurographie. Methoden: 15 Patienten mit Beckentumoren wurden praeoperativ an einem 1.5 T-Ganzkoerpersystem mit Hilfe einer atemgehaltenen, hochaufloesenden 3D-FLASH-Sequenz unmittelbar nach intra-venoeser Applikation von 0,05 mmol/kg KG Gd-BOPTA (MultiHance {sup

Role of scintigraphy in urinary tract infection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Conway, J.J.

1988-01-01

There is controversy regarding the role of radiological imaging for urinary tract infection (UTI). The gold standard has been the intravenous pyelogram (IVP). Yet, the IVP has a very limited value with only about 25% of children with pyelonephritis demonstrating abnormalities. Ultrasound (US) has recently been advocated as a replacement for the poorly sensitive and poorly specific IVP. However, comparative studies between US and IVP indicate only an equivalent sensitivity and specificity. Cortical scintigraphy with Technetium-99m glucoheptonate (99mTc GH) or 99mTc dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc DMSA) has also been advocated as a means of differentiating parenchymal (pyelonephritis) from nonparenchymal (lower UTI) involvement in UTI. The clinical presentation may be misleading especially in the infant and child in whom an elevated temperature, flank pain, shaking chills, or an elevated sedimentation rate are often lacking. The clinician attempts to localize the site of infection for it has a direct bearing upon the therapy. A collecting system infection can often be eradicated with a single oral dose of an appropriate antibiotic, whereas renal parenchymal involvement requires IV therapy for an extended interval. Cortical scintigraphy can localize the site of infection with a high degree of accuracy. Recent studies report a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 81% of pyelonephritis. This is in contrast to the IVP with a sensitivity of only 24% and US with a sensitivity of only 42%. The scintigraphic appearance of parenchymal infection of the kidney is a spectrum of minimal to gross defects reflecting the degree of histologic involvement that spans from a mild infection to frank abscess. Cortical scintigraphy can be used to monitor the evolution of scarring following infection. Cortical scintigraphy with 99mTc DMSA or 99mTc GH is the method of choice for the initial evaluation of UTI. 37 references

The efficiency of in vitro ovine embryo production using an undefined or a defined maturation medium is determined by the source of the oocyte.

Science.gov (United States)

Cocero, M J; Alabart, J L; Hammami, S; Martí, J I; Lahoz, B; Sánchez, P; Echegoyen, E; Beckers, J F; Folch, J

2011-06-01

In vitro oocyte maturation can be influenced by oocyte source and maturation media composition. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficiency of a defined in vitro maturation medium (TCM199 supplemented with cysteamine and epidermal growth factor; Cys + EGF) with an undefined medium (TCM199 supplemented with follicle-stimulating hormone and follicular fluid; FSH + FF) for in vitro production (IVP) of ovine embryos, using oocytes obtained by laparoscopic ovum pick-up from FSH-stimulated [n=11; 158 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs)] and non-stimulated (n=16; 120 COCs) live ewes, as well as abattoir-derived oocytes (170 COCs). The produced blastocysts were vitrified and some of them were transferred to synchronized recipients. The best and the worst final yields of embryo IVP observed in this study were obtained using oocytes from FSH-stimulated ewes matured in FSH + FF (41.3%; 33/80) and in Cys + EGF (19.2%; 15/78) medium, respectively (p<0.01). No significant differences between both media were attained in the blastocyst development rate or in the final yield of embryo IVP using oocytes from non-stimulated ewes or abattoir-derived oocytes. The overall in vivo survival rate of the transferred vitrified blastocysts was 13.1% (8/61), without significant differences between oocyte sources or maturation media. In conclusion, under the experimental conditions of the present study, TCM199 supplemented with cysteamine and EGF is a convenient defined maturation medium for IVP of embryos from oocytes of live non-stimulated ewes or from oocytes of abattoir-derived ovaries. However, the best final yield of embryo IVP observed in this study was attained when oocytes came from FSH-stimulated donors and TCM199 was supplemented with FSH and follicular fluid. © 2010 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

In vitro production of small ruminant embryos: late improvements and further research.

Science.gov (United States)

de Souza-Fabjan, Joanna Maria Gonçalves; Panneau, Barbara; Duffard, Nicolas; Locatelli, Yann; de Figueiredo, José Ricardo; Freitas, Vicente José de Figueirêdo; Mermillod, Pascal

2014-06-01

Beyond the potential use of in vitro production of embryos (IVP) in breeding schemes, embryos are also required for the establishment of new biotechnologies such as cloning and transgenesis. Additionally, the knowledge of oocyte and embryo physiology acquired through IVP techniques may stimulate the further development of other techniques such as marker assisted and genomic selection of preimplantation embryos, and also benefit assisted procreation in human beings. Efficient in vitro embryo production is currently a major objective for livestock industries, including small ruminants. The heterogeneity of oocytes collected from growing follicles by laparoscopic ovum pick up or in ovaries of slaughtered females, remains an enormous challenge for IVM success, and still limits the rate of embryo development. In addition, the lower quality of the IVP embryos, compared with their in vivo-derived counterparts, translates into poor cryosurvival, which restricts the wider use of this promising technology. Therefore, many studies have been reported in an attempt to determine the most suitable conditions for IVM, IVF, and in vitro development to maximize embryo production rate and quality. This review aims to present the current panorama of IVP production in small ruminants, describing important steps for its success, reporting the recent advances and also the main obstacles identified for its improvement and dissemination. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation with variable coefficients

OpenAIRE

Carvajal, X.; Linares, F.

2003-01-01

We study the initial value problem (IVP) associated to a higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation with variable coefficients. Under some regularity on its coefficients we establish local well-posedness for the IVP for data in $H^s(\\mathbb R)$, $s\\ge1/4$, improving previous results [22]. The main ingredient in our proof is an estimate of the maximal function associated to the linear solution similar to the sharp one obtained for linear solutions of the Schrödinger and K...

A Study on the Effectiveness of Diuretic Renal Scan on Functional and Pathologic Obstructive Uropathy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ahn, Cu Rie; Lee, Hun Yong; Kwon, In Sun

1983-01-01

Diuretic renal scan, a modified method of convectional radionuclide renography by administration of intravenous furosemide was performed in 54 patients with suspected urinary tract obstruction. Two showed normal responses, 41 showed increased washout patterns, and the remainder 15 revealed no changes in response to the furosemide administration. IVP was done in 34 patients. In comparison to the diuretic renal scan, the following results were obtained. 1) Patients with normal results by the scan, showed normal IVP findings also. 2) 10 patients who showed delayed excretory patterns not influenced by the diuretics administration. 9 patients revealed obstructive lesions and hydronephrotic changes, and CPN was diagnosed for the remainder one and the one patient without obstruction was diagnosed as chronic pyelonephritis. 3) 22 patients showed positive results to the diuretics. Among them 10 patients had positive results in IVP. but, were not related to the speed of decrement of the renal activity after the furosemide administration.

Importance of sonography in the evaluation of urinary tract infections in children

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zocchi, M.; Ferrero, C.G.

1988-01-01

One undred and twenty-one children with a clinical diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI) were examined with sonography (US), ivp and voiding cystouretrography (VCUG). In 84 patients neither US nor radiography findings were found of pathological findings both US and ivp were negative, whereas VCUG was decisive for a correct diagnosis. VCUG demonstrated vesicouretericreflux in 10 patients, posterior urotheral valves in 1 patient, and small diverticula of the urinary bladder in 5 patients. In 17 of the remaining 21 cases, there was agreementbetween US and urographic findings, whereas in 4 cases US provided us with false positives, with images of apparent renal scarring. the mistake was caused by an incorrect US detection of unilateral duplication of the collecting systems. The authors conclude by stressing the importance of ivp in the evaluetion of urinary tract infections in children, even in case of negative VCUG and US results, and suggest comparing US measurements comparable to body growth

706-IJBCS-Article-Rose Danielle Aboua

African Journals Online (AJOL)

DR GATSING

Notopteridae. Papyrocranus afer. Paf. +. +. +. Clupeidae. Pellonula leonensis1. Ple. +. +. +. +. +. Marcusenius furcidens. Mfu. +. Marcusenius senegalensis Mse. +. +. +. +. +. Marcusenius ussheri. Mus. +. +. +. +. +. Marcusenius sp. Msp. +. Mormyrops anguilloides. Man. +. +. +. +. Mormyrus rume. Mru. +. +. +. Pollimyrus isidori.

Triple Detector SPECT Imaging with 99mTc-DMSA in Adult Patients with Urinary Tract Infection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ryu, Jin Sook; Bea, Woon Gyu; Moon, Dae Hyuk; Lee, Myung Hae; Kim, Soon Bae; Park, Su Kil; Park, Jung Sik; Hong, Chang Gi; Cho, Kyung Sik

1992-01-01

Although early diagnosis of urinary tract infection is important, the radiologic evaluation is still controversial because of the low sensitivity and the lack of cost-effectiveness. This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical utility of high resolution triple head 99m Tc-DMSA SPECT imaging in urinary tract infection. We prospectively performed 99m Tc-DMSA planar and SPECT imaging, ultrasound of kidney (US), intravenous pyelography (IVP) and voiding cystourethrography (VCU) in all 60 adult patients with UTI [26 with first episode of acute pyelonephritis (APN), 22 with recurrent APN, and 12 persistent asymptomatic pyuria] and 25 normal persons. To assess reversibility of the renal cortical defect (RCD), 99m Tc-DMSA SPECT was repeated 1 to 8 months later in those patients with abnormal initial findings. Overall detection rate of 99m Tc-DMSA SPECT imaging was 83% (50/60), but planar, US, IVP and VCU showed abnormal findings in 68%, 28%, 32% and 13%, respectively. 25 out of 27 patients with normal or single RCD were all normal in other radiological studies. Only two patients showed vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) on VCU (grade I) and mild hydronephrosis on IVP. But, high proportion of those with multiple RCD showed abnormal findings on US (17/33), IVP (18/33), and VCU (7/33): 67% in any of these 3 studies. Especially, 3 out 7 patients with VUR showed multiple RCD on 99m Tc-DMSA SPECT without any abnormality on IVP or US. 25 normal persons showed normal findings in all studies except one false positive finding on 99m Tc-DMSA SPECT imaging. Follow-up 99m Tc-DMSA SPECT was done in 28 patients (13 with single RCD, 15 with multiple RCD). All 13 patients with single RCD showed improvement. Those with multiple RCD presented improvement in 4, no change in 10, and aggravation in 1 on follow-up studies. With these results, we conclude: 1) 99m Tc-DMSA SPECT imaging is superior to planar imaging, US, IVP or VCU in detection of renal lesion in urinary tract infection. 99m Tc

Change in energy metabolism of in vitro produced embryos: an alternative to make them more cryoresistant?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Luzia Renata Oliveira Dias

2017-08-01

Full Text Available For the development of in vitro produced (IVP as well as in vivo produced bovine embryos, it is extremely important that their energy metabolism works properly because the embryo must be able to metabolize energy substrates that are necessary for producing energy. Lipids play an important role in early embryonic development, acting as source of energy for oocytes and embryos. However, it is known that oocytes and embryos, mainly IVP, accumulate large amounts of lipids in the cytoplasm. Although they are extremely important in embryonic development, lipids have been associated with the reduced survival of bovine embryos following cryopreservation. There is evidence that at least four different categories of lipids affect embryo survival after cryopreservation, including triglycerides (TAG, free fatty acids, cholesterol and phospholipids. Thus, many studies are being conducted to improve the resistance of IVP embryos to the cryopreservation process by reducing the concentration or removing the source of serum from the medium or by reducing oocyte/embryo lipids using mechanical or chemical means. Regarding the use of delipidating agents that reduce the uptake and synthesis of fatty acids (FA by cells, substances such as phenazine ethosulfate (PES, forskolin, L-carnitine and isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA have been utilized. This review aims to address important issues related to embryonic energy metabolism, the importance of lipid metabolism and its relation to the cryopreservation of IVP bovine embryos by summarizing the latest research in this field.

Congenital Midureteric Stricture: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management

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Raashid Hamid

2015-01-01

Full Text Available Background. Congenital midureteric stricture (MUS is a rare malformation. We report our experience with five cases seen over a period of 4 years from 2010 to 2014. Materials and Methods. The study was based on the retrospective analysis of five patients diagnosed as having MUS. Diagnosis was suspected after fetal ultrasonography (USG in one patient and magnetic resonance urography (MRU in four patients. Retrograde pyelography (RGP was performed on three patients. The final diagnosis was confirmed during surgical exploration in all the patients. Results. MRU was found to be a good investigation method. It showed the site of obstruction in the ureter in all instances. Intravenous urography detected proximal ureteric dilatation present in two of the patients. RGP delineates the level of stricture and the course of ureter, as shown in our cases. All patients had significant obstruction on the affected side. Four patients underwent ureteroureterostomy, all of whom had satisfactory results. In one patient, ureteric reimplantation was carried out due to distal small ureteric caliber. Conclusion. This rare entity is often misdiagnosed initially as pelviureteric junction obstruction. MRU is an excellent option for the anatomical location and functional assessment of the involved system. At the time of surgical correction of a ureteral obstruction, RGP is a useful adjunct for delineating the stricture level and morphology.

Gd-BOPTA-enhanced excretory MR urography without administration of diuretics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Allkemper, T.; Tombach, B.; Heindel, W.

2001-01-01

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical utility of Gd-BOPTA enhanced excretory magnetic resonance urography without additional administration of diuretics in correlation with conventional urography. Method: 15 preoperative patients with pelvic tumors were examined at 1.5 T using a breath-hold high-resolution 3D-FLASH sequence during first-pass as well as 5, 10, 15 minutes after iv. injection of 0.05 mmol/kg BW Gd-BOPTA (MultiHance trademark ) without administration of diuretics. Post-processed coronal and multiplanar MIP reconstructions were compared to conventional excretory urography with regard to morphologic accuracy, anatomic variability, filling defects, cause and level of obstruction or compression, tumor visibility, and time-effectiveness by two independent radiologists. Results: Visualization of the urinary tract by MRU was comparable to conventional excretory urography in 14 of 15 cases. Caliceal fornices were better delineated on conventional urographies, whereas MRU was considered superior in the assessment of the inferior ureter sections, the urinary bladder and obstructive tumors, whose extents could be clearly marked out. Examination times of both techniques were comparable. Conclusion: These first results show that non-diuretic Gd-BOPTA enhanced MRU is comparable to conventional excretory urography for the preoperative diagnosis of pelvic tumors. Further improvements of this technique seem possible by optimization of examination intervals and injection doses. (orig.) [de

Accurate calculation of field and carrier distributions in doped semiconductors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wenji Yang

2012-06-01

Full Text Available We use the numerical squeezing algorithm(NSA combined with the shooting method to accurately calculate the built-in fields and carrier distributions in doped silicon films (SFs in the micron and sub-micron thickness range and results are presented in graphical form for variety of doping profiles under different boundary conditions. As a complementary approach, we also present the methods and the results of the inverse problem (IVP - finding out the doping profile in the SFs for given field distribution. The solution of the IVP provides us the approach to arbitrarily design field distribution in SFs - which is very important for low dimensional (LD systems and device designing. Further more, the solution of the IVP is both direct and much easy for all the one-, two-, and three-dimensional semiconductor systems. With current efforts focused on the LD physics, knowing of the field and carrier distribution details in the LD systems will facilitate further researches on other aspects and hence the current work provides a platform for those researches.

Impact of infectious disease epidemics on tuberculosis diagnostic, management, and prevention services: experiences and lessons from the 2014–2015 Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rashid Ansumana

2017-03-01

Full Text Available The World Health Organization (WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2015 states that 28% of the world's 9.6 million new tuberculosis (TB cases are in the WHO Africa Region. The Mano River Union (MRU countries of West Africa–Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia–have made incremental sustained investments into TB control programmes over the past two decades. The devastating Ebola virus disease (EVD outbreak of 2014–2015 in West Africa impacted significantly on all sectors of the healthcare systems in the MRU countries, including the TB prevention and control programmes. The EVD outbreak also had an adverse impact on the healthcare workforce and healthcare service delivery. At the height of the EVD outbreak, numerous staff members in all MRU countries contracted EBV at the Ebola treatment units and died. Many healthcare workers were also infected in healthcare facilities that were not Ebola treatment units but were national hospitals and peripheral health units that were unprepared for receiving patients with EVD. In all three MRU countries, the disruption to TB services due to the EVD epidemic will no doubt have increased Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission, TB morbidity and mortality, and decreased patient adherence to TB treatment, and the likely impact will not be known for several years to come. In this viewpoint, the impact that the EVD outbreak had on TB diagnostic, management, and prevention services is described. Vaccination against TB with BCG in children under 5 years of age was affected adversely by the EVD epidemic. The EVD outbreak was a result of global failure and represents yet another ‘wake-up call’ to the international community, and particularly to African governments, to reach a consensus on new ways of thinking at the national, regional, and global levels for building healthcare systems that can sustain their function during outbreaks. This is necessary so that other disease control programmes (like those for TB, malaria

Imaging patients with renal colic: a comparative analysis of the impact of non-contrast helical computed tomography versus intravenous pyelography on the speed of patient processing in the Emergency Department.

LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

Quirke, M

2012-02-01

INTRODUCTION: Non-contrast helical CT (NHCT) became the procedure of choice for investigating Emergency Department (ED) patients presenting with suspected renal colic at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, in 2008. The impact of NHCT on waiting times and patient management was compared with intravenous pyelography (IVP). METHODS: A retrospective, comparative cohort analysis of 95 patients who had IVP and 109 patients who had NHCT was performed. Length of ED stay from time of scan ordering to referral or discharge was analysed relative to time of day and scan result. RESULTS: Patients having NHCT who attended between 00:00-08:00 h, had a twofold longer length of stay than those who had IVP between the same hours (median 7.07 h vs 3.03 h, p=0.0294). The length of ED stay for patients attending between 08:00 and 24:00 h was similar in both groups. The presence of urolithiasis did not impact on length of stay. A significant alternate\\/incidental diagnosis was reported in 28 patients having NHCT, of which 12 were cancerous growths. CONCLUSION: NHCT allows for the detection of incidental\\/alternate diagnoses that may not be otherwise detected in patients with renal colic. Compared to IVP, NHCT has not impacted positively on the speed of patient processing in the ED under study. For patients presenting after midnight, it is associated with over a twofold longer length of stay from the time of scan ordering to referral or discharge. This leads to prolonged patient stays in the ED, and as such contributes to overcrowding.

The prevalence of embryonic remnants following the recovery of post-hatching bovine embryos produced in vitro or by somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Science.gov (United States)

Alexopoulos, Natalie I; French, Andrew J

2009-08-01

The reliable collection of peri-implantation embryos in the bovine has important ramifications to post-transfer consequences, particularly in the elucidation of mechanisms associated with post-hatching embryo development and to perturbations in developmental growth following transfer. This study analyzed both in vitro produced (IVP) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryo-like structures (ELS) recovered at Day (D) 14 and D21. The recovered ELS were subsequently processed for histological examination. At D14 and D21, many of the embryos recovered in the IVP group conformed to the appropriate stage of development. However, a significant number of anomalies were present in the SCNT groups when examined in more detail. Histological examination revealed that irrespective of whether these embryos had undergone trophoblast expansion to an ovoid, tubular or filamentous morphology, many had a degenerated hypoblast layer and a large proportion did not possess an epiblast and therefore could not differentiate into any of the three germ layers as would be expected at the neural groove or somite stage. The prevalence of this developmental pattern was random and did not correlate with treatment (IVP or SCNT) or with types of structures recovered. The rapid embryo elongation period also coincides with the time of greatest embryonic loss and these observations could have important implications for assessing the recovery of embryos post-transfer where incorrect morphological assessment could lead to false implantation and pregnancy determination rates. The implementation of additional methodology is required to adequately characterize the quality of IVP and SCNT-derived embryos collected post-transfer.

Review of Air Traffic Controller Selection: An International Perspective

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Broach, Dana

1997-01-01

...) in Hamburg is reviewed. Job analysis, test battery development, and validation research for the controller occupation in the United Kingdom is presented next, followed by a description of the Swedish "MRU Project" on controller...

Medical resource utilization in dermatomyositis/polymyositis patients treated with repository corticotropin injection, intravenous immunoglobulin, and/or rituximab

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Knight T

2017-05-01

Full Text Available Tyler Knight,1 T Christopher Bond,1 Breanna Popelar,2 Li Wang,3 John W Niewoehner,4 Kathryn Anastassopoulos,1 Michael Philbin4 1Covance Market Access Services Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, 2Xcenda, LLC, Palm Harbor, FL, 3STATinMED Research, Ann Arbor, MI, 4Mallinckrodt, LLC, Hazelwood, MO, USA Background: Dermatomyositis and polymyositis (DM/PM are rare, incurable inflammatory diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness and can be associated with increased medical resource use (MRU. When corticosteroid treatment is unsuccessful, patients may receive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg, rituximab, or repository corticotropin injection (RCI. This study compared real-world, non-medication MRU between patients treated with RCI and those treated with IVIg and/or rituximab for DM/PM.Methods: Claims of DM/PM patients were analyzed from the combination of three commercial health insurance databases in the United States from July 2009 to June 2014. Patients treated with RCI were propensity score matched to those treated with IVIg, rituximab, and both (IVIg+rituximab based on demographics, prior clinical characteristics, and prior MRU. Per-patient per-month (PPPM MRU and costs were compared using Poisson regression and generalized linear modeling, respectively.Results: One-hundred thirty-two RCI, 1,150 IVIg, and 562 rituximab patients had an average age of 52.6, 46.6, and 51.7 years, respectively, and roughly two-thirds were female. After matching, there were no significant differences in demographics or prior clinical characteristics. RCI patients had fewer PPPM hospitalizations (0.09 vs 0.17; P=0.049, shorter length of stay (LOS; 3.24 days vs 4.55 days; P=0.004, PPPM hospital outpatient department (HOPD visits (0.60 vs 1.39; P<0.001, and PPPM physician office visits (2.01 vs 2.33; P=0.035 than IVIg. RCI had fewer PPPM HOPD visits (0.56 vs 0.92; P<0.001 than rituximab. Patients treated with RCI had shorter LOS (2.18 days vs 5.15; P<0.001 and less PPPM HOPD

Double Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Clinical Outcomes and Real World Healthcare Costs.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sarah Gooding

Full Text Available Double relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (DRMM, MM that is relapsed and/or refractory to bortezomib and lenalidomide, carries a poor prognosis. The healthcare costs of DRMM have not previously been reported. We analyzed detailed medical resource utilization (MRU costs, drug costs and outcomes for 39 UK patients receiving standard DRMM therapy. Median OS in this cohort was 5.6 months. The mean cost of DRMM treatment plus MRU until death was £23,472 [range: £1,411-£90,262], split between drug costs £11,191 and other resource use costs £12,281. The cost per assumed quality-adjusted life year (QALY during DRMM was £66,983. These data provide a standard of care comparison when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of new drugs in DRMM.

Morphological and functional outcome of dismembered pyeloplasty ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Preoperative radiological assessment included renal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance urography (MRU) and diuretic renography for all patients. All cases showed hydronephrosis with an obstructive renal pattern. Dismembered pyeloplasty (Andersen-Hynes) was performed via an open or laparoscopic approach.

Imaging patients with renal colic: a comparative analysis of the impact of non-contrast helical computed tomography versus intravenous pyelography on the speed of patient processing in the Emergency Department.

LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

Quirke, M

2011-03-01

Introduction Non-contrast helical CT (NHCT) became the procedure of choice for investigating Emergency Department (ED) patients presenting with suspected renal colic at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, in 2008. The impact of NHCT on waiting times and patient management was compared with intravenous pyelography (IVP). Methods A retrospective, comparative cohort analysis of 95 patients who had IVP and 109 patients who had NHCT was performed. Length of ED stay from time of scan ordering to referral or discharge was analysed relative to time of day and scan result. Results Patients having NHCT who attended between 00:00-08:00 h, had a twofold longer length of stay than those who had IVP between the same hours (median 7.07 h vs 3.03 h, p=0.0294). The length of ED stay for patients attending between 08:00 and 24:00 h was similar in both groups. The presence of urolithiasis did not impact on length of stay. A significant alternate\\/incidental diagnosis was reported in 28 patients having NHCT, of which 12 were cancerous growths. Conclusion NHCT allows for the detection of incidental\\/alternate diagnoses that may not be otherwise detected in patients with renal colic. Compared to IVP, NHCT has not impacted positively on the speed of patient processing in the ED under study. For patients presenting after midnight, it is associated with over a twofold longer length of stay from the time of scan ordering to referral or discharge. This leads to prolonged patient stays in the ED, and as such contributes to overcrowding.

The application of 99mTc-EC renal dynamic imaging in urinary system calculus

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dai Ruqi; Li Shiyun; Liu Xueshu; Huang Wei

2002-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of 99m Tc-EC renal dynamic imaging (RDI) for diagnosis of urinary system calculus. Methods: 135 case with confirmed urinary system calculus by ultrasound and IVP were examined by 99m Tc-EC renal dynamic imaging and to analyze the degree of hydronephrosis and the remaining renal function. The quantitative indexes used were effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and peak uptake rate (PUR). Results: RDI almost accorded with IVP in renal calculus complicated by mild and moderate hydronephrosis cases. On other cases of the severe hydronephrosis and serious renal insufficiency, RDI was more sensitive than IVP which had no excretion in 6 patients with hydronephrosis. ERPF and PUR showed the remaining function of the morbid kidney more accurately than other methods. In severe and mild hydronephrosis the ERPF were 84.3 ± 49 ml/min and 202.2 ± 52.4 ml/min, the PUR were 20.4 ± 11.5% and 48.5 ± 13.6% respectively. Conclusion: RDI can correctly reflect the degree of hydronephrosis and the remaining function of the morbid kidney in urinary system calculus, which would be helpful for the clinical surgical planning

Radiographic evaluation of experimentally induced nephrosis in goats

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kumar, R.; Pandey, N. N.; Singh, G. R.; Setia, H. C. [Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (India)

1995-06-15

Intravenous pyelography (IVP) with pneumoperitoneum (PP) was undertaken in normal and induced nephrotic goats. In normal goats, the technique provided visualization of both the kidneys, renal pelvis, ureter and urinary bladder at 10 min post-administration of sodium iothalamate (70%). In mercuric chloride- and oxytetracycline-induced nephrosis in goats, the urinary tract could not be visualized even 60 min post-administration of dye indicating sever failure of renal excretory function. However, in gentamicin-abused goats, renal excretory function was not significantly altered owing to a very mild renal damage. It was concluded that IVP with PP could be a dependable diagnostic test for varied degree of renal insufficiency in ruminants.

Radiographic evaluation of experimentally induced nephrosis in goats

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumar, R.; Pandey, N.N.; Singh, G.R.; Setia, H.C.

1995-01-01

Intravenous pyelography (IVP) with pneumoperitoneum (PP) was undertaken in normal and induced nephrotic goats. In normal goats, the technique provided visualization of both the kidneys, renal pelvis, ureter and urinary bladder at 10 min post-administration of sodium iothalamate (70%). In mercuric chloride- and oxytetracycline-induced nephrosis in goats, the urinary tract could not be visualized even 60 min post-administration of dye indicating sever failure of renal excretory function. However, in gentamicin-abused goats, renal excretory function was not significantly altered owing to a very mild renal damage. It was concluded that IVP with PP could be a dependable diagnostic test for varied degree of renal insufficiency in ruminants

Retrocaval ureter with vesicoureteric reflux, a very rare entity

African Journals Online (AJOL)

M.C. Arya

2016-12-26

Dec 26, 2016 ... side vesicoureteric reflux). Intravenous urogram (IVU) showed diagnostic dilemma between pelviureteric junction obstruction and retrocaval ureter (Fig. 2 – IVU suggestive of pelviureteric junction obstruction). For confirmation of the diagnosis magnetic resonance urography (MRU) (T2 weighted) was done ...

Resolution of First- and Second-Order Linear Differential Equations with Periodic Inputs by a Computer Algebra System

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Legua

2008-01-01

Full Text Available In signal processing, a pulse means a rapid change in the amplitude of a signal from a baseline value to a higher or lower value, followed by a rapid return to the baseline value. A square wave function may be viewed as a pulse that repeats its occurrence periodically but the return to the baseline value takes some time to happen. When these periodic functions act as inputs in dynamic systems, the standard tool commonly used to solve the associated initial value problem (IVP is Laplace transform and its inverse. We show how a computer algebra system may also provide the solution of these IVP straight forwardly by adequately introducing the periodic input.

Gd-DTPA-enhanced T{sub 1}-weighted excretory MR urography after low-dose diuretic injection; T{sub 1}-gewichtete MR-Ausscheidungsurographie mittels Gd-DTPA und vorheriger niedrigdosierter Gabe eines Diuretikums

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nolte-Ernsting, C.; Buecker, A.; Adam, G.; Neuerburg, J.; Guenther, R.W. [Universitaetsklinikum der RWTH Aachen (Germany). Klinik fuer Radiologische Diagnostik

1997-09-01

Purpose: Assessment of the morphology of the urinary tract by gadolinium(Gd)-enhanced T{sub 1}-weighted MR-urography (MRU) and precontrast diuretic injection. Methods: MRU was performed in 5 patients using Gd-DTPA-enhanced coronal T{sub 1}-weighted 3D-gradient-echo sequences with different spatial resolution. Prior to contrast injection, 10 mg of furosemide were administered intravenously. Results: Secondary to the precontrast furosemide injection, the increase of the renal excretion rate allows complete visualisation of the entire collecting system within 10 minutes following Gd injection. Maximum intensity projections provide a three-dimensional overview of the ureters separate from the bladder. To achieve detailed anatomic imaging of the calices, both optimal distension and high resolution sequences are prerequisites which cannot be realized by means of survey urograms only. (orig./AJ) [Deutsch] Ziel: Darstellung der Morphologie der ableitenden Harnwege mittels T{sub 1}-gewichteter MR-Urographie (MRU) nach Gabe eines nierengaengigen Gadolinium(Gd)-Chelates und vorheriger Diuretikumapplikation. Methoden: Der Harntrakt von 5 Patienten wurde nach Injektion von Gd-DTPA mit koronaren T{sub 1}-gewichteten 3D-Gradienten-Echo-Sequenzen unterschiedlicher Ortsaufloesung untersucht. Vor der Kontrastmittelgabe wurden jeweils 10 mg Furosemid intravenoes verabreicht. Ergebnisse: Nach initialer Steigerung des Harnflusses durch Furosemidgabe wurden Uebersichtsurogramme mit vollstaendig durchzeichnenden Ureteren bereits 10 min nach Gd-Injektion erzielt. Maximumintensitaetsprojektionen ermoeglichten die Beurteilung des dreidimensionalen Verlaufes der Ureteren ohne Blasenueberlagerung. Eine genauere anatomische Darstellung der Nierenkelche erforderte neben einem guten Fuellungszustand eine moeglichst hohe Sequenzaufloesung, die mit Uebersichtsurogrammen allein nicht zu erreichen war. (orig./AJ)

African Journal of Urology - Vol 10, No 4 (2004)

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Diagnosis of Unilateral Single System Ectopic Ureter in Girls in the Era of Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU) · EMAIL FREE FULL TEXT EMAIL FREE FULL TEXT DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT. H Hammouda, A Abdel Lateef, M El-Akkad, M Shalaby, 264-268 ...

Renal dysplasia with single system ectopic ureter: Diagnosis using magnetic resonance urography and management with laparoscopic nephroureterectomy in pediatric age

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Milind Joshi

2009-01-01

Conclusion : Single system ectopic ureter associated with congenital renal dysplasia is exceedingly rare. MRU is definitely the better investigation for the diagnosis of this condition as compared to the conventional radiological investigations. Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy is a very good procedure for the management of these cases.

Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Patterns of Bovine Blastocysts Developed In Vivo from Embryos Completed Different Stages of Development In Vitro.

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Dessie Salilew-Wondim

Full Text Available Early embryonic loss and altered gene expression in in vitro produced blastocysts are believed to be partly caused by aberrant DNA methylation. However, specific embryonic stage which is sensitive to in vitro culture conditions to alter the DNA methylation profile of the resulting blastocysts remained unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the stage specific effect of in vitro culture environment on the DNA methylation response of the resulting blastocysts. For this, embryos cultured in vitro until zygote (ZY, 4-cell (4C or 16-cell (16C were transferred to recipients and the blastocysts were recovery at day 7 of the estrous cycle. Another embryo group was cultured in vitro until blastocyst stage (IVP. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of ZY, 4C, 16C and IVP blastocyst groups were then determined with reference to blastocysts developed completely under in vivo condition (VO using EmbryoGENE DNA Methylation Array. To assess the contribution of methylation changes on gene expression patterns, the DNA methylation data was superimposed to the transcriptome profile data. The degree of DNA methylation dysregulation in the promoter and/or gene body regions of the resulting blastocysts was correlated with successive stages of development the embryos advanced under in vitro culture before transfer to the in vivo condition. Genomic enrichment analysis revealed that in 4C and 16C blastocyst groups, hypermethylated loci were outpacing the hypomethylated ones in intronic, exonic, promoter and proximal promoter regions, whereas the reverse was observed in ZY blastocyst group. However, in the IVP group, as much hypermethylated as hypomethylated probes were detected in gene body and promoter regions. In addition, gene ontology analysis indicated that differentially methylated regions were found to affected several biological functions including ATP binding in the ZY group, programmed cell death in the 4C, glycolysis in 16C and genetic

Static fluid magnetic resonance urography in evaluation of ureteral ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Introduction: Ectopic ureters are often very difficult to diagnose with conventional imaging modalities especially in children. Magnetic resonance urography (MRU) has been recently investigated as a problem-solving tool for the evaluation of various congenital urogenital anomalies with favorable results. Aim of the work: To ...

WEDC International Conference Paper

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Digital Library (Canada)

Brittany Coff

2013-03-01

Mar 1, 2013 ... sanitation technology: Case studies in Nepal and Peru ... framework was applied to evaluate CAWST's training activities in Peru and Nepal. ... Studies at Mount Royal University (MRU) has collaborated to address this research problem. Objectives ... For example, for Kirkpatrick level 1 the interviewees were.

Molecular Recognition Units: Design and diagnostic applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alvarez, V.L.; Radcliffe, R.D.; Coughlin, D.J.; Lopes, A.D.; Rodwell, J.D.

1992-01-01

Molecular Recognition Units (MRUs), small peptides derived from complementarity-determining region (CDR) of IgM antibodies, can mimic the recognition site found in the antibody. One example of an MRU fusion peptide designed to image thrombi was derived from PAC 1.1, an IgM monoclonal antibody specific for the GPIIb/IIa receptor on platelets. The peptide sequence from the third CDR of the heavy chain was engineered for optimal binding activity and synthesized with a metal-binding peptide sequence. After labeling with 99m-Tc, the peptides were injected into either animal models of experimentally induced thrombi in order to determine their effectiveness in imaging model thrombi. Data are presented which demonstrate enhanced binding with open-quotes tandem repeatsclose quotes of the MRU domain and no loss of activity after incorporation of the metal-binding domain. These studies have led to a clinical candidate consisting of 17 amino acids. Extension of this concept to other MRUs and fusion peptides is also discussed

Pain and stress in pediatric uro-radiology: efficacy of a specific protocol

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schmit, P.; Sfez, M.

1997-01-01

Two hundred and seven children undergoing either intravenous pyelography (IVP) or voiding cysto-urethrography (VCUG) were examined. Under the age of 5 years, children received intra-rectal midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) with a maximum of 5 mg. Children over 5 years, self-inhaled an equimolar mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. Pain and stress were evaluated in children under 5, by the pediatric radiologist according to the 4 non verbal items of the Le Baron-Zeltzer scale and in children over 5 by the child himself with a visual analogic scale. Under 5 years of age, midazolam significantly reduced pain and stress during IVP (p 0.05). Pediatric radiologists should evaluate pain and stress in their patients as they can be easily and safely limited. (authors)

REHABILITATION OF PATIENTS AFTER RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

V. N. Pavlov

2014-07-01

Full Text Available According to the data obtained by Russian and foreign investigators, the major complication after radical prostatectomy (RPE is urinaryincontinence that is recorded in 20-30% of cases.Objective. To improve the results of surgical treatment in patients with prostate cancer, by developing and introducing a well-rounded post-operative rehabilitation program.Subjects and methods. Seventy-four patients who were treated at the urology clinic, Bashkir State Medical University, and underwent RPEin 2005 to 2007 have been examined; 27 of them were diagnosed as having urinary incontinence (UI. After discharge from the clinic, acontrol group received rehabilitative treatment at the sanatorium “Krasnousolsk” of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Results and discussion. Therapeutic exercises and pelvic floor electrostimulation halve the number of day urinations and paddings used inpatients with UI, by increasing the bladder capacity from 138.2±12.7 to 196±11.2 ml and improving the trophism of the bladder neck andurethra in the sphincteral area. 

Characteristics and stability analyses of transient one-dimensional two-phase flow equations and their finite difference approximations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lyczkowski, R.W.; Gidaspow, D.; Solbrig, C.W.; Hughes, E.D.

1975-01-01

Equation systems describing one-dimensional, transient, two-phase flow with separate continuity, momentum, and energy equations for each phase are classified by use of the method of characteristics. Little attempt is made to justify the physics of these equations. Many of the equation systems possess complex-valued characteristics and hence, according to well-known mathematical theorems, are not well-posed as initial-value problems (IVPs). Real-valued characteristics are necessary but not sufficient to insure well-posedness. In the absence of lower order source or sink terms (potential type flows), which can affect the well-posedness of IVPs, the complex characteristics associated with these two-phase flow equations imply unbounded exponential growth for disturbances of all wavelengths. Analytical and numerical examples show that the ill-posedness of IVPs for the two-phase flow partial differential equations which possess complex characteristics produce unstable numerical schemes. These unstable numerical schemes can produce apparently stable and even accurate results if the growth rate resulting from the complex characteristics remains small throughout the time span of the numerical experiment or if sufficient numerical damping is present for the increment size used. Other examples show that clearly nonphysical numerical instabilities resulting from the complex characteristics can be produced. These latter types of numerical instabilities are shown to be removed by the addition of physically motivated differential terms which eliminate the complex characteristics. (auth)

Percutaneous balloon dilatation of stenotic calyceal diverticular infundibula in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections.

LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

Keeling, Aoife N

2012-02-01

AIM: Renal calyceal diverticula are usually detected as incidental findings on intravenous pyelograms (IVPs) and rarely manifest any clinical signs or symptoms. However, they can interfere with patient\\'s quality of life in a number of instances causing pain, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), abscess, systemic sepsis and calculus formation. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical indications, procedure technique and clinical outcome in all patients referred to Interventional Radiology for the percutaneous management of renal calyceal diverticula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients treated with percutaneous balloon dilatation of calyceal diverticular infundibula in the Interventional Radiology Department over a 10-year period was performed. Data collected included clinical details, laboratory indices, IVP and CT findings, procedure details and clinical outcome. RESULTS: A total of three patients were treated over the course of the study period. All patients were young females who presented as a result of recurrent urinary tract infections. The calyceal diverticula were diagnosed incidentally on routine IVPs, with CT eloquently confirming the plain film findings in two cases. Technical procedure success was achieved in all cases, avoiding surgical intervention. Clinical follow-up revealed no further UTIs following dilatation. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopic guided percutaneous balloon dilatation of renal calyceal diverticular infundibula following direct diverticular puncture is a safe and well tolerated method to reduce UTI and potentially avoid future stone formation.

Percutaneous balloon dilatation of stenotic calyceal diverticular infundibula in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Keeling, Aoife N. [Department of Academic Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Road, Dublin 9 (Ireland); Wang, Tim T. [Department of Biosurgery and Surgical Technology, Surgical Epidemiology and Quality Unit, Imperial College London, St. Mary' s Hospital, London W2 1NY (United Kingdom); Lee, Michael J., E-mail: mlee@rcsi.ie [Department of Academic Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Road, Dublin 9 (Ireland)

2011-02-15

Aim: Renal calyceal diverticula are usually detected as incidental findings on intravenous pyelograms (IVPs) and rarely manifest any clinical signs or symptoms. However, they can interfere with patient's quality of life in a number of instances causing pain, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), abscess, systemic sepsis and calculus formation. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical indications, procedure technique and clinical outcome in all patients referred to Interventional Radiology for the percutaneous management of renal calyceal diverticula. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of all patients treated with percutaneous balloon dilatation of calyceal diverticular infundibula in the Interventional Radiology Department over a 10-year period was performed. Data collected included clinical details, laboratory indices, IVP and CT findings, procedure details and clinical outcome. Results: A total of three patients were treated over the course of the study period. All patients were young females who presented as a result of recurrent urinary tract infections. The calyceal diverticula were diagnosed incidentally on routine IVPs, with CT eloquently confirming the plain film findings in two cases. Technical procedure success was achieved in all cases, avoiding surgical intervention. Clinical follow-up revealed no further UTIs following dilatation. Conclusion: Fluoroscopic guided percutaneous balloon dilatation of renal calyceal diverticular infundibula following direct diverticular puncture is a safe and well tolerated method to reduce UTI and potentially avoid future stone formation.

Percutaneous balloon dilatation of stenotic calyceal diverticular infundibula in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Keeling, Aoife N.; Wang, Tim T.; Lee, Michael J.

2011-01-01

Aim: Renal calyceal diverticula are usually detected as incidental findings on intravenous pyelograms (IVPs) and rarely manifest any clinical signs or symptoms. However, they can interfere with patient's quality of life in a number of instances causing pain, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), abscess, systemic sepsis and calculus formation. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical indications, procedure technique and clinical outcome in all patients referred to Interventional Radiology for the percutaneous management of renal calyceal diverticula. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of all patients treated with percutaneous balloon dilatation of calyceal diverticular infundibula in the Interventional Radiology Department over a 10-year period was performed. Data collected included clinical details, laboratory indices, IVP and CT findings, procedure details and clinical outcome. Results: A total of three patients were treated over the course of the study period. All patients were young females who presented as a result of recurrent urinary tract infections. The calyceal diverticula were diagnosed incidentally on routine IVPs, with CT eloquently confirming the plain film findings in two cases. Technical procedure success was achieved in all cases, avoiding surgical intervention. Clinical follow-up revealed no further UTIs following dilatation. Conclusion: Fluoroscopic guided percutaneous balloon dilatation of renal calyceal diverticular infundibula following direct diverticular puncture is a safe and well tolerated method to reduce UTI and potentially avoid future stone formation.

Diagnosis of Unilateral Single System Ectopic Ureter in Girls in the ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Objective: The ectopic ureter frequently drains an ectopic dysplastic or hypoplastic kidney. The present study aims at defining the role of MRU in establishing the diagnosis of this anomaly. Patients and Methods: Between February 1996 and March 2000, 11 girls presented or were referred to our department for management ...

Direct amination of secondary alcohols using Ammonia

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Pingen, D.L.L.; Müller, C.; Vogt, D.

2010-01-01

Hydrogen shuttle: For the first time secondary alcohols and ammonia can be directly converted into primary amines with a selectivity of up to 99¿% by using a simple ruthenium/phosphine catalyst (see scheme; R1, R2= alkyl, aryl, alkenyl; M=[Ru3(CO)12]; and L=phosphine ligand).

Bladder cancer

Science.gov (United States)

... Dye workers, rubber workers, aluminum workers, leather workers, truck drivers, and pesticide applicators are at the highest ... examining the inside of the bladder with a camera), with biopsy Intravenous pyelogram - IVP Pelvic CT scan ...

A necessary and sufficient condition for well-posedness of initial value problems of retarded functional differential equations

Science.gov (United States)

Nishiguchi, Junya

2017-09-01

We introduce the retarded functional differential equations (RFDEs) with general delay structure to treat various delay differential equations (DDEs) in a unified way and to clarify the delay structure in those dynamics. We are interested in the question as to which space of histories is suitable for the dynamics of each DDE, and investigate the well-posedness of the initial value problems (IVPs) of the RFDEs. A main theorem is that the IVP is well-posed for any ;admissible; history functional if and only if the semigroup determined by the trivial RFDE x ˙ = 0 is continuous. We clarify the meaning of the Hale-Kato axiom (Hale & Kato [12]) by applying this result to RFDEs with infinite delay. We also apply the result to DDEs with unbounded time- and state-dependent delays.

Clinical and radiographic characteristics of ureteral polyps in children

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Niu Zhibing; Wang Changlin; Yang Qi; Hou Ying

2007-01-01

Objective: To analyze the clinical and radiographic characterstics of ureteral polyps with hydronephrosis in children. Methods: Thirteen patients with ureteral polyps and hydronephrosis were studied retrospectively. All patients underwent abdominal plain film, intravenous pyelogram (IVP) and ultrasound (US) examinations,contrast-enhanced CT scan was performed in 10 cases. Results: Intermittent or recurrent abdominal pain with painless hematuria was presented in most cases. Hydronephrosis was demonstrated in radiographic images. IVP delineated the dilatation of the ureter and filling defects within the ureteral lumen in 5 cases. Computed tomography (CT) showed all abnormal changes of ureter and irregular intraluminal soft tissue masses in 6 cases. Moderate and low echoic structures were showed in ureters by US in 2 cases. Conclusion: US and CT, as an important imaging modalities, can improve the diagnostic accuracy for ureteral polyps. (authors)

Ureteritis cystica: A rare benign lesion | Ibrahim | African Journal of ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

We present a case of a 63 year old Sudanese woman with a history of repeated attacks of right loin pain in whom magnetic resonance urography (MRU) showed multiple filling defects in the right ureter. These were initially thought to be malignant urothelial lesions. Ureteroscopy revealed cystic smooth walled masses which ...

Operating Environment of the Future

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Hanson, Matthew

1997-01-01

...), the Smart Surgical System (SSS), and the Intelligent Virtual Patient Environment (IVPE). The project is one of several targeting reduction in mortality and morbidity of the wounded soldier through improved far-forward combat casualty care...

N, N-Dimethylglycine decreases oxidative stress and improves in vitro development of bovine embryos.

Science.gov (United States)

Takahashi, Toshikiyo; Sasaki, Kouya; Somfai, Tamas; Nagai, Takashi; Manabe, Noboru; Edashige, Keisuke

2016-04-22

The antioxidant effect of N, N-dimethylglycine (DMG) on in vitro-produced (IVP) bovine embryos was examined. After in vitro fertilization, presumptive zygotes were cultured with or without 0.1 μM DMG under different oxygen tensions. The percentage of embryos developing to the blastocyst stage was lowest under a 20% oxygen concentration without DMG, and it was significantly increased (P DMG significantly improved blastocyst development, which was nearly equal to that achieved under 5% oxygen without DMG. Furthermore, a tendentious increase (P = 0.06) in blastocyst cell numbers was observed when DMG was applied. In the second experiment, addition of H2O2 (0.5 mM) to the culture medium significantly (P DMG supplementation prevented this reduction. In conclusion, DMG enhanced the invitro development of IVP bovine embryos by acting as an antioxidant.

Quantum calculus new concepts, impulsive IVPs and BVPs, inequalities

CERN Document Server

Ahmad, Bashir; Tariboon, Jessada

2016-01-01

The main objective of this book is to extend the scope of the q-calculus based on the definition of q-derivative [Jackson (1910)] to make it applicable to dense domains. As a matter of fact, Jackson's definition of q-derivative fails to work for impulse points while this situation does not arise for impulsive equations on q-time scales as the domains consist of isolated points covering the case of consecutive points. In precise terms, we study quantum calculus on finite intervals.In the first part, we discuss the concepts of qk-derivative and qk-integral, and establish their basic properties. As applications, we study initial and boundary value problems of impulsive qk-difference equations and inclusions equipped with different kinds of boundary conditions. We also transform some classical integral inequalities and develop some new integral inequalities for convex functions in the context of qk-calculus. In the second part, we develop fractional quantum calculus in relation to a new qk-shifting operator and e...

Effect of the cryopreservation method used, the embryonic stage and the use of conjugated linoleic acid isomers on the cryotolerance of in vitro-produced bovine embryos

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Luciana Simões Rafagnin Marinho

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA might be able to improve the cryotolerance of in vitro-produced (IVP embryos. The effect of two CLA isomers on the cryotolerance of bovine IVP embryos, as well as that of the stage of embryonic development and the method used for cryopreservation was evaluated by three experiments. In Experiment 1, oocytes (n = 3,917 were fertilized in vitro and cultured with 0, 50, 100, or 200 ?M trans-10, cis-12 (t10, c12 CLA. In Experiment 2, fertilized oocytes (n = 2,131 were cultured with 100 ?M t10, c12 or cis-9, trans-11 (c9, t11 CLA, or a combination of both isomers. The embryos were vitrified at the blastocyst (BL or the expanded blastocyst (EB stage. In Experiment 3, oocytes (n = 1,720 were fertilized and cultured with or without 100 ?M t10, c12 CLA, and the blastocysts were vitrified or frozen. Blastocyst development rate as well as the rates of re-expansion and hatching after thawing was recorded. Moreover, the mean cell number and mRNA expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC1 and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1 as well as fatty acid synthase (FASN multienzyme complex were determined. In Experiment 1, the highest concentration of t10, c12 CLA that did not reduce blastocyst development rate was 100 ?M. In Experiment 2, the rates of re-expansion and hatching among the EBs obtained through IVP after supplementation with t10, c12 CLA (73.1% and 57.7%, with c9, t11 CLA (80.0% and 68.6%, with the combination (78.3% and 52.2%, and with the control group (85.4% and 58.3% were similar. At the BL stage, the rates of re-expansion and hatching were lower than those at the EB stage, and CLA combination allowed a hatching rate (8.0% lower than that observed in the control group (40.0%. In Experiment 3, the hatching rates for vitrified EBs (vitrified control; 67.4% and vitrified CLA EBs (65.8% were higher than those obtained for frozen EBs, exposed (13.3% or not exposed (28.6% to CLA. In addition, in Experiment 3, the hatching rate was

Variable order one-step methods for initial value problems I ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

A class of variable order one-step integrators is proposed for Initial Value Problems (IVPs) in Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs). It is based on a rational interpolant. Journal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics Vol. 10 2006: pp. 91-96 ...

The clinical application of the digital imaging in urography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu Yuelong; Xie Sumin; Zhang Li; Li Huayu

2003-01-01

Objective: To evaluate the clinical application of the digital imaging in the urography. Methods: In total 112 patients underwent digital urography, including intravenous pyelography (IVP) in 38 cases and retrograde pyelography in 74 cases. Results: the entire urinary tract was better shown on digital imaging, which was accurate in locating the obstruction of urinary tract and helped the qualitative diagnosis. Digital urography was especially valuable in detecting urinary calculus. In 38 cases of IVP, the results were normal in 5 patients, renal stone in 12, ureteral stone in 13, ureteral stenosis in 6 and nephroblastom in 2. In the 74 cases of retrograde pyelography, benign ureteral stenosis was found in 31 patients, ureteral stone in 27, ureteral polyp in 2, urethral stone in 8 and benign urethral stenosis in 6. Conclusion: Digital imaging technique is of big value in the diagnosis of urinary tract lesions

Hydronéphrose géante sur rein ectopique pelvien révélée par un ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

R. Yassine

L'imagerie par résonnance magnétique (MRU magnetic resonance urography) est un excellent examen diagnostic, qui permet une évaluation précise tant morphologique que fonctionnelle [7]. Elle peut-être proposée en première intention; mais dans notre contexte, du fait de sa faible disponibilité, nous n'y recourons qu'en ...

Editorial comment on: “Ureteritis cystica: A rare benign lesion”

African Journals Online (AJOL)

E.O. Kehinde

This is an interesting rare case of filling defects in the ureter of a. Sudanese lady, proved to be due to ureteritis cystica. The correct diagnosis was made by the finding of filling defects in the ureter on. CT urography and MRU films and at ureteroscopy and biopsy. Nat- urally as clinicians, we think of neoplasms first in such ...

Characterization and comparative analyses of transcriptomes for in vivo and in vitro produced peri-implantation conceptuses and endometria from sheep.

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Xia; Xiaoling, Zhang; Kai, Miao; Rui, Wang; Jing, Xu; Min, Guo; Zhonghong, Wu; Jianhui, Tian; Xinyu, Zhang; Lei, An

2016-06-17

An increasing number of reports indicate that in vitro fertilization (IVF) is highly associated with long‑term side effects on embryonic and postnatal development, and can sometimes result in embryonic implant failure. While high‑throughput gene expression analysis has been used to explore the mechanisms underlying IVF-induced side effects on embryonic development, little is known about the effects of IVF on conceptus-endometrial interactions during the peri-implantation period. Using sheep as a model, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis between in vivo (IVO; in vivo fertilized followed by further development in the uterus) and in vitro produced (IVP; IVF with further culture in the incubator) conceptuses, and the caruncular and intercaruncular areas of the ovine endometrium. We identified several genes that were differentially expressed between the IVO and IVP groups on day 17, when adhesion between the trophoblast and the uterine luminal epithelium begins in sheep. By performing Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, we found that, in the conceptus, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated mainly with functions relating to cell binding and the cell cycle. In the endometrial caruncular area, DEGs were involved in cell adhesion/migration and apoptosis, and in the intercaruncular area, they were significantly enriched in pathways of signal transduction and transport. Thus, these DEGs are potential candidates for further exploring the mechanism underlying IVF/IVP-induced embryonic implant failure that occurs due to a loss of interaction between the conceptus and endometrium during the peri-implantation period.

Solving Differential Equations in R: Package deSolve

Science.gov (United States)

In this paper we present the R package deSolve to solve initial value problems (IVP) written as ordinary differential equations (ODE), differential algebraic equations (DAE) of index 0 or 1 and partial differential equations (PDE), the latter solved using the method of lines appr...

Cellular and molecular deviations in bovine in vitro-produced embryos are related to the large offspring syndrome

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Lazzari, G.; Wrenzycki, C.; Herrmann, D.; Duchi, R.; Kruip, T.; Niemann, H.; Galli, C.

2002-01-01

The large offspring syndrome (LOS) is observed in bovine and ovine offspring following transfer of in vitro-produced (IVP) or cloned embryos and is characterized by a multitude of pathologic changes, of which extended gestation length and increased birthweight are predominant features. In the

Prospective analysis of completely stentless robot-assisted pyeloplasty in children.

Science.gov (United States)

Casale, Pasquale; Lambert, Sarah

2010-01-01

Robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) is emerging as an effective tool for treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in the pediatric population. Typically stents are utilized for RAP and removed four weeks after the procedure. We present our prospective experience with stentless RAP. Twenty children between the ages of 12 and 113 months (mean age 56 months) underwent transperitoneal RAP for UPJO utilizing the DaVinci surgical system. Outcome measures included operative time, length of hospital stay, and resolution of obstruction by ultrasonography, magnetic resonance urography (MRU), and/or diuretic radionuclide imaging (DRI). All patients successfully underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty without conversion to pure laparoscopy or open procedure. Mean operative time was 124.7 min with a mean console time of 82.3 min. The mean hospital stay was 18 h. Of the 20 patients, 13/20 (65%) had resolution or improvement in the degree of hydronephrosis. The other patients had no evidence of obstruction based upon follow-up MRU or DRI. Stentless RAP is a safe and effective option for surgical treatment of UPJO. A larger prospective long-term cohort is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of the stentless approach.

Application of integrative genomics and systems biology to conventional and in vitro reproductive traits in cattle

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mazzoni, Gianluca; Pedersen, Hanne S.; de Oliveira Junior, Gerson A.

2017-01-01

by both conventional and ARTs such as OPU-IVP. The integration of systems biology information across different biological layers generates a complete view of the different molecular networks that control complex traits and can provide a strong contribution to the understanding of traits related to ARTs....

Improved distribution and reduced toxicity of adriamycin bound to albumin-heparin microspheres

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Cremers, Harry; Cremers, H.F.M.; Bayon, L.G.; Verrijk, R.; Wesseling, M.M.; Wondergem, J.; Heuff, G.; Kwon, G.S.; Bae, Y.H.; Feijen, Jan; Kim, S.W.

1995-01-01

Adriamycin (ADR) was formulated in albumin-heparin conjugate microspheres (AHCMS) to improve site-specific delivery and to reduce the toxicity of the drug. The effect of formulating ADR in AHCMS was investigated upon intrahepatic administration to male Wag/Rij rats. After intraveno-portal (i.v.p.)

Developmental disparity between in vitro-produced and somatic cell nuclear transfer bovine days 14 and 21 embryos

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Alexopoulos, Natalie I.; Maddox-Hyttel, Poul; Tveden-Nyborg, Pernille Yde

2008-01-01

, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy to establish in vivo developmental milestones. Following morphological examination, samples were characterized for the presence of epiblast (POU5F1), mesoderm (VIM), and neuroectoderm (TUBB3). On D14, only 25, 15, and 7% of IVP, SUZI, and HMC embryos were...

Solving Differential Equations in R: Package deSolve

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Soetaert, K.E.R.; Petzoldt, T.; Setzer, R.W.

2010-01-01

In this paper we present the R package deSolve to solve initial value problems (IVP) written as ordinary differential equations (ODE), differential algebraic equations (DAE) of index 0 or 1 and partial differential equations (PDE), the latter solved using the method of lines approach. The

Parallel Störmer-Cowell methods for high-precision orbit computations

NARCIS (Netherlands)

P.J. van der Houwen; E. Messina; J.J.B. de Swart (Jacques)

1998-01-01

textabstractMany orbit problems in celestial mechanics are described by (nonstiff) initial-value problems (IVPs) for second-order ordinary differential equations of the form $y' = {bf f (y)$. The most successful integration methods are based on high-order Runge-Kutta-Nyström formulas. However, these

Initial value problem for colliding gravitational plane waves. III

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hauser, I.; Ernst, F.J.

1990-01-01

The development of a homogeneous Hilbert problem (HHP) approach to the initial value problem (IVP) for colliding gravitational plane waves with noncollinear polarization that began in two earlier papers [I. Hauser and F. J. Ernst, J. Math. Phys. 30, 872 (1989) and 30, 2322 (1989)] is continued. After formulating the HHP, the description of how one can apply it to generate a new family of solutions of the colliding wave problem that generalizes a three-parameter family constructed by Ernst, Garcia, and Hauser [J. Math. Phys. 29, 681 (1988)] using a double-Harrison transformation is given. Then the proof that the solution of the new HHP indeed solves the IVP that is posed is presented. A matrix Fredholm equation of the second kind that is equivalent to the HHP is also deduced. This will be used in a sequel to complete the proof of existence of solutions of the HHP and the proof that certain assumed differentiability hypotheses are in fact valid

Efficacy of slow-release collar formulations of imidacloprid/flumethrin and deltamethrin and of spot-on formulations of fipronil/(s - methoprene, dinotefuran/pyriproxyfen/permethrin and (s –methoprene/amitraz/fipronil against Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis on dogs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Horak Ivan G

2012-04-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Two studies evaluating the efficacy of an imidacloprid/flumethrin collar (Seresto®, Bayer Animal Health, IVP, a deltamethrin collar (Scalibor®, MSD, CP1, a fipronil/(s-methoprene spot-on (Frontline Combo®, Merial, CP2, a dinotefuran/pyriproxyfen/permethrin spot-on (Vectra 3D®, Ceva, CP3 and an amitraz/fipronil/(s-methoprene spot-on (Certifect®, Merial, CP4/CP5 against repeated infestations with Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis on dogs were conducted over periods of 226 days and 71 days respectively. Methods The first study comprised 4 groups of treated dogs and one untreated control group, and the second 3 groups of treated dogs and one control group. Each group consisted of 8 dogs. All dogs were infested with ticks and fleas at regular intervals. Ticks were counted 6 h, 18 h or 48 h after infestations and fleas 24 h after infestations. Efficacies of the treatments were calculated by comparison with the untreated control groups using standard descriptive statistics. Results The protective 48 h tick efficacy was 97.8% to 100% for the IVP (226 days, 69.3% to 97.4% for CP1 (170 days, 99.6% to 43.4% for CP2 (35 days and 98% to 61.4% for CP3 (35 days. The protective 18 h tick efficacy was 98% to 99.6% for the IVP (71 days, 100% to 86.5% for CP4 (29 days, 100% to 72.8% for CP4 after re-treatment (35 days and 98.8% to 54.3% for CP5 (35 days. The protective 6 h tick efficacy was 85.6% at Day 7 and 90.1% to 97.1% from Day 14 onwards for the IVP (70 days, 92.3% to 70.7% for CP4 (35 days, 97.5% to 65.2% for CP4 after re-treatment (35 days and 95.1% to 51.8% for CP5 (35 days. The protective 24 h flea efficacy was 99.5/90.9% to 100% for the IVP (71/226 days, 66.7% to 83% for CP1 (170 days, 100% to 88.5% for CP2 (35 days, 100% to 73.3% for CP3 (35 days, 100% to 98.7% for CP4 (35 days, 100% to 87.5% for CP4 after re-treatment (35 days and 100% to 79.5% for

Author Details - AJOL

African Journals Online (AJOL)

One Leg hybrid P-stable substitution LMM for oscilatory IVPs in ODEs. Abstract · Vol 11 (2007) - Articles Second derivative continuous linear multistep methods for the numerical integration of Stiff system of ordinary differential equations. Abstract · Vol 11 (2007) - Articles Stiffly stable continuous extension of second ...

Test set for initial value problem solvers

NARCIS (Netherlands)

W.M. Lioen (Walter); J.J.B. de Swart (Jacques)

1998-01-01

textabstractThe CWI test set for IVP solvers presents a collection of Initial Value Problems to test solvers for implicit differential equations. This test set can both decrease the effort for the code developer to test his software in a reliable way, and cross the bridge between the application

On index-2 linear implicit difference equations

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Nguyen Huu Du, [No Value; Le Cong Loi, [No Value; Trinh Khanh Duy, [No Value; Vu Tien Viet, [No Value

2011-01-01

This paper deals with an index-2 notion for linear implicit difference equations (LIDEs) and with the solvability of initial value problems (IVPs) for index-2 LIDEs. Besides, the cocycle property as well as the multiplicative ergodic theorem of Oseledets type are also proved. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc.

Radionuclide and/or radiological technique as a comprehensive renal function study in clinical pediatric pratice

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

D'Errico, G.; La Vecchia, G.; Nodari, A.; Cenci, F.

1984-01-01

84 patients with clinically suspected urinary pathway pathology always underwent CRRA (Computerized Radionuclide Renal Angiography) and IVP (Intra Venous Pyelography); in some selected children RC (Retrograde Cystography) and CRDC (Computerized Retrograde Cysto Scintigraphy) and/or RCS (Retrograde Cysto Scintigraphy) and/or RCS (Retrograde Cysto Scintigraphy) were performed. These children, ranging from 1 day to 14 years of age, were classified, on the basis of clinical features, as: glomerulonephritis (34 cases); pyelonephritis (7 cases); vesico-ureteral reflux (15 cases); kidney and/or urinary tract malformations (29 cases). Clinical suspicion was proven by radioisotope and radiographic studies in 55 patients, namely: glomerulonephritis (23 cases); pyelonephritis (5 cases); vesico-ureteral reflux (11 cases); kidney and/or urinary tract malformation (16 cases). Among complications of the last pathology two cases of pyelo-pyelic reflux in a Y shaped duplication, cause of recurrent lumbar pain and urinary infection, not detected by IVP and RC, were discovered by CRRA; in addition two cases of vesico-ureteral reflux in patients with recurrent urinary infection were detected by CRDC but not confirmed by RC (these refluxes were considered as insignificant and transient). In our opinion, radioisotope studies (CRRA-CRDC-RCS) by i.v. injection (99m-Tc-DTPA; 0.30 MBq/kg) or by vesical catheterisation (99m-Tc-pertecnetate; 18 MBq) are particularly useful to differentiate complete from incomplete, organic from functional urinary tract obstruction, since they allow a quantitative assessment of both kidney function and unilateral renal impairment. Radiographic examination (IVP and RC), on the other hand, provide more detailed anatomical information, but are less suitable for monitoring treatment because of the higher radiation dose delivered to the patients. (Author)

Superovulation and embryo recovery in Boer goats treated with ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Lehloenya

Keywords: Boer goats, superovulation, oestrous synchronisation, pFSH, ... oestrous detection was performed three times daily at 8 h intervals with the aid ... sheep, where FSH/GnRHa treated ewes recorded a significant higher ... following short term storage of bovine IVP blastocysts at 25 ºC in EmcareTM compared to ovum.

On the ill-posedness of the Gardner equation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Alejo Plana, Miguel Angel

2012-01-01

We present ill-posedness results for the initial value problem (IVP) for the Gardner equation. We measure the regularity of the Cauchy problem in the classical Sobolev spaces Hs, and show the critical Sobolev index under which the local well-posedness of the problem is not present, in the sense t...

Rethinking Pedagogy for Second-Order Differential Equations: A Simplified Approach to Understanding Well-Posed Problems

Science.gov (United States)

Tisdell, Christopher C.

2017-01-01

Knowing an equation has a unique solution is important from both a modelling and theoretical point of view. For over 70 years, the approach to learning and teaching "well posedness" of initial value problems (IVPs) for second- and higher-order ordinary differential equations has involved transforming the problem and its analysis to a…

2018-02-18T14:18:52Z https://www.ajol.info/index.php/all/oai oai:ojs ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Enright (1974) discussed the formulation of the second derivative LMM which was found to be stiffly stable for step number k £ 7 for the numerical solution of stiff Initial Value Problems (IVPs) in Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs). In this paper some second derivative continuous linear multistep methods with two hybrid ...

A Special Family of LMM with Two Hybrid Points for Stiff ODEs ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Enright (1974) discussed the formulation of the second derivative LMM which was found to be stiffly stable for step number k £ 7 for the numerical solution of stiff Initial Value Problems (IVPs) in Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs). In this paper some second derivative continuous linear multistep methods with two hybrid ...

An algorithm for solving initial value problems of third order ordinary ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Abstract. We propose an implicit multi-step method for the solution of initial value problems (IVPs) of third order ordinary differential equations (ODE) which does not require reducing the ODE to first order before solving. The development of the method is based on collocation of the differential system and interpolation of the ...

The value of three-dimensional helical computed tomography for the retrograde flexible ureteronephroscopy in the treatment of lower pole calyx stones

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yan Xu

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Objective: The aim of our study was to determine if there is any advantage of three-dimensional helical computed tomography (3D-HCT over intravenous urogram (IVU for the retrograde flexible ureteronephroscopy in the treatment of lower pole calyx stones. Methods: From June 2012 to January 2014, a total of 52 cases of lower pole renal stones underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS in our center. All patients underwent a preoperative IVU and three-dimensional helical computed tomography urography (3D-CTU program to define the collecting system anatomy, manly concerning the following lower pole features; infundibu-lopelvic angle (IPA, infundibular length (IL, and infundibular width (IW. The examinations were performed in the same center of reference with a standardized method and with 3D-HCT Siemens Somaton Plus equipment. The measurements were performed by the same researcher, using a ruler and a square. Results: Based on clinical threshold difference of the anatomic factors on an IVU image to compare the difference between an IVU image and a 3D-CT image of 52 patients, the IPA was <30° when measured on intravenous pyelography (IVP for 21 patients. We found that with the IPA of <30° measured with IVP only 19% (4/21 were correctly classified in the same size category using 3D-HCT, whereas 81% (17/21 were upgraded to 40–50° on 3D-CT. This difference was significant between IVP and 3D-HCT. Conclusions: 3D-HCT has advantages over IVU when analyzing the morphometric and the morphological features of kidney lower pole spatial anatomy for the retrograde flexible ureteronephroscopy in the treatment of lower pole calyx stones. Keywords: Intravenous urogram, Computed tomography urography, Flexible ureterorenoscopy, Lower pole, Renal stones

Patient and staff doses in fluoroscopically guided invasive diagnostic and interventional urology procedures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ivanova, D.; Hristova-Popova, J.; Avramova-Cholakova, S.; Deyanova, Ts.; Dobrikov, R.

2015-01-01

Full text: The aim of this study is to evaluate patient and staff doses in fluoroscopically guided invasive diagnostic and interventional urology procedures. All the data were collected in the Emergency Hospital 'N. I. Pirogov'. While recording data for the patients, a real time dosimetry measurement of the medical staff was made. Air kerma-area product (KAP) was recorded for intravenous pyelogram (IVP), percutaneous nephrostomy (PN) and ureteral 'double-J' stenting. Patient data sex, age and weight were also taken. Staff doses were estimated with the system RaySafe i2. It contains four dosimeters, with a wireless connection to a real time display. The dosimeters were worn on the unprotected upper part of the body and measured the personal dose equivalent Hp(10). The mean KAP values for the procedures are: 3.21 Gy.cm 2 for IVP, 10.37 Gy.cm 2 for PN and 4.15 Gy.cm 2 for 'double-J' respectively. The highest staff dose for PN and 'double-J' is received by the urologist (160 μSv and 47.3 μSv, respectively), while for the IVP the radiographer has the highest exposure (20 μSv). Each member of the medical staff was on a different position in respect to the X-ray tube and the patient, which is the main reason for the differences in the staff doses. The variations in the mean patient and staff doses are mostly due to the interventions themselves, their complexity and the individual treatment of every patient. RaySafe i2 is very useful as guideline for making a choice of a better position and in the decreasing of radiation exposure to the staff

HSPC117 deficiency in cloned embryos causes placental abnormality and fetal death

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Yingying; Hai, Tang; Liu, Zichuan; Zhou, Shuya; Lv, Zhuo; Ding, Chenhui; Liu, Lei; Niu, Yuyu; Zhao, Xiaoyang; Tong, Man; Wang, Liu; Jouneau, Alice; Zhang, Xun; Ji, Weizhi; Zhou, Qi

2010-01-01

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been successfully used in many species to produce live cloned offspring, albeit with low efficiency. The low frequency of successful development has usually been ascribed to incomplete or inappropriate reprogramming of the transferred nuclear genome. Elucidating the genetic differences between normal fertilized and cloned embryos is key to understand the low efficiency of SCNT. Here, we show that expression of HSPC117, which encodes a hypothetical protein of unknown function, was absent or very low in cloned mouse blastocysts. To investigate the role of HSPC117 in embryo development, we knocked-down this gene in normal fertilized embryos using RNA interference. We assessed the post-implantation survival of HSPC117 knock-down embryos at 3 stages: E9 (prior to placenta formation); E12 (after the placenta was fully functional) and E19 (post-natal). Our results show that, although siRNA-treated in vivo fertilized/produced (IVP) embryos could develop to the blastocyst stage and implanted without any difference from control embryos, the knock-down embryos showed substantial fetal death, accompanied by placental blood clotting, at E12. Furthermore, comparison of HSPC117 expression in placentas of nuclear transfer (NT), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and IVP embryos confirmed that HSPC117 deficiency correlates well with failures in embryo development: all NT embryos with a fetus, as well as IVP and ICSI embryos, had normal placental HSPC117 expression while those NT embryos showing reduced or no expression of HSPC117 failed to form a fetus. In conclusion, we show that HSPC117 is an important gene for post-implantation development of embryos, and that HSPC117 deficiency leads to fetal abnormalities after implantation, especially following placental formation. We suggest that defects in HSPC117 expression may be an important contributing factor to loss of cloned NT embryos in vivo.

Dose from radiological examinations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Imamura, Keiko; Uji, Teruyuki; Sakuyama, Keiko; Fujikawa, Mitsuhiro; Fujii, Masamichi

1976-01-01

Relatively high gonad doses, several hundred to one thousand mR, have been observed in case of pelvis, hip-joint, coccyx, lower abdomen and lumber examination. Dose to the ovary is especially high in barium enema and I.V.P. examinations. About 12 per cent of the 4-ray examination are high-dose. The gonad dose is relatively high in examination of abdomen and lower extremities, in infants. The dose to the eyes is especially high, 1.0 to 2.5R per exposure, in temporal bone and nasal sinuses tomography. X-ray doses have been compared with dose limits recommended by ICRP and with the gonad dose from natural radiations. The gonad dose in lumbar examination, barium enema, I.V.P. etc. is as high as the maximum permissible dose per year recommended by ICRP. Several devices have been made for dose reduction in the daily examinations: (1) separating the radiation field from the gonad by one centimeter decreases the gonad dose about one-half. (2) using sensitive screens and films. In pelvimetry and in infant hip-joint examination, the most sensitive screen and film are used. In the I.V.P. examination of adult, use of MS screen in place of FS screen decreases the dose to one-third, in combination with careful setting of radiation field, (3) use of grid increases the dose about 50 percent and the lead rubber protection (0.1mm lead equivalent) decreases the gonad dose to one-thirtieth in the spinal column examination of infant, (4) A lead protector, 1mm thickness and 2.5cm in diameter, on the eyes decreases the dose to about one-eighth in the face and nead examinations. These simple and effective methods for dose reduction. Should be carried out in as many examinations as possible in addition to observing dose limits recommended by ICRP. (Evans, J.)

Tolerance of the canine bladder to intraoperative radiation therapy: an experimental study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kinsella, T.J.; Sindelar, W.F.; DeLuca, A.M.; Barnes, M.; Tochner, Z.; Mixon, A.; Glatstein, E.

1988-01-01

An experimental study of bladder tolerance to intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) was designed using a large animal model (adult American Foxhounds, weight 25-30 kg) to access acute and late radiation effects. Dogs were subjected to laparotomy where the bladder was mobilized and IORT was delivered using a 5 cm circular cone through a cystotomy incision with 12 MeV electrons. The bladder trigone including both ureteral orifices and the proximal urethra was irradiated in groups of 3 dogs with doses of 0, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 Gy. Dogs were followed clinically with repeat urinalysis, intravenous pyelogram (IVP), and cystometrogram at 1 month and then Q6 months for up to 4 years. One dog from each dose group was sacrificed electively at 1 and 2 years, whereas the other dog is being followed clinically for a minimum of 4 years. Complete autopsies were performed with particular attention to genitourinary and pelvic structures. No clinically detectable acute toxicity resulted from IORT to the bladder. Three of 15 IORT dogs (1 each at 25, 35, and 40 Gy) showed obstruction of a ureteral orifice with 2 dogs dying of renal failure secondary to bilateral hydronephrosis within 1-2 years of treatment. The remaining 12 IORT dogs and 3 control dogs have normal repeat IVP's and renal function with up to 4 years of follow-up. Serial cystometry demonstrates no major loss of bladder contractility or volume. At autopsy, histological changes of mucosal thinning and telangiectasia with submucosal fibrosis were confined to the IORT field and appeared dose-related. However, the bladder epithelium remained intact at all doses. The ureterovesical junction in animals receiving 20 Gy showed mild fibrosis of the lamina propria and moderate chronic inflammation. Above 20 Gy, these histological changes at the U-V junction were more pronounced with gross stenosis in 3 animals as predicted by the IVP

Minimal traumatic brain injury causes persistent changes in DNA methylation at BDNF gene promoters in rat amygdala: A possible role in anxiety-like behaviors.

Science.gov (United States)

Sagarkar, Sneha; Bhamburkar, Tanmayi; Shelkar, Gajanan; Choudhary, Amit; Kokare, Dadasaheb M; Sakharkar, Amul J

2017-10-01

Minimal traumatic brain injury (MTBI) often transforms into chronic neuropsychiatric conditions including anxiety, the underlying mechanisms of which are largely unknown. In the present study, we employed the closed-head injury paradigm to induce MTBI in rats and examined whether DNA methylation can explain long-term changes in the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the amygdala as well as trauma-induced anxiety-like behaviors. The MTBI caused anxiety-like behaviors and altered the expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) isoforms (DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b) and factors involved in DNA demethylation such as the growth arrest and DNA damage 45 (GADD45a and GADD45b). After 30days of MTBI, the over-expression of DNMT3a and DNMT3b corresponded to heightened DNMT activity, whereas the mRNA levels of GADD45a and GADD45b were declined. The methylated cytosine levels at the BDNF promoters (Ip, IVp and IXp) were increased in the amygdala of the trauma-induced animals; these coincided negatively with the mRNA levels of exon IV and IXa, but not of exon I. Interestingly, treatment with 5-azacytidine, a pan DNMT inhibitor, normalized the MTBI-induced DNMT activity and DNA hypermethylation at exon IVp and IXp. Furthermore, 5-azacytidine also corrected the deficits in the expression of exons IV and IXa and reduced the anxiety-like behaviors. These results suggest that the DNMT-mediated DNA methylation at the BDNF IVp and IXp might be involved in the regulation of BDNF gene expression in the amygdala. Further, it could also be related to MTBI-induced anxiety-like behaviors via the regulation of synaptic plasticity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Activation of ribosomal RNA genes in porcine embryos produced in vitro or by somatic cell nuclear transfer

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bjerregaard, Bolette; Pedersen, Hanne Gervi; Jakobsen, Anne Sørig

2007-01-01

The onset of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis occurs during the second half of the third cell cycle, that is, at the four-cell stage, in porcine embryos developed in vivo. In the present study the onset of rRNA synthesis was investigated in porcine embryos produced in vitro (IVP) or by somatic cell...

A Politics of Nudity: Photographs of the 'Naked Mru' of Bangladesh

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Schendel, W.

2002-01-01

This article uses photographs to explore the meanings of nudity in a district of Bangladesh. Throughout the colonial and postcolonial periods, photography was a major tool here in the framing of a confrontation between local and external cultural styles. In this confrontation, nudity was used as a

IETS statement on worldwide ET statistics for 2010

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Stroud, Brad; Callesen, Henrik

2012-01-01

of IVP embryos transferred worldwide in 2010 was 339,685, an 11% increase from 2009. Global equine ET activity also increased in 2010. The number of reported flushes (41,652) was up by 4,681 (+13%). The number of transfers (28,824) was also up (+4,354). Brazil and Argentina led the way in mares flushed...

Semiclassical anomalies of the quantum mechanical systems and their modifications for the asymptotic matching

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Deniz, Coskun

2011-01-01

JWKB solutions to the Initial Value Problems (IVPs) of the Time Independent Schrodinger's Equation (TISE) for the Simple Linear Potentials (SLPs) with a turning point parameter have been studied according to the turning points by graphical analysis to test the results of the JWKB solutions and suggested modifications. The anomalies happening in the classically inaccessible region where the SLP function is smaller than zero and the results of the suggested modifications, which are in consistent with the quantum mechanical theories, to remove these anomalies in this region have been presented. The origins of the anomalies and verifications of the suggested modifications showing a great success in the results have also been studied in terms of a suggested M ij =S ∼ i-1,j matrix elements made up of the JWKB expansion terms, S i-1,j (where i = 1, 2, 3 and j 1, 2). The results of the modifications for the IVPs and their application to the Bound State Problems (BSPs) with an example application of the Harmonic Oscillator (HO) have been presented and their generalization for any potential function have been discussed and classified accordingly.

Efficacy of paracetamol on patent ductus arteriosus closure may be dose dependent: evidence from human and murine studies.

Science.gov (United States)

El-Khuffash, Afif; Jain, Amish; Corcoran, David; Shah, Prakesh S; Hooper, Christopher W; Brown, Naoko; Poole, Stanley D; Shelton, Elaine L; Milne, Ginger L; Reese, Jeff; McNamara, Patrick J

2014-09-01

We evaluated the clinical effectiveness of variable courses of paracetamol on patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure and examined its effect on the in vitro term and preterm murine ductus arteriosus (DA). Neonates received one of the following three paracetamol regimens: short course of oral paracetamol (SCOP), long course of oral paracetamol (LCOP), and intravenous paracetamol (IVP) for 2-6 d. Pressure myography was used to examine changes in vasomotor tone of the preterm and term mouse DA in response to paracetamol or indomethacin. Their effect on prostaglandin synthesis by DA explants was measured by mass spectroscopy. Twenty-one preterm infants were included. No changes in PDA hemodynamics were seen in SCOP infants (n = 5). The PDA became less significant and eventually closed in six LCOP infants (n = 7). PDA closure was achieved in eight IVP infants (n = 9). On pressure myograph, paracetamol induced a concentration-dependent constriction of the term mouse DA, up to 30% of baseline (P 1 µmol/l. Indomethacin induced greater DA constriction and suppression of prostaglandin synthesis (P closure may depend on the duration of treatment and the mode of administration. Paracetamol is less potent than indomethacin for constriction of the mouse DA in vitro.

Relative Vessel Motion Tracking using Sensor Fusion, Aruco Markers, and MRU Sensors

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Sondre Sanden Tordal

2017-04-01

Full Text Available This paper presents a novel approach for estimating the relative motion between two moving offshore vessels. The method is based on a sensor fusion algorithm including a vision system and two motion reference units (MRUs. The vision system makes use of the open-source computer vision library OpenCV and a cube with Aruco markers placed onto each of the cube sides. The Extended Quaternion Kalman Filter (EQKF is used for bad pose rejection for the vision system. The presented sensor fusion algorithm is based on the Indirect Feedforward Kalman Filter for error estimation. The system is self-calibrating in the sense that the Aruco cube can be placed in an arbitrary location on the secondary vessel. Experimental 6-DOF results demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed sensor fusion method compared with the internal joint sensors of two Stewart platforms and the industrial robot. The standard deviation error was found to be 31mm or better when the Arcuo cube was placed at three different locations.

Índices de onda P na predição de recorrência de fibrilação atrial após isolamento da veia pulmonar

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Ahmed Salah

2013-12-01

Full Text Available FUNDAMENTO: Índices de ondas P são marcadores interessantes para prever recorrências de fibrilação atrial (FA pós ablação. OBJETIVO: Esse estudo avalia o valor dos índices de onda P para prever recorrências após isolamento da veia pulmonar (IVP em pacientes com fibrilação atrial paroxística. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 198 pacientes (57 ± 8 anos, 150 homens com FA paroxística sintomática refratária a medicamentos submetidos ao IVP em nosso hospital. Um eletrocardiograma de 12 derivações foi utilizado para medir a duração da onda P na derivação II, a força terminal de P (FTP na derivação V1, o eixo e a dispersão da onda P. RESULTADOS: No acompanhamento de 9 ± 3 meses, as recorrências ocorreram em 60 (30,3% pacientes. Os pacientes que apresentaram recorrência de FA tiveram maior duração média de onda P (122,9 ± 10,3 versus 104,3 ± 14,2 ms, p 125 ms apresenta 60% de sensibilidade, especificidade de 90%, valor preditivo positivo (VPP de 72% e valor preditivo negativo (VPN de 83,7%, enquanto a dispersão da onda P > 40 ms tem 78% de sensibilidade, 67% de especificidade, PPV 51% e VPN de 87,6%. 48/66 (72,7% dos pacientes com FTP -0,04 mm/segundo tiveram recorrência de FA (p 125 ms, a dispersão da onda P > 40 ms e FTP em V1 < -0,04 mm/sec são bons preditores clínicos das recorrências de FA pós IVP em pacientes com fibrilação atrial paroxística; contudo, eles não foram independentes do tamanho do átrio esquerdo e da idade.

Genetic parameters for oocyte number and embryo production within a bovine ovum pick-up-in vitro production embryo-production program.

Science.gov (United States)

Merton, J S; Ask, B; Onkundi, D C; Mullaart, E; Colenbrander, B; Nielen, M

2009-10-15

Genetic factors influencing the outcome of bovine ovum pick-up-in vitro production (OPU-IVP) and its relation to female fertility were investigated. For the first time, genetic parameters were estimated for the number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (Ncoc), quality of cumulus-oocyte complexes (Qcoc), number and proportion of cleaved embryos at Day 4 (Ncleav(D4), Pcleav(D4)), and number and proportion of total and transferable embryos at Day 7 of culture (Nemb(D7), Pemb(D7) and NTemb(D7), PTemb(D7), respectively). Data were recorded by CRV (formally Holland Genetics) from the OPU-IVP program from January 1995 to March 2006. Data were collected from 1508 Holstein female donors, both cows and pregnant virgin heifers, with a total of 18,702 OPU sessions. Data were analyzed with repeated-measure sire models with permanent environment effect using ASREML (Holstein Friesian). Estimates of heritability were 0.25 for Ncoc, 0.09 for Qcoc, 0.19 for Ncleav(D4), 0.21 for Nemb(D7), 0.16 for NTemb(D7), 0.07 for Pcleav(D4), 0.12 for Pemb(D7), and 0.10 for PTemb(D7). Genetic correlation between Ncoc and Qcoc was close to zero, whereas genetic correlations between Ncoc and the number of embryos were positive and moderate to high for Nemb(D7) (0.47), NTemb(D7) (0.52), and Ncleav(D4) (0.85). Genetic correlations between Ncoc and percentages of embryos (Pcleav(D4), Pemb(D7), and PTemb(D7)) were all close to zero. Phenotypic correlations were in line with genetic correlations. Genetic and phenotypic correlations between Qcoc and all other traits were not significant except for the phenotypic correlations between Qcoc and number of embryos, which were negative and low to moderate for Nemb(D7) (-0.20), NTemb(D7) (-0.24), and Ncleav(D4) (-0.43). Results suggest that cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) quality, based on cumulus investment, is independent from the total number of COCs collected via OPU and that in general, a higher number of COCs will lead to a higher number of embryos produced. The

Excretory MR urography using breathhold three-dimensional FISP: comparison with MR urography using HASTE technique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Song, Won Kue; Lee, Jeong Min; Jin, Kong Young; Hwang, Ho keung; Han, Young Min [Chonbuk Narional University Hospital, Chonju (Korea, Republic of); Ym, Seong Hee [Namwon Medical Center, Chonju (Korea, Republic of)

2000-09-01

To compare the usefulness of gadolinium-enhanced excretory MR urography using breath-hold three-dimensional fast imaging with steady state precession (3-D FISP) with conventional MR urography using the half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) sequence in the evaluation of obstructive uropathy. Twenty-three patients in whom ultrasonography (US) and/or intravenous urography (IVU) revealed signs of urinary obstruction were enrolled in this study. Fifteen were men and eight were women, and their mean age was 54 (range, 21-80) years. All MR images were obtained using a 1.5T MR unit. MR urography using the HASTE technique (MRU) and gadolinium-enhanced excretory MR urography using the 3D-FISP technique were performed, and in all cases, reconstructions involved maximum intensity projection. For contrast-enhanced MR urography(CEMRU), images were obtained 3, 5, 20, and 30 minutes after the administration of intravenous contrast media, and for selected cases, additional images were obtained until 24 hours after contrast media injection. For qualitative analysis, two experienced radiologists compared CEMRU and MRU in terms of their diagnostic value as regards the level and cause of urinary obstruction, and morphologic accuracy. In addition, signal to noise ration(SNR) and contrast to noise ration (CNR) of the urinary tract at each anatomic level were quantitatively analysed. Quantitative analysis showed that in terms of SNR and CNR of the urinary tract at the level of the mid and distal ureter, CEMRU using 3-D FISP was better than MRU using HASTE (p less than 0.05). Qualitative analysis indicated that for the depiction of the whole length of normal ureter, and detection of the level of obstruction, anatomic anomalies and intrinsic tumors, 3-D FISP was superior to HASTE. There was, however, no difference between these two modalities in the diagnosis of ureteral stone and the degree of hydronephrosis. In addition, 3-D FISP was better than HASTE for the

Excretory MR urography using breathhold three-dimensional FISP: comparison with MR urography using HASTE technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song, Won Kue; Lee, Jeong Min; Jin, Kong Young; Hwang, Ho keung; Han, Young Min; Ym, Seong Hee

2000-01-01

To compare the usefulness of gadolinium-enhanced excretory MR urography using breath-hold three-dimensional fast imaging with steady state precession (3-D FISP) with conventional MR urography using the half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) sequence in the evaluation of obstructive uropathy. Twenty-three patients in whom ultrasonography (US) and/or intravenous urography (IVU) revealed signs of urinary obstruction were enrolled in this study. Fifteen were men and eight were women, and their mean age was 54 (range, 21-80) years. All MR images were obtained using a 1.5T MR unit. MR urography using the HASTE technique (MRU) and gadolinium-enhanced excretory MR urography using the 3D-FISP technique were performed, and in all cases, reconstructions involved maximum intensity projection. For contrast-enhanced MR urography(CEMRU), images were obtained 3, 5, 20, and 30 minutes after the administration of intravenous contrast media, and for selected cases, additional images were obtained until 24 hours after contrast media injection. For qualitative analysis, two experienced radiologists compared CEMRU and MRU in terms of their diagnostic value as regards the level and cause of urinary obstruction, and morphologic accuracy. In addition, signal to noise ration(SNR) and contrast to noise ration (CNR) of the urinary tract at each anatomic level were quantitatively analysed. Quantitative analysis showed that in terms of SNR and CNR of the urinary tract at the level of the mid and distal ureter, CEMRU using 3-D FISP was better than MRU using HASTE (p less than 0.05). Qualitative analysis indicated that for the depiction of the whole length of normal ureter, and detection of the level of obstruction, anatomic anomalies and intrinsic tumors, 3-D FISP was superior to HASTE. There was, however, no difference between these two modalities in the diagnosis of ureteral stone and the degree of hydronephrosis. In addition, 3-D FISP was better than HASTE for the

mRNA Fragments in In-Vitro Culture Media are Associated with Bovine Preimplantation Embryonic Development

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Jenna eKropp

2015-08-01

Full Text Available In vitro production (IVP systems have been used to bypass problems of fertilization and early embryonic development. However, embryos produced by IVP are commonly selected for implantation based on morphological assessment, which is not a strong indicator of establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Thus, there is a need to identify additional indicators of embryonic developmental potential. Previous studies have identified microRNA expression in in vitro culture media to be indicative of embryo quality in both bovine and human embryos. Like microRNAs, mRNAs have been shown to be secreted from cells into the extracellular environment, but it is unknown whether or not these RNAs are secreted by embryos. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine whether mRNAs are secreted into in vitro culture media and if their expression in the media is indicative of embryo quality. In vitro culture medium was generated and collected from both blastocyst and degenerate (those which fail to develop from the morula to blastocyst stage embryos. Small-RNA sequencing revealed that many mRNA fragments were present in the culture media. A total of 17 mRNA fragments were differentially expressed between blastocyst and degenerated conditioned media. Differential expression was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR for

Induction of the acrosome reaction test to in vitro estimate embryo production in Nelore cattle

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M.Z. Costa

2010-08-01

Full Text Available The effectiveness of induction of the acrosome reaction (AR test as a parameter to in vitro estimate embryo production (IVP in Nelore breed and the AR pattern by the Trypan Blue/Giemsa (TB stain were evaluated. Frozen semen samples from ten Nelore bulls were submitted to AR induction and were also evaluated for cleavage and blastocyst rates. The treatments utilized for AR induction were: control (TALP medium, TH (TALP medium + 10μg heparin, TL (TALP medium + 100μg lysophosphatidylcholine and THL (TALP medium + 10μg heparin + 100μg lysophosphatidylcholine. Sperm acrosomal status and viability were evaluated by TB staining at 0 and after 4h incubation at 38°C. The results obtained for AR presented a significant difference (P<0.05 in the percentage of acrosome reacted live sperm after 4h of incubation in the treatments that received heparin. The cleavage and blastocyst rates were 60% and 38% respectively and a significant difference was observed among bulls (P<0.05. It was founded a satisfactory model to estimate the cleavage and blastocyst rates by AR induction test. Therefore, it can be concluded that the induction of the AR test is a valuable tool to predict the IVP in Nelore breed.

RADIONUCLIDE IMAGING IN THE ASSESSMENT OF THE RESIDUAL CORTICAL FUNCTION OF OBSTRUCTIVE NEPHROPATHIES

OpenAIRE

川村, 寿一; 伊藤, 坦; 王, 本欽; 吉田, 修; 藤田, 透

1980-01-01

The diagnostic value of 99m-Tc-DMSA renal scintigraphy was assessed in 156 kidneys of 107 patients with a variety of obstructive nephropathies. DMSA renal cortical imaging well demonstrated morphological changes in the renal parenchyma around the dilated pelvocalyceal system. DMSA renal uptake, as a marker of cortical functioning mass, paralleled the grading of the hydronephrotic changes on IVP. DMSA renal scintigram well visualizes the residual functioning area in the renal parenchyma and DM...

Challenges and perspectives to enhance cattle production via in vitro techniques: focus on epigenetics and cell-secreted vesicles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fabiana Fernandes Bressan

2015-10-01

Full Text Available This review aim to present some clinical problems found in IVP-derived animals focusing on NT procedures and to discuss the possible role of epigenetics in such process. Also, as cell-secreted vesicles have been reported as possible regulators of important physiological reproductive processes such as folliculogenesis and fertilization, it is also presented herein a new perspective of manipulating the pre-implantation period trough effector molecules contained in such vesicles.

A Trigonometrically Fitted Block Method for Solving Oscillatory Second-Order Initial Value Problems and Hamiltonian Systems

OpenAIRE

Ngwane, F. F.; Jator, S. N.

2017-01-01

In this paper, we present a block hybrid trigonometrically fitted Runge-Kutta-Nyström method (BHTRKNM), whose coefficients are functions of the frequency and the step-size for directly solving general second-order initial value problems (IVPs), including Hamiltonian systems such as the energy conserving equations and systems arising from the semidiscretization of partial differential equations (PDEs). Four discrete hybrid formulas used to formulate the BHTRKNM are provided by a continuous one...

International migration to and from the United Kingdom, 1975-1999: consistency, change and implications for the labour market.

Science.gov (United States)

Dobson, J; McLaughlan, G

2001-01-01

This article presents some findings of a recent study carried out for the Home Office by the Migration Research Unit (MRU) in the Department of Geography at UCL. The study was concerned with patterns and trends in international migration to and from the United Kingdom since 1975, with a particular focus on those in employment, and drew on many sources. The statistics analysed here derive from the International Passenger Survey, including hitherto unpublished tables provided by the Office for National Statistics on migration of the employed by citizenship. They indicate remarkable consistency in some aspects of migration flows and major change in others.

In vitro culture of bovine embryos in murine ES cell conditioned media negatively affects expression of pluripotency-related markers OCT4, SOX2 and SSEA1.

Science.gov (United States)

Oliveira, C S; de Souza, M M; Saraiva, N Z; Tetzner, T A D; Lima, M R; Lopes, F L; Garcia, J M

2012-06-01

Despite extensive efforts, establishment of bovine embryonic stem (ES) cell lines has not been successful. We hypothesized that culture conditions for in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos, the most used source of inner cell mass (ICM) to obtain ES cells, might affect their undifferentiated state. Therefore, the aim of this work was to improve pluripotency of IVP blastocysts to produce suitable ICM for further culturing. We tested KSR and foetal calf serum (FCS) supplements in SOF medium and ES cell conditioned medium (CM) on IVC (groups: KSR, KSR CM, FCS and FCS CM). Cleavage and blastocyst rates were similar between all groups. Also, embryonic quality, assessed by apoptosis rates (TUNEL assay), total cell number and ICM percentage did not differ between experimental groups. However, expression of pluripotency-related markers was affected. We detected down-regulation of OCT3/4, SOX2 and SSEA1 in ICM of FCS CM blastocysts (p < 0.05). SOX2 gene expression revealed lower levels (p < 0.05) on KSR CM blastocysts and a remarkable variation in SOX2 mRNA levels on FCS-supplemented blastocysts. In conclusion, pluripotency-related markers tend to decrease after supplementation with ES cell CM, suggesting different mechanisms regulating mouse and bovine pluripotency. KSR supplementation did not differ from FCS, but FCS replacement by KSR may produce blastocysts with stable SOX2 gene expression levels. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Curative radiotherapy of supraglottic cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Yong Ho; Chai, Gyu Young

1998-01-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of curative radiotherapy in the management of supraglottic cancer. Twenty-one patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottis were treated with radiotherapy at Gyeongsang National University Hospital between 1990 and 1994. Median follow-up period was 36 months and 95% were observed for at least 2 years. Actuarial survival rate at 5 years was 39.3% for 21 patients. The 5-year actuarial survival rate was 75.0% in Stage I, 42.9% in Stage II, 33.3% in Stage III, and 28.6% in Stage IV(p=0.54). The 5-year local control rate was 52.0% for 21 patients. The 5-year local control rate was 75.0% in Stage I, 57.1% in Stage II, 66.7% in Stage III, and 28.6% in Stage IV(p=0.33). Double primary cancer was developed in 3 patients and those were all esophageal cancers. In early stage(Stage I and II) supraglottic cancer, curative radiotherapy would be a treatment of choice and surgery would be better to be reserved for salvage of radiotherapy failure. In advanced stage(Stage III and IV), radiotherapy alone is inadequate for curative therapy and combination with surgery should be done in operable patients. This report emphasizes the importance of esophagoscopy and esophagogram at the follow-up of patients with supraglottic cancer

LASL: controlled thermonuclear research program. Progress report, January--December 1977

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thomas, K.S.; Sawyer, G.A.

1979-02-01

Information is included for each of the following sections: (1) reversed-field pinch program, (2) Scyllac feedback stabilization experiments, (3) Scylla IV-P linear theta pinch experiments, (4) staged theta pinch, (5) field-reversal experiment, (6) implosion heating experiment, (7) fast liner experiment, (8) gun injection experiment, (9) experimental plasma physics, (10) high-density z-pinch, (11) plasma diagnostics, (12) theory, (13) computers, (14) magnetic energy transfer and storage, (15) systems studies, (16) engineering, and (17) tritium systems test assembly

Percutaneous balloon dilatation of stenotic calyceal diverticular infundibula in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections.

LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

Keeling, Aoife N

2011-02-01

Renal calyceal diverticula are usually detected as incidental findings on intravenous pyelograms (IVPs) and rarely manifest any clinical signs or symptoms. However, they can interfere with patient\\'s quality of life in a number of instances causing pain, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), abscess, systemic sepsis and calculus formation. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical indications, procedure technique and clinical outcome in all patients referred to Interventional Radiology for the percutaneous management of renal calyceal diverticula.

Árvores frutíferas nos quintais urbanos de Boa Vista, Roraima, Amazônia brasileira Fruit trees in urban home gardens of Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazilian Amazonia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rui Jorge da Conceição Gomes Semedo

2007-01-01

Full Text Available O objetivo do trabalho foi estimar a riqueza e a diversidade das espécies de árvores frutíferas cultivadas nos quintais caseiros da cidade de Boa Vista, Roraima, bem como determinar quais são as espécies cultivadas preferencialmente pela população urbana local. Os levantamentos foram realizados em dois bairros surgidos com a expansão da cidade em 1982: (1 BEst - Bairro dos Estados (Zona Norte e (2 BAsa - Bairro Asa Branca (Zona Oeste. Foram observados 722 quintais no BEst (06 a 22.03.2004 e 339 no BAsa (07.04 a 01.07.2004. Trinta e seis espécies (19 famílias botânicas foram encontradas no BEst e 37 (20 famílias no BAsa, configurando um total de 43 espécies (20 famílias observadas. Deste total, 30 espécies (69,8% de 19 famílias (95% ocorreram em ambos os bairros, sugerindo preferências frutíferas comuns. Os três maiores índices de valor de preferência (IVP foram coincidentes e registrados para coco (Cocos nucifera L. - BEst: 19,4% e BAsa: 20,5%, manga (Mangifera indica L. - BEst: 14,9% e BAsa: 22,5% e jambo (Syzygium malaccence (L. Merr. & L.M. Perry - BEst: 10,5% e BAsa: 10,1%, todos de origem externa à Amazônia, mas que congregaram conjuntamente 44,9% (BEst e 53,0% (BAsa de IVP. Estes resultados sugerem que o cultivo de árvores frutíferas em quintais caseiros de Boa Vista segue um padrão que concentra a escolha em poucas espécies, não-originárias da Amazônia, mas tradicionalmente consagradas por seu êxito na produção de frutos.The objective of this study was to estimate the richness and the diversity of fruit tree species cultivated in Boa Vista's home gardens, as well as to determine what species the local urban population prefers. Two neighborhoods that originated during the city's expansion in 1982 were sampled: (1 BEst - Bairro dos Estados (North Zone and (2 BAsa - Bairro Asa Branca (West Zone. Seven hundred and twenty-two home gardens were surveyed in BEst (March 6 to 22, 2004, and 339 in BAsa (April 7 to

Patterns of biomedical science production in a sub-Saharan research center

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Agnandji Selidji T

2012-03-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Research activities in sub-Saharan Africa may be limited to delegated tasks due to the strong control from Western collaborators, which could lead to scientific production of little value in terms of its impact on social and economic innovation in less developed areas. However, the current contexts of international biomedical research including the development of public-private partnerships and research institutions in Africa suggest that scientific activities are growing in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to describe the patterns of clinical research activities at a sub-Saharan biomedical research center. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with a core group of researchers at the Medical Research Unit of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital from June 2009 to February 2010 in Lambaréné, Gabon. Scientific activities running at the MRU as well as the implementation of ethical and regulatory standards were covered by the interview sessions. Results The framework of clinical research includes transnational studies and research initiated locally. In transnational collaborations, a sub-Saharan research institution may be limited to producing confirmatory and late-stage data with little impact on economic and social innovation. However, ethical and regulatory guidelines are being implemented taking into consideration the local contexts. Similarly, the scientific content of studies designed by researchers at the MRU, if local needs are taken into account, may potentially contribute to a scientific production with long-term value on social and economic innovation in sub-Saharan Africa. Conclusion Further research questions and methods in social sciences should comprehensively address the construction of scientific content with the social, economic and cultural contexts surrounding research activities.

Rethinking pedagogy for second-order differential equations: a simplified approach to understanding well-posed problems

Science.gov (United States)

Tisdell, Christopher C.

2017-07-01

Knowing an equation has a unique solution is important from both a modelling and theoretical point of view. For over 70 years, the approach to learning and teaching 'well posedness' of initial value problems (IVPs) for second- and higher-order ordinary differential equations has involved transforming the problem and its analysis to a first-order system of equations. We show that this excursion is unnecessary and present a direct approach regarding second- and higher-order problems that does not require an understanding of systems.

Ureteritis cystica: A rare benign lesion

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F. Ibrahim

2014-09-01

Full Text Available Ureteritis cystica is an uncommon benign pathology of the ureter. The etiology is unclear but the diagnosis has become much easier to make with the routine use of ureteroscopy for diagnosis of ureteric lesions. We present a case of a 63 year old Sudanese woman with a history of repeated attacks of right loin pain in whom magnetic resonance urography (MRU showed multiple filling defects in the right ureter. These were initially thought to be malignant urothelial lesions. Ureteroscopy revealed cystic smooth walled masses which discharged tiny turbid fluid on biopsy. An intraoperative diagnosis of ureteritis cystica was confirmed. The patient was managed conservatively.

Metabolic and Kinetic analyses of influenza production in perfusion HEK293 cell culture

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Lohr Verena

2011-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Cell culture-based production of influenza vaccine remains an attractive alternative to egg-based production. Short response time and high production yields are the key success factors for the broader adoption of cell culture technology for industrial manufacturing of pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccines. Recently, HEK293SF cells have been successfully used to produce influenza viruses, achieving hemagglutinin (HA and infectious viral particle (IVP titers in the highest ranges reported to date. In the same study, it was suggested that beyond 4 × 106 cells/mL, viral production was limited by a lack of nutrients or an accumulation of toxic products. Results To further improve viral titers at high cell densities, perfusion culture mode was evaluated. Productivities of both perfusion and batch culture modes were compared at an infection cell density of 6 × 106 cells/mL. The metabolism, including glycolysis, glutaminolysis and amino acids utilization as well as physiological indicators such as viability and apoptosis were extensively documented for the two modes of culture before and after viral infection to identify potential metabolic limitations. A 3 L bioreactor with a perfusion rate of 0.5 vol/day allowed us to reach maximal titers of 3.3 × 1011 IVP/mL and 4.0 logHA units/mL, corresponding to a total production of 1.0 × 1015 IVP and 7.8 logHA units after 3 days post-infection. Overall, perfusion mode titers were higher by almost one order of magnitude over the batch culture mode of production. This improvement was associated with an activation of the cell metabolism as seen by a 1.5-fold and 4-fold higher consumption rates of glucose and glutamine respectively. A shift in the viral production kinetics was also observed leading to an accumulation of more viable cells with a higher specific production and causing an increase in the total volumetric production of infectious influenza particles. Conclusions These results

Gene expression of bovine embryos developing at the air-liquid interface on oviductal epithelial cells (ALI-BOEC).

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van der Weijden, Vera A; Chen, Shuai; Bauersachs, Stefan; Ulbrich, Susanne E; Schoen, Jennifer

2017-11-25

We recently developed an air-liquid interface long-term culture of differentiated bovine oviductal epithelial cells (ALI-BOEC). This ex vivo oviduct epithelium is capable of supporting embryo development in co-culture up to the blastocyst stage without addition of embryo culture medium. However, blastocyst rates in co-culture were markedly lower than in conventional in vitro embryo production procedures. In the present study, we assessed target gene expression of ALI-BOEC derived embryos to test their similarity to embryos from conventional in vitro embryo culture. We screened previously published data from developing bovine embryos and selected 41 genes which are either differentially expressed during embryo development, or reflect differences between various in vitro culture conditions or in vitro and in vivo embryos. Target gene expression was measured in 8-cell embryos and blastocysts using a 48.48 Dynamic Array™ on a Biomark HD instrument. For comparison with the ALI-BOEC system, we generated embryos by two different standard IVP protocols. The culture conditions lead to differential gene expression in both 8-cell embryos and blastocysts. Across the expression of all target genes the embryos developing on ALI-BOEC did not depart from conventional IVP embryos. These first results prove that gene expression in ALI-BOEC embryos is not largely aberrant. However, there was no clear indication for a more in vivo-like target gene expression of these embryos. This calls for further optimization of the ALI-BOEC system to increase its efficiency both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Critical rotation of general-relativistic polytropic models revisited

Science.gov (United States)

Geroyannis, V.; Karageorgopoulos, V.

2013-09-01

We develop a perturbation method for computing the critical rotational parameter as a function of the equatorial radius of a rigidly rotating polytropic model in the "post-Newtonia approximation" (PNA). We treat our models as "initial value problems" (IVP) of ordinary differential equations in the complex plane. The computations are carried out by the code dcrkf54.f95 (Geroyannis and Valvi 2012 [P1]; modified Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg code of fourth and fifth order for solving initial value problems in the complex plane). Such a complex-plane treatment removes the syndromes appearing in this particular family of IVPs (see e.g. P1, Sec. 3) and allows continuation of the numerical integrations beyond the surface of the star. Thus all the required values of the Lane-Emden function(s) in the post-Newtonian approximation are calculated by interpolation (so avoiding any extrapolation). An interesting point is that, in our computations, we take into account the complete correction due to the gravitational term, and this issue is a remarkable difference compared to the classical PNA. We solve the generalized density as a function of the equatorial radius and find the critical rotational parameter. Our computations are extended to certain other physical characteristics (like mass, angular momentum, rotational kinetic energy, etc). We find that our method yields results comparable with those of other reliable methods. REFERENCE: V.S. Geroyannis and F.N. Valvi 2012, International Journal of Modern Physics C, 23, No 5, 1250038:1-15.

The unwound portion dividing helix IV of NhaA undergoes a conformational change at physiological pH and lines the cation passage.

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Rimon, Abraham; Kozachkov-Magrisso, Lena; Padan, Etana

2012-11-27

pH and Na(+) homeostasis in all cells requires Na(+)/H(+) antiporters. The crystal structure of NhaA, the main antiporter of Escherichia coli, has provided general insights into antiporter mechanisms and their pH regulation. Functional studies of NhaA in the membrane have yielded valuable information regarding its functionality in situ at physiological pH. Here, we Cys-scanned the discontinuous transmembrane segment (TM) IV (helices IVp and IVc connected by an extended chain) of NhaA to explore its functionality at physiological pH. We then tested the accessibility of the Cys replacements to the positively charged SH reagent [2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl] methanethiosulfonate bromide (MTSET) and the negatively charged 2-sulfonatoethyl methanethiosulfonate (MTSES) in intact cells at pH 8.5 and 6.5 and in parallel tested their accessibility to MTSET in high-pressure membranes at both pH values. We found that the outer membrane of E. coli TA16 acts as a partially permeable barrier to MTSET. Overcoming this technical problem, we revealed that (a) Cys replacement of the most conserved residues of TM IV strongly increases the apparent K(m) of NhaA to both Na(+) and Li(+), (b) the cationic passage of NhaA at physiological pH is lined by the most conserved and functionally important residues of TM IV, and (c) a pH shift from 6.5 to 8.5 induces conformational changes in helix IVp and in the extended chain at physiological pH.

Oil-free culture system for in vitro bovine embryo production

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Paulo B.D. Gonçalves

2010-04-01

Full Text Available The use of oil to avoid water evaporation from cell culture has several disadvantages, amongst which there is the migration of compounds from media to oil and from oil to media. The aim of this study was to evaluate the osmolality of a culture system using four-well plates with water in the central hole as an alternative to in vitro bovine embryo production (IVP. In addition, the osmolality changes of the oocyte washing medium were assessed in 35mm dishes with or without 2 mL of silicon oil overlay. Osmolality of oocyte washing medium changed a great deal over time after 60 minutes on a 39°C heated plate (291 mOsm kg-1, which was not detected when the medium was overlaid with silicon oil (280 mOsm kg-1; P0.05. Blastocyst rates were higher when embryos were cultured in presence of water or oil (29.7 and 29.9% for water and 33% in oil conventional microdrop system, except in the group that oocytes were washed in hyperosmotic washing medium (15.1%; P<0.05. Groups cultured in absence of water in the central hole had lower blastocyst rates (P<0.05 independently of exposure (15.5% or not (16.2 and 16.8% to hyperosmotic washing medium. In conclusion, four-well plates with water in the central hole can be an alternative to replace oil overlay for bovine IVP, maintaining stable osmolality and embryo development rates.

Hyperdiagnostic of renal tumor by intravenous urography in patient with adult polycystic disease

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Djerassi, R.; Lubomirova, M.; Mutafova, I.; Bogov, B.; Gavrikova, V.; Garvanska, G.

2005-01-01

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the often seen (from 1:400 to 1:1000) inherited renal diseases with serious prognosis. The exact diagnosis, earlier treatment of the urinary tract infections and hypertension were the steps for prevention of the renal disease progression. The abdominal ultrasound is method used for screening. The frequency of the renal tumors in general population was not higher compared to those in patients with ADPKD. We described and discussed the results obtained by different imaging techniques in 23 years old female with family history for ADPKD. She was admitted to the 'Alexandrovska' University Hospital Nephrology Clinic because of the recurrence of the urinary tract infection. The diagnosis of renal tumor was suspected by renal intravenous pyelography (IVP). All the others imaging techniques - Triplex sonography-B-mode, Color, Pulse, Power Doppler, Tissue Doppler as well as contrast computer tomography showed the polycystic kidney disease, without focal changes, with several small cysts based in the medulla near distal calyces. This was probably the reason for the false-positive image made by IVP. The diagnostic values of the different imaging techniques in making the exact diagnosis in patients with polycystic kidney disease were comment, as well as a peculiar ultrasound image of the polycystic kidney in young patients, aged less then 30 years. To make the correct diagnosis of ADPKD the combination of all known imaging techniques was needed. The small kidney tumors were better visualized by tissue-harmonic ultrasound

Phenotypic correlations between ovum pick-up in vitro production traits and pregnancy rates in Zebu cows.

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Vega, W H O; Quirino, C R; Serapião, R V; Oliveira, C S; Pacheco, A

2015-07-03

The growth of the Gyr breed in Brazil in terms of genetic gain for milk, along with conditions for market, has led to the use of ovum pick-up in vitro production (OPU-IVP) as a leader in biotechnology for the multiplication of genetic material. The aim of this study was to investigate phenotypic correlations between OPU-IVP-linked characteristics and pregnancy rates registered in an embryo transfer program using Gyr cows as oocyte donors. Data collected from 211 OPU sessions and 298 embryo transfers during the years 2012 and 2013 were analyzed and statistical analysis was performed. Estimates of simple Pearson correlations were calculated for NVcoc and PVcoc (number and proportion of viable cumulus-oocyte complexes, respectively); NcleavD4 and PcleavD4 (number and proportion of cleaved embryos on day 4 of culture, respectively); NTembD7 and PTembD7 (number and proportion of transferable embryos on day 7 of culture, respectively); NPrD30 and PPrD30 (number and proportion of pregnancies 30 days after transfer, respectively); and NPrD60 and PPrD60 (number and proportion of pregnancies 60 days after transfer, respectively). Moderate to moderately high correlations were found for all numerical characteristics, suggesting these as the most suitable parameters for selection of oocyte donors in Gyr programs. NVcoc is proposed as a selection trait due to positive correlations with percentage traits and pregnancy rates 30 and 60 days after transfer.

Catalytic Enhancement of Carbon Black and Coal-Fueled Hybrid Direct Carbon Fuel Cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Deleebeeck, Lisa; Ippolito, Davide; Kammer Hansen, Kent

2015-01-01

, Ce1-xREExO2-δ (REE = Pr, Sm)) and metal oxides (LiMn2O4, Ag2O). Materials showing the highest activity in carbon black (Mn2O3, CeO2, Ce0.6Pr0.4O2-δ, Ag2O) were subsequently tested for catalytic activity toward bituminous coal, as revealed by both I-V-P curves and electrochemical impedance...... spectroscopy (EIS). Catalytic activity was evaluated as a function of various physical characteristics of doped ceria and manganese-based materials....

LASL Controlled Thermonuclear Research Program. Progress report, January--December 1976

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thomas, K.S.

1978-03-01

This annual progress report is divided into the following sections: (1) Scyllac feedback sector experiments, (2) staged theta-pinch program, (3) toroidal reverse-field pinch, (4) Scylla IV-P linear theta-pinch experiments, (5) gun injection experiment, (6) Scylla I-C, laser-plasma interaction studies, (7) field reversal theta pinch, (8) Implosion Heating Experiment, (9) experimental plasma physics, (10) plasma diagnostics, (11) high-beta tokamak, (12) theory, (13) computers, (14) engineering, (15) magnetic energy transfer and storage, (16) magnetic confinement systems studies, and (17) intense neutron source facility

Early aberrations in chromatin dynamics in embryos produced under In vitro conditions

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Deshmukh, Rahul Shahaji; Østrup, Olga; Strejcek, Frantisek

2012-01-01

standard to that of embryos produced by IVF, parthenogenetic activation (PA), or SCNT. In contrast to IV embryos, chromatin spatial and temporal dynamics in PA, IVF, and SCNT embryos were altered; starting with aberrant chromatin-nuclear envelope interactions at the two-cell stage, delayed chromatin...... decondensation and nucleolar development at the four-cell stage, and ultimately culminating in failure of proper first lineage segregation at the blastocyst stage, demonstrated by poorly defined inner cell mass. Interestingly, in vitro produced (IVP) embryos also lacked a heterochromatin halo around nucleolar...

MALAREO: a user-driven project

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Michael T. Gebreslasie

2015-11-01

Full Text Available The aim of this study is to assess the capacity gaps and requirements of Earth observation (EO and related technologies for malaria vector control and management in the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative regions of South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique. In order to achieve the core objective of this study, available EO data (including main characteristics and resources required to utilize them and their potential applications for malaria epidemiology are reviewed. In addition, a survey was conducted to assess the availability of human and facility resources to operate EO and related technologies for control and management of the malaria control programs in these countries resulting in an analysis of capacity gaps, priorities and requirements. Earth observation in malaria vector control and management has two different applications: i collection of relevant remotely sensed data for epidemiological use; and ii direct support of ongoing malaria vector control activities. All malaria control programs and institutions recognize the significance of EO products to detect mosquito vector habitats, to monitor environmental parameters affecting mosquito vector populations as well as house mapping and distribution of information supporting residual spray planning and monitoring. It was found that only the malaria research unit (MRU of the medical research council (MRC in South Africa and the national malaria control program (MCP in Swaziland currently have a fully functional geographic information systems (GIS, whereas the other surveyed MCPs in South Africa and Mozambique currently do not have this in place. Earth observation skills only exist in MRU of MRC, while spatial epidemiology is scarce in all institutions, which was identified as major gap. The survey has also confirmed that EO and GIS technologies have enormous potential as sources of spatial data and as analytical frameworks for malaria vector control. It is therefore evident that planning

Medical resource utilization and costs associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in the USA: a retrospective matched cohort analysis of private insurer data

Science.gov (United States)

Knight, Tyler; Schaefer, Caroline; Krasa, Holly; Oberdhan, Dorothee; Chapman, Arlene; Perrone, Ronald D

2015-01-01

Background Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) results in kidney cyst development and enlargement, resulting in chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to renal failure. This study sought to determine if ADPKD patients in the early stages of CKD contribute to a sizable economic burden for the US health care system. Methods This was a retrospective, matched cohort study, reviewing medical resource utilization (MRU) and costs for adults in a US private-payer claims database with a diagnosis code of ADPKD (ICD-9-CM 753.13). ADPKD patients were matched by age grouping (0–17, 18–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, and 65+ years) and sex to controls to understand the burden of ADPKD. Descriptive statistics on 6-month MRU and costs were assessed by CKD stages, dialysis use, or previous renal transplant. Results The analysis included ADPKD patients in CKD stages 1–5 (n=316 to n=860), dialysis (n=586), and post-transplant (n=615). Mean ages did not differ across CKD stages (range 43–56 years). Men were the majority in the later stages but the minority in the early stages. The proportion of patients with at least one hospitalization increased with CKD stage, (12% to >40% CKD stage 2 to stage 5, dialysis or post-transplant). The majority had at least one hospital outpatient visit and at least one pharmacy claim. Total 6-month per-patient costs were greater among ADPKD patients than in age-matched and sex-matched healthy non-ADPKD controls (P<0.001 for all comparisons). Conclusion ADPKD patients with normal kidney function are associated with a significant economic burden to the health care system relative to the general population. Any treatments that delay progression to later stages of CKD may provide potential health care cost offsets. PMID:25759590

In-straw cryoprotectant dilution of IVP bovine blastocysts vitrified in hand-pulled glass micropipettes.

Science.gov (United States)

Vieira, A D; Forell, F; Feltrin, C; Rodrigues, J L

2007-06-01

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of two ethylene glycol-based vitrification solutions on in vitro and in vivo survival after in-straw cryoprotectant dilution of vitrified in vitro-produced bovine embryos. Day-7 expanded blastocysts were selected according to diameter (> or = 180 microm) and osmotic characteristics and randomly assigned to one of three groups (i) VSa: vitrification in 40% EG+17.1% SUC+0.1% PVA; (ii) VSb: vitrification in 20% EG+20% DMSO; (iii) control: non-vitrified embryos. Vitrification was performed in hand-pulled glass micropipettes (GMP) and cryoprotectant dilution in 0.25 ml straws after warming in a plastic tube. Embryo viability was assessed by re-expansion and hatching rates after 72 h of IVC and by pregnancy rates after direct transfer of vitrified embryos. No differences in re-expansion rates were observed between vitrified groups after 24 h in culture (VSa=84.5%; VSb=94.8%). However, fewer VSa embryos (55.2%, Pstraw cryoprotectant dilution and direct embryo transfer.

The effects of FK1706 on nerve regeneration and bladder function recovery following an end-to-side neurorrhaphy in rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Wansheng; He, Xiangfei; Li, Yunlong; Wen, Jianguo

2017-11-07

Immunophilin ligands are neuroregenerative agents binding to FK506 binding proteins, by which stimulate recovery of neurons in a variety of injury nerves. FK1706 is a novel immunophilin ligand which has neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects but without immunosuppressive activity. At present, most reports about FK1706 in ameliorating nerve injury and functional recovery are limited to cavernous nerve injury and erectile function recovery. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of FK1706 on nerve regeneration and bladder function recovery following an end-to-side neurorrhaphy in rat models. The numbers of regenerated myelinated axons of the pelvic parasympathetic nerve (PPN) in the three groups' rats (FK1706 + ETS, ETS and control groups) were evaluated. Their intravesical pressure (IVP), S100β and growth associated protein 43 (GAP43) expressions were also compared. In FK1706 + ETS group, 90% the rats showed that the frequency of FG labeled neurons was larger than the 3.5 cutoff value, 100% the rats showed that the frequency of FG-FB double-labeled neurons was larger than the 5.5 cutoff value. The average maximum of IVP in FK1706 + ETS group reached 76.3% of the value in control group. Their average number of myelinated axons of regenerated PPN reached 80% of the amount in control group. The nerve regeneration-associated markers data indicated that the expression level of S100β and GAP43 in FK1706 + ETS group was approximately 2-fold higher than that of ETS group (P side neurorrhaphy, FK1706 effectively enhanced the nerve regeneration and bladder function recovery.

Renal function study by sup(99m)Tc-DMSA renal scintigraphy in non-obstructive upper urinary tract infection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kawamura, Juichi; Itoh, Hitoshi; Wang, Pan-Chin; Hosokawa, Shinichi; Yoshida, Osamu

1979-01-01

Kidney function study was carried out in 90 patients with non-obstructive upper urinary tract infection using sup(99m)Tc-DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid) renal scintigraphy. sup(99m)Tc-DMSA renal scintigram demonstrated well pyelonephritic cortical lesions which were not easily visualized on IVP. A variety of sup(99m)Tc-DMSA renal uptake paralleled the grading of pyelonephritic changes in IVP, however, there was a discrepancy between some of grade II pyelonephritic changes in reflux kidneys and DMSA renal uptake. This may be partly attributed to hydrodynamic effects of VUR in addition to inflammatory changes. The severity of reflux and changes in pelviocaliceal system on VCG also paralleled DMSA renal uptake in reflux kidneys. A ratio of sup(99m)Tc-DMSA renal uptake in the healthy side to that in pathological side was observed in 23 cases with VUR before and after the anti-VUR operation was performed. In patients with more than 3.5 of preoperative DMSA uptake ratio, there were few increments postoperatively in kidney functions of the pathological side, while the contralateral healthy kidney showed a compensatory increase in kidney function. This DMSA renal uptake ratio between healthy and pathological side seems to be one of predictable determinants for postoperative recovery of the pathological side. Thus, by comparing the DMSA uptake between right and left kidney in the chronic course or pre- and postoperative periods, an effect of renal function in the pathological side on that in the healthy side was investigated from the point of renal counterbalance. (author)

Dual effect of fetal bovine serum on early development depends on stage-specific reactive oxygen species demands in pigs.

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Seong-Eun Mun

Full Text Available Despite the application of numerous supplements to improve in vitro culture (IVC conditions of mammalian cells, studies regarding the effect of fetal bovine serum (FBS on mammalian early embryogenesis, particularly in relation to redox homeostasis, are lacking. Herein, we demonstrated that early development of in vitro-produced (IVP porcine embryos highly depends on the combination of FBS supplementation timing and embryonic reactive oxygen species (ROS requirements. Interestingly, FBS significantly reduced intracellular ROS levels in parthenogenetically activated (PA embryos regardless of the developmental stage. However, the beneficial effect of FBS on early embryogenesis was found only during the late phase (IVC 4-6 days treatment group. In particular, developmental competence parameters, such as blastocyst formation rate, cellular survival, total cell number and trophectoderm proportion, were markedly increased by FBS supplementation during the late IVC phase. In addition, treatment with FBS elevated antioxidant transcript levels during the late IVC phase. In contrast, supplementation with FBS during the entire period (1-6 days or during the early IVC phase (1-2 days greatly impaired the developmental parameters. Consistent with the results from PA embryos, the developmental competence of in vitro fertilization (IVF or somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT embryos were markedly improved by treatment with FBS during the late IVC phase. Moreover, the embryonic stage-specific effects of FBS were reversed by the addition of an oxidant and were mimicked by treatment with an antioxidant. These findings may increase our understanding of redox-dependent early embryogenesis and contribute to the large-scale production of high-quality IVP embryos.

Research Analysis of Conflicting Behaviour Peculiarities Among Student Athletes

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Povilas Tamošauskas

2012-06-01

Full Text Available Almost always there is a certain degree of tension, irritation, and conflicts among athletes of various types of sports. The objective of the research is to evaluate conflicting behaviour of student wrestlers in the public safety faculties (PSF at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VGTU and Mykolas Romeris University (MRU. In the introduction of the research, conflict descriptions, types, criteria, solutions, and psychological climate factors as theorized by different authors are introduced. Survey data on student athletes is analyzed. In addition to this, psychological climate and predominant features among wrestling teams in higher education schools are assessed and emerging conflict types and solutions are determined. Finally, the differences in athletes and coaches‘ evaluation of psychological climate and indications are described.

Predictive value of excretory urography, ultrasonography, computerized tomography, and liver and bone scan in the staging of bilharzial bladder cancer in Saudi Arabia

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hanash, K.A.; Bissada, N.K.; Abla, A.; Esmail, D.; Dowling, A.

1984-01-01

The role of ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and radioisotopic scanning in the staging of bilharzial bladder cancer has not been reported previously. Forty patients with invasive bladder cancer seen at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre between January 1978 and June 1981 underwent complete preoperative workup for staging of their tumors prior to radical cystectomy. The preoperative radiologic investigations included excretory urography (IVP), ultrasonography (US), CT of the pelvis, and liver and bone scans. The results of these investigations were compared with the operative and pathologic staging. Ninety-three percent of the patients with bilharzial cancer had evidence of ureteric obstruction on IVP compared with 22% of the nonbilharzial cancer patients. The presence of ureteric obstruction in these patients did not correlate with the stage of the disease with 83% of the patients with superficial tumors (T1 and T2) having hydroureteronephrosis. Ultrasonography and CT had an 83% accuracy in the staging of superficial tumors. Stage T3 tumors were understaged in 14% of the cases. Ultrasonography did not differentiate Stages T3 and T4 tumors while CT scan differentiated these two stages in 57% of the cases. Bone scan failed to reveal evidence of metastatic disease in any of the bilharzial cancer patients. Liver scan was suspicious for liver metastases in two patients with bilharzial cancers in whom open liver biopsy revealed only hepatic bilharziasis. Of all the radiographic studies, US or preferably CT scan seem to be of some value in the staging of bilharzial tumors localized to the bladder. Bone and liver scans are probably of no cost effective benefit

Primary Obstructive Megaureter with Giant Ureteral Stone: A Case Report

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Abdullah Demirtaş

2013-01-01

Full Text Available A 19-year-old male patient was admitted with flank pain, which had lasted intermittently for four years. In X-ray, there was a radiopacity with a dimension of 6 × 4 cm on the left pelvic bone. Intravenous pyelography revealed a huge left megaureter with a stone in the lower end and grade V hydronephrosis. A left ureterolithotomy, left nipple ureteroneocystostomy, and psoas hitch operation was performed. A voiding cystourethrogram taken three months after the operation showed no reflux, and in IVP there was reduced dilatation of the collecting system when compared to the ureter before the operation.

[Multiple simultaneous stratigraphy. Results with a 5-plane system for pediatric use].

Science.gov (United States)

Iannaccone, G; Capocaccia, P; Boi, A; Calì, M; Del Chierico, G; Morelli, C; Ricci, L

1988-10-01

The authors report the results of a five-layer simultaneous multisection tomographic technique to be used in pediatric radiology, based on an appropriately selected series of Trimax rare-earth intensifying screens arranged in progressive speed order. The technique has been so far employed with excellent results in 100 children, especially during IVP, when X-ray examination is very frequently disturbed by ileocolic gas. The many advantages of the technique are emphasized: a) all sections are perfectly parallel and simultaneous, in the same respiratory phase and body position; b) film density is practically identical in all sections; c) there is considerable saving in time, machine consumption, and radiation dose.

Effect of the histaminergic antagonist over the pulmonary oedema growth in P. berghei - infected mice

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martins, M.A.

1985-01-01

The involvement of histaminergic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of pulmonary oedema observed in p. berghei - infected mice was investigated. Histamine concentrations in plasma and whole blood of infected and normal mice were determined by radioenzymatic assay during the seven days of the infection. Elevated plasma and whole blood histamine levels were found at the last stages of infection (sixth day and seventh day) after intraperitoneal injection of parasitized erythrocytes, showing a close temporal correlation between the development of the oedema and the elevation of the circulating histamine concentrations. The participation of H 1 and H 2 receptors in the increase in vascular permeability (IVP) induced by histamine was also verified. (author)

N-Acetylcarnosine sustained drug delivery eye drops to control the signs of ageless vision: glare sensitivity, cataract amelioration and quality of vision currently available treatment for the challenging 50,000-patient population.

Science.gov (United States)

Babizhayev, Mark A; Burke, Leslie; Micans, Philip; Richer, Stuart P

2009-01-01

Innovative Vision Products, Inc. (IVP)'s scientists developed the lubricant eye drops (Can-C) designed as 1% N-acetylcarnosine (NAC) prodrug of L-carnosine containing a mucoadhesive cellulose-based compound combined with corneal absorption promoters in a sustained drug delivery system. Only the natural L-isomeric form of NAC raw material was specifically synthesized at the cGMP facility and employed for the manufacturing of Can-C eye drops. In the present clinical study the authors assessed vision before and after 9 month term of topical ocular administration of NAC lubricant eye drops or placebo in 75 symptomatic patients with age-related uncomplicated cataracts in one or both eyes, with acuity in one eye of 20/40 or worse (best-corrected distance), and no previous cataract surgery in either eye and no other ocular abnormality and 72 noncataract subjects ranged in age from 54 to 78 years. Subjects in these subsample groups have reported complaints of glare and wanted to administer eye drops to get quick eye relief and quality of vision for their daily activities including driving and computer works. Following 9 months of treatment with NAC lubricant eye drops, most patients' glare scores were improved or returned to normal in disability glare tests with Halometer DG. Improvement in disability glare was accompanied with independent improvement in acuity. Furthermore, patients with the poorest pretreatment vision were as likely to regain certain better visual function after 9 months of treatment with N-acetylcarnosine lubricant eye drops as those with the worth pretreatment vision. The authors made a reference to electronic records of the product sales to patients who have been made the repurchase of the Can-C eye drops since December 2001. Based on this analysis of recorded adjustments to inventory, various parameters were analyzed during the continued repurchase behavior program, including testimonials from buyers. With these figures, researchers judged on the

Gold nanoparticles for cancer detection and treatment: The role of adhesion

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oni, Y. [Princeton Institute for Science and Technology of Materials (PRISM), Princeton University, 70 Prospect Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08544 (United States); Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544 (United States); Hao, K. [Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States); Dozie-Nwachukwu, S.; Odusanya, O. S. [African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Kilometer 10, Airport Road, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria); Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO), Gwagwalada, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria); Obayemi, J.D. [African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Kilometer 10, Airport Road, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria); Anuku, N. [Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544 (United States); Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Bronx Community College, New York, New York 10453 (United States); Soboyejo, W. O. [Princeton Institute for Science and Technology of Materials (PRISM), Princeton University, 70 Prospect Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08544 (United States); Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544 (United States); African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Kilometer 10, Airport Road, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (Nigeria)

2014-02-28

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the effects of adhesion between gold nanoparticles and surfaces that are relevant to the potential applications in cancer detection and treatment. Adhesion is measured using a dip coating/atomic force microscopy (DC/AFM) technique. The adhesion forces are obtained for dip-coated gold nanoparticles that interact with peptide or antibody-based molecular recognition units (MRUs) that attach specifically to breast cancer cells. They include MRUs that attach specifically to receptors on breast cancer cells. Adhesion forces between anti-cancer drugs such as paclitaxel, and the constituents of MRU-conjugated Au nanoparticle clusters, are measured using force microscopy techniques. The implications of the results are then discussed for the design of robust gold nanoparticle clusters and for potential applications in localized drug delivery and hyperthermia.

Gold nanoparticles for cancer detection and treatment: The role of adhesion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oni, Y.; Hao, K.; Dozie-Nwachukwu, S.; Odusanya, O. S.; Obayemi, J.D.; Anuku, N.; Soboyejo, W. O.

2014-01-01

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the effects of adhesion between gold nanoparticles and surfaces that are relevant to the potential applications in cancer detection and treatment. Adhesion is measured using a dip coating/atomic force microscopy (DC/AFM) technique. The adhesion forces are obtained for dip-coated gold nanoparticles that interact with peptide or antibody-based molecular recognition units (MRUs) that attach specifically to breast cancer cells. They include MRUs that attach specifically to receptors on breast cancer cells. Adhesion forces between anti-cancer drugs such as paclitaxel, and the constituents of MRU-conjugated Au nanoparticle clusters, are measured using force microscopy techniques. The implications of the results are then discussed for the design of robust gold nanoparticle clusters and for potential applications in localized drug delivery and hyperthermia

PRODUÇÃO in vitro DE EMBRIÕES DE BOVINOS DA RAÇA NELORE ORIUNDOS DE OVÓCITOS DE OVÁRIOS COM E SEM CORPO LÚTEO

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Cristiano Pereira Barbosa

2013-03-01

Full Text Available This study aimed to compare the quality and quantity of oocytes aspirated from ovaries containing or not corpus luteum (CL, the development of embryos, pregnancy rate and sex ratio among embryos after IVP in Nellore cows. Follicular aspirations were performed in both ovaries of 219 cows in 250 sections, and equally divided into five groups: G1 = pregnant, G2 = not pregnant, with CL and submitted to hormonal therapy with progestin+BE+PGF2µ; G3 = not pregnant, without CL and with the same treatment of G2; G4 = not pregnant, with the presence of CL and no treatment; G5 = not pregnant, without the presence of CL and no treatment. The statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance (ANOVA and Tukey Test was applied to compare means at 5% significance level, by SISVAR program. For the comparison of sex ratio within and between groups, the multiple comparison test of proportions was used. The G4 produced higher mean of total aspirated oocytes than G2 and G3. Comparing the three groups with CL, G4 showed higher number of oocytes than G1 and G2 in both ovaries. The G2 presented more viable oocytes than G1 in the CL-containing ovary. The ovaries without CL showed better production in pregnant cows despite of viable oocytes (p0.05 when compared with ovaries presenting CL. Oocytes obtained from ovaries with CL resulted in better rates of embryo production. Pregnancy rates and sex ratio were similar among groups (p>0.05. The P4 concentration was different between groups, but it did not influence any variable. The use of hormonal treatment did not improve the results of any variable. Therefore, choosing Nellore donors for IVP programs depends on knowing each animal individually along the sections of OPU

Is the gravity effect of radiographic anatomic features enough to justify stone clearance or fragments retention following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL).

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Mustafa, Mahmoud

2012-08-01

We determined whether the gravity effect of radiographic anatomic features on the preoperative urography (IVP) are enough to predict fragments clearance after shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). A Total of 282 patients with mean age 45.8 ± 13.2 years (189 male, 93 female), who underwent SWL due to renal calculi between October 2005 and August 2009 were enrolled. The mean calculi load was 155.72 ± 127.66 mm². The patients were stratified into three groups: patients with pelvis calculi (group 1); patients with upper or middle pole calculi (group 2) and patients with lower pole calculi (group 3). Three angles on the pretreatment IVP were measured: the inner angle between the axis of the lower pole infundibular and ureteropelvic axis (angle I); the inner angle between the lower pole infundibular axis and main axis of pelvis-ureteropelvic (UP) junction point (angle II) and the inner angle between the lower pole infundibular axis and perpendicular line (angle III). Multivariate analysis was used to define the significant predictors of stone clearance. The overall success rate was 85.81%. All angles, sessions number, shock waves number and stone burden were significant predictors of success in patients in group 1. However, in group 2 only angle II and in group 3 angles I and II had significant effect on stone clearance. Radiographic anatomic features have significant role in determining the stone-free rate following satisfactory fragmentation of renal stones with SWL. The measurement of infundibulopelvic angle in different manner helps to predict the stone-free status in patients with renal calculi located not only in lower pole, but also in renal pelvis and upper or middle pole. Gravity effect is not enough to justify the significant influence of the radiographic anatomic features on the stone clearance and fragments retention after SWL.

Morphological classification of Renal Disease Using 99mTc-DMSA Scintigram

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moon, Tae Yong

1991-01-01

99m Tc-DMSA renal scan has been evaluated not only the renal functional cell mass but also some anatomical structures at a loss of the renal parenchymal function. The author classified a renal morphology of the posterior image of 99m Tc-DMSA renal scan as the groups of symmetic and asymmetric morphology, the groups of the large, normal and small sized kidneys, the groups of the central photon defects (PD) which could be noted in a dilated pelvocalyceal system due to obstructive uropathy and the cortical photon defects (CD) due to focal parenchymal lesions or scars after a loss of function and the last groups of the single and multiple CD for a suggestion of the clinical usefulness. Regarding to measurement of norrnal renal size, the longest size of the kidneys were evaluated with 5 cm of a lead scale on the posterior renal image, and those were decided to the limits beteen 104.1 and 119. 4 mm as comparison with the renal size of intravenous pyelogram (IVP) in 59 cases who were underwent 99m Tc-DMSA and IVP concommitantly. Among 85 cases of PD in 99m Tc-DMSA renal scan, the 61 (71.8%) were cases of a dilated pelvocalyceal system related with obstructive uropathy, meanwhile the 28 (27.0%) of 162 cases with CD were cases of obstructive and infectious uropathy. The probability of a presence of some uropathy in cases of CD were 99.3%, meanwhile that of the presence of CD in cases of some uropathy were 37.9%. Besides, there were some specific anatomical findings such as polycystic kidneys with symmetric enlarged kidneys with multiple CD and the kidneys of chronic renal failure and/or hypertension with syrnmetric small size in 99m Tc-DMSA renal scan.

Efficiency of Staging Work-Ups in the Evaluation of Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Jae Sung; Ha, Sung Whan

1991-01-01

A series of 510 patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix given the curative radiation therapy from March 1979 through December 1986 was evaluated to determine the value of intravenous pyelography(IVP), cystoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and abdomino-pelvic CT as staging work-up prior to treatment. On IVP and cystoscopy, 10.7%(49/456) and 5/3%(24/452) showed abnormality, respectively, but only 0.7% (3/413) did on signoidoscopy. As a result of these work-ups prerequisite to FIGO staging, twenty six (5.1%) out of 510 patients were upstaged from the stage determined by the findings of physical examination alone. The proportions of upstaging in each stage were as follows none in stage IB(35), IIA (89) and IIIA(8), 7.9%(20/252) in stage IIB(14 patients to FIGO Stage IIIB, 6 patients to FIGO stage IVA), and 4.8% (6/126) in stage IIIB (all to FIGO stage IVA). Positive findings of staging work-ups were found only in patients with advanced stages of stage IIB or over determined by physical examination alone but not in those with earlier stages. CT was performed in 337 patients. CT detected pelvic lymph node (LN) enlargement in 25.2% (85/337) and paraaortic LN enlargement in 7.4% (25/337). Pelvic LN positivity was well correlated with increasing stage but paraaortic LN positivity was not. In the evaluation of parametrial involvement, CT findings were in accordance with those of physical examination only in 65.6%(442/674). When compared with endoscopic studies, CT had much lower positive predictive value than negative predictive value in the evaluation of adjacent organ invasion. The staging work-ups should be individualized by the disease extent of each patient, and then the efficiency of work-ups may be increased without compromising the appropriate FIGO staging and treatment

mRNA fragments in in vitro culture media are associated with bovine preimplantation embryonic development.

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Kropp, Jenna; Khatib, Hasan

2015-01-01

In vitro production (IVP) systems have been used to bypass problems of fertilization and early embryonic development. However, embryos produced by IVP are commonly selected for implantation based on morphological assessment, which is not a strong indicator of establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Thus, there is a need to identify additional indicators of embryonic developmental potential. Previous studies have identified microRNA expression in in vitro culture media to be indicative of embryo quality in both bovine and human embryos. Like microRNAs, mRNAs have been shown to be secreted from cells into the extracellular environment, but it is unknown whether or not these RNAs are secreted by embryos. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine whether mRNAs are secreted into in vitro culture media and if their expression in the media is indicative of embryo quality. In vitro culture medium was generated and collected from both blastocyst and degenerate (those which fail to develop from the morula to blastocyst stage) embryos. Small-RNA sequencing revealed that many mRNA fragments were present in the culture media. A total of 17 mRNA fragments were differentially expressed between blastocyst and degenerate conditioned media. Differential expression was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR for fragments of mRNA POSTN and VSNL-1, in four additional biological replicates of media. To better understand the mechanisms of mRNA secretion into the media, the expression of a predicted RNA binding protein of POSTN, PUM2, was knocked down using an antisense oligonucleotide gapmer. Supplementation of a PUM2 gapmer significantly reduced blastocyst development and decreased secretion of POSTN mRNA into the media. Overall, differential mRNA expression in the media was repeatable and sets the framework for future study of mRNA biomarkers in in vitro culture media to improve predictability of reproductive performance.

Supplementation of fetal bovine serum alters histone modification H3R26me2 during preimplantation development of in vitro produced bovine embryos

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Daniel R. Arnold

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Abstract In vitro production (IVP of bovine embryos is not only of great economic importance to the cattle industry, but is also an important model for studying embryo development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histone modification, H3R26me2 during pre-implantation development of IVP bovine embryos cultured with or without serum supplementation and how these in vitro treatments compared to in vivo embryos at the morula stage. After in vitro maturation and fertilization, bovine embryos were cultured with either 0 or 2.5% fetal bovine serum (FBS. Development was evaluated and embryos were collected and fixed at different stages during development (2-, 4-, 8-, 16-cell, morula and blastocyst. Fixed embryos were then used for immunofluorescence utilizing an antibody for H3R26me2. Images of stained embryos were analyzed as a percentage of total DNA. Embryos cultured with 2.5% FBS developed to blastocysts at a greater rate than 0%FBS groups (34.85±5.43% vs. 23.38±2.93%; P<0.05. Levels of H3R26me2 changed for both groups over development. In the 0%FBS group, the greatest amount of H3R26me2 staining was at the 4-cell (P<0.05, 16-cell (P<0.05 and morula (P<0.05 stages. In the 2.5%FBS group, only 4-cell stage embryos were significantly higher than all other stages (P<0.01. Morula stage in vivo embryos had similar levels as the 0%FBS group, and both were significantly higher than the 2.5%FBS group. These results suggest that the histone modification H3R26me2 is regulated during development of pre-implantation bovine embryos, and that culture conditions greatly alter this regulation.

A case report of Ileal duplication

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oh, K K; Suh, J H; Choi, B S [Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

1971-10-15

Since Frankel reported the congenital anomalous intestinal duplication incidentally during autopsy in 1883, about 228 cases has been reported on the literatures. In our severance hospital, one case of ileal duplication was found, and was confirmed by pathology and surgery. This patient of duplication usually reveals the symptoms of abnormal distension, pain and palpable abdominal mass, and sometimes the symptoms of intestinal obstruction. On x-ray flate abdomen, huge occupying mass displaces intestinal gas pattern to left side. Barium enema study reveals elongation and displacement of ileum by large extrinsic mass. And cecum is also displaced upward. On the IVP, this extrinsic mass is not related to kidneys. Also, the literature was reviewed.

Cysteamine supplementation during in vitro maturation of slaughterhouse- and opu-derived bovine oocytes improves embryonic development without affecting cryotolerance, pregnancy rate, and calf characteristics.

Science.gov (United States)

Merton, J S; Knijn, H M; Flapper, H; Dotinga, F; Roelen, B A J; Vos, P L A M; Mullaart, E

2013-09-01

Optimization of ovum pick up (OPU) followed by in vitro embryo production (IVP) is strongly driven by the needs of both beef and dairy cattle breeders to enhance genetic improvement. The rapidly growing use of genomic selection in cattle has increased the interest in using OPU-IVP technology to increase the number of embryos and offspring per donor, thus allowing enhanced selection intensity for the next generation. The aim of this study was to optimize embryo production through supplementation of cysteamine during in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro culture (IVC) of both slaughterhouse- and OPU-derived oocytes. The effects on embryo production and on embryo cryotolerance, post-transfer embryo survival, and calf characteristics, including gestation length, birth weight, perinatal mortality, and sex ratio were studied. In study 1, immature slaughterhouse-derived cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in IVM medium supplemented with or without 0.1 mM cysteamine, fertilized and cultured for 7 days in 0.5 ml SOFaaBSA. In study 2, cysteamine was present during both IVM (0.1 mM) and IVC (0.01, 0.05, 0.1 mM) from Days 1 to 4. In study 3, OPU-derived COCs were matured in medium supplemented with or without 0.1 mM cysteamine in a 2 × 2 factorial design (OPU week and cysteamine treatment). Embryos were evaluated for stage and grade on Day 7 and, depending on the number of transferable embryos and recipients available, the embryos were transferred either fresh or frozen-thawed at a later date. The presence of cysteamine during IVM significantly increased the embryo production rate with slaughterhouse-derived COCs (24.0% vs. 19.4%). The higher number of embryos at Day 7 was due to an increased number of blastocysts, whereas the distribution of embryos among different quality grades and cryotolerance was not affected. Embryo production rate was negatively affected when cysteamine was present during both the processes of IVM and IVC during Days 1 to 4 of culture (13

Acquisition of material properties in production for sheet metal forming processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Heingärtner, Jörg; Hora, Pavel; Neumann, Anja; Hortig, Dirk; Rencki, Yasar

2013-01-01

In past work a measurement system for the in-line acquisition of material properties was developed at IVP. This system is based on the non-destructive eddy-current principle. Using this system, a 100% control of material properties of the processed material is possible. The system can be used for ferromagnetic materials like standard steels as well as paramagnetic materials like Aluminum and stainless steel. Used as an in-line measurement system, it can be configured as a stand-alone system to control material properties and sort out inapplicable material or as part of a control system of the forming process. In both cases, the acquired data can be used as input data for numerical simulations, e.g. stochastic simulations based on real world data

Optimizing the dynamic response of the H.B. Robinson nuclear plant using multiobjective particle swarm optimization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Elsays, Mostafa A.; Naguib Aly, M.; Badawi, Alya A.

2009-01-01

In this paper, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is modified to deal with Multiobjective Optimization Problems (MOPs). A mathematical model for predicting the dynamic response of the H. B. Robinson nuclear power plant, which represents an Initial Value Problem (IVP) of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), is solved using Runge-Kutta formula. The resulted data values are represented as a system of nonlinear algebraic equations by interpolation schemes for data fitting. This system of fitted nonlinear algebraic equations represents a nonlinear multiobjective optimization problem. A Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimizer (MOPSO) which is based on the Pareto optimality concept is developed and applied to maximize the above mentioned problem. Results show that MOPSO efficiently cope with the problem and finds multiple Pareto optimal solutions. (orig.)

[Pathological pelvic kidney. Apropos of 11 cases].

Science.gov (United States)

Benchekroun, A; Kasmaoui, E H; Jira, H; Iken, A; Nouini, Y; Benslimane, L; Faik, M

2002-07-01

The diseases ectopic kidney is a rare malformation. It can be associated with other urological or nonurological malformation. We report 11 cases observed between 1980 and 1998. They were five females and six males with a mean age of 28 years. The clinical symptomatology was dominated by pain and urinary symptoms. Diagnosis was based on the IVP data and ultrasonography. Renal stone and hynronephrosis were each associated in five cases and one patient had renal stone associated with hydronephrosis. The treatment consisted on a iliopelvic approach and extraction of the stone and or pyeloplasty. In three cases a nephrectomy was realised for muet kidney or pyonephrosis. The outcome was good in ten cases and one patient had a pyelo-ureteral secondary stenosis managed by endoscopy.

Conflicto interpersonal: semejanzas y diferencias por estatus de pareja y reporte de violencia en mujeres de Hidalgo

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Melissa García Meraz

2016-11-01

Full Text Available This paper explores the differences between Conflict and Violence report in two groups: women have experienced Intimate Partner Violence and women with no report; residents in Hidalgo, Mexico. The Conflict and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV scales were applied into a 619 participants, 314 attended health services for experience IPV, while 305 were users of medical care. We use a 3 * 2 design with Relationship Status (Courtship, Married and Cohabitation and sample type (IPV report/ without IVP report. The results demonstrate that women in dating relationships report more conflict related to jealousy compared with women in marriage or cohabitation. Meanwhile, all conflict areas are more reported for women that have experienced violence, with no differences by partner status.

Medical resource utilization and costs associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in the USA: a retrospective matched cohort analysis of private insurer data

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Knight T

2015-02-01

Full Text Available Tyler Knight,1 Caroline Schaefer,1 Holly Krasa,2 Dorothee Oberdhan,2 Arlene Chapman,3 Ronald D Perrone4 1Covance Market Access Services Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, 2Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development and Commercialization, Inc., Rockville, MD, 3Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 4Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD results in kidney cyst development and enlargement, resulting in chronic kidney disease (CKD leading to renal failure. This study sought to determine if ADPKD patients in the early stages of CKD contribute to a sizable economic burden for the US health care system. Methods: This was a retrospective, matched cohort study, reviewing medical resource utilization (MRU and costs for adults in a US private-payer claims database with a diagnosis code of ADPKD (ICD-9-CM 753.13. ADPKD patients were matched by age grouping (0–17, 18–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, and 65+ years and sex to controls to understand the burden of ADPKD. Descriptive statistics on 6-month MRU and costs were assessed by CKD stages, dialysis use, or previous renal transplant. Results: The analysis included ADPKD patients in CKD stages 1–5 (n=316 to n=860, dialysis (n=586, and post-transplant (n=615. Mean ages did not differ across CKD stages (range 43–56 years. Men were the majority in the later stages but the minority in the early stages. The proportion of patients with at least one hospitalization increased with CKD stage, (12% to >40% CKD stage 2 to stage 5, dialysis or post-transplant. The majority had at least one hospital outpatient visit and at least one pharmacy claim. Total 6-month per-patient costs were greater among ADPKD patients than in age-matched and sex-matched healthy non-ADPKD controls (P<0.001 for all comparisons. Conclusion: ADPKD patients with normal kidney function are associated with a significant economic burden to the health care system

Magnetic properties of rare earth oxides with perovskite structure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hinatsu, Yukio

2008-01-01

A perovskite composite oxide is represented by the general formula of ABO 3 . Cations at the B site characterize magnetic properties of the oxide. Many studies have been accumulated for transition metal elements at the B sites. In this report the studies of rare earth elements at the B sites are reviewed. In rare elements, tetravalent ions such as Ce 4+ , Pr 4+ and Tb 4+ can occupy the B sites with Ba and Sr ions at the A sites. Both the SrTbO 3 and BaTbO 3 have an orthorhombic structure and show the antiferromagnetic transition at about 33 K, which is originated from terbium ions coupled antiferromagnetically with the six neighboring terbium ions. A tetravalent praseodymium perovskite SrPrO 3 shows no existence of the magnetic ordering down to 2.0 K. This is in contrast to the result of isomorphous BaPrO 3 , which shows an antiferromagnetic transition at 11.5 K. A double perovskite structure is represented by the formula A 2 LnMO 6 (A=Ba, Sr, Ca; M=Ru, Ir). In a double perovskite compound Ba 2 PrRuO 6 , the Pr 3+ and Ru 5+ ions are arranged with regularity over the six-coordinate B sites. This compound transforms to an antiferromagnetic state below 117 K. Antiferromagnetic transition temperatures T N for isomorphous Sr and Ca show a clear tendency, T N (A=Ba)>T N (Sr)>T N (Ca), in the compounds with the same rare earth elements (Ln). The 6H-perovskite structure Ba 3 LnRu 2 O 9 consists of linkages between LnO 6 octahedra and Ru 2 O 9 dimers made from face-shared RuO 6 octahedra. The 6H-perovskite structure Ba 3 MRu 2 O 9 (M=Sc, Y, La, Nd-Gd, Dy-Lu) have the valence state of Ba 3 M 3+ Ru 2 4.5+ O 9 . The magnetic susceptibilities show a broad maximum at 135-370 K. This magnetic behavior is ascribed to the antiferromagnetic coupling between two Ru ions in a Ru 2 O 9 dimer and to the magnetic interaction between the Ru 2 O 9 dimers. (author)

A New Mathematical and Computational Framework for BVPs and IVPs in Solids, Fluids, Gases and their Interactions

Science.gov (United States)

2015-02-04

schematic) that consists of a 29 mm diameter stainless steel shock tube divided into 490 mm long high pressure (driver) and 510 mm low pressure...The modified Reddy tube consists of a 29 mm diameter stainless steel shock tube divided into a 490 mm long driver tube and 500 mm long driven tube...mechanics˙May˙2013” — 2013/6/21 — 15:14 — page 394 — # 416 i i i i i i 394 THERMOVISCOELASTIC SOLIDS WITHOUT MEMORY 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 −0.2 −0.1 0 0.1

Existence and Solution-representation of IVP for LFDE with Generalized Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives and $n$ terms

OpenAIRE

Kim, Myong-Ha; Ri, Guk-Chol; O, Hyong-Chol

2013-01-01

This paper provides the existence and representation of solution to an initial value problem for the general multi-term linear fractional differential equation with generalized Riemann-Liouville fractional derivatives and constant coefficients by using operational calculus of Mikusinski's type. We prove that the initial value problem has the solution of if and only if some initial values should be zero.

Synthesis, characterization, and magnetic properties of the new boride solid solutions M{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 6.5}B{sub 3} (M = Cr, Mn, Co, Ni)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Misse, Patrick R.N.; Fokwa, Boniface P.T. [Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University (Germany)

2010-05-15

Powder samples and single crystals of the borides M{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 6.5}B{sub 3} (M = Cr, Mn, Co, Ni) were synthesized by arc-melting the elements in a water-cooled copper crucible under argon. The new phases were structurally characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction as well as EDX-Analyses. They crystallize in the hexagonal Th{sub 7}Fe{sub 3} structure type (space group P6{sub 3}mc, no. 186, Z = 2) and a pronounced site preferential M/Ru substitution is observed. Magnetic properties of the compounds were investigated and Pauli paramagnetism was observed in all cases. However, a strong temperature dependency is subsequently observed in Mn{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 6.5}B{sub 3} below 250 K, but no hint of magnetic ordering was found. (Abstract Copyright [2010], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Developing information technology at the Medical Research Unit of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon.

Science.gov (United States)

Dibacka, Paterne Lessihuin; Bounda, Yann; Nguema, Davy Ondo; Lell, Bertrand

2010-03-01

Information technology has become a key resource for research institutions, providing services such as hardware, software and network maintenance, as well as data management services. The IT department of the Medical Research Unit (MRU) of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon is a good example of how IT has developed at African Research Centres in recent years and demonstrates the scope of work that a modern research centre needs to offer. It illustrates the development in the past 15 years--from single computers maintained by investigators to the present situation of a group of well-trained local IT personal who are in charge of a variety of hardware and software and who also develop applications for use in a research environment. Open source applications are particularly suited for these needs and various applications are used in data management, data analysis, accounting, administration and quality management.

Diagnostic agreement of the 3 Incontinence Questionnaire to video-urodynamics findings in women with urinary incontinence

Science.gov (United States)

Omar, Mohammad Ali; Laniado, Marc

2017-01-01

Introduction There are limited studies evaluating the 3 Incontinence Questionnaire (3IQ) against urodynamics based diagnosis as a reference standard. The 3IQ has been proposed to be useful to evaluate women at the level of primary care. The aim of this study was to determine correlation between 3IQ and video-urodynamics (VUDS) in diagnosing types of urinary incontinence. Material and methods Prospective data was collected on 200 consecutive female patients referred by primary care physicians for urinary incontinence. The mean age was 55 years (range 15–83 years). The patients were evaluated using the 3IQ and video-urodynamics. The 3IQ-based diagnosis of type of female urinary incontinence was compared to VUDS-based results. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratios and positive predictive values were calculated. Results On 3IQ based self-evaluation, 28% of patients were classified as having stress urinary incontinence, 20% with urge incontinence and 40% with mixed incontinence. On video-urodynamics, urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (UDSUI) was detected in 56% of patients, detrusor overactivity (DO) in 15% and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in 19%. The 3IQ had a sensitivity and specificity respectively of 43% and 92% for UDSUI, 57% and 86% for DO and 58% and 64% for MUI. The corresponding positive likelihood ratios (CI, 95%) were 5.4 (CI 2.6 to 11.3) for stress urinary incontinence, 4.0 (CI 2.5 to 6.5) for DO and 1.62 (1.2 to 2.3) for MUI. The respective positive predictive values were 87% (CI 75% to 95%), 42% (CI 26% to 58%) and 28% (18% to 39%). Conclusions In our study population, stress urinary incontinence was reasonably well predicted by the 3IQ, but the questionnaire under-performed in the diagnoses of detrusor overactivity and mixed urinaryincontinence. PMID:29732212

Embryo apoptosis identification: Oocyte grade or cleavage stage?

Science.gov (United States)

Bakri, Noraina Mohd; Ibrahim, Siti Fatimah; Osman, Nurul Atikah; Hasan, Nurhaslina; Jaffar, Farah Hanan Fathihah; Rahman, Zulaiha Abdul; Osman, Khairul

2015-01-01

Apoptosis is a programed cell death that is vital for tissue homeostasis. However, embryo apoptosis had been known to be related to embryo fragmentation which should be avoided in in vitro fertilization (IVF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of embryo apoptosis with the grade of immature oocytes and cleavage stage of in vitro produced (IVP) cattle embryos. This study consisted of 345 oocytes collected through ovary slicing. Immature oocytes were graded as A, B and C. This grading was based on cumulus cell thickness and compactness. All oocytes then underwent an in vitro maturation (IVM) procedure. An IVF was done 24 h after IVM culture. Prior to staining, stage of cleaved embryos was determined and classified as either 2, 4, 8 or >8-cell embryo stage. Apoptosis status of cleaved IVP embryos was determined by using annexin V-FITC staining technique at 48 and 72 h post insemination (hpi). Apoptosis status for each embryo was classified as either early or late. The result showed that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) of apoptosis status among grade A, B and C embryos. All grades of oocytes showed embryo apoptosis where 1.5% late apoptosis for grade A, 4.5% and 10.4% of early and late apoptosis for grade B and grade C. Early apoptosis was not seen in grade A embryo. We also noted no significant difference (p > 0.05) of apoptosis status between 2, 4, 8 and >8-cell embryo stage. Early apoptosis was also not seen in >8-cell stage. Even though there were no differences in apoptosis expression between the three classes, the cleavage rate of grade A oocytes was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than grade B and grade C. In conclusion, the apoptosis expression in the embryo can occur regardless of the oocyte quality and the cleavage stage of the embryo produced. PMID:26858565

Solving point reactor kinetic equations by time step-size adaptable numerical methods

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liao Chaqing

2007-01-01

Based on the analysis of effects of time step-size on numerical solutions, this paper showed the necessity of step-size adaptation. Based on the relationship between error and step-size, two-step adaptation methods for solving initial value problems (IVPs) were introduced. They are Two-Step Method and Embedded Runge-Kutta Method. PRKEs were solved by implicit Euler method with step-sizes optimized by using Two-Step Method. It was observed that the control error has important influence on the step-size and the accuracy of solutions. With suitable control errors, the solutions of PRKEs computed by the above mentioned method are accurate reasonably. The accuracy and usage of MATLAB built-in ODE solvers ode23 and ode45, both of which adopt Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method, were also studied and discussed. (authors)

Renal Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of the Non-functioning Kidney

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kang, Ik Won; Suh, Jeong Soo

1982-01-01

Renal ultrasound is independent of renal function and capable of renal imaging in impaired or dysplastic renal diseases. Authors reviewed renal ultrasonographic findings of 36 cases which showed non-visualization in intravenous pyelography from Feb. 1979 to Sep. 1982 at Seoul National university Hospital. The results are as follows: 1. Causes of non-visualization of the kidney in IVP were unilateral hydronephrosis(18 cases), renal tuberculosis(7), renal failure(6), renal agenesis(3), tumor(1),and pyonephrosis(1) 2. The sonographic findings were diagnostic in all the cases of unilateral hydronephrosis, renal agenesis and renal tumor. 3. The sonographic findings were not diagnostic but suggestive in more than half cases of renal tuberculosis. 4. Renal ultrasound was not helpful in the diagnosis of renal failure, but useful in delineation of renal size and shape

Confinement of ruthenium oxides volatilized during nuclear fuels reprocessing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maas, E.T. Jr.; Longo, J.M.

1980-01-01

While many materials have been suggested and employed as trapping agents for gaseous oxides of fission product ruthenium volatilized during nuclear fuels reprocessing, none that is known to form thermodynamically stable compounds with rutheniunm has been utilized. We have employed alkaline earth metal compounds for this purpose because of their ability to form stable mixed metal oxide phases with ruthenium. Results of experiments in which RuO 4 was volatilized from either a solid source (RuO 2 .xH 2 O) or from solution [Ru(NO)(NO 3 ) 3 ] in HNO 3 and passed through beds of alkaline earth metal carbonates and calcium oxide held at 600 to 750 0 C have demonstrated that compounds of formulation MRuO 3 (M = calcium, strontium, barium) are formed. Under oxidizing conditions, these materials exist as stable ceramic phases, whereas under reducing conditions, they are transformed into intimate mixtures of the alkaline earth metal oxide and nonvolatile ruthenium metal

Supraconductivity of TR-Ru3Si2 compounds (TR = La, Ce)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Godart, C.; Gupta, L.C.; Parks, R.D.; Rauschwalbe, U.; Alheim, U.; Gottwick, U.; Lieke, W.; Steglich, F.

1984-01-01

A new family of superconducting ternary silicides MRu 3 Si 2 with M = La (Tsub(s) approximately 7 K), Y and Th was discovered by Barz and Vandenberg. Same compounds with M from Nd to Tm are magnetic and not superconductors. We studied superconductivity in the solid solution Cesub(1-x)Lasub(x)Ru 3 Si 2 of hexagonal structure from x = 0 to 1. CeRu 3 Si 2 is type II superconductor (Tsub(s) approximately 1 K), like LaRu 3 Si 2 , and is mixed valent (M.V.). Spin fluctuations temperature (Tsub(sf) approximately 440 K) is between these of non superconducting M.V. like CeSn 3 (Tsub(sf) approximately 270) and these of superconducting M.V. like CeRu 2 (Tsub(sf) approximately 770 K). Cesub(1-x)Lasub(x)Ru 3 Si 2 is the first M.V. system of Ce which is superconductor from x = 0 to 1 [fr

A human dietary arachidonic acid supplementation study conducted in a metabolic research unit: rationale and design.

Science.gov (United States)

Nelson, G J; Kelley, D S; Emken, E A; Phinney, S D; Kyle, D; Ferretti, A

1997-04-01

While there are many reports of studies that fed arachidonic acid (AA) to animals, there are very few reports of AA feeding to humans under controlled conditions. This 130-d study was conceived as a controlled, symmetrical crossover design with healthy, adult male volunteers. They lived in the metabolic research unit (MRU) of the Western Human Nutrition Research (WHNRC) for the entire study. All food was prepared by the WHNRC kitchen. The basal (low-AA) diet consisted of natural foods (30 en% fat, 15 en% protein, and 55 en% carbohydrate), containing 210 mg/d of AA, and met the recommended daily allowance for all nutrients. The high-AA (intervention) diet was similar except that 1.5 g/d of AA in the form of a triglyceride containing 50% AA replaced an equal amount of high-oleic safflower oil in the basal diet. The subjects (ages 20 to 39) were within -10 to +20% of ideal body weight, nonsmoking, and not allowed alcohol in the MRU. Their exercise level was constant, and their body weights were maintained within 2% of entry level. Subjects were initially fed the low-AA diet for 15 d. On day 16, half of the subjects (group A) wee placed on the high-AA diet, and the other group (B) remained on the low-AA diets. On day 65, the two groups switched diets. On day 115, group B returned to the low-AA diet. This design, assuming no carryover effect, allowed us to merge the data from the two groups, with the data comparison days being 65 (low-AA) and 115 (high-AA) for group B and 130 (low-AA) and 65 (high-AA) for group A. The main indices studied were the fatty acid composition of the plasma, red blood cells, platelets, and adipose tissue; in vitro platelet aggregation, bleeding times, clotting factors; immune response as measured by delayed hypersensitivity skin tests, cellular proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to various mitogens and antigens, natural killer cell activity, and response to measles/mumps/rubella and influenza vaccines; the

Genomic selection to improve livestock production in developing countries with a focus on India

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kadarmideen, Haja; Do, Duy Ngoc

2015-01-01

growth will increase the demand for food as well as animal products, particularly in emerging economic giants like India. Moreover, the urbanization has considerable impact on patterns of food consumption in general and on demand for livestock products, in particular and the increased income growth led......Global livestock production has increased substantially during the last decades, in both number of animals and productivity. Meanwhile, the human population is projected to reach 9.6 billions by 2050 and most of the increase in the projection takes place in developing countries. Rapid population...... production (OPU-IVP) of embryos will have a considerable impact in the future. This paper attempts to provide basic concepts of using genomic tools for livestock production with the focus on genomic prediction and selection methods and discuss about the potential application of genomic selection to increase...

Analysis of the expression of putatively imprinted genes in bovine peri-implantation embryos

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Tveden-Nyborg, Pernille Yde; Alexopoulos, N.I.; Cooney, M.A.

2008-01-01

The application of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has been shown to induce changes in the methylation of the embryonic genome, leading to aberrant gene expression, including that of imprinted genes. Aberrant methylation and gene expression has been linked to the large offspring syndrome...... (LOS) in bovine embryos resulting in increased embryonic morbidity and mortality. In the bovine, limited numbers of imprinted genes have been studied and studies have primarily been restricted to pre-implantation stages. This study reports original data on the expression pattern of 8 putatively...... imprinted genes (Ata3, Dlk1, Gnas, Grb10, Magel2, Mest-1, Ndn and Sgce) in bovine peri-implantation embryos. Two embryonic developmental stages were examined, Day 14 and Day 21. The gene expression pattern of single embryos was recorded for in vivo, in vitro produced (IVP) and parthenogenetic embryos...

Solving the Telegraph and Oscillatory Differential Equations by a Block Hybrid Trigonometrically Fitted Algorithm

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F. F. Ngwane

2015-01-01

Full Text Available We propose a block hybrid trigonometrically fitted (BHT method, whose coefficients are functions of the frequency and the step-size for directly solving general second-order initial value problems (IVPs, including systems arising from the semidiscretization of hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations (PDEs, such as the Telegraph equation. The BHT is formulated from eight discrete hybrid formulas which are provided by a continuous two-step hybrid trigonometrically fitted method with two off-grid points. The BHT is implemented in a block-by-block fashion; in this way, the method does not suffer from the disadvantages of requiring starting values and predictors which are inherent in predictor-corrector methods. The stability property of the BHT is discussed and the performance of the method is demonstrated on some numerical examples to show accuracy and efficiency advantages.

The pelvic floor muscles: muscle thickness in healthy and urinary-incontinent women measured by perineal ultrasonography with reference to the effect of pelvic floor training. Estrogen receptor studies

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bernstein, Inge Thomsen

1997-01-01

demonstrated that the striated periurethral muscles and the pelvic floor muscles are of paramount importance for the closure function. This emphasizes the importance of well-functioning pelvic floor muscles to obtain continence, and probably explains the rationale for the effect of pelvic floor training...... in treating urinary incontinence. This study presents a review of the literature on female urinary incontinence, continence mechanisms, pelvic floor muscles, and pelvic floor training. Furthermore, a review of the literature on estrogen receptors in the pelvic floor muscles is given. Perineal ultrasonography...... the effect of pelvic floor training. Additionally, a study of the Pelvic floor muscles was performed to assess the presence of estrogen receptors. Muscle thickness seems to decrease with age. In women over age 60 years, a significantly thinner pelvic floor muscle was found compared to younger women...

A Clinical and Radiological Observation on Urolithiasis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chung, Young Sun; Byun, Moung Ho; Yoon, I Ho

1983-01-01

A clinical and radiological observation was made on 167 cases of urolithiasis among the number of 150 patients during 1 year and 6 months from June, 1981 to November, 1982. The results were summarized as follows. 1. There were 101 man and 49 women, a ratio of 2:1. The ages of the patients ranged from 2 to 74 years, showing the highest incidence in 31 to 60 years (68.1%). 2. Locational distributions of urolithiasis were 80 cases (47.9%) in the ureter, 66 cases (39.5%) in the kidney, 11 cases (6.5%) in the urethra and 10 cases (5.9%) in the bladder. 3. Among the 66 cases of renal stone, pelvis stone was 55 cases (83.3%) with staghorn types in 23 cases (34.8%), and calyceal stone was 11 cases (16.6%). 4. The location of ureteral stone was 47.5% in lower, 40% in upper ureter and 12.5% in mid-ureter. 5. The location of urethra stone was 82% in the anterior urethra and 18% in the posterior urethra. 6. The chief complain of urolithiasis was flank pain in 59.2%, gross hematuria in 20.3%, renal colic in 13.1%, dysuria in 8.3%, nausea and vomiting in 4.7%, and sudden stoppage of urine stream in 3.5%. 7. On urinalysis, gross hematuria was found in 54.4%, pyuria in 28.7%, bacteriuria in 23.3%, microscopic hematuria in 18.5% and normal in 7.1%. 8. The size of urinary stone was 0.6-2.0 cm in length in 105 cases (62.8%). 9. On I.V.P. study of renal stones (66 cases), mild and moderate hydro nephrotic changes were detected in 38 kidneys (57.5%), and the relationship between the urinary stasis and renal stone size was relatively good. 10. On I.V.P. study of ureteral stones (80 cases), mild to severe hydro nephrotic changes were detected in 64 kidneys (80%). 11. On K.U.B. film, paralytic ileus was found in 25 cases (14.9%). 12. Among the urinary stones, the radiolucent stones were detected in 8 cases (4.7%). 13. Urinary stones disappeared in 11 cases (6.5%) spontaneously or medical treatment.

A Clinical and Radiological Observation on Urolithiasis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chung, Young Sun; Byun, Moung Ho; Yoon, I Ho [Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju (Korea, Republic of)

1983-09-15

A clinical and radiological observation was made on 167 cases of urolithiasis among the number of 150 patients during 1 year and 6 months from June, 1981 to November, 1982. The results were summarized as follows. 1. There were 101 man and 49 women, a ratio of 2:1. The ages of the patients ranged from 2 to 74 years, showing the highest incidence in 31 to 60 years (68.1%). 2. Locational distributions of urolithiasis were 80 cases (47.9%) in the ureter, 66 cases (39.5%) in the kidney, 11 cases (6.5%) in the urethra and 10 cases (5.9%) in the bladder. 3. Among the 66 cases of renal stone, pelvis stone was 55 cases (83.3%) with staghorn types in 23 cases (34.8%), and calyceal stone was 11 cases (16.6%). 4. The location of ureteral stone was 47.5% in lower, 40% in upper ureter and 12.5% in mid-ureter. 5. The location of urethra stone was 82% in the anterior urethra and 18% in the posterior urethra. 6. The chief complain of urolithiasis was flank pain in 59.2%, gross hematuria in 20.3%, renal colic in 13.1%, dysuria in 8.3%, nausea and vomiting in 4.7%, and sudden stoppage of urine stream in 3.5%. 7. On urinalysis, gross hematuria was found in 54.4%, pyuria in 28.7%, bacteriuria in 23.3%, microscopic hematuria in 18.5% and normal in 7.1%. 8. The size of urinary stone was 0.6-2.0 cm in length in 105 cases (62.8%). 9. On I.V.P. study of renal stones (66 cases), mild and moderate hydro nephrotic changes were detected in 38 kidneys (57.5%), and the relationship between the urinary stasis and renal stone size was relatively good. 10. On I.V.P. study of ureteral stones (80 cases), mild to severe hydro nephrotic changes were detected in 64 kidneys (80%). 11. On K.U.B. film, paralytic ileus was found in 25 cases (14.9%). 12. Among the urinary stones, the radiolucent stones were detected in 8 cases (4.7%). 13. Urinary stones disappeared in 11 cases (6.5%) spontaneously or medical treatment.

Effect of mating between the donor cow and bull (Holstein versus Gyr on the in vitro production of bovine embryos

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Ana Paula Toledo Barbosa da Silva

2015-03-01

Full Text Available The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the breed of the oocyte donor cow and bull (Holstein versus Gyr on in vitro production (IVP parameters of bovine embryos comparing the mean number of recovered oocytes and oocytes suitable for culture, the rate of suitable oocytes, and cleavage and blastocyst rates. Data from 1,000 follicular aspiration sessions (OPU, including 500 in donor cows of the Holstein breed and 500 of the Gyr breed, were collected. The results were analyzed by the unpaired Student t-test and chi-square test, adopting a level of significance of 5%. The mean number and standard deviation of recovered oocytes and oocytes suitable for culture were 15.1±13.0 and 8.7±7.6 for the Holstein breed and 15.5±11.9 and 9.1±7.9 for the Gyr breed. The rates of suitable oocytes were 57.7% and 58.5% for Holstein and Gyr breeds, respectively. A significant difference between breeds was observed for the number of oocytes suitable for culture (P<0.05, but not for the number of recovered oocytes or rates of suitable oocytes (P>0.05. Similarly, the breed of the oocyte donor cow and bull influenced cleavage and blastocyst rates (P<0.05. The cleavage rates were 65.7, 60.3, 59.6 and 56.5% for the combinations (donor breed x bull breed Holstein x Holstein (G1, Holstein x Gyr (G2, Gyr x Holstein (G3 and Gyr x Gyr (G4, respectively, with G1>G2, G1>G3, G1>G4, G2=G3, G2>G4, and G3>G4. The blastocyst rates were 28.1, 33.3, 26.8 and 31.0%, respectively, with G1>G2, G1=G3, G1IVP parameters, with a larger number of oocytes suitable for culture in the Gyr breed.

Global error estimation based on the tolerance proportionality for some adaptive Runge-Kutta codes

Science.gov (United States)

Calvo, M.; González-Pinto, S.; Montijano, J. I.

2008-09-01

Modern codes for the numerical solution of Initial Value Problems (IVPs) in ODEs are based in adaptive methods that, for a user supplied tolerance [delta], attempt to advance the integration selecting the size of each step so that some measure of the local error is [similar, equals][delta]. Although this policy does not ensure that the global errors are under the prescribed tolerance, after the early studies of Stetter [Considerations concerning a theory for ODE-solvers, in: R. Burlisch, R.D. Grigorieff, J. Schröder (Eds.), Numerical Treatment of Differential Equations, Proceedings of Oberwolfach, 1976, Lecture Notes in Mathematics, vol. 631, Springer, Berlin, 1978, pp. 188-200; Tolerance proportionality in ODE codes, in: R. März (Ed.), Proceedings of the Second Conference on Numerical Treatment of Ordinary Differential Equations, Humbold University, Berlin, 1980, pp. 109-123] and the extensions of Higham [Global error versus tolerance for explicit Runge-Kutta methods, IMA J. Numer. Anal. 11 (1991) 457-480; The tolerance proportionality of adaptive ODE solvers, J. Comput. Appl. Math. 45 (1993) 227-236; The reliability of standard local error control algorithms for initial value ordinary differential equations, in: Proceedings: The Quality of Numerical Software: Assessment and Enhancement, IFIP Series, Springer, Berlin, 1997], it has been proved that in many existing explicit Runge-Kutta codes the global errors behave asymptotically as some rational power of [delta]. This step-size policy, for a given IVP, determines at each grid point tn a new step-size hn+1=h(tn;[delta]) so that h(t;[delta]) is a continuous function of t. In this paper a study of the tolerance proportionality property under a discontinuous step-size policy that does not allow to change the size of the step if the step-size ratio between two consecutive steps is close to unity is carried out. This theory is applied to obtain global error estimations in a few problems that have been solved with

Clinical evaluation of renal function study using I-123 orthoiodohippurate (I-123 OIH) in patients with obstructive uropathy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Okada, Junichi; Uchiyama, Guio; Katsurai, Hiroshi; Uno, Koichi; Uematsu, Sadao.

1984-01-01

Functional images and regional renograms using I-123 OIH were evaluated by comparing with patients' clinical courses, intravenous pyelographies and Creatinine clearances. Twenty-one patients with obstructive uropathy were studied. Functional images were processed in three parameters of Tmax, T 1/2 and ERBF (effective renal blood flow). ERBF images were composed of regional counts in early blood flow phase of renograms. Regional renograms were produced on renal parenchyma and pelvis. ERBF images represented the functioning distributions of renal tissue after the surgery and the recoveries in the renal parenchyma. Tmax and T 1/2 images and pelvic regional renograms showed the good correlations with IVP findings which presented the dilatation of pelvis and the delay of excretion. Parenchymal regional renograms showed the poor correlations with Creatinine clearances and caused sometimes errors in ROI settings. The evaluation of renal function only by the parenchymal regional renogram seemed to be inappropriated. (author)

Clinical study of retrocaval ureter diagnosed by CT scan

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kiriyama, Isao; Hata, Ryosuke; Amemiya, Hiroshi

1987-01-01

Although retrocaval ureter is relatively uncommon congenital anomaly, surgical intervention is often necessary to alleviate the clinical signs and symptoms of the patients. Vena cavography has been indispensable imaging modality for the definitive diagnosis of this anomaly. Recently, however, CT scan in addition to excretory urography (IVP) and retrograde pyelography(RP) has been utilized in many reported cases in the diagnosis of retrocaval ureter. We have experienced 3 cases of retrocaval ureter consecutively. In this paper we report these 3 cases of retrocaval ureter, in which CT scan enabled us to confirm the definitive diagnosis. We also report another case of pelviureteric stenosis that was taken for retrocaval ureter by CT scan. Causes of the misdiagnosis is discussed. In conclusion CT scan is useful diagnostic modality in the diagnosis of retrocaval ureter and this lesser invasive technique might lessen the need for vena cavography. (author)

Paternal breed effects on expression of IGF-II, BAK1 and BCL2-L1 in bovine preimplantation embryos

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Valleh, Mehdi Vafaye; Tahmoorespur, Mojtaba; Joupari, Morteza Daliri

2015-01-01

of this study was to investigate the effects of the paternal breed on the early embryonic development and relative expression of the maternally imprinted gene, IGF-II, and the apoptosis-related genes BAK1 and BCL2-L1 in in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos derived from two unrelated paternal breeds (Holstein......Summary The effects of the paternal breed on early embryo and later pre- and postnatal development are well documented. Several recent studies have suggested that such paternal effects may be mediated by the paternally induced epigenetic modifications during early embryogenesis. The objective...... and Brown Swiss). The degree of correlation of IGF-II expression pattern with embryo developmental competence and apoptosis-related genes was also investigated. The relative abundance of IGF-II, BCL2-L1 and BAK1 transcripts in day 8 embryos was measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain...

A Trigonometrically Fitted Block Method for Solving Oscillatory Second-Order Initial Value Problems and Hamiltonian Systems

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F. F. Ngwane

2017-01-01

Full Text Available In this paper, we present a block hybrid trigonometrically fitted Runge-Kutta-Nyström method (BHTRKNM, whose coefficients are functions of the frequency and the step-size for directly solving general second-order initial value problems (IVPs, including Hamiltonian systems such as the energy conserving equations and systems arising from the semidiscretization of partial differential equations (PDEs. Four discrete hybrid formulas used to formulate the BHTRKNM are provided by a continuous one-step hybrid trigonometrically fitted method with an off-grid point. We implement BHTRKNM in a block-by-block fashion; in this way, the method does not suffer from the disadvantages of requiring starting values and predictors which are inherent in predictor-corrector methods. The stability property of the BHTRKNM is discussed and the performance of the method is demonstrated on some numerical examples to show accuracy and efficiency advantages.

Clinical and radiological observations in the kidney injury

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, H. K.; Chung, I. T.; Choi, D. L.; Chung, W. K.; Kim, K. J.

1981-01-01

Renal injury resulting from external trauma continue to be common because of the speed and violence of modern transportation. The authors analysis 28 blunt abdominal trauma patients who suspected renal injury from January 1975 to December 1979. The results are based on clinical, physical and radiological examinations especially intravenous urography. The brief results are as follows: 1)Among all 28 patients, 23 cases were male and 5 cases were females. 10 patients were under 15 years old. 2) IVP findings are 8 cases were normal and 20 cases were abnormal. Among abnormal findings, extrarenal hematoma were 11, delayed or incomplete visualization were 4, parenchymal hematoma was 1, and extravasation was 1. 3) In most cases, conservative therapy was done without any significant complication. 4) Intravenous urography is very useful and universal method for diagnosis of renal injury. 5) Also a case reported, uriniferous pseudocyst following operation of renal injury

Ureteric diverticulum: A diagnostic challenge

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Rahul Kumar Gupta

2017-11-01

Full Text Available Ureteric diverticulum is a rare urological condition with only 47 cases described in the literature till 2013. A full term female infant presented with a huge cystic lump occupying almost the entire right side of the abdomen at 1 month of age. Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Urography (MRU revealed right sided gross hydronephrosis with pelvis appeared folded onto itself along with left sided mild hydronephrosis. On EC scan, differential function of right sided kidney was 0.9%. With working diagnosis of right sided giant hydronephrosis secondary to pelviureteric junction obstruction, the child was posted for Anderson - Hynes pyeloplasty through right flank incision. On exploration we were surprised to find ureteric diverticula. Excision of ureteric diverticulum with proximal ureterostomy was done. Distal part of ureter was transfixed. Histopathological examination of diverticulum showed presence of fibromuscular wall suggestive of true diverticulum. Since ureterostomy was draining only few drops of clear fluid and on repeat EC scan there was no improvement in function of right kidney, right nephroureterectomy was done after 6 months.

Acoustic Imaging of Selected Areas of Gdansk Bay with the Aid of Parametric Echosounder and Side-Scan Sonar

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Grelowska Grażyna

2017-12-01

Full Text Available The article presents and analyses the data recorded during sounding of the Gdansk Bay seabed with the aid of a parametric echosounder and a side-scan sonar. The accuracy of seabed structure examination, as a condition for obtaining valuable results, requires correct configuration of echolocation devices and proper calibration of peripheral devices, such as the survey unit geographical position sensor - GPS, the navigation unit, the MRU-Z sensor of pitch, roll and heave, and the sound velocity meter, which deliver the data to the bathymetric measurement system. Parametric seabed profilers deliver two types of data: the envelope, and the detailed echo signal without processing. The envelope is used for data visualisation in the form of online echograms, while the echo signal is stored for further analyses, to be performed using dedicated software or, after relevant conversion, in arbitrary programming environment1. The presented data analysis is illustrated by selected sample images recorded by the parametric echosounder and the side-scan sonar during Gdansk Bay sounding.

Surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence with the Gynecare TVT Secur™ System – preliminary report

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Włodzimierz Baranowski

2010-02-01

Full Text Available Introduction: Sling procedures were first introduced over 100 years ago in the treatment of stress urinaryincontinence. Since then they have evolved to become less invasive and safer. The sling procedure using theGynecare TVT Secur™ system is a new therapeutic option for women with stress urinary incontinence.Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Gynecare TVT Secur™ in the surgical treatment of stressurinary incontinence in women. Material and methods: The study comprised consecutive female patients admitted to the Department ofGynaecology and Gynaecological Oncology of the Military Institute of Health Services in Warsaw, Poland, whohad been qualified for surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence on the basis of physical signs and symptomsand the findings of a urodynamic study. The procedure was performed using the Gynecare TVT Secur™system with tapes introduced in an H- or U-shape mode. Results: Between October 2006 and September 2009, 77 sling procedures using the Gynecare TVT Secur™system were performed in women with stress urinary incontinence. Their mean age was 55.1 (30-76 years, meanBMI 28.5 (20.2-43.8 kg/m2. Sixty-nine implants were positioned in H-shape mode, 8 in U-shape mode. Fortyninewomen (63.6% were menopausal, 14 (18.2% previously had three or more natural deliveries, 13 (16.8%had a history of gynaecological surgeries. Thirty-one procedures were performed under general anaesthesia and46 under local anaesthesia. The mean duration of the surgery was 9 (4-42 minutes. It was possible to dischargefifty-seven (74% women on the day of the surgery. Urine retention was observed only in 1 (1.7% woman. Noother complications were recorded. Conclusions: The surgical treatment of urinary incontinence with sling procedures using the Gynecare TVTSecur™ system shows good immediate efficacy and safety. Considering this as well as the short duration ofthe procedure and its good tolerability under local anaesthesia, use

Social Media in Adult Education: Insights Gained from Grundtvig Learning Partnership Project “Institutional Strategies Targeting the Uptake of Social Networking in Adult Education (ISTUS”

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Vilhelmina Vaičiūnienė

2013-02-01

Full Text Available Purpose—the focus of this article is the role of social media in adult education and their impact on adult students in regards to their educational needs and specific personal situations within the frame of the learning partnership project. The Grundtvig learning partnership project “Institutional Strategies Targeting the Uptake of Social Networking in Adult Education (ISTUS is an international partnership that includes partners from 7 EU countries. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to define cases of the uptake of technologies and applications by MRU students; thus, the objectives of the research are 1 to review literature pertaining to the field of social media in adult education context and 2 to analyse the respondents’ insights as regards learning/teaching practices, resources, and facilities that affect their learning in relation to social networking and media use (taking into consideration both personal and educational perspectives. Design/methodology/approach—the research paper adopts qualitative research approach. Findings—students perceive SM mainly as online communication means (usually informal communication is implied. SM is firstly associated by learners with pastime venue, not educational resource. Thus, methods of teaching/learning in SM and with the help of SM have to be developed and improved. They have to be considered in line with the necessity to develop critical and reflexive thinking skills and media and information literacy skills. The respondents have pointed out both positive and negative aspects of social media use for learning/teaching. Creation of an inner institutional SM type involving qualified people with expertise in SM use for education has been suggested. Research limitations/implications—this article is focused only on the attitudes of MRU students though 105 interviews in total have been conducted within the framework of the project and not only students, but also teachers and

Social Media in Adult Education: Insights Gained from Grundtvig Learning Partnership Project “Institutional Strategies Targeting the Uptake of Social Networking in Adult Education (ISTUS”

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vilhelmina Vaičiūnienė

2012-12-01

Full Text Available Purpose—the focus of this article is the role of social media in adult education and their impact on adult students in regards to their educational needs and specific personal situations within the frame of the learning partnership project. The Grundtvig learning partnership project “Institutional Strategies Targeting the Uptake of Social Networking in Adult Education (ISTUS is an international partnership that includes partners from 7 EU countries. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to define cases of the uptake of technologies and applications by MRU students; thus, the objectives of the research are 1 to review literature pertaining to the field of social media in adult education context and 2 to analyse the respondents’ insights as regards learning/teaching practices, resources, and facilities that affect their learning in relation to social networking and media use (taking into consideration both personal and educational perspectives.Design/methodology/approach—the research paper adopts qualitative research approach.Findings—students perceive SM mainly as online communication means (usually informal communication is implied. SM is firstly associated by learners with pastime venue, not educational resource. Thus, methods of teaching/learning in SM and with the help of SM have to be developed and improved. They have to be considered in line with the necessity to develop critical and reflexive thinking skills and media and information literacy skills. The respondents have pointed out both positive and negative aspects of social media use for learning/teaching. Creation of an inner institutional SM type involving qualified people with expertise in SM use for education has been suggested.Research limitations/implications—this article is focused only on the attitudes of MRU students though 105 interviews in total have been conducted within the framework of the project and not only students, but also teachers and

Reduction method of the radiation dose for the urography in children

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohtake, Kazuo; Chiba, Nobuyuki; Terashima, Kazumitsu

1976-01-01

An Al-Filter corresponding to the half value layer of exposure voltage was used at the lower abdomen to protect the sexual gland, when the urography was done. In I.V.P., the picture was taken by covering the site lower than the illiac region with an Al-Filter, Supposing that an ovary is located at the one-half of the thickness of the abdomen, exposure dose to the sexual gland was determined using the Mix D P phantom. The dose exposed at 56 kv, 2mAs was 5.2 mRad in the skin. On the other hand, it was decreased to one-half dose (2.6 mRad) in the skin by exposured with filter. The exposure dose to the sexual gland was decreased to about 20% of non-filter exposure. It was decreased to 45% at 72 kv, 8 mA. Therefore, the Al-Filter can reasonably reduce exposure dose to the sexual gland. (serizawa, K.)

Chronological alterations of diagnostic imaging of renal cell carcinoma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arima, Kiminobu; Sugimura, Yoshiki; Yanagawa, Makoto; Tochigi, Hiromi; Kawamura, Juichi

1994-01-01

A review of 156 cases of renal cell carcinoma diagnosed during a 20-year period demonstrated the changes of initial signs/symptoms and imaging modalities for detection and definition. According to the imaging modality used for diagnosing renal cell carcinoma, clinical pictures were chronologically examined over 4 periods: 1973 to 1979 (before CT era), 1980 to 1984 (early CT era), 1985 to 1987 (CT era) and 1988 to 1992 (CT/MRI era). With regards to initial signs or symptoms, the proportion of classical trials has gradually decreased, while that of tumors noted incidentally has increased. As for imaging modalities for detection, the proportion of IVP has gradually decreased and that of CT and US has increased over the periods. With regard to imaging modalities for definition, the proportion of angiography has decreased and that of CT has increased. From chronological changes in clinical pictures and imaging modalities, we suggested a decision tree of imaging modalities for detection and definition of renal cell carcinoma. (author)

Optimizing some 3-stage W-methods for the time integration of PDEs

Science.gov (United States)

Gonzalez-Pinto, S.; Hernandez-Abreu, D.; Perez-Rodriguez, S.

2017-07-01

The optimization of some W-methods for the time integration of time-dependent PDEs in several spatial variables is considered. In [2, Theorem 1] several three-parametric families of three-stage W-methods for the integration of IVPs in ODEs were studied. Besides, the optimization of several specific methods for PDEs when the Approximate Matrix Factorization Splitting (AMF) is used to define the approximate Jacobian matrix (W ≈ fy(yn)) was carried out. Also, some convergence and stability properties were presented [2]. The derived methods were optimized on the base that the underlying explicit Runge-Kutta method is the one having the largest Monotonicity interval among the thee-stage order three Runge-Kutta methods [1]. Here, we propose an optimization of the methods by imposing some additional order condition [7] to keep order three for parabolic PDE problems [6] but at the price of reducing substantially the length of the nonlinear Monotonicity interval of the underlying explicit Runge-Kutta method.

Radiographic determination of urinary bladder volume and residual urine volume

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Klumair, J.

1977-01-01

In the course of a long study the author has tested most of the methods for determination of urinary bladder volume. A radiographic method which can state bladder volume exactly in cc's is attainable only with great time and effort. In the author's experience, however, it is possible, by means of a pattern in connection with a IVP, to estimate residual urine volume from a post-void picture of the bladder with sufficient accuracy for practical purposes. An account is given of the production of this pattern and of two relatively simple calculations for residual volume based on AP and lateral views of circular- and ellipsoid-shaped bladders. Also discussed is the radiation exposure which varies with the radiographic methods used. In male patients, the radiation exposure appears to be negligible, especially when the testicles are protected by a radiation shield. In female patients - which make up only a small fraction of all patients -, radiation exposure is higher but must be accepted. (orig./MG) [de

Developmental kinetics of the first cell cycles of bovine in vitro produced embryos in relation to their in vitro viability and sex

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Holm, Peter; Shukri, Naseer Mahmoud; Vajta, Gabor

1998-01-01

The development of bovine IVP-embryos was observed in a time-lapse culture system to determine cell cycle lengths of 1) embryos that developed into compact morulae (CM) or blastocysts (BL) within 174 h after insemination (viable), 2) embryos that arrested during earlier stages (nonviable) and 3......) male and female embryos. In 4 replicates, inseminated oocytes were cultured on a microscope stage in 3 to 4 groups on a granulosa cell monolayer in supplemented TCM 199. Images were sequentially recorded and stored at 30-min intervals. All embryos that could be identified throughout the culture period...... were included (n=392), and the times of cleavage events noted. After culture, 100 CM or BL were randomly selected for sexing by PCR. BL developed equally well in the time-lapse and control culture systems (36 vs 38. The respective lengths of the first 4 cell cycles of viable embryos were 32.0 + 3.9, g...

Presentation of a Swedish study program concerning recruitment, selection and training of student air traffic controllers: The MRU project phase 1

Science.gov (United States)

Haglund, Rune

1994-01-01

The Director of the ANS Department has set up an objective for the efficiency of screening and training procedures for air traffic controller students which implies that all students admitted 'shall be considered to have the qualification for - and be given the means of - completing the training'. As a consequence, a study project has been established. It is run by the ANS Department with members from the Swedish CAA, in close cooperation with Uppsala University.

An efficient hybrid protection scheme with shared/dedicated backup paths on elastic optical networks

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Nogbou G. Anoh

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Fast recovery and minimum utilization of resources are the two main criteria for determining the protection scheme quality. We address the problem of providing a hybrid protection approach on elastic optical networks under contiguity and continuity of available spectrum constraints. Two main hypotheses are used in this paper for backup paths computation. In the first case, it is assumed that backup paths resources are dedicated. In the second case, the assumption is that backup paths resources are available shared resources. The objective of the study is to minimize spectrum utilization to reduce blocking probability on a network. For this purpose, an efficient survivable Hybrid Protection Lightpath (HybPL algorithm is proposed for providing shared or dedicated backup path protection based on the efficient energy calculation and resource availability. Traditional First-Fit and Best-Fit schemes are employed to search and assign the available spectrum resources. The simulation results show that HybPL presents better performance in terms of blocking probability, compared with the Minimum Resources Utilization Dedicated Protection (MRU-DP algorithm which offers better performance than the Dedicated Protection (DP algorithm.

Vilnius Gediminas Technical Universty and Mykolas Riomeris University Faculty of Public Security Female Student Physical Activity Evaluation 2010–2012

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Povilas Tamošauskas

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Most of scientific researches show that female student physical and functional condition getting worst, which optimal function have big influence for human psychological and social health. Female student physical maturity makes up significant psychophysical foundation for the future professional activities. It is extremely important to pay more attention for women physical activity solution. 186 VGTU and 131 MRU FPS female students were analyzed during our research in 2010–2012. Evaluation of physical development (height, weight, vital lung capacity, body composition (body mass index, thickness of fat skinfold, waist and hip volume ration, percentage of fat mass indicators and other important components of fitness (balance, static stamina of arms and shoulders, core flexibility, and knee tendon stiffness, static power of palm, speed of arm movement, agility, power and stamina of core muscles supplementing up to date information about Lithuanian female student physical capacity. Analytical research results shows that 89% of researched female students had normal weight, 8% indicated as overweight, 3% were underweight. Collected data revealed that researched same age peers of higher education schools waist and hip volume ratio and body mass index were normal.

Methods of reforming hydrocarbon fuels using hexaaluminate catalysts

Science.gov (United States)

Gardner, Todd H [Morgantown, WV; Berry, David A [Morgantown, WV; Shekhawat, Dushyant [Morgantown, WV

2012-03-27

A metal substituted hexaaluminate catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon fuels to synthesis gas of the general formula AB.sub.yAl.sub.12-yO.sub.19-.delta., A being selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and lanthanide metals or mixtures thereof. A dopant or surface modifier selected from a transitions metal, a spinel of an oxygen-ion conductor is incorporated. The dopant may be Ca, Cs, K, La, Sr, Ba, Li, Mg, Ce, Co, Fe, Ir, Rh, Ni, Ru, Cu, Pe, Os, Pd, Cr, Mn, W, Re, Sn, Gd, V, Ti, Ag, Au, and mixtures thereof. The oxygen-ion conductor may be a perovskite selected from M'RhO.sub.3, M'PtO.sub.3, M'PdO.sub.3, M'IrO.sub.3, M'RuO.sub.3 wherein M'=Mg, Sr, Ba, La, Ca; a spinel selected from MRh.sub.2O.sub.4, MPt.sub.2O.sub.4, MPd.sub.2O.sub.4, MIr.sub.2O.sub.4, MRu.sub.2O.sub.4 wherein M=Mg, Sr, Ba, La, Ca and mixtures thereof; a florite is selected from M''O.sub.2.

La Maison Standar de Jean Prouvé en Meudon. Edificio, fachadas y paneles verticales

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Laura Armesto Pineda

2014-10-01

Full Text Available En 1949 el ministro francés Eugène Claudius Petit visitó los talleres de Jean Prouvé en Maxeville. Acto seguido, el Ministerio de Reconstrucción y Urbanismo (M.R.U. encargó a Prouvé la planificación y desarrollo de una serie de casas de construcción ligera para la producción en serie, cuyo precio no debía superar el de una casa sencilla de la periferia construida de forma tradicional. El ministerio se comprometió a comprar 25 casas de este tipo y con ellas demostrar que la construcción ligera podía ser un procedimiento rápido y económico para poner fin a la escasez de viviendas en el periodo de posguerra. Finalmente, solo 14 de esas casas fueron construidas en Meudon, a las afueras de París. Su proyecto innovador, y el compromiso y dedicación de su autor, convirtieron a estas construcciones en un referente de la prefabricación aplicada al diseño y en verdaderas obras de arte que hoy día todavía pueden ser admiradas.

Jet Noise Modeling for Supersonic Business Jet Application

Science.gov (United States)

Stone, James R.; Krejsa, Eugene A.; Clark, Bruce J.

2004-01-01

This document describes the development of an improved predictive model for coannular jet noise, including noise suppression modifications applicable to small supersonic-cruise aircraft such as the Supersonic Business Jet (SBJ), for NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). For such aircraft a wide range of propulsion and integration options are under consideration. Thus there is a need for very versatile design tools, including a noise prediction model. The approach used is similar to that used with great success by the Modern Technologies Corporation (MTC) in developing a noise prediction model for two-dimensional mixer ejector (2DME) nozzles under the High Speed Research Program and in developing a more recent model for coannular nozzles over a wide range of conditions. If highly suppressed configurations are ultimately required, the 2DME model is expected to provide reasonable prediction for these smaller scales, although this has not been demonstrated. It is considered likely that more modest suppression approaches, such as dual stream nozzles featuring chevron or chute suppressors, perhaps in conjunction with inverted velocity profiles (IVP), will be sufficient for the SBJ.

Amigos y amantes: los valores relativos de trueque de diferentes tipos de compañeros en el intercambio social

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Aurelio José Figueredo

2002-01-01

Full Text Available Se utilizó el Inventario de Valor como Pareja (IVP en talleres paralelos titulados “La Racionalidad del romance” con muestras independientes recolectadas en cuatro sitios distintos: (1 Tucson, Arizona, Estados Unidos (n = 71, (2 Hermosillo, Sonora, México (n = 56, (3. Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal, México (n = 39, y (4 San José, Costa Rica (n = 77. Cada participante contestó un cuestionario anónimo y confidencial que incluía preguntas sobre su percepción de su propio “Valor como pareja” (VP, el VP de sus parejas románticas presentes o pasadas, y el VP de sus mejores amistades masculinas y femeninas. Cada participante dio informes sobre relaciones con sus parejas presentes o pasadas, incluyendo su grado de fidelidad a esa pareja, la seriedad de esa relación, y su satisfacción con esa relación. Se especificaron y analizaron varias relaciones entre los datos obtenidos por medio de un modelo económico de intercambio social.

A case of retroperitoneal carcinoid tumor which was radioeffective

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nishimura, Kazuo; Ogawa, Osamu; Yoshimura, Naoki; Nakagawa, Takashi; Takahashi, Rei; Sasaki, Miharu.

1984-01-01

A 51-year-old man was referred to our hospital on May, 24, 1978, with complaints of lower abdominal pain, lower abdominal mass, constipation and pollakisuria. Physical examination revealed a lower abdominal tumor which was smooth, elastic soft and of childs' head size. IVP and urethrography revealed left nonvisualizing kidney, right hydronephrosis and deformity of bladder. CT scan revealed a large intrapelvic mass. Under the diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumor, operation was done on June, 29, 1978. Adhesive changes between the tumor, sacrococcyx and left internal iliac artery was so severe that the tumor could not be resected, and only biopsy-specimen was taken. Pathohistological diagnosis of the tumor was carcinoid tumor. He received postoperative radiation therapy with total dosis of 5000 rad in 5 weeks, and complete remission was obtained. Now, more than 5 years have passed after operation, no recurrence was detected. Carcinoid tumors are rare and generally are not radioeffective, but some cases without carcinoid syndrome, including our case, are radioeffective. So radiation therapy should be the second choice of treatment for carcinoid tumor. (author)

Gonad dose in cineurethrocystography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ardran, G.M.; Dixon-Brown, A.; Fursdon, P.S.

1978-01-01

The technical factors used for cineurethrocystography for the true lateral projection in females are given. The mid-line radiation dose has been measured with LiF TLD inserted into the vagina in 19 examinations. The average dose recorded was 148 mrad, the range being 50 to 306 mrad, the average number of cine frames exposed was 96. Data obtained using a Rando phantom indicated that the average ovary dose would be 30% greater than the mid-line dose since the near ovary receives a higher dose than the more distant one. The technique used for men is also given, the average gonad dose in six men being 123 mrad, range 56 to 243 mrad when simple lead foil gonad protection was used; the average number of cine frames was 107. The dose in one man without gonad protection was 1575 mrad for 112 cine frames. The results for both sexes compare favourably with those of others reported in the literature and with gonad doses recorded in typical IVP examinations. (author)

Melatonin improves the quality of in vitro produced (IVP bovine embryos: implications for blastocyst development, cryotolerance, and modifications of relevant gene expression.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Feng Wang

Full Text Available To evaluate the potential effects of melatonin on the kinetics of embryo development and quality of blastocyst during the process of in vitro bovine embryo culture. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs were fertilized after in vitro maturation. The presumed zygotes were cultured in in vitro culture medium supplemented with or without 10(-7 M melatonin. The cleavage rate, 8-cell rate and blastocyst rate were examined to identify the kinetics of embryo development. The hatched blastocyst rate, mortality rate after thawing and the relevant transcript abundance were measured to evaluate the quality of blastocyst. The results showed that melatonin significantly promoted the cleavage rate and 8-cell embryo yield of in vitro produced bovine embryo. In addition, significantly more blastocysts were observed by Day 7 of embryo culture at the presence of melatonin. These results indicated that melatonin accelerated the development of in vitro produced bovine embryos. Following vitrification at Day 7 of embryo culture, melatonin (10(-7 M significantly increased the hatched blastocyst rate from 24 h to 72 h and decreased the mortality rate from 48 h to 72 h after thawing. The presence of melatonin during the embryo culture resulted in a significant increase in the gene expressions of DNMT3A, OCC, CDH1 and decrease in that of AQP3 after thawing. In conclusion, melatonin not only promoted blastocyst yield and accelerated in vitro bovine embryo development, but also improved the quality of blastocysts which was indexed by an elevated cryotolerance and the up-regulated expressions of developmentally important genes.

The introduction of the meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine (Bexsero®) into the national infant immunisation programme--New challenges for public health.

Science.gov (United States)

Ladhani, Shamez N; Campbell, Helen; Parikh, Sydel R; Saliba, Vanessa; Borrow, Ray; Ramsay, Mary

2015-12-01

The United Kingdom is the first country to introduce Bexsero(®) (GSK Biologicals), a multicomponent, protein-based vaccine against meningococcal group B (MenB), into the national infant immunisation programme. This vaccine is like no other licensed vaccine and poses a number of implementation and surveillance challenges in England. From 01 September 2015, UK infants were offered a reduced two dose primary immunisation schedule at 2 and 4 months followed by a booster at 12 months. Because of high rates of fever post-vaccination, parents were advised to give their infants three doses of prophylactic paracetamol, with the first dose given as soon as possible after the primary MenB vaccination dose. Since the vaccine only protects against 73-88% of MenB strains causing invasive disease in England, clinical isolates and PCR-positive samples will require extensive characterisation by the Meningococcal Reference Unit (MRU) at Public Health England (PHE) in order to monitor vaccine effectiveness and identify potential vaccine failures. PHE is also conducting detailed clinical and epidemiological surveillance to assess the impact of the MenB immunisation programme on the morbidity and mortality associated with invasive meningococcal disease in infants and young children. Copyright © 2015 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

99Tcm-DTPA renography in evaluating the function of duplex kidneys in pediatric patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Lixia; Wang Xiaoming; Chen Jinyan; Su Junmei

2013-01-01

Objective: To study the value of 99 Tc m -DTPA dynamic renography in evaluating the function of duplex kidneys in pediatric patients. Methods: Twenty-five pediatric patients with duplex kidneys diagnosed by ultrasound or MR urography (MRU) were included (9 males, 16 females; mean age:(23.80 ± 20.97) months, range: 2-72 months). Twenty patients (9 males,11 females; mean age: (32.95 ± 23.58) months, range: 2-72 months) with urinary tract infection but without duplex kidneys confirmed by ultrasound or MRU were chosen as control group during the same period of this study. All patients and controls were divided into two subgroups according to their ages (group Ⅰ, 0-24 months; group Ⅱ, 25-72 months). The research was approved by the ethics committee, and all patients' parents (or guardians) signed informed consents. The time-activity curve was generated on the dynamic imaging data automatically with GFR calculated. The uptake rates of the upper and lower moieties were measured by drawing the corresponding ROIs in the duplex kidney. Dunnett-t test was used for statistical analysis. Results: There were 25 patients with 26 duplex kidneys (1 case bilateral), 16 on the left and 10 on the right. The time-activity curve of 6 cases was normal, 9 with continuously upward type, 4 with high level plateau type, 2 with parabolic type and 5 with low level plateau type. There were 19 abnormal kidneys in group Ⅰ and 7 in group Ⅱ, and 20 kidneys in each control subgroup. The GFR of patients with normal renography was (78.81 ± 15.97) ml/min (group Ⅰ) and (64.68 ± 11.15) ml/min (group Ⅱ), continuously upward type was (72.11 ±22.76) ml/min (group Ⅰ) and (63.41 ± 16.42) ml/min (group Ⅱ), high level plateau and parabolic types were (68.74 ± 16.17) ml/min and (65.26 ± 15.27) ml/min in group Ⅰ, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the GFR of different renography type groups and that of the controls (group Ⅰ: (79.35 ±13.31) ml

Case of Joubert syndrome. CT findings of brainstem and review of literature

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Suzuki, Hisaharu; Nakazato, Akihiko; Ikota, Hiroko; Koide, Hiroyoshi (Saitama Medical School (Japan)); Yasaka, Atsushi; Nakada, Yoshitaka

1983-01-01

Joubert et al. first reported a familial syndrome which showed episodic tachypena, abnormal eye movement, mental and motor retardation. Since then eighteen cases have been reported in the world. In this paper, we reported a male baby with Joubert syndrome who was observed since the newborn period. He showed episodic tachypnea (respiratory rate over 100/min), apnea, severe mental and motor retardation, no normal eye movements, occipital meningocele, high arched palate and poor sucking. CT scan revealed vermian agenesis, hypoplasia and deformity of brainstem, enlarged fourth ventricle and cisterna magna. EEG showed episodic discharges. Laboratory test investigations including amino acids, lactate, pyruvate, ammonia, chromosomal analysis, IVP and renogram showed no abnormal findings. He showed poor development and at eleventh month of age he died at home because of respiratory arrest. Similar syndromes were reported by Koya et al., Dekaban, Gardner et al., D'Agostino et al. and Friede. They reported syndromes consisting of abnormal respiration, abnormal eye movements, mental and motor retardation, occipital meningocele, retinal degeneration and polycystic kidney. Some causative events may have occurred at 6 to 7 weeks of gestation affecting central nervous system as well as other organs.

Teaching nuclear energy: the challenges of interdisciplinarity in the classroom

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bratt, D. [Mount Royal Univ., Dept. of Policy Studies, Calgary, Alberta (Canada); McCollum, B. [Mount Royal Univ. Dept. of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Calgary, Alberta (Canada)

2012-07-01

Drs. Bratt and McCollum teach a third year undergraduate course entitled 'The Science and Politics of Nuclear Energy' at Mount Royal University in Calgary. To the best of our knowledge this is the only course of its kind offered in Canada that combines science and politics of nuclear energy in the same course and taught by specialists in both of those areas. The presentation would cover the following key points: Why was the course conceived? What was the role of MRU's focus on General Education? How was the course conceived? What is unique about it? What is the course content? How is the material delivered? What is the student profile? Explaining the success of the course. From Winter 2011 when there were only 5 registered students in a 30 seat course, to 31 registered students in a 30 seat course in Winter 2012. Challenges of a multi-disciplinary course, ie., science students who are afraid of writing long political papers, social science students who are afraid of the periodic table and math. Challenges of teaching such a course in Calgary, ie., lack of a nuclear industry, lack of guest speakers, etc. The methodology for the course includes: Demographic statistics from student enrolments; Content analysis of course documents Instructor's views on the course; and, A student survey.

Immunization against Rumen Methanogenesis by Vaccination with a New Recombinant Protein.

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Litai Zhang

Full Text Available Vaccination through recombinant proteins against rumen methanogenesis provides a mitigation approach to reduce enteric methane (CH4 emissions in ruminants. The objective of present study was to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of a new vaccine candidate protein (EhaF on methanogenesis and microbial population in the rumen of goats. We amplified the gene mru 1407 encoding protein EhaF using fresh rumen fluid samples of mature goats and successfully expressed recombinant protein (EhaF in Escherichia coli Rosetta. This product was evaluated using 12 mature goats with half for control and other half injected with 400ug/goat the purified recombinant protein in day 1 and two subsequent booster immunizations in day 35 and 49. All measurements were undertaken from 63 to 68 days after the initial vaccination, with CH4 emissions determined using respiration calorimeter chambers. The results showed that the vaccination caused intensive immune responses in serum and saliva, although it had no significant effect on total enteric CH4 emissions and methanogen population in the rumen, when compared with the control goats. However, the vaccination altered the composition of rumen bacteria, especially the abundance of main phylum Firmicutes and genus Prevotella. The results indicate that protein EhaF might not be an effective vaccine to reduce enteric CH4 emissions but our vaccine have potential to influence the rumen ecosystem of goats.

Growth characteristics and imaging properties of the morris hepatoma 3924a in ACI rats: A suitable model for transarterial chemoembolization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Truebenbach, Jochen; Graepler, Florian; Pereira, Philippe L; Ruck, Peter; Lauer, Ulrich; Gregor, Michael; Claussen, Claus-D.; Huppert, Peter E.

2000-01-01

Purpose: For experimental studies investigating modalities and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) an animal model resembling the human situation as closely as possible would be appropriate. Specifically, reproducible tumor growth characteristics with the capability for appropriate in vivo imaging to monitor treatment efficacy are required.Methods: Morris hepatoma 3924A was implanted into the liver of 30 ACI rats. Tumor growth was followed by angiography (n=10), ultrasound (US, n=30), native computed tomography (CT. n=16), and native magnetic resonance imaging (MRU n=30) between day 8 and day 36 after implantation. The radiological morphological characteristics were compared with the macroscopic and microscopic histological findings of the explanted tumors.Results: In all 30 animals a solitary liver tumor was found and macroscopically no signs of metastases, ascites, or peritoneal tumor were visible. On histopathological examination tumor sizes ranged between 27 ± 3 mm 3 (day 8) and 3468 ± 79 mm 3 (day 36). The first signs of tumor necrosis occurred at day 16. US allowed tumor visualization from day 8, MRI from day 8, angiography from day 10, and CT from day 14.Conclusions: The tumor model has the potential to be used for the visualization of tumor growth by MRI and US. The potential for monitoring therapeutic effects of TACE needs to be investigated.

Intercampus institute for research at particle accelerators. Final report, March 15, 1992 - September 30, 1995

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1997-01-01

This is the final report to the DOE for the Intercampus Institute for Research at Particle Accelerators, or IIRPA, at least for the San Diego branch. Over the years that DOE supported IIRPA, we were told that yearly reports (and the final report) were not necessary because the previous year's summary in our annual request for funds constituted those reports. Therefore, it has taken some effort, and a corresponding long time, to put something together, after the fact. The IIRPA was born as an idea that arose during discussions at the 1974 PEP summer study, and began to be funded by DoE during the early stages of PEP detector design and construction. The intent was for the members of the Institute to be responsible for the PEP-9 Facility; all of the PEP experiments were supposed to be facilities, rather than just experimental setups for a particular group or research goal. IIRPA was approved as a Multicampus Research Unit (MRU) in 1977 by the University of California, and it was active on the UCD, UCSB and UCSD campuses for 10 years. This report concentrates on the period of time when the Directorship of IIRPA was once again at the San Diego campus, 1989 to 1995. The collection of yearly reports consisting of research in different areas of particle physics, make up this report in the appendices

Teaching nuclear energy: the challenges of interdisciplinarity in the classroom

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bratt, D.; McCollum, B.

2012-01-01

Drs. Bratt and McCollum teach a third year undergraduate course entitled 'The Science and Politics of Nuclear Energy' at Mount Royal University in Calgary. To the best of our knowledge this is the only course of its kind offered in Canada that combines science and politics of nuclear energy in the same course and taught by specialists in both of those areas. The presentation would cover the following key points: Why was the course conceived? What was the role of MRU's focus on General Education? How was the course conceived? What is unique about it? What is the course content? How is the material delivered? What is the student profile? Explaining the success of the course. From Winter 2011 when there were only 5 registered students in a 30 seat course, to 31 registered students in a 30 seat course in Winter 2012. Challenges of a multi-disciplinary course, ie., science students who are afraid of writing long political papers, social science students who are afraid of the periodic table and math. Challenges of teaching such a course in Calgary, ie., lack of a nuclear industry, lack of guest speakers, etc. The methodology for the course includes: Demographic statistics from student enrolments; Content analysis of course documents Instructor's views on the course; and, A student survey.

Estudo randomizado de correção cirúrgica de fibrilação atrial permanente: resultados parciais Randomized study of surgical correction of permanent atrial fibrillation: preliminary results

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Álvaro Albrecht

2004-09-01

Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados de dois modos de tratar a fibrilação atrial (FA: com cirurgia do Labirinto e com Isolamento de Veias Pulmonares (IVP, comparando com grupo controle, para estabelecer o melhor tratamento aos portadores desta arritmia. MÉTODO:Todos os pacientes tinham indicação cirúrgica por outra lesão cardíaca, concomitantemente tratada. Foram randomizados 51 pacientes no período de julho de 1999 a setembro de 2003. Em nenhum paciente foi utilizada crioablação. Analisamos inicialmente as seguintes variáveis: tempo de circulação extracorpórea (CEC, pinçamento aórtico (ISQ, taxa de reversão a ritmo sinusal na alta hospitalar, e complicações do trans e pós-operatório imediato. RESULTADOS: Houve dois óbitos intra-hospitalares, um no grupo Labirinto e um no grupo IVP. O grupo Labirinto apresentou o maior tempo de CEC (pOBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of techniques in the treatment of atrial fibrillation: the Maze procedure and Isolation of Pulmonary Veins were compared together with Control group, to establish the best treatment for this arrhythmia. METHOD: All patients were referred for surgery due for other cardiac lesions, which were treated concurrently. From July 1999 to September 2003, fifty-one patients where randomly allocated to the different groups. No cryoablation or other source of energy was used. The following variables were initially analyzed: total bypass time, aortic clamping time, sinus rhythm at discharge, and trans-operative and immediate post-operative complications. RESULTS: There were two intra-hospitalar deaths, one in the Maze group and one in the Isolation of Pulmonary Veins group. The Maze group had the longest bypass time (p<0,001. The duration of follow-up of 28.4 ±14 months was similar between the groups. The Isolation of Pulmonary Veins achieved the best results concerning reversion to sinus rhythm with 84.2% at hospital discharge and 88.9% after follow-up. In the Maze group, 78

Platelet indices in Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms / Indicii plachetari de volum în neoplasmele mieloproliferative cronice Philadelphia-negative

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Olteanu Ariela-Ligia

2015-06-01

Full Text Available Introducere: Neoplasmele mieloproliferative cronice cromozom Philadelphia negative (Ph-MPN -policitemia vera (PV, trombocitemia esenţială (TE şi mielofibroza primară (MP - sunt caracterizate de o rată mare de complicaţii trombotice, parţial date de activarea trombocitară. Trombocitele mari sunt mai active, cu o funcţie procoagulantă crescută şi au rol patogenic demonstrat în tromboza arterială şi venoasă. În studiul nostru am încercat să stabilim dacă indicii trombocitari (MPV, PDW, P-LCR, furnizaţi de analizoarele de hematologie în hemoleucograma completă, sunt modificaţi la pacienţii diagnosticaţi cu Ph-MPN comparativ cu subiecţii sănătoşi. Material şi metodă: Hemoleucograma, ce a inclus şi indicii trombocitari, a fost determinată la 102 pacienţi Ph- MPN şi la 102 subiecţi sănătoşi cu ajutorul analizorului de hematologie Sysmex XS 1000i (metoda impedanţei, iar testele biochimice (glucoza şi parametrii metabolismului lipidic, pe analizorul Architect c8000. Prezenţa mutaţiei JAK2 V617F, la pacienţii cu Ph-MPN, a fost evidenţiată prin tehnica ARMS-PCR. Rezultate: Indicii de volum plachetari (IVP măsuraţi prin metoda impedanţei, nu au fost semnificativ modificaţi la pacienţii cu Ph-MPN comparativ cu cei ai subiecţilor sănătoşi. Totuşi, am observat o moderată corelaţie între valoarea acestor indici şi prezenţa mutaţiei JAK2V617F, fără însă a se atinge o diferenţă semnificativă din punct de vedere statistic. IVP au fost crescuţi la micul subgrup de pacienţi trataţi cu anagrelide şi scăzuţi la cei trataţi cu simvastatin, comparativ cu pacienţii care nu au primit aceste terapii. Concluzii: Folosind metoda impedanţei în determinarea indicilor trombocitari, în studiul nostru nu am demonstrat o diferenţă semnificativă între valorile indicilor trombocitari la pacienţii cu Ph- MPN comparativ cu subiecţii sănătoşi. Sunt necesare studii ulterioare pentru a demonstra o

Penile duplication and two anal openings; report of a very rare case.

Science.gov (United States)

Bakheet, Mohamed Abdel Al M; Refaei, Mohammad

2012-03-01

Penile duplication (diphallus) is an extremely rare disorder. It is almost always associated with other malformations like double bladder, exstrophy of the cloacae, imperforate anus, duplication of the rectosigmoid and vertebral deformities. Meanwhile anal canal duplication, the most distal and least common duplication of the digestive tube and is a very rare congenital malformation. A 21 days old Egyptian neonate is reported with complete penile duplication and two scrotums with each one carrying two palpable testes. Both penises have normal shaft with normally located meatus. Clear urine voids from both meati spontaneously. The child had also a fold of redundant skin about 4×5 cm at the anal region in which two separate anal openings are present. In rectal examination we found two normal anuses passing stool spontaneously. Ascending (voiding) cystourethrography revealed two penises with two separate meatuses and one bladder from which the two urethras go out separately. Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) revealed two normal kidneys and ureters. Barium study revealed duplication of rectum and colon, otherwise normal GIT. In our review of the literature, we did not come across any other case of this variety of the penile duplication and congenital presence of two anuses. Unfortunately the patient expired before any surgical correction.

Pressure Measurement Techniques for Abdominal Hypertension: Conclusions from an Experimental Model.

Science.gov (United States)

Chopra, Sascha Santosh; Wolf, Stefan; Rohde, Veit; Freimann, Florian Baptist

2015-01-01

Introduction. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement is an indispensable tool for the diagnosis of abdominal hypertension. Different techniques have been described in the literature and applied in the clinical setting. Methods. A porcine model was created to simulate an abdominal compartment syndrome ranging from baseline IAP to 30 mmHg. Three different measurement techniques were applied, comprising telemetric piezoresistive probes at two different sites (epigastric and pelvic) for direct pressure measurement and intragastric and intravesical probes for indirect measurement. Results. The mean difference between the invasive IAP measurements using telemetric pressure probes and the IVP measurements was -0.58 mmHg. The bias between the invasive IAP measurements and the IGP measurements was 3.8 mmHg. Compared to the realistic results of the intraperitoneal and intravesical measurements, the intragastric data showed a strong tendency towards decreased values. The hydrostatic character of the IAP was eliminated at high-pressure levels. Conclusion. We conclude that intragastric pressure measurement is potentially hazardous and might lead to inaccurately low intra-abdominal pressure values. This may result in missed diagnosis of elevated abdominal pressure or even ACS. The intravesical measurements showed the most accurate values during baseline pressure and both high-pressure plateaus.

Ultrasonic Waves and Strength Reduction Indexes for the Assessment of the Advancement of Deterioration Processes in Travertines from Pamukkale and Hierapolis (Turkey

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Bobrowska Alicja

2015-09-01

Full Text Available In constructions, the usefulness of modern technical diagnostics of stone as a raw material requires predicting the effects of long-term environmental impact of its qualities and geomechanical properties. The paper presents geomechanical research enabling presentation of the factors for strength loss of the stone and forecasting the rate of development of destructive phenomena on the stone structure on a long-time basis. As research material Turkish travertines were selected from the Denizli-Kaklık Basin (Pamukkale and Hierapolis quarries, which have been commonly used for centuries in global architecture. The rock material was subjected to testing of the impact of various environmental factors, as well as European standards recommended by the author of the research program. Their resistance to the crystallization of salts from aqueous solutions and the effects of SO2, as well as the effect of frost and high temperatures are presented. The studies allowed establishing the following quantitative indicators: the ultrasonic waves index (IVp and the strength reduction index (IRc. Reflections on the assessment of deterioration effects indicate that the most active factors decreasing travertine resistance in the aging process include frost and sulphur dioxide (SO2. Their negative influence is particularly intense when the stone material is already strongly weathered.

Cystinuria in children in Bahrain

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Al-Hermi, B.; Al-Kameli, A.; Aal, Abbas A.

2002-01-01

Cystinuria is a rare autosomal recessive trait with a defect in transportof cystine and other dibasic amino acids in the kidney and intestine. Renalstone formation is the only clinical presentation of Cystinuria. We presentherewith three cases with Cystinuria. We present herewith three cases withcystinuria. Case 1 is a 13-year-old boy known to have Bernard Souliersyndrome who presented at the age of six years with staghorn stone of theleft kidney. He was treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)with little benefit, followed by percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Hestill gets recurrent renal stones and is being treated with high fluidintake, low sodium diet, captopril, K-citrate and D-pencillamine. Case 2 is a10-year-old boy, brother of the first patient, who was diagnosed ascystinuria on family screening. He presented with bilateral tiny renalstones. Case 3 is a four-year-old girl who was presented at the age of 1.5years with urinary tract infection (UTI). Renal ultrasound showed lefthydronephrosis and intravenous pyelography (IVP) showed bilateral ureteralstones. She underwent cystoscopy and lithiotripsy twice; currently she is oncaptopril, K-citrate, high fluid intake and low sodium diet. We believe thisis the first report of cystinuria in children from Bahrain. (author)

Effect of Hyaluronan on Developmental Competence and Quality of Oocytes and Obtained Blastocysts from In Vitro Maturation of Bovine Oocytes

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Jolanta Opiela

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of hyaluronan (HA during IVM on meiotic maturation, embryonic development, and the quality of oocytes, granulosa cells (GC, and obtained blastocysts. COCs were matured in vitro in control medium and medium with additional 0.035% or 0.07% of exogenous HA. The meiotic maturity did not differ between the analysed groups. The best rate and the highest quality of obtained blastocysts were observed when 0.07% HA was used. A highly significant difference (P<0.001 was noted in the mean number of apoptotic nuclei per blastocyst and in the DCI between the 0.07% HA and the control blastocysts (P<0.01. Our results suggest that addition of 0.035% HA and 0.07% HA to oocyte maturation media does not affect oocyte nuclear maturation and DNA fragmentation. However, the addition of 0.07% HA during IVM decreases the level of blastocysts DNA fragmentation. Finally, our results suggest that it may be risky to increase the HA concentration during IVM above 0.07% as we found significantly higher Bax mRNA expression levels in GC cultured with 0.07% HA. The final concentration of HA being supplemented to oocyte maturation media is critical for the success of the IVP procedure.

GASEOUS EMISSIONS FROM FOSSIL FUELS AND BIOMASS COMBUSTION IN SMALL HEATING APPLIANCES

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Daniele Dell'Antonia

2012-06-01

Full Text Available The importance of emission control has increased sharply due to the increased need of energy from combustion. However, biomass utilization in energy production is not free from problems because of physical and chemical characteristics which are substantially different from conventional energy sources. In this situation, the quantity and quality of emissions as well as used renewable sources as wood or corn grain are often unknown. To assess this problem the paper addresses the objectives to quantify the amount of greenhouse gases during the combustion of corn as compared to the emissions in fossil combustion (natural gas, LPG and diesel boiler. The test was carried out in Friuli Venezia Giulia in 2006-2008 to determine the air pollution (CO, NO, NO2, NOx, SO2 and CO2 from fuel combustion in family boilers with a power between 20-30 kWt. The flue gas emission was measured with a professional semi-continuous multi-gas analyzer, (Vario plus industrial, MRU air Neckarsulm-Obereisesheim. Data showed a lower emission of fossil fuel compared to corn in family boilers in reference to pollutants in the flue gas (NOx, SO2 and CO. In a particular way the biomass combustion makes a higher concentration of carbon monoxide (for an incomplete combustion because there is not a good mixing between fuel and air and nitrogen oxides (in relation at a higher content of nitrogen in herbaceous biomass in comparison to another fuel.

Magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of urologic disease: an all-in-one approach

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Verswijvel, G.A.; Oyen, R.H.; Vaninbrouckx, J.; Bosmans, H.; Marchal, G. [University Hospital, Leuven (Belgium). Dept. of Radiology; Van Poppel, H.P.; Goethuys, H. [Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium). Dept. of Urology; Maes, B. [Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium). Dept. of Nephrology

2000-10-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate an ''all-in-one'' MR procedure to examine the kidneys, the renal vascular supply and renal perfusion, and the urinary tract. In 64 patients (58 with urologic disease and 6 healthy volunteers), MR was performed including: (a) T1- and T2-weighted imaging; (b) 3D contrast-enhanced MR angiography (MRA), including the renal arteries, renal veins, as well as renal perfusion; and (c) 3D contrast-enhanced MR urography (MRU) in the coronal and sagittal plane. For the latter, low- and high-resolution images were compared. Prior to gadolinium injection, 0.1 mg/kg body weight of furosemide was administered intravenously. The results were compared with correlative imaging modalities (ultrasonography, intravenous urography, CT), ureterorenoscopy and/or surgical-pathologic findings. Visualization of the renal parenchyma, the vascular supply, and the collecting system was adequate in all cases, both in nondilated and in dilated systems and irrespective of the renal function. One infiltrating urothelial cancer was missed; there was one false-positive urothelial malignancy. Different MR techniques can be combined to establish an all-in-one imaging modality in the assessment of diseases which affect the kidneys and urinary tracts. Continuous refinement of the applied MR techniques and further improvements in spatial resolution is needed to expand the actual imaging possibilities and to create new tracts and challenges in the MR evaluation of urologic disease. (orig.)

Diagnostic value of combined static-excretory MR Urography in children with hydroneph

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Sally Emad-Eldin

2015-03-01

Full Text Available The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility, accuracy and diagnostic potential of combined static-excretory MR Urography in children with sonographically detected hydronephrosis. We prospectively evaluated 28 children (11 girls and 17 boys, mean age 8.3 years (range 2 months–16 years. Static-excretory MR Urography was performed in all cases. The results of MR Urography were compared with the results of other imaging modalities, cystoscopy and surgery. In 28 children, 61 renal units were evaluated by MR Urography (the renal unit is the kidney and its draining ureter. The final diagnoses included: normal renal units (n = 23; uretropelvic junction obstruction (n = 14; megaureter (n = 8; midureteric stricture (n = 1, complicated duplicated systems (n = 5, post ESWL non-obstructive dilation (n = 2, extrarenal pelvis (n = 4, dysplastic kidney (n = 4. Complex pathology and more than one disease entity in were found in 7 children. The MRI diagnosis correlated with the final diagnosis in 57 units, with diagnostic accuracy 93.4%. In conclusions static and excretory MRU give both morphological and functional information in a single examination without exposure to ionizing radiation and iodinated contrast agent. It is a valuable imaging technique for children with upper urinary tract dilatation; especially in cases of complex congenital pathologies and severely hydronephrotic kidney.

Unsuspected urological anomalies in asymptomatic cryptorchid boys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pappis, C.H.; Argianas, S.A.; Bousgas, D.; Athanasiades, E.; Pendeli Children's Hospital, Athens

1988-01-01

In a period of 6 years 144 asymptomatic boys with cryptorchidism, of mean age 7 ± SD 3.5 years, underwent orchiopexy. None of these boys referred to a history of a known urological anomaly, urinary tract infection haematuria, palpable mass in the renal region, bladder extrophy, epispadias, hypospadias or anorectal malformation. On the third day after orchiopexy an intravenous pyelography was done in every boy following testicular protection against irradiation. Ultrasonic investigation was not available at that time. There were minor urological abnormalities in 36 (25%) boys and major ones in 8 (5.5%) boys. A major anomaly is defined as one resulting in significant loss of renal substance (one case of single kidney and three cases of unilateral renal hypoplasia), or requiring surgical correction for conservation of the renal substance (one case of ureterocele, two cases of pelviureteric stenosis and one case of vesicoureteric stenosis with ipsilateral hydronephrosis). The unsuspected major urological abnormalities are usually ipsilateral to the more undescended testis. They may be associated with a hernia and are more frequent in bilateral cryptorchidism. In conclusion we encourage the routine use of IVP, or ultrasonic investigation or dynamic renal scanning (99 mTc -DTPA), if it is possible, in all patients undergoing orchiopexy for the detection of an unsuspected major renal anomaly. (orig.)

Studies on the evaluation of renal function in hydronephrosis with 99mTc-DMSA renal uptake

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takeda, Masayuki; Katayama, Yasushi; Takahashi, Hitoshi; Sato, Shotaro

1988-01-01

99m Tc-dimercaptosuccinic acid renal uptake (DMSA uptake) was measured in patients with hydronephrosis and we obtained the following conclusions. 1. Grades of hydronephrosis on IVP according to Oka's classification were compared with DMSA uptake. In 73 adult patients, the grade of hydronephrosis paralleled DMSA uptake well, but in 20 children it did not. 2. The changes of DMSA uptake pre- and post-nephrostomy were measured in 21 kidneys in 19 cases with congenital hydronephrosis. DMSA uptake of 7 infantile kidneys significantly increased post-nephrostomy, but in the cases over 1 year old significantly decreased after nephrostomy. DMSA uptake of the contralateral kidney significantly increased after nephrostomy in infants, but it did not change in the group over 1 year old. 3. In 15 kidneys of 13 cases with nephrostomy, DMSA uptake during closure and after opening of the nephrostomy catheter and DMSA uptake due to the radioisotope (RI) accumulated in the renal collecting system were measured. In the group over 1 year old, DMSA uptake decreased after opening nephrostomy nearly all and the extent of the decrease almost agreed with DMSA uptake due to RI accumulated in the renal collecting system. But in infants, DMSA uptake increased after opening nephrostomy in most cases and the extent of the change in DMSA uptake did not agree with DMSA uptake due to RI accumulated in the renal collecting system. (author)

The significance of ultrasonography in urinary tract infection in children

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hwang, Dae Hyun; Lee, Kwang Sul; Jeon, Woo Ki; Kim, Ho Kyun; Lee, Ghi Jai; Kim, Jeong Sook; Jeon, Jong Dong; Han, Chang Yul; Song, Moon Kab

1990-01-01

Urinary tract infection(UTI) is one of the major bacterial disease of children that causes morbidity and inconvenience to many patients were related to recurrent vesicoureteral reflux. Radiological examinations of the 72 patients of urinary tract infection(UTI) who were visited to Seoul Paik Hospital from Jan 1st 1986 to Jul 30th 1989, were analysed in this study. US was used as an initial study in all patients who showed acute stage of UTI and followed by IVP, VCUG, 99m Tc-DMSA scan for veslcoureteral reflex or renal scarring. If US showed obstructing lesion, no further study was performed. The resulted were as follows: 1. US is valuable as a screening procedure during the first UTI in congenital abnormalities and in particular obstructive lesions that require surgery. 2. A normal US in a child older than 5 or 6 years is meaningful as an investigation in the group of the first documented UTI uncomplicated. 3. Vesicoureteral reflex, a major factor leading to parenchymal damage in young children can not be detected reliably by US. If the US is suggestive of vesicoureteral reflex, this should be confirmed by VCUG and 99m Tc-DMSA scan for renal scarring. If the US is normal or equivocal in recurrent infection and unexplained persistent clinical findings, this should be followed by VCUG and 9 9mTc-DMSA scan

Longterm outcome of Macroplatique injection for treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children

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Elrahmany A. Mohamed

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Background: This study examined our experience with one year follow-up of 20 cases of vesicoureteric reflux in children after treatment with Macroplastique ® injection. Patient and Methods: A total of 20 children (31 ureters with primary grades II to V vesicoureteral reflux were treated with subureteral Macroplastique ® injection from 2010 to 2011 and followed for an average of 12 months (range 3 to 24. Vesicoureteral reflux was grade II in 3, III in 7, IV in 9 and V in 12 ureters. Each child underwent pre-operative voiding cystourethrography, abdominopelvic ultrasound, urine analysis/culture, S. creatinine and CBC. Dimercapto-succinic acid scan (DMSA scan and magnetic resonance urography (MRU were done in some patients. Voiding cystourethrography at 3 months was done to rule out persistent reflux. Results: Overall, reflux was corrected in 11 (35.5% ureters and 9 (45% children after a single injection. With repeat injection, reflux was corrected in 16 (51.6% ureters and 11 (55% children, reflux improved/downgrade in 4 (12.9% ureters and 2 (10% children. Correction by grade was 100%, 100%, 9.7%, 9.7% for grades II to V, respectively. There were no surgical complications. None of the cured patients had recurrent reflux during follow-up. There were 9 (45% children who required open ureteral re-implantation for failed injection. Conclusion: Sub-ureteral Macroplastique ® injection therapy could be a primary treatment for low grade VUR (grade III or less in children because it is simple, safe, effective, less invasive, decreased.

Using CR1aa versus KSOM as the culture medium for in vitro embryo production of cattle

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Endang Triwulaninngsih

2002-03-01

Full Text Available This research has been conducted at the laboratory of in vitro fertilization in the Department of Animal Science University of Wisconsin, USA. These embryos can be used for improving genetic value of Indonesian cattle. Oocytes were matured in TCM- 199 medium (in 5% CO2 incubator and at 390C enriched with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH 10 μl/ml, oestradiol 17 β 1μl/ml and 10% Fetal Calf Serum (FCS. The oocytes were fertilized in vitro with motile sperm and incubation between sperm and oocytes in fertilization medium Tyroide Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (TALP for 20 hours. All zygotes were cultured in CR1aa (n=1549 medium versus modification of protein-free pottasium simplex optimized medium (KSOM (n=675 up to blastocyst stage and were fed FCS 5 μl/50 μl medium on day 6, as treatment A and B respectively. Data were analyzed by completely randomized design with SAS program. Percentages of cleavage, morula, blastocyst, expanded blastocyst, unfertilized and degenerated ova in this study were 91.4% vs 75.6 %; 75.6% vs 58.9%; 61.5% vs 38.5%; 31.2% vs 5.1%, 8.6% vs 24.4%, 15.7% vs 8% which were significantly different (P<0.01 for treatment CR1aa and KSOM respectively. Based on this study, CR1aa medium is better culture medium than KSOM for efficient in vitro production (IVP of bovine embryos.

Authenticity in the Context of Technologically Enriched ESP

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Vilhelmina Vaičiūnienė

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Purpose—to determine student attitudes towards authenticity and the interrelation between authenticity and the use of ICT in the ESP learning context. Design/methodology/approach—the research conducted in autumn 2011 was aimed at comparative analysis of students of two study modes—full-time and part-time. It followed research focusing on Bachelor study programme student attitudes (Business Informatics and Finance Economics to authentic resources carried out in spring of 2010. The survey participants were Bachelor study cycle first year students from several faculties of MRU (Law, Politics and Management, Economics and Finance Management, Social Informatics, Social Policy. The paper discusses the ESP learning experience at Mykolas Romeris University and presents research findings obtained through the questionnaire survey. Findings—comparative analysis between full-time and part-time study mode student responses reveals similar learning patterns; however, certain differences can also be observed. The full-time students are motivated by more advanced authentic learning materials and they are more computer literate and able to access these materials, whereas the respondents from the part-time study mode appreciate more traditional Internet-based language learning tools. Research limitations/implications—the research sample was composed of first year Bachelor study programme students, therefore the results cannot be generalised and applied to Master level students. Practical implications—awareness of student needs and problems encountered in authentic learning environment may help improve ESP teaching methods. Originality/Value—gaining insight into student perception of authenticity in learning process and technological proficiency to access authentic resources Keywords: authenticity, student autonomy, ESP context, information communication technologies (ICT. Research type: research paper.

EXTRACTION OF BENTHIC COVER INFORMATION FROM VIDEO TOWS AND PHOTOGRAPHS USING OBJECT-BASED IMAGE ANALYSIS

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M. T. L. Estomata

2012-07-01

Full Text Available Mapping benthic cover in deep waters comprises a very small proportion of studies in the field of research. Majority of benthic cover mapping makes use of satellite images and usually, classification is carried out only for shallow waters. To map the seafloor in optically deep waters, underwater videos and photos are needed. Some researchers have applied this method on underwater photos, but made use of different classification methods such as: Neural Networks, and rapid classification via down sampling. In this study, accurate bathymetric data obtained using a multi-beam echo sounder (MBES was attempted to be used as complementary data with the underwater photographs. Due to the absence of a motion reference unit (MRU, which applies correction to the data gathered by the MBES, accuracy of the said depth data was compromised. Nevertheless, even with the absence of accurate bathymetric data, object-based image analysis (OBIA, which used rule sets based on information such as shape, size, area, relative distance, and spectral information, was still applied. Compared to pixel-based classifications, OBIA was able to classify more specific benthic cover types other than coral and sand, such as rubble and fish. Through the use of rule sets on area, less than or equal to 700 pixels for fish and between 700 to 10,000 pixels for rubble, as well as standard deviation values to distinguish texture, fish and rubble were identified. OBIA produced benthic cover maps that had higher overall accuracy, 93.78±0.85%, as compared to pixel-based methods that had an average accuracy of only 87.30±6.11% (p-value = 0.0001, α = 0.05.

Authenticity in the Context of Technologically Enriched ESP

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Vilhelmina Vaičiūnienė

2012-07-01

Full Text Available Purpose—to determine student attitudes towards authenticity and the interrelation between authenticity and the use of ICT in the ESP learning context.Design/methodology/approach—the research conducted in autumn 2011 was aimed at comparative analysis of students of two study modes—full-time and part-time. It followed research focusing on Bachelor study programme student attitudes (Business Informatics and Finance Economics to authentic resources carried out in spring of 2010. The survey participants were Bachelor study cycle first year students from several faculties of MRU (Law, Politics and Management, Economics and Finance Management, Social Informatics, Social Policy. The paper discusses the ESP learning experience at Mykolas Romeris University and presents research findings obtained through the questionnaire survey.Findings—comparative analysis between full-time and part-time study mode student responses reveals similar learning patterns; however, certain differences can also be observed. The full-time students are motivated by more advanced authentic learning materials and they are more computer literate and able to access these materials, whereas the respondents from the part-time study mode appreciate more traditional Internet-based language learning tools.Research limitations/implications—the research sample was composed of first year Bachelor study programme students, therefore the results cannot be generalised and applied to Master level students.Practical implications—awareness of student needs and problems encountered in authentic learning environment may help improve ESP teaching methods.Originality/Value—gaining insight into student perception of authenticity in learning process and technological proficiency to access authentic resourcesKeywords: authenticity, student autonomy, ESP context, information communication technologies (ICT.Research type: research paper.

Horseshoe kidney and uretero-pelvic-junction obstruction in a pediatric patient. Laparoscopic vascular hitch: A valid alternative to dismembered pyeloplasty?

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Cosimo Bleve

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Horseshoe kidney (HSK is a congenital defect of the urinary tract that occurs in 0.25% of the general population. Laparoscopic Vascular Hitch (LVH according to Hellstrom-Chapman represent an alternative approach in treatment of extrinsic hydronephrosis by crossing vessels (CV in pediatric age. In our Department from 2006 to 2016, 36 children with extrinsic-Uretero-Pelvic-Junction (UPJ-Obstruction (UPJO underwent laparoscopic vessels transposition. Over the last 4years, we have treated three patients with extrinsic hydronephrosis in HSK; two males and one female respectively of 6, 7 and 8years. The side affected was the left in all patients; symptoms of onset: recurrent abdominal pain, vomiting with associated intermittent hydronephrosis at ultrasonography. The preoperative examinations performed were: ultrasound/Doppler scan, MAG3-renogram, functional-magnetic-resonance-urography (fMRU. Mean operative time was 120’; median hospital stay 3- days. Intraoperative diuretic-test (DT confirmed an extrinsic-UPJO in all patients. No JJ-stents and drain were used and there were no perioperative complications. Clinical and ultrasound follow-up (18 months-4 years show resolution of symptoms and decrease in hydronephrosis grade in all patients. Our series is the largest in pediatric population by a revision of the literature. We believe that LVH is feasible in patients with symptomatic hydronephrosis by CV in HSK. Intraoperative-DT and the correct selection of patients are crucial to the success of the technique. According to us, this procedure is appropriate in those cases where the UPJ-anatomy is disadvantageous to a resection/re-anastomosis between ureter and renal pelvis. Our initial results are encouraging, although long-term follow- up and a more significant patient sample are required.

Student School-Level Math Knowledge Influence on Applied Mathematics Study Courses

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Rima Kriauzienė

2013-08-01

Full Text Available Purpose—to find out the influence of student school-level math knowledge on courses of applied mathematics studies: what is the importance of having a math maturity exam for students, an estimate of social science students’ motivation to learn math, and attendance of seminars. Students who did take the state exam attended more seminars than the students who did not take math exam, and vice versa. Design/methodology/approach—this work describes research which involved persistent MRU Public Administration degree program second-year students. Doing statistical analysis of the data will be a link between school-level mathematics knowledge and attendance activity in seminars and motivation to learn mathematics. Findings—the research is expected to establish a connection between school-level mathematics knowledge and student motivation to learn mathematics. It was found that there is no correlation between student opinions about school mathematics courses and result of their first test. Determine relationship between attendance of exercises and public examinations. Between the stored type of exam and test results are dependent. Determine relationship between exercise attendance and test results, as shown by the calculated correlation coefficient Based on the results, it’s recommended to increase the number of exercises. A more refined analysis of the data is subject to further investigation. Research limitations/implications—this method is just one of the possible ways of application. Practical implications—that kind of research and its methodology can be applied not only to the subject of applied mathematics studies, but also to other natural or social sciences. Originality/Value—empirical experiment data can be used in other studies of Educology nature analysis.

Student School-Level Math Knowledge Influence on Applied Mathematics Study Courses

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Tadas Laukevičius

2011-12-01

Full Text Available Purpose—to find out the influence of student school-level math knowledge on courses of applied mathematics studies: what is the importance of having a math maturity exam for students, an estimate of social science students’ motivation to learn math, and attendance of seminars. Students who did take the state exam attended more seminars than the students who did not take math exam, and vice versa.Design/methodology/approach—this work describes research which involved persistent MRU Public Administration degree program second-year students. Doing statistical analysis of the data will be a link between school-level mathematics knowledge and attendance activity in seminars and motivation to learn mathematics.Findings—the research is expected to establish a connection between school-level mathematics knowledge and student motivation to learn mathematics.It was found that there is no correlation between student opinions about school mathematics courses and result of their first test.Determine relationship between attendance of exercises and public examinations.Between the stored type of exam and test results are dependent.Determine relationship between exercise attendance and test results, as shown by the calculated correlation coefficientBased on the results, it’s recommended to increase the number of exercises. A more refined analysis of the data is subject to further investigation.Research limitations/implications—this method is just one of the possible ways of application.Practical implications—that kind of research and its methodology can be applied not only to the subject of applied mathematics studies, but also to other natural or social sciences.Originality/Value—empirical experiment data can be used in other studies of Educology nature analysis.

Índices de vegetação no milho em função da hora do dia e da taxa de nitrogênio aplicada Vegetation indices in the maize as a function of hour of the day and the applied rate of nitrogen

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Eduardo G. Souza

2009-12-01

Full Text Available Métodos têm sido propostos visando à melhoraria da administração de nitrogênio (N e, simultaneamente, ao aumento de produtividade com a proteção do meio ambiente, diminuindo a concentração de nitratos no solo e na água, em que um deles, a agricultura de precisão, consiste na aplicação localizada dos insumos agrícolas em função da necessidade específica local. Neste contexto, a medição da reflectância espectral foliar da planta se apresenta como método promissor para o sensoriamento instantâneo da deficiência de N em milho, através do cálculo de índices de vegetação; entretanto, não são bem conhecidas as características da interação das plantas com a radiação solar. Avaliou-se, neste trabalho, o comportamento dos índices de vegetação em relação à hora do dia e da taxa de nitrogênio aplicada. Seis índices diferentes foram estudados: relação infravermelho próximo/vermelho (IVP/V, relação infravermelho próximo/verde (IVP/Verde, índice de vegetação de diferença normalizada (IVDN, índice verde de vegeta��ão da diferença normalizada (IVVDN, índice de vegetação ajustado ao solo (IVAS e índice aperfeiçoado de vegetação ajustado ao solo (IAVAS. Quando analisados apenas os dados coletados em torno do meio dia solar, os índices que apresentaram a menor dispersão dos resultados foram o IVDN e o IAVAS, enquanto para dados tomados durante todo o dia os índices que indicaram melhor explicação da variabilidade foram o IVAS e o IAVAS.Methods have been proposed seeking to improve the application of nitrogen (N simultaneously with yield increase and environmental protection, reducing the nitrate concentration in the soil and in the water. One of these methods, precision agriculture consists of the site-specific application of the agricultural inputs as a function of the local need. In this context, the measurement of the spectral leaf reflectance shows itseif as a promising method for the

Plasma sprayed metal supported YSZ/Ni-LSGM-LSCF ITSOFC with nanostructured anode

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Hwang, Changsing; Tsai, Chun-Huang; Lo, Chih-Hung; Sun, Cha-Hong [Physics Division, Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Lungtan, Taoyuan 32546 (China)

2008-05-15

Intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ITSOFCs) supported by a porous Ni-substrate and based on Sr and Mg doped lanthanum gallate (LSGM) electrolyte, lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF) cathode and nanostructured yttria stabilized zirconia-nickel (YSZ/Ni) cermet anode have been fabricated successfully by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). From ac impedance analysis, the sprayed YSZ/Ni cermet anode with a novel nanostructure and advantageous triple phase boundaries after hydrogen reduction has a low resistance. It shows a good electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen oxidation reactions. The sprayed LSGM electrolyte with {proportional_to}60 {mu}m in thickness and {proportional_to}0.054 S cm{sup -1} conductivity at 800 C shows a good gas tightness and gives an open circuit voltage (OCV) larger than 1 V. The sprayed LSCF cathode with {proportional_to}30 {mu}m in thickness and {proportional_to}30% porosity has a minimum resistance after being heated at 1000 C for 2 h. This cathode keeps right phase structure and good porous network microstructure for conducting electrons and negative oxygen ions. The APS sprayed cell after being heated at 1000 C for 2 h has a minimum inherent resistance and achieves output power densities of {proportional_to}440 mW cm{sup -2} at 800 C, {proportional_to}275 mW cm{sup -2} at 750 C and {proportional_to}170 mW cm{sup -2} at 700 C. Results from SEM, XRD, ac impedance analysis and I-V-P measurements are presented here. (author)

Ultrasonography-guided PNL in comparison with laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in the management of large proximal ureteral stone.

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Karami, Hossein; Mazloomfard, Mohammad Mohsen; Lotfi, Behzad; Alizadeh, Asghar; Javanmard, Babak

2013-01-01

The aim of study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PNL in comparison with laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LUL) in proximal ureteral stones larger than 1 cm. A total of 80 patients who were candidates for treatment of large ureteral stones in our urology center were enrolled in the study between September 2004 and September 2008. By using patient randomization, they were assigned into two forty-patient groups (PNL and LUL). After evaluating the patients with laboratory tests and IVP, PNL was performed under sonography guidance in the prone position or the patients were submitted to classic laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LUL) transperitoneally. All patients underwent postoperative assessments including KUB and ultrasonography. A hundred-percent success was achieved in both groups. The mean age of the patients were 39.4 (16-63) and 35.2 (18-57) years old in PNL and LUL groups, respectively. The mean stone size in PNL group was 14.2 (10-25) mm and in LUL group was 13.5 (10-28) mm. The duration of the operations were 54.35 (50-82) minutes, and 82.15 (73-180) minutes (P PNL and LUL, accordingly. The mean Hb decrease in PNL group was 0.9mg/dL and in LUL group was 0.4mg/dL (p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences in terms of blood transfusion, fever, ICU admission, and prolonged urinary leakage were detected in both groups. According to our study, percutaneous nephrolithotomy under ultrasonography guidance is comparable with the laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for the treatment of proximal ureteral stones larger than 1 cm.

Patient doses due to a diagnostic X-ray picture

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Riet, A. van 't.

1977-09-01

The influence of technical parameters on patient doses in X-ray diagnostics has been investigated. During an X-ray picture (30 x 40 or 35 x 43 cm 2 ) for general survey in intraveneous pyelography (IVP), skin exposure measurements in the centre of the radiation beam were carried out at 650 adult female patients in 46 Dutch hospitals. In addition, the first half-value layer of the radiation was measured. In 15 of these hospitals, similar measurements were also carried out at a Rando phantom. Small LiF thermoluminescent dosemeters were used for all measurements. The results show a remarkable variation in the mean entrance- and exit-exposure per hospital. The variation in the mean entrance-exposure per hospital (factor 8) is mainly caused by differences in radiation quality. In some hospitals, no added filtration is used while others use a relatively heavy filtration. The variation in the mean exit-exposure per hospital could not be explained uniquely from technical parameters like grid, screen and film sensivity. From phantom measurements it was found that other parameters like adjustment of the automatic exposure timer and film density required by the radiographer are of importance. The measuring system used has shown to be an adequate and simple tool for a crude selection of those hospitals where skin exposures are relatively high. On the basis of the collected data some recommendations are given to promote dose reduction in X-ray diagnostics. The use of fast screen-film combinations is of great potential importance. However further investigation seems desirable, especially concerning patient dose during fluoroscopy 0

Anatomy of the collecting system of lower pole of the kidney in patients with a single renal stone: a comparative study with individuals with normal kidneys.

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Zomorrodi, Afshar; Buhluli, Abulfazel; Fathi, Samad

2010-07-01

At least 5% of women and 12% of men during their lives will experience renal colic, at least once. Many theories have been suggested for the etiology of renal stones and variations in the anatomy of the collecting system have been suggested to have a role in stone formation. This study was conducted to examine the role of variation of lower pole collecting system in patients with lower pole kidney stone and compared the same in normal persons (kidney donors). Investigation for the anatomy of the lower pole of the kidney (angle between lower infundibulum and pelvis, length and diameter of the infundibulum and number and pattern distribution of calyces) was carried out using intravenous pyelogram (IVP) in 100 cases with urinary stone (study cases) and 400 persons with normal kidneys (control subjects). The study was a retrospective cross-sectional case control study. Results were analyzed by Mann-Whitney and independent sample chi square tests. The mean infundibulum-pelvic angle (IPA) in control subjects and in patients was 112.5 +/- 10.7 and 96.6 +/- 28.8, respectively. There was significant correlation between reduced angle and stone formation (P= kidney (IPIL) in controls and study patients was 22.5 +/- 4.1 and 27.5 +/- 7.7, respectively, which was statistically significant (Pkidney (LPCN) in controls and study patients was 2.6 +/- 0.6 and 3 +/- 0.9, respectively, which was statistically significant (P = or anatomy was more common in patients with lower pole kidney stone and should be considered a risk factor for forming lower pole kidney stone.

Needle stick injury in a radiology department: a decade analysis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sayani, R.; Rajani, A.

2012-01-01

Objectives: To determine the frequency of needle stick injury in health care workers of radiology department. Study type, settings and duration: Cross sectional, observational study conducted at the Radiology department of Aga Khan University hospital from January 2000 to May 2010. Subject and Methods: All self-reported needle stick injuries data of Health care workers of radiology department was recorded. The personnel involved (Radiologist, resident, radiographer, nurses etc), area of working and the causes of injury were identified including the procedural or post procedural details. Patient's status of hepatitis or blood borne infection was also noted. Data was recorded and analyzed in Excel worksheet. Results: A total of 55 health workers reported needle stick injuries at all sections of radiology departments with maximum number needle stick injuries at general radiography, fluoroscopy and IVP section. Radiographers and radiology residents received the maximum number of injuries. Major cause of injury was cannulation however, many injuries occurred during disposing or handling of bin. In majority of cases the patients were not infected with any known blood borne infections. Conclusions: Doctors and nurses get needle-stick injuries while carrying out clinical procedures, while, ancillary staff get infected post procedure during disposal of garbage. Policy message: Good occupational health and safety practices must be promoted to all staff. Safer disposal of needles is an important area where practice and procedure needs to be carefully reviewed. It is necessary to undertake a risk assessment, to offer counseling and Post Exposure Prophylaxis and treatment where necessary. (author)

Retroperitoneal fibrosis: the clinical and radiological manifestation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pan Weidong; Zhao Rongguo; Qin Mingwei; Xue Huadan; Liang Jixiang

2005-01-01

Objective: To analyze the clinical and radiological features of retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), and to deepen the understanding of this unusual disease and improve the diagnostic level at the early stage. Methods: Fourteen cases (10 males and 4 females, mean age 45.8 years) of pathologically diagnosed RPF from January 1990 to June 2004 were summarized. The clinical and radiological performance of the cases were analyzed. All patients received non-contrast CT scanning, 10 of them underwent enhanced CT scanning as well. 8 patients received MRI, 10 patients received IVP examination, and 11 received B-ultrasound. Results: (1) The very first symptoms usually included back pain, bellyache (10 cases), or urinary tract obstruction (3 cases), with increase of ESR, IgG, CRP value and abnormal renal function. (2) The result of radiological examination showed that 11 lesions of the 14 cases located at retroperitoneum. Ten cases were mass type and 4 cases were diffuse type. Non-contrast CT scanning revealed soft tissue mass at retroperitoneum with in homogenous or homogenous density. After contrast medium injection the lesions were enhanced with different extent. MRI results showed that the lesions presented low signal in T 1 WI, while in T 2 WI the signals had no obvious coherence but were different from one case to another. Conclusion: Radiological examination is one of the important methods for diagnosis of RPF. Based on the different characteristics of RPF in CT and MRI, together with the clinical findings, we will get valuable references for staging and follow-up of RPF. (authors)

Effect of the Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii on Cholesterol and Lipoprotein Particles in Hypercholesterolemic Adults: A Single-Arm, Open-Label Pilot Study.

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Ryan, Jennifer Joan; Hanes, Douglas Allen; Schafer, Morgan Beth; Mikolai, Jeremy; Zwickey, Heather

2015-05-01

Elevated blood cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Probiotics have been investigated as potential cholesterol-lowering therapies, but no previous studies have assessed the effect of the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii on cholesterol levels in human volunteers. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of S. boulardii on serum cholesterol and lipoprotein particles in hypercholesterolemic adults. This study was a single-arm, open-label pilot study. Twelve hypercholesterolemic participants were recruited into the study; one dropped out. Participants took 5.6×10(10) colony forming unit (CFU) encapsulated S. boulardii (Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii CNCM I-1079) twice daily for an 8-week period. Fasting concentrations of cholesterol (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C], and triglycerides), lipoprotein particles (very-low-density lipoprotein-particle [VLDL-P], remnant lipoprotein particle [RLP-P], total LDL-P, LDL III-P, LDL IV-P, total HDL-P, and HDL 2b-P), and additional cardiovascular biomarkers (apo B-100, lipoprotein [a], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homocysteine, fibrinogen, and insulin) were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks. Remnant lipoprotein particles decreased by 15.5% (p=0.03) over the 8-week period. The remaining outcome measures were not significantly altered. In this pilot study, 8 weeks of daily supplementation with S. boulardii lowered remnant lipoprotein, a predictive biomarker and potential therapeutic target in the treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease.

Logistics and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in medical retrieval.

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Burns, Brian J; Habig, Karel; Reid, Cliff; Kernick, Paul; Wilkinson, Chris; Tall, Gary; Coombes, Sarah; Manning, Ron

2011-01-01

This article reviews the logistics and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) medical retrieval in New South Wales, Australia. We describe the logistics involved in ECMO road and rotary-wing retrieval by a multidisciplinary team during the H1N1 influenza epidemic in winter 2009 (i.e., June 1 to August 31, 2009). Basic patient demographics and key retrieval time lines were analyzed. There were 17 patients retrieved on ECMO, with their ages ranging from 22 to 55 years. The median weight was 110 kg. Four critical events were recorded during retrieval, with no adverse outcomes. The retrieval distance varied from 20.8 to 430 km. There were delays in times from retrieval booking to both retrieval tasking and retrieval team departure in 88% of retrievals. The most common reasons cited were "patient not ready" 23.5% (4/17); "vehicle not available," 23.5% (4/17); and "complex retrieval," 41.2% (7/17). The median time (hours:minutes) from booking with the medical retrieval unit (MRU) to tasking was 4:35 (interquartile range [IQR] 3:27-6:15). The median time lag from tasking to departure was 1:00 (IQR 00:10-2:20). The median stabilization time was 1:30 (IQR 1:20-1:55). The median retrieval duration was 7:35 (IQR 5:50-10:15). The process of development of ECMO retrieval was enabled by the preexistence of a high-volume experienced medical retrieval service. Although ECMO retrieval is not a new concept, we describe an entire process for ECMO retrieval that we believe will benefit other retrieval service providers. The increased workload of ECMO retrieval during the swine flu pandemic has led to refinement in the system and process for the future.

Examination of hydroureteronephrosis in patients with genital prolapse

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Takamoto, Hitoshi; Kishimoto, Ryo; Mayumi, Yusuke

2009-01-01

We examined the prevalence of hydroureteronephrosis in patients with genital prolapse and whether it was associated with the type and severity of prolapse. The charts of 44 consecutive patients undergoing Tension-free Vaginal Mesh (TVM) for genital prolapse at the Kurashiki Medical Center between December 2006 and May 2008 were reviewed. Preoperative renal ultrasounds (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance urography (MRU) or drip infusion urography (DIU) were evaluated for hydronephrosis and hydroureter. The severity of prolapse was determined from the preoperative pelvic examinations, chain cystourethrography and rectography according to the grading or staging systems of Raz, Barden and Walker and Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification (POP-Q). Of the 44 patients, 32 (72.7%) had been evaluated for hydroureteronephrosis preoperatively and 4 (12.5%) of them had it. Although their hydroureteronephrosis was cured after TVM, one patient with preoperative renal failure had a recurrence of prolapse with hydronephrosis due to working too hard, too soon after the operation. After reoperation, her hydronephrosis was cured, however, her renal failure did not improve. According to the type and severity of prolapse, the patients with cystocele grade 2 or 3 had no hydroureteronephrosis, but four (80.0%) of the five patients with grade 4 had it. The four patients with cystocele grade 4 also had uterine prolapse grade 3 or 4. According to the staging system of POP-Q, four (80.0%) of the five patients with stage IV had hydroureteronephrosis. Since patients with POP-Q stage IV have a high prevalence of hydroureteronephrosis, we should examine their upper urinary tract and treat them before irreversible renal failure occurs. TVM is a useful procedure for treating those patients, but it is important to explain the details of postoperative care to them. (author)

Laparoscopic versus open pyeloplasty: Comparison of two surgical approaches- a single centre experience of three years

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Bansal Punit

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Background: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO causes hydronephrosis and progressive renal impairment may ensue if left uncorrected. Open pyeloplasty remains the standard against which new technique must be compared. We compared laparoscopic (LP and open pyeloplasty (OP in a randomized prospective trial. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized study was done from January 2004 to January 2007 in which a total of 28 laparoscopic and 34 open pyeloplasty were done. All laparoscopic pyeloplasties were performed transperitoneally. Standard open Anderson Hynes pyeloplasty, spiral flap or VY plasty was done depending on anatomic consideration. Patients were followed with DTPA scan at three months and IVP at six months. Perioperative parameters including operative time, analgesic use, hospital stay, and complication and success rates were compared. Results: Mean total operative time with stent placement in LP group was 244.2 min (188-300 min compared to 122 min (100-140 min in OP group. Compared to OP group, the post operative diclofenac requirement was significantly less in LP group (mean 107.14 mg and OP group required mean of (682.35 mg. The duration of analgesic requirement was also significantly less in LP group. The postoperative hospital stay in LP was mean 3.14 Days (2-7 days significantly less than the open group mean of 8.29 days (7-11 days. Conclusion: LP has a minimal level of morbidity and short hospital stay compared to open approach. Although, laparoscopic pyeloplasty has the disadvantages of longer operative time and requires significant skill of intracorporeal knotting but it is here to stay and represents an emerging standard of care.

Results of Radiotherapy for the Uterine Cervical Cancer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Chul Yong; Choi, Myung Sun; Suh, Won Hyuck

1988-01-01

One hundred fifty-four patients with the carcinoma of the uterine cervix were studied retrospectively to assess the result and impact of treatment at Department of Radiation Oncology, Korea University, Hae-Wha Hospital from Feb 1981 through Dec. 1986. Prior to radiotherapy, the patients were evaluated and staged by recommendation of FIGO including physical examination, pelvic examination, cystoscopy, rectosigmoidoscopy, chest X-ray, IVP, Ba enema. Also, an additional pelvic CT scan was obtained for some of the patients. The patients were treated by radiotherapy alone or adjuvant postoperative irradiation; In case of radiation therapy only, whole pelvic irradiation was given with C0-69 teletherapy unit via AP and PA parallel opposing fields or 4-oblique fields, 180 cGy per day, 5 days per week and intracavitary insertion was performed. Three dimensional quantitative demonstration of tumor volume is also important in planning radiation therapy. Another advantage of CT scan was detection of recurrent tumor after radiation or surgery. Local control rate of tumor according to the size was 91.3% for less than 5 cm in size and 44.6% in tumor over 5 cm (p<0.0068). Thirty out of 50 recurrent sites has locoregional failures and 17 cases has distant metastases. And the papa-aortic lymph nodes were the most common site for distant metastases. The most common complication was temporal rectal bleeding which was controlled most by conservative management. However, 4 patients required for endoscopic cauterization. The 5-year survival rates showed; stage la and lb 95%, stage lla 81% stage llb 67%, stage llla 37.7%, stage lllb 23%, and 3-year survival rate of stage lVa showed 11.6%, retrospectively

Retrospective study of renal images on whole bone scanning

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yanagisawa, Munetoshi; Machida, Toyohei; Miki, Makoto; Ohishi, Yukihiko; Ueda, Masataka

1978-01-01

One hundred and twenty-seven cases were surveyed by sup(99m)Tc-pyrophosphate at Jikei hospital. Renal images on whole-bone scanning were observed in all cases; 75% of all renal images were normal and 25% were abnormal. Thirteen percent of these abnormal images were symmetric and 87% were asymmetric. Four of the symmetric renal images were bilaterally bad. Three of the four bilaterally bad renal images involved prostate carcinomas with general metastases and the last involved serious bilateral hydronephrosis. The reason for the high percentage of asymmetric renal images was that the materials involved many urogenital cases. Asymmetric renal images other than the urogenital cases, were recognised in 8% of all cases. This percentage is consistent with Hattner's report. Unilateral abnormal renal images involved 8 hydronephrosis cases, 2 unilateral nonfunctioning kidneys and one malrotation kidney. Among the hydronephrosis cases, serious cases gave low uptake and mild cases gave high uptake. The reason for this phenomenon was, presumably, that there were differences in renal uptake, renal excretion and renal pelvic accumulation. In nine cases, one kidney was not visualized on whole-bone scanning, 8 of them involved nephrectomy and the remainining one unilateral nonfunctioning kidney. Six cases presented locally abnormal renal images on whole-bone scanning, three of them suffered renal cell carcinomas and the rest renal solitary cyst. Eighty-eight percent of the abnormal renal images agreed with IVP findings. The renal images of whole-bone scanning faithfully reflected the original renal lesion. Two cases of renal carcinoma and renal solitary cyst recognized on whole-bone scanning are presented, to indicate the usefulness of renal images on whole-bone scanning. (auth.)

Predictors for kidney stones recurrence following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Science.gov (United States)

Chongruksut, Wilaiwan; Lojanapiwat, Bannakij; Tawichasri, Chamaiporn; Paichitvichean, Somboon; Euathrongchit, Jantima; Ayudhya, Vorvat Choomsai Na; Patumanond, Jayanton

2012-03-01

Stone recurrence after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) are common. Predictors for kidney stones vary among populations and areas. To determine predictors for kidney stones recurrence after ESWL or PCNL. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university hospital. The study cohort was patients aged more than 18 years, diagnosed with kidney stones, who were treated with ESWL or PCNL between 2006 and 2009. Medical files were reviewed for clinical profiles, stone characteristics, composition, type of treatment, presence of stone after treatment, stone reappearance, and related laboratory data. Predictors were determined by a multivariable poisson regression and presented as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence interval. From a cohort of 252 patients, 240 who had at least one follow-up and with complete plain kidney ureters and bladder (KUB) film or intravenous pyelogram (IVP) were included in analysis. At three years, the total incidence rate of recurrence was 46 per 1,000 person-months. After a multivariable poisson regression clustering by type of stone composition, independent predictors for stone recurrence were age ESWL treatment (adjusted IRR = 2.1, 95% CI = 2.1-2.2, p < 0.001), stones located in lower calyx as compared to renal pelvis (adjusted IRR = 8.7, 95% CI = 2.9-25.9, p = 0.001), multiple stones (adjusted IRR = 5.9, 95% CI = 4.8-7.5, p < 0.001), and stone size larger than 20 mm (adjusted IRR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.2-1.6, p < 0.001). After stone removals, patients with these predictors should closely be followed up for regular clinical evaluations.

Hepatic abscess versus peripheral cholangiocarcinoma: Sonographic differentiation

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Chung, Hwan Hoon; Kim, Yun Hwan; Kang, Chang Ho; Chung, Kyoo Byung; Suh, Won Hyuck [Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Chang Hee [Kunkuk University College of Medicine, Chung-Ju Hospital, Chung-Ju (Korea, Republic of)

2000-12-15

To find out the sonographic findings that are useful to differentiate hepatic abscess from peripheral cholangiocarcinoma. Twenty-two hepatic abscesses and 22 peripheral cholangiocarcinomas which had been confirmed histologically were included in this study. Objective points were echo characteristics of the lesion, internal septation, presence of peripheral low echoic rim, demarcation from normal liver(well or poorly defined), posterior enhancement, multiplicity, dilatation of bile duct(obstructive or non-obstructive), intrahepatic duct stone, pleural effusion, and intra-abdominal fluid collection. Echo characteristics of the lesion were classified in-to four types. Type I; Predominantly echogenic with hypoechoic portion, type II; Echogenic without hypoechoic portion, type III; Predominantly hypoechoic with echogenic portion, type IV; Hypoechoic without echogenic portion. 1)Nine abscesses and 2 peripheral cholangiocarcinomas were type I(p=0.037), 2)One abscess and 18 peripheral cholangiocarcinomas were type II(p=0.001), 3)Seven abscesses and none of peripheral cholangiocarcinomas were type III(p=0.001), 4)Five abscesses and 2 peripheral cholangiocarcinomas were type IV(p=0.410). Only 7 abscesses showed internal septations(p=0.013). One abscess and 9 peripheral cholangiocarcinomas showed peripheral hypoechoic halos(p=0.012). Only 9 peripheral cholangiocarcinomas showed obstructive bile duct dilatation (p=0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between abscess and peripheral cholangiocarcinoma on other objective points. Predominantly echogenic with hypoechoic portion, predominantly hypoechoic with echogenic portion, and internal septation are the features suggestive of hepatic abscess, and echogenic without hypoechoic portion, peripheral hypoechoic halo, obstructive bile duct dilatation are suggestive of peripheral cholangiocarcinoma. Therefore these sonographic findings are helpful to differentiate hepatic abscess from peripheral

Comparação dos métodos de imagem no diagnóstico dos tumores renais e calcificações nestas neoplasias Comparison of imaging methods for diagnosis of renal tumors and their calcifications

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Sergio Marrone Ribeiro

2004-12-01

best methodology for diagnosis and management of patients with solid and complex renal masses by comparing the costs and benefits of different imaging methods and to improve differential diagnosis of these benign and malignant lesions, particularly by investigating tumour calcifications. METHODS: We performed a prospective study on 31 patients with solid or complex masses by submitting them to Abdominal Ultrasonography (US, Doppler Ultrasonography of the renal mass (US Dop, Computed Tomography (CT, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI. RESULTS: We found 28 patients with malignant and three with benign masses. Of the 28 malignant, 17 showed calcifications at CT; 16 central and one was of the pure peripheral curvilinear type (egg shell. Excretory Urography (IVP had a significantly lower detection rate for central calcifications than both US and CT. Benign and malignant masses appeared as described in literature, with US, CT and MRI showing high sensitivity and specificity in renal tumor diagnosis. The exception was US Dop where we obtained lower sensitivity for the characterization of malignant tumor flow. CONCLUSIONS: In this series we were surprised to find that CT revealed central calcifications in 51.6% of patients, all with malignant lesions, while, literature reports a frequency of calcification in renal cell carcinoma between 8 and 22%, in studies using abdominal films and EU (IVP. This finding is of great importance when we consider that these calcifications occur particularly in malignant neoplasms. As a result of comparing these different imaging methods we have developed a better methodology for renal tumor investigation.

Ultrasonography-guided PNL in comparison with laparoscopic ureterolithotomy in the management of large proximal ureteral stone

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Hossein Karami

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Purpose: The aim of study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PNL in comparison with laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LUL in proximal ureteral stones larger than 1 cm. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 patients who were candidates for treatment of large ureteral stones in our urology center were enrolled in the study between September 2004 and September 2008. By using patient randomization, they were assigned into two forty-patient groups (PNL and LUL. After evaluating the patients with laboratory tests and IVP, PNL was performed under sonography guidance in the prone position or the patients were submitted to classic laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (LUL transperitoneally. All patients underwent postoperative assessments including KUB and ultrasonography. Results: A hundred-percent success was achieved in both groups. The mean age of the patients were 39.4 (16-63 and 35.2 (18-57 years old in PNL and LUL groups, respectively. The mean stone size in PNL group was 14.2 (10-25 mm and in LUL group was 13.5 (10-28 mm. The duration of the operations were 54.35 (50-82 minutes, and 82.15 (73-180 minutes (P < 0.0001; and the average hospital stay days were 2.6 (2-5 and 3.5 (3-8 days (p = 0.011 in groups PNL and LUL, accordingly. The mean Hb decrease in PNL group was 0.9mg/dL and in LUL group was 0.4mg/dL (p = 0.001. No statistically significant differences in terms of blood transfusion, fever, ICU admission, and prolonged urinary leakage were detected in both groups. Conclusion: According to our study, percutaneous nephrolithotomy under ultrasonography guidance is comparable with the laparoscopic ureterolithotomy for the treatment of proximal ureteral stones larger than 1 cm.

Prostatic carcinoma: limited field irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rounsaville, M.C.; Green, J.P.; Vaeth, J.M.; Purdon, R.P.; Heltzel, M.M.

1987-01-01

This is a retrospective study of 251 patients with histologically proven adenocarcinoma treated primarily with limited field radiotherapy techniques, under the principle direction of authors JMV and JPG, between 1968 and 1981 in San Francisco, California. All patients are followed for a minimum of 3 years; mean follow-up is 7.3 years. Routine clinical staging procedures included: HandP, digital prostate exam, cystoscopy, biopsy, blood studies including serum acid phosphatase, and imaging studies including chest X ray, IVP, bone survey or radionucleotide bone scan, and in recent years, pelvic CT scans. Twelve patients are Stage A1, 37-Stage A2, 50-Stage B, 140-Stage C1 and 12-Stage C2. Ninety percent of all cases and 85% of Stage C patients were treated with limited fields to the prostate and periprostatic volume only. Total doses were prescribed at midplane or isocenter and were generally 6500-7000 cGy, daily doses of 180-200 cGy, 5 days per week. Actuarial 5- and 10-year survival rates are: entire population-69% and 47%; Stage A1-74% and 50%; Stage A2-81% and 67%; Stage B-84% and 53%; Stage C1-63% and 42%; Stage C2-32% and 11%. The 5- and 10-year disease-free actuarial survivals are: entire population-71% and 50%; Stage A1-89% and 74%; Stage A2-82% and 69%; Stage B-71% and 52%; Stage C1-67% and 44%; Stage C2-0%. Sites of recurrence, alone or as a component of the failure pattern are: 37 (15%) local, 11 (4%) symptomatic regional recurrence (lower extremity edema, pelvic pain/sciatica, hydroureteronephrosis), and 87 (35%) distant metastasis. Seven (3%) had unknown sites of failure. Local-regional failure occurred in 42% of Stage C2 patients

Lipid content and cryotolerance of in vitro-produced bovine embryos treated with forskolin before vitrification

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Melissa Meneghel

Full Text Available ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the intracytoplasmic lipid content, development and cryotolerance of in vitro-produced bovine embryos treated with different concentrations of forskolin before vitrification. Embryos were produced from abattoir-derived ovaries and allocated into four groups. In the treatment groups, forskolin was added to the in vitro culture medium on Day 6 and incubated for 24 hours in one of the following concentrations: 2.5μM (Forsk 2.5 group, 5.0μM (Forsk 5.0 group or 10.0μM (Forsk 10.0 group. Embryos from the control group were cultured without forskolin. On Day 7 of culture, the expanded blastocysts were stained with the lipophilic dye Sudan Black B for determination of the intracytoplasmic lipid content or were cryopreserved via the Vitri-Ingá® procedure. Although there were no significant differences (P>0.05 in the blastocyst rates between the Control group (44.9% and the other treatments, the embryo production was lower (P0.05 to that found in Forsk 2.5 (0.92±0.03 and Forsk 10.0 groups (1.06±0.03 groups; however the lipid accumulation in blastocysts from Forsk 5.0 group (0.82±0.04 was lower than in the Control group (P<0.05. Based on these results, Forsk 5.0 treatment was tested for cryotolerance and it was observed that the blastocoel re-expansion rate evaluated 24 hours after warming was greater (P<0.05 in Forsk 5.0 group (72.2% compared to the Control group (46.2%. In conclusion, pre-treatment with forskolin at a concentration of 5.0 μM for 24 hours before vitrification is effective in reducing the intracytoplasmic lipid content and, consequently, improves cryotolerance of IVP bovine embryos.

Intraindividual comparison of image quality in MR urography at 1.5 and 3 Tesla in an animal model

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Regier, M.; Adam, G.; Kemper, J. [Klinik und Poliklinik fuer Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitaetsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (Germany); Nolte-Ernsting, C. [Klinik fuer Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Universitaetsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (Germany)

2008-10-15

Purpose: experimental evaluation of image quality of the upper urinary tract in MR urography (MRU) at 1.5 and 3 Tesla in a porcine model. Materials and methods: in this study four healthy domestic pigs, weighing between 71 and 80 kg (mean 73.6 kg), were examined with a standard T 1w 3D-GRE and a high-resolution (HR) T 1w 3D-GRE sequence at 1.5 and 3 Tesla. Additionally, at 3 Tesla both sequences were performed with parallel imaging (SENSE factor 2). The MR urographic scans were performed after intravenous injection of gadolinium-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg body weight (bw)) and low-dose furosemide (0.1 mg/kg bw). Image evaluation was performed by two independent radiologists blinded to sequence parameters and field strength. Image analysis included grading of image quality of the segmented collecting system based on a five-point grading scale regarding anatomical depiction and artifacts observed (1: the majority of the segment (> 50%) was not depicted or was obscured by major artifacts; 5: the segment was visualized without artifacts and had sharply defined borders). Signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios were determined. Statistical analysis included {kappa}-statistics, Wilcoxon and paired student t-test. Results: the mean scores for MR urographies at 1.5 Tesla were 2.83 for the 3D-GRE and 3.48 for the HR 3D-GRE sequence. Significantly higher values were determined using the corresponding sequences at 3 Tesla, averaging 3.19 for the 3D-GRE (p = 0.047) and 3.92 for the HR 3D-GRE (p = 0.023) sequence. Delineation of the pelvicaliceal system was rated significantly higher at 3 Tesla compared to 1.5 Tesla (3D-GRE: p = 0.015; HR 3D-GRE: p = 0.006). At 3 Tesla the mean SNR and CNR were significantly higher (p < 0.05). A {kappa} of 0.67 indicated good interobserver agreement. (orig.)

Hierarchical Satellite-based Approach to Global Monitoring of Crop Condition and Food Production

Science.gov (United States)

Zheng, Y.; Wu, B.; Gommes, R.; Zhang, M.; Zhang, N.; Zeng, H.; Zou, W.; Yan, N.

2014-12-01

The assessment of global food security goes beyond the mere estimate of crop production: It needs to take into account the spatial and temporal patterns of food availability, as well as physical and economic access. Accurate and timely information is essential to both food producers and consumers. Taking advantage of multiple new remote sensing data sources, especially from Chinese satellites, such as FY-2/3A, HJ-1 CCD, CropWatch has expanded the scope of its international analyses through the development of new indicators and an upgraded operational methodology. The new monitoring approach adopts a hierarchical system covering four spatial levels of detail: global (sixty-five Monitoring and Reporting Units, MRU), seven major production zones (MPZ), thirty-one key countries (including China) and "sub- countries." The thirty-one countries encompass more that 80% of both global exports and production of four major crops (maize, rice, soybean and wheat). The methodology resorts to climatic and remote sensing indicators at different scales, using the integrated information to assess global, regional, and national (as well as sub-national) crop environmental condition, crop condition, drought, production, and agricultural trends. The climatic indicators for rainfall, temperature, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) as well as potential biomass are first analysed at global scale to describe overall crop growing conditions. At MPZ scale, the key indicators pay more attention to crops and include Vegetation health index (VHI), Vegetation condition index (VCI), Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) as well as Cropping intensity (CI). Together, they characterise agricultural patterns, farming intensity and stress. CropWatch carries out detailed crop condition analyses for thirty one individual countries at the national scale with a comprehensive array of variables and indicators. The Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), cropped areas and crop condition are

Intraindividual comparison of image quality in MR urography at 1.5 and 3 Tesla in an animal model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Regier, M.; Adam, G.; Kemper, J.; Nolte-Ernsting, C.

2008-01-01

Purpose: experimental evaluation of image quality of the upper urinary tract in MR urography (MRU) at 1.5 and 3 Tesla in a porcine model. Materials and methods: in this study four healthy domestic pigs, weighing between 71 and 80 kg (mean 73.6 kg), were examined with a standard T 1w 3D-GRE and a high-resolution (HR) T 1w 3D-GRE sequence at 1.5 and 3 Tesla. Additionally, at 3 Tesla both sequences were performed with parallel imaging (SENSE factor 2). The MR urographic scans were performed after intravenous injection of gadolinium-DTPA (0.1 mmol/kg body weight (bw)) and low-dose furosemide (0.1 mg/kg bw). Image evaluation was performed by two independent radiologists blinded to sequence parameters and field strength. Image analysis included grading of image quality of the segmented collecting system based on a five-point grading scale regarding anatomical depiction and artifacts observed (1: the majority of the segment (> 50%) was not depicted or was obscured by major artifacts; 5: the segment was visualized without artifacts and had sharply defined borders). Signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios were determined. Statistical analysis included κ-statistics, Wilcoxon and paired student t-test. Results: the mean scores for MR urographies at 1.5 Tesla were 2.83 for the 3D-GRE and 3.48 for the HR 3D-GRE sequence. Significantly higher values were determined using the corresponding sequences at 3 Tesla, averaging 3.19 for the 3D-GRE (p 0.047) and 3.92 for the HR 3D-GRE (p = 0.023) sequence. Delineation of the pelvicaliceal system was rated significantly higher at 3 Tesla compared to 1.5 Tesla (3D-GRE: p = 0.015; HR 3D-GRE: p = 0.006). At 3 Tesla the mean SNR and CNR were significantly higher (p < 0.05). A κ of 0.67 indicated good interobserver agreement. (orig.)

GLOBE (Global Oceanographic Bathymetry Explorer) : an innovative and generic software combining all necessary functionalities for cruise preparation, for collection, linking, processing and display of scientific data acquired during sea cruises, and for exporting data and information to the main marine data centers and networks.

Science.gov (United States)

Sinquin, J. M.; Sorribas, J.

2014-12-01

Within the EUROFLEETS project, and linked to the EMODNet and Geo-Seas European projects, GLOBE (Global Oceanographic Bathymetry Explorer) is an innovative and generic software. I. INTRODUCTION The first version can be used onboard during the survey to get a quick overview of acquired data, or later, to re-process data with accurate environmental data. II. MAIN FUNCTIONALITIES The version shown at AGU-2014 will present several key items : - 3D visualization: DTM multi-layers from EMODNet, - Water Column echogram, Seismic lines, ... - Bathymetry Plug-In: manual and automatic data cleaning, integration of EMODNet methodology to introduce CDI concept, filtering, spline, data gridding, ... - Backscatter with compensation, - Tectonic toolset, - Photo/Video Plug-In - Navigation 3D including tide correction, MRU corrections, GPS offsets correction, - WMS/WFS interfaces. III. FOCUS ON EMODNET One of the main objectives of the EMODNet European project is to elaborate a common processing flow for gridding the bathymetry data and for generating harmonized digital terrain model (DTM) : this flow includes the definition of the DTM characteristics (geodetic parameters, grid spacing, interpolation and smoothing parameters…) and also the specifications of a set of layers which enrich the basic depth layer : statistical layers (sounding density, standard deviation,…) and an innovative data source layer which indicates the source of the soundings and and which is linked and collects to the associated metadata. GLOBE Software provides the required tools for applying this methodology and is offered to the project partners. V. FOCUS ON THE TECTONIC TOOLSET The tectonic toolset allows the user to associate any DTM to 3D rotation movements. These rotations represent the movement of tectonic plates along discrete time lines (from 200 million years ago to now). One rotation is described by its axes, its value angle and its date. GLOBE can display the movement of tectonic plates

Water, Energy, and Biogeochemical Model (WEBMOD), user’s manual, version 1

Science.gov (United States)

Webb, Richard M.T.; Parkhurst, David L.

2017-02-08

The Water, Energy, and Biogeochemical Model (WEBMOD) uses the framework of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Modular Modeling System to simulate fluxes of water and solutes through watersheds. WEBMOD divides watersheds into model response units (MRU) where fluxes and reactions are simulated for the following eight hillslope reservoir types: canopy; snowpack; ponding on impervious surfaces; O-horizon; two reservoirs in the unsaturated zone, which represent preferential flow and matrix flow; and two reservoirs in the saturated zone, which also represent preferential flow and matrix flow. The reservoir representing ponding on impervious surfaces, currently not functional (2016), will be implemented once the model is applied to urban areas. MRUs discharge to one or more stream reservoirs that flow to the outlet of the watershed. Hydrologic fluxes in the watershed are simulated by modules derived from the USGS Precipitation Runoff Modeling System; the National Weather Service Hydro-17 snow model; and a topography-driven hydrologic model (TOPMODEL). Modifications to the standard TOPMODEL include the addition of heterogeneous vertical infiltration rates; irrigation; lateral and vertical preferential flows through the unsaturated zone; pipe flow draining the saturated zone; gains and losses to regional aquifer systems; and the option to simulate baseflow discharge by using an exponential, parabolic, or linear decrease in transmissivity. PHREEQC, an aqueous geochemical model, is incorporated to simulate chemical reactions as waters evaporate, mix, and react within the various reservoirs of the model. The reactions that can be specified for a reservoir include equilibrium reactions among water; minerals; surfaces; exchangers; and kinetic reactions such as kinetic mineral dissolution or precipitation, biologically mediated reactions, and radioactive decay. WEBMOD also simulates variations in the concentrations of the stable isotopes deuterium and oxygen-18 as a result of

Prophylactic treatment of flea-infested dogs with an imidacloprid / flumethrin collar (Seresto®, Bayer) to preempt infection with Dipylidium caninum.

Science.gov (United States)

Fourie, Josephus J; Crafford, Dionne; Horak, Ivan G; Stanneck, Dorothee

2013-08-01

The objective of the study was to determine the sustained effectiveness of 10 % imidacloprid and 4.5 % flumethrin, incorporated in a slow-release matrix collar, in preventing Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs after repeated laboratory infestations with fleas infected with metacestodes of this tapeworm. Efficacy against infection with D. caninum was evaluated by infesting 16 dogs with cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) on study days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42, from batches suitably infected with D. caninum metacestodes. Prior to each post-treatment infestation the D. caninum infection rate for the fleas was determined by microscopically examining 100 fleas for D. caninum metacestodes. The D. caninum prevalence in the fleas used for infestations ranged from 23 % to 52 %. Medicated collars were fitted to 8 of the dogs on study day 0. The weight of the IVP collars varied between 35.48 g and 38.48 g (average 37.16 g), whilst animal weight varied between 12.20 kg and 17.98 kg (treated group, n = 8, average 14.79 kg). Seven days later infestation of each of the 16 dogs with 250 fleas commenced. Infestations continued at weekly intervals until Day 42 with efficacy against fleas evaluated 24 hours after each infestation. From Days 21 to 74, infection of the dogs with D. caninum was verified (daily examination of faeces and cages for the presence of expelled proglottids). Calculation of prophylactic effectiveness of the collars in preventing infection with D. caninum was based on the difference in geometric mean numbers of scoleces between groups at necropsy on Day 75. Effective prevention of infection with D. caninum was found to be 96.6 %. Efficacy of the collars against fleas was ≥ 99.9 % for the duration of the assessment period. Newly acquired infestations of fleas are rapidly eliminated by the insecticidal components of the medicated collars over a period of several months. In the event of fleas being infected with metacestodes, with D. caninum can be prevented in

Solving Differential Equations in R: Package deSolve

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Karline Soetaert

2010-02-01

Full Text Available In this paper we present the R package deSolve to solve initial value problems (IVP written as ordinary differential equations (ODE, differential algebraic equations (DAE of index 0 or 1 and partial differential equations (PDE, the latter solved using the method of lines approach. The differential equations can be represented in R code or as compiled code. In the latter case, R is used as a tool to trigger the integration and post-process the results, which facilitates model development and application, whilst the compiled code significantly increases simulation speed. The methods implemented are efficient, robust, and well documented public-domain Fortran routines. They include four integrators from the ODEPACK package (LSODE, LSODES, LSODA, LSODAR, DVODE and DASPK2.0. In addition, a suite of Runge-Kutta integrators and special-purpose solvers to efficiently integrate 1-, 2- and 3-dimensional partial differential equations are available. The routines solve both stiff and non-stiff systems, and include many options, e.g., to deal in an efficient way with the sparsity of the Jacobian matrix, or finding the root of equations. In this article, our objectives are threefold: (1 to demonstrate the potential of using R for dynamic modeling, (2 to highlight typical uses of the different methods implemented and (3 to compare the performance of models specified in R code and in compiled code for a number of test cases. These comparisons demonstrate that, if the use of loops is avoided, R code can efficiently integrate problems comprising several thousands of state variables. Nevertheless, the same problem may be solved from 2 to more than 50 times faster by using compiled code compared to an implementation using only R code. Still, amongst the benefits of R are a more flexible and interactive implementation, better readability of the code, and access to R’s high-level procedures. deSolve is the successor of package odesolve which will be deprecated in

Sequential Analysis of Global Gene Expression Profiles in Immature and In vitro Matured Bovine Oocytes: Potential Molecular Markers of Oocyte Maturation

LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

Mamo, Solomon

2011-03-16

Abstract Background Without intensive selection, the majority of bovine oocytes submitted to in vitro embryo production (IVP) fail to develop to the blastocyst stage. This is attributed partly to their maturation status and competences. Using the Affymetrix GeneChip Bovine Genome Array, global mRNA expression analysis of immature (GV) and in vitro matured (IVM) bovine oocytes was carried out to characterize the transcriptome of bovine oocytes and then use a variety of approaches to determine whether the observed transcriptional changes during IVM was real or an artifact of the techniques used during analysis. Results 8489 transcripts were detected across the two oocyte groups, of which ~25.0% (2117 transcripts) were differentially expressed (p < 0.001); corresponding to 589 over-expressed and 1528 under-expressed transcripts in the IVM oocytes compared to their immature counterparts. Over expression of transcripts by IVM oocytes is particularly interesting, therefore, a variety of approaches were employed to determine whether the observed transcriptional changes during IVM were real or an artifact of the techniques used during analysis, including the analysis of transcript abundance in oocytes in vitro matured in the presence of α-amanitin. Subsets of the differentially expressed genes were also validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and the gene expression data was classified according to gene ontology and pathway enrichment. Numerous cell cycle linked (CDC2, CDK5, CDK8, HSPA2, MAPK14, TXNL4B), molecular transport (STX5, STX17, SEC22A, SEC22B), and differentiation (NACA) related genes were found to be among the several over-expressed transcripts in GV oocytes compared to the matured counterparts, while ANXA1, PLAU, STC1and LUM were among the over-expressed genes after oocyte maturation. Conclusion Using sequential experiments, we have shown and confirmed transcriptional changes during oocyte maturation. This dataset provides a unique reference resource

Morphological markers to select populations of oocytes with different cultural needs for dedicated pre-maturation protocols

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cecilia Dieci

2017-05-01

specific genes and pathways to improve IVP efficiency.

Avantaje competitive ale practicilor de management resurse umane ale universităţilor europene de top. Discurs instituţional şi regândirea strategiilor de MRU în universităţile româneşti

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Oana Mara STAN

2013-06-01

Full Text Available The current study highlights the importance of implementing a coherent HRM strategy, through specific policies and procedures inside universities, aiming to increase their competitive advantage and quality standards. It explores the latest HRM tendencies, applied to the academic and research field across 13 European universities included in the top 50 World Universities ranking. The content analysis relies on secondary research data, and the study investigates the respective similarities and differences, according to several dimensions and processes, such as: recruitment, talent retention, training, counseling and career development, organizational ethics, cultural audit, organizational identity and promotion through employer branding activities. This analysis discusses conclusions in relationship with the distinction between tacticaladministrative processes and strategic processes, as well as the need to integrate and harmonize the two flows, by means of organizational intelligence. Recommendations take into account the possibility to transfer and adapt the investigated experience by comparative analysis and benchmarking, as valuable suggestions for human resources departments of state and private universities in Romania.

Utilidade do Ultrassom intracardíaco no isolamento de veias pulmonares usando cateter-balão a laser Utilidad del ultrasonido intracardíaco en el aislamiento de venas pulmonares usando catéter-balón láser Utility of intracardiac ultrasound imaging to guide pulmonary vein ablation using laser balloon catheter

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Luiz Leite

2009-12-01

Full Text Available FUNDAMENTO: O isolamento das veias pulmonares (IVP tem sido usado como endpoint para a ablação da fibrilação atrial (FA com cateter balão. OBJETIVO: Determinar a utilidade do ultrassom intracardíaco (USIC para guiar o IVP, usando cateter balão a laser. MÉTODOS: 59 VP foram ablacionadas em 27 cães. Imagens de Doppler foram usadas para identificar os vazamentos do fluxo sanguíneo entre a VP e o balão. Após cada liberação de energia, o cateter de mapeamento circular foi reposicionado para verificar se o isolamento tinha sido obtido. A posição de vazamento foi então correlacionada com a posição do gap no estudo patológico. A análise de regressão logística multivariada foi realizada. RESULTADOS: Cinquenta e nove VP foram submetidas à ablação. O tempo médio de energia liberada foi de 279±177 seg., o diâmetro médio do balão era de 23±3 mm, e o comprimento médio do balão era 25±4 mm. O isolamento completo foi obtido em 38/59 (64%, e foi significantemente mais comum sem vazamento: [30/38 (79% versus 8/23 (35%, pFUNDAMENTO: Se usó el aislamiento de las venas pulmonares (AVP como endpoint para la ablación de la fibrilación atrial (FA con catéter-balón. OBJETIVO: Determinar la utilidad del ultrasonido intracardíaco (USIC para guiar el AVP, usando catéter-balón láser. MÉTODOS: Se ablacionaron 59 VP en 27 perros. Se usaron imágenes de Doppler para identificar los derrames del flujo sanguíneo entre la VP y el balón. Tras cada liberación de energía, se reposicionó el catéter de mapeamiento circular para verificar si se obtuvo el aislamiento. Se correlaccionó, entonces, la posición del derrame con la posición del gap en el estudio patológico. Se realizó el análisis de regresión logística multivariada. RESULTADOS: Se sometieron 59 VP a la ablación. El tiempo promedio de energía liberada fue de 279±177 seg., el diámetro promedio del balón era de 23±3 mm, y la largura promedio del balón era 25±4 mm

N-Acetylcarnosine sustained drug delivery eye drops to control the signs of ageless vision: Glare sensitivity, cataract amelioration and quality of vision currently available treatment for the challenging 50,000-patient population

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mark A Babizhayev

2008-10-01

with advancing age, such as cataract and glaucoma, which are by far the commonest causes of blindness in our sample and in all age groups, glaucomatous neurodegeneration can be treated with developed NAC autoinduction prodrug eye drops equipped with corneal absorption promoters. The common blinding affections presenting in developed countries such as, senile macular degeneration, hereditary chorioretinal dystrophies, diabetic retinopathy are poorly represented in our current summary of vital-statistics and will be reported inherent in next N-acetylcarnosine ophthalmic drug studies.Conclusion: The authors present evidence, about why only a certain kind of NAC is safe, and why only certain formulas designed by IVP for drug discovery are efficacious in the prevention and treatment of senile cataract for long-term use. Overall cumulated studies demonstrate that the designed by IVP new vision-saving drug NAC eye drops help the aging eye to recover by improving its clarity, glare sensitivity, color perception and overall vision.Keywords: age-related ophthalmic diseases, cataract, disability-glare, halos, Halometer, visual-acuity, N-acetylcarnosine lubricant eye drops, repurchase behavior analysis, 50,000-patients’ compliance to self-administer eye drops

NON-CONTRAST MAGNETIC RESONANCE UROGRAPHY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Arpita C

2016-07-01

Full Text Available BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Magnetic Resonance (MR urography with its optimal contrast resolution and lack of ionizing radiation provides a comprehensive examination of the entire urinary tract noninvasively. MR urography is clinically useful in the evaluation of suspected urinary tract obstruction, haematuria, congenital anomalies, and surgically altered anatomy. It is particularly useful in cases of where there is contraindication of ionizing radiation and in paediatric and pregnant patients. The common MR urographic techniques are: Static-fluid MR urography and excretory MR urography. Static-fluid MR urography uses of heavily T2-weighted sequences to image the urinary tract as a static collection of fluid, can be repeated sequentially (Cine MR urography to better demonstrate the ureters in their entirety and to confirm the presence of fixed stenoses. Excretory MR urography is performed during the excretory phase of enhancement after the intravenous administration of gadolinium-based contrast material; thus, the patient must have sufficient renal function to allow the excretion. Static-fluid and excretory MR urography can be combined with conventional MR imaging for comprehensive evaluation of the urinary tract. The limitations are limited availability, high cost, relatively long examination time, low spatial resolution compared to IVU (Intravenous Urogram and CT Urography; sensitivity to motion (breathing and ureteral peristalsis inherent contraindications like patients with pacemakers, claustrophobia, and relative insensitivity for calcification and ureteric calculi. In this article, an attempt has been made to demonstrate the potential of static-fluid MRU to demonstrate a spectrum of urologic pathology involving the kidneys, ureters, and bladder while discussing the limitations. METHODS Thirty patients with urinary tract abnormalities were evaluated with MR urography performed between May 2014 to April 2016 using routine MR sequences and

Radiological evaluation of the intraabdominal masses in childhood

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Y. J.; Oh, K. K.; Park, C. Y.

1980-01-01

finding (69%). In pelvic cavity tumors, calcification was noted in 6 cases (45%) and fat shadow in 3 cases (23%) of teratoma. b. IVP: Hydronephrosis showed pyelocaliectasis in 18 cases (80%) and nonvisualization in 5 cases (20%)

Chemotherapy followed by low dose radiotherapy in childhood Hodgkin's disease: retrospective analysis of results and prognostic factors

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Pellizzon Cassio A

2006-10-01

Full Text Available Abstract Purpose To report the treatment results and prognostic factors of childhood patients with Hodgkin's disease treated with chemotherapy (CT followed by low dose radiotherapy (RT. Patients and methods This retrospective series analyzed 166 patients under 18 years old, treated from January 1985 to December 2003. Median age was 10 years (range 2–18. The male to female ratio was 2,3 : 1. Lymphonode enlargement was the most frequent clinical manifestation (68%, and the time of symptom duration was less than 6 months in 55% of the patients. In histological analysis Nodular Sclerosis was the most prevalent type (48% followed by Mixed Celularity (34.6%. The staging group according Ann Arbor classification was: I (11.7%, II (36.4%, III (32.1% and IV (19.8%. The standard treatment consisted of chemotherapy multiple drug combination according the period of treatment protocols vigent: ABVD in 39% (n-65 of the cases, by VEEP in 13 %(n-22, MOPP in 13 %(n-22, OPPA-13 %(n-22 and ABVD/OPPA in 22 %(n-33. Radiotherapy was device to all areas of initial presentation of disease. Dose less or equal than 21 Gy was used in 90.2% of patients with most part of them (90% by involved field (IFRT or mantle field. Results The OS and EFS in 10 years were 89% and 87%. Survival according to clinical stage as 94.7%, 91.3%, 82.3% and 71% for stages I to IV(p = 0,005. The OS was in 91.3% of patients who received RT and in 72.6% of patients who did not (p = 0,003. Multivariate analysis showed presence of B symptoms, no radiotherapy and advanced clinical stage to be associated with a worse prognosis. Conclusion This data demonstrating the importance of RT consolidation with low dose and reduced volume, in all clinical stage of childhood HD, producing satisfactory ten years OS and EFS. As the disease is highly curable, any data of long term follow-up should be presented in order to better direct therapy, and to identify groups of patients who would not benefit from radiation

Chemotherapy followed by low dose radiotherapy in childhood Hodgkin's disease: retrospective analysis of results and prognostic factors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Viani, Gustavo A; Castilho, Marcus S; Novaes, Paulo E; Antonelli, Celia G; Ferrigno, Robson; Pellizzon, Cassio A; Fogaroli, Ricardo C; Conte, Maria A; Salvajoli, Joao V

2006-01-01

To report the treatment results and prognostic factors of childhood patients with Hodgkin's disease treated with chemotherapy (CT) followed by low dose radiotherapy (RT). This retrospective series analyzed 166 patients under 18 years old, treated from January 1985 to December 2003. Median age was 10 years (range 2–18). The male to female ratio was 2,3 : 1. Lymphonode enlargement was the most frequent clinical manifestation (68%), and the time of symptom duration was less than 6 months in 55% of the patients. In histological analysis Nodular Sclerosis was the most prevalent type (48%) followed by Mixed Celularity (34.6%). The staging group according Ann Arbor classification was: I (11.7%), II (36.4%), III (32.1%) and IV (19.8%). The standard treatment consisted of chemotherapy multiple drug combination according the period of treatment protocols vigent: ABVD in 39% (n-65) of the cases, by VEEP in 13 %(n-22), MOPP in 13 %(n-22), OPPA-13 %(n-22) and ABVD/OPPA in 22 %(n-33). Radiotherapy was device to all areas of initial presentation of disease. Dose less or equal than 21 Gy was used in 90.2% of patients with most part of them (90%) by involved field (IFRT) or mantle field. The OS and EFS in 10 years were 89% and 87%. Survival according to clinical stage as 94.7%, 91.3%, 82.3% and 71% for stages I to IV(p = 0,005). The OS was in 91.3% of patients who received RT and in 72.6% of patients who did not (p = 0,003). Multivariate analysis showed presence of B symptoms, no radiotherapy and advanced clinical stage to be associated with a worse prognosis. This data demonstrating the importance of RT consolidation with low dose and reduced volume, in all clinical stage of childhood HD, producing satisfactory ten years OS and EFS. As the disease is highly curable, any data of long term follow-up should be presented in order to better direct therapy, and to identify groups of patients who would not benefit from radiation treatment

Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Rwanda

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Siziya Seter

2008-10-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Intimate partner violence (IPV, defined as actual or threatened physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional abuse by current or former partners is a global public health concern. The prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence (IPV against pregnant women has not been described in Rwanda. A study was conducted to identify variables associated with IPV among Rwandan pregnant women. Methods A convenient sample of 600 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics were administered a questionnaire which included items on demographics, HIV status, IPV, and alcohol use by the male partner. Mean age and proportions of IPV in different groups were assessed. Odds of IPV were estimated using logistic regression analysis. Results Of the 600 respondents, 35.1% reported IPV in the last 12 months. HIV+ pregnant women had higher rates of all forms of IVP violence than HIV- pregnant women: pulling hair (44.3% vs. 20.3%, slapping (32.0% vs. 15.3%, kicking with fists (36.3% vs. 19.7%, throwing to the ground and kicking with feet (23.3% vs. 12.7%, and burning with hot liquid (4.1% vs. 3.5%. HIV positive participants were more than twice likely to report physical IPV than those who were HIV negative (OR = 2.38; 95% CI [1.59, 3.57]. Other factors positively associated with physical IPV included sexual abuse before the age of 14 years (OR = 2.69; 95% CI [1.69, 4.29], having an alcohol drinking male partner (OR = 4.10; 95% CI [2.48, 6.77] for occasional drinkers and OR = 3.37; 95% CI [2.05, 5.54] for heavy drinkers, and having a male partner with other sexual partners (OR = 1.53; 95% CI [1.15, 2.20]. Education was negatively associated with lifetime IPV. Conclusion We have reported on prevalence of IPV violence among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Rwanda, Central Africa. We advocate that screening for IPV be an integral part of HIV and AIDS care, as well as routine antenatal care. Services for battered women should also be

Reference values of MRI measurements of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct in children

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gwal, Kriti; Bedoya, Maria A.; Patel, Neal; Darge, Kassa; Anupindi, Sudha A. [University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Radiology, The Children' s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA (United States); Rambhatla, Siri J. [Beth Israel Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Newark, NJ (United States); Sreedharan, Ram R. [University of Pennsylvania, Departments of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Children' s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (United States)

2015-08-15

Magnetic resonance imaging/cholangiopancreatography (MRI/MRCP) is now an essential imaging modality for the evaluation of biliary and pancreatic pathology in children, but there are no data depicting the normal diameters of the common bile duct (CBD) and pancreatic duct. Recognition of abnormal duct size is important and the increasing use of MRCP necessitates normal MRI measurements. To present normal MRI measurements for the common bile duct and pancreatic duct in children. In this retrospective study we searched all children ages birth to 10 years in our MR urography (MRU) database from 2006 until 2013. We excluded children with a history of hepatobiliary or pancreatic surgery. We stratified 204 children into five age groups and retrospectively measured the CBD and the pancreatic duct on 2-D axial and 3-D coronal T2-weighted sequences. We performed statistical analysis, using logistic and linear regressions to detect the age association of the visibility and size of the duct measurements. We used non-parametric tests to detect gender and imaging plane differences. Our study included 204 children, 106 (52%) boys and 98 (48%) girls, with a median age of 33 months (range 0-119 months). The children were distributed into five age groups. The common bile duct was visible in all children in all age groups. The pancreatic duct was significantly less visible in the youngest children, group 1 (54/67, 80.5%; P = 0.003) than in the oldest children, group 5 (22/22, 100%). In group 2 the pancreatic duct was seen in 19/21 (90.4%), in group 3 52/55 (94.5%), and in group 4 39/39 (100%). All duct measurements increased with age (P < 0.001; r-value > 0.423), and the incremental differences between ages were significant. The measurement variations between the axial and coronal planes were statistically significant (P < 0.001); however these differences were fractions of millimeters. For example, in group 1 the mean coronal measurement of the CBD was 2.1 mm and the axial

Reference values of MRI measurements of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct in children

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gwal, Kriti; Bedoya, Maria A.; Patel, Neal; Darge, Kassa; Anupindi, Sudha A.; Rambhatla, Siri J.; Sreedharan, Ram R.

2015-01-01

Magnetic resonance imaging/cholangiopancreatography (MRI/MRCP) is now an essential imaging modality for the evaluation of biliary and pancreatic pathology in children, but there are no data depicting the normal diameters of the common bile duct (CBD) and pancreatic duct. Recognition of abnormal duct size is important and the increasing use of MRCP necessitates normal MRI measurements. To present normal MRI measurements for the common bile duct and pancreatic duct in children. In this retrospective study we searched all children ages birth to 10 years in our MR urography (MRU) database from 2006 until 2013. We excluded children with a history of hepatobiliary or pancreatic surgery. We stratified 204 children into five age groups and retrospectively measured the CBD and the pancreatic duct on 2-D axial and 3-D coronal T2-weighted sequences. We performed statistical analysis, using logistic and linear regressions to detect the age association of the visibility and size of the duct measurements. We used non-parametric tests to detect gender and imaging plane differences. Our study included 204 children, 106 (52%) boys and 98 (48%) girls, with a median age of 33 months (range 0-119 months). The children were distributed into five age groups. The common bile duct was visible in all children in all age groups. The pancreatic duct was significantly less visible in the youngest children, group 1 (54/67, 80.5%; P = 0.003) than in the oldest children, group 5 (22/22, 100%). In group 2 the pancreatic duct was seen in 19/21 (90.4%), in group 3 52/55 (94.5%), and in group 4 39/39 (100%). All duct measurements increased with age (P < 0.001; r-value > 0.423), and the incremental differences between ages were significant. The measurement variations between the axial and coronal planes were statistically significant (P < 0.001); however these differences were fractions of millimeters. For example, in group 1 the mean coronal measurement of the CBD was 2.1 mm and the axial

Penetrating abdominal trauma.

Science.gov (United States)

Henneman, P L

1989-08-01

The management of patients with penetrating abdominal trauma is outlined in Figure 1. Patients with hemodynamic instability, evisceration, significant gastrointestinal bleeding, peritoneal signs, gunshot wounds with peritoneal violation, and type 2 and 3 shotgun wounds should undergo emergency laparotomy. The initial ED management of these patients includes airway management, monitoring of cardiac rhythm and vital signs, history, physical examination, and placement of intravenous lines. Blood should be obtained for initial hematocrit, type and cross-matching, electrolytes, and an alcohol level or drug screen as needed. Initial resuscitation should utilize crystalloid fluid replacement. If more than 2 liters of crystalloid are needed to stabilize an adult (less in a child), blood should be given. Group O Rh-negative packed red blood cells should be immediately available for a patient in impending arrest or massive hemorrhage. Type-specific blood should be available within 15 minutes. A patient with penetrating thoracic and high abdominal trauma should receive a portable chest x-ray, and a hemo- or pneumothorax should be treated with tube thoracostomy. An unstable patient with clinical signs consistent with a pneumothorax, however, should receive a tube thoracostomy prior to obtaining roentgenographic confirmation. If time permits, a nasogastric tube and Foley catheter should be placed, and the urine evaluated for blood (these procedures can be performed in the operating room). If kidney involvement is suspected because of hematuria or penetrating trauma in the area of a kidney or ureter in a patient requiring surgery, a single-shot IVP should be performed either in the ED or the operating room. An ECG is important in patients with possible cardiac involvement and in patients over the age of 40 going to the operating room. Tetanus status should be updated, and appropriate antibiotics covering bowel flora should be given. Operative management should rarely be delayed

Registro do Icnogênero Ophiomorpha Lundgreen, 1891 em Depósitos da Planície Costeira (Quaternário (Quaternário do Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rommulo Mendes Carvalho Barreiro

2007-07-01

ocorrênciade Callichirus major, denominado “corrupto” porpescadores da região, que compõe a meiofaunainfralitoral da praia Rasa, Cabo Frio/Armação dosBúzios, RJ. Apoio: Instituto Virtual de PaleontologiaIVP-FAPERJ, pelo suporte financeiro ao projeto.

Annual Performance Assessment and Composite Analysis Review for the ICDF Landfill FY 2008

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koslow, Karen; Rood, Arthur

2009-01-01

This report addresses low-level waste disposal operations at the Idaho Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Disposal Facility (ICDF) landfill from the start of operations in Fiscal Year 2003 through Fiscal Year 2008. The ICDF was authorized in the Operable Unit 3-13 Record of Decision for disposal of waste from the Idaho National Laboratory Site CERCLA environmental restoration activities. The ICDF has been operating since 2003 in compliance with the CERCLA requirements and the waste acceptance criteria developed in the CERCLA process. In developing the Operable Unit 3-13 Record of Decision, U.S. Department of Energy Order (DOE) 435.1, 'Radioactive Waste Management', was identified as a 'to be considered' requirement for the ICDF. The annual review requirement under DOE Order 435.1 was determined to be an administrative requirement and, therefore, annual reviews were not prepared on an annual basis. However, the landfill has been operating for 5 years and, since the waste forms and inventories disposed of have changed from what was originally envisioned for the ICDF landfill, the ICDF project team has decided that this annual review is necessary to document the changes and provide a basis for any updates in analyses that may be necessary to continue to meet the substantive requirements of DOE Order 435.1. For facilities regulated under DOE Order 435.1-1, U.S. DOE Manual 435.1-1, 'Radioactive Waste Management', IV.P.(4)(c) stipulates that annual summaries of low-level waste disposal operations shall be prepared with respect to the conclusions and recommendations of the performance assessment and composite analysis. Important factors considered in this review include facility operations, waste receipts, and results from monitoring and research and development programs. There have been no significant changes in operations at the landfill in respect to the disposal geometry, the verification of waste characteristics, and the

Abdominal masses in infants and children: Analysis of 92 cases with special reference to radiological findings and differential diagnosis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Choi, Kyung Hee; Suh, Jung Ho; Choi, Byung Sook [Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

1974-10-15

the most significant and useful study in the evaluation of abdominal tumors in children and in most cases it is the first x-ray examination to be done except plain abdomen. In IVP study of Wilms' tumor, 42% showed nonfunctioning of affected kidney which were hardly differentiated from nonfunctioning hydronephrosis. All the remaining cases showed calyceal distorsion more of less. 7. Fifty percent of neuroblastoma had bone metastasis at the time of diagnosis and 38% showed metastasis to the liver. Wilms' tumor revealed metastasis to lung in 18%.

Annual Performance Assessment and Composite Analysis Review for the ICDF Landfill FY 2008

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Karen Koslow

2009-08-31

This report addresses low-level waste disposal operations at the Idaho Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Disposal Facility (ICDF) landfill from the start of operations in Fiscal Year 2003 through Fiscal Year 2008. The ICDF was authorized in the Operable Unit 3-13 Record of Decision for disposal of waste from the Idaho National Laboratory Site CERCLA environmental restoration activities. The ICDF has been operating since 2003 in compliance with the CERCLA requirements and the waste acceptance criteria developed in the CERCLA process. In developing the Operable Unit 3-13 Record of Decision, U.S. Department of Energy Order (DOE) 435.1, 'Radioactive Waste Management', was identified as a 'to be considered' requirement for the ICDF. The annual review requirement under DOE Order 435.1 was determined to be an administrative requirement and, therefore, annual reviews were not prepared on an annual basis. However, the landfill has been operating for 5 years and, since the waste forms and inventories disposed of have changed from what was originally envisioned for the ICDF landfill, the ICDF project team has decided that this annual review is necessary to document the changes and provide a basis for any updates in analyses that may be necessary to continue to meet the substantive requirements of DOE Order 435.1. For facilities regulated under DOE Order 435.1-1, U.S. DOE Manual 435.1-1, 'Radioactive Waste Management', IV.P.(4)(c) stipulates that annual summaries of low-level waste disposal operations shall be prepared with respect to the conclusions and recommendations of the performance assessment and composite analysis. Important factors considered in this review include facility operations, waste receipts, and results from monitoring and research and development programs. There have been no significant changes in operations at the landfill in respect to the disposal geometry, the verification of

Joint Degree Program: the Perspective of Employers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tatjana Bilevičienė

2013-08-01

Full Text Available Purpose — the purpose of this article is to extend discussion towards the need and importance of joint degree programs in modern universities, introducing the perspective of the employers toward this question. Design/methodology/approach — the research was conducted to analyze the demand of joint degree programs from the perspective of employers, identify weak and strong aspects, opinion and demand for graduates of such programs. To achieve this purpose, a combination of theoretical and empirical methods was chosen: document analysis (previous studies, statistics was conducted and an online qualitative survey was organized. Findings — The analysis of articles, studies and statistics points out the challenges and threats faced by universities nowadays, forcing higher education institutions to find new ways to raise the quality of studies and raise the interest of employers to choose graduates from MRU, as well as the satisfaction of employers with their choice of employees. Theoretical analysis pointed out these challenges and requirements for the modern employee, summarised the challenges in preparation of IT field specialists. The conducted research results showed that the diploma of joint degree programs would not be treated as an advantage of possible employee from the perspective of employers in case some important aspects will not be taken into consideration by program creators. On the other hand, undeniably there are strong sides, such as knowledge in the fields of foreign language, international experience, innovativeness and creativeness of employees that would be treated as an advantage in the process of selection for positions of any technical support related positions. Research limitations/implications — employers, whose business activities are closely related to information technology, have been invited as experts. In addition, these experts have a good understanding of the specifics of joint degree programs. The received

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) in Higher Education from the Perspective of Female Students: An Institutional Ethnography

Science.gov (United States)

Parson, Laura J.

A persistent disadvantage for females is systemically embedded in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in postsecondary institutions. As a result, undergraduate women majoring in STEM fields face a uniquely difficult path; yet, for the most part, recommendations made and supported in the literature have focused on recruitment of women to STEM fields or on ways to make women more successful and comfortable in their STEM major. These recommendations have so far proved to be insufficient to remedy a gender gap and serve to replicate the existing male hierarchy. In order to truly make the STEM classroom one in which women are welcome and comfortable and to challenge the existing social and scientific systems, it is necessary to explore and understand the social and political implications embedded within teaching and learning choices. This institutional ethnography addresses that gap. The purpose of this study was to uncover and describe the institutional practices of STEM education at a Midwest research university (MRU) from the standpoint of female undergraduate students. Using the framework of feminist standpoint theory, this study explored the everyday "work" of female undergraduate STEM students to provide a unique perspective on the STEM education teaching and learning environment. Data collection began with in-depth interviews with female undergraduate math and physics students. As the institutional processes shaping undergraduate participant experiences were identified, subsequent data collection included classroom observations, additional interviews with students and faculty, and analysis of the texts that mediate these processes (e.g., syllabi and student handbooks). Data analysis followed Carspecken's process of ethnographic data analysis that began with low-level coding, followed by high-level coding, and concluded by pulling codes together through the creation of themes. Analysis of data led to three key findings. First, undergraduate

Discovery of Intermetallic Compounds from Traditional to Machine-Learning Approaches.

Science.gov (United States)

Oliynyk, Anton O; Mar, Arthur

2018-01-16

probabilities. Major results include the discovery of RhCd, the first new binary AB compound to be found in over 15 years, with a CsCl-type structure; the connection between "ambiguous" prediction probabilities and the phenomenon of polymorphism, as illustrated in the case of TiFeP (with TiNiSi- and ZrNiAl-type structures); and the preparation of new predicted Heusler phases MRu 2 Ga and RuM 2 Ga (M = first-row transition metal) that are not obvious candidates. Second, how can the search for materials with desired properties be accelerated? One particular application of strong current interest is thermoelectric materials, which present a particular challenge because their optimum performance depends on achieving a balance of many interrelated physical properties. Making use of a recommendation engine developed by Citrine Informatics, we have identified new candidates for thermoelectric materials, including previously unknown compounds (e.g., TiRu 2 Ga with Heusler structure; Mn(Ru 0.4 Ge 0.6 ) with CsCl-type structure) and previously reported compounds but counterintuitive candidates (e.g., Gd 12 Co 5 Bi). An important lesson in these investigations is that the machine-learning models are only as good as the experimental data used to develop them. Thus, experimental work will continue to be necessary to improve the predictions made by machine learning.

Nuclear nephro-urology in the adult

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pilloy, W.J.; Lens, V.; Prospert, F.

2004-01-01

Full text: The days when IVP was the main tool to investigate renal morphology and uro-dynamics are well past. Several non-nuclear medical imaging modalities have developed since with decreased or absent radio- or chemo-toxicity. They provide dynamic images in 3D mode, with good to excellent resolution. Some have also the potential to provide functional information. The first part of this talk will thus review these imaging modalities, determine their strong and weak points and the place they occupy in the renal diagnostic armamentarium. The second part will concentrate on the methodology and physiology of nuclear medical investigation, the implications in pathophysiology, and possible technical improvements. In the first part, planar imaging with contrast will be presented first. Intravenous pyelography is nowadays practically always digital and is best suited to determine the morphology of the collecting system and the dynamics of micturation. Digital subtraction angiography is mainly used to study the vasculature of the kidneys In case of renovascular hypertension, but also in the planning of surgery in the case of renal carcinoma (Nephron-sparing surgery). With the advent of multislice spiral computed tomography, dynamic tomography becomes an everyday practice. Beside the detection of space occupying lesions like cysts, tumours,stones, CT allows now the description of the renal arteries and the ureters. Examinations are now performed in a very short time. All the above-mentioned modalities present with a significant radiation burden and potential chemical toxicity To the contrary, the multiplication of possible sequences in magnetic resonance imaging permits the characterisation of complex cysts and the detection of renal cancer, but also the display of the collecting system without radiation and without contrast agent. Finally, ultrasound is the first line imaging method, being relatively cheap but also operator-dependent. It can detect abnormalities of the

Synthesis and characterization of new metal-rich borides with boron fragments; Synthese und Charakterisierung von neuartigen metallreichen Boriden mit Borfragmenten

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mbarki, Mohammed

2016-03-30

contain B{sub 2}-dumbbells in their structures. With Ta{sub 2}OsB{sub 2} and M{sub 2}RuB{sub 2} (M = Nb, Ta) three ternary representatives of the new Nb{sub 2}OsB{sub 2}-type structure are synthesized, which is a twofold superstructure of the U{sub 3}Si{sub 2}-type structure. DFT calculations confirm that the formation of Os-Os- and Ru-Ru-dumbbells in Ta{sub 2}OsB{sub 2} and in M{sub 2}RuB{sub 2} (M = Nb, Ta) is a result of a Peierls distortion and therefore the origin of the superstructure formation.Attempts to synthesize M{sub 2}RuB{sub 2} lead to the discovery of the ternary phases MRuB (M = Nb, Ta). They crystallize isotypically with a new orthorhombic structure (Pmma). Single crystal X-ray investigation suggest that these compounds may be described as being built up by two types of boron-centered trigonal prisms, which are found in two different layers; on the one hand the typical uncapped boron-centered trigonal prism (Re{sub 3}B-type) and on the other hand the B{sub 2}-centered face-sharing double trigonal prisms (AlB{sub 2}-type). Eventually, theoretical calculations of the electronic structure and a bonding analysis were also performed.

The role of primary radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Won Taek; Kim, Dong Won; Kwon, Byung Hyun; Nam, Ji Ho [College of Medicine, Pusan National Univ, Pusan (Korea, Republic of); Hur, Won Joo [College of Medicine, Donga Univ, Pusan (Korea, Republic of)

2000-12-01

First of all, this study was performed to assess the result of curative radiotherapy and to evaluate different possible prognostic factors for squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx treated at the Pusan National University Hospital. The second goal of this study was by comparing our data with those of other study groups, to determine the better treatment policy of supraglottic cancer in future. Thirty-two patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx were treated with radiotherapy at Pusan National University Hospital, from August 1985 to December 1996. Minimum follow-up period was 29 months. Twenty-seven patients (84.4%.) were followed up over 5 years. Radiotherapy was delivered with 6 MV photons to the primary laryngeal tumor and regional lymphatics with shrinking field technique. All patients received radiotherapy under conventional fractionated schedule (once a. day). Median total tumor dose was 70.2 Gy (range, 55.8 to 75.6 Gy) on primary or gross tumor lesion. Thirteen patients had induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (1-3 cycles). Patient distribution, according to the different stages, were as follows: stage I, 5/32 (15.6%); stage II, 10/32 (31.3%); stage III, 8/32 (25%); stage IV, 9/32 (28. 1 %). The 5-year overall survival rate of the whole series (32 patients) was 51.7%. The overall survival rate at 5-years was 80% in stage I, 66.7% in stage II, 42.9% in stage III, 25% in stage IV.(p= 0,0958). The 5-year local control rates after radiotherapy were as follows: stage I, 100%; stage II, 60%; stage III, 62.5%; stage lV, 44.4% (p=0.233). Overall vocal preservation rates was 65.6%,100% in stage I, 70% in stage II, 62.5% in stage III, 44.4% in stage IV (p=0.210). There was no statistical significance in survival and local control rate between neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy group and radiotherapy alone group. Severe laryngeal edema was found in 2 cases after radiotherapy. emergent tracheostomy

The role of primary radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Won Taek; Kim, Dong Won; Kwon, Byung Hyun; Nam, Ji Ho; Hur, Won Joo

2000-01-01

First of all, this study was performed to assess the result of curative radiotherapy and to evaluate different possible prognostic factors for squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx treated at the Pusan National University Hospital. The second goal of this study was by comparing our data with those of other study groups, to determine the better treatment policy of supraglottic cancer in future. Thirty-two patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx were treated with radiotherapy at Pusan National University Hospital, from August 1985 to December 1996. Minimum follow-up period was 29 months. Twenty-seven patients (84.4%.) were followed up over 5 years. Radiotherapy was delivered with 6 MV photons to the primary laryngeal tumor and regional lymphatics with shrinking field technique. All patients received radiotherapy under conventional fractionated schedule (once a. day). Median total tumor dose was 70.2 Gy (range, 55.8 to 75.6 Gy) on primary or gross tumor lesion. Thirteen patients had induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (1-3 cycles). Patient distribution, according to the different stages, were as follows: stage I, 5/32 (15.6%); stage II, 10/32 (31.3%); stage III, 8/32 (25%); stage IV, 9/32 (28. 1 %). The 5-year overall survival rate of the whole series (32 patients) was 51.7%. The overall survival rate at 5-years was 80% in stage I, 66.7% in stage II, 42.9% in stage III, 25% in stage IV.(p= 0,0958). The 5-year local control rates after radiotherapy were as follows: stage I, 100%; stage II, 60%; stage III, 62.5%; stage lV, 44.4% (p=0.233). Overall vocal preservation rates was 65.6%,100% in stage I, 70% in stage II, 62.5% in stage III, 44.4% in stage IV (p=0.210). There was no statistical significance in survival and local control rate between neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy group and radiotherapy alone group. Severe laryngeal edema was found in 2 cases after radiotherapy. emergent tracheostomy

Evaluación de ligamiento del Trastorno Afectivo Bipolar con marcadores STR en las regiones cromosómicas 18p12, 18q22-23, 21q22 Y 12q23

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Patricia Montoya

2000-02-01

Full Text Available

El Trastorno Afectivo Bipolar (TAB se caracteriza por episodios fluctuantes y cíclicos de oscilación del estado de ánimo o tono energético vital, de días, semanas o meses de duración, que pueden ir desde el apagamiento vital global o depresión hasta la exaltación vital global o manía. Estos ciclos están separados usualmente por períodos de remisión completa de la sintomatología. Su curso es generalmente crónico y recurrente (Kaplan y Sadock 1995, DSM IV.>

La prevalencia del TAB en la población general varía del 0.4 al 1.6%. En el Segundo Estudio de Salud Mental realizado en Colombia en el año de 1997 se encontró que la prevalencia en la vida de TAB I es de 1.2%, siendo un poco más alta en hombres (1.3% que en mujeres (1.1% (Torres y Montoya 1997.

Desde hace varias décadas, numerosos estudios del TAB incluyendo estudios de agregación familiar y de gemelos han indicado la existencia de un componente genético importante en la etiología de esta enfermedad (Craddock y Owen 1996, Craddock 1996, DePaulo y McMahoon 1996, Freimer 1997, Plomin et al. 1997.

Hasta ahora han sido varios los genes candidatos en la susceptibilidad a desarrollar TAB, sin embargo, la identificación de genes que juegan un papel importante en la etiología del TAB es muy probablemente el reflejo de la complejidad clínica y genética de esta entidad, la cual no sigue un patrón de herencia mendeliano simple (Reus y Freimer 1997. Hasta el momento se han publicado estudios que reportan ligamiento genético a múltiples regiones del genoma, sin embargo, los diversos reportes positivos de ligamiento son difíciles de comparar debido, entre otros, a la variabilidad de

Hybridization and crystal-field effects in Kondo insulators studied by means of core-level spectroscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Strigari, Fabio

2015-04-13

This thesis is mainly focused on the class of Kondo insulators, which also comprises Kondo semiconductors and semimetals. When the right conditions are met - i.e. for a certain number of electrons per unit cell and for certain symmetries of the electronic structure - the interaction between the conduction and f electrons opens a narrow hybridization gap close to the Fermi level. Here we investigate the Kondo semiconductor CeNiSn, as well as the CeM{sub 2}Al{sub 10} compound family with M=Ru, Os and Fe. Many explanations for the low-temperature behavior have been suggested, all of which stress the significance of the 4f crystalline-electric-field (CEF) ground state, which is investigated in the framework of this thesis. We determine the CEF wave functions in this compound family and quantify the degree of c-f hybridization in order to address speculations about the impact of hybridization on the magnetic order. In addition, on the search for parameters which correlate with ground-state properties in heavy-fermion compounds, we investigate the CEF ground states of the intermetallic substitution series CeRh{sub 1-x}Ir{sub x}In{sub 5} since its phase diagram covers all phases of interest, from antiferromagnetic to superconducting as well as regions of phase coexistence. To shed light on the issues above, namely the CEF ground state and the hybridization strength, respectively, two new experimental approaches are used: polarization-dependent X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). Recently, linearly polarized XAS at the Ce M{sub 4,5} edge has been proven to be highly useful when it comes to the determination of the 4f ground-state wave function in tetragonal rare earth systems. In the present thesis the same technique is applied to the above-mentioned materials, demonstrating that linearly polarized XAS can be employed to obtain an unambiguous and reliable picture of the CEF ground state even in Kondo-insulating systems

Transporte de oócitos bovinos em meio de maturação sem controle de atmosfera gasosa Transport of bovine oocytes in maturation medium without a controlled gaseous atmosphere

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fábio Gallas Leivas

2004-02-01

aspirated from 2 to 8mm follicles obtained from bovine slaughterhouse ovaries (11 replications were randomly distributed in four treatments. Oocytes were matured for 24h with modified TCM-199 Earle salts, plus 25mM bicarbonate, 25 mM HEPES, rFSH-h, Estrus Cow Serum (ECS, and piruvate at 39ºC, in incubator with 5% CO2 and saturated humidity (Control Group, n=296 or exposed to a simulated transport for 6 (T6, n=286, 12 (T12, n=294 or 18h (T18, n=301 in maturation medium containing TCM + HEPES, in a 39ºC water bath, with the same components used in the Control Group, but with 1mM bicarbonate. At the conclusion of each transport period, oocytes were transferred to dishes with maturation medium to reach 24h in incubator, under the same conditions described for the Control group. Fertilization was accomplished during 18h, with the same temperature and gaseous atmosphere, in FERT-TALP plus heparin. The insemination dose was 1x106 spermatozoa/mL, sorted by swim-up. Presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOF medium + 5% ECS for 8 days, in incubator at 39ºC using gasified bags with 5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2. Cleavage rates did not differ between treatments. Embryonic development rates at D7 were similar for Control (20.9%, T6 (19.2% and T12 (21.4% groups, with a reduction (P0.05 in hatched blastocyst rate. The average number of cells of hatched blastocysts was similar (P>0.05 in Control (136, T6 (125.5 and T12 (126.8 groups. These results indicate the possibility of transporting bovine oocytes in maturation medium containing TCM + HEPES, without controlled gaseous atmosphere environment, at 39ºC, for up to 12 hours. This technique offers a practical and efficient alternative for the transport of bovine oocytes for in vitro production of bovine embryos (IVP.

Efeitos cardiovasculares e renais da injeção intra-arterial de contraste radiológico iônico em cães com restrição hídrica Efectos cardiovasculares y renales de la inyección intra-arterial de contraste radiológico iónico en perros con restricción hídrica Cardiovascular and renal effects of intra-arterial injection of ionic radiological contrast in dogs under fluid restriction

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marisa Aparecida Lima Verderese

2005-04-01

thiopental and 0.1 µg.kg-1.min-1 (fentanyl. Hydration was achieved with 5% glucose solution (0.03 mL.kg-1.min-1 and ventilation was mechanically controlled with compressed air. The following attributes were evaluated: heart rate (HR; mean blood pressure (MBP; inferior vena cava pressure (IVP; cardiac output (CO; hematocrit (Ht; effective renal plasma flow (ERPF; renal blood flow (RBF; glomerular filtration rate (GFR; filtration fraction; renal vascular resistance (RVR, urinary volume (UV; plasma and urinary osmolarity; osmolar clearance; free water clearance; sodium and potassium clearance; plasma sodium and potassium; sodium and potassium urinary fractional excretion and rectal temperature. These attributes were evaluated in four moments: 30 (M1, 60 (M2, 90 (M3 and 120 (M4 minutes after sodium para-aminohipurate and creatinine administration (beginning of experiment. In moment 2, G1 received intra-arterial 0.9% saline (1.24 mL.kg-1 and G2 received intra-arterial radiological contrast (1.4 mL.kg-1. RESULTS: Group G1 has presented increased HR, ERPF, RBF, plasma osmolarity, sodium clearance and sodium urinary excretion, in addition to decreased urinary osmolarity, plasma sodium, potassium clearance and rectal temperature. Group G2 has presented increased HR, RVR, UV, osmolar clearance, sodium clearance and sodium urinary and fractional excretion; there has also been decrease in hematocrit, glomerular filtration rate, filtration fraction, urinary osmolarity, free water clearance, urinary sodium and potassium, plasma potassium and rectal temperature. CONCLUSIONS: This study has concluded that intra-arterial radiological contrast has promoted a two-phase effect on renal function. Initially it has promoted increased diuresis and sodium excretion but then the hemodynamic conditions impaired, and consequently renal function impaired, with increased renal vascular resistance and decreased glomerular filtration rate.