Science.gov (United States)

Diabetes, Gestational; Postpartum Period

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The follow-up system for wastes (JAeSTI), developed at the end of the 1990s, forms a basis for today's followup activities in Finland. JAeSTI relies on an environmental protection database, the compliance monitoring system VAHTI operated by the environmental authorities. Waste followup and waste statistics depend very much on the annual waste quantities recorded in the VAHTI system. In the KYJ-project the coverage and reliability of the data in the VAHTI system was evaluated as for the streams of solid municipal waste. The project also included the compiling of national statistics on municipal waste for the year 2000. The project used other information sources, too, such as statistics compiled when the National Waste Plan and regional waste plans were revised in 2002. In addition, the extent and quantity of in-situ (household) composting and incineration were assessed on the basis of a separate study (Annex 2, In Finnish). In ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Aims To study the effect of fish consumption on the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in healthy subjects. Methods and results This Danish follow-up study included 57 053 men and women between 50 and 64 years. Intake of lean and fatty fish was estimated from a detailed and validated food frequency questionnaire. Potential cases of ACS were identified through nationwide medical databases. A total of 1122 cases of ACS were verified during a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years. Among men, intake of fatty fish was associated with a lower risk of ACS. For men in the highest quintile of fish intake compared with the lowest quintile, the hazard ratio was 0.67 (95% confidence interval: 0.53-0.85). The inverse association was observed for intakes >6 g of fatty fish per day with no obvious additi...

Science.gov (United States)

PMID:7266422

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract The glycosylation profile of therapeutic antibodies is routinely analyzed throughout development to monitor the impact of process parameters and to ensure consistency, efficacy, and safety for clinical and commercial batches of therapeutic products. In this study, unusually high levels of the mannose-5 (Man5) glycoform were observed during the early development of a therapeutic antibody produced from a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line, model cell line A. Follow up studies indicated that the antibody Man5 level was increased throughout the course of cell culture production as a result of increasing cell culture medium osmolality levels and extending culture duration. With model cell line A, Man5 glycosylation increased more than twofold from 12% to 28% in the fed-batch process...

Science.gov (United States)

This study reports the outcome of real-time ultrasonographic screening tests of a healthy population. The study group consisted of 33 female teachers who were found to have asymptomatic gallstone disease. All cases were followed up to determine the incidence of biliary colic or complications. After a 38-month period of follow-up, seven subjects (21.2%) developed either biliary colic or complication. Study results revealed that the 38-month cumulative probability of the development of biliary colic or complication was 36%. Data shown that development of biliary colic or complications was positively associated with obesity, but no assocition was found with age, number of activities, or duration of contraceptive pill-taking. Having such a high percentage of subjects who developed biliary colic or complications within a relatively short period of time suggests that ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In a follow-up to our previously reported genome-wide association study of cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC)1, we describe here several new susceptibility...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Forty-two patients with frozen shoulder were followed up closely for eight months. They were all taught pendular exercises and randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: (a) intraarticular...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Of 400 patients with brucellosis, 104 (26%) had arthritis, of whom 96 could be followed up. The systemic disease in the 96 patients was acute in 54 (56%), subacute in 24 (25%), and chronic in 18 (19%)....Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background Limited data is available for investigating the long-term safety and effects of intracoronary progenitor cell therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Objective To assess the clinical course, NT-proBNP and MRI data as objective markers of cardiac function of the TOPCARE-AMI patients at 5-year follow-up. Design The TOPCARE-AMI trial was the first randomized study investigating the effects of intracoronary infusion of circulating (CPC) or bone marrow-derived progenitor cells (BMC) in 59 patients with successfully reperfused AMI. Results Five-year follow-up data were completed in 55 patients, 3 patients were lost to follow-up. None of the patients showed any signs of intramyocardial calcification or tumors at 5?years. One patient died during the initial hospitali...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

A few studies have found poor semen quality in sons whose mothers have received fertility treatment, but it is unknown whether the poor semen quality is related to the infertility treatment or to infertility per se, for example, whether it is caused by hereditable factors. Using data from a population-based, Danish follow-up study conducted in 2005-2006, the authors of the present study examined whether sons of subfertile couples who had not received fertility treatment had poorer semen quality than sons of fertile couples. Among the 311 participants, an inverse association between parental waiting time to pregnancy and both semen volume and total sperm count was observed (p trend = 0.04 and p trend = 0.046, respectively). Semen volume in sons of subfertile parents (pregnant after > or =1 years) was 19% lower in comparison with that in sons ofparents whose waiting time to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This case report makes evident that in a 75 years old patient with a (cured) femoral neck fracture 15 years ago a refracture at the same site following a new trauma could not be detected by conventional X-ray. The follow-up of a radionuclide bone study, however, enabled the dignosis of a refracture. From these findings, it is further evident that the decreased bone metabolism in older patients has to be considered. Thus, although the initial bone scan following the trauma is negative, a follow-up scan should be performed within a 4 day-period.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rectum reference dose points have a direct impact on the morbidity seen in gynecological intracavitaty radiotherapy. The aim of this study is to obtain less morbidity by marking rectum with radio opaque solution. Fourteen patients with gynecological cancer who underwent external radiotherapy received 15 Gray (Gy) intracavitary radiotherapy. During the internal radiotherapy planning, radio opaque solution has been administered into the rectum to observe it on lateral radiogram. Thus rectum reference dose point and five points were marked at sites nearest to the sources. Nucletron Planning system was used for obtaining three-dimensional planning. After therapy patients were followed at every three months. Median follow-up was 18 months. Most frequently observed morbidities were grade 1-2 rectitis and cystitis in six patients. As a result, more accurate rectum dose values and less factors causing dose ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICCA) in a small, nonrandomized series. From February 2004 to July 2008, six patients (four men and two women; mean age 69.8 years [range 48 to 83]) with ICCA underwent percutaneous US-guided RFA. Preintervetional transarterial embolization was performed in two cases to decrease heat dispersion during RFA in order to increase the area of ablation. The efficacy of RFA was evaluated using contrast-enhanced dynamic computed tomography (CT) 1 month after treatment and then every 3 months thereafter. Nine RFA sessions were performed for six solid hepatic tumors in six patients. The duration of follow-up ranged from 13 to 21 months (mean 17.5). Posttreatment CT showed total necrosis in four of six tumors after one or two RFA sessions. Residual tumor was ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This issue of Barrages newsletter comprises three articles. The first article treats of the quality approach relative to the organization of the inspections of big and medium size dams. It summarizes the improvements of this approach added in 2003 after analysis of the experience feedback. The second article presents the conclusions of the decennial and annual inspections of dams in exploitation. Only the observations requiring a special follow-up are reported. The last article summarizes the activities of the control services for the third quarter of 2003: decennial and annual visits, important facts, administrative instructions, studies, projects and works, organization of services, technical studies etc.. (J.S.)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper is concerned with the fracture analysis of thin cylindrical shells subject to secondary bending stresses with some degree of elastic follow-up. A P.Y.F.M. failure assessment route is utilised for an initial investigation. Results are presented graphically and indicate the differences obtained by considering the stresses as primary or secondary in nature. The Jsup(*) contour integral is computed from the results of a non-linear finite element analysis of a thermally loaded cracked cylinder. Comparison is made between Jsup(*) and the P.Y.F.M. failure criteria demonstrating the degree of conservatism in the latter. It is observed that LEFM may be appropriate for moderate load levels but that the elastic follow-up of the structure causes enhancement of Jsup(*) for higher loads, at which stage LEFM becomes non-conservative. (orig.).

Science.gov (United States)

The main objectives were to evaluate efficacy and acceptability of a developmentally sensitive cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety-based school refusal in adolescence. Twenty school-refusing adolescents meeting DSM-IV anxiety disorder criteria participated in a non-randomized trial, together with parents and school staff. Outcome was assessed at post-treatment and 2-month follow-up. Treated adolescents showed significant and maintained improvements across primary outcome variables (school attendance; school-related fear; anxiety), with medium to large effect sizes. Half of the adolescents were free of any anxiety disorder at follow-up. Additional improvements were observed across secondary outcome variables (depression; overall functioning; adolescent and parent self-efficacy). The treatment was rated as acceptable by adolescents, parents, and school staff, which may help explain the very low attrition rate. Social ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the percutaneous use of the new nitinol SMARTeR stents in patients with biliary obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four stents were placed in three patients percutaneously under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. RESULTS: The deployment of the stents was successful in all three patients. All stents maintained their patency and position after short-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: The nitinol SMARTeR stent is useful in the management of patients with biliary obstruction although accurate placement across the ampulla was found to be technically more difficult than with the Wallstent. Larger, long-term follow-up studies are required to evaluate the long-term patency of these new devices.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A retrospective study was made of all radionuclide (RN) bone images performed at our institution over a two-year period to evaluate femoral head viability after nonpathologic fracture of the femoral neck. Twelve patients had avascular femoral heads during the perioperative period, of which nine had adequate follow-up. Seven of these nine patients had follow-up bone images. Revascularization occurred in four patients, while three had persistent absence of femoral head uptake. With clinical follow-up ranging from four to 29 months (median: 14 months), only two of these nine patients developed clinical or radiographic evidence of osteonecrosis. RN bone imaging performed in the perioperative period does not reliably predict the development of post-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head and, at present, should not be used to determine prospectively method of treatment of femoral neck fracture.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In a retrospective single-centre study 170 consecutive patients were included who received a Kotz modular prosthesis after resection of bone tumours of the proximal femur to evaluate the management of prosthetic infection. Infection occurred in 12 of 166 patients available for follow-up (six males; six females; mean age, 47?years; range, ten to 75?years) after a mean of 39?months (range, one to 166?months; infection rate, 7.2%). Mean follow-up was 54?months (range, four to 200?months). One patient died of septic shock. Two patients were treated by wound revision only. Treatment of infection in the remaining patients was one-stage revision in eight and hip disarticulation in one. Infection control by one-stage revision was achieved in five of eight patients; re-infection occurred in three p...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The RECH-1 MTR reactor has been converted from HEU to MEU (45% enrichment) and the decision to a LEU (20% enrichment) conversion was taken some years ago. This LEU conversion decision involved a local fuel development and fabrication based on U{sub 3}Si{sub 2}-Al dispersion fuel, and a fabrication qualification stage that resulted in four fuel elements fully complying with established fabrication standards for this type of fuel. This report-presents relevant points of these four leaders fuel elements fabrication, in particular a fuel plate core homogeneity control development. A summary of the intended in core follow-up studies for the leaders fuel elements is also presented here. (author)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this retrospective study, 28 cases of Ewing's sarcoma are reviewed for the onset of metastasis. Bone scans demonstrated bone metastasis in three out of 28 patients at presentation. Of the 22 patients free of metastases at presentation, ten subsequently developed bone metastases. In six of these patients, the bone scan was the earliest demonstrator of metastatic disease. Bone scans are recommended at presentation and periodically during follow-up.

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

BACKGROUND: The aetiologies of glioma and meningioma tumors are largely unknown. Although reproductive hormones are thought to influence the risk of these tumors, epidemiologic data are not supportive of this hypothesis; however, few cohort studies have published on this topic. We examined the relation between reproductive factors and risk of glioma and meningioma among women in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC).METHODS: After a mean of 8.4 years of follow-up, 193 glioma and 194 meningioma were identified among 276,212 women. Information on reproductive factors and hormone use was collected at baseline. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to determine hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: No associations were observed between glioma or meningioma risk and reproductive factors, including age at menarche, parity, age at first birth, menopausal status, and ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Three cases of primitive suprasellar germinomas are reported: the tumors show typical clinical signs (diabetes insipidus, disfunctions), but CT findings are not so specific. It is very important to reach a correct diagnosis based on clinical and radiological findings, because of very high radiosensibility of the tumor. The accuracy of preoparative diagnosis has been enhanced by CT in addition to conventional neuroradiological examinations. Due to the possible risk of meningeal spreading following biopsy, some authors prefer to avoid biopsy and to treat directly the patient by radiotherapy; a rapid reduction of the tumor size at the dose of 30 Gy suggest a possible germinoma.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We report the results of a prospective clinical study using a new self-expanding nitinol stent (Enterprise) designed for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. We treated 31 saccular, wide-necked intracranial aneurysms in 30 patients. Ten aneurysms had recanalized after prior endovascular treatment without a stent, and 21 aneurysms had not been treated before. Stent deployment was successful in all procedures. Additional coil embolization was performed in all aneurysms. Initial complete angiographic occlusion was achieved in 6 aneurysms, a neck remnant was left in 18 aneurysms and there were 7 residual aneurysms. Angiographic follow-up examinations of 30 lesions after 6 months demonstrated 15 complete occlusions, 8 neck remnants and 7 residual aneurysms. One patient refused the 6-month angiographic follow-up. Spontaneous occlusion of the aneurysm had occurred in 14 patients, and 6 aneurysms showed ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Computed tomography (CT) has already proved extremely effective both in cerebral and abdominal pathology. Several recent publications describing first heterogeneous series [1, 2, 7, 11-17], then studies of a single type of lesion [3-6, 8] have illustrated its usefulness in the study of bone lesions. This report deals with 41 cases of Ewing's sarcoma studied by CT at the Institut Gustave Roussy from October 1977 to July 1981, and tries to show both the limitations and indications of this technique for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of Ewing's sarcoma as well as in the diagnosis of any eventual recurrence. (orig.).

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Authors obtained T1-weighted MRI images of the femoral head after fracture of the femoral neck and classified the signals into four patterns to investigate the sequential changes of the femoral head. The T1-weighted MRI images obtained initially after femoral neck fracture showed a normal pattern in 10 of the 15 hip joints studied. MRI images obtained subsequently still showed the normal signal pattern in eight of the 10 hip joints which had shown the normal pattern in the first MRI, while two of the 10 joints subsequently showed a band pattern. The joint with the homogeneous pattern in the first MRI subsequently showed a band pattern. Of the three joints with an inhomogeneous pattern in the first MRI, two joints showed a subsequent band pattern, and the other a normal pattern. The joints which showed a band pattern continued to show a similar band pattern. Eventually, all hip joints studied showed a normal or band pattern within six months ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The vascular status of femoral heads in the post-traumatic period of intracapsular femoral neck fracture (ICFNF) remains uncertain until the patient actually develops avascular necrosis (AVN). Several methods for predicting the viability of femoral head have been reported, that are not effective or widely used because of unreliability, potential complications, and technical difficulties. The present study involved the use of Dynamic MRI (DMRI) in assessing femoral head vascularity to predict AVN. The role of DMRI was studied prospectively in 30 patients with 31 ICFNF. Fractures were divided in to three types (Type A, B, or C) based on the femoral head vascularity shown by dynamic curve patterns on MRI evaluation. Type A was preserved vascularity, Type B was some decrease in vascularity but still viable while Type C was significantly reduced vascularity. These were followed-up for 6 months to 2 years to ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Numerical models based on finite-difference or finite-element methods are used by various research groups in studies of radon-222 transport through soil and building materials. Applications range from design of radon remediation systems to more fundamental studies of radon transport. To ascertain that results obtained with these models are of good quality, it is necessary that such models are tested. This document reports on a benchmark test organized by the EU project ERRICCA: European Research into Radon in Construction Concerted Action. The test comprises the following cases: 1) Steady-state diffusive radon profiles in dry and wet soils, 2) steady-state entry of soil gas and radon into a house, 3) time-dependent radon exhalation from a building-material sample. These cases cover features such as: soil heterogeneity, anisotropy, 3D-effects, time dependency, combined advective and diffusive transport of radon, flux calculations, and ...

Science.gov (United States)

Eight of 100 normotensive children who had pyelonephritic scarring secondary to urinary infection and vesicoureteric reflux were found in an earlier study to have increased plasma renin activity (PRA). Because the risk of these patients becoming hypertensive is between 10% and 20% and because renin activity may play a part in the pathogenesis of the hypertension, PRA and blood pressure were studied in 98 of the original group after five years of follow up. Two patients could not be traced, and other factors that might influence blood pressure or PRA led us to exclude 13 others, 10 of whom were girls taking oral hormonal contraceptives. Increased PRA was found in 11 of the remaining 85 patients but not in five of the eight patients with increased PRA in the first study. Of eight children identified as hypertensive in the follow up ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Blomqvist M, Ahadi S, Fernell E, Ek U, Dahllf G. Dental caries in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a population-based follow-up study. Eur J Oral Sci 2011; 119: 381-385. 2011 Eur J Oral Sci This study tested the hypothesis that adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit a higher prevalence of caries than adolescents in a control group. Thirty-two adolescents with ADHD and a control group of 55 adolescents from a population-based sample, all 17-yr of age, underwent a clinical and radiographic dental examination. The mean--SD number of decayed surfaces (DS) was 2.0--2.2 in adolescents with ADHD and 0.9--1.4 in adolescents of the control group. Thirty-one per cent of the adolescents in the ADHD group had no new caries lesions (DS-=-0) co...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: Treatment results and the pattern of relapse were evaluated in the multimodal treatment of Ewing's sarcomas of the chest wall. Methods and Materials: In a retrospective analysis, 114 patients with non-metastatic Ewing's sarcoma of the chest wall were evaluated. They were treated in the CESS 81, CESS 86, or EICESS 92 studies between January 1981 and December 1993. The treatment consisted of polychemotherapy (VACA, VAIA, or EVAIA) and local therapy, either surgery alone (14 patients), radiotherapy alone (28 patients) or a combination of both (71 patients). The median follow-up was 46.6 months (range 5-170). A relapse analysis for all patients with local or combined relapses was performed. Results: Overall survival was 60% after 5 years, event-free survival was 50%. Thirty-seven patients had a systemic relapse (32.4%), 11 patients had a local relapse alone (9.6%), and 3 patients had a combined local and systemic relapse (2.6%). The risk ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To evaluate the efficacy of a paclitaxel-eluting nitinol stent on the inhibition of pseudointimal hyperplasia in a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Twelve pigs were used in this study. Two types of 10-mm diameter and 60-mm long nitinol stents were made for a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt by coating them with a polyurethane solution, with and without paclitaxel. Each transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was created successfully in the 12 swine with 7 paclitaxel-eluting stents and 5 polyurethane stents. Five swine in each group were followed-up for 14 days due to the death of 2 swine given the paclitaxel-eluting stents. The proliferation of the pseudointima was evaluated on both follow-up portograms and histopathology examinations. The mean maximum pseudointimal hyperplasia is expressed as the percentage of the stent radius. On the portograms, all the transjugular intrahepatic ...

CERN Document Server

We present radial velocity and photometry for four early-type, massive double-lined spectroscopic binaries in the R136 cluster. Three of these systems are eclipsing, allowing orbital inclinations to be determined. One of these systems, R136-38 (O3 V + O6 V), has one of the highest masses ever measured, 57 Mo, for the primary. Comparison of our masses with those derived from standard evolutionary tracks shows excellent agreement. We also identify five other light variables in the R136 cluster which are worthy of follow-up study.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We report here the imaging findings of a rare case of a lethal form of Gorham disease in a young female patient. Multimodality imaging findings over 13 year-follow-up demonstrated progressive wide spread skeletal and soft tissue abnormalities with permeative osteolysis, pathological fractures and severe skeletal deformities. Unusual extensive osseous and soft tissue pneumatosis was illustrated on cross-sectional studies. The progressive nature of this form of Gorham disease and the subsequent complications eventually culminated in patient's death. (orig.)

Scientific Electronic Library Online (English)

Abstract in english We hypothesized that chronic oral administration of the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor sildenafil could improve the exercise capacity and pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) on the basis of previous short-term studies. We tested this hypothesis in 14 subjects with PAH, including seven patients with the idiopathic form and seven patients with atrial septal defects, but no other congenital heart abnormalities. Patients were subjected (more) to a 6-min walk test and dyspnea was graded according to the Borg scale. Pulmonary flow and pressures were measured by Doppler echocardiography. Patients were given sildenafil, 75 mg orally three times a day, and followed up for 1 year. Sildenafil therapy resulted in the following changes: increase in the 6-min walk distance from a median value of 387 m (range 0 to 484 m) to 462 m (range 408 to 588 m; P

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Identification of factors that determine individual patient risk for recurrence and progression in superficial papillary carcinoma of the bladder is a subject of extensive research as it would be a major outcome in patient management. It has been well recognized that traditional prognostic markers as tumor grade and stage are not accurate enough in predicting biological behavior. A large number of markers have been investigated as potential prognostic factors and relatively few can help in predicting outcome. Material and Methods: Forty-nine cases undergoing complete transurethral resection for primary superficial papillary transitional cell carcinoma were subjected to clinicopathologic evaluation as well as immunohistochemical staining for p53, bcl-2, cytokeratin 20 and Ki-67. The CAS-200 image analyzer was used to estimate the Ki-67 labeling index. Results: Recurrence was observed in 19 cases (38.8%) and progression in 7 cases (14.3%) with a median followup of 49 ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of 64 multidetector-row CT angiography for internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and the application in the follow-up of carotid endarterectomy and percutaneous transluminal stenting. Methods: Forty transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients with interpretable CTA and DSA of the cervical carotid arteries were selected from May 2005 to December 2005. This yielded a total of 80 vessels. The CTA curved planar reformations (CPR) and DSA images referenced to the distal cervical internal carotid were graded by two senior neuroradiologists blindly, according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) guidelines. The paired-t test was used to verify the statistical significant difference between pre-operating and post-operating of carotid endarterectomy or percutaneous transluminal stenting in measuring the vascular diameter and area of cross section using CTA. Results: When the 70% stenosis was used ...

Science.gov (United States)

Three adolescents (ages 14-17) with emotional and behavioral disorders displayed chronic disruptive behavior in their self-contained classrooms at a self-contained alternative school. A descriptive functional behavioral assessment was conducted for each student. Data from file review, structured interviews, and direct observations were used to identify the functions of their disruptive behaviors. Then, function-based interventions were systematically constructed for each student and implemented for an extended period (nearly 6 weeks) within the most problematic situation in their classrooms. The interventions improved each student's behavior and the effects maintained during follow-up and generalized to instruction in a nonintervention classroom. Social validity data comparing the interventions to baseline practices revealed the function-based intervention had moderately higher social validity among teachers and substantially higher social ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Global supply chain practices and their effects have received considerable attention over the last two decades. In the recent past, the need for integration across supply chains has been identified as a key for effective and efficient operations of supply chains. This is observed with the increasing trend of collaborative partnerships among supply chain partners. This paper presents an integrated approach for manufacturing and distribution networks within the supply chain system of a global car company. The paper shows that the integration of manufacturing and distribution networks creates the environment for effective planning of many components and execution/follow-up of those plans. These components include materials, resources, operations/activities, suppliers and customers. The main f...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Intracapsular femoral neck fractures remain unsolved fractures even after improvement in techniques of diagnosis and internal fixation. Individuals who sustain displaced femoral neck fractures are at high risk of developing avascular necrosis and non-union. Although several methods for predicting the viability of femoral head have been reported, they are not effective or widely used because of unreliability, potential complications and technical difficulties. Dynamic MRI was introduced in the recent past as a simple, non-invasive technique to predict the femoral head viability after the femoral neck fractures. In this study role of dynamic MRI was studied in 30 patients with 31 intracapsular femoral neck fractures. Fractures were divided in to three types according to dynamic curve patterns on MRI evaluation and were followed up for 6 months to 2 years to observe the final outcome. ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background. To determine total upper limb function following selective neck dissection over a mean follow-up of 1.6 years. Methods. A retrospective questionnaire study in a tertiary head and neck surgical unit. One hundred forty-eight patients who underwent selective neck dissection for head and neck cancer from January 2000 to December 2005 were invited to participate. The main outcome measure was ipsilateral upper limb dysfunction as measured by the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Results. Sixty-five patients responded to the invitation to join the study from 148 invited. Despite accessory nerve conserving surgery for all the selective neck dissections studied, 23% reported no upper limb dysfunction, 54% reported mild upper limb dysfunction, 15% reported modera...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundA systematic review was conducted to evaluate the literature regarding the impact of follow-up on colorectal cancer patient survival and, in a second phase, recommendations...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aims of this study were to quantify the severity and extent of subclinical interstitial lung disease as depicted on HRCT and to study the relationship between the patterns of lung disease quantified by HRCT and the functional parameters and bronchoalveolar lavage findings in patients with rheumatic diseases. The results confirm that HRCT is a sensitive tool in detecting interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatic diseases with no signs and symptoms of pulmonary involvement. The relationship between the different HRCT patterns and bronchoalveolar lavage cell profiles can identify patients at higher risk of developing irreversible lung fibrosis. A long-term, prospective follow-up study is needed to determine whether these patients will develop over pulmonary disease.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We illustrate serial HRCT findings over a 16-month period in a 35-year-old woman who had ingested paraquat. Initial areas of ground-glass opacity changed into areas of multiple air cysts on follow up scan obtained five months after ingestion. A further follow-up scan obtained 16 months after ingestion showed improvement, with increased lung volume and normalized lung architecture.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The aim of this study is to clarify the relation among developmental outcome, nutritional state during the neonatal period, maturational electroencephalographic changes. Thirteen extremely low birth weight infants who completed 6- or 9-year follow-up were a subject of this study. Undernutrition was defined as enteral feeding below 100mL/kg/day at 3weeks of age. Dysmature patterns were defined as the persistence of EEG patterns 2weeks or more immature for post-conceptional age. IQ was examined at 6 and 9years of age. Body height and weight, and head circumference at 6years of age were stratified by the percentile grades. Full and verbal IQ was significantly lower in infants with undernutrition than those with normal nutrition. Among infants with undernutrition, those with persistent dysmatu...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Geometrical shapes and diameter of nuclear tracks changes continuously during the process of etching for various incident angles. Besides, there is also a marked difference amongst their profiles, as evidenced by the SEM analysis, when the incoming particles fall on the detector at different angles of incidence. This work outlines this aspect of fission fragment tracks in a glass detector and has set out a few empirical relationships between the mean track diameter, d-bar and the etching time, t, within experimental limits. This study, therefore, sheds some light in the follow up the origins and characteristics of heavy ions in some terrestrial and extra-terrestrial materials and also in studying the collimation accuracy of heavy ion bombardments. The implications of the results in discerning the measurements of incident angles of various types of ions are described in detail in the paper.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Background: Some former retrospective studies have suggested that patients with Ewing's sarcoma might have a very high risk for developing secondary sarcomas if treated with radiotherapy. We have evaluated the risk of second malignancies (SM) in patients treated in the German Cooperative Ewing's Sarcoma Studies CESS 81 and CESS 86. Materials and methods: From January 1981 through June 1991, a total number of 674 patients was registered in the two multicentric Ewing's sarcoma trials CESS 81 (1981 through 1985) and CESS 86 (1986 through June 1991). The systemic treatment consisted in both studies of a four-drug-chemotherapy (VACA= vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide and adriamycin; or VAIA= vincristine, actinomycin D, ifosfamide and adriamycin) and a total number of four courses, each lasting nine weeks, was recommended by the protocol. Local therapy was either complete surgery or surgery plus postoperative ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can help diagnose benign adrenal adenomas, but prior studies rely on nonoperative follow-up as proof of a lesion?s benign nature. We examined adrenalectomy tissues to determine if imaging characteristics correlate with histopathologic findings. Methods We retrieved data for 196 consecutive adrenalectomies in 192 patients from 2000 to 2008. Imaging results were considered to signify benign adrenal adenoma if one or more of the following was present: Hounsfield units 60% or relative contrast washout of >40%, or MR with chemical-shift imaging demonstrating loss of signal intensity on out-of-phase images. Results The sensitivity and specif...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Aim- Conventional outcomes such as survival, tumour recurrence and complication rates after surgery for rectal cancer have been rigorously assessed, but the importance of maintaining quality of life (QOL) after surgery for rectal cancer has received less attention. The aim of the current study was to analyse QOL and the occurrence of pelvic dysfunction after the surgical treatment of rectal cancer. Method- Between May 2005 and May 2008, 150 patients with rectal cancer underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR) or anterior resection (AR). Seventy-four answered two preoperative questionnaires. At a follow up of 1-year, 65 were alive without sign of recurrence and answered the same questionnaires: (a) validated RAND 36-item health survey QOL questionnaire; and (b) self-administered d...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

When evaluating the risks of oncogenesis and cancer mortality following exposure to the radiations of the atomic bombs (A-bombs), the medical X-ray doses received by the A-bomb survivors must also be estimated and considered. Using a human phantom, dosimetry was performed to estimate the X-ray doses received by A-bomb survivors during medical examinations at the Radiation Effects Foundation (RERF) as part of the long-term follow-up on the Adult Health Study (AHS). These examinations have been estimated to represent nearly 45% of the survivors' cumulative medical irradiation dose. Doses to the salivary glands, thyroid gland, lung, breast, stomach and colon were measured using thermoluminescent dosemeters. The results, which are reported here, will aid in estimating organ doses received by individual AHS participants. (Author).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objectives To delineate the safety and tolerability profile of methylphenidate and atomoxetine in children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) monitored for more than 1?year. Design A cohort study analyzing data from the national ADHD register on patients from the Lombardy Region treated with MPH or atomoxetine. Participants A total of 229 children (median age 11?years, range 6?17), enrolled in 15 regional centers between June 2007 and May 2010. Results The prevalence rate of pharmacological treatment for ADHD was 0.23%, whereas the estimated ADHD prevalence in the population was 0.95%. In total, 73.8% of patients had been treated with atomoxetine (10?90?mg daily) or MPH (10?75?mg daily); 22% of patients also received an additional psychotropic drug. Of the...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Ex vivo expanded peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) have been shown to provide rapid neutrophil engraftment, and in some patients, to eliminate neutropenia after transplantation to support high-dose chemotherapy. However, the effect of expansion culture on stem cell content and potential loss of stem cells caused by induction of differentiation remains a concern. We have transplanted 21 patients with breast cancer with expanded autologous PBPC, with 11 patients receiving expanded PBPC as their sole hematopoietic cell source. In these studies, the CD34+ cells were selected and cultured for 10 days in defined media containing 100 ng/mL each of recombinant human stem cell factor (rhSCF), recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF), and recombinant human megakaryocy...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Twenty-two out of 31 patients with chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy before operation underwent non-invasive image diagnosis of parathyroid glands by computed tomography (CT), scintigraphy with /sup 201/TlCl and /sup 99m/TcO/sup 4 +/, and/or ultrasonography. CT visualized 39 of 45 parathyroid glands (86.7%), weighing more than 500 mg. Scintigraphy with a subtraction method using a computer performed the diagnosis in 19 of 27 glands (70.4%). Ultrasonography detected 21 of 27 glands (77.8%). Image diagnosis was also useful in the postoperative follow-up study. The non-invasive image diagnosis of parathyroid glands in patients with chronic renal failure is thus valuable for 1) definite diagnosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism, 2) localization, and 3) diagnosis for effectiveness of conservative treatment.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The present study consisted of two experiments to compare new word learning in healthy young (N = 11) and older (N = 17) adults within an explicit learning paradigm. Experiment 1 investigated the new name learning for familiar objects, while Experiment 2 investigated learning names and descriptions for unfamiliar objects. Participants attended five learning sessions over 5 consecutive days, during which they viewed objects with novel names with/without descriptions. The older adults were as accurate as the young adults when recalling and recognizing new names during the learning sessions. With respect to response times, the older adults were as rapid as the young adults at recognizing the new names for the familiar objects, but were slower during the follow-up sessions. The older adults we...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Background Little is known about the role of diet in the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We explored the prospective relation of dietary patterns, food groups, and nutrients to incident VTE in older women. Methods In 1986, Iowa women aged 55 to 69 years completed a mailed survey, including a 127-item food frequency questionnaire. These data were linked to Medicare data from 1986 to 2004, and International Classification of Diseases discharge codes were used to identify hospitalized VTE cases. Cox regression analyses evaluated relations of 2 principal components?derived dietary patterns, 11 food groups, and 6 nutrients to VTE, adjusted for age, education, smoking status, physical activity, and energy intake. Results Over 19 years of follow-up, 1,950 of the 37,393 women develope...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

AbstractBACKGROUND: The authors chose to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and incident colorectal cancer across the spectrum of BMI, including underweight persons, because detailed prospective cohort data on this topic in Asians is scarce, as is data on underweight persons (BMI, <18.5 kg/m2) in any population. METHODS: Analysis of the Singapore Chinese Health Study included 51,251 men and women aged 45-74 years enrolled in 1993-1998 and followed through 2007. Incident cancer cases and deaths among cohort members were identified through record linkage, and 980 cases were identified. Cox regression models were used to investigate the association of baseline BMI with risk of incident colorectal cancer during a mean of 11.5 years of follow-up. RESULTS: A significant, U-sha...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

SNAP25 occurs on chromosome 20p12.2, which has been linked to schizophrenia in some samples, and recently linked to latent classes of psychotic illness in our sample. SNAP25 is crucial to synaptic functioning, may be involved in axonal growth and dendritic sprouting, and its expression may be decreased in schizophrenia. We genotyped 18 haplotype-tagging SNPs in SNAP25 in a sample of 270 Irish high-density families. Single marker and haplotype analyses were performed in FBAT and PDT. We adjusted for multiple testing by computing q values. Association was followed up in an independent sample of 657 cases and 411 controls. We tested for allelic effects on the clinical phenotype by using the method of sequential addition and 5 factor-derived scores of the OPCRIT. Nine of 18 SNPs had P values <...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We wanted to evaluate the usefulness of a new type of a complex expandable nitinol stent that was designed to reduce the stent's propensity to migration during the treatment of malignant gastroduodenal obstructions. Two types of expandable nitinol stent were constructed by weaving a single thread of 0.2mm nitinol wire in a tubular configuration: an uncovered stent 18mm in diameter and a covered stent 16mm in diameter. Both ends of the covered stent were fabricated by coaxially inserting the covered stent into the tubular uncovered stent and then attaching the two stents together with using nylon monofilament. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the stent was placed in 29 consecutive patients (20 men and 9 women, mean age: 65 years) who were suffering with malignant gastric outlet obstruction (n=20), duodenal obstruction (n=6) or combined obstruction (n=3). Clinical improvement was assessed by comparing the food intake capacity before and after the procedure. The complications were ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We wanted to evaluate the correlation of mild renal pelvic dilatation (RPD) that is observed to be less than 10 mm on ultrasound (US) with urinary tract infection (UTI) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in neonates. We reviewed 137 kidneys of 107 neonates who had RPD less than 10 mm on US. All the kidneys were divided into two groups: Group I (RPD <= 5.0 mm) and Group II (RPD > 5.0 mm), and we statistically analyzed the RPD change according to UTI and VUR. Seven neonates had VUR (5.1%), and there was no statistical significance between Group I (6 neonates, 5.6%) and Group II (1 neonate, 3.3%). Thirty seven cases (27%) had UTI and there was no statistical significance between Group I (30 cases, 28.0%) and Group II (7 cases, 23.3%). The RPD did not change in 81.8% of the cases, it increased in 4.4% of the cases and it decreased in 13.9% of the cases on follow up US. The incidence of VUR and UTI were not different ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This report describes the progress of the Dutch RAS programme on `Recycling and Transmutation of Actinides and Fission Products` over the year 1995, which is the second year of the 4-year programme 1994-1997. An extensive listing of reports and publications from 1991 to 1995 is given. Highlights in 1995 were: -The completion of the European Strategy Study on Nuclear Waste Transmutation as a result of which the understanding of transmutation of plutonium, minor actinides and long-lived fission products in thermal and fast reactors has been increased significantly. Important ECN contributions were given on Am, {sup 99}Tc and {sup 129}I transmutation options. Follow-up contracts have been obtained for the study of 100% MOX cores and accelerator-based transmutation. - Important progress in the evaluation of CANDU reactors for burning very large amounts of transuranium mixtures in inert matrices. - The first RAS irradiation ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The influence of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure on regional cerebral blood flow (r-CBF) in rat brain was studied using autoradiography and "1"2"5I-IMP. Fuji computed radiography (FCR) was used to obtain improved autoradiograms in this study. R-CBF was determined in a relative measure by calculating hippocampus/cortex and putamen/cortex ratios of RI accumulation from the autoradiogram using a densitometer. Comparison of autoradiograms with pathological findings in the area of the hippocampus and putamen yield the following results. In the animals that were exposed to 6400 ppm or 10000 ppm of CO for 30 minutes, and then were followed up for 2 weeks without further exposure, r-CBF was decreased but no pathological changes occurred. In the animals that were exposed to 6400 ppm or 10000 ppm of CO, and then were followed up for 4 weeks without further exposure, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We wanted to determine the technical and clinical efficacy of using a PTFE-covered self-expandable nitinol stent for the palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. Thirty-seven patients with common bile duct strictures caused by malignant disease were treated by placing a total of 37 nitinol PTFE stents. These stents were covered with PTFE with the exception of the last 5 mm at each end; the stent had an unconstrained diameter of 10 mm and a total length of 50 80 mm. The patient survival rate and stent patency rate were calculated by performing Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The bilirubin, serum amylase and lipase levels before and after stent placement were measured and then compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The average follow-up duration was 27.9 weeks (range: 2 81 weeks). Placement was successful in all cases. Seventy-six percent of the patients (28/37) experienced adequate palliative drainage for the remainder of their lives. There were ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

From 1977 through 1984, 293 previously untreated patients with biopsy proven carcinoma of the uterine cervix were treated by whole pelvis irradiation and high intensity 60Co remote afterloading (RAL) intrauterine tandem techniques in Haiti. The treatment results were analyzed retrospectively to evaluate the therapeutic results and prognostic factors of a strict protocol involving 40 Gy to the whole pelvis (2 Gy/day, 5 days/week). In addition, on the 5th day of the 3rd week, the first outpatient 60Co remote afterloading intracavitary insertion, delivering 7.5 Gy to point A with each insertion, repeated 3 times by a week separation for a total of 4 times. The total TDF for external beam plus RAL was 158 and 175 for early and late effects respectively. One hundred-four patients were evaluable after 1 year or more follow-up, with a median of 26.5 months. No evidence of disease (NED) by Stage at 1 year was: Stage I of 100% (3/3), Stage II of 82% (9/11), Stage III of 80% ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Objective: Solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas (SPTP tumor) is a rare pancreatic neoplasm with low malignant potential, which usually affects female patients in the second or third decades of life. It is a non-functional, slow-growing neoplasm that very often reaches considerable size before the first symptoms appear. Symptomatology is frequently related to tumor size. Surgical excision is usually curative in most cases. Infrequently the tumor can appear in male patients or in aged women, which can make the diagnosis more difficult. Some patients develop liver metastases in the follow-up that can be resected. Our purpose is to review the radiological and pathological findings of SPTP with emphasis on these infrequent cases. Subjects and methods: The medical records and radiological findings of patients who underwent surgery for SPTP between 2000 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Study eligibility required that patients had ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The use of cathode ray irradiated arterial allografts on the reconstruction of small peripheral arteries is described. The fate of irradiated arterial allografts implanted subcutaneously in rats was compared histologically with that of allografts which were fresh, frozen or stored in 70% alcohol. Follow-up studies were made of 10 dogs in which irradiated arterial allografts had been implanted in the femoral artery to be evaluated; long term patency by arteriography, gross and histologic changes of the implanted allografts, and the luminal surface of the implanted allografts by scanning electron microscopic studies. For the purpose of antigenic studies, extracts of canine arteries which had been irradiated, frozen or stored in 70% alcohol, were prepared and tested by the following immunological methods: precipitation, Ouchterlony gel diffusion, and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. From the results obtained ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pulmonary clearance of an aerosol of "9"9Tc"m DTPA was measured in 21 non-smoking AIDS and pneumocystosis patients. The results were compared with those of pulmonary scintiscanning with gallium. All the patients exhibited increased clearance, evidence of a considerable alteration in alveolar permeability. This increase was also observed in patients with normal chest X-rays and normal blood gases. The average clearance in these patients was 6 #+-# 2% min"-"1 as compared with a normal 1.1 #+-# 0.3% min"-"1. Conversely, only four out of eight patients with normal chest X-rays had abnormal gallium scans. Clearance returned to normal after recovery. Measurement of DTPA clearance appears to be a very sensitive indicator for the detection and follow-up of pneumocystosis. However, it is not very specific since it can be increased by tobacco poisoning, drug abuse and the presence of lymphocytic alveolitis. An examination with normal findings can ...

CERN Document Server

The discovery of an HI cloud with peculiar properties at equatorial coordinates (J2000) ra=07h49m, dec=04d30m is presented. The HI object was detected at 21cm using the 300-m NAIC Arecibo telescope. Subsequent follow-up high-resolution observations with the NRAO Very Large Array (VLA) telescope at L-Band revealed more details about its morphology. The most intriguing aspect of the object is the clear velocity gradient of 1 km/s, which is present in the data, an indication of either rotation or expansion. The gas appears to be cold, and its morphology is somewhat elliptical with clumpy substructure. Assuming disk rotation, the dynamical mass could be determined as a function of distance.Depending on the exact nature of the velocity gradient in the HI cloud, we can reach some preliminary conclusions about the nature of the object. Expansion would imply association with a circumstellar envelope of an evolved AGB star, while in the case of ...

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), EPA, DHA, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acids) intake and prospective weight change in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with mean follow-up time of 6.5 years. In a total of 9182 men and 10867 women aged 35 to 64 years, from body weight measurement at recruitment and calibrated body weight during follow-up, weight change was expressed as mean annual weight change relative to baseline weight (%/year) and categorised into four groups (weight loss, or =2.5 to or =7.5%/5 years). Energy-adjusted dietary fatty acid intake data were estimated from the FFQ completed at baseline. Multivariate linear regression models as well as multinomial logistic regression analyses (carbohydrate replacement models) were conducted. RESULTS: Stearic acid ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study was a retrospective evaluation of the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with >4 metastases to the brain. Materials and Methods: Between January 2004 and December 2006, 68 patients with ?4 multiple brain metastases were included and reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-nine patients received SRS and 39 patients received whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). Patients with small cell lung cancers and melanomas were excluded. The primary lesions were non-small cell lung cancer (69.0%) and breast cancer (13.8%) in the SRS group and non-small cell lung cancer (64.1%), breast cancer (15.4%), colorectal cancer (12.8%), esophageal cancer (5.1%) in the WBRT group. SRS involved gamma-knife radiosurgery and delivered 10?20 Gy (median, 16 Gy) in a single fraction with a 50% marginal dose. WBRT was delivered daily in 3 Gy fractions, for a total of 30 Gy. After completion of treatment, a follow-up brain MRI or a contrast-enhanced ...

Medline Plus

... for a stapling or division of tissue the creation of a small gastric pouch which then assists ... follow up. Laparoscopic gastric bypass entails the surgical creation of a small gastric pouch, typically about an ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: During recent years, more intensified systemic and local treatment regimens have increased the 5-year survival figures in localized Ewing's sarcoma to more than 60%. There is, however, concern about the risk of second malignancies (SM) in long-term survivors. We have analyzed the second malignancies in patients treated in the German Ewing's Sarcoma Studies CESS 81 and CESS 86. Materials and Methods: From January 1981 through June 1991, 674 patients were registered in the two sequential multicentric Ewing's sarcoma trials CESS 81 (recruitment period 1981-1985) and CESS 86 (1986-1991). The systemic treatment in both studies consisted of a four-drug-regimen (VACA = vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, and adriamycin; or VAIA = vincristine, actinomycin D, ifosfamide, and adriamycin) and a total number of four courses, each lasting nine weeks, was recommended by the protocol. Local therapy in curative patients was either complete ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Objective. So far, few data are available to characterize the flare history of patients with gout. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency and risk factors of gout flares with special consideration of the comorbidity. Methods. A cohort study was conducted in a UK general practice database (The Health Improvement Network) including all patients aged 20-89 years diagnosed with incident gout between the years 2000 and 2007. Results. In this study, 23 857 incident gout patients (mean age 61.9 years) were included, overall incidence rate was 2.68 (95% CI 2.65, 2.72) per 1000 person-years. The proportion of patients with at least one flare during the follow-up period (mean 3.8 years) was 36.9% (n = 8806). A history of ischaemic heart disease [hazard ratio (HR) 1.12 (95% CI 1.06...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

{sup 99m}Tc-N-pyridoxyl-5-methyl-tryptophan (PMT) scintigraphy, which exhibits highly specific for the diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), was performed for recurrent HCC following non-surgical treatment. Eighty-four patients (total 351 examinations) were selected for the study. The ability of PMT scintigraphy to diagnose recurrent HCC after treatment was compared with that of computed tomography, ultrasonography and angiography. The results showed that sixty-three (75%) of 84 cases demonstrated positive findings during our follow-up period, most of the tumors initially showing positive findings remained PMT positive when they recurred and PMT studies shortly after treatment demonstrated wider tracer uptake rather than the actual tumor area. In conclusion, PMT scintigraphy for patients with HCC after non-surgical treatment exhibited high accuracy in identifying viable HCC only for tumors indicating positive ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Measuring gene expression using microarrays is relevant to many areas of biology and medicine, such as follow up of developmental stages and diseases onset, and treatment study. Since there can be tens of thousands of distinct probes on an array, each micro array experiment can accomplish the equivalent number of genetic tests in parallel. Arrays have therefore dramatically accelerated many types of investigations. For example, microarrays can be used to identify stress response genes by comparing gene expression in challenged versus normal cells. In the Molecular and Cellular Biology lab (MCB), the micro array experiments are performed within the Genomic Platform, fully equipped to analyse either the behaviour of bacteria during long space flight, the effect of low dose ionising radiation on the developing organism in mice, or the human individual radiation sensitivity. For the low dose effect, two main stages of ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Background: The effective-dose method which was proposed by the ICRP (International Commission of Radiation Protection) for the estimation of risk to the general population from occupational or environmental, low-dose radiation exposure is not adequate for estimating the risk of cancer induction by radiotherapy of malignant or nonmalignant diseases. Methods:The risk of cancer induction by radiotherapy of benign diseases should be based on epidemiologic data directly derived from follow-up studies of patients who had been given radiotherapy for nonmalignant diseases in the past. Results: Risk factors were derived from epidemiologic studies of patients treated with irradiation for nonmalignant diseases to be used for selecting treatment options and optimizing treatment procedures. Conclusion: In most cases, cancer risks estimated by the effective-dose method may overestimate the true risks by one order of magnitude, yet in ...

Science.gov (United States)

Studies of the effectiveness of operant, relaxation, cognitive, and multimodal behavioural approaches to the treatment of chronic benign pain other than headache were evaluated. In general, the quality of the studies was poor, and most investigations lacked appropriate and adequate control conditions, outcome measures, and/or follow-ups. While outcome reports for all four behavioural treatments have been mainly positive, few data were found which conclusively demonstrate that any of the approaches are effective or that they are the treatment of choice. The data do, however, imply that behavioural approaches may help patients lead more normal and productive lives. Specifically, the literature suggests that: (1) the operant method leads to increased activity levels and decreased pain and drug intake, (2) the relaxation approach results in decreased EMG levels and some pain reductions, (3) the cognitive techniques are ...

Science.gov (United States)

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent cutaneous neoplasm, with a generally favorable clinical behavior. Sometimes, indeed, it recurs after therapy and/or metastasizes. As point mutations in the coding sequence of the p53 tumor suppressor gene have been implicated in the progression of many human tumors, we studied the expression of p53 protein on this neoplasia. We tested immunohistochemically the positivity for p53 protein (NCL-p53-CM1, YLEM) on 19 cases of morphologically "non aggressive" BCC (BCC1) and on 19 "aggressive" BCC (BCC2), all with one or more relapses and 3 with distant metastases also. Results were related to clinico-pathological and follow-up data. All but one BCC2 were found positive for p53 protein. Conversely, only 2 cases of BCC1 exhibited low immunoreactivity for p53 protein, with high statistical differences between the two groups. No correlation was found between the immunoreactivity, age of patients, and site ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This book constitutes a portion of the primary documentation for the 1992 Pacific Northwest Residential Energy Survey, Phase I. The complete 33-volume set of primary documentation provides information needed by energy analysts and interpreters with respect to planning, execution, data collection, and data management of the PNWRES92-I process. Thirty of these volumes are devoted to different ``views`` of the data themselves, with each view having a special purpose or interest as its focus. Analyses and interpretations of these data will be the subjects of forthcoming publications. Conducted during the late summer and fall months of 1992, PNWRES92-I had the over-arching goal of satisfying basic requirements for a variety of information about the stock of residential units in Bonneville`s service region. Surveys with a similar goal were conducted in 1979 and 1983. This volume contains a follow-up study of non-respondents to the original survey. ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A 1984 American Association of the Academy of Sciences study of more than 150 successful science in-service programs developed a list of their characteristics, which included: Strong academic component in mathematics, science, and communications, focused on enrichment rather than remediation; academic subjects taught by teachers who are highly competent in the subject matter and believe that students can learn the materials; heavy emphasis on the applications of science and mathematics and careers in these fields; integrative approach to teaching that incorporates all subject areas, hands-on opportunities, and computers; multiyear involvement with students; recruitment of participants from all relevant target populations; opportunities for in-school and out-of-school learning experiences; parental involvement and development of base of community support; specific attention to removing educational inequalities related to race and gender; involvement of professionals ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The present study answers at the request of the Inspection of the classified installations to see the operator of the G.I.P. Cyceron setting up a plan of environmental radiological surveillance around its installations and including, at a minimal level, the following data: Measures of radioactivity on representative biological indicators and measures of dose rate in the environment close to installations in functioning. Further to the radiological assessment of the terrestrial environment of the G.I.P. Cyceron installations realized at the end of 2003, within the framework of a project of the installations extension, the A.C.R.O. was again required for the implementation of this radiological surveillance for year 2005. The first purpose is to supply elements of appreciation about the impact of these installations on environment and persons. This evaluation participates in radiation protection and allows to make sure that the G.I.P. operator respects the required ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The Plasma Science Committee (PLSC) of the National Research Council (NRC) is charged with monitoring the health of the field of plasma science in the United States and identifies and examines both broad and specific issues affecting the field. Regular meetings, teleconferences, briefings from agencies and the scientific community, the formation of study panels to prepare reports, and special symposia are among the mechanisms used by the PLSC to meet its charge. During July 1992, the PLSC sponsored a workshop on nonneutral plasmas in traps. Although no written report on the workshop results, was prepared for public distribution, a summary of highlights was provided to the OPST Subpanel on Nonneutral Plasmas. The PLSC also continued its follow-up briefings and discussions on the results of the results of the report Plasma Processing of materials. Scientific and Technological Opportunities. As a result of these activities, the Committee is now ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We used computerized tomography (CT) in the study of eight patients with macronodular splenic tuberculosis prior to the microbiological diagnosis. These patients underwent additional CT controls during and after tuberculostatic therapy. All the patients studed presented the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Splenomegaly and numerosous round, hypodense lesions that showed no contrast uptake were found in all the subjects. Only three patients presented evidence of tuberculosis in plain radiography and/or chest X-ray. Two patients presented abdominal lymph nodes. None of them showed evidence of hepatic lesions or ascites. follow-up CT scans revealed a progressive reduction of the lesions, which eventually disappeared completely, and splenomegaly was considerably reduced. Anthough it is uncommon, we should suspect splenic involvement in tuberculosis if the clinical and radiological contexts are appropriate. CT provides excellent monitoring ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The image quality of digital luminescent radiography (DLR) is sufficient for routine biplane chest radiography and for follow-up studies of heart size, pulmonary congestion, coin lesions, infiltrations, atelectasis, pleural effusions, and mediastinal and hilar lymph node enlargement. Chest radiography in the intensive care unit may in most cases be performed using the DLR technique. there is no need for repeat shots because of incorrect exposure, and the position of catheters, tubes, pacemakers, drains and artificial heart valves, the mediastinum, and the retrocardiac areas of the left lung are more confidently assessed on the edge-enhanced DLR films than on conventional films. Nevertheless, DLR is somewhat inferior to conventional film-screen radiography of the chest as it can demonstrate or rule out subtle pulmonary interstitial disease less confidently. There is no reduction of radiation exposure of the chest in DLR compared with modern ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The paper studies subphrenic inflammatory abscesses and splenic fluid collections after splenectomy for trauma. These complications may appear early or late postoperatively; they are easily demonstrated with computerized tomography, which permits accurate spatial assessment of the lesions and appropriate treatment with percutaneous drainage. It has been also investigates the diagnostic accuracy of the CT in subphrenic inflammatory conditions after emergency splenectomy for traumatic spleen rupture and found that CT is a precious tool for rapid and easy diagnosis and follow-up of subphrenic abscesses treated with percutaneous drainage. [Italian] Scopo del lavoro e' di valutare il ruolo della tomografia computerizzata nelle flogrosi subfreniche secondarie a splenectomia d'urgenza per rottura traumatica della milza, documentando come tale metodica risulti accurata nel diagnosticare e monitorare in modo semplice e rapido ...

Science.gov (United States)

SNAP25 occurs on chromosome 20p12.2, which has been linked to schizophrenia in some samples, and recently linked to latent classes of psychotic illness in our sample. SNAP25 is crucial to synaptic functioning, may be involved in axonal growth and dendritic sprouting, and its expression may be decreased in schizophrenia. We genotyped 18 haplotype-tagging SNPs in SNAP25 in a sample of 270 Irish high-density families. Single marker and haplotype analyses were performed in FBAT and PDT. We adjusted for multiple testing by computing q values. Association was followed up in an independent sample of 657 cases and 411 controls. We tested for allelic effects on the clinical phenotype by using the method of sequential addition and 5 factor-derived scores of the OPCRIT. Nine of 18 SNPs had P values Irish family sample. Although we failed to replicate this in an independent sample, this gene should be further tested in other samples. PMID:19806613

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Commercially available CT devices reconstruct cross-sectional slices of the human body. A sequence of such abutting cross-sectional slices can be, and usually is, used to obtain information about the region of the head, which requires several slices to cover it. However, there are situations for which such asequence of displays is far from optimal - for example, when one would like to see the anatomic relationship between two features appearing in different slices or the shape of a particular region or tumor. The Computer Aided Three-Dimensional Reconstruction and Imaging System (CATRIS), developed at our university, can build up a three-dimensional image from a series of CT cross-sections and can display its stereoscopic image on a three-dimensional graphic display system, thus providing helpful information for clinical use in recognizing the anatomic relationship between two features appearing in different slices or the shape of particular organ or tumor. This three-dimensional ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

There are few studies that focused on the prognostic value of FDG-PET on small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Not only FDG uptake (maxSUV), but also metabolic size (greatest dimension of PET positive mass) may determine the prognosis of SCLC. Here, we investigated the prognostic significance of maxSUV, and the metabolic size in SCLC patients. Biopsy-proven SCLC patients (n=21; age, means.d.=67.39y; male: female=19: 3) who had underwent FDG-PET within 4 weeks of chemotherapy initiation were enrolled. There were 7 extensive disease (ED) and 14 limited disease (LD) patients. The maxSUV and the metabolic size were measured, and then, size-incorporated maxSUV (SIMaxSUV = maxSUV x metabolic size) were calculated at individual SCLC masses. SIMaxSUV of main lesion (main-SIMaxSUV), and the summed value of SIMaxSUV of all PET positive masses (summed-SIMaxSUV) were obtained. In addition, age, stage, and %expression of glucose transporter type 1, hexokinase-II, and Ki-67 were ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Nine patients with renal osteodystrophy were tested for 6.5 to 35 months with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-DHCC). A close biochemical follow-up was performed during the first 6 months of treatment,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundWhile physical health has improved considerably over recent decades in Finland, the disease burden of mental health, especially that of depression, has become increasingly...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundSymptomatic heterotopic ossification (HO) in multiple trauma patients may lead to follow up surgery, furthermore the long-term outcome can be restricted. Knowledge of the...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background The scale-up of treatment for HIV and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in developing countries requires a long-term relationship with the...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As yet, the role of Computed Tomography (CT) as a routine imaging technique in the staging and follow-up of thoracic Hodgkin's disease has not been assessed. The authors reported the results obtained in 120 patients affected with thoracic Hodgkin's disease, staged and followed by means af chest X-rays and CT. CT better identified intrathoracic involvement of mediastinal nodes, of lung parenchyma, of pleura, and of pericarcial and chest walls in 54/120 patients (45%), with staging modifications in 18 (15%) of them only. Treatment was changed only in 12 patients (19%) where radiation therapy had been planned. The clinical value of the additional information yielded by CT was especially evident in the follow-up: CT allowed the correct evaluation of persistent/ recurrent disease in 51/117 patients (43.5%), a figure high enough to suggest the use of CT in the routive follow-up of patients affected with thoracic Hodgkin's ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Ten coccygectomies were performed. Patients were all females (aged 26-74, average 46). All patients expressed satisfaction after the operation (one was deceased at the time of follow up). The material...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Discrete masses are commonly detected during mammographic screening and most such lesions are benign. For lesions without pathognomonically benign imaging features that are still regarded likely to...Full Text Available

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aim of this work was to develop several strategies and software-packages for the evaluation of in-vivo-data of the human brain, which were acquired with high-resolution 1H-MRSI at 1.5 and 3 T. Several studies involving phantoms, volunteers and patients were performed. Quality assurance studies were conducted in order to evaluate the reproducibility of the applied MR-techniques at both field strengths. A qualitative comparison-study between MRSI-data from a 1.5 T clinical MR-scanner and a 3 T research MR-scanner showed the advantages of the more advanced MRSI sequences and higher field strength (3 T). A study involving patients with primary brain tumours (gliomas) was performed in cooperation with the Department of Neurosurgery (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg). The methods developed in the course of this study, such as the integration of MRS-data into a stereotactic-system, the ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to stress the role of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of benign spinal osteoblastoma, the authors examined by CT 10 patients with surgically and histologically proved osteoblastomas of the spine. Basing on surgical and histopathological findings CT proved to be a very important method for attesting the presence of the tumors (usually showed by radiographic examination), and specially for their staging and follow-up. CT in fact showed the real extent of the tumor into the spinal canal and towards the paraspinal soft tissues, and allowed the aerly detection of post surgical relapses. The authors conclude that CT is a primary diagnostic modality for preoperative planning and follow-up of benign osteoblastoma.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

From 1979 to 1986, 182 patients with biopsy proven diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma of bone were observed. One hundred of the 182 patients (72 males, 28 females, median age 15.8 years) with localized disease and no previous treatment were treated with chemotherapy (VCR, ADM, CTX, D-ACT) for 15-18 months. Local treatment was radiotherapy (42 patients), surgery (31 patients), or a combination of both (27 pts). Radiation doses ranged from 45 to 64 Gy given with conventional fractionation. Median follow-up was 51.2 months (24-106). Overall and disease-free survival were, respectively, 58.7 and 42.6%. Resected patients tended to have a better local control (Surgery 93.6%, Surgery + Radiation therapy 92.6%, Radiation therapy 69.1%). Disease-free survival was significantly related to the volume of the primary tumor (bulky: 33.2%, not-bulky: 57.7%), to site (extremities 54.6%, central sites 16.6%, other sites 40.9%), and to local treatment (Radiation ...

Science.gov (United States)

The objective of this study was to simplify the opacifying mixing process of the bone cement and contrast used for percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). We performed a biomechanical study of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (Corinplast 3) using three different mixtures of PMMA, monomer, and contrast: group I, 2:1; group II, 3:2; group III, 3:2:1 ratio of powder/monomer/iodinated contrast (Omnipaque). In vitro biomechanical testing of ultimate compressive strength was carried out in all samples. Following the conclusion of a proper bone cement mixture regimen drawn from the in vitro study, PVP was performed in 125 patients: 58 with cancer, 12 with hemangioma, and 54 with osteoporotic fracture. The ultimate compressive strength in group III was decreased by 38% compared to groups II and I. Proper fluoroscopic visualization was achieved in all PVP procedures using this mixture. There were no major complications associated with ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A previous study described the basic theoretical expectations of the magnetic dipole radiation and unipolar induction of pulsars and presented observational results. This paper further discusses the difference between the two braking mechanisms and analyses the results of a statistical study through observed data of apparent beamwidth's distributions and a geometrical method. The theory of magnetic dipole radiation of pulsars agrees with the observations. Unipolar induction as a braking mechanism is not consistent with the observations.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Background and purpose: In order to investigate the feasibility, toxicity and antitumor efficacy of hyperfractionated radiation therapy, 37 adult patients with incompletely resected supratentorial low-grade glioma were entered into a phase II study. Materials and methods: The radiation therapy dose was 55 Gy in 50 fractions in 25 treatment days over 5 weeks to the tumor plus a 2-cm margin, with an additional 17.6 Gy given in 16 fractions in 8 treatment days over 1.5 weeks to the tumor plus a 1-cm margin, using 1.1 Gy b.i.d. fractionation with a 6 h interfraction interval. The total tumor dose was 72.6 Gy in 66 fractions in 33 treatment days over 6.5 weeks. Results: The median survival time (MST) for all 37 patients has not yet been attained, while 5- and 7-year survival rates were 75% and 69%, respectively. The median time to tumor progression (MTP) has also not yet been attained, while 5- and 7-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were both 70%. There was no ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Lack of understanding about workflow can impair health IT system adoption. Observational techniques can provide valuable information about clinical workflow. A pilot study using direct observation was...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of postoperative radiotherapy in a case of perihilar cholagiocarcinoma by analyzing overall survival rate, patterns of failure, prognostic factors for overall survival, and toxicity. Between January 1998 and March 2008, 38 patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent a surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. The median patient age was 59 years (range, 28 to 72 years), which included 23 men and 15 women. The extent of surgery was complete resection in 9 patients, microscopically positive margins in 25 patients, and a subtotal resection in 4 patients. The tumor bed and regional lymphatics initially received 45 Gy or 50 Gy, but was subsequently boosted to a total dose of 59.4 Gy or 60 Gy in incompletely resected patients. The median radiotherapy dose was 59.4 Gy. Concurrent chemotherapy was administered in 30 patients. The median follow-up period was 14 months (range, 6 to 45 months). ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The authors hypothesized that acute respiratory responsiveness to ozone predicts chronic lung injury from repeated exposure to ozone-containing air pollution. They tested this hypothesis in 164 middle-aged nonsmoking residents of an ozone-polluted community who underwent lung-function measurements during 1986 and 1987 (i.e., time 3). The time-3 study was a follow up of more comprehensive studies conducted in 1977--1978 (time 1) and in 1982--1983 (time 2). In contrast to the apparent rapid (i.e., {approx} 60 ml/y) decline in lung-function measurements between times 1 and 2, their subjects showed little change in forced vital capacity (FVC) or forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV{sub 1.0}) between times 2 and 3, and they experienced a normal decline between times 1 and 3. A subgroup (n = 45) underwent 2-h laboratory ozone exposures to 0.4 ppm ozone, accompanied by intermittent exercise, and they experienced ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The frequency of peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis in patients after surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) ranges from 20 to 40%. This can be either primary or secondary to the surgical intervention. The influence of resulting lung perfusion alterations on the life quality of patients is difficult to predict. The aim of this study was to compare the utility of the diagnostic procedures in this group of patients, with particular focus on lung perfusion scintigraphy. This study comprised 104 patients who underwent repair of TOF at ages from 5 months to 25 years. The patients have been followed up for from 4.2 to 25 years. On the basis of chest X-ray peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis was suspected in 11 patients, in 12 on the basis of echocardiography examination. Lung perfusion scintigraphy has been performed on 87 patients. The disturbances in lung perfusion (mostly in the left lung) were ...

Science.gov (United States)

This study presents the data of an evaluation of the automated Nuclisens easyMAG and EasyQ systems versus the Roche AmpliPrep-AMPLICOR combination for testing of high-volume human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load. This represents a follow-up of a previous study investigating the performance of the real-time Nuclisens assay using the semiautomated NucliSENS miniMAG extraction procedure. Three hundred eighteen patient samples were analyzed using both methods. The easyMAG-EasyQ HIV type 1 system has a higher sensitivity and broader dynamic range than the Cobas AmpliPrep-AMPLICOR system when the standard Roche assay is used alone, 25 to 3,000,000 IU/ml versus 400 to 750,000 HIV RNA copies/ml, respectively. There was significant correlation between the assays (0.93; P < 0.0001), with good accuracy (percent similarity mean ? = 96%), good precision (percent similarity standard deviation = 4.97%), and overall good agreement ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: To assess long-term outcomes following percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of congenital aortic coarctation in adults.Methods: Seventeen patients underwent PTA for symptomatic adult coarctation of the aorta. Sixteen patients, with a mean age of 28 years (range 15-60 years), were reviewed at a mean interval after angioplasty of 7.3 years (range 1.5-11 years). Assessment included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Doppler echocardiography, and clinical examination. Current clinical measurements were compared with pre- and immediate post-angioplasty measurements.Results: At follow-up 16 patients were alive and well. The patient not included in follow-up had undergone surgical repair and excision of the coarctation segment following PTA. Mean brachial systolic blood pressure for the group decreased from 174 mmHg before angioplasty to 130 mmHg at follow-up (p 0.0001). The mean gradient had fallen significantly ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Purpose: To assess the prevalence, significance and practical value of two recently described CT signs of instable aneurysm: the crescent sign and the periluminal halo (a low-attenuating internal layer of the thrombus around the patent lumen). Material and methods: Among the CT examination performed in the last 5 years, they retrospectively selected the nonruptured aneurysms with a diameter exceeding 4 cm (no. = 93 average diameter 5.1 cm, unenhanced images in 28 cases and enhanced in 84) and the ruptured aneurysms (no. = 16, average diameter 6.7 cm, unenhanced images in 9 cases and enhanced in 9). They studied the prevalence of the crescent and halo sing, their relationship with the aneurysm diameter, and the effect of contrast enhancement. Results: The crescent sign was identified with a statistically significant prevalence in ruptured ( 37.5 % or cases) over asymptomatic aneurysms (5.5 %); the halo had the same frequency in the 2 groups (12.5 % and 9.5 %). Both ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

There is extensive evidence that exposure to asbestos causes pulmonary parenchyma fibrosis, pleural disease, and malignant neoplasm in asbestos-exposed workers. However, few data concerning brake-lining workers are available in the literature. In this study, we aimed to assess the long-term effects of chrysotile asbestos exposure on lung function and the risk of asbestos-related diseases in brake-lining workers. Seventy-four asbestos-exposed workers who processed brake-lining products and 12 unexposed office workers were offered pulmonary function tests (spirometry and transfer actor) in 1992 and 1999. In 1999, the mean duration of asbestos exposure was 0.00#+-#4.07 and 11.02#+-#4.81 years (7-31 years) in non smoking and smoking asbestos workers, respectively. Transfer factor (T_L, CO) and transfer coefficient (K_C_O) decline were significant in the 7-year follow-up in both smoking and non smoking asbestos workers. However, lung function ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To assess the technical feasibility of a newly designed stent-like electrode in rabbits. A stent-like electrode was knitted from a single thread of nitinol wire and interconnected to a generator using similar wire. In order to gauge the extent of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), we measured the depth of the ablated area in cow liver using a combination of 180-sec time intervals and 20- watt power increments. For data processing, Cox regression analysis was used. RFA was also applied to the small intestine of rabbits using this stent-like electrode under six different sets of conditions: 10 watts for 1 min, 10 watts for 2 mins, 20 watts for 1 min, 20 watts for 2 mins, 30 watts for 1 min, and 30 watts for 2 mins. To determine the gross and microscopic findings, six animals were sacrificed immediately after the procedure and the results obtained under the different sets of conditions were correlated. Eight rabbits were monitored for 4 weeks prior to sacrifice. For both ex-vivo and in-vivo ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to identify the extent and scope of changes to radiography practice. Method: Questionnaires were sent to radiology managers at acute National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in 2000 as a follow-up to an initial survey conducted in 1998. Information was sought on region, teaching/non-teaching status, the nature of extended role tasks undertaken and the year in which these tasks were first undertaken. Results: Some 172 questionnaires were returned from a total of 253 dispatched (68%). In 161 hospitals radiographers administered intravenous injections and performed barium enemas in 119 hospitals, while a red-dot system was in operation in 141 hospitals. Reporting by radiographers had increased since 1998. Replies indicated that, at 124 hospitals, radiographers were reporting in ultrasound. Skeletal reporting was the second most-frequently-reported activity, with 63 hospitals indicating that radiographers reported in this ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: Extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a rare malignancy. Despite radical resection, survival remains poor, with high rates of local and distant failure. To clarify the role of radiotherapy with chemotherapy, we performed a retrospective analysis of resected patients who had undergone chemoradiotherapy. Methods and Materials: A total of 45 patients (13 with proximal and 32 with distal disease) underwent resection plus radiotherapy (median dose, 50.4 Gy). All but 1 patient received concurrent fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 30 months for all patients and 40 months for survivors. Results: Of the 45 patients, 33 underwent adjuvant radiotherapy, and 12 were treated neoadjuvantly. The 5-year actuarial overall survival, disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival, and locoregional control rates were 33%, 37%, 42%, and 78%, respectively. The median survival was 34 months. No patient died perioperatively. Patient age #<=#60 years ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thirty-nine previously untreated patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue were treated by irradiation or a combination of irradiation and surgery, with or without chemotherapy, between January 1971 and December 1980. All of the patients had a follow-up period of at least nine years. Twenty-two patients were men and 17 were women. The average age was 50.1 years, with a range of 30 to 74 years. The absolute five-year survival rate was 82.1% and the cumulative ten-year survival rate 76.9% for these 39 patients. Cervical node metastases were clinically found on admission in 14 patients whose five-year survival rate was 64.3%, whereas it was 92.0% for 25 patients without metastasis. The absolute five-year survival rate decreased from 92.3% for patients with stage I lesions to 90.9%, 87.5% and 42.9% for those with stage II, stage III and stage IV lesions, respectively. Most of the patients received external irradiation and intraoral electron beam therapy. ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A Task Group of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has finished a report Biological Effects after Prenatal Irradiation (Embryo and Fetus) which has been approved by the Main Commission and Will be Published. Some new important scientific data shall be discussed in this contribution. During the preimplantation period lethality of the mammalian embryo is the dominating radiation effect. However, in mouse strains with genetic predispositions it has been shown that also malformations can be caused. This effect is genetically determined and its mechanisms is different from the induction of malformations during major organogenesis. Radiation exposures during this prenatal period leads ato an increase of genomic instability of cells in the normal appearing fetuses. These radiation effects can be transmitted to the next generation. A renewed analysis of individuals with severe mental retardation after exposures during the 8th to 15th week post conception in ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Background and purpose: To assess the effectiveness of radiotherapy in preventing tumour seeding after chest drain or pleural biopsy in patients with malignant mesothelioma and to determine, if tract metastases appear, whether they are tender or troublesome to patients. Patients and methods: Patients with a histological diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma and an invasive procedure within the preceding 21 days were stratified by age, performance status and treatment centre. Randomisation was performed between immediate drain site radiotherapy 21 Gy in three fractions (XRT arm) or best supportive care (BSC) with follow-up to 12 months. Patients were asked to complete questionnaires on treatment toxicity and on symptoms from any tract metastases detected. Results: Sixty-one patients were recruited from two centres between 1998 and 2004; 56 men, 5 women, median age 70. 31 were allocated to drain site radiotherapy. Seven patients developed tract metastases associated with ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pacini (1973) has considered basic theoretical expectations regarding the magnetic dipole radiation and unipolar induction of pulsars, taking into account observational results. The present investigation is concerned with the difference between the two braking mechanisms. Attention is also given to a statistical study involving a comparison of the two braking mechanisms with observations. The study makes use of the observational data for the distribution of apparent beamwidth, and a geometrical method. The obtained results agree with the theory of magnetic dipole radiation.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary Objective- To evaluate the role of prophylactic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) antibacterial prophylaxis in reducing morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected post-natal women in southern Africa. Methods- Double-blind placebo-controlled trial. HIV-infected women with WHO stage 2 or 3 HIV disease who had recently delivered in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia were randomised to receive daily co-trimoxazole (cotox) or matched placebo daily for the duration of the trial. Participants were followed up for a minimum of 1-year. Primary outcome measures were mortality from any cause or hospital admission and serious adverse events. Results- Of 600 women randomised, follow-up information was available from 355 (18...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Summary Penile injury is common as an emergency and should be accurately diagnosed and treated. We analysed 22 patients with penile injury admitted to the emergency unit of Dubrava University Hospital during a 4-year period. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma five-grade classification of penile injuries, there were 14 grade I, 6 grade II and 2 grade III cases. Diagnosis was mainly based on clinical and ultrasonography findings, and in some cases on cavernosography. Nineteen patients underwent immediate surgery and three patients received conservative therapy. On outpatient follow up, sexual function was assessed by use of the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) test at 3 and 12-months of injury. At 3-month follow up, moderate, mild and no e...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

339 CT und 95 MRT examinations in 210 partients were evaluated retrospectively to determine the value of CT and MRT for follow-up of head and neck tumors and for diagnosing recurrences. Semi-quantitative evaluation of tumor extent during and after radiotherapy showed advantages for MRT since changes induced by treatment, particularly oedema, produced less contrast loss in the images. CT had a sensitivity of 81% for the recognition of recurrences; this was 92% for MRT. Specificity for CT was 76% and for MRT 86%. Concerning the reliability of individual diagnostic criteria, space occupying lesions were the most valuable in CT diagnosis. For MRT, space occupying lesions and infiltration into neighbouring structures were of equal value. Because of differences in the nature of the signals, MRT proved better than CT in characterising recurrent masses and this improved the differentiation between scarring and local tumour recurrence. (orig.).

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The survival of acetabular components depends on several factors: wear, osteolysis and septic or aseptic loosening. Osteolysis seems to be the main cause for concern in cementless arthroplasties. Acetabular osteolysis results from particle debris and segmental unloading of acetabular bone by rigid sockets. We investigated a cementless elastic monoblock socket with regard to acetabular osteolysis and aseptic loosening in a cohort of young patients. We evaluated 158 hip arthroplasties with a minimum follow-up of ten?years (ten to 18) and a mean age of 42?years (18?50). The overall revision rate at 14?years was 80% with a 98% survival rate for aseptic loosening. The mean polyethylene wear rate was 0.11?mm/year. Progressive acetabular osteolysis was seen in 3% of patients evaluated. In conclus...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To determine the demographics, imaging findings, clinical symptoms, and prognosis of primary vertebral Ewing's sarcoma (PVES). A retrospective review of medical records and radiological studies of patients diagnosed with PVES from 1936 through 2001 in our institution and Department of Pathology consultation files was undertaken. Metastatic and soft tissue Ewing's sarcoma cases were excluded. From a total of 1,277 cases of Ewing's sarcoma, 125 (9.8%) had a primary vertebral origin. There were 48 females and 76 males. Patient ages ranged from 4 to 54 (mean 19.3, standard deviation 10.7, median 16) years. Vertebral column distribution was four cervical (3.2%), 13 thoracic (10.5%), 31 lumbar (25%), and 67 sacrum (53.2%). More than one vertebral segment was involved in ten cases (8%). Satisfactory imaging studies were available in 51 patients: 49 radiographs, 27 computerized tomography (CT), and 23 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The evaluate the signs of aortic intramural hematoma with helical CT and the diagnostic role of this technique in patients with this condition. It was reviewed the CT findings of 396 patients submitted to emergency examinations for suspected aortic dissection from 1995 to 1999. Only 18 patients (6 women and 12 men) had CT signs of aortic intramural hematoma. Helical CT studies were carried out with the following parameters: slice thickness 10 mm, reconstruction index 10, feed 1.5 mm, conventional algorithm with minimum values of 130 kV and 125mA. All patients were examined with dynamic contrast-enhanced CT, before and after a power injection of 130 mL ionic contrast material. It was studied: hematoma localization and longitudinal extension; thickness and density of aortic wall; presence and location of intimal calcifications; integrity of intimal wall; hemo mediastinum and/or hemo thorax. Aortic wall thickening appeared as a high density ...

CERN Document Server

We present results for a complete set of polarization observables for jet production in lepton proton collision, where the final state lepton is not observed. The calculations are carried out in collinear factorization at the level of Born diagrams. For all the observables we also provide numerical estimates for typical kinematics of a potential future Electron Ion Collider. On the basis of this numerical study, the prospects for the transverse single target spin asymmetry are particularly promising. This observable is given by a certain quark-gluon correlation function, which has a direct relation to the transverse momentum dependent Sivers parton distribution.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

INTRODUCTIONLevel T4 video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy proved superior to T3-T4 treatment for controlling axillary hyperhidrosis at the initial and six-month follow-ups...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Altogether 99 029 men aged 40-59, employed on the Italian railroad system, were classified in three levels of physical activity at work and three levels of job responsibility and then followed up for...Full Text Available

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The philosophy of work management in radiation protection puts emphasis on the following up and management of overall process from work selection, planning, preparation, implementation till experience feedback, and overall optimization of production and safety management. This paper reports practices and experiences of Daya Bay nuclear power plant in the implementation of the philosophy during operational radiation protection through the practical examples

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Critics of higher fuel economy standards for vehicles have long argued that improving vehicle fuel economy will require reducing vehicle weight, and that would result in an increase in the number of fatalities from vehicle crashes. Several researchers have estimated that an across-the-board reduction of vehicle weight would reduce passenger safety (Evans 1991; Kahane 1997; U.S. GAO 1994). However, little research has been done on the relationship of vehicle size and fatality rates, independent of weight (see, however, Joksch, Massie, and Pichler 1998). In this report we review previous analyses of the relationship of vehicle weight and safety. We do this to study the opportunities to improve fuel economy in a more sophisticated way than across-the-board mass reduction. The aim is to explore improvements in traffic safety by making selected vehicle groups lighter, and retaining or enlarging selected vehicle dimensions. Unfortunately, the effects of size and mass ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wood usage for cooking and heating is still very relevant in most developing countries especially those of sub-Saharan Africa and many parts of Asia. Therefore, sustainable means of generating it for this and other purposes are necessary bearing in mind the influence of indigenous knowledge/users' perspective on any production method regarding success and sustenance. In conformity with this view, questionnaires were administered on 240 respondents in 8 rural communities of Akinyele and Ido Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Oyo State, Nigeria, to elicit information on species that can be used as fuelwood, preferred by the respondents for incorporation into and/or retention in agroforestry plots, out of which 179 (i.e. 75% of the total number of questionnaires administered) were successfully retrieved for statistical analyses. Twelve woody species namely: Annona senegalensis, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Bridelia ferruginea, Daniellia oliveri, Detarium microcarpum, Gardenia ternifolia, ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aim: Treatment of carcinoma of the uterine cervix by remote afterloading brachytherapy has been accompanied with new isotopes having dose rates different from the classical low-dose rate (LDR) radium source. The dose rate conversion factor from LDR to high-dose rate (HDR) found to be around 0.54 in most studies. As regards medium-dose rate (MDR) brachytherapie, the published data are very few and the experience is still short. In this study the experience of Osaka University Hospital with micro-HDR-Selectron and Selectron-MDR, as a preliminary report of the clinical trial, is presented. Results: The 3-year survival and loco-regional control rates for both modalities were nearly equivalent (62% and 67% for HDR and 68% and 74% for MDR)(totally 45 patients). The cumulative rectal and bladder complication rates were the same in both groups (29% at 3 years), with only 1 patient (MDR-group) developed grade 3 rectal and bladder complication. In this ...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

In contrast to the increasing availability of information pertaining to the care of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) from large-scale observational and interventional studies, epidemiological...Full Text Available

CERN Document Server

We study the dynamics of the scalar tensor cosmological model in the presence of tachyon field. In an alternative approach, in two exponential and power law form of the scalar field functions in the model, field equations are solved by simultaneously best fitting the model parameters with the most recent observational data. This approach gives us an observationally verified interpretation of the dynamics of the universe. We then discuss the best fitted of equation of state parameter, the statefinder parameters and the reconstructed scalar field in the model.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Purpose: To report on the nephron-sparing, percutaneous ablation of a large renal cell carcinoma by combined superselective embolization and percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Materials and Methods: A 5 cm renal cell carcinoma of a 43-year-old drug abusing male with serologically proven HIV, hepatitis B and C infection, who refused surgery, was superselectively embolized using microspheres (size: 500 - 700 {mu}m) and a platinum coil under local anesthesia. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation using a 7F LeVeen probe (size of expanded probe tip: 40 mm) and a 200 Watt generator was performed one day after transcatheter embolization under general anesthesia. Results: The combined treatment resulted in complete destruction of the tumor without relevant damage of the surrounding healthy renal tissue. The patient was discharged 24 hours after RF ablation. No complications like urinary leaks or fistulas were observed and follow ...

Science.gov (United States)

Little change was observed in primates fed 75 mg/kg adenine over the four-week period. Minimal tissue pathology was encountered upon completion of the study. In contrast to earlier studies in which oral feeding of adenine to dogs caused severe symptoms, a...

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

IntroductionTransfusion is a common treatment in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Studies in adults suggest that prolonged storage of red blood cell units is associated with...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the paper six cases of facial osteomyelitis as a complication of chronic sinusitis in hemophiliac-AIDS patients are reported. Osteomyelitis was suggested by an increasing of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The diagnosis was confirmed by a positive {sup 99m} Tc MDP scintigraphy. The patients were submitted to clinical treatment. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and 67-gallium citrate scans were used in the follow-up of the therapy. Three patients had negative gallium after three weeks of organism-specific antibiotic therapy; in two patients the gallium scintigraphy remained positive. One patient did not undergo the radionuclide scan for this clinical conditions. These results suggest that MDP scans showed higher sensitivity and specificity in detection of bone disease in chronic sinusitis. Gallium scans appeared to be valuable tool in the follow-up of the infection. There are no reports in the literature of osteomyelitis as a complication ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The University of Georgia, in collaboration with GE Global Research, has investigated the relevant quenching mechanism of phosphor coatings used in white light devices based on UV LEDs. The final goal of the project was the design and fabrication of a high-efficacy white light UV-LED device through improved geometry and optimized phosphor coatings. At the end of the research period, which was extended to seamlessly carry over the research to a follow-up program, we have demonstrated a two-fold improvement in the conversion efficiency of a white light LED device, where the increase efficacy is due to both improved phosphor quantum efficiency and lamp geometry. Working prototypes have been displayed at DOE sponsored meetings and during the final presentation at the DOE Headquarters in Washington, DC. During the first phase of the project, a fundamental understanding of quenching processes in UV-LEDs was obtained, and the relationships that describe the performance of ...

Science.gov (United States)

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is frequently used for relief of chronic benign pain resistant to conservative therapies. Clinical practice suggests, at least in patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), the possibility that SCS significantly improves motor performances. We present here the case of a 41-years-old female patient with FBSS, who showed a clear improvement in muscle strength after SCS, persisting at 6-months follow-up. We speculate that the electrical stimulation of posterior columns could potentiate the caudal, segmental spinal reflexes resulting in a facilitation of motoneurons activation. PMID:16175150

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Computerized tomography of the adrenal glands was performed in 10 patients with Cushing's syndrome using a G.E. 8800 CT/T Body Scanner. The tomographic findings of unilateral adrenal masses in 4 patients were confirmed by surgery. In the remaining 6 patients, computerized tomography did not identify any masses, and both glands were well visualized and showed normal shape. In these patients, measurement of the adrenal glands revealed both normal (n=1) and enlarged glands (n=5). The findings of adrenalectomy (n=4) or transphenoidal surgery and follow-up (n=2) established the diagnosis of adrenal phyperplasia in all patients. (Author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

To assess the efficacy and resulting complications of tetracycline sclerotherapy in renal, hepatic, ovarian, and perivesical cysts. We retrospectively reviewed 23 cases of benign cysts (16 renal, 4 hepatic, 2 ovarian, and 1 perivesical) in 22 patients in whom the condition was diagnosed or confirmed by either ultrasound, CT, or cytology, and who underwent percutaneous tetracycline sclerotherapy. Using a 21-gauge Chiba needle, the target cyst was punctured under ultrasound guidance. Prior to the injection of 1500 mg of tetracycline diluted in 5 ml of normal saline, almost all the cystic content was aspirated, and at the end of the procedure the tetracycline was left in the cyst. During a period of between 3 and 22 months, 18 of the 23 cases were followed up. In six of the 18 cases followed up, the cysts either decreased in size by 10%, or collapsed completely. In seven cases a collapse of over 50% was ...

CERN Document Server

The Ludwig-Soret effect, the migration of a species due to a temperature gradient, has been extensively studied without a complete picture of its cause emerging. Here we investigate the dynamics of DNA and spherical particles sub jected to a thermal gradient using a combination of Brownian dynamics and the lattice Boltzmann method. We observe that the DNA molecules will migrate to colder regions of the channel, an observation also made in the experiments of Duhr, et al[1]. In fact, the thermal diffusion coefficient found agrees quantitatively with the experimental value. We also observe that the thermal diffusion coefficient decreases as the radius of the studied spherical particles increases. Furthermore, we observe that the thermal fluctuations-fluid momentum flux coupling induces a gradient in the stress which leads to thermal migration in both systems.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: To assess the prognostic value of biologic (p53, Ki-67) and clinical factors in squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx after radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (RT). Methods and Materials: Between 1985 and 1995, a total of 102 patients with 104 tumor sites were entered onto the study. Fifty-five primary tumors (53%) involved the tonsils, 26 (25%) the soft palate, and 23 (22%) the base of the tongue. Median age was 53 years (range 36-80 years). The clinical T- and N-categories (UICC 1997) were: T1 (30), T2 (47), T3 (22), T4 (5), N0 (33), N1 (28), N2 (42), and N3 (1). Histologically-clear margins were achieved in all patients by initial surgery. Postoperative RT to the primary and regional lymphatics was given, to a total of 60 Gy in 6 weeks, and single daily fractions of 2 Gy. The expression of the nuclear p53- and Ki-67-labeling index (LI) was investigated by immunostaining using the monoclonal antibodies DO-7 and MIB 1. The nuclear ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A single-crystal x-ray study under pressure reveals a phase transition from an in-plane 2x2 commensurate potassium superstructure to a new ..sqrt..3x..sqrt..3 commensurate superstructure. This is the first such transition to be observed; it is related to the recently discovered staging transition of KC/sub 8/ under pressure. In addition this staging transition was observed to occur more slowly and at much lower pressures than in the reported neutron-scattering experiment on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite samples. 13 references, 2 figures.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In this paper we studied the behavior of commercially pure niobium immersed in molten aluminum. The experiments were carried out 800 and 900 deg C during 2 to 128 hours. Chemical and metallographic analyses, as well as microhardness measurements of the niobium specimens were accomplished. An increase of niobium content in the aluminum bath with time was observed. Metallographic observations revealed the formation of Nb Al{sub 3} external intermetallic compound. During dissolution, fragments of this compound settled at the bottom of the crucible. This behaviour was also observed at 900 deg C, nevertheless with higher intensity. (author) 10 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

As part of the 1999 NARSTO Northeast Oxidant and Particulate Study (NE-OPS) field campaign, the DOE G-1 aircraft sampled trace gases and aerosols in and around the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Twenty research flights were conducted between July 25 and August 11. The overall goals of these flights were to obtain a mechanistic understanding of O(sub 3) production; to characterize the spatial and temporal behavior of photo-oxidants and aerosols; and to study the evolution of aerosol size distributions, including the process of new particle formation. Within the NE-OPS program, other groups provided additional trace gas, aerosol, and meteorological observations using aircraft, balloon, remote sensing, and surface based instruments (Phillbrick et al., 2000). In this article we provide an overview of the G-1 observations related to O(sub 3) production, focusing on the vertical distribution of pollutants. ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A method for estimating the form of magnetic nanoparticles in composite film structures based on the observation of ferromagnetic resonance phenomenon is offered. Within the model of the effective medium, an explanation is given for experimentally observed concentration and temperature dependences of resonant fields for composite nanosystem (Co45Fe45Z10) f +(Al2O3)100?f .

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Orbital elements are derived from new spectroscopic and photometric observations. The masses and radii are inconsistent with evolutionary tracks for single stars, but neither star fills its Roche lobe. Analysis of the circumstellar Balmer emission lines indicates that the primary is surrounded by an extensive, highly flattened disk of nonuniform density. The velocity gradient in the disk is steeper than that expected from Keplerian motion.

Science.gov (United States)

Phase II Randomized Study of the Effect of Zoledronate Versus Observation on Bone Mineral Density of the Lumbar Spine in Patients Undergoing Risk-Reducing Excision of Both Ovaries (GOG-0215). See the protocol summary.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Background and objectives: The severity of anemia at which to initiate erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) treatment in nondialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients is unclear. Risk of mortality,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

It has been observed that puncture of a lumbar disc may induce formation of a nodule on the surface of the disc and osteophytes. It is not known if this is based on the presence of a foreign tissue...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

During a study of the health status of children in rural Nigerian communities a gross lack of fit was observed between the sample and the growth attainment standards derived from local longitudinal...Full Text Available

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

A study of the joint evolution of the normal- and neutron-star components of massive binaries opens with a classification scheme and the analytic expressions to be applied in Paper II for computer simulation of the observable properties of such systems.

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

BackgroundThe aim of the present article was to evaluate whether angiogenic parameters as assessed by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound (TVCD) may predict those prognostic factors...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

A growing number of studies suggest that the development of compulsive drug seeking and taking depends on dorsostriatal mechanisms. We previously observed that ex vivo acute...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

1 Immediate and residual effects of diazepam and its metabolites on visuomotor co-ordination have been studied in man. Performance was observed from 10.0-16.0 h after overnight ingestion...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether genetically determined properties of muscle metabolism contribute to the exceptional physical endurance of world-class distance runners. ATP, phosphocreatine,...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

These studies demonstrate that soybean (Merr) roots and nodules possess an active system for fixing CO₂. The maximum rates of CO₂ fixation observed for roots and nodules of intact...Full Text Available

UK PubMed Central (United Kingdom)

Observations made during biochemical and toxicological studies of the housefly, in which the WHO standard reference (SR) strain was used as a standard, indicated that this strain differs from other...Full Text Available

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of the Arabic translation of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) among a sample of male Muslim prisoners (N = 107) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a two-factor model to be the best fit of the data. Good internal reliability (a =.91) and predictive validity were also observed. While the limitations of the study are observed, these promising results suggest that the Arabic version of the AUDIT is a reliable and sound measure of alcohol use disorders among prisoners in the UAE.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

A scant body of literature addresses competencies needed for successful job development. This study aimed to identify competencies needed for this role. In this analysis, we observed employment specialists identified as successful in helping consumers obtain employment perform job development duties. We supplemented observations with interviews. Employment specialists possessed competencies in six domains: time management, advocacy, building partnerships with consumers, working as part of a team, face-to-face communication, and networking. The conceptual framework derived from this study can inform supported employment supervisors and researchers about the competencies that can strengthen supported employment teams.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Contradictory reports in the literature on the reliability of lymphography stimulated the authors to test the diagnostic accuracy, employing methods which are approximately analogous to practice, using carcinoma of the cervix as the model on which the study was carried out. Using 21 observers it was found that there was no correlation between their experience and on-target accuracy of the diagnosis. Good observers obtained an accuracy of 85% with good proportions between sensitivity in the recognition of detail, specificity and readiness to arrive at a decision on the basis of discriminatory ability. With the help of the concept of the ROC curves, the position taken up by the observers in respect of diagnostic decisions, and a complex manner of assessing the various characteristic factors determining diagnostic accuracy, are demonstrated. This form of test, which permits manipulation of different ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose of this work is to investigate the role of Helical CT and the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) imaging for pre-operative planning and follow-up of reconstructive maxillofacial surgery with alloplastic material in neoplastic disease involving this region. From 1996 to 1999 eleven patients were examined with Helical CT and 3D images for planning of maxillofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery for advanced cancer of this anatomically complex region. A 3D-modulated titanium mesh (100%) or micro nets was used to rebuild the anterior surface of maxillary bone and the orbital floor. The mesh was cut to the appropriate size and shape and curved where necessary. Within the residual sinusal cavity a siliconed filling was used surmounting an acrylic prosthesis with dental arch to rebuild the palate. A rehydrated bovine pericardium was affixed and moduled on the borders in two cases only. Three-dimensionally reconstructed CT images were obtained preoperatively ...

Science.gov (United States)

An asymptomatic pink discoloration of a maxillary right fourth premolar tooth was discovered during a routine oral examination on a 9 year-old Belgian Malinois dog. A radiolucent lesion was seen in the pulpal chamber on radiographic examination. The lesion had perforated the mesiobuccal root of the tooth. The primary differential diagnosis was idiopathic internal resorption. The tooth was treated by partial resection (removal of the mesiobuccal root and associated crown). A vital pulpotomy and amalgam restoration was performed on the remaining tooth structure. A follow-up 1 year later demonstrated a successful treatment outcome. The animal was asymptomatic and able to perform military duties. Clinical and radiographic signs of healing were evident and the tooth was functional. PMID:10518874

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Seventy-one patients with intestinal injury secondary to pelvic irradiation had predominantly large bowel lesions. Seventeen cases were treated conservatively and 54 came to surgery, 28 patients having more than one operation. Following this essentially salvage surgery there were more ileal than colonic anastomotic leaks. Thirty-four patients died during the follow-up period (2-12 years), 19 from recurrent malignancy, and nine as a result of continuing radiation effects. Seventy per cent of the patients who had a radiation fistula died as a result of malignancy. Of 42000 cases of pelvic malignancy treated by irradiation over the decade 1972-1982, surgical referrals for complications constituted 1.7%, with an overall radiation-related mortality of 0.2%. It is our opinion that colostomy alone has little part to play in this condition, and a policy based on excisional surgery is suggested.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Paraquat is a nonselective contact herbicide of great toxicological importance, being associated with high mortality rates, mainly due to respiratory failure. We report the case of a 22-year-old male admitted to the emergency room with a sore throat, dysphagia, hemoptysis, and retrosternal pain after the ingestion of 50 mL of a paraquat solution, four days prior to admission. Chest CT scans revealed pulmonary opacities, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema. The patient was submitted to two cycles of immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone. The pulmonary gas exchange parameters gradually improved, and the patient was discharged four weeks later. The clinical and tomographic follow-up evaluations performed at four months after discharge showed that there had been further clinical improvement. We also present a brief review of the literature, as well as a discussion of the therapeutic algorithm for ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reliability analysis is now being used to a large extent for several civil engineering structures. Such analysis has not been used for rockfill dams, the most common dams in Norway. Following work on reliability analysis for breakwaters, reliability analysis was then used to investigate the ability of the stone material on the upstream face of a rockfill dam to withstand wind generated waves. An attempt is made to follow up this work by including discharge overtopping on a rockfill dam in a reliability analysis. This report primarily goes through previous work on the required weight of protective stones on the downstream face of the dam for specified discharges over the dam and also deals with the probability formulation of extreme floods. A failure function with partial coefficients is formulated. But for reasons of economy the calibration of the partial coefficients remains for a next phase of the project. 14 refs., 17 figs.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

17 patients with chronic aortic dissection were examined by MRI. In 12 patients, comparison between gradient echo sequences and SE sequences was possible. Gradient echo sequences, unlike SE sequences, permitted evaluation of flow in the true and false lumen, reliable differentiation between thrombus and flowing blood and clear delination of the intimal flap. An additional comparison between transoesophageal ultrasound and MRT in 15 patients showed significant advantages in favour of MRI. In three patients MRI was able to detect more proximal origins of the dissection. Moreover, MRI allowed evaluation of the major aortic branches and their relation to the dissection; this was not possible with ultrasound. MRI plays an important role in the follow-up of chronic aortic dissections. (orig.).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lichens were collected in France in the surroundings of a military nuclear facility in Burgundy, near the la Hague reprocessing plant and in an area away from any direct source of contamination. Organically bound tritium (OBT) has been analysed on 18 samples and radiocarbon on 11. It appeared that on the most contaminated spots, the OBT activity in lichens was higher than the background by a factor of 1000 and was still a factor 10-100 at a distance of 20 km from the source. Radiocarbon from la Hague could be traced by lichens. The slow metabolism of lichens makes them suitable for the follow-up of {sup 3}H and {sup 14}C, which have been incorporated by photosynthesis.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

BACKGROUND.The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) covers the direct clinical costs of breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic follow-up for medically underserved, low-income women. Personal costs are not covered. In this report, the authors estimated personal costs per woman participating in NBCCEDP mammography screening by race/ethnicity and also estimated lifetime personal costs (ages 50-74 years).METHODS.A decision analysis model was constructed and parameterized by using empiric data from a retrospective cohort survey of mammography rescreening among women ages 50 years to 64 years who participated in the NBCCEDP. Data from 1870 women were collected from 1999 to 2000. The model simulated the flow of resources incurred by a woman participat...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dynamic CT and MRT were performed in 21 patients who had undergone prosthetic replacement of the aorta because of dissection of the thoracic aorta. There is no difference between MRI and dynamic CT in the demonstration of a persistent intimal flap, the formation of a thrombus and the assessment of the aortic diameter in patients who underwent surgery for thoraco-abdominal aortic dissection. MRI, however, is superior in the identification of the true and false lumen and the demonstration of the distal anastomotic site. The major advantages of MRI are that there is no need for intravenous contrast agents, that it is high sensitive to flow phenomena, and that it can demonstrate the aortic arch and the ascending aorta on sagittal oblique sections. The major disadvantages of MRI are the limited access to the patient during the procedure, and the inability to examine patients fitted with pacemakers or who are on assisted ventilation. Today, MRI is considered the method of first choice for ...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Abstract Purpose: To compare the safety and efficiency of conventional monopolar, plasmakinetic and holmium laser transurethral resection of bladder tumor (CM-TURBT, PK-TURBT and HoL-TURBT) while managing primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Patients and Methods: From 2005 to 2009, 173 patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer underwent endoscopic surgery. Among them, 51 patients underwent CM-TURBT, 58 patients underwent PK-TURBT, and 64 patients underwent HoL-TURBT. All patients were divided into three risk groups (low, intermediate, and high) based on the European Association of Urology guidelines and prognostic factors of recurrence. Clinical data, included preoperative, operative, and postoperative management and follow-up, were recorded. Results: Patient demograp...

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

AbstractBackground Few published data are available on the benefits of aspirin use in patients with unstable angina (UA). Hypothesis Aspirin use carries a mortality benefit in a population-based cohort of patients presenting with UA. Methods All residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota presenting to local emergency departments with acute chest pain from January 1985 through December 1992 having symptoms consistent with UA were identified through medical records. A total of 1628 patients were identified with UA and were stratified by aspirin use in-hospital and at discharge. Cardiovascular mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke were assessed over a median of 7.5 years follow-up and all-cause mortality data over a median of 16.7 years. The mean age of patients with UA was 65 y...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Therapeutic effect of p-aminobenzoic acid-N-xyloside Na (K-247) were studied. Eleven patients with a variety of solid tumors were treated with K-247 alone. K-247 was given orally 800 mg daily for 4 weeks. As for side effect of the drug, only mild gastritis was observed in a few patients. Partial response (over 25% reduction of tumor size) with a median duration of two months was observed in 3 patients. These cases were metastatic tumor of lung from the carcinoma of thyroid, metastatic tumors of lung from the carcinoma of kidney, and mediastinal tumor. In eight patients the response was classified as no change and in one patient there was progressive disease. Thus K-247 has some therapeutic activity in patients with solid tumor. Combination therapy of irradiation and administration of K-247 were also studied. In the twelve patients receiving the combination therapy, partial response was ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

In the design of LWRs, the forecast of critical heat flux (CHF) is important. The existing CHF correlation equations include the arbitrary constants based on experimental data, therefore, their range of application is limited. For advancing the research and development of high conversion LWRs or passive safety reactors, the development of more general CHF forecasting technique has been demanded. In order to elucidate the mechanism of CHF occurrence and construct the general forecasting model based on physical phenomena, the detailed observation of flow phenomena near a heat generation surface is indispensable. The experiment of observing boiling two-phase flow and CHF phenomena by applying neutron radiography technique was carried out. The utilization of neutron radiography in the field of heat-transferring flow is explained. The experimental setup and the experimental method, the experimental conditions, and the results of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bioremediation technology is being evaluated for use on the Kwajalein Atoll, which is located in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The study was undertaken by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) on behalf of the US Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA). During February of 1991, a team from ORNL and The University of Tennessee (UT) visited the USAKA. In addition to making on-site observations regarding microbial abundance and distribution of petroleum contaminants, they brought back to Oak Ridge various soil and water samples for detailed analyses. This report documents the biological studies of these samples and presents observations made during the period from February to April of 1991 by investigators at ORNL, UT, and the Oak Ridge Associated Universities.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Neutron radiography is a non-destructive test method to examine a material by using the dependency of neutron attenuation on the nuclear characteristics of the atoms composing the object material. There are two categories of neutron radiography; static neutron radiography and dynamic neutron radiography. The static neutron radiography is a technique to observe a standing object by using a camera or a film cassette. The dynamic neutron radiography(DNR) is a technique to observe a moving object usually by using a camera. Depending on the camera frame rate, the dynamic neutron radiography is categorized into the real time neutron radiography(RTNR) and the high speed neutron radiography(HSNR). The frame rate for RTNR is 30 frames/s and that for HSNR is usually more that 500 frames/sec. Thus, RTNR is good for observing time-averaged phenomena and HSNR is good for observing instantaneous phenomena. DNR is a ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A study is made of the mechanical properties of vanadium irradiated with fast neutrons up to dose 8.6.10"-"4 dpa, as a function of the temperature of post-radiation annealing. The radiation-annealing hardening (RAH) effect is observed at 300"oC, in agreement with previous studies. It is established for the first time that RAH is accompanied by fall in ductility. A phenomenological model is described which explains the dependence of RAH on radiation dose and temperature, as well as on the content of chemically active alloying impurities. (author).

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Much of the material presented in this book derived originally from the series ''Physical Processes in Gaseous Nebulae'' initiated at the Harvard College Observatory in the 1930's. The subject of gaseous nebulae, which offers opportunities for studies of stellar evolution, should be of interest to atomic physicists, spectroscopists, plasma experts, and to observers and theoreticians alike for the study of attenuated ionized gases.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dose-dependent behavior of the infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) decay from NaCl has been studied experimentally using only one aliquot irradiated with a range of 2-200 Gy {beta}-radiation doses. It was observed that the maximum IRSL intensity has not changed by an increase in dose though the total intensity increased as expected. Considering the possible implications of our findings for dosimeter, the results were compared with the other studies and discussed.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

This study had two objectives: (1) To enhance the fundamental understanding of observed differences in the short contact time, donor solvent liquefaction of bituminous and subbituminous coals. (2) To determine if physical refining of subbituminous coals could be used to give a better feedstock for the first stage of two-stage liquefaction processes. Liquefaction studies using microautoclaves were carried out. Results are discussed. 11 refs., 25 figs., 29 tabs.

Science.gov (United States)

Laparoscopic orchiopexy has gained popularity in recent years. However, the decision when to perform one-stage laparoscopic orchiopexy without division of the spermatic vessels versus initial ligation of the spermatic vessels followed later by orchiopexy is not clear. A new laparoscopic classification to facilitate decision-making during laparoscopy, according to the position of the impalpable testis and the relation of the spermatic vessels and vas deferens to the internal ring, with a management protocol based on this classification is presented. Over a 2-year period, a total of 37 boys with 52 impalpable gonads underwent a laparoscopic procedure. Four laparoscopic types of testis were noted: type I: no testis visualized; type II: a testis seen at the internal ring with the vas and vessels looping to the internal ring; type III: testis at the internal ring, with vas and vessels going to the testis directly; and type IV: intra-abdominal testis not related to the internal ring. Of the ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

We wanted to evaluate the long-term results of a dual expandable nitinol stent for the palliative treatment of malignant gastroduodenal strictures. The dual stent consists of two stents; an outer partially nylon covered stent and an inner bare nitinol stent. The outer stent was placed into the stricture and this was followed by coaxial placement of the inner bare stent. Using fluoroscopic guidance, dual expandable stents were placed in 86 patients with inoperable malignant gastroduodenal strictures. The technical and clinical success, the complication, survival and the stent patency were evaluated during the follow-up period. Stent placement was technically successful in 83 of the 86 patients. After stent placement, 74 of the 85 patients showed improvement of their symptoms. During the mean follow-up period of 133 days, 24 patients (28%) developed recurrent symptoms due to incomplete expansion (n=1), stent migration (n=4), food impaction (n=2), ...

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

The authors have studied in detail the transient enhanced diffusion observed during furnace or rapid-thermal-annealing of ion-implanted Si. The authors show that the effect originates in the trapping of Si atoms by dopant atoms during implantation, which are retained during solid-phase epitaxial (SPE) growth but released by subsequent annealing to cause a transient dopant precipitation or profile broadening. The interstitials condense to form a band of dislocation loops located at the peak of the dopant profile, which may be distinct from the band formed at the original amorphous/crystalline interface. The band can develop into a network and effectively getter the dopant. They discuss the conditions under which the various effects may or may not be observed, and discuss preliminary observations on As/sup +/ implanted Si. 12 references, 12 figures.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The authors have studied in detail the transient enhanced diffusion observed during furnace or rapid-thermal-annealing of ion-implanted Si. The authors show that the effect originates in the trapping of Si atoms by dopant atoms during implantation, which are retained during solid-phase epitaxial (SPE) growth but released by subsequent annealing to cause a transient dopant precipitation or profile broadening. The interstitials condense to form a band of dislocation loops located at the peak of the dopant profile, which may be distinct from the band formed at the original amorphous/crystalline interface. The band can develop into a network and effectively getter the dopant. They discuss the conditions under which the various effects may or may not be observed, and discuss preliminary observations on As"+ implanted Si. 12 references, 12 figures.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Strong coupled organic-inorganic microcavities device has been realized and studied. One of the two cavities contains an organic thin film of tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl)porphyrin, whereas the other microcavity is a dielectric structure coupled to the organic one by means of a LiF/ZnS Bragg mirror. Reflectivity spectra show the presence of two well defined cavity dips. We observe an energy splitting of the two cavity-modes. Despite only one cavity contains the active layer, the photoluminescence spectra display two peaks at the same energy of the reflectivity dips. These observations indicate the strong coupling of the two cavities. The comparison of the diagonalized effective Hamiltonian with the observed resonances further confirms the strong coupling.

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

High-level expression of mitotic arrest defective protein 2 (MAD2), a central component of the spindle assembly checkpoint, has been observed in a variety of human malignancies. Aim of the present study was to observe the expression of MAD2 in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and explore its clinicopathologic significance and evaluate MAD2 expression as a prognostic marker. MAD2 transcript was found to be overexpressed in the great majority of lung cancers by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. A total of 358 NSCLCs were analyzed immunohistochemically on tissue microarrays. High-level MAD2 expression was observed in 26.3% (94 of 358 cases), and correlated with male sex (P=0.0002), tumor progression (pT status) (P=0.0009), visceral or parietal pleural invasion (P=0.0151), non-adenocarcinoma, ...

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Upon irradiation of aqueous ethylene glycol/water solutions of native chloroperoxidase (CPO) with "6"0Co-gamma rays at 77K one observes the one-electron reduction of the enzyme active site by radiolytically generated thermolyzed electrons. In the present study the first absorption spectrum of a low-spin ferrous form of CPO is reported which has peaks at 438, 532 and 563 nm, similar to those observed previously for cytochrome P-450. All previously described ferrous forms of CPO are high spin. In order to observe the final results of the CPO reaction with electrons, the spectral changes of native enzyme after room temperature-gamma-irradiation have also been investigated. Evidence of changes is also presented probably connected with disruption of the tertiary structure of enzyme, correlated with decrease of enzyme activity.

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fischer-344 rats were exposed to quartz dusts and to quartz-bearing oil shale dusts in long-term inhalation studies. Aerosol concentrations of 12 mg/m/sup 3/ and 152-176 mg/m/sup 3/ for quartz and shale dusts, respectively, were used in exposure regimens lasting up to two years. Pulmonary fibrosis was observed in most animals surviving beyond 400 days. Adenocarcinomas and epidermoid carcinomas of the lung were observed in animals from all exposure groups, including those exposed to quartz alone. The pulmonary tumors were a late effect, with the earliest lung tumor being observed after 651 days. 13 references, 10 figures, 4 tables.