Organ-based tube current modulation and bismuth eye shielding in pediatric head computed tomography.

Background: Exposure of the eye lens to ionizing radiation results in cataract. Several dose optimization techniques to protect the lens are available for computed tomography (CT).

Objective: The radiation dose to the eye lens, volume CT dose index (CTDI) and image quality of various methods of dose optimization were evaluated for pediatric head CT: automated tube current modulation (ATCM), automated tube voltage selection (ATVS), organ-based tube current modulation (OBTCM) and bismuth shielding.

Normal sonographic liver and spleen dimensions in a central European pediatric population.

Background: Organ size is influenced by a number of factors. Age, height, weight, and ethnicity are known influencing factors. Pediatric populations have changed over time, puberty beginning earlier resulting in a changing growth pattern of their organs.

Long-term speech and swallowing function after primary resection and sentinel node biopsy for early oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Objectives: Analysis of long-term speech and swallowing function and subjective quality of life (QOL) after primary resection and sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in patients with early stage (cT1/T2) oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC).

Material And Methods: Eighty-one consecutive patients treated primarily by transoral resection without flap reconstruction and SNB for a cT1/T2 OSCC were included. Completion neck dissection (CND) was indicated in case of occult disease in the sentinel nodes.

Convergence patterns and multiple species interactions in a designed plant mixture of five species.

It is known that convergence and divergence can occur in complex plant communities, but the relative importance of biotic and abiotic factors driving these processes is less clear. We addressed this issue in an experiment using a range of mixed stands of five species that are common in Swiss fens (Carex elata, C. flava, Lycopus europaeus, Lysimachia vulgaris and Mentha aquatica) and two levels of water and nutrients.