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A prospective clinical evaluation of different single-tooth restoration designs on osseointegrated implants. A 3-year follow-up of Brånemark implants.
Wannfors, K; Smedberg, J I
Since single-tooth implant restorations were introduced 12 years ago (Jemt 1986), there has been continuous development both in the technical design and the aesthetic outcome of the treatment. In order to ensure high quality in single-tooth implant treatments a clinical follow-up study was carried out on patients treated with modifications to the original regimen. In this study 69 consecutive patients were provided with 80 single-tooth implant restorations. The patients were followed for 3 years. There was continuous development of the prosthetic design during the time of the study, allowing us to analyse possible prognostic differences for the different prosthetic treatments. This study confirms earlier reports which describe the single-tooth implant treatment as a safe method with few surgical complications and minimal marginal bone loss. Only 1 implant was lost during the follow-up period and the average marginal bone loss was 0.48 mm over the 3-year follow-up period. Crowns veneered with acrylic and with gold casted directly to the abutments, screwed onto the implants, led to recurring prosthetic complications and gave an appearance of rapid ageing. The first generation of crowns made following the Cera-One design, sometimes produced a gap between the crown and the abutment associated with significant marginal bone loss during the first year. Few surgical or prosthetic complications were noted with cemented all-ceramic constructions, although the number of these crowns in this study was limited. PMID:10740454
Oral mucoceles in infants younger than 3 years old. A 15 years clinical retrospective study.
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Polytimi PASCHALIDI
Full Text Available SUMMARY: Mucocele is a common cystic lesion of the minor salivary glands with or without epithelium lining. It derives following trauma of the gland itself or its excretory duct resulting to saliva accumulation within the soft tissues. The most common site of occurrence is the lower lip. Aim: In this retrospective study, mucoceles in infants (0-3 years old were evaluated. Material and methods: Data were retrieved from the medical records of patients up to 3 years old, treated under general anesthesia the period 2000-2014 at the pediatric Hospital «P. and A. Kyriakou». Parameters evaluated included gender, age, site of occurrence, clinical appearance of the lesion, etiology for the development, type of treatment, histological findings and recurrences. Results: 17 patients were included in the study, 8 boys (47% and 9 girls (53%. Age ranged from 5 months to 3 years (mean: 20 months. All lesions were in the lower lip and most common aetiology was trauma. They presented as small sized asymptomatic swellings, soft in palpation, elastic or flaccid, covered with normal or irritated oral mucosa. Treatment was surgical in all cases under general anesthesia, with removal of both the cystic lesion and the minor salivary gland. No recurrence occurred. Conclusion: Mucoceles can be found in very young ages even before the eruption of deciduous teeth. These lesions are treated surgically and because of the very young age general anesthesia is preferable.
Care of burns in Scotland: 3-year data from the managed clinical network national registry
Gilhooly, Charlotte; Kinsella, John
Introduction The Managed Clinical Network for Care of Burns in Scotland (COBIS) was launched in April 2007. Primary aims included establishing and maintaining a registry of complex burn injury in Scotland and setting mechanisms to regularly audit outcome of burn treatment against nationally agreed standards of care. On behalf of COBIS, we present 3-year incidence and mortality data of Scottish patients admitted with a complex burn injury in this abstract. Methods From January 2010 o...
Hypofractionated intensity-modulated arc therapy for lymph node metastasized prostate cancer: Early late toxicity and 3-year clinical outcome
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Background and purpose: For patients with N1 prostate cancer (PCa) aggressive local therapies can be advocated. We evaluated clinical outcome, gastro-intestinal (GI) and genito-urinary (GU) toxicity after intensity modulated arc radiotherapy (IMAT) + androgen deprivation (AD) for N1 PCa. Material and methods: Eighty patients with T1-4N1M0 PCa were treated with IMAT and 2–3 years of AD. A median dose of 69.3 Gy (normalized isoeffective dose at 2 Gy per fraction: 80 Gy [α/β = 3]) was prescribed in 25 fractions to the prostate. The pelvic lymph nodes received a minimal dose of 45 Gy. A simultaneous integrated boost to 72 Gy and 65 Gy was delivered to the intraprostatic lesion and/or pathologically enlarged lymph nodes, respectively. GI and GU toxicity was scored using the RTOG/RILIT and RTOG-SOMA/LENT-CTC toxicity scoring system respectively. Three-year actuarial risk of grade 2 and 3/4 GI–GU toxicity and biochemical and clinical relapse free survival (bRFS and cRFS) were calculated with Kaplan–Meier statistics. Results: Median follow-up was 36 months. Three-year actuarial risk for late grade 3 and 2 GI toxicity is 8% and 20%, respectively. Three-year actuarial risk for late grade 3–4 and 2 GU toxicity was 6% and 34%, respectively. Actuarial 3-year bRFS and cRFS was 81% and 89%, respectively. Actuarial 3-year bRFS and cRFS was, respectively 26% and 32% lower for patients with cN1 disease when compared to patients with cN0 disease. Conclusion: IMAT for N1 PCa offers good clinical outcome with moderate toxicity. Patients with cN1 disease have poorer outcome
Immediate implants and immediate loading in periodontally compromised patients-a 3-year prospective clinical study.
Alves, Celia Coutinho; Correia, Andre Ricardo; Neves, Manuel
To avoid the necessity of a removable provisional prosthesis, and therefore preserve the patient's functional outcome, esthetics, and quality of life, a clinical protocol was developed to approach periodontally compromised patients presenting a full-arch irreversibly lost dentition: full-arch extraction and immediate replacement with a provisional acrylic resin implant-supported fixed partial denture (FPD). A total of 23 periodontally compromised patients (11 women, 12 men; 4 smokers, 4 controlled diabetics) were included in this study. Pretreatment casts were taken and vertical dimension of occlusion was determined. In most patients, 6 Straumann implants were distributed along the arch according to the surgical guide or bone availability, with the most distal ones in the maxilla slightly tilted so they could emerge more distally. A total of 168 implants (146 Straumann, 10 Nobel Biocare, 8 Biomet 3i, and 4 Lifecore) were placed (83 in the maxilla, 85 in the mandible). Of those in the maxilla, 74 were loaded immediately (implant stability quotient mentor [ISQm] > 70) and 9 placed with delayed loading (ISQm =/implants placed in the mandible, all were loaded immediately (ISQm > 70). If an FPD had not been fabricated already, impressions were taken during surgery to do so. The prosthesis was then adapted (cemented or screwed) to the 6 implants within the first 48 hours postsurgery. After 2 months, definitive impressions were taken, and a definitive porcelain-fused-to-metal implant-supported 12-element FPD was fabricated and cemented or screwed to all 6 implants. Of the 168 implants, 108 were immediate implants and 159 immediately loaded. Only 2 implants (1 in the mandible, 1 in the maxilla) did not osseointegrate. This yields a 3-year cumulative survival rate of 98.74% (98.65% in the maxilla, 98.82% in the mandible). From a total of 26 immediately loaded prostheses (12 in the maxilla, 14 in the mandible), 6 were cemented and 20 screw-retained. The 3-year cumulative
Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with occupational contact dermatitis: A 3-year single center experience
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Aslı Aytekin
Full Text Available Background and Design: Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD is responsible for 80-90% of the occupational dermatoses. The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinical features of patients with OCD admitted to our hospital. Materials and Methods: The records of patients, who were admitted to our hospital with OCD between December 2009 and January 2013, were evaluated retrospectively. One hundred fifty-nine patients, who were diagnosed with OCD according to the Mathias criteria, were included in the study. Age, sex, location of the lesions, atopic status, glove use, occupational exposure time and total IgE levels of the patients were assessed. Patients with positive allergic reaction with "European Standard Series Skin Patch Test" were identified as allergic OCD and patients with negative test results as "irritant OCD". The clinical features and patch results of patients are evaluated. Results: One hundred fifty-nine patients with a mean age of 39±7.9 years consisted of 151 men and 8 women. The hands were the most common site of OCD; the palms were the most common affected areas of hand eczema. Eighty-one patients (50.1% were identified to have allergic OCD and 78 (49.9% as irritant OCD. Irritant OCD was most commonly seen in dental technicians, whereas allergic OCD was most commonly seen in tailors. The top 3 most frequent allergens were potassium dichromate (15.1%, nickel sulfate (9.11% and cobalt chloride (10.7%. Conclusion: In our country, there has been no comprehensive study presenting the clinical and descriptive characteristics of OCD. For preventing OCD and reducing sick leave we need to have data that belong to our country. Consequently, multicenter studies should be performed for establishing our own database on OCD.
A 3-Year Review of Cranial Nerve Palsies from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Eye Clinic, Nigeria
Chinyere Nnenne Pedro-Egbe; Bassey Fiebai; Elizabeth Akon Awoyesuku
Purpose: To provide the types, frequency and clinical information on common cranial nerve palsies seen at the Eye Clinic at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Materials and Methods: A chart review was performed of patients who presented with cranial nerve palsy at the Eye Clinic over a 3-year period (January 2009-December 2011). Data were collected on age, sex, type of cranial nerve palsy, a history of systemic disease such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension and cereb...
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Full Text Available Sigmoid volvulus is abnormal rotation of sigmoid colon along it's mesenteric axis which may results in effects ranging from partial to complete obstruction of bowel to vascular compromise, culminating in gangrene of bowel. Sigmoid volvulus is responsible for about 4 - 24% of all acute intestinal obstruction. Retrospectiv ely for last 3 years all cases of acute intestinal obstruction admitted to surgery were reviewed and study of sigmoid volvulus cases done. We analysed 247 cases of acute intestinal obstruction retrospectively over a period of 3 years . 50 cases are due to s igmoid volvulus. Most of cases are around 41 - 60 years. Most of cases present with pain abdomen , abdominal distention , constipation. Diagnosis is made by plain x - ray abdomen. Most cases treated with Derotation , resection and anastomosis. Out of 50 cases 6 d eaths occurred.
Cyto-histology and clinical correlation of thyroid gland lesions: A 3 year study in a tertiary hospital
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Sunita Bamanikar
Full Text Available Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC is a cost-effective and time saving diagnostic test used to specifically distinguish between benign and malignant lesions by histocytology. The aim of this study was to study the spectrum of thyroid lesions and to correlate the FNAC findings with histopathology of excised specimens. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 patients with thyroid swelling were included in this study who had FNAC during 3 years study period, from July 2011 to July 2013, at a tertiary care hospital. All patients with thyroid swelling were assessed by medical history, clinical examination, biochemical tests and radiological investigations. The FNAC diagnoses were correlated with clinical features, radiological investigations, hormonal findings and subsequent histological examination of the thyroid specimens. Results: Out of 300 patients, females outnumbered males in thyroid diseases and revealed preponderance toward younger population (21-40 years. Nodular colloid goiter was the most common cause of thyroid swelling presented during 1 month to 1-year period. There were 104 patients (34.7% who had surgical intervention and 86 (28.7% patients reported for follow-up and had thyroid function tests done. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for malignancy were 94.2%, 50% and 100% respectively in our study. Conclusion: FNAC is a reliable, safe and accurate method as an initial simple diagnostic test for thyroid nodules in decision making about surgical intervention. Our study suggested that FNAC has higher specificity than sensitivity in detecting thyroid malignancy; hence its use as a reliable diagnostic tool for evaluation of thyroid swelling cannot be overemphasized.
Abdominal Sacrohysteropexy in Women with Uterovajinal Prolapse: Our 3 Years Clinical Experience
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Atilla Karateke
Full Text Available Aim: Weakening of uterine supporting ligaments, especially cardinal and uterosacral ligaments, causes uterovaginal prolapse. Although uterovaginal prolapse is not related to uterus, hysterectomy has been the most preferred surgery in these situations. However, in recent years, uterine preservation surgery has become popular because patients begin to prefer uterus preservation for psychological reasons and site specific surgery has been developed. One of the most important uterine preservation surgery is abdominal sacrohysteropexy(ASH. In this study, we aim to present our clinical result of ASH surgey in women with uterovaginal prolapsus. Material and Method: Of 27 patients who had ASH operation due to uterovaginal prolapsus between January 2010- March 2013 in our clinic were included in the study. All the patients had preoperative urogenital examination and transvaginal ultrasonography were performed before operation. Pelvic organ prolapsus degree were recorded according to the pelvic organ prolapsus quantification system(POP-Q. ASH operation was performed by laparatomy to all patients. Of 5 patients who had stress type incontinance had %u2018Burch%u2019 operation concomitantly. Results: The mean hospitalization day of patients who had ASH operation was 2.6 days(range 2-5days and the mean age of patients were 52.8 ±7.5. None of the patients had bladder, ureter or intestine injury due to operation. While anatomical success rate were 92.6%, recurrence rate was 7.4 % at the end of first year. Ileus was not observed and only one patient who had burch operation had recurrent urinary incontinance symptoms at the end of the first year. Discussion: Our study results showed that ASH operation is a successfull operation in pelvic organ prolapse. This method also was found to be superior to others in terms of minimal complications.
A randomised clinical trial on the influence of splinted and unsplinted oral implants in mandibular overdenture therapy. A 3-year report.
Naert, I E; Gizani, S; Vuylsteke, M; van Steenberghe, D
A randomised clinical trial was performed to investigate whether there is a need or advantage to splint two implants in the mandible retaining a hinging overdenture. Furthermore, patient satisfaction was evaluated for different attachment systems retaining the overdenture. Thirty-six edentulous patients were randomised into three groups of equal size and treated with either magnets, ball attachments or straight bars (reference group). After 3 years of observation no implants were lost in any of the groups. Besides, no statistically significant differences were noted for the peri-implant outcome. Although the bar group presented the highest retention force, the general satisfaction of the patients in the three groups did not differ. The patients with bar retentions showed less prosthetic complications of the retention elements but more at the level of the denture-supporting mucosa. Finally, the clinical outcome of all groups confirms that overdenture treatment demands regular controls with limited time intervals. PMID:9552823
Randomized Clinical Trial of Indirect Resin Composite and Ceramic Veneers : Up to 3-year Follow-up
Gresnigt, Marco M. M.; Kalk, Warner; Ozcan, Mutlu
Purpose: This randomized controlled split-mouth clinical trial evaluated the short-term survival rate of indirect resin composite and ceramic laminate veneers. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients (mean age: 48.6 years) received 46 indirect resin composite (Estenia; n = 23) and ceramic lami
Clinical features of GH deficiency and effects of 3 years of GH replacement in adults with controlled Cushing's disease
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Höybye, Charlotte; Ragnarsson, Oskar; Jönsson, Peter J;
Patients in remission from Cushing's disease (CD) have many clinical features that are difficult to distinguish from those of concomitant GH deficiency (GHD). In this study, we evaluated the features of GHD in a large cohort of controlled CD patients, and assessed the effect of GH treatment....
Evaluation of children′s behavior aged 0-3 years during dental care: A longitudinal analysis
Ana Carolina SF; Regina CMS; Cunha R.
Child temperament has been studied in various researches and may be useful to predict how a child responds to dental treatment, especially very young children. The purpose of the present longitudinal study was to evaluate the behavioral manifestation of children aged 0 to 3 years, considering different types of dental situation. A total of 169 children were selected and the following data were collected: the age of the child, gender, age of the mother, number of dental visits and their respec...
Risk Evaluation in Routine Pharmacovigilance Activities in SKIMS: Analysis of 3 Years Data.
Shakil U Rehman; Qadrie Z. L; Wafai Z. A.
Introduction: - The study was undertaken for risk evaluation of ADR's from the wide spectra of drugs that are used in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: - Data from 1225 ADR's reported spontaneously to the center during the three year study period from 1-1-2012 to 31-12 2014 was used.Results: - The overall incidence of ADR's among inpatients that occurred during their stay in the hospital was 0.79%. The M: F ratio was 0.98 and maximum numbers of cases were seen in the 41-60 year age group. Maj...
Effect of External Quality Assurance Evaluation for Chest Radiography: 3-Year Follow-Up in the Medical Institution for Pneumoconiosis
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Lee, Won Jeong; Choi, Soon Byung [Clinical Research Team, Occupational Lung Diseases Institute, Korea Worker' s Compensation and Welfare Service, Ansan (Korea, Republic of)
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of external quality assurance (QA) evaluation for chest radiography in the medical institution for pneumoconiosis (MIP). The chest radiography of the MIPs were evaluated for a radiological technique (RT), image quality (IQ), and reading environment (RE), during a 3-year follow up according to the Korean guidelines. Same methods were implemented each year to ensure that the results are reliable. RT, IQ, and RE were compared between examination and medical care (EMP), and only medical care (MCP) for pneumoconiosis, film-screen (FSR) and digital (DR) radiography. Uneducated and educated for QA during a 3-year follow up referencing with 2008 were realized. RT and IQ of the MIPs showed a significantly higher score in 2009 and 2010 compared with 2008 (p < 0.01). However, RE was not significantly improved. The score of RT, IQ, and RE of the EMPs were higher than those of MCPs every year, and FSR showed a lower score in all evaluations, although, more improvement was seen than the DR. The chest radiography of the MIPs showed a significant effect as a result of a repeated external QA evaluation. However, the MIPs need to transfer from FSR to DR, and maintain a continuous QA evaluation for the MCPs.
Effect of External Quality Assurance Evaluation for Chest Radiography: 3-Year Follow-Up in the Medical Institution for Pneumoconiosis
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The aim of this study was to determine the effect of external quality assurance (QA) evaluation for chest radiography in the medical institution for pneumoconiosis (MIP). The chest radiography of the MIPs were evaluated for a radiological technique (RT), image quality (IQ), and reading environment (RE), during a 3-year follow up according to the Korean guidelines. Same methods were implemented each year to ensure that the results are reliable. RT, IQ, and RE were compared between examination and medical care (EMP), and only medical care (MCP) for pneumoconiosis, film-screen (FSR) and digital (DR) radiography. Uneducated and educated for QA during a 3-year follow up referencing with 2008 were realized. RT and IQ of the MIPs showed a significantly higher score in 2009 and 2010 compared with 2008 (p < 0.01). However, RE was not significantly improved. The score of RT, IQ, and RE of the EMPs were higher than those of MCPs every year, and FSR showed a lower score in all evaluations, although, more improvement was seen than the DR. The chest radiography of the MIPs showed a significant effect as a result of a repeated external QA evaluation. However, the MIPs need to transfer from FSR to DR, and maintain a continuous QA evaluation for the MCPs.
Risk Evaluation in Routine Pharmacovigilance Activities in SKIMS: Analysis of 3 Years Data.
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Shakil U Rehman
Full Text Available Introduction: - The study was undertaken for risk evaluation of ADR's from the wide spectra of drugs that are used in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: - Data from 1225 ADR's reported spontaneously to the center during the three year study period from 1-1-2012 to 31-12 2014 was used.Results: - The overall incidence of ADR's among inpatients that occurred during their stay in the hospital was 0.79%. The M: F ratio was 0.98 and maximum numbers of cases were seen in the 41-60 year age group. Majority of the ADR's (240, 20% were assessed as probable on the W.H.O causality assessment scale and most of the reactions were classified as Type H (782; 64%. Severity assessment showed that majority of ADRs (832; 68% were classified as mild. Eighteen fatal ADR's were reported, fourteen of which were attributed to pentavalent vaccine and one each to Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Cefexime and iodinated contrast. The commonest implicated drug class was antibiotics (632; 51.5% followed by anticancer drugs (193; 15.8%, anticonvulsants (102; 8.3%. Medicine department reported the maximum number of ADRs (397; 32.5%. Rash and itching was the commonest reported ADR and Vancomycin, levofloxacin and Ceftriaxone were the most commonly implicated drugs.Conclusion: - Drug safety signals will continue to come mainly from the reporting of alert health care professionals and every effort should be made to enhance and to ease this process. Continuous sensitization, training and feedback are needed for ensuring safe and effective use of drugs.
Cyto-histology and clinical correlation of thyroid gland lesions: A 3 year study in a tertiary hospital
Sunita Bamanikar; Pinky Soraisham; Sudhir Jadhav; Harsh Kumar; Pradeep Jadhav; Arvind Bamanikar
Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a cost-effective and time saving diagnostic test used to specifically distinguish between benign and malignant lesions by histocytology. The aim of this study was to study the spectrum of thyroid lesions and to correlate the FNAC findings with histopathology of excised specimens. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 patients with thyroid swelling were included in this study who had FNAC during 3 years study period, from July 2011 to July ...
A 3-year review of cranial nerve palsies from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Eye Clinic, Nigeria
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Chinyere Nnenne Pedro-Egbe
Conclusion: This is the first study in the literature on ocular cranial nerve palsies in Southern Nigeria. Third and sixth cranial nerve palsies were the most common cases to present to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Eye Clinic. There was a statistically significant association to systemic disorders such as hypertension and DM and majority of cases with 6 th cranial nerve palsy.
Transformation of nonfunctioning pancreatic tumor into malignant insulinoma after 3 years: an uncommon clinical course of insulinoma.
Arslan, Muyesser Sayki; Ozbek, Mustafa; Karakose, Melia; Tutal, Esra; Ucan, Bekir; Yilmazer, Demet; Dilli, Alper; Gultekin, Salih Sinan; Cakal, Erman; Delibasi, Tuncay
A 62-year-old man admitted to our outpatient clinic with two months of recurrent life threatening hypoglycemia episodes. He was diagnosed as malignant insulinoma with multiple metastases of liver and peripancreatic lymph nodes. Liver biopsy specimen was demonstrated grade 2 neuroendocrine tumor compatible with clinical and radiological results. He was followed under the treatment of continuous intravenous glucose infusion during the diagnostic procedures. He had a pancreatic lesion history measured 20 x 12 mm in diameter via the abdominal tomography examination approximately two years before the diagnosis. Unusual course of this case suggests the transformation of nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor into functional insulin secreting tumor with metastases. The patient was found inoperable and started on chemotherapy. PMID:26154097
IQ Trajectory, Cognitive Reserve, and Clinical Outcome Following a First Episode of Psychosis: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study
Leeson, Verity C.; Sharma, Pranev; Harrison, Masuma; Ron, Maria A.; Barnes, Thomas R. E.; Joyce, Eileen M.
Comparison of current and estimated premorbid IQ in schizophrenia suggests that there are subgroups with low IQ, deteriorated IQ (DIQ), or preserved IQ and that this is established by psychosis onset. There are no controlled studies examining the trajectory of these IQ subgroups longitudinally or their relationship with clinical and social outcomes. Of 129 individuals with first-episode schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, 25% showed stable low IQ, 31% showed stable IQ in the average/hi...
Species distribution and in vitro fluconazole susceptibility of clinical Candida isolates in a Brazilian tertiary-care hospital over a 3-year period
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Márcia Cristina Furlaneto
Full Text Available INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed at identifying Candida isolates obtained from blood, urine, tracheal secretion, and nail/skin lesions from cases attended at the Hospital Universitário de Londrina over a 3-year period and at evaluating fluconazole susceptibilities of the isolates. METHODS: Candida isolates were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR using species-specific forward primers. The in vitro fluconazole susceptibility test was performed according to EUCAST-AFST reference procedure. RESULTS: Isolates were obtained from urine (53.4%, blood cultures (19.2%, tracheal secretion (17.8%, and nail/skin lesions (9.6%. When urine samples were considered, prevalence was similar in women (45.5% and in men (54.5% and was high in the age group >61 years than that in younger ones. For blood samples, prevalence was high in neonates (35% and advanced ages (22.5%. For nail and skin samples, prevalence was higher in women (71.4% than in men (28.6%. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated in the hospital, but Candida species other than C. albicans accounted for 64% of isolates, including predominantly Candida tropicalis (33.2% and Candida parapsilosis (19.2%. The trend for non-albicans Candida as the predominant species was noted from all clinical specimens, except from urine samples. All Candida isolates were considered susceptible in vitro to fluconazole with the exception of isolates belonging to the intrinsically less-susceptible species C. glabrata. CONCLUSIONS: Non-albicans Candida species were more frequently isolated in the hospital. Fluconazole resistance was a rare finding in our study.
Success of 6-mm Implants with Single-Tooth Restorations: A 3-year Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
Sahrmann, P; Naenni, N; Jung, R E; Held, U; Truninger, T; Hämmerle, C H F; Attin, T; Schmidlin, P R
The aim of the study was to test whether implants of 6 mm in length perform equally well as 10-mm implants in terms of survival and marginal bone-level changes when supporting single crowns. Patients with a posterior single-tooth gap were randomly allocated to either the placement of a 6-mm (test) or 10-mm implant (control). The treatment protocol allowed for internal sinus lift but not for lateral bone augmentation. After a healing period of 10 wk, implants were loaded with screw-retained single crowns. Survival rates, number of pockets ≥5 mm, and bleeding-on-probing were assessed clinically. The change of marginal bone level and crown-to-implant ratios were analyzed by 2 examiners. Longitudinal intragroup analyses for marginal bone levels were performed applying the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Intergroup differences at baseline and at 3 y were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The effect of implant length and crown-to-implant ratio on changes of marginal bone level also was determined. Of 94 implants placed (47 test and 47 control), 78 implants (40 test and 38 control) were available for follow-up examination at 3 y of loading. One test implant was lost during the second year. Hence, implant survival was not significantly different between the 2 groups after 3 y (98% test; 100% control). We found no significant change in the crestal bone level from baseline to 3 y for test and control implants with -0.19 ± 0.62 mm and -0.33 ± 0.71 mm, respectively. The intergroup difference was not significant. Crown-to-implant ratios were not associated with a statistically significant difference in marginal bone loss. However, the number of sites with pockets ≥5 mm was significantly higher in the test group. Based on the 3-y assessment, the use of 6-mm implants can be considered a viable option when reconstructing posterior single tooth gaps (German Clinical Trials Registry: DRKS00006290). PMID:26917439
Species distribution and in vitro fluconazole susceptibility of clinical Candida isolates in a Brazilian tertiary-care hospital over a 3-year period
Márcia Cristina Furlaneto; Juliana Frasnelli Rota; Regina Mariuza Borsato Quesada; Luciana Furlaneto-Maia; Renne Rodrigues; Silas Oda; Marcelo Tempesta de Oliveira; Rosana Serpa; Emanuele Júlio Galvão de França
INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed at identifying Candida isolates obtained from blood, urine, tracheal secretion, and nail/skin lesions from cases attended at the Hospital Universitário de Londrina over a 3-year period and at evaluating fluconazole susceptibilities of the isolates. METHODS: Candida isolates were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using species-specific forward primers. The in vitro fluconazole susceptibility test was performed according to EUCAST-AFST reference...
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Arabela Maria Barbosa Sampaio
Full Text Available In a world experiencing profound technological and socio-political changes in areas of knowledge and capacity, healthcare can not remain static. A new kind of professional is required, whose practice is based on ethics, scientific standards, integrity, citizenship, and health promotion, who develops skills beyond healthcare, such as decision making, communication,leadership, management, and continuing education. No single method can assess all of these elements (knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and only a combination of methods is able to produce a valid evaluation. An alternative method exists: structured clinical assessments based on observation of "to do, or how to do" that aim to complete this evaluation by focusing attention on the performance of specific skills. In order to broaden the scope of evaluation methods that have been used in health education, this article, a literature review, intends to offer readers an overview of the diverse types of structured clinical evaluation, emphasizing Objective Structured Clinical Examination, the most widely used in Brazil, with a goal of advancing opportunities for health professionals to make use of this evaluative tool.
Evaluation of awake burr hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma in geriatric patients: a retrospective analysis of 3 years
Serdal Albayrak; ibrahim Burak Atci; Necati Ucler; Hakan Yilmaz; Metin Kaplan
Purpose: The goal of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of burr hole drainage under local anesthesia in geriatric patients with chronic subdural hematoma. Material and Methods: This retrospective study involved 21 geriatric patients with chronic subdural hematoma who applied to the department of neurosurgery in an education and research hospital between 2011 and 2014. Sedoanalgesia was performed on 21 patients, then awake burr hole drainage was performed after scalp and perios...
Randomized clinical trial on 7-day continuous accelerated irradiation (CAIR) of head and neck cancer - report on 3-year tumour control and normal tissue toxicity
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The purpose of the study was to evaluate tumour and normal tissues 3-year response to 7-day-a-week continuous accelerated irradiation (CAIR) compared to a conventional treatment (5 days per week) in a randomized trial. One hundred patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in stage T2-4-N0-1M0 were entered into the trial between December 1, 1993 and June 30, 1996. Dose per fraction of 2.0 Gy (to the end of 1994), and 1.8 Gy (since January 1, 1995) was the same in both arms and delivered once a day at regular 24-h intervals to total dose in the range of 66-72 Gy (depending on tumour stage). The only difference was overall treatment time being 5 weeks in the CAIR and 7 weeks in control arm. Actuarial 3-year local tumour control was 82% in the CAIR and 37% in the control group (P < 0.0001) with reduction in local recurrence rate of 83%. Actuarial 3-year overall survival was 78 and 32% (P < 0.0001), respectively. Confluent mucositis was significantly more severe and lasted longer in the CAIR than in control arm. After 2.0 Gy fractions five of 23 patients (22%) in the CAIR developed early necroses over a period of 2-4 months of follow-up which can be considered as a consequential to severe protracted acute mucosal reactions (CLE). For this reason dose per fraction was lowered to 1.8 Gy and the CLE was not observed again until now. Thus the overall rate of CLE decreased to 10%. The gain in tumour control is likely the effect of shortening of overall treatment time by 14 days and regular continuous dose delivery during the whole course of radiation therapy including weekends. A 7-day schedule produces more severe acute mucosal reactions lasting longer than in conventional fractionation, however tolerable by patients. Relatively high rate (22%) of CLE in the 7-day arm observed during the first year of the study was eliminated by decreasing dose per fraction from 2.0 Gy to 1.8 Gy
The Evaluation Of Clinical Competence
Boucher, François-Gilles; Palmer, Wilfred H.; Page, Gordon; Barriault, Ronald; Seely, Janet
During a workshop on the evaluation of clinical competence, the participants identified the process skills that comprise clinical competence and examined the techniques available for evaluating these skills. No single technique allows satisfactory evaluation of all the process skills; the most commonly used methods (chart review and case presentation) evaluate few process skills. An adequate performance profile in all the process skills requires a combination of evaluation techniques. Medical...
Evaluation of clinical practice guidelines.
Basinski, A S
Compared with the current focus on the development of clinical practice guidelines the effort devoted to their evaluation is meagre. Yet the ultimate success of guidelines depends on routine evaluation. Three types of evaluation are identified: evaluation of guidelines under development and before dissemination and implementation, evaluation of health care programs in which guidelines play a central role, and scientific evaluation, through studies that provide the scientific knowledge base fo...
The Predictive Value of Cognitive Impairments Measured at the Start of Clinical Rehabilitation for Health Status 1 Year and 3 Years Poststroke
Verhoeven, Clara L.; Schepers, Vera P.; Post, Marcel W.; van Heugten, Caroline M.
The objective of this study was to investigate the value of screening for cognitive functions at the start of an inpatient rehabilitation programme to predict the health status 1 and 3 years poststroke. In this longitudinal cohort study of stroke patients in inpatient rehabilitation data of 134 participants were analysed. Cognitive and clinical…
Clinical analysis of allergic rhinitis in children between 1 and 3 years of age%幼儿变应性鼻炎临床特征分析
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
戴伟利; 张杰; 潘岳松; 陈敏; 张亚梅
��之一,血清总IgE水平升高与吸人性变应原筛查阳性率升高有关;吸入组变应原阳性、有蚊虫叮咬性皮炎和父亲患AR与出现湿疹或哮喘病史有关.%Objective To study the atopy spectrum and its related factors in 1 to 3 years old children with allergic rhinitis.Methods Ninety-six children with allergic rhinitis,aged between 1 and 3years old,referred to ENT department of Beijing Children's Hospital between August 2009 and November 2010 were retrospectively reviewed.Data were recorded for patients' age,age stratification,sex,the age of first symptom,the duration of history,and the allergic history of children,the allergic history of parents.The screening tests on inhalant and food allergens were conducted by immunoblot assay using the Allergy Screen system.The total serum IgE level was also measured.The distribution of the inhalant and food allergens was summarized.The influence of the clinical characteristics was analyzed according to the age subgroup determined by month,allergen category and positiveness of eczema or asthma Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship of clinical characteristics and allergen spectrum.Results The total positive rates of allergic screening test rate were 81.3%.The inhalant and food allergens were 62.5% and 53.1% respectively.The commonest allergy was mixed fungal(50.0% ),followed by milk(34.4% ),lamb (31.3%),beef(26.0% ),dust mite ( 21.0% ),wheat ( 18.8% ),mugwort ( 12.5% ),egg white or egg yolk( 11.5% ).62.5% of patients could be diagnosed as AR,the remaining could be diagnosed temporarily as non-allergic rhinitis temporarily.Single factor analysis of clinical characteristics in different subgroup determined by month showed that:inhalant allergen(positive/negative) ( x2 =13.699,P =0.001 ),father suffered from AR( x2 =14.060,P =0.001 ),and father or mother suffered from AR ( x2 =7.396,P =0.025) were statistically significant at three monthly age groups
Preparation and Evaluation of SKI-HI: A Parent-Infant Auditory Training Program for under 3- Year -Old Hearing Impaird Children
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Jaleh Samadi
Full Text Available Background and Aim: Lack of early detection of and intervention for infants hearing loss results in a significant delay in speech and language development. So auditory rehabilitation plays an important role in improving the diminished communication ability. One of the most successful auditory training approaches is the SKI-HI parent-infant program. The purpose of this study was preparation and evaluation of Farsi-language SKI-HI program for under 3-year-old hearing impaired children. Materials and Methods: After translation and modification of the text of the program, fifteen under 3-year-old children with bilateral severe sensory hearing loss who were fitted with appropriate behind the ear hearing aids received intervention for 6 months. The levels of the auditory skills were measured pre and post intervention. Intervention Efficiency Index (IEI, Pretest Developmental Rate (PDR and Proportional Change Index (PCI were computed. Results: The data indicated that there was a significant difference between means of IEI and PDR which were 0.87 and 0.31, respectively. PCI was 3.38 indicated that the children's auditory skills developed at about 2.38 times higher rate after SKI-HI intervention than they did before. PCI confidence interval showed that development in the population is 1.46 to 3.30 times higher after SKI-HI intervention (with 95% probability the rate of auditory skills. Conclusion: The auditory training with Farsi-language SKI-HI parent-infant program may efficiently affect development of auditory skills of hearing impaired children.
Annual Change in Pulmonary Function and Clinical Characteristics of Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Over a 3-Year Follow-up
Kim, Yu Jin; Shin, Seong Hyun; Park, Jeong-Woong; Kyung, Sun Young; Kang, Shin Myung; Lee, Sang-Pyo; Sung, Yon Mi; Kim, Yoon Kyung; Jeong, Sung Hwan
Background Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) have different pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and outcomes than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The intention of this study was to identify unknown differences between CPFE and IPF by a retrospective comparison of clinical data including baseline and annual changes in pulmonary function, comorbidities, laboratory findings, clinical characteristics and cause of hospitalization. Methods This study retrospectively enrolled patient...
Passive muscle properties are altered in children with cerebral palsy before the age of 3 years and are difficult to distinguish clinically from spasticity
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Willerslev-Olsen, Maria; Lorentzen, Jakob; Sinkjær, Thomas;
children with spastic CP (21 males, 14 females; mean age 9y, SD 3y 4mo; range 3-15y) and 28 control children without CP (19 males, nine females; mean age 8y 11mo, SD 2y 10mo; range 3-15y). Twenty-seven children were diagnosed as having spastic hemiplegia, six with spastic diplegia, and two with spastic...... tetraplegia. According to the Gross Motor Function Classification System, 31 children were classified in level I, two in level II, and two in level III. RESULTS: Only seven children with spastic CP showed reflex stiffness outside the range of the control children. In contrast, 20 children with spastic CP......AIM: Clinical determination of spasticity is confounded by the difficulty in distinguishing reflex from passive contributions to muscle stiffness. There is, therefore, a risk that children with cerebral palsy (CP) receive antispasticity treatment unnecessarily. To investigate this, we aimed to...
Surgical combined approach for alveolar ridge augmentation with titanium mesh and rhPDGF-BB: a 3-year clinical case series.
De Angelis, Nicola; De Lorenzi, Marco; Benedicenti, Stefano
The purpose of this case series was to report the clinical outcomes and histologic findings of vertical ridge augmentation using a combination of titanium mesh and recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB (rhPDGF-BB). Two patients were included, and anorganic bovine bone particles were used. The bone graft was mixed with rhPDGF-BB and loaded onto the bony defect up to the level of the adjacent alveolar crest. A preadapted titanium mesh was placed over the grafted region; no areas of the grafted region were exposed. Postoperative healing was without complications. During reentry surgery for removal of the titanium mesh, all implants could be placed according to the prosthetic design. This report demonstrates the remarkable efficacy of guided bone regeneration using a combination of titanium mesh and rhPDGF for vertical ridge augmentation, thus expanding the indications for implant therapy and allowing recovery of the three-dimensional esthetic architecture in a severely resorbed alveolar ridge. PMID:25738343
Toric implantable collamer lens for moderate to high myopic astigmatism: 3-year follow-up
Sari, Esin Sogutlu; Piñero Llorens, David Pablo; Kubaloglu, Anil; Evcili, Pinar Sorgun; Koytak, Arif; Kutlutürk, Isil; ÖZERTÜRK, Yusuf
Background To evaluate the 3-year clinical outcomes after toric implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation for the management of moderate to high myopic astigmatism. Methods Thirty-four eyes of 20 patients who underwent toric ICL implantation were reviewed. All eyes completed 3-year follow-up. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance LogMAR visual acuities, refraction, endothelial cell density (ECD), and surgical complications were evaluated. Vectorial analysis of astigmatic correct...
Clinical evaluation of contemporary oxygenators.
Stanzel, Roger D P; Henderson, Mark
Advances in cardiopulmonary bypass equipment have played a critical role in improving outcomes for cardiac surgery patients. Recent advancements include reduced priming volumes, biocompatible coatings and gaseous microemboli handling, as well as the incorporation of an arterial filter into the oxygenator.The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive clinical evaluation of adult oxygenators on the market. Oxygenators assessed included the Sorin Synthesis(®) (n = 30), the Sorin Inspire 6F(®) (n = 10) and Inspire 8F(®) (n = 30), the Terumo FX15(®) (n = 13) and FX25(®) (n = 30), the Maquet Quadrox-i(®) (n = 30) and the Medtronic Fusion(®) (n = 30). Parameters assessed included functional prime volumes, gas exchange, pressure gradients and the effects on patient hematology.The Synthesis had the largest functional prime volume (1426 ml), the FX15 the lowest (956 ml). The Inspire 6F, 8F and Fusion had the greatest O2 transfer. The Sorin oxygenators required the lowest sweep gas flows to obtain a PaCO2 of 40 mmHg. The Sorin oxygenators had the largest pressure gradients. While no differences were observed for hemoglobin and platelet levels post cross-clamp removal, the Sorin Synthesis and Inspire 8F had the largest increases in white blood cell (WBC) counts (122% and 141% of baseline, respectively) and neutrophils (162% and 185% of baseline, respectively).The data demonstrate that no single product is superior in all aspects. The choice of ideal oxygenator depends on the aspect(s) of oxygenator performance the perfusion team believes most clinically acceptable based on available data. PMID:26407816
Identifying questions in the American Association of Swine Veterinarian's PRRS risk assessment survey that are important for retrospectively classifying swine herds according to whether they reported clinical PRRS outbreaks in the previous 3 years.
Holtkamp, Derald J; Lin, Hui; Wang, Chong; O'Connor, Annette M
The American Association of Swine Veterinarian's (AASV) Production Animal Disease Risk Assessment Program (PADRAP) is a web-based program that offers a set of risk assessment surveys being used by veterinarians who are members of the AASV. Members use PADRAP to help producers systematically assess risk factors that may be associated with clinical outcomes. As assessments are performed the completed surveys are added to the dataset maintained at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. One of the surveys included in PADRAP is the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) Risk Assessment for the Breeding Herd. The aim of the study was to categorize questions in version 2 of the PRRS Risk Assessment for the Breeding Herd survey as important or unimportant for classifying herds according to whether they reported clinical PRRS outbreaks in the previous 3 years. The results elucidate the relative importance of risk factors and areas of risk factors for clinical outcomes and removing unimportant questions may reduce the time required to complete the survey without affecting the quality of information obtained. Surveys from 896 sow herd sites in the United States and Canada completed between March 2005 and March 2009 were included in the analysis. The survey contained a large number of questions with a complex correlation structure among the questions. Responses for several questions were dependent upon responses to others. To address these issues, an approach was developed using a series of statistical methods including random forest, principle component analysis, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to classify the herds using the questions in the survey as explanatory variables. Questions were ranked by importance and systematically excluded from least important to most important. The questions excluded, without significantly affecting the performance of the model for classifying herds were identified as
Nuclear medicine and image research: instrumentation and quantitative methods of evaluation. Comprehensive 3-year progress report, January 15, 1983-January 14, 1986
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
This program of research addresses problems involving the basic science and technology of radioactive tracer methods as they relate to nuclear medicine and imaging. The broad goal is to develop new instruments and methods for image formation, processing, quantitation, and display, so as to maximize the diagnostic information per unit of absorbed radiation dose to the patient. Project I addresses problems with the quantitative imaging a single-photon emitters; Project II addresses similar problems associated with the quantitative imaging of positron emitters; Project III addresses methodological problems associated with the quantitative evaluation of the efficacy of diagnostic imaging procedures
Method for evaluating performance of clinical pharmacists.
Schumock, G T; Leister, K A; Edwards, D; Wareham, P S; Burkhart, V D
A performance-evaluation process that satisfies Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations criteria and state policies is described. A three-part, criteria-based, weighted performance-evaluation tool specific for clinical pharmacists was designed for use in two institutions affiliated with the University of Washington. The three parts are self-appraisal and goal setting, peer evaluation, and supervisory evaluation. Objective criteria within each section were weighted to reflect the relative importance of that characteristic to the job that the clinical pharmacist performs. The performance score for each criterion is multiplied by the weighted value to produce an outcome score. The peer evaluation and self-appraisal/goal-setting parts of the evaluation are completed before the formal performance-evaluation interview. The supervisory evaluation is completed during the interview. For this evaluation, supervisors use both the standard university employee performance evaluation form and a set of specific criteria applicable to the clinical pharmacists in these institutions. The first performance evaluations done under this new system were conducted in May 1989. Pharmacists believed that the new system was more objective and allowed more interchange between the manager and the pharmacist. The peer-evaluation part of the system was seen as extremely constructive. This three-part, criteria-based system for evaluation of the job performance of clinical pharmacists could easily be adopted by other pharmacy departments. PMID:2301420
Evaluation of a Rheumatology Transition Clinic
Stringer, Elizabeth; Scott, Rachel; Mosher, Dianne; MacNeill, Inez; Huber, Adam M.; Ramsey, Suzanne; Lang, Bianca
Background An adolescent with a chronic condition must prepare for transition from the pediatric to the adult health care system. Ideally, transition is a purposeful and coordinated process between the two systems. We sought to evaluate a pediatric rheumatology transition clinic from the perspective of the young adults who attended the clinic. Methods Young adults who attended the IWK Health Centre Pediatric Rheumatology Transition Clinic in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada were asked to complete...
Developments in statistical evaluation of clinical trials
Oud, Johan; Ghidey, Wendimagegn
This book describes various ways of approaching and interpreting the data produced by clinical trial studies, with a special emphasis on the essential role that biostatistics plays in clinical trials. Over the past few decades the role of statistics in the evaluation and interpretation of clinical data has become of paramount importance. As a result the standards of clinical study design, conduct and interpretation have undergone substantial improvement. The book includes 18 carefully reviewed chapters on recent developments in clinical trials and their statistical evaluation, with each chapter providing one or more examples involving typical data sets, enabling readers to apply the proposed procedures. The chapters employ a uniform style to enhance comparability between the approaches.
Ceftriaxone: in vitro studies and clinical evaluation.
Gnann, J. W.; Goetter, W E; Elliott, A M; Cobbs, C G
The in vitro activity of ceftriaxone against 437 clinical isolates of gram-negative bacilli was determined. Ceftriaxone was found to have high in vitro activity against Enterobacteriaceae, with the exception of Enterobacter cloacae. Ceftriaxone was only minimally active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. We evaluated the clinical efficacy and toxicity of ceftriaxone in 55 adult patients. Bacterial infection was confirmed by the isolation of etiological bacteria in...
Evaluating clinical dermatology practice in medical undergraduates.
Casanova, J M; Sanmartín, V; Martí, R M; Morales, J L; Soler, J; Purroy, F; Pujol, R
The acquisition of competences (the set of knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform a job to a professional level) is considered a fundamental part of medical training. Dermatology competences should include, in addition to effective clinical interviewing and detailed descriptions of skin lesions, appropriate management (diagnosis, differentiation, and treatment) of common skin disorders and tumors. Such competences can only be acquired during hospital clerkships. As a way of certifying these competences, we propose evaluating the different components as follows: knowledge, via clinical examinations or critical incident discussions; communication and certain instrumental skills, via structured workplace observation and scoring using a set of indicators; and attitudes, via joint evaluation by staff familiar with the student. PMID:23664251
Experimental evaluation of clinical colon anastomotic leakage
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Pommergaard, Hans-Christian
, ischemia and insufficient surgical technique have been suggested to play a central role. Animal models are valuable means to evaluate pathophysiological mechanisms and may be used to test preventive measures aiming at reducing the risk of anastomotic leakage, such as external anastomotic coating. The aim...... leakage. STUDY 1: This study is a systematic review using the databases MEDLINE and Rex. MEDLINE was searched up to October 2010 to identify studies on experimental animal models of clinical colon anastomotic leakage. From the Rex database, textbooks on surgical aspects as well as gastrointestinal...... physiology and anatomy of experimental animals were identified. The results indicated that the mouse and the pig are the best suited animals to evaluate clinical anastomotic leakage. However, the pig model is less validated and more costly to use compared with the mouse. Most frequently, rats are used as...
Chronic diarrhea. Diagnosis and clinical evaluation
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Chronic diarrhea is a syndrome of great clinical complexity, which is frequently encountered by general physicians, internists and gastroenterologists. Differential diagnosis is very broad and sometime finding the precise cause can be difficult, expensive and frustration. Literature published about this topic lack, in general, adequate controlled studies and for this reason recommendations for diagnostic evaluation and treatment are based upon series of cases, experience of the institutions or expert opinion and not on reasonable evidence. On the other hand, many of the classical diagnostic tests that have survived until now were designed over physiologic foundations and have not been validated extensively with the precision of a clinical test. This limits its acceptance, application and standardization in the daily practice. There is not a general agreement about diagnosis and treatment of chronic diarrhea and many of the experts divert recommendation about their recommendations. The purpose of this paper is to define some general guidelines about the clinical evaluation of patients with chronic diarrhea that lead us to a rational approach based upon clinical trials and the appropriate use of the many different tests
Periodic paralysis: clinical evaluation in 20 patients
Célia Harumi Tengan; Acary S. Bulle de Oliveira; Alberto Alain Gabbai
Twenty patients with periodic paralysis were evaluated and the aspects studied included epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, ancillary tests, treatment and evolution. Sixteen patients had the hypokalemic form (5 familiar, 5 sporadic, 5 thyrotoxic and 1 secondary). No patient with the normokalemic form was detected. Predominance of men was found (14 patients), especially in the cases with hyperthyroidism (5 patients). No thyrotoxic patient was of oriental origin. Only 4 patients had ...
Clinical and MRI evaluation of tuberculous meningitis
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Objective: To evaluate the relationship of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM), and to improve the understanding of TBM. Methods: The clinical and MRI findings in 42 patients with confirmed TBM were analyzed retrospectively. MRI examination was performed using a 1 Tesla system, including SE T1WI and T2WI. Intravenous contrast was injected in 29 patients, and follow-up scans were performed on 17 patients. Results: Of 24 patients with early TBM, MRI was abnormal in 5(21%) with slight Tl-hypointense meningeal (4) or ependymal thickening (1). MRI on 33/35 (94%) patients with late stage TBM was abnormal with T1 hypointensity and T2 hyperintensity including meningeal thickening (19), mild surrounding brain edema (10), nodules (11), tuberculoma (5) and abscess (2). There was significant plaque-like, nodular or rim enhancement with surrounding brain edema. Conclusion: Tuberculous meningitis has minimal clinical and MRI findings in the early phase and significant clinical and MRI findings in the late phase. The enhanced scan may help to detect the abnormality. (authors)
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: Radiological, clinical and pathologic evaluation
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
This paper is to evaluate radiological features of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, correlated with clinical and pathologic findings. Patients consisted of 2 men and 3 women, aged 23-51 years old (average 41). Diagnosis was based on the presence of suggestive clinical and radiological findings (chest radiography, high resolutional CT, gallium scintigraphy), and lung biopsy showing characteristic histological features. All patients complained of external dyspnea and three patients experienced coughing. On the pulmonary function test, four patients revealed restrictive pattern and one patients was normal. Results of bronchoalveolar lavage, available in four patients, revealed lymphocytosis in three patients and normal finding in one patients. Chest radiographs showed ground glass opacity or diffuse nodular densities. On the HRCT,diffuse nodular opacity and ground glass and opacity were seen in variable features. All 4 patients had diffuse increased uptake on the gallium scan. On lung biopsy, a combination of histologic findings showed cellular bronchiolitis, diffuse interstitial infiltrates and non-necrotizing granulomas, consistent with diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Hypersensitively pneumonitis could be diagnosed with these radiological, clinical and pathological findings
Clinical evaluation in periodontitis patient after curettage
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Widowati Witjaksono
Full Text Available Curettage is used in periodontics to scrap off the gingival wall of a periodontal pocket, and is needed to reduce loss of attachment (LOA by developing new connective tissue attachment in patients with periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success of curettage by the formation of tissue attachment. This clinical experiment was done by comparing LOA before curettage, 2 weeks and 3 weeks after curettage on 30 teeth with the indication of curettage. Study population were periodontitis patient who attending dental clinic at Hospital University Science Malaysia (HUSM with inclusion criteria good general health condition, 18 to 55 years old male or female and presented with pocket depth > 3mm. The teeth were thoroughly scaling before intervention and evaluated by measuring the periodontal attachment before curettage, two weeks and three weeks after curettage. Repeated measure ANOVA and Paired T Test were used to analyze the data. The result of the study showed that there was reduction in the periodontal attachment loss in periodontitis patient after curettage either in the anterior or posterior teeth which were supported by statistical analysis. This study concluded that curettage could make reattachment of the tissue
A 3-year randomized therapeutic trial of nitisinone in alkaptonuria.
Introne, Wendy J; Perry, Monique B; Troendle, James; Tsilou, Ekaterini; Kayser, Michael A; Suwannarat, Pim; O'Brien, Kevin E; Bryant, Joy; Sachdev, Vandana; Reynolds, James C; Moylan, Elizabeth; Bernardini, Isa; Gahl, William A
Alkaptonuria is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder of tyrosine degradation due to deficiency of the third enzyme in the catabolic pathway. As a result, homogentisic acid (HGA) accumulates and is excreted in gram quantities in the urine, which turns dark upon alkalization. The first symptoms, occurring in early adulthood, involve a painful, progressively debilitating arthritis of the spine and large joints. Cardiac valvular disease and renal and prostate stones occur later. Previously suggested therapies have failed to show benefit, and management remains symptomatic. Nitisinone, a potent inhibitor of the second enzyme in the tyrosine catabolic pathway, is considered a potential therapy; proof-of-principle studies showed 95% reduction in urinary HGA. Based on those findings, a prospective, randomized clinical trial was initiated in 2005 to evaluate 40 patients over a 36-month period. The primary outcome parameter was hip total range of motion with measures of musculoskeletal function serving as secondary parameters. Biochemically, this study consistently demonstrated 95% reduction of HGA in urine and plasma over the course of 3 years. Clinically, primary and secondary parameters did not prove benefit from the medication. Side effects were infrequent. This trial illustrates the remarkable tolerability of nitisinone, its biochemical efficacy, and the need to investigate its use in younger individuals prior to development of debilitating arthritis. PMID:21620748
A 3-year follow-up study of mandibular two-implant overdentures retained with ball attachments:clinical outcomes and pros-thetic complications%球帽固位下颌双种植体覆盖义齿修复效果的前瞻性研究
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
张仁国; 张太梅; 解永富; 顾静怡; 施晓玲
目的:评价球帽固位的下颌双种植体覆盖义齿的临床修复效果及其修复并发症。方法对下颌牙槽骨重度萎缩的10例无牙颌患者,在前牙区与中线等距平行植入2枚种植体,3个月后采用球帽附着体固位方式制作下颌种植覆盖义齿。在覆盖义齿戴入后1周、1年、2年、3年进行随访,评价种植体边缘骨吸收情况、种植体周围软组织健康状况、患者满意度及义齿并发症情况。结果10例两球帽固位的下颌种植覆盖义齿经过3年观察,种植体存留率100%,边缘骨吸收<1 mm,种植体周围软组织健康,患者满意度显著提高且维持稳定,义齿无重衬或折断现象,义齿并发症主要是球帽附着体O 型圈的置换或固位金属簧的固位力再激活,修理频次0.67次/(年·人)。结论在种植体植入位置、方向合适的情况下,球帽附着体固位的下颌双植体覆盖义齿,可获得长期稳定的临床修复效果。%Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes and prosthetic complications of mandibular two-implant overdentures re-tained with ball attachments over 3 years. Methods 10 patients with severely reabsorbed mandibular edentulous jaws were treated with delay-loaded mandibular two-implant overdentures retained with ball attachments 3 months after the implants were placed in the man-dibular anterior region with good consistency in the horizontal level,angulation,and distance from the midline. The implant survival rate,peri-implant tissue status,prosthetic complications and patients′ satisfaction were evaluated 1 week,1 year,2 years and 3 years af-ter overdenture rehabilitation. Results Over 3 years′ rehabilitation of mandibular two-implant overdentures retained with ball attach-ments,no implants failed,the overall marginal bone loss was lower than 1mm,the mucosal conditions were healthy,and the patients′ sat-isfaction was significantly improved and remained high over
Scurvy in a 3-year-old boy: MRI features
Cock, J.,; Renard, M; de Smet, M.; Breysem, L
A 3-year-old boy presented with painful knees (especially the right knee) and difficulty in walking for a few weeks. He complained of lower limb weakness. He was irritable and thinly built. At clinical examination movement of the knees and hips was painful. He had previously been diagnosed with autism. The mother reported that he didn't eat well.
Gastroschisis: factors influencing 3-year survival and digestive outcome
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Lília Valente
Full Text Available Background: Gastroschisis patients' morbidity is still high, underlining the importance of identifying factors associated with adverse outcomes.Objective: To determine factors influencing gastroschisis patients' morbimortality during the first 3 years of life in "Centro Hospitalar São João" (CHSJ.Methodology: Records of infants born with gastroschisis between January 2002 and December 2011 admitted to CHSJ were reviewed. The relation between demographic and clinical data and morbimortality during the first 3 years of life, specifically anthropometric evolution and digestive outcome, was evaluated. The factors that were compared were simple versus complex gastroschisis and primary versus secondary closure.Results: Forty records were analysed. The survival rate was 92.3%. Patients with complex gastroschisis had worse outcomes: hospital stay (median 59 versus 23.5 days, total parenteral nutrition (50 versus 19 days, total oral intake reached (47 versus 22.5 days, morphine analgesia (9 versus 3 days, intestinal occlusion (60% versus 11.8%, perforation (60% versus 0% and ischaemia (40% versus 0%, sepsis (100% versus 32.4%, short bowel syndrome (40% versus 3.1%, laxative need during 1-year follow-up (40% versus 0%, weight percentile < 5 at 6 months (75% versus 13.6% and gastrointestinal symptoms after the first year of life (OR: 42; 95% CI: 2.01-877.5. Secondary closure patients had worse outcomes: start of oral intake (25 versus 11.5 days, total oral intake reached (48 versus 23 days, necrotizing enterocolitis (40% versus 2.9% and mortality (40% versus 2.9%.Conclusion: Complex gastroschisis and secondary closure were both associated with higher morbidity. Secondary closure was also associated with higher mortality. Complex gastroschisis revealed to be a predictive factor for higher incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms after the first year of life. Therefore, follow-up at least until 3 years of life of patients with complex gastroschisis
Convergent and discriminant validity of psychiatric symptoms reported in The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study at age 3 years with independent clinical assessment in the Longitudinal ADHD Cohort Study
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Guido Biele
Full Text Available Epidemiological studies often use parent questionnaires to assess children's development and mental health. To date, few studies have investigated the validity of parent questionnaires with standardized clinical assessments as criterion. The current study examines discriminant and convergent validity of parent questionnaires for symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD, and Conduct Disorder (CD as well as symptoms of Separation Anxiety employed in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study by using structured clinical interviews performed 5 months later in the Longitudinal ADHD Cohort Study as a criterion. The comparison of confirmatory factor analysis models and examination of factor correlations indicate convergent and discriminant validity of MoBa parent questionnaires for preschool children, especially for the assessment of ADHD and ODD/CD. Future research should attempt to further improve parent questionnaires, examine their validity in representative samples, and explicitly test their utility for screening.
Clinical assessment of language development in children at age 3 years that were born preterm Avaliação da evolução dos aspectos linguísticos em crianças que nasceram prematuras aos 3 anos de idade
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Carolina Rizzotto Schirmer
Full Text Available OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of gestational age and birth weight on language development and neurodevelopmental outcome at age 3 years in children born preterm. METHOD: Cross sectional study including 69 children followed in our developmental outpatient clinic. Patients were consecutively included at the time of the 3 years of age appointment and stratified for birth weight (OBJETIVO: Avaliar influência da idade gestacional (IG e peso ao nascimento na aquisição da linguagem e neurodesenvolvimento em crianças de 3 anos que nasceram prematuras. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal incluindo 69 crianças acompanhadas no Ambulatório de Seguimento Neonatal. Pacientes incluídos tinham 3 anos e foram estratificados por peso ao nascimento (>1500 gramas e entre 1500-2500 gramas. Todos foram avaliados com relação ao neurodesenvolvimento incluindo avaliação neurológica clínica, Denver II, Bayley II e avaliação da linguagem. Para a analise dividimos em dois grupos com e sem alteração na aquisição de linguagem. RESULTADOS: Crianças com DAL apresentam melhores índices nos escores de desenvolvimento no Bayley II (p=1500 gramas tiveram escores menores no Bayley II na idade de 36 m (p=0.002, p=0.007 e p<0.001. Análise multivariada sugere uma associação da IG (p=0,032 e alteração comportamental (p=0,001 com atraso na aquisição da linguagem. Denver II alterado tanto aos 12 m quanto aos 24 m, correlaciona-se com significância estatística a atraso na aquisição de linguagem receptiva e expressiva aos 3 anos de idade (p=<0.01 e p=<0.01. CONCLUSÃO: Crianças nascidas prematuras e com baixo peso ao nascimento, apresentam maior risco de ter um atraso no desenvolvimento da linguagem. Sendo que as crianças que tem atraso no desenvolvimento de linguagem apresentaram um desempenho cognitivo e psicomotor inferior ao das com desenvolvimento normal.
Periodic paralysis: clinical evaluation in 20 patients
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Célia Harumi Tengan
Full Text Available Twenty patients with periodic paralysis were evaluated and the aspects studied included epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, ancillary tests, treatment and evolution. Sixteen patients had the hypokalemic form (5 familiar, 5 sporadic, 5 thyrotoxic and 1 secondary. No patient with the normokalemic form was detected. Predominance of men was found (14 patients, especially in the cases with hyperthyroidism (5 patients. No thyrotoxic patient was of oriental origin. Only 4 patients had the hyperkalemic form (3 familiar, 1 sporadic. Attacks of paralysis began during the first decade in the hyperkalemic form and up to the third decade in the hypokalemic. In both forms the attacks occurred preferentially in the morning with rest after exercise being the most important precipitating factor. Seventy five percent of the hyperkalemic patients referred brief attacks (<12 hours. Longer attacks were referred by 43% of the hypokalemic patients. The majority of the attacks manifested with a generalized weakness mainly in legs, and its frequency was variable. Creatinokinase was evaluated in 10 patients and 8 of them had levels that varied from 1,1 to 5 times normal. Electromyography was done in 6 patients and myotonic phenomenon was the only abnormality detected in 2 patients. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, especially acetazolamide, were used for prophylactic treatment in 9 pacients with good results in all. Although periodic paralysis may be considered a benign disease we found respiratory distress in 5 patients, permanent myopathy in 1, electrocardiographic abnormalities during crises in 4; death during paralysis occurred in 2. Therefore correct diagnosis and immediate treatment are crucial. This study shows that hyperthyroidism is an important cause of periodic paralysis in our country, even in non oriental patients. Hence endocrine investigation is mandatory since this kind of periodic paralysis will only be abated after return to the euthyroid state.
Implementing Peer Evaluation of Clinical Teaching
Laske, Rita Ann
Clinical education provides the nursing student opportunities to learn the practice of nursing. In the clinical setting, the nursing student applies classroom knowledge to the real patient care situation. The clinical instructor facilitates this important process by assisting students to integrate knowledge into their practice, improve their…
[Clinical practice guideline: a complete geriatric evaluation].
Medina-Chávez, Juan Humberto; Torres-Arreola, Laura Del Pilar; Cortés-González, Rosa María; Durán-Gómez, Verónica; Martínez-Hernández, Fernando; Esquivel-Romero, Gustavo
The care of elderly patients requires an evaluation that deserves a host of special considerations, such as biological aspects of aging, those related to activities of daily living and functionality, neuro-psychological conceptions, family dynamics and economic conditions. The growth of the aging population in our country is accompanied by an increase in chronic diseases and more individuals have greater vulnerability, requiring a more consumption of resources because of the high demand for services. This requires the incorporation of specialized care in the institutional system, which has caused serious consequences in the current health system, benefiting specialization and technology, but with a loss of an integrated and horizontal view of the patient. Therefore it is necessary to develop a practical tool that allows the family physician to identify and differentiate the geriatric population that requires specialized care from who does not, identifying problems that may improve and allow the design of strategies to improve health status and maintain functional autonomy of the elderly. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a fundamental tool for clinical practice of any medical care to the elderly. PMID:22176832
[Spondyloarthropathies--clinical evaluation and physical therapy].
Vlak, Tonko
Spondyloarthropathy is a group of chronic autoimmune disorders including ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease, acute anterior uveitis and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathies. The spondyloarthropathies share common clinical, radiological, and genetic features that are clearly distinct from other inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The major goal in the management of patients with rheumatic disorders is to control or cure the disease and to preserve and control function and health status. To measure treatments' efficacy standardized assessment of organ morphology, function, and of health status are required. The instruments for measuring health status or quality of life cover a variety of dimensions of health, including physical, social, and emotional functioning. Measurements used to evaluate the efficacy of treatments in ankylosing spondylitis include spinal and chest movement, duration and severity of morning stiffness, and quality of sleep. Health status indices such as the HAQ or AIMS are not readily applicable to spondyloarthropaties. It is reason to use some others: 1. Functional status measure S-HAQ for patients with spondylitis by adding five items to the HAQ, to cover the activities identified as most problematic; 2. Functional index for the assessment of ankylosing spondylitis (Dougados Functional Index - DFI) - it is valid and reliable and shows sufficient responsiveness; S-HAQ appears at least as sensitive to change as the Dougados Index; 3. The Leeds Disability Questionnaire assesses disability in ankylosing spondylitis, inquiring about four areas of function: mobility, bending down, reaching up and neck movements, and postures; 4. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) 10 item self-administered questionnaire to assess function and activities of daily living in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Physical therapy is one of the most important way to
Nosocomial Infections of Inpatients:An 3-year Clinical Investigation and Analysis in Basic-level general hospital%基层综合性医院连续3年医院感染调查分析
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
赵中; 谭倩
目的 探讨基层综合性医院住院患者医院感染的特点,以采取相应有效措施预防和控制医院感染的发生.方法 采用回顾性统计调查分析.结果 医院感染率为1.63%,其中以呼吸道最高,依次为泌尿道、手术切口;临床分离的致病菌为G-菌,占55.45%,G+菌,占20%,真菌,占24.55%,比较本院近3年医院感染,条件致病菌各年构成比差异虽无统计学意义,但仍占主导地位.结论 加强医院感染管理,减少侵袭性操作,及时病原菌监测,合理应用抗菌药物是降低医院感染的有效措施.%Objective To investigate the feature of nosocomial infections in Basic-level general hospital, based on which effective methods are taken to prevent and control the incidence of nosocomial infection. Methods An analysis was made on the basis of the survey, the data came from hospitalized cases in the recent three years. Results The rate of nosocomial fungus infection was 1.63 %,the main infection site was respiratory tract, and followed by urinary tract and surgical incision. Among bacteria isolated from clinical cases, 55.45 % were G-, 20.00 % were G+, and 24.55 % were fungi. However,differences of the proportion of conditional bacteria were insignificantly (P>0.05) during the past three years,the conditional bacteria were the major pathogenic in nosocomial infections. Conclusions Strengthening the nosocomial infection management, Lessing invasive process, supervising towards bacteria, and using antibacterial drug rationally are effective methods to reducing the nosocomial infections.
Clinical image quality evaluation for panoramic radiography in Korean dental clinics
Choi, Bo-ram; Choi, Da-Hye; Huh, Kyung-Hoe; Yi, Won-Jin; Heo, Min-Suk; Choi, Soon-Chul; Bae, Kwang-Hak; Lee, Sam-Sun
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of clinical image quality of panoramic radiographs and to analyze the parameters that influence the overall image quality. Materials and Methods Korean dental clinics were asked to provide three randomly selected panoramic radiographs. An oral and maxillofacial radiology specialist evaluated those images using our self-developed Clinical Image Quality Evaluation Chart. Three evaluators classified the overall image quality of the p...
Body Composition at 3-years of Age
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Ejlerskov, Katrine Tschentscher
are physiologically plausible and should be investigated in other study settings. Results from paper III showed that total and free IGF-I at both 9 and 36 months were positively related to most measures of anthropometry and body composition at 3 years. We found no clear associations between IGF-I levels and early...... with later increased adiposity risk. Growth in early childhood is highly related to the levels of insulin-like growth factor-I. Objectives: Data used in this thesis is from the prospective cohort study SKOT which includes 330 children examined at 9, 18 and 36 months of age. The main objective with this Ph...... was to identify growth periods with relation to body composition at 3 years and whether the impact of growth was modified by nutrition. A third objective was to examine the relation between IGF-I levels at 9 and 36 months and body composition at 3 years. Since the IGF-I level was expected to be affected...
Clinical simulation as an evaluation method in health informatics
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Jensen, Sanne
work practice including other technology and organizational structure. Clinical simulation is ideal for proactive evaluation of new technology for clinical work practice. Clinical simulations involve real end-users as they simulate the use of technology in realistic environments performing realistic...... tasks. Clinical simulation study assesses effects on clinical workflow and enables identification and evaluation of patient safety hazards before implementation at a hospital. Clinical simulation also offers an opportunity to create a space in which healthcare professionals working in different...... locations or sectors can meet and exchange knowledge about work practices and requirement needs. This contribution will discuss benefits and challenges of using clinical simulation, and will describe how clinical simulation fits into classical usability studies, how patient safety may benefit by use of...
Clinical evaluation of 413 Thalassemic patients
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Korosdari Gh.H
Full Text Available Thalassemia is the most prevalent genetic disorder in Iran and around the world and these patients need regular careful care. The present study reports results of routine examination of patients visited Thalassemia clinic of Tehran. Data about clinical and laboratory examinations of 413 Thalassemic were extracted and analyzed. The prevalence of heart complications, diabetes, growth retardation, delayed puberty and primary and secondary amenorrhea was 9%, 8%, 21.3%, 3.1% and 6.3%, respectively. 44% didn't have secondary sex characteristics. Splenectomy had been done for 67.2% of cases. HBsAg, HBsAb and HBcAb were positive in 1.9%, 57.4% and 43%, respectively. We concluded that blood transfusion standards in this clinic was acceptable, whereas because of poor knowledge, iron chelating is unfavorable.
The Clinical Evaluation of Parkinson's Tremor
Zach, H.; Dirkx, M.; Bloem, B.R.; Helmich, R.C.
Parkinson's disease harbours many different tremors that differ in distribution, frequency, and context in which they occur. A good clinical tremor assessment is important for weighing up possible differential diagnoses of Parkinson's disease, but also to measure the severity of the tremor as a basi
Effectiveness of Dietary Allergen Exclusion Therapy on Eosinophilic Colitis in Chinese Infants and Young Children ≤ 3 Years of Age
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Min Yang
Full Text Available Eosinophilic colitis is a well recognized clinical entity mainly associated with food allergies. Empiric treatment options include dietary allergen exclusion (extensively hydrolyzed protein formula and elimination diet, anti-allergy medications (antihistamines and leukotriene receptor antagonists and corticosteroids. We evaluated the effectiveness of dietary antigen exclusion on clinical remission of eosinophilic colitis in infants and young children. We retrospectively reviewed charts of all infants and children ≤3 years of age who were diagnosed with eosinophilic colitis (defined as mucosal eosinophilia ≥20 hpf−1 from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013 at a tertiary children's hospital in China. Forty-nine children were identified with eosinophilic colitis. Elemental formula, simple elimination diet or combination therapy resulted in clinical improvement in 75%, 88.2% and 80% of patients, respectively. In conclusion, eosinophilic colitis in infants and children ≤3 years of age responded well to dietary allergen exclusion.
Clinical evaluation of synthetic aperture sequential beamforming
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Hansen, Peter Møller; Hemmsen, Martin Christian; Lange, Theis;
the ultrasound beam. Five ultrasound experts (radiologists) evaluated the sequence pairs in a side-by-side comparison, and the results show that image quality using SASB was better than conventional B-mode imaging. 73 % of the evaluations favored SASB, and a probability of 70 % was calculated for a...... new radiologist to prefer SASB over conventional imaging, if a new sequence was recorded. There was no significant difference in penetration depth....
Clinical Evaluation of Baccalaureate Nursing Students Using SBAR Format: Faculty versus Self Evaluation
Saied, Hala; James, Joemol; Singh, Evangelin Jeya; Al Humaied, Lulawah
Clinical training is of paramount importance in nursing education and clinical evaluation is one of the most challenging responsibilities of nursing faculty. The use of objective tools and criteria and involvement of the students in the evaluation process are some techniques to facilitate quality learning in the clinical setting. Aim: The aim of…
Nurse educators' perceptions of OSCE as a clinical evaluation method
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MM Chabeli
Full Text Available The South African Qualifications Authority, and the South African Nursing Council are in pursuit of quality nursing education to enable the learners to practise as independent and autonomous practitioners. The educational programme should focus on the facilitation of critical and reflective thinking skills that will help the learner to make rational decisions and solve problems. A way of achieving this level of functioning is the use of assessment and evaluation methods that measure the learners' clinical competence holistically. This article is focused on the perceptions of twenty nurse educators, purposively selected from three Nursing Colleges affiliated to a university in Gauteng, regarding the use of OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination as a clinical evaluation method within a qualitative and descriptive research strategy. Three focus group interviews were conducted in different sessions. A descriptive content analysis was used. Trustworthiness was ensured by using Lincoln and Guba's model (1985. The results revealed both positive and negative aspects of OSCE as a clinical evaluation method with regard to: administrative aspects; evaluators; learners; procedures/instruments and evaluation. The conclusion drawn from the related findings is that OSCE does not measure the learners' clinical competence holistically. It is therefore recommended that the identified negative perception be taken as challenges faced by nurse educators and that the positive aspects be strengthened. One way of meeting these recommendations is the use of varied alternative methods for clinical assessment and evaluation that focus on the holistic measurement of the learners' clinical competence.
Evaluation of leak current of clinical electrometers
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The present work shows the evaluation of two electrometers model Victoreen used in radiotherapy. The performance of the electrometers was proven using a source of current, built inside the work frame arcal 34, and using like reference the norm iec 60371. The results of the tests of leakage, displacement of the zero and linealty of the electrometers are presented
3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing Single Titanium Dental Implants: A Prospective Multicenter Study with 3 Years of Follow-Up
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Samy Tunchel
Full Text Available This prospective 3-year follow-up clinical study evaluated the survival and success rates of 3DP/AM titanium dental implants to support single implant-supported restorations. After 3 years of loading, clinical, radiographic, and prosthetic parameters were assessed; the implant survival and the implant-crown success were evaluated. Eighty-two patients (44 males, 38 females; age range 26–67 years were enrolled in the present study. A total of 110 3DP/AM titanium dental implants (65 maxilla, 45 mandible were installed: 75 in healed alveolar ridges and 35 in postextraction sockets. The prosthetic restorations included 110 single crowns (SCs. After 3 years of loading, six implants failed, for an overall implant survival rate of 94.5%; among the 104 surviving implant-supported restorations, 6 showed complications and were therefore considered unsuccessful, for an implant-crown success of 94.3%. The mean distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone-implant contact was 0.75 mm (±0.32 and 0.89 (±0.45 after 1 and 3 years of loading, respectively. 3DP/AM titanium dental implants seem to represent a successful clinical option for the rehabilitation of single-tooth gaps in both jaws, at least until 3-year period. Further, long-term clinical studies are needed to confirm the present results.
3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing Single Titanium Dental Implants: A Prospective Multicenter Study with 3 Years of Follow-Up.
Tunchel, Samy; Blay, Alberto; Kolerman, Roni; Mijiritsky, Eitan; Shibli, Jamil Awad
This prospective 3-year follow-up clinical study evaluated the survival and success rates of 3DP/AM titanium dental implants to support single implant-supported restorations. After 3 years of loading, clinical, radiographic, and prosthetic parameters were assessed; the implant survival and the implant-crown success were evaluated. Eighty-two patients (44 males, 38 females; age range 26-67 years) were enrolled in the present study. A total of 110 3DP/AM titanium dental implants (65 maxilla, 45 mandible) were installed: 75 in healed alveolar ridges and 35 in postextraction sockets. The prosthetic restorations included 110 single crowns (SCs). After 3 years of loading, six implants failed, for an overall implant survival rate of 94.5%; among the 104 surviving implant-supported restorations, 6 showed complications and were therefore considered unsuccessful, for an implant-crown success of 94.3%. The mean distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone-implant contact was 0.75 mm (±0.32) and 0.89 (±0.45) after 1 and 3 years of loading, respectively. 3DP/AM titanium dental implants seem to represent a successful clinical option for the rehabilitation of single-tooth gaps in both jaws, at least until 3-year period. Further, long-term clinical studies are needed to confirm the present results. PMID:27313616
3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing Single Titanium Dental Implants: A Prospective Multicenter Study with 3 Years of Follow-Up
This prospective 3-year follow-up clinical study evaluated the survival and success rates of 3DP/AM titanium dental implants to support single implant-supported restorations. After 3 years of loading, clinical, radiographic, and prosthetic parameters were assessed; the implant survival and the implant-crown success were evaluated. Eighty-two patients (44 males, 38 females; age range 26–67 years) were enrolled in the present study. A total of 110 3DP/AM titanium dental implants (65 maxilla, 45 mandible) were installed: 75 in healed alveolar ridges and 35 in postextraction sockets. The prosthetic restorations included 110 single crowns (SCs). After 3 years of loading, six implants failed, for an overall implant survival rate of 94.5%; among the 104 surviving implant-supported restorations, 6 showed complications and were therefore considered unsuccessful, for an implant-crown success of 94.3%. The mean distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone-implant contact was 0.75 mm (±0.32) and 0.89 (±0.45) after 1 and 3 years of loading, respectively. 3DP/AM titanium dental implants seem to represent a successful clinical option for the rehabilitation of single-tooth gaps in both jaws, at least until 3-year period. Further, long-term clinical studies are needed to confirm the present results. PMID:27313616
Eosinophilic cystitis in a 3-year-old boy
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Eosinophilic cystitis is a rare in children; it also affects adults. Clinical manifestations are variable. The diagnosis can be confirmed by cystoscopy and biopsy, both rather invasive procedures, especially in younger patients. We report a 3-year-old boy with eosinophilic cystitis. The most important radiological finding was marked thickening of the bladder wall, documented on ultrasound, cystography and CT. The CT findings of eosinophilic cystitis have, to the best of our knowledge, not been reported before. In addition to ultrasound and cystography, CT clearly demonstrates extension of the inflammatory process into the perivesical tissues. (orig.)
Clinical evaluation of desoximetasone in treatment of dermatoses and psoriasis.
Nair, B K; Nair, C H
A comparative clinical evaluation of desoximetasone, a corticosterone derivative by a double blind study showed that desoximetasone has potent topical activity as effective as betamethasone valerate and probably more effective than triamcinolone acetonide. PMID:1093984
One hospital's clinical evaluation of brushless scrubbing.
Berman, Mara
BRUSHLESS SCRUBBING rapidly is becoming an accepted method for surgical hand scrubbing. AN EVALUATION was undertaken at an acute care hospital in the southeastern United States to examine brushless scrubbing before laminectomy, craniotomy, and colectomy procedures. PATIENTS DID NOT SHOW an increase in postoperative surgical site infections when the brushless scrubbing product was used. SATISFACTION AND COMPLIANCE among users of the product was positive. PMID:15002831
Interprofessional student clinics: an economic evaluation of collaborative clinical placement education.
Haines, Terry P; Kent, Fiona; Keating, Jennifer L
Interprofessional student clinics can be used to create clinical education placements for health professional students in addition to traditional hospital-based placements and present an opportunity to provide interprofessional learning experiences in a clinical context. To date, little consideration has been given in research literature as to whether such clinics are economically viable for a university to run. We conducted an economic evaluation based upon data generated during a pilot of an interprofessional student clinic based in Australia. Cost-minimization analyses of the student clinic as opposed to traditional profession-specific clinical education in hospitals were conducted from university, Commonwealth Government, state government and societal perspectives. Cost data gathered during the pilot study and market prices were used where available, while $AUD currency at 2011 values were used. Per student day of clinical education, the student clinic cost an additional $289, whereas the state government saved $49 and the Commonwealth Government saved $66. Overall, society paid an additional $175 per student day of clinical education using the student clinic as opposed to conventional hospital-based placements, indicating that traditional hospital-based placements are a cost-minimizing approach overall for providing clinical education. Although interprofessional student clinics have reported positive patient and student learning outcomes, further research is required to determine if these benefits can justify the additional cost of this model of education. Considerations for clinic sustainability are proposed. PMID:24417539
Changes in Strength Abilities of Adolescent Girls: The Effect of a 3-Year Physical Education Curriculum
Czarniecka, Renata; Milde, Katarzyna; Tomaszewski, Pawel
Study aim: To evaluate changes in strength abilities of adolescent girls that underwent a 3-year physical education curriculum. Material and methods: The research participants comprised 141 girls aged 13.3 plus or minus 0.35 years who participated in a 3-year physical education curriculum (PEC). Evaluation was based on the following EUROFIT…
Clinical evaluation of serial CT scan
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Dynamic CT of abdominal organs was performed in a few cases, and movement of contrast medium in abdominal organs, the capacity of abdominal dynamic CT to visualize vascular cavity less than middle size, and the evaluation of abdominal dynamic CT in the diagnosis of malignant tumor were reported. After 50 ml of 60% meglumine iotalamate was injected into cubital vein in 15 seconds (3.3 ml/sec.), it was clarified by the first scan after the injection that contrast medium enough to visualize vascular cavity of 2 mm in diameter existed in vessels. That is, SOMATOM SD can visualize the intravascular phase of the contrast by the first or the second scan after the injection. Abdominal dynamic CT was very useful for the diagnosis of abdominal malignant tumor. (Tsunoda, M.)
Clinical and radiological evaluation of ARDS
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Thirty patients under long-term artificial respiration being at risk of or suffering from ARDS were observed on the intensive care unit right from the beginning of treatment. In all cases, the lungs were visualised by means of computed tomography. Computed tomography of the lungs provided valuable information as to the pulmonal distribution of ARDS-related changes. In gradually developing acute respiratory insufficiency caused by parenchymal changes that start from the paravertebral regions CT scans also permitted the so-called 'silent period' to be ascertained that is always seen to escape radiological detection. Comparative evaluations confirmed the diagnostic superiority of computed tomography to conventional X-ray procedures and arterial blood gas analysis in those ARDS patients where the tissue changes begin in the dorsal sections of the lungs. (orig./MBC)
Clinical Evaluation of Inpatients with Acute Urticaria
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Ayşe Serap
Full Text Available Background and Design: To determine the clinical and etiological features of inpatients with acute urticaria and angioedema and to assess the need for laboratory tests. Material and Methods: We recruited 105 patients with acute urticaria and angioedema who were admitted to our inpatient unit. The lesions and the characteristics of the patients were analyzed. Routine diagnostic tests including complete blood count, thyroid function tests, hepatitis panel, stool parasite, total IgE levels, cultures, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, anti-nuclear antibody, and posterior anterior lung X-ray were ordered. A psychiatric consultation was obtained, when needed. The results were analyzed with SPSS 15.0 statistical software.Results: Among 105 patients, 28 (26.7% had urticaria, 7 (6.7% had angioedema, and 70 (66.7% suffered from both urticaria and angioedema. The most common accompanying symptoms were itching (91.4% and burning (34.3%. The most common systemic symptoms were fatigue (15.2% and headache (12.4%. The lesions usually appeared in the evening hours (24.8%. Twenty-five patients were waking up due to itching during the night. Some lesions were associated with physical activities. Systemic diseases accompanied the lesions in 12 patients (11%. In terms of etiological factors, 33 patients (22.5% had infections. Food- related lesions were encountered in 14 (13% patients. Thirty patients (28.5% had history of medication use. Stress was detected in 37.1% of the patients; anxiety was diagnosed in 3% of patients. The stool was positive for parasites in 10 (9% patients. Conclusion: Acute urticaria is a benign disorder. Although the underlying cause of urticaria can not always be identified, infections and medications are the most common causes. A comprehensive and detailed history is very important to discover the underlying cause. The diagnostic tests should be ordered according to the patient's history. Conducting diagnostic tests
Clinical image quality evaluation for panoramic radiography in Korean dental clinics
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of clinical image quality of panoramic radiographs and to analyze the parameters that influence the overall image quality. Korean dental clinics were asked to provide three randomly selected panoramic radiographs. An oral and maxillofacial radiology specialist evaluated those images using our self-developed Clinical Image Quality Evaluation Chart. Three evaluators classified the overall image quality of the panoramic radiographs and evaluated the causes of imaging errors. A total of 297 panoramic radiographs were collected from 99 dental hospitals and clinics. The mean of the scores according to the Clinical Image Quality Evaluation Chart was 79.9. In the classification of the overall image quality, 17 images were deemed 'optimal for obtaining diagnostic information,' 153 were 'adequate for diagnosis,' 109 were 'poor but diagnosable,' and nine were 'unrecognizable and too poor for diagnosis'. The results of the analysis of the causes of the errors in all the images are as follows: 139 errors in the positioning, 135 in the processing, 50 from the radiographic unit, and 13 due to anatomic abnormality. Panoramic radiographs taken at local dental clinics generally have a normal or higher-level image quality. Principal factors affecting image quality were positioning of the patient and image density, sharpness, and contrast. Therefore, when images are taken, the patient position should be adjusted with great care. Also, standardizing objective criteria of image density, sharpness, and contrast is required to evaluate image quality effectively.
Development and evaluation of a clinical note section header terminology.
Denny, Joshua C; Miller, Randolph A; Johnson, Kevin B; Spickard, Anderson
Clinical documentation is often expressed in natural language text, yet providers often use common organizations that segment these notes in sections, such as history of present illness or physical examination. We developed a hierarchical section header terminology, supporting mappings to LOINC and other vocabularies; it contained 1109 concepts and 4332 synonyms. Physicians evaluated it compared to LOINC and the Evaluation and Management billing schema using a randomly selected corpus of history and physical notes. Evaluated documents contained a median of 54 sections and 27 major sections. There were 16,196 total sections in the evaluation note corpus. The terminology contained 99.9% of the clinical sections; LOINC matched 77% of section header concepts and 20% of section header strings in those documents. The section terminology may enable better clinical note understanding and interoperability. Future development and integration into natural language processing systems is needed. PMID:18999303
Quality evaluation of controlled clinical information service trials.
Balas, E A; Austin, S. M.; Brown, G.D.; Mitchell, J. A.
Randomized controlled clinical trials are increasingly accepted as tools of computer technology assessment and, therefore, quality evaluation of trials has great theoretical and practical significance. The purpose of this study was to assist the design of evaluation studies and synthesis of published results by developing and validating an easy-to-use quality scoring method. The development of the new scoring system was based on the available quality evaluation methods and the analysis of 19 ...
Evaluating clinical teachers with the Maastricht clinical teaching questionnaire : How much 'teacher' is in student ratings?
Boerboom, Tobias B. B.; Mainhard, Tim; Dolmans, Diana H. J. M.; Scherpbier, Albert J. J. A.; Van Beukelen, Peter; Jaarsma, A. D. (Debbie) C.
Background: Students are a popular source of data to evaluate the performance of clinical teachers. Instruments to obtain student evaluations must have proven validity. One aspect of validity that often remains underexposed is the possibility of effects of between-student differences and teacher and
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Wadikar Sujata Surendra
Full Text Available A Clinical study on "Clinical Evaluation of Selected Colouring Herbals in Savarnikaran" was carried out at shalya tantra dept. of M.A.Podar Hospital, Worli, Mumbai 18. The prime aim of the study is to make available an effective, alternative colouring cosmetic preparations which will be useful in post burn, post acne and post wound colour morbidity.Ayurvedic herbal drugs are abundant, easily available and cost effective but their use is not observed in all forms. The trial drug is prepared in powder-paste, oil and ointment form. Further the efficacy of the different preparation is also evaluated separately. Cosmetic aspect of ayurvedic surgery is neglected, here we attempt to bring this aspect in routine practice.Total number of 40 patients were studied in this clinical study.Observations were documented through specially designed clinical record form and relevant conclusions were drawn.
Integrated care for diabetes: clinical, psychosocial, and economic evaluation. Diabetes Integrated Care Evaluation Team.
OBJECTIVES--To evaluate integrated care for diabetes in clinical, psychosocial, and economic terms. DESIGN--Pragmatic randomised trial. SETTING--Hospital diabetic clinic and three general practice groups in Grampian. PATIENTS--274 adult diabetic patients attending a hospital clinic and registered with one of three general practices. INTERVENTION--Random allocation to conventional hospital clinic care or integrated care. Integrated care patients seen in general practice every three or four mon...
Evaluation of PICO as a Knowledge Representation for Clinical Questions
Huang, Xiaoli; Lin, Jimmy; Demner-Fushman, Dina
The paradigm of evidence-based medicine (EBM) recommends that physicians formulate clinical questions in terms of the problem/population, intervention, comparison, and outcome. Together, these elements comprise a PICO frame. Although this framework was developed to facilitate the formulation of clinical queries, the ability of PICO structures to represent physicians' information needs has not been empirically investigated. This paper evaluates the adequacy and suitability of PICO frames as a ...
Clinical laboratory evaluation of the automicrobic system Enterobacteriaceae biochemical card.
J.R. Davis; Stager, C E; Wende, R D; Qadri, S M
The AutoMicrobic System Enterobacteriaceae Biochemical Card (AMS-EBC; Vitek Systems, Inc.) was evaluated in two clinical microbiology laboratories. A total of 502 consecutive clinical isolates representing members of the family Enterobacteriaceae were tested in parallel with the AMS-EBC, API 20E, and Enterotube II systems. Discrepancies between systems were resolved with the conventional methods of Edwards and Ewing (P. R. Edwards and W. H. Ewing [ed.], Identification of Enterobacteriaceae, 1...
Evaluation of a pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinic.
Cohen, I A; Hutchison, T A; Kirking, D M; Shue, M E
Medical records were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the success of a pharmacist-managed Anticoagulation Surveillance Clinic (ASC). The 78 patients in group I were followed by the ASC. The 17 patients in Group II were followed by other Veterans Administration Medical Center clinics. Demographic characteristics, warfarin indication and potentially complicating conditions were comparable between the groups. Group I patients had shorter intervals between visits to the clinic than Group II patients. Although not statistically different compared to Group II, Group I patients had better prothrombin time control. Group I patients also had fewer complications per treatment year (6.9% vs 9.0%) and received fewer potentially interacting drugs. The ASC was at least as successful as the other clinics in managing patients on warfarin, and results compared very favorably to those reported in the literature for other anticoagulation clinics. PMID:4019790
Protected clinical teaching time and a bedside clinical evaluation instrument in an emergency medicine training program.
Shayne, Philip; Heilpern, Katherine; Ander, Douglas; Palmer-Smith, Victoria
In a process that has evolved over the last four years, the Emory University Emergency Medicine Education Committee has developed an "academic attending" teaching shift incorporating a formatted lecture series with a clinical evaluation exercise (CEE). The program structures the approach to clinical teaching at the bedside, provides an objective clinical evaluation tool specific to emergency medicine residents, and provides targeted learning for medical students and residents rotating in the emergency department (ED). The CEE instrument was designed to be quick and efficient, satisfy requirements of assessment of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) general competencies, and incorporate the language of the "Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine." The original program called for unstructured bedside teaching three days a week, by faculty freed from clinical duties, combined with a limited series of introductory emergency medicine lectures. The program proved more successful when concentrated in a once weekly structured educational program. The prepared, repeating lecture series has been expanded to include many of the most common ED presenting chief complaints and has significantly advanced a curriculum for medical students and visiting interns. A CEE was developed to evaluate and provide immediate feedback to residents on many of the core ACGME competencies. The CEE has been successfully used to structure the bedside educational encounter. This dedicated non-clinical "teaching" shift appears effective in meeting the educational goals of the authors' academic ED. This is a description of the program and its evolution; the program has not been formally evaluated. PMID:12414493
Evaluation of the clinical usefulness of modulated Arc treatment
Lee, Young Kyu; Jang, Hong Seok; Kim, Yeon Sil; Choi, Byung Ock; Nam, Sang Hee; Park, Hyeong Wook; Kim, Shin Wook; Shin, Hun Joo; Lee, Jae Choon; Kim, Ji Na; PARK, SUNG KWANG; Kim, Jin Young; Kang, Young-Nam
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of modulated arc (mARC) treatment techniques. The mARC treatment plans of the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were performed in order to verify the clinical usefulness of mARC. A pre study was conducted to find the most competent plan condition of mARC treatment and the usefulness of mARC treatment plan was evaluated by comparing it with the other Arc treatment plans such as Tomotherapy and RapidArc. In the case of m...
Retrospective evaluation of a pharmacist-managed warfarin anticoagulation clinic.
Garabedian-Ruffalo, S M; Gray, D R; Sax, M J; Ruffalo, R L
The effectiveness of a pharmacist-managed warfarin anticoagulation clinic in maintaining therapeutic prothrombin times and preventing hospitalizations secondary to inadequate control of anticoagulation was evaluated. Patients who had received warfarin sodium for at least one year before being referred to the anticoagulation clinic were studied using retrospective chart reviews. Clinical pharmacists provided patient education, monitored patients for hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications, and adjusted warfarin sodium dosage to maintain therapeutic prothrombin times. The patients' primary physicians retained responsibility for overall care and were consulted by pharmacists regarding complications of anticoagulation and patient unreliability. The percentage of patients requiring hospitalization (39% versus 4%) and the percentage of prothrombin times outside the therapeutic range (35.8% versus 14.4%) were significantly higher during the preclinic phase (before referral to the clinic) than during the clinic phase. Eight patients were hospitalized for hemorrhagic complications and four for thromboembolism during the preclinic phase; only one hospitalization for hemorrhage occurred during the clinic phase. The warfarin anticoagulation clinic staffed by specially trained pharmacists provided improved therapy compared with treatment received by patients before their referral to the clinic. PMID:3976675
Development and Evaluation of a Clinical Note Section Header Terminology
Denny, Joshua C.; Miller, Randolph A; Johnson, Kevin B; Spickard, Anderson
Clinical documentation is often expressed in natural language text, yet providers often use common organizations that segment these notes in sections, such as "history of present illness" or "physical examination." We developed a hierarchical section header terminology, supporting mappings to LOINC and other vocabularies; it contained 1109 concepts and 4332 synonyms. Physicians evaluated it compared to LOINC and the Evaluation and Management billing schema using a randomly selected corpus of ...
Clinical breast evaluation skills of house officers and students.
Chalabian, J; Garman, K; Wallace, P; Dunnington, G
Current health care reform is placing primary care physicians in an increasingly significant role as the front-line providers of women's health care. It is critical that primary care physicians as well as surgeons develop the knowledge base, physical examination skills, and interpersonal skills necessary to care for patients with breast cancer. This study uses a standardized patient breast case in an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) format to objectively assess clinical breast evaluation skill performance by house officers and medical students. Performance of USC medical students, exposed to a uniform clinical breast evaluation curriculum, were compared with MSIVs from four other medical schools, and postgraduate year I and II categorical surgical residents. USC medical students were found to maintain performance between an initial surgical OSCE breast station and a delayed clinical practice exam (CPX) reexam as MSIVs (breast exam, P = 0.21; patient-physician interaction, P = 0.67). USC MSIVs had statistically significantly higher performance on the CPX breast station when compared with other MSIVs (T = 11.701, two-tailed test, P = 0.0001). House officers demonstrated significantly poorer skills than medical students (P = 0.03). An incoming housestaff group showed improvement with clinical breast evaluation checklists and orientation as part of their intern orientation program and ongoing curriculum. PMID:8813167
Clinical image quality evaluation for panoramic radiography in Korean dental clinics
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Choi, Bo Ram; Choi, Da Hye; Huh, Kyung Hoe; Yi, Won Jin; Heo, Min Suk; Choi, Soon Chul; Bae, Kwang Hak; Lee, Sam Sun [School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)
The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of clinical image quality of panoramic radiographs and to analyze the parameters that influence the overall image quality. Korean dental clinics were asked to provide three randomly selected panoramic radiographs. An oral and maxillofacial radiology specialist evaluated those images using our self-developed Clinical Image Quality Evaluation Chart. Three evaluators classified the overall image quality of the panoramic radiographs and evaluated the causes of imaging errors. A total of 297 panoramic radiographs were collected from 99 dental hospitals and clinics. The mean of the scores according to the Clinical Image Quality Evaluation Chart was 79.9. In the classification of the overall image quality, 17 images were deemed 'optimal for obtaining diagnostic information,' 153 were 'adequate for diagnosis,' 109 were 'poor but diagnosable,' and nine were 'unrecognizable and too poor for diagnosis'. The results of the analysis of the causes of the errors in all the images are as follows: 139 errors in the positioning, 135 in the processing, 50 from the radiographic unit, and 13 due to anatomic abnormality. Panoramic radiographs taken at local dental clinics generally have a normal or higher-level image quality. Principal factors affecting image quality were positioning of the patient and image density, sharpness, and contrast. Therefore, when images are taken, the patient position should be adjusted with great care. Also, standardizing objective criteria of image density, sharpness, and contrast is required to evaluate image quality effectively.
Increment of Dental Caries in Infants from the City of Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil: 3-Year-Follow-up
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Ana Isabel Fonseca SCAVUZZI
Full Text Available Purpose: To investigate the increment of dental caries and potential clinical risk factors for this increase within a 3-year-period (1998-2001.Method: A prospective longitudinal study on dental caries was performed between 1998 a 2001 in a sample of 136 children aged 12 years and 30 months, in the city of Feira de Santana, BA. The city has fluoridated water supply and the children were evaluated at three different moments: baseline, after 1 year and after 3 years. At the three moments, intraoral examination was performed for detection of dental caries (dmf-t index, dental plaque and white spot lesions on the buccal surfaces of maxillary incisors and presence of molars. Data were analyzed by distribution of absolute and relative frequencies, means, median and standard deviation, and use of chi-square, Wilcoxon test of signalized posts, Mc-Nemar and Fisher's tests. Significance level was set at 5%. Results: The prevalence of dental caries in the baseline examination was 5.9%, 18.4% after 1 year and 40.4% after 3 years, denoting an increment of 39.7%. It was confirmed the significant association between the variables white spot lesions, visible plaque and previous caries experience with the increment of dental caries after 3 years. There was no association with the presence of primary molars. Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries after 3 years was approximately 7 times higher than that of the baseline examination and twice as higher as that of the baseline examination. The clinical risk factors identified in this study are important indicators of the increment of dental caries in very young children.
How nurses seek and evaluate clinical guidelines on the Internet
Verhoeven, Fenne; Steehouder, Michael F.; Hendrix, Ron M.G.; Gemert-Pijnen, van Julia E.W.C.
Aim: This paper is a report of a study conducted to assess nurses' information-seeking strategies and problems encountered when seeking clinical guidelines on the Internet, and to investigate the criteria they apply when evaluating the guidelines and the websites communicating the guidelines. - Back
Evaluation Guidelines for the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs)
Trochim, William M.; Rubio, Doris M.; Thomas, Veronica G.
The National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), a part of the National Institutes of Health, currently funds the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSAs), a national consortium of 61 medical research institutions in 30 states and the District of Columbia. The program seeks to transform the way biomedical research is conducted, speed the translation of laboratory discoveries into treatments for patients, engage communities in clinical research efforts, and train a new generation of clinical and translational researchers.. An endeavor as ambitious and complex as the CTSA program requires high-quality evaluations in order to show that the program is well implemented, efficiently managed, and demonstrably effective. In this article, the Evaluation Key Function Committee of the CTSA Consortium presents an overall framework for evaluating the CTSA program and offers policies to guide the evaluation work. The guidelines set forth are designed to serve as a tool for education within the CTSA community by illuminating key issues and practices that should be considered during evaluation planning, implementation, and utilization. Additionally, these guidelines can provide a basis for ongoing discussions about how the principles articulated in this article can most effectively be translated into operational reality. PMID:23919366
Clinical evaluation of digital cine imaging on coronary angiography
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Digital cine angio system was developed a few years ago and is used widely for cardiac examinations. However, the image quality of digital imaging in clinical examinations is seldom evaluated. We have attempted to evaluate the digital imaging in D.C.I. First, each segment of coronary arteries that is exposed in routine projection angle were visually evaluated. Second, regarding the appearance of the coronary arteries on the diaphragm we compared digital imaging with cine film. As a result, the image quality of the coronary arteries except for segments 7 to 10 (classified by A.H.A.) was evaluated as being good. Regarding the appearance of coronary arteries on a diaphragm, digital imaging was evaluated higher than cine film. In this report, the advantages of digital imaging in coronary angiography were studied. (author)
Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Patients Treated with ITI Dental Implants and Evaluation of their Satisfaction
M Rismanchian; A Fazel
Introduction: Dental implants are used increasingly in educational and clinical centers due to their ability to provide esthetic and function in patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients treated with ITI Dental implants clinically and radiographically, and also evaluate their satisfaction from esthetic and practical point of view.Methods and Materials: In this analytical descriptive retrospective study, 318 ITI Dental implants were placed for 107 patients (male and females). Im...
Reporting and evaluation of HIV-related clinical endpoints in two multicenter international clinical trials
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Lifson, A; Rahme, FS; Belloso, WH; Dragsted, Ulrik Bak; El-Sadr, WM; Gatell, JM; Hoy, JF; Krum, EA; Nelson, R; Pedersen, C; Pett, SL; Davey, RT
adjudication between reviewers before diagnostic certainty was assigned. CONCLUSION: Important requirements for HIV trials using clinical endpoints include objective definitions of "confirmed" and "probable," a formal reporting process with adequate information and supporting source documentation, evaluation......PURPOSE: The processes for reporting and review of progression of HIV disease clinical endpoints are described for two large phase III international clinical trials. METHOD: SILCAAT and ESPRIT are multicenter randomized HIV trials evaluating the impact of interleukin-2 on disease progression and...... death in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. We report definitions used for HIV progression of disease endpoints, procedures for site reporting of such events, processes for independent review of reported events by an Endpoint Review Committee (ERC), and the procedure for...
Clinical Application and Evaluation of Pharmacogenomics in Tumor Chemotherapy
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Feng Jifeng
In the treatment of tumor patients, how to select the chemotherapy regimen with better efifcacy, less toxicity and expense is a difficult problem that perplexes clinical doctors for a long time. Pharmacogenetics is to study the influence of genetic factors on pharmacokinetics, whereas pharmacogenomics is to study the relationship between various gene mutations and drug efifcacy and safety. With molecular biology developing, pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics are considered to be essential in the reduction of adverse reactions, improvement of efficacy and realization of individualized treatment. In this article, the clinical application and evaluation of pharmacogenomics in tumor chemotherapy were primarily investigated.
Wadikar Sujata Surendra; Reddy Govind R.
A Clinical study on "Clinical Evaluation of Selected Colouring Herbals in Savarnikaran" was carried out at shalya tantra dept. of M.A.Podar Hospital, Worli, Mumbai 18. The prime aim of the study is to make available an effective, alternative colouring cosmetic preparations which will be useful in post burn, post acne and post wound colour morbidity.Ayurvedic herbal drugs are abundant, easily available and cost effective but their use is not observed in all forms. The trial drug is prepared in...
Comprehensive non-clinical respiratory evaluation of promising new drugs
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The need to evaluate the potential for new drugs to produce adverse effects on respiratory function in non-clinical safety assessment is based on the known effects of drugs from a variety of pharmacological/therapeutic classes on the respiratory system, the life-threatening consequences of respiratory dysfunction, and compliance with world-wide regulatory safety guidelines. The objective of this article is to provide a brief overview of the functional disorders of the respiratory system and to present the strategy and techniques considered to be most appropriate for detecting and characterizing drug-induced respiratory disorders in non-clinical safety studies
Postoperative MRI evaluation of anorectal malformations with clinical correlation
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Sixteen postoperative patients with anorectal malformation were evaluated by MRI, and the results compared with the clinical assessment. Patients were classified into three groups - good (group 1, n = 10), fair (group 2, n = 3) and poor (group 3, n = 3) - on the basis of Kelly's clinical score of incontinence. The degree of development of the puborectalis and external sphincter muscles and the levator hammock was evaluated on MRI in comparison with patients without anorectal disease. The proportions of fair or poor development of the muscles were 37% in group 1,22% in group 2 and 67% in group 3. Although fair or poor development of the muscles was seen more frequently in group 3, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. However, poorly developed muscles were seen only in patients with fair or poor clinical scores. The difference in the anorectal angle measured on sagittal MRI images between patients in group 1 and groups 2 or 3 was significant. Our study indicates that MRI evaluation based solely on muscle development can be misleading, and measurement of the anorectal angle should be included in the MRI evaluation. (orig.)
Caries risk assessment in young adults: a 3 year validation of the Cariogram model
Petersson, Gunnel Hänsel; Twetman, Svante
Background To validate baseline caries risk classifications according to the Cariogram model with the actual caries development over a 3-year period in a group of young adults living in Sweden. Methods The study group consisted of 1,295 19-year-old patients that completed a comprehensive clinical baseline examination, including radiographs and salivary tests. An individual caries risk profile was computed and the patient was placed in one of five risk categories. After 3 years, 982 patients (...
Evaluation of different imaging chains in clinical chest radiography
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Manninen, H.; Terho, E.O.; Wiljasalo, M.; Wiljasalo, S.; Soimakallio, S. (Kuopio Central Hospital (Finland))
Six imaging techniques in clinical chest radiography have been evaluated: four film-screen combinations in the conventional grid technique and two combinations in the air gap technique. Five parameters characterising the quality of a chest radiograph were evaluated by three radiologists and one chest physician by using a nominal grading scale from -2 to +2 compared with the standard technique. The quality parameters judged were: the visibility of peripheral lung vessels, lung parenchyme, the pulmonary hilum, and lung structure behind the heart shadow, as well as the visibility of miscellaneous findings of clinical interest. The air gap technique was shown to be superior to the ordinary grid technique. The diagnostic quality of chest radiography does not necessarily deteriorate with the screen speed. However, statistically significant differences were noticed, even between techniques which had equal speed and physical resolution.
Radiological Evaluation of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Followed by Clinical Symptoms
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Park, Tae Won; You Dong Soo [Dept. of Oral Radiology, College of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)
The authors analyzed the clinical findings, radiological findings and their correlations in the temporomandibular joint disorders. 1. The most prevalent age group was in the first decade, then the second decade and the third decade. Female were more common with a ratio of 3.4 : 1. 2. The most common clinical findings was the pain on open mouth position (42.43%), then came the clicking and limitation of mouth opening. 3. The most common bone change on the condyle side was the erosion, then came the flattening, the osteopyte and the sclerosis in that orders. 4. In the case of the crepitus, the coarse crepitus showed more radiological change than the fine crepitus. 5. In the case of the mouth opening limitation, the evaluation of the translatory movement by transcranial projection was in accordance with the clinical evaluation. 6. The correlation between the clinical symptom and the condylar position within the mandibular fossa was not present and in the case of diagnosis of disc displacement, the transcranial projection seemed not to be able to substitute for the arthrography. 7. Radiographically, the most prevalent age group which showed the bone change was in the first, the second and the third decade. And the bone change seemed to have no relationship with aging.
Radiological Evaluation of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Followed by Clinical Symptoms
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The authors analyzed the clinical findings, radiological findings and their correlations in the temporomandibular joint disorders. 1. The most prevalent age group was in the first decade, then the second decade and the third decade. Female were more common with a ratio of 3.4 : 1. 2. The most common clinical findings was the pain on open mouth position (42.43%), then came the clicking and limitation of mouth opening. 3. The most common bone change on the condyle side was the erosion, then came the flattening, the osteopyte and the sclerosis in that orders. 4. In the case of the crepitus, the coarse crepitus showed more radiological change than the fine crepitus. 5. In the case of the mouth opening limitation, the evaluation of the translatory movement by transcranial projection was in accordance with the clinical evaluation. 6. The correlation between the clinical symptom and the condylar position within the mandibular fossa was not present and in the case of diagnosis of disc displacement, the transcranial projection seemed not to be able to substitute for the arthrography. 7. Radiographically, the most prevalent age group which showed the bone change was in the first, the second and the third decade. And the bone change seemed to have no relationship with aging.
Epidemiological, clinical and sleep laboratory evaluations of insomnia
Bixler, E. O.; Kales, A.; Kales, J. D.
Epidemiological studies have contributed to the understanding of the total scope of the insomnia problem, both in terms of the incidence of sleep difficulties, and the extent and frequency of hypnotic drug use. Clinical studies - at the Sleep Research and Treatment Center - have been used to evaluate the medical, psychological, pharmacological and situational factors contributing to insomnia, and to evaluate the psychotherapy and chemotherapy best suited to treatment of insomnia. The sleep laboratory studies were of two types: (1) the study of sleep induction, sleep maintenance, and sleep stages, and (2) the use of hypnotic drugs, emphasizing their effectiveness in inducing and maintaining sleep, and the duration of this effectiveness.
Percutaneous sclerotherapy of foot venous malformations: Evaluation of clinical response
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Aim: To evaluate a single institutional experience with percutaneous sclerotherapy of venous malformations (VM) of the foot. Materials and methods: Sixteen patients (mean age 14.6 years; range 6–27.3 years), who underwent 34 sclerotherapy procedures were retrospectively analysed. Technical success, Puig classification, VM size reduction, and the complication rate were evaluated. In procedures in which C-arm computed tomography (CT) was performed, the VM-to-skin surface distance was measured. Additionally, an e-mail-based questionnaire to evaluate the response to sclerotherapy was answered by the patients. Results: Technical success was 97%. The mean number of procedures per patient was 2.1 (range 1–5). In all procedures, sodium tetradecyl sulphate foam was used. Appropriate follow-up was available for 29/33 procedures (88%). Post-procedural complications occurred after 6/29 procedures (21%), all of which were self-limited skin complications. C-arm CT was performed in 19/33 procedures (58%). The lesion-to-skin surface distance was significantly shorter in patients with skin post-procedural complications (p < 0.001). The e-mail-based questionnaire was completed by 13/16 patients (81%). Decrease in swelling, improvement of foot function and a significant decrease in pain (p = 0.003) was reported. No patient reported dis-improvement after sclerotherapy. Conclusion: Percutaneous sclerotherapy is an effective option for treating foot VMs. Skin complication rates are higher with shorter VM-to-skin surface distance. - Highlights: • Treatment of foot venous malformations is a challenge due to their diffuse nature. • Percutaneous sclerotherapy is an effective treatment option. • Patients reported decrease in swelling and pain, and improvement of foot function. • Self limited post-procedural skin complications occur after 21% of the procedures. • A shorter lesion to skin surface distance was related to higher complications
A Clinical Evaluation Denture Adhesives Used by Patients With Xerostomia
Bogucki, Zdzislaw A.; Napadlek, Piotr; Dabrowa, Tomasz
Abstract The purpose of study was to analyze the participants' opinions concerning the effectiveness of 6 denture adhesives (DA). The study group included 60 participants. Criteria for selecting the patients were as follows: reduced retention and stabilization of maxillary complete dentures and xerostomia. These features were evaluated on basis of clinical examination and standard sialometry tests (u-SFR). Retention of maxillary dentures was scored by modified Kapur index before application o...
A four-year clinical evaluation of acid etched bridges
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Thirty six (36) three unit acid etched bridges (20 posterior and 16 anterior) were clinically evaluated in relation to retention, cracking in the porcelain and caries status of the abutment teeth. The results showed that after 4 years 26 bridges (72.2 %) were successfully retained, one porcalin facing had fractured and none of the abutments showed evidence of caries during the period of the study. (author)
Clinical Evaluation of Heart Failure: Agreement among Tests.
Pandey, Amit K; Penny, William F; Bhargava, Valmik; Lai, N Chin; Xu, Ronghui; Hammond, H Kirk
Methods commonly used clinically to assess cardiac function in patients with heart failure include ejection fraction (EF), exercise treadmill testing (ETT), and symptom evaluation. Although these approaches are useful in evaluating patients with heart failure, there are at times substantial mismatches between individual assessments. For example, ETT results are often discordant with EF, and patients with minimal symptoms sometimes have surprisingly low EFs. To better define the relationship of these methods of assessment, we studied 56 patients with heart failure with reduced EF (HFrEF) who underwent measurement of ETT duration, EF by echocardiography, quantitative symptom evaluation, and LV peak dP/dt (rate of left ventricular pressure development and decline, measured invasively). Correlations were determined among these four tests in order to assess the relationship of EF, ETT, and symptoms against LV peak dP/dt. In addition, we sought to determine whether EF, ETT, and symptoms correlated with each other. Overall, correlations were poor. Only 15 of 63 total correlations (24%) were significant (p dP/dt. Linear regression analysis indicated that EF, ETT, and symptoms taken together predicted LV peak dP/dt better than any one measure alone. We conclude that clinical tests used to assess LV function in patients with HFrEF may not be as accurate or correlate as well as expected. All three clinical measures considered together may be the best representation of cardiac function in HFrEF patients currently available. PMID:27537778
Clinical and postextraction evaluation of periodontal disease indicators
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Rajashri Kolte
Full Text Available Background: Clinical attachment level is the most frequently used and acceptable parameter in monitoring periodontal status in diseased individual and denotes patterns of periodontal destruction. Awareness of root morphology and the condition of the periodontal tissues is essential for reliable periodontal pocket probing and for effective debridement of root surfaces. Clinically, it is challenging to observe exact nature of complex periodontal attachment loss. The aim of the present study was to evaluate patterns of periodontal destruction based on vertical and horizontal attachment loss. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 extracted teeth were obtained from chronic periodontitis patients. Prior to extraction, clinical measurements were recorded and after extraction, the teeth were stained with crystal violet. Root length, vertical and horizontal attachment loss were measured using digital caliper. Results: There was a significant difference between clinical attachment level and vertical attachment loss for both maxillary and mandibular teeth. Mean vertical attachment loss varied between 5.17 mm and 9.17 mm. Interproximal surfaces exhibited statistically significant vertical attachment loss in both maxillary and mandibular dentition. Results indicated that vertical attachment loss was more severe with teeth belonging to the anterior sextant whereas the horizontal attachment loss was more pronounced with posterior teeth. Conclusion: Both vertical and horizontal attachment loss were observed in all periodontally involved teeth. There was a difference in clinical measurements and actual periodontal status denoted by postextraction staining. These findings have an impact on determining the prognosis and appropriate treatment plan for patients.
Clinical and postextraction evaluation of periodontal disease indicators
Kolte, Rajashri; Kolte, Abhay; Wattamwar, Pooja
Background: Clinical attachment level is the most frequently used and acceptable parameter in monitoring periodontal status in diseased individual and denotes patterns of periodontal destruction. Awareness of root morphology and the condition of the periodontal tissues is essential for reliable periodontal pocket probing and for effective debridement of root surfaces. Clinically, it is challenging to observe exact nature of complex periodontal attachment loss. The aim of the present study was to evaluate patterns of periodontal destruction based on vertical and horizontal attachment loss. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 extracted teeth were obtained from chronic periodontitis patients. Prior to extraction, clinical measurements were recorded and after extraction, the teeth were stained with crystal violet. Root length, vertical and horizontal attachment loss were measured using digital caliper. Results: There was a significant difference between clinical attachment level and vertical attachment loss for both maxillary and mandibular teeth. Mean vertical attachment loss varied between 5.17 mm and 9.17 mm. Interproximal surfaces exhibited statistically significant vertical attachment loss in both maxillary and mandibular dentition. Results indicated that vertical attachment loss was more severe with teeth belonging to the anterior sextant whereas the horizontal attachment loss was more pronounced with posterior teeth. Conclusion: Both vertical and horizontal attachment loss were observed in all periodontally involved teeth. There was a difference in clinical measurements and actual periodontal status denoted by postextraction staining. These findings have an impact on determining the prognosis and appropriate treatment plan for patients. PMID:27143828
Neurofibromatosis: Evaluation of Clinical Features of 11 Cases
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Gülşen Akoğlu
Full Text Available Objective: Neurofibromatosis (NF is one of the most commonly seen autosomal dominantly inherited neurocutaneous syndromes. The most common subtypes are NF1 and NF2. The clinical course of NF may be heterogeneous.In this study, clinical features of patients with NF and its rare manifestations were described. Methods: Records of 11 patients with NF diagnosed between May 2008 and August 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical features of patients were detailed. Results: Six female and 5 male patients were enrolled. Patients' ages ranged between 1.5 and 58 years. Seven of them had positive family history for NF. A 1.5-year-old baby presented early appearance of Lisch nodules. One female patient had unilateral segmentally distributed pigmentary macules with bilateral Lisch nodules. Severe scoliosis and multiple painful neurofibromas were observed in a male patient. An asymptomatic arachnoid cyst was detected incidentally in a female patient. A male patient with NF1 had diffuse large B cell lymphoma and glioblastoma multiforme. Conclusion: Patients with NF may present with diverse clinical manifestations. Since patients may first apply to a dermatology outpatient clinic with only cutaneous complaints, early diagnosis of NF both in the patients and in their first degree relatives by careful dermatological and ophthalmological examinations and radiological evaluations can be possible.
Evaluation of medication treatment for Alzheimer's disease on clinical evidence
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Meng-qiu LI
Full Text Available Objective To formulate the best treatment plan for Alzheimer's disease patients by evaluating the therapeutic efficacy and side effect of various evidence-based programs. Methods Alzheimer's disease, donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine, rosiglitazone, etc. were defined as retrieval words. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI databases were used with applying of manual searching. Systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCT, controlled clinical trials and case-observation studies were collected and evaluated by Jadad Scale. Results After screening, 33 selected resources included 14 systematic reviews, 14 randomized controlled trials, 4 controlled clinical trials and 1 case-observation study. According to Jadad Scale, total 28 articles were evaluated to be high quality (12 with score 4, 10 score 5, 6 score 7, and 5 were low quality with score 3. It was summarized as follows: 1 Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which no cure exists. To date, only symptomatic treatments with cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine and an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA receptor noncompetitive antagonist (memantine, are effective and well tolerated to counterbalance the neurotransmitter disturbance, but cannot limit or impact on disease progression. 2 Disease modifying drug is an potential agent, with persistent effect on slowing the progression of structural damage, and can be detected even after withdrawing the treatment. Many types of disease modifying drugs are undergoing clinical trials. Conclusions Using evidence-based medicine methods can provide best clinical evidence on Alzheimer's disease treatment. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2014.03.009
Cross-system evaluation of clinical trial search engines.
Jiang, Silis Y; Weng, Chunhua
Clinical trials are fundamental to the advancement of medicine but constantly face recruitment difficulties. Various clinical trial search engines have been designed to help health consumers identify trials for which they may be eligible. Unfortunately, knowledge of the usefulness and usability of their designs remains scarce. In this study, we used mixed methods, including time-motion analysis, think-aloud protocol, and survey, to evaluate five popular clinical trial search engines with 11 users. Differences in user preferences and time spent on each system were observed and correlated with user characteristics. In general, searching for applicable trials using these systems is a cognitively demanding task. Our results show that user perceptions of these systems are multifactorial. The survey indicated eTACTS being the generally preferred system, but this finding did not persist among all mixed methods. This study confirms the value of mixed-methods for a comprehensive system evaluation. Future system designers must be aware that different users groups expect different functionalities. PMID:25954590
Evaluating the Clinical Utility of the Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT): A Clinical Series.
Suesse, Mareike; Wong, Vivien W C; Stamper, Laura L; Carpenter, Katherine N; Scott, Richard B
Performance validity tests (PVTs) are not widely used beyond medico-legal contexts in the UK. A UK survey suggests clinicians have reservations about their accuracy in clinical settings. This study sought to explore the validity of PVTs in an acute adult neuropsychology setting and to establish a potential "false positive" (FP) base rate. Failures on the Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT) in a consecutive clinical series of 405 patients were evaluated systematically and allocated to groups depending on clinical context. All failures were checked against the test's "dementia profile". Of the 405 participants, 329 passed the MSVT (81.2%), while 76 participants (18.8%) failed based on standard criteria. A 5.2% rate of potentially 'unexplained' failures was found. Other reasons for failure were classified as: presumed malingered neurocognitive dysfunction (4.6%), dementia/significant cognitive impairment (3.7%), technical/visual problems (1.8%), and "unexplained failure" with contributory factors (2.4%). These results suggest test specificity between 0.95 and 0.90. Most of the clinically significantly impaired patients matched the dementia profile (86.7%). Our results support the sensitivity, but not the specificity, of the dementia profile. However, approximately 1 in 20 patients failed the MSVT despite an otherwise unremarkable neuropsychological presentation; moreover, mood and pain may affect MSVT performance. Clinical implications for interpreting test scores are discussed. PMID:25798743
Clinical Evaluation of Superficial Fungal Infections in Children
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Ragıp Ertaş
Full Text Available Objective: This retrospective study was referred to evaluate 51 cases of superficial mycoses, referred to our Pediatric Dermatology outpatient clinic in one year. Methods: We reviewed following data for all patients: age, gender, accompanied diseases, clinical types, localization and treatment. Superficial mycotic infections were diagnosed on the basis of clinical picture, direct microscopy and some of them were confirmed by fungal cultures. Results: Our patients comprised 33 boys (64.7% and 18 girls (35.3%, with an average age of 6.2 years (range 4 months to 17 years. Eighteen patients (35.3% had dermatophytes on the scalp. Clinical forms, in the order of frequency, were: tinea capitis profunda in 10 patients (19.6%, tinea capitis superficialis in 8 patients (15.8%, tinea unguium in 8 patients (15.8%. Tinea capitis (35.3% was the most frequent form of dermatomycosis. The most common symptom was the pruritus. Thirty (58% patients were treated with local antimycotics and 21 (42% patients were treated with systemic terbinafine or itraconazole. Conclusion: In this study it was found that, tinea capitis was the most frequent form of dermatomycosis and onychomycosis in children are not uncommon as it is mentioned. The data also suggest that topical antifungal agents may be effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of onychomycosis and tinea capitis in children.
Evaluation of vitamin B 12 deficiency in various clinical condition
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Low levels of vitamin B 12 have been associated with several clinical conditions. However no single symptom or group of symptoms can be made responsible. Reported causes of deficiency among older population are hematologic or neurological, followed by gastrointestinal and possibly vascular symptoms. The present prospective observational study was, hence, initiated to evaluate the underlying clinical condition or symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. The study was prospective observational and carried out on 121 patients (males, n=63 and females, n=58) for the period from January 1, 2004 to January 24, 2007. Age ranges were between 16 - 70 years, and categorized as > 60 yrs and < 60 years. All blood parameters were analyzed by standardized methods on automated analyzers. The deficiency was found to be more prevalent in males and increased from 52.06% to 58.10% in individuals with vitamin B12 <150 pg/ml. Mal nourishment was noted among the most subjects and weakness and anemia were frequent clinical findings (35.55%, n=43, 14%, n=51). Other clinical conditions were neuropsychiatric. Whereas less frequent findings were paraesthesia and gastrointestinal symptoms. Hypertension was more prevalent in vitamin B12 deficient individuals followed by diabetes, dementia, stroke, ischemic heart disease and Parkinson's disease. (author)
Design and evaluation of a bacterial clinical infectious diseases ontology.
Gordon, Claire L; Pouch, Stephanie; Cowell, Lindsay G; Boland, Mary Regina; Platt, Heather L; Goldfain, Albert; Weng, Chunhua
With antimicrobial resistance increasing worldwide, there is a great need to use automated antimicrobial decision support systems (ADSSs) to lower antimicrobial resistance rates by promoting appropriate antimicrobial use. However, they are infrequently used mostly because of their poor interoperability with different health information technologies. Ontologies can augment portable ADSSs by providing an explicit knowledge representation for biomedical entities and their relationships, helping to standardize and integrate heterogeneous data resources. We developed a bacterial clinical infectious diseases ontology (BCIDO) using Protégé-OWL. BCIDO defines a controlled terminology for clinical infectious diseases along with domain knowledge commonly used in hospital settings for clinical infectious disease treatment decision-making. BCIDO has 599 classes and 2355 object properties. Terms were imported from or mapped to Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine, Unified Medical Language System, RxNorm and National Center for Bitechnology Information Organismal Classification where possible. Domain expert evaluation using the "laddering" technique, ontology visualization, and clinical notes and scenarios, confirmed the correctness and potential usefulness of BCIDO. PMID:24551353
Modified cementless total coxofemoral prosthesis: development, implantation and clinical evaluation
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
S.A. Arias
Full Text Available The aim of this study was to modify canine coxofemoral prostheses and the clinical evaluation of the implantation. Fifteen canine hips and femora of cadavers were used in order to study the surface points of modification in prostheses and develop a perforation guide. Femoral stems and acetabular components were perforated and coated with biphasic calcium phosphate layer. Twelve young adult male mongrel dogs were implanted with coxofemoral prostheses. Six were operated upon and implanted with cemented canine modular hip prostheses, establishing the control group. The remaining six were implanted with a novel design of cementless porous tricalcic phosphate-hydroxyapatite coated hip prostheses. Clinical and orthopedic performance, complications, and thigh muscular hypotrophy were assessed up to the 120th post-operatory day. After 120 days, animals with cementless prostheses had similar clinical and orthopedic performance compared to the cemented group despite the increased pain thigh hypotrophy. Animals that underwent cementless hip prosthesis evidenced more pain, compared to animals with cemented hip prosthesis that required longer recuperation time. No luxations, two fractures and two isquiatic neurapraxies were identified in the course of the study. Using both the cemented and the bioactive coated cementless model were suitable to dogs, showing clinical satisfactory results. Osseointegration and biological fixation were observed in the animals with the modified cementless hip prosthesis.
Evaluation and Comparison of Clinical and Para- Clinical Diagnosis of Trichomonas Vaginitis in Women Referred to Shahroud City Health Care Centers
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Nahid Bolbol-Haghighi
Full Text Available Introduction: Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted disease and its agent is a flagellated parasite called trichomonas vaginitis. This is the third common reason of vaginities and 180 millions women at world and 2-3 millions at U.S suffer from it. Because of its high prevalence and expensive treatment, we decided to evaluate its clinical and para- clinical diagnosis. Methods: This is an analytic cross-sectional study and carried out on 300 women with signs of vaginitis infections and had indication for Pap smear which referred to shahrood city heath care centers. In this study we took two samples of secretion from both endocervix and exocervix by speculum spred them on two lame contemporaneous, and one sample from posterior koldosace secretions with cotton soup and entered to tube with sterilized physiological serum. Questionnaires were filled among patients by midwife. The cases were followed by taking Pap smear and wet smear, calturing and filling the second questionnaire. Finally, the results in medical, microbiological and cytological diagnosis were compared. The sensivity and specifity of each diagnostic method were evaluated using statistical methods. Results: Results of the study showed that the most outbreaks of trichomonas vaginitis were at age group between 21 to 35 (52.6% and the lowest prevalence was among women less than 20(5.3% years old. It is reported 78 cases of trichomonas in clinical examination, but none of culture medias has demonstrated trichomonas. Percentage of false positive at clinical diagnosis method was 26% more than culture method and 25.7 % more than wet smear and Pap smear methods. Conclusion: Paraclinic with clinical examination play an important role in diagnosis and treatment of vaginitis. Thus for preventing of unnecessary drug prescription and preventing it,s side effects, it is recommended para- clinical examination in suspect patients.
Clinical evaluation of joint scintigraphy in rheumatoid arthritis
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Pertechnetate (sup(99m)TcO4-) joint scintigraphy was performed on 45 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 3 with nonspecific arthritis and 6 normal subjects. 1) The sites of radioisotopic accumulation were generally in agreement with those of clinical involvement in rheumatoid arthritis. 2) By analysis of build-up curves in the wrist joint, tracer was found to be concentrated more rapidly in rheumatoid arthritis (T 1/2 = 0.67 min.) than in nonspecific arthritis (T 1/2 = 2.66 min.) 3) The degree of radioisotopic accumulation correlated well with the value of CRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It could be cosidered that pertechnetate joint scintigraphy is useful for clinical evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis. (author)
Clinical evaluation of 131I in treatment hyperthyroidism
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The clinical value of 131I in the treatment of hyperthyroidism is observed. The weight of the thyroid was evaluated by palpation, 131I was taken orally by one dose method. The dose was calculated by actual absorption of 131I/per gram of thyroid. 3 - 6 months after drug administration, the symptom, clinical manifestation and the serum hormone of the pituitary-hypothyroid axis were observed. In 105 cases, 80(76.2%) were nearly recovered, among them 16(15.2%) had hypothyroidism in the early period. The all over recovering rate was 91.4% in one dose, but 9(8.6%) were recurred and can be controlled at a second dose. Therefore 131I for the hyperthyroidism had a high recovering rate, low recurring rate and was very convenient. If prospect on the Chinese effort the controlled, the occurrence of hypothyroidism can be reduced to the acceptable level
A survey on needs of fever - related knowledge in parents with 0 ~ 3 years old children in out - patients clinic of pediatric department.%0~3岁儿童家长对儿童发热知识需求的调查
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
田艳原; 左力
目的 了解0~3岁儿童家长对儿童发热知识的需求,为组织和开展儿童发热相关知识的健康教育提供参考依据.方法 对216名0~3岁发热儿童家长用自行设计的儿童发热相关知识需求问卷调查,了解家长一般情况及对发热知识的了解程度、需求程度和健康教育方式的需求.结果 家长对儿童发热知识了解得分均较低在2.38以下,其中得分最低的是小儿高热惊厥时在家中紧急抢救的措施,为1.28±0.48,家长对高热惊厥儿童发热期间的注意事项得分也仅为1.32±0.93;基础知识中,家长需求最高的知识为对小儿高热惊厥的预防措施,得分2.54±0.62,应对措施中,给发热患儿降温的几种方法 项得分最高为2.17±0.62;家长健康教育需求途径得分最高的三项是通过与医护人员沟通获得、通过固定热线电话获得和通过提供健康教育手册.结论 护士应及时补充完善家长对儿童发热的知识,引起家长对儿童发热的重视,根据家长的不同需求程度利用多种途径开展健康教育.%Objective To explore the needs of fever - related knowledge in parents with 0 ~ 3 years old children in out - patients clinic of pediatric department in order to provide reference for health education on fever - related knowledge.Methods Two hundred and sixteen parents of 0 ~3 years old children with fever had been surveyed by questionnaires including general circumstances of parents, degree of understanding and needing on fever - related knowledge and the degree of request for health education.Results The understanding scores of parents to fever - related knowledge were in lower level below 2.38.Among them, the lowest one was salvage measure for convulsion occurring at home and its scores were 1.28 ± 0.48.The term on notice for convulsion during the febrile period of children only got scores of 1.32 ± 0.93.Among basic knowledge, the degree of highest needing was prevention measures for
Evaluation of febrile neutropenic patients hospitalized in a hematology clinic
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
M ucahit Goruk; Mehmet Sinan Dal; Tuba Dal; Abdullah Karakus; Recep Tekin; Nida Ozcan; Orhan Ayyildiz
Objective: To evaluate the febrile neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies hospitalized in hematology clinic with poor hygiene standards. Methods: A total of 124 patients with hematological malignancies (69 male, 55 female) hospitalized in hematology clinic with poor hygiene conditions depending on hospital conditions, between January 2007 and December 2010, were evaluated, retrospectively. Results: In this study, 250 febrile neutropenia episodes developing in 124 hospitalized patients were evaluated. Of the patients, 69 were men (56%) and 55 women (44%). A total of 40 patients (32%) had acute myeloid leukemia, 25 (20%) acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 19 (15%) non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 10 (8%) multiple myeloma, and 8 (8%) chronic myeloid leukemia. In our study, 56 patients (22%) were diagnosed as pneumonia, 38 (15%) invasive aspergillosis, 38 (15%) sepsis, 16 (6%) typhlitis, 9 (4%) mucormy-cosis, and 4 (2%) urinary tract infection. Gram-positive cocci were isolated from 52%(n = 20), while Gram-negative bacilli 42%(n = 16) and yeasts from 6% (n = 2) of the sepsis patients, respectively. The most frequently isolated Gram-positive bacteria were methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (n=18), while the most frequently isolated Gram-negative bacteria was Escherichia coli (n=10). Conclusions: Febrile neutropenia is still a problem in patients with hematological ma-lignancies. The documentation of the flora and detection of causative agents of infections in each unit would help to decide appropriate empirical therapy. Infection control pro-cedures should be applied for preventing infections and transmissions.
SU-E-J-34: Clinical Evaluation of Targeting Accuracy and Tractogrphy Delineation of Radiosurgery
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Juh, R; Suh, T; Kim, Y; Han, J; Kim, C; Oh, C; Kim, D [Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (Korea, Republic of)
Purpose: Focal radiosurgery is a common treatment modality for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a neuropathic facial pain condition. Assessment of treatment effectiveness is primarily clinical, given the paucity of investigational tools to assess trigeminal nerve changes. The efficiency of radiosurgery is related to its highly precise targeting. We assessed clinically the targeting accuracy of radiosurgery with Gamma knife. We hypothesized that trigeminal tractography provides more information than 2D-MR imaging, allowing detection of unique, focal changes in the target area after radiosurgery. Methods: Sixteen TN patients (2 females, 4 male, average age 65.3 years) treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery, 40 Gy/50% isodose line underwent 1.5Tesla MR trigeminal nerve . Target accuracy was assessed from deviation of the coordinates of the target compared with the center of enhancement on post MRI. Radiation dose delivered at the borders of contrast enhancement was evaluated Results: The median deviation of the coordinates between the intended target and the center of contrast enhancement was within 1mm. The radiation doses fitting within the borders of the contrast enhancement the target ranged from 37.5 to 40 Gy. Trigeminal tractography accurately detected the radiosurgical target. Radiosurgery resulted in 47% drop in FA values at the target with no significant change in FA outside the target, suggesting that radiosurgery primarily affects myelin. Tractography was more sensitive, since FA changes were detected regardless of trigeminal nerve enhancement Conclusion: The median deviation found in clinical assessment of gamma knife treatment for TN Is low and compatible with its high rate of efficiency. DTI parameters accurately detect the effects of focal radiosurgery on the trigeminal nerve, serving as an in vivo imaging tool to study TN. This study is a proof of principle for further assessment of DTI parameters to understand the pathophysiology of TN and treatment effects.
A Safety Analysis Approach to Clinical Workflows: Application and Evaluation
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Lamis Al-Qora'n
Full Text Available Clinical workflows are safety critical workflows as they have the potential to cause harm or death to patients. Their safety needs to be considered as early as possible in the development process. Effective safety analysis methods are required to ensure the safety of these high-risk workflows, because errors that may happen through routine workflow could propagate within the workflow to result in harmful failures of the system's output. This paper shows how to apply an approach for safety analysis of clinical workflows to analyse the safety of the workflow within a radiology department and evaluates the approach in terms of usability and benefits. The outcomes of using this approach include identification of the root causes of hazardous workflow failures that may put patients' lives at risk. We show that the approach is applicable to this area of healthcare and is able to present added value through the detailed information on possible failures, of both their causes and effects; therefore, it has the potential to improve the safety of radiology and other clinical workflows.
Evaluation of Clinical Features of Female Patients with Macroprolactinemia
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Göksun Ayvaz
Full Text Available Aim: Macroprolactin is a high-molecular-weight form of prolactin. It has been suggested that macroprolactin has no clinical importance because of its decreased or limited bioactivity. Although screening for macroprolactinemia is recommended especially in patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia; recent studies reported that patients with macroprolactinemia may have some hyperprolactinemia symptoms. Currently, the causes of the symptoms as well as the treatment and follow-up of this group of patients are not clear. In our study, we aimed to retrospectively evaluate and compare the clinical characteristics and gonadal hormone levels of patients with macroprolactinemia and hyperprolactinemia.Materials and Methods: Forty patients with macroprolactinemia and 15 patients with hyperprolactinemia who referred to Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital were examined.Results: We observed that the patients with macroprolactinemia had similar menstrual disturbances (oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea to the patients with hyperprolactinemia. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to FSH, LH and estradiol levels. The frequencies of galactorrhea (p=0.002, headache (p=0.04 and positive radiological finding (p=0.001 were higher in patients with hyperprolactinemia. Infertility rate was found to be increased in women with macroprolactinemia (p=0.02.Conclusion: Patients with macroprolactinemia may have very similar clinic symptoms to those with hyperprolactinemia. Therefore, macroprolactin levels should be measured regardless of the symptoms of hyperprolactinemia in patients with elevated prolactin levels. Türk Jem 2011; 15: 62-5
IT-benchmarking of clinical workflows: concept, implementation, and evaluation.
Thye, Johannes; Straede, Matthias-Christopher; Liebe, Jan-David; Hübner, Ursula
Due to the emerging evidence of health IT as opportunity and risk for clinical workflows, health IT must undergo a continuous measurement of its efficacy and efficiency. IT-benchmarks are a proven means for providing this information. The aim of this study was to enhance the methodology of an existing benchmarking procedure by including, in particular, new indicators of clinical workflows and by proposing new types of visualisation. Drawing on the concept of information logistics, we propose four workflow descriptors that were applied to four clinical processes. General and specific indicators were derived from these descriptors and processes. 199 chief information officers (CIOs) took part in the benchmarking. These hospitals were assigned to reference groups of a similar size and ownership from a total of 259 hospitals. Stepwise and comprehensive feedback was given to the CIOs. Most participants who evaluated the benchmark rated the procedure as very good, good, or rather good (98.4%). Benchmark information was used by CIOs for getting a general overview, advancing IT, preparing negotiations with board members, and arguing for a new IT project. PMID:24825693
Functional outcomes for clinical evaluation of implant restorations.
Bassi, Francesco; Carr, Alan B; Chang, Ting-Ling; Estafanous, Emad W; Garrett, Neal R; Happonen, Risto-Pekka; Koka, Sreenivas; Laine, Juhani; Osswald, Martin; Reintsema, Harry; Rieger, Jana; Roumanas, Eleni; Salinas, Thomas J; Stanford, Clark M; Wolfaardt, Johan
The functional outcomes related to treating patients afflicted with tooth loss are an important hallmark in substantiating prosthodontic intervention. The Oral Rehabilitation Outcomes Network (ORONet) conducted two international workshops to develop a core set of outcome measures, including a functional domain. The process followed the general format used in the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) workshops to develop consensus for clinical outcome measures in arthritis research, which included: developing a comprehensive list of potential outcomes in the literature; submitting them to a filter for validity, clinical discrimination, and feasibility; and ranking those measures meeting all the filter criteria for relative value. The search was conducted to include functional assessments of speech, swallowing, mastication, nutrition, sensation, and motor function as they relate to dental implant therapies. This literature review surveyed 173 papers that produced some result of these descriptors in the functional domain. Of these, 67 papers reported on functional assessments and further defined objective and subjective outcomes. Many of these results were patient-perceived improvements in function, while others were objective assessments based on established methodologies and instruments. Objective evaluations of masticatory function and speech may meet criteria for validity and discriminability for selected interventions, but are generally not feasible for routine use in clinical care settings. The current recommendation is to employ a well-validated survey instrument that covers mastication and speech, such as the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14, short form), recognizing that patient perceptions of function may differ from objective ability. PMID:23998137
Evaluation of the clinical usefulness of modulated Arc treatment
Lee, Young Kyu; Kim, Yeon Sil; Choi, Byung Ock; Nam, Sang Hee; Park, Hyeong Wook; Kim, Shin Wook; Shin, Hun Joo; Lee, Jae Choon; Kim, Ji Na; Park, Sung Kwang; Kim, Jin Young; Kang, Young-Nam
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of modulated arc (mARC) treatment techniques. The mARC treatment plans of the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were performed in order to verify the clinical usefulness of mARC. A pre study was conducted to find the most competent plan condition of mARC treatment and the usefulness of mARC treatment plan was evaluated by comparing it with the other Arc treatment plans such as Tomotherapy and RapidArc. In the case of mARC, the optimal condition for the mARC plan was determined by comparing the dosimetric performance of the mARC plans with the use of various parameters. The various parameters includes the photon energies (6 MV, 10 MV), optimization point angle (6{\\deg}-10{\\deg} intervals), and total segment number (36-59 segment). The best dosimetric performance of mARC was observed at 10 MV photon energy and the point angle 6 degree, and 59 segments. The each treatment plans of three different techniques were compared with the followin...
Radiological evaluation of swallowing and clinical patterns of systemic sclerosis
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Fifty-one patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) were studied by means of videofluoroscopy in order to evaluate the abnormalities in the oral-pharyngeal and esophageal phases of deglutition and to correlate the radiological patterns with the clinical features of the disease. Thirteen patients (25.5%) exhibited swallowing disorders such as oral leakage, retention, penetration, mild or moderate aspiration and abnormal upper esophageal sphincter behavior. These dysfunctions were more evident in patients with esophageal motility abnormalities. A normal radiological pattern in the esophagus was not associated with swallowing alterations. Remarkably, patients with oral-pharyngeal disorders had a higher incidence of lung diseases. Forty-five patients (88%) exhibited disorders of the esophageal phase of deglutition, such as mild or severe motility abnormalities or hiatal hernia, gastro-esophageal reflux, reflux esophagitis, and stricture. Radiological findings in the esophagus can be abnormal in the early stages of the disease. On the other hand, the radiological pattern of esophageal motility can be occasionally negative in advanced or extensive disease. This indicates a discrepancy between clinical symptoms and radiological picture of the esophagus. The radiological examination of the oral-pharyngeal and esophageal phases of deglutition is important in patients with scleroderma in order to evaluate visceral involvement, motility disorders, and risk of aspiration. Such radiological information can be useful in preventing esophagitis and pulmonary complications
Evaluation of the clinical usefulness of modulated arc treatment
Lee, Young Kyu; Jang, Hong Seok; Kim, Yeon Sil; Choi, Byung Ock; Kang, Young-Nam; Nam, Sang Hee; Park, Hyeong Wook; Kim, Shin Wook; Shin, Hun Joo; Lee, Jae Choon; Kim, Ji Na; Park, Sung Kwang; Kim, Jin Young
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of modulated arc (mARC) treatment techniques. The mARC treatment plans for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were made in order to verify the clinical usefulness of mARC. A pre-study was conducted to find the best plan condition for mARC treatment, and the usefulness of the mARC treatment plan was evaluated by comparing it with other Arc treatment plans such as tomotherapy and RapidArc plans. In the case of mARC, the optimal condition for the mARC plan was determined by comparing the dosimetric performance of the mARC plans developed by using various parameters, which included the photon energy (6 MV, 10 MV), the optimization point angle (6°- 10°intervals), and the total number of segments (36 - 59 segments). The best dosimetric performance of mARC was observed at a 10 MV photon energy, a point angle 6 degrees, and 59 segments. The treatment plans for the three different techniques were compared by using the following parameters: the conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), the target coverage, the dose to the OARs, the number of monitor units (MU), the beam on time, and the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). As a result, the three different treatment techniques showed similar target coverages. The mARC plan had the lowest V20 (volume of lung receiving > 20 Gy) and MU per fraction compared with both the RapidArc and the tomotherapy plans. The mARC plan reduced the beam on time as well. Therefore, the results of this study provide satisfactory evidence that the mARC technique can be considered as a useful clinical technique for radiation treatment.
Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Children with Subacute Sclerosan Panencephalitis
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Ahmet İrdem
Full Text Available A total of 65 children with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE who admittedto our clinic between September 1998 and December 2002 were retrospectively evaluated interms of clinical and radiological findings.The most common symptoms and findings at admission were myoklonia (31 patients, 47%, behaveral changes (18 patients, 27.7 % and convulsion (8 patients, 12 %. There was atrauma history initiating symptoms in 14 patients (21.5 %. Neurological symptoms presentedsignificantly earlier in patients who had measles before 2 years of age compared to others(p0.05. The clinical stage of the patients at admission was determined based on Risk veHaddad classification. The most frequent stage was IIA (21 patients, 32.2%, IIC (17patients, 26.2% and IIB (16 patients, 24.6%. At the follow-up period, 46 (71% patients wasdepended to bed. The mean time interval between SSPE initiation age and bed dependencywas 4.68 ± 4.05 months (1-17 months.Of the 31 patients who underwent cranial magnetic rezonans imaging (MRI, 15patients (48.38% had pathological findings, the most frequent findings were cortical vesubcortical lesions. Of the 24 patients who underwent cranial tomographi, 22 (91.6% werenormal. Of the remaining two, one had atrophy and the other had increase in contrast. All ofthe patients underwent rutine EEG test. Fifty-four (83.1% of these had periodic complexhigh slow wave activity.The clinical findings and Electro Encephalographi results are important parameters inthe diagnosis of SSPE. Cranial tomographi is not useful in the diagnosis of SSPE. However,cranial MRI findings is pathologic only in the half of the patients.
Changes in skin test reactivity among adults with atopic disease: a 3-year prospective study
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Aslund, N.; Thomsen, S.F.; Molgaard, E.;
, 186 candidates, ranging in age from 14 to 44 years, who in a screening questionnaire reported symptoms suggestive of respiratory allergic disease, 344 individuals with a positive skin prick test (SPT) result concomitantly with asthma and/or rhinitis were clinically studied on 2 occasions, 3 years...
Evaluation of febrile neutropenic patients hospitalized in a hematology clinic
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
Mcahit; Grk; Mehmet; Sinan; Dal; Tuba; Dal; Abdullah; Karakus; Recep; Tekin; Nida; zcan; Orhan; Ayyildiz
Objective:To evaluate the febrile neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies hospitalized in hematology clinic with poor hygiene standards.Methods:A total of 124 patients with hematological malignancies(69 male,55 female)hospitalized in hematology clinic with poor hygiene conditions depending on hospital conditions,between January 2007 and December 2010,were evaluated,retrospectively.Results:In this study,250 febrile neutropenia episodes developing in 124 hospitalized patients were evaluated.Of the patients,69 were men(56%)and 55 women(44%).A total of 40 patients(32%)had acute myeloid leukemia,25(20%)acute lymphoblastic leukemia,19(15%)non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,10(8%)multiple myeloma,and 8(8%)chronic myeloid leukemia.In our study,56 patients(22%)were diagnosed as pneumonia,38(15%)invasive aspergillosis,38(15%)sepsis,16(6%)typhlitis,9(4%)mucormycosis,and 4(2%)urinary tract infection.Gram-positive cocci were isolated from 52%(n=20),while Gram-negative bacilli 42%(n=16)and yeasts from 6%(n=2)of the sepsis patients,respectively.The most frequently isolated Gram-positive bacteria were methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci(n=18),while the most frequently isolated Gram-negative bacteria was Escherichia coli(n=10).Conclusions:Febrile neutropenia is still a problem in patients with hematological malignancies.The documentation of the flora and detection of causative agents of infections in each unit would help to decide appropriate empirical therapy.Infection control procedures should be applied for preventing infections and transmissions.
Testicular cancer: seminoma. Stage I. Adjuvant radiotherapy. Results at 3 years
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Full text: Purpose: To evaluate the results achieved with adjuvant radiotherapy. Materials and methods: We analyzed 40 medical records of patients diagnosed with stage I of testicular cancer, all of them received adjuvant radiotherapy between April 1992 and May 2004. The histological type was classical seminoma (95%) and spermatocytes (5%). Diagnosis and staging were performed with testicular ultrasound, determination of tumor markers, computed tomography of abdomen - pelvis and chest radiographs. Radiotherapy: Patients were treated with 60Co unit and a linear accelerator of 6 MV photons. Volumes: Group I: lumboaortic lymph node region and ipsilateral pelvis. Group II: lumboaortic only. Daily dose: 1.8 Gy, total dose: 30.6 Gy. Patient in supine position, 2 parallel fields and opposed, DFP: 80 cm, calculated from midplane. They were followed for 3 years with chest X-ray, CAT scan of abdomen and pelvis at 12 months and then a full clinical control 1 time per year. Results: We defined the rate of ipsilateral pelvic node recurrence (group I: 0% vs. Group II: 6.25%), progression at distance (group I: 8.3% vs. Group II: 0%) and global survival (GS) (group I: 100% vs. group II: 100%) at 3 years of follow up. Conclusions: Our result is similar to that published in the international literature. Given the small number of patients, no evidence of changes in GS with the addition of radiotherapy to ipsilateral pelvic node. Radiation therapy to lumboaortic lymph nodes is the usual treatment, being necessary to optimize the modality of radiotherapy (RC3D - IRMT) to reduce toxicity in a long term. (authors)
Medical Care and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old
... Tropical Delight: Melon Smoothie Pregnant? Your Baby's Growth Medical Care and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old ... that often seen with an ear infection Common Medical Problems On average, young children have 6 to ...
DNA Damage in Chronic Kidney Disease: Evaluation of Clinical Biomarkers
Schupp, Nicole; Stopper, Helga; Heidland, August
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit an increased cancer risk compared to a healthy control population. To be able to estimate the cancer risk of the patients and to assess the impact of interventional therapies thereon, it is of particular interest to measure the patients' burden of genomic damage. Chromosomal abnormalities, reduced DNA repair, and DNA lesions were found indeed in cells of patients with CKD. Biomarkers for DNA damage measurable in easily accessible cells like peripheral blood lymphocytes are chromosomal aberrations, structural DNA lesions, and oxidatively modified DNA bases. In this review the most common methods quantifying the three parameters mentioned above, the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, the comet assay, and the quantification of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine, are evaluated concerning the feasibility of the analysis and regarding the marker's potential to predict clinical outcomes. PMID:27313827
Clinical evaluation of gadodiamide injection in paediatric MR imaging
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The safety and efficacy of intravenous gadodiamide injection, 0.1 mmol/kg body weight, have been evaluated in an open label, non-comparative as to drug, phase III clinical trial in 50 children from 6 months to 13 years of age, referred for MRI requiring the injection of a contrast medium. The central nervous system and other body areas were examined with T1 sequences before and after intravenous injection of the contrast medium. Overall safety was very good and no clinically relevant changes were evident as regards heart rate and venous blood oxygen saturation after injection. No adverse event or discomfort was experienced by conscious patients that could with certainty be related to the contrast medium, but slight movements were observed in two sedated patients that could be related to the injection. Comparing pre- and post-injection images, additional diagnostic information could be obtained from the latter in 41 patients (82 %). In these images, the number of lesions detected increased and they were generally better delineated and their size more easily estimated. The results of this trial indicate that gadodiamide injection is safe and effective for MRI examinations in children. (orig.). With 3 figs., 1 tab
Evaluation of electronic biopsy for clinical diagnosis in virtual colonoscopy
Marino, Joseph; Du, Wei; Barish, Matthew; Li, Ellen; Zhu, Wei; Kaufman, Arie
Virtual colonoscopy provides techniques not available in optical colonoscopy, an exciting one being the ability to perform an electronic biopsy. An electronic biopsy image is created using ray-casting volume rendering of the CT data with a translucent transfer function mapping higher densities to red and lower densities to blue. The resulting image allows the physician to gain insight into the internal structure of polyps. Benign tissue and adenomas can be differentiated; the former will appear as homogeneously blue and the latter as irregular red structures. Although this technique is now common, is included with clinical systems, and has been used successfully for computer aided detection, there has so far been no study to evaluate the effectiveness of a physician using electronic biopsy in determining the pathological state of a polyp. We present here such a study, wherein an experienced radiologist ranked polyps based on electronic biopsy alone per scan (supine and prone), as well as both combined. Our results show a correct identification 77% of the time using prone or supine images alone, and 80% accuracy using both. Using ROC analysis based on this study with one reader and a modest sample size, the combined score is not significantly higher than using a single electronic biopsy image alone. However, our analysis indicates a trend of superiority for the combined ranking that deserves a follow-up confirmatory study with a larger sample and more readers. This study yields hope that an improved electronic biopsy technique could become a primary clinical diagnosis method.
Echocardiographic evaluation of clinically healthy Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris).
Gerlach, Trevor J; Estrada, Amara H; Sosa, Ivan S; Powell, Melanie; Maisenbacher, Herbert W; de Wit, Martine; Ball, Ray L; Walsh, Michael T
Antemortem studies pertaining to the manatee cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary systems are limited despite reports of cardiac disease in postmortem specimens. The objective of this project was to develop a technique for echocardiography in the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Because of their unique anatomy, a ventral approach was employed by use of an echocardiography table designed specifically for this study. Fourteen clinically healthy, free-ranging and captive Florida manatees underwent echocardiography between the fall of 2011 and winter of 2012. Eight females and six males of various age categories were included in the study. Clear visualization of all valves and chambers was accomplished, and length and width measurements of the left atrium, peak aortic flow velocity, and ejection fraction percentage were calculated in most animals. Abnormalities observed during the study included atrioventricular regurgitation and severe right-atrial enlargement. Based on the results of this study, echocardiography in the Florida manatee is possible, which has both clinical and research implications in larger epidemiologic studies evaluating diseases of the cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular systems. PMID:23805547
Evaluation of clinical reflection and reasoning skills in undergraduate occupational therapy students
Dasari, B.D.
Given the current focus on the importance of clinical reasoning in occupational therapy education, various ways to examine and evaluate clinical reflection and reasoning skills should be available. The main focus of this paper therefore is to examine and evaluate students' clinical reflection and the process thereof as a fundamental dimension of clinical reasoning using the Self-Assessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning (SACRR) instrument (Royeen et al., 1994). This study adopted a long...
The Varicocele: Clinical Presentation, Evaluation, and Surgical Management.
Lomboy, Jason R; Coward, Robert M
A varicocele is an abnormal dilatation and tortuosity of the veins of the spermatic cord. Although varicoceles are common in the general population and are frequently found on routine physical examinations, they represent the most common correctable cause of male factor infertility. Varicoceles are also often incidental findings on imaging studies, particularly scrotal ultrasound. Importantly, not all varicoceles should be treated equally (or at all), and basic guidelines on the evaluation and indications for treatment of adult varicoceles should be reviewed before counseling and treatment. A semen analysis should be obtained for any male patient of reproductive age considering intervention. The adolescent varicocele is managed much differently than the adult varicocele and remains a source of controversy. This review describes the clinical presentation and the evaluation of adult and pediatric varicoceles, and provides guidance on their diagnosis and workup. It also describes options for surgical repair and the success and complication rates associated with each surgical approach, ultimately supporting microsurgical subinguinal varicocele repair as the current surgical standard. PMID:27582602
Clinical evaluation of dynamic CT scan of the pancreas
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Tokuda, Masamichi
The clinical usefulness of dynamic CT scans (DCT) of the pancreas was evaluated in 62 normal cases, 9 cases of acute pancreatitis, 24 cases of chronic pancreatitis and 43 cases of carcinoma of the pancreas. The normal pancreas was intensely and homogeneously enhanced on DCT, and peripancreatic vessels were clearly demonstrated, especially the gastroduodenal artery (98.4%). DCT was useful to demonstrate vascular lesions, associated with pancreatitis such as pseudoaneurysm. Although the carcinoma of the pancreas showed poor contrast enhancement on conventional enhanced CT (CCT), 37.2% showed intense contrast enhancement on DCT. Visualization of the gastroduodenal artery by DCT is helpful to decide the extent of tumor. DCT is superior to CCT in demonstrating collateral veins caused by tumor invasion to the portal system in carcinoma. DCT was approximately as accurate as angiography (92.6%) in evaluating tumor invasion to the portal system. DCT is a useful and minimally invasive modality in assessing the resectability of pancreatic carcinoma. DCT may eliminate angiography and surgery in unresectable cases. (author).
Clinical evaluation of a novel respiratory rate monitor.
Lee, Peter J
Respiratory rate has been shown to be an important predictor of cardiac arrest, respiratory adverse events and intensive care unit admission and has been designated a vital sign. However it is often inadequately monitored in hospitals. We test the hypothesis that RespiraSense, a piezoelectric-based novel respiratory rate (RR) monitor which measures the differential motion of the chest and abdomen during respiratory effort, is not inferior to commonly used methods of respiratory rate measurement. Respiratory rate was compared between the developed RespiraSense device and both electrocardiogram and direct observation by nursing staff. Data was collected from 48 patients admitted to the post-anaesthesia care unit in a tertiary level hospital. The primary outcome measure was difference in average RR calculated over a 15 min interval between (1) RespiraSense and ECG and (2) RespiraSense and nurses' evaluation. The secondary outcome measure was the correlation between the respiratory rates measured using these three methods. The 95 % confidence interval for the difference in average RR between RespiraSense and ECG was calculated to be [-3.9, 3.1]. The 95 % confidence interval for the difference in average RR between RespiraSense and nurses' evaluation was [-5.5, 4.3]. We demonstrate a clinically relevant agreement between RR monitored by the RespiraSense device with both ECG-derived and manually observed RR in 48 post-surgical patients in a PACU environment. PMID:25900144
SPECT-PET in Epilepsy and Clinical Approach in Evaluation.
Ergün, Eser Lay; Saygi, Serap; Yalnizoglu, Dilek; Oguz, Kader Karli; Erbas, Belkis
In epilepsy, a detailed history, blood chemistry, routine electroencephalography, and brain MRI are important for the diagnosis of seizure type or epilepsy syndrome for the decision of appropriate drug treatment. Although antiepileptic drugs are mostly successful for controlling epileptic seizures, 20%-30% patients are resistant to medical treatment and continue to have seizures. In this intractable patient group, surgical resection is the primarily preferred treatment option. This particular group of patients should be referred to the epilepsy center for detailed investigation and further treatment. When the results of electroencephalography, MRI, and clinical status are discordant or there is no structural lesion on MRI, ictal-periictal SPECT, and interictal PET play key roles for lateralization or localization of epileptic region and guidance for the subsequent subdural electrode placement in intractable epilepsy. SPECT and PET show the functional status of the brain. SPECT and PET play important roles in the evaluation of epilepsy sydromes in childhood by showing abnormal brain regions. Most of the experience has been gained with (18)FDG-PET, in this respect. (11)C-flumazenil-PET usually deliniates the seizure focus more smaller than (18)FDG-PET and is sensitive in identifying medial temporal sclerosis. (11)C-alpha-methyl-l-tryptophan is helpful in the differentiation of epileptogenic and nonepileptogenic regions in children especially in tuberous sclerosis and multifocal cortical dysplasia for the evaluation of surgery. Finally, when there is concordance among these detailed investigations, resective surgery or palliative procedures can be discussed individually. PMID:27237440
Evaluating dose response from flexible dose clinical trials
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Baron David
Full Text Available Abstract Background The true dose effect in flexible-dose clinical trials may be obscured and even reversed because dose and outcome are related. Methods To evaluate dose effect in response on primary efficacy scales from 2 randomized, double-blind, flexible-dose trials of patients with bipolar mania who received olanzapine (N = 234, 5–20 mg/day, or patients with schizophrenia who received olanzapine (N = 172, 10–20 mg/day, we used marginal structural models, inverse probability of treatment weighting (MSM, IPTW methodology. Dose profiles for mean changes from baseline were evaluated using weighted MSM with a repeated measures model. To adjust for selection bias due to non-random dose assignment and dropouts, patient-specific time-dependent weights were determined as products of (i stable weights based on inverse probability of receiving the sequence of dose assignments that was actually received by a patient up to given time multiplied by (ii stable weights based on inverse probability of patient remaining on treatment by that time. Results were compared with those by unweighted analyses. Results While the observed difference in efficacy scores for dose groups for the unweighted analysis strongly favored lower doses, the weighted analyses showed no strong dose effects and, in some cases, reversed the apparent "negative dose effect." Conclusion While naïve comparison of groups by last or modal dose in a flexible-dose trial may result in severely biased efficacy analyses, the MSM with IPTW estimators approach may be a valuable method of removing these biases and evaluating potential dose effect, which may prove useful for planning confirmatory trials.
Two-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. A minimum 3-year follow-up study
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The clinical and radiological outcomes of two-level anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PSF) were evaluated in 24 consecutive patients who underwent two level ALIF with percutaneous PSF for segmental instability and were followed up for more than 3 years. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Sagittal alignment, bone union, and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) were assessed using radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 56.3 years (range 39-70 years). Minor complications occurred in 2 patients in the perioperative period. At a mean follow-up duration of 39.4 months (range 36-42 months), VAS scores for back pain and leg pain, and ODI score decreased significantly (from 6.5, 6.8, and 46.9% to 3.0, 1.9, and 16.3%, respectively). Clinical success was achieved in 22 of the 24 patients. The mean segmental lordosis, whole lumbar lordosis, and sacral tilt significantly increased after surgery (from 25.1deg, 39.2deg, and 32.6deg to 32.9deg, 44.5deg, and 36.6deg, respectively). Solid fusion was achieved in 21 patients. ASD was found in 8 of the 24 patients. No patient underwent revision surgery due to nonunion or ASD. Two-level ALIF with percutaneous PSF yielded satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes and could be a useful alternative to posterior fusion surgery. (author)
Final Results of a 3-Year Literacy-Informed Intervention to Promote Annual Fecal Occult Blood Test Screening.
Arnold, Connie L; Rademaker, Alfred; Wolf, Michael S; Liu, Dachao; Lucas, Geoffrey; Hancock, Jill; Davis, Terry C
This three arm study was designed to make CRC screening with FOBTs more accessible, understandable and actionable for patients cared for in predominantly rural Federally Qualified Health Centers. Patients in an enhanced version of usual care received an annual CRC recommendation and FOBT kit; those in the education arm additionally received brief literacy and culturally appropriate education and those in the nurse arm received the education by a nurse manager who followed up by telephone. Baseline FOBT rates in this population were 3 %. We evaluated if FOBT rates could be sustained over 3 years. A three-arm, quasi-experimental evaluation was conducted among eight clinics in Louisiana. Screening efforts included: (1) enhanced usual care, (2) literacy-informed education of patients, and (3) education plus nurse support. Overall, 961 average-risk patients, ages 50-85, eligible for routine CRC screenings were recruited. The primary outcome was completing three annual FOBT tests. Of 961 patients enrolled, 381 (39.6 %) participants did not complete a single FOBT, 60.4 % completed at least one FOBT of which 318 (33.1 %) completed only one, 162 (16.9 %) completed two and 100 (10.4 %) completed three FOBTs over the 3-year period (the primary study outcome). The primary outcome, return of three FOBT kits over the 3-year period, was achieved by 4.7 % in enhanced care, 11.4 % in education and 13.6 % in the nurse arm (p = 0.005). Overall 3-year FOBT screening rates were not sustained with any of the three interventions, despite reports of promising interim results at years 1 and 2. New strategies for sustaining FOBT screening over several years must be developed. PMID:26769026
Are the outcomes of clinical pathways evidence-based? A critical appraisal of clinical pathway evaluation research
El Baz, N.; Middel, B.; van Dijk, J. P.; Oosterhof, A.; Boonstra, P.W.; Reijneveld, S.A.
Aim and objective To evaluate the validity of study outcomes of published papers that report the effects of clinical pathways (CP). Method Systematic review based on two search strategies, including searching Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Psychinfo and Picarta from 1995 till 2005 and ISI Web of Knowledge (SM). We included randomized controlled or quasi-experimental studies evaluating the efficacy of clinical pathway application. Assessment of the methodological quality of the studies included rand...
Clinical evaluation of a novel herbal dental cream in plaque formation: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial
amrutesh, sunita; Malini, J; Tandur, Prakash S; Pralhad S. Patki
Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal dental cream in comparison to fluoride dental cream. Objectives Clinical evaluation of a novel herbal dental cream in plaque formation: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Methods One hundred and two patients with established dental plaque were randomly assigned to either herbal dental group or fluoride dental group for six weeks in a double-blind design. Improvement in plaque index, oral hyg...
Clinical evaluation of multiplanar reformation CT images in disk hernias
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Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive procedure as compared with myelography in the diagnosis of diseases of the spine and spinal cord. In recent years, the performance of the CT-scan equipment has been markedly improved, resulting in an advancement of its diagnostic value, and it is said that CT is now superior to myelography in diagnosing some types of diseases of spine and spinal cord. We performed a multiplanar reformation in patients with disk hernia for the purpose of evaluating the method's clinical diagnostic value, and the reformatted images were compared with the axial images in the same patient. We used four types of reformation: coronal, sagittal, para-axial, and oblique reformations. The reformatted images were obtained from multiple continuous images with a slice thickness of 3 mm and with no declination of the gantry of the scanner. The axial images were obtained by making the gantry parallel to the disk and perpendicular to the vertebral body. The thickness of the axial images is 3 mm at the disk and 5 mm at the vertebral body level. We compared these reformatted and axial images with the extension of the disk hernia in the spinal canal and neural foramen and the degree of visualization of nerve roots. The sagittal reformatted images were useful in evaluating the extension of the disk hernia in the spinal canal and neural foramen. The coronal and oblique reformatted images were useful in visualizing the nerve roots. The axial images were excellent in ability to diagnose the disk hernia, while the reformatted images were significant in understanding the anatomical relation of the disease preoperatively. (author)
Clinical evaluation of desensitizing treatments for cervical dentin hypersensitivity
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Ana Cecilia Corrêa Aranha
Full Text Available The aim of this study was to compare different treatments for dentin hypersensitivity in a 6-month follow-up. One hundred and one teeth exhibiting non carious cervical lesions were selected. The assessment method used to quantify sensitivity was the cold air syringe, recorded by the visual analogue scale (VAS, prior to treatment (baseline, immediately after topical treatment, after 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months. Teeth were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 20: G1: Gluma Desensitizer (GD; G2: Seal&Protect (SP; G3: Oxa-gel (OG; G4: Fluoride (F; G5: Low intensity laser-LILT (660 nm/3.8 J/cm²/15 mW. Analysis was based on the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test that demonstrated statistical differences immediately after the treatment (p = 0.0165. To observe the individual effects of each treatment, data was submitted to Friedman test. It was observed that GD and SP showed immediate effect after application. Reduction in the pain level throughout the six-month follow-up was also observed. In contrast, LILT presented a gradual reduction of hypersensitivity. OG and F showed effects as of the first and third month respectively. It can be concluded that, after the 6-month clinical evaluation, all therapies showed lower VAS sensitivity values compared with baseline, independently of their different modes of action.
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Jangle Vidya Muralidhar
Full Text Available Urolithiasis, a presence of calculi single or multiple in renal or urinary tracks is a clinical entity which has been universally accepted as problematic condition regarding its treatment in all systems of medical science. There is no known drug therapy at present which dissolves or fragments the calculi by changing lithogenic potential of particular person. Urinary calculi disease has been described in detail under the heading of Ashmari in Ayurvedic texts. Ashmari is one of the few surgical conditions which have been given very prominent place in Ayurveda by Acharya Sushruta and Various herbs like Kulattha (Dolicos Biflorus, Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris, Apamarga (Achyranthes Aspera, Pashanbheda (Berginia Lingulata and Varuna (Crataeva Nurvela etc. and herbomineral compounds are described which are effective against urolithiasis by dissolving calculi thus facilitating their expulsion. This study was aimed to evaluate Ashmaribhedana property of "Kulatthadi yoga" in Mutrashmari to make an effective, long lasting, cost effective, authentic alternative & easily available conservative management of Mutrashmari. After observation, it was found that Kulatthadi Yoga is effective in Kapha-Vataja Mutrashmari & control group shows significant result in Mutrashmari.
Clinical evaluation of stress fractures using bone scintigraphy
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Clinical evaluation of stress fractures were performed in 58 athletes using bone scintigraphy with sup(99m)Tc-MDP. Stress fractures of the tibia were most often seen in the males with running type sports. They occurred more often in the proximal tibia and on the right side. Stress fractures of the fibula were most often seen in females with jumping type sports, such as volley ball. They occurred more often in the distal fibula and on the right side. Tarsal bone fractures were seen most often rugby players. Metatarsal fractures occurred in the third fourth and fifth metatarsals. No lesion was seen in the first and second metatarsals. We feel that stress fractures of the femur can be differentiated from osteosarcoma by small loculated radionuclide accumulation as well as symptome, course and tomographic and CT finding. Bilateral involvement was seen in two cases in patellae and calcanei. Most of the other fractures were seen on the right side. Negative radiographs were seen in 36% of the patients and occurred most commonly in the tarsal bones excluding calcaneus. Bone scintigrams were positive in all cases and were most useful in fractures of the tarsal bones excluding calcaneus. (author)
Similarity Predicts Liking in 3-Year-Old Children
Fawcett, Christine A.; Markson, Lori
Two studies examined the influence of similarity on 3-year-old children's initial liking of their peers. Children were presented with pairs of childlike puppets who were either similar or dissimilar to them on a specified dimension and then were asked to choose one of the puppets to play with as a measure of liking. Children selected the puppet…
Psychometric validation of satisfaction with simulated clinical learning experience evaluation – corrections (SSCLEE-C
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Desiree A. Díaz
Originality/value: The Satisfaction with Simulated Clinical Learning Experience Evaluation – Corrections (SSCLEE-C is the only instrument available for ongoing assessment of correctional nurse satisfaction with simulated clinical learning experiences.
Perinatal Risk Factors for Feeding and Eating Disorders in Children Aged 0 to 3 Years
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Hvelplund, Carolina; Hansen, Bo Mølholm; Koch, Susanne Vinkel;
OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence, age at diagnosis, and associations between perinatal risk factors of feeding and eating disorders (FED) diagnosed at hospital in children aged 0 to 3 years. METHODS: A nationwide cohort of 901 227 children was followed until 48 months of age in the national...... in the clinical management of young children with persistent problems of feeding, eating, and weight faltering....
Occlusal characteristics in 3-year-old children – results of a birth cohort study
Wagner, Yvonne; Heinrich-Weltzien, Roswitha
Background Aim of this prospective study was to determine prevalence of malocclusion and associated risk factors in 3-year-old Thuringian children. Methods Subjects (n = 377) were participants in a regional oral health programme, a birth cohort study with the aim to prevent caries (German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00003438). Children received continuous dental care since birth. Occlusal characteristics (overjet, overbite, anterior open bite, canine relationship and posterior crossbite) wer...
Arthrographic study of the Wiberg's CE angle in cadavers of children under 3 years old
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Forty hip arthrographies in cadavers of children under 3 years of age are presented. The articular relationships of the hip through the definition of the morphology of the proximal femoral epyphysis are evaluated. The location of point 'C' and the evaluation of 'CE' angle in this age group are related. The results of the arthrographic 'CE' osseous angle are compared with Salvati's method and with Massie and Howorth's method. (M.A.C.)
Neurofibromatosis: Evaluation of Clinical Features of 11 Cases
Gülşen Akoğlu; Ali Serhan Gazyağcı; İbrahim Kutluer
Objective: Neurofibromatosis (NF) is one of the most commonly seen autosomal dominantly inherited neurocutaneous syndromes. The most common subtypes are NF1 and NF2. The clinical course of NF may be heterogeneous.In this study, clinical features of patients with NF and its rare manifestations were described. Methods: Records of 11 patients with NF diagnosed between May 2008 and August 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical features of patients were detailed. Result...
Evaluation of dermatologic emergeny patients: An unicentral prospective clinical study
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Adem Köşlü
Full Text Available Background and Design: The definition of emergent diseases includes potentially risky diseases that need urgent medical intervention. Diagnostic and therapeutic processes are managed mostly at ourpatient setting in dermatology. Therefore, it is unclear that which diseases are real emergencies and which patients apply urgently. There are a few studies assessing this topic. Our aim was to evaluate patients referred to our clinic urgently, and to review the concept of ''real dermatologic emergency'' by comparing dermatologic emergency patients and outpatients. Material and Method: A total of 800 patients (400 urgent patients, 400 outpatients were included. Demographic features, complaints, disease duration and severity, whether the disease occurs for the first time were questionned, application time and diagnosis were recorded. The opinions of patients and physicians were inquired about why they thought that the disease was emergent. Results: Most common skin diseases were acute urticaria-angioedema, contact dermatitis, and insect bite in emergency patients; acne vulgaris, verruca and tinea pedis in outpatients. Itching was more common in emergency patients. Emergency patients' complaints were more severe than those of outpatients. Patients who experience disease first time applied to emergency service more than others. Emergency patients had a shorter disease duration than outpatients. Patients and physicians revealed different reasons and criteria about the urgency of the diseases. 93.5% of patients and 49% of physicians thought that existing disease was emergent. Conclusion: Our data reveal that the concept of dermatologic emergency is unsettled. It changes according to socio-cultural, personal features and to the present health system. Determination of the main criteria of the definition of "dermatologic urgent", and training of dermatologists, emergency centers'physicians and also of patients in this regard seem to be a necessity
Evaluation and Training of Clinical Diagnostic Skills. Publication No. 41.
Rimoldi, H. J. A.
The Test of Diagnostic Skills is intended to explore the way a physician or a medical student solves a clinical problem through analysis of the type and sequence of the questions he/she asks. The emphasis is on processes used to reach a conclusion rather than on the accuracy of the conclusion itself. Information based on a real clinical case is…
Reflections on 3 years of mlearning implementation (2007-2009)
Cochrane, Thom; Bateman, Roger
This paper discusses the implications of 3 years of action research mlearning projects investigating the potential of mobile web 2.0 tools to facilitate social constructivist learning environments across multiple learning contexts. Highlighted are the design framework, identified critical success factors, and implementation strategy developed from the thirteen mlearning projects undertaken between 2007 and 2009. The projects encompassed five different courses, forming five case studies spanni...
Combined Individual Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Parent Training for Childhood Depression: 2-3-Year Follow-Up
Eckshtain, Dikla; Gaynor, Scott T
Fourteen children with significant depressive symptoms from an open clinical trial of Primary and Secondary Control Enhancement Training augmented with Caregiver–Child Relationship Enhancement Training, participated in a 2-3-year follow-up assessment. The results suggested that the significant decreases in depressive symptoms observed at post-treatment were maintained at 2-3-year follow-up. Mothers' reports of significant improvement of child psychosocial functioning were also maintained, pro...
Study on Nursing Clinical Teachers' Comprehensive Quality Evaluation Model on the Basis of Fuzzy Mathematics
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Zhijuan Liu
Full Text Available In this study, we study on the nursing clinical teachers' comprehensive quality evaluation model on the basis of fuzzy mathematics. First, it obtains the nursing clinical teachers' comprehensive quality evaluation index framework by making use of Delphi method. Then, it constructs the comprehensive quality evaluation hierarchy model by applying the analytic hierarchy process, to obtain the weight for each index, based on which to establish fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model, thus acquiring new method for nursing clinical teachers' comprehensive quality evaluation. Examples have proven the feasibility and effectiveness of this method.
The Reliability and Validity of the Clinical Competence Evaluation Scale in Physical Therapy
Yoshino, Jun; Usuda, Shigeru
[Purpose] To examine the internal consistency, criterion-related validity, factorial validity, and content validity of the Clinical Competence Evaluation Scale in Physical Therapy (CEPT). [Subjects] The subjects were 278 novice physical therapy trainees and 119 tutors from 21 medical facilities. [Methods] The trainees self-evaluated their clinical competences and the tutors evaluated trainee competences using the CEPT. Overall trainee autonomy was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) f...
Clinical and audiological evaluation of hearing impaired children
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Zafarullah Beigh
Full Text Available Daily activities, interpersonal relationship, employment, and general well being; among such skills, communication skills are essential to a successful life for all individuals. Such skills affect education, adequate hearing acuity is of paramount importance and acts as a prerequisite in the overall personality development of an individual. Hearing impairment at any age has serious effects on the day to day life of an individual and he/she feels handicapped socially, emotionally, and scholastically. A child stuck with this malady is a back bencher in the class, excommunicative, and absent-minded. This study was conducted in order to find out various causes of hearing impairment in children and to study role of various audiological and radiological tests in finding the cause of impaired hearing in children. Aims and Objectives: To assess the possible etiological causes of hearing impairment in children. Study role of various audiological tests in finding the cause of impaired hearing in children. Study Design: Prospective study. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of ENT and HNS of government medical college Srinagar. A total of 150 children of age range 0-14 years visited our ENT Department with complaints of impaired hearing, but only 70 children who met the inclusion criteria of impaired hearing and defective/delayed speech were selected for this study. Results of initial evaluation by means of comprehensive clinical history and followed by proper thorough systemic physical examination from head to toe was performed. These hearing impaired children were subjected to various subjective and objective tests; pure tone audiometry and behavioral observation audiometry were performed for subjective tests and impedance audiometry, Oto-acoustic emissions (OAE, and brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA were performed for objective tests. Results: Possible etiological cause on the basis of history were birth anoxia (2
Clinical and radiological evaluation of impaction of supernumerary teeth
Tuna, Elif-Bahar; Kurklu, Esma; Gencay, Koray; Ak, Gulsum
Abstract Objective: To describe the clinical and radiological features of children with inverted supernumerary teeth. Study Design: Thirty eight patients with inverted supernumerary teeth (ST) were enrolled in this descriptive and restrospective study. Data from patient records including age, gender, status of dentition, number of ST, number of ST in inverted position, coexistence of ST in inverted and normal direction of eruption, location, orientation, morphology, clinical...
Clinical and radiological evaluation of inverse impaction of supernumerary teeth
Tuna, Elif B.; Kurklu, Esma; Gencay, Koray; Ak, Gulsum
Objective: To describe the clinical and radiological features of children with inverted supernumerary teeth. Study Design: Thirty eight patients with inverted supernumerary teeth (ST) were enrolled in this descriptive and restrospective study. Data from patient records including age, gender, status of dentition, number of ST, number of ST in inverted position, coexistence of ST in inverted and normal direction of eruption, location, orientation, morphology, clinical complications, management ...
SUITO Index for Evaluation of Clinical Islet Transplantation
Takita, Morihito; Matusmoto, Shinichi
The major endpoints for clinical islet transplantation for type 1 diabetes are insulin independence and reduction of hypoglycemic episodes. Both endpoints are influenced by patients' and physicians' preferences regarding the use of exogenous insulin. Therefore, development of an objective endpoint for assessing clinical islet transplantation is desirable. HOMA-beta score is useful in assessing functional β-cell mass. However, this score uses blood insulin levels that are influenced by exogeno...
[The importance of clinical data management in improvement of drug evaluation].
Huang, Qin; Wang, Jun
Although the importance of clinical data is drawing more attention in drug development in China, the clinical data management is not good enough in the clinical trials right now. With the development of internet and progress of information technology, especially with the setup of the state innovation strategy for drug development, it is necessary and urgent to improve the clinical data quality. Good data quality is the primary basis of technical evaluation of drug at the marketing authorization. So Center for Drug Evaluation of CFDA has made some endeavors to enhance data management in the clinical trials in recent years. This article is focused on these aspects of data managment. PMID:26911033
Evaluating clinical competence during nursing education: A comprehensive integrative literature review.
Lejonqvist, Gun-Britt; Eriksson, Katie; Meretoja, Riitta
This paper explored concepts, definitions and theoretical perspectives evaluating clinical competence during nursing education. The questions were: (i) How is clinical competence evaluated? and (ii) What is evaluated? An integrative review of 19 original research articles from 2009 to 2013 was performed. Results showed that evaluation tools were used in 14, observations in 2 and reflecting writing in 3 studies. The students participated in all but one evaluation alone or together with peers, faculty members or preceptors. Three themes were found: (i) professional practice with a caring perspective; (ii) clinical skills and reflective practice; and (iii) cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills both with a nursing perspective. This review shows an emphasis on structured methods with a risk reducing nursing to tasks and skills why combinations with qualitative evaluations are recommended. A holistic view of competence dominated and in designing evaluations, explicit perspectives and operationalized definitions of clinical competence became evident. PMID:26369943
Do Student Evaluations Influence the Teaching Skills of Clerkship Clinical Faculty?
Chandrasekhar, Arcot J.; Durazo-Arvizu, Ramon; Hoyt, Amy; McNulty, John A.
Web-based student evaluations of clinical faculty were collected over an 8-year period. There were 19,881 medical student evaluations over the 8-year period for all clinical clerkships, representing a total of 952 faculty. Students used a 5-point Likert scale to rate the teaching effectiveness of faculty. Criterion-based methods and standard…
Clinical Observed Performance Evaluation: A Prospective Study in Final Year Students of Surgery
Markey, G. C.; Browne, K.; Hunter, K.; Hill, A. D.
We report a prospective study of clinical observed performance evaluation (COPE) for 197 medical students in the pre-qualification year of clinical education. Psychometric quality was the main endpoint. Students were assessed in groups of 5 in 40-min patient encounters, with each student the focus of evaluation for 8 min. Each student had a series…
Ceramage 聚合瓷嵌体修复牙体缺损3年的临床疗效观察%3-year observation of the clinical efficacy of Ceramage polymeric porcelain inlay in the repair of tooth defect
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
用 Ceramage 聚合瓷嵌体和铸瓷嵌体分别修复大面积牙体缺损104例和94例。修复后1年复查2组各项指标差异无统计学意义(P >0.05)。修复后3年复查修复体折裂发生于聚合瓷嵌体(3.1%)铸瓷嵌体10.6%(P <0.05),其他指标组间无差异(P>0.05)。%104 teeth with large defect were repaired by Ceramage polymeric porcelain inlay(Ceramage group)and 94 by casting porcelain inlay(casting group).After 1 year there was no statistical significance in all indexes between two groups(P >0.05).After 3 year,Restora-tion fracture was observed in 3.1% of Ceramage group and 10.6% of casting group(P <0.05).No statistical significance was found in other indexes between the two groups.
Clinical and Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Lower-extremity Vein Thrombosis in Behcet Syndrome
Seyahi, Emire; Cakmak, Osman Serdal; Tutar, Burcin; Arslan, Caner; Dikici, Atilla Suleyman; Sut, Necdet; Kantarci, Fatih; Tuzun, Hasan; Melikoglu, Melike; Yazici, Hasan
Abstract Vascular involvement can be seen in up to 40% of patients with Behcet syndrome (BS), the lower-extremity vein thrombosis (LEVT) being the most common type. The aim of the current study was to compare venous Doppler findings and clinical features between BS patients with LEVT and control patients diagnosed as having LEVT due to other causes. All consecutive 78 patients (71 men, 7 women; mean age 38.6 ± 10.3 years) with LEVT due to BS and 50 control patients (29 men, 21 women; mean age...
Francisca Fariña; Manuel Vilariño; Ramón Arce
Forensic evaluation of psychological injury involves the use of a multimethod approximation i.e., a psychometric instrument, normally the MMPI-2, and a clinical interview. In terms of the clinical interview, the traditional clinical interview (e.g., SCID) is not valid for forensic settings as it does not fulfil the triple objective of forensic evaluation: diagnosis of psychological injury in terms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a differential diagnosis of feigning, and establishing...
Iranian Effective Clinical Nurse Instructor evaluation tool: Development and psychometric testing
Shahsavari, Hooman; Yekta, Zohreh Parsa; Zare, Zahra; Sigaroodi, Abdolhossain Emami
Background: Clinical education is the heart of the nursing education program. Effective nursing clinical instructors are needed for graduating the future qualified nurses. There is a well-developed body of knowledge about the effectiveness of clinical teaching and the instructors. However, translating this knowledge into a context-based evaluation tool for measuring the effectiveness of Iranian clinical nursing instructors remains a deficiency. The purpose of this study is to describe the dev...
[Definition of sarcopenia and diagnostic evaluation in clinical practice].
Trombetti, A
Aging is associated with progressive increase in body fat and a corresponding decline in lean muscle mass. When the decrease in muscle mass reaches a critical threshold, this may affect muscle strength and consequently limit the ability to cope with the activities of daily living, reducing the independence of elders. It is widely accepted to define sarcopenia as the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that occurs with advancing age. It is more difficult to establish cut-off points which are clinically relevant. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the definitions of sarcopenia and the assessment tools that can be used in clinical practice. PMID:25962226
The effectiveness of finasteride and dutasteride used for 3 years in women with androgenetic alopecia
Ids H Boersma; Oranje, Arnold P; Ramon Grimalt; Matilde Iorizzo; Bianca M Piraccini; Emiel H Verdonschot
Background: The effectiveness of finasteride and dutasteride in women with androgenetic alopecia has been the subject of debate. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of finasteride and dutasteride on hair loss in women with androgenetic alopecia over a period of 3 years. Methods: From a database containing systematically retrieved data on 3500 women treated for androgenetic alopecia between 2002 and 2012 with finasteride 1.25 mg or dutasteride 0.15 mg, a random sample stratified for age and typ...
Outcomes of 3-Year-Old Children With Hearing Loss and Different Types of Additional Disabilities
Cupples, Linda; Ching, Teresa Y. C.; Crowe, Kathryn; Seeto, Mark; Leigh, Greg; Street, Laura; Day, Julia; Marnane, Vivienne; Thomson, Jessica
This research investigated the speech, language, and functional auditory outcomes of 119 3-year-old children with hearing loss and additional disabilities. Outcomes were evaluated using direct assessment and caregiver report. Multiple regressions revealed that type of additional disability and level of maternal education were significant predictors of language outcomes. Poorer outcomes were achieved in a combined group of children with autism, cerebral palsy, and/or developmental delay (DD) (...
[Extension bridges. A bibliographic evaluation and the clinical indications].
Irato, A; Garrone, P; Catapano, S; Carossa, S
Extension bridges are a valid alternative to partial and implanted prostheses for the rehabilitation of small intercalary or distal lacunae. Following a critical review of published reports on the subject and the assessment of longitudinal studies, the authors examine the clinical parameters and technical procedures used to implement these prosthetic reconstructions. PMID:2084528
Evaluation of pharmacist clinical interventions in a Dutch hospital setting
Bosma, Liesbeth; Jansman, Frank G. A.; Franken, Anton M.; Harting, Johannes W.; Van den Bemt, Patricia M. L. A.
Objective Assessing the relevance of a clinically active pharmacist method compared to the traditional working method. Method The study was carried out in a general internal/gastro-enterology unit during two 8-weeks periods in 2004. It was an observational, non-randomized prospective study. Outcome
Asthma and coagulation: A clinical and pathophysiological evaluation
C.J. Majoor
In clinical practice pulmonologists have suspected that pulmonary embolisms occur more often in patients with asthma. To confirm this suspicion, a study was initiated to investigate the incidence of venous thromboembolic events in patients with asthma compared to the general population. In addition,
Clinical evaluation of coded excitation in medical ultrasound
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Pedersen, Morten Høgholm; Misaridis, Thanssis; Jensen, Jørgen Arendt
Despite the enormous development in medical ultrasound (US) imaging over the last decades, penetration depth with satisfying image quality is often a problem in clinical practice. Coded excitation, used for years in radar techniques to increase signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), has recently been...
Clinical Evaluation of a Novel and Mobile Autism Risk Assessment.
Duda, Marlena; Daniels, Jena; Wall, Dennis P
The Mobile Autism Risk Assessment (MARA) is a new, electronically administered, 7-question autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screen to triage those at highest risk for ASD. Children 16 months-17 years (N = 222) were screened during their first visit in a developmental-behavioral pediatric clinic. MARA scores were compared to diagnosis from the clinical encounter. Participant median age was 5.8 years, 76.1 % were male, and most participants had an intelligence/developmental quotient score >85; 69 of the participants (31 %) received a clinical diagnosis of ASD. The sensitivity of the MARA in detecting ASD was 89.9 % [95 % CI = 82.7-97]; the specificity was 79.7 % [95 % CI = 73.4-86.1]. In a high-risk clinical setting, the MARA shows promise as a screen to distinguish ASD from other developmental/behavioral disorders. PMID:26873142
Patient Language - Evaluating its Relationship to a Clinical Thesaurus
Brown, Philip J. B.; Price, Colin; Cox, Yvette
The expression of clinical concepts in language patients use is of great potential use in both the recording and use of information. Sections of the Read Thesaurus have been examined and terms extracted from shared records and health promotional material to see how well client language is supported.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Nursing Instructors' Clinical Teaching Performance Inventory
Evaluation of nursing instructors' clinical teaching performance is a prerequisite to the quality assurance of nursing education. One of the most common procedures for this purpose is using student evaluations. This study was to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of Nursing Instructors' Clinical Teaching Performance Inventory (NICTPI). The primary items of the inventory were generated by reviewing the published literature and the existing questionnaires as well as consulting wit...
Clinical Validity of the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-62 (CCAPS-62): Further Evaluation and Clinical Applications
McAleavey, Andrew A.; Nordberg, Samuel S.; Hayes, Jeffrey A.; Castonguay, Louis G.; Locke, Benjamin D.; Lockard, Allison J.
Self-report instruments of psychological symptoms are increasingly used in counseling centers but rely on rigorous evaluation of their clinical validity. Three studies reported here (total N = 26,886) investigated the validity of the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-62 (CCAPS-62; Locke et al., 2011) as an assessment and…
Clinical evaluation of serum concentrations of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in patients with colorectal cancer
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
Xu Kang; Fang Wang; Jin-Dong Xie; Jun Cao; Pei-Zhong Xian
AIM: To investigate the correlation between the serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and the clinicopathologic features and to evaluate the possible prognostic significance of sICAM-1 concentration in colorectal cancer.METHODS: A total of 56 patients (mean age 57.3 years)having transitional cell carcinoma of the colorectal and 25 control patients (mean age 42.6 years) were enrolled in the study. The serum samples of the patients were obtained on the day before surgery. Sera were obtained by centrifugation, and stored at -80 ℃ until assay. Serumconcentrations of ICAM-1 were measured with enzymelinked immunoassay. Differences between the two groups were analyzed by Student's t-test.RESULTS: No significant increase of serum sICAM-1 could be demonstrated in the Dukes A1 patients (352.63±61.82μg/L) compared to the control group (345.72±49.81 μg/L,P>0.05), Dukes A1 patients (352.63±61.82 μg/L)compared to Dukes A2,3 patients (491.17±86.36 μg/L,P<0.05). Furthermore, the patients with Dukes B had significantly higher serum concentrations of sICAM-1than those of the control group (496.82±93.04 μg/L vs 345.72±49.81 μg/L, P<0.01). Compared with Dukes A2,3,B colorectal cancer patients, patients with more advanced clinical stage (Dukes C and D) had higher levels of sICAM-1 (743.68±113.74 μg/L vs491.17±86.36 μg/L and 496.82±93.04 μg/L, P<0.001). The difference was statistically significant in sICAM-1 levels between patients with positive lymph node status and those without lymph node involvement (756.25±125.57 μg/L vs445.62±69.18 μg/L, P<0.001).Patients with poorly differentiated colorectal cancer had a higher level of sICAM-1 than those with differentiated and highly differentiated cancer (736.49±121.97 μg/Lvs 410.23±67.47 μg/L, P<0.001).CONCLUSION: In this study, serum ICAM-1 levels were found to be related to tumor presence, clinical stages,and grade. Increased ICAM-1 in patients with colorectal cancer which should
Jangle Vidya Muralidhar; Reddy Govind R; Waghmare Suryakant Dnyaneshwar
Urolithiasis, a presence of calculi single or multiple in renal or urinary tracks is a clinical entity which has been universally accepted as problematic condition regarding its treatment in all systems of medical science. There is no known drug therapy at present which dissolves or fragments the calculi by changing lithogenic potential of particular person. Urinary calculi disease has been described in detail under the heading of Ashmari in Ayurvedic texts. Ashmari is one of the few surgical...
Evaluation of Clinical Features of Female Patients with Macroprolactinemia
Göksun Ayvaz; Alev Eroğlu Altınova; Leyla Mollamahmutoğlu; Metin Arslan; Sevim Güllü; Müjde Aktürk
Aim: Macroprolactin is a high-molecular-weight form of prolactin. It has been suggested that macroprolactin has no clinical importance because of its decreased or limited bioactivity. Although screening for macroprolactinemia is recommended especially in patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia; recent studies reported that patients with macroprolactinemia may have some hyperprolactinemia symptoms. Currently, the causes of the symptoms as well as the treatment and follow-up of this group o...
Stroke and Pregnancy: Clinical Presentation, Evaluation, Treatment and Epidemiology
Grear, Karrie E; Bushnell, Cheryl D.
Stroke is a neurological emergency that carries a risk of morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have shown that the incidence of stroke, while rare, is increasing in pregnant females. In this review, stroke and other vasculopathies in the pregnant and post-partum female are examined. A discussion of the symptoms and clinical presentation of stroke is provided, as well as the current guideline for treatment of stroke in pregnancy. Finally, the data illustrating the recent increases in stroke...
Asthma and coagulation: A clinical and pathophysiological evaluation
Majoor, C.J.
In clinical practice pulmonologists have suspected that pulmonary embolisms occur more often in patients with asthma. To confirm this suspicion, a study was initiated to investigate the incidence of venous thromboembolic events in patients with asthma compared to the general population. In addition, this study aimed to determine if any relationship between asthma and venous thromboembolic events could be attributed to asthma severity, viral infections or the use of asthma medication. The acti...
Facial diplegia: etiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic evaluation
Sefer Varol; Hasan Huseyin Ozdemir; Esref Akil; Demet Arslan; M. Ufuk Aluclu; Demir, Caner F.; Yavuz Yucel
ABSTRACT Objective Facial diplegia (FD) is a rare neurological manifestation with diverse causes. This article aims to systematically evaluate the etiology, diagnostic evaluation and treatment of FD. Method The study was performed retrospectively and included 17 patients with a diagnosis of FD. Results Patients were diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (11), Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis (1), neurosarcoidosis (1), non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (1), tuberculous meningitis (1) her...
Evaluating the students' perspectives of a clinic mentoring programme.
Schwartz, B; Saad, M N; Goldberg, D
The purpose of this article is to describe and examine the effectiveness of a mentoring program for third and fourth year clinical dental students. This is an educational intervention for the pre-doctoral students at the Schulich School of Dentistry. We have recently instituted this program and have developed a questionnaire to assess the student perspectives using a SWOT analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of this intervention by analyzing the quantitative and qualitative responses of the students towards their clinical education and patient management. Our findings, both quantitative and qualitative, indicated that the mentoring program was well received by most students who would like to see the program expanded. The majority of students felt that the mentoring program aligned well with comprehensive care of their patients while enhancing their clinical experience. One of the strongest areas of agreement involved the ability to discuss cases in a non-threatening environment. The SWOT analysis identified key areas for future improvements. We offer steps to successfully implement a similar program based on our findings. It is our hope that our results might be instrumental for other schools wishing to adopt a similar model which supports patient-based comprehensive care. PMID:24118706
Clinical laboratory in the biochemical evaluation of hypertension in Nigeria.
Oghagbon, E K; Okesina, A B; Oparinde, D P
Hypertension is a worldwide problem. It is associated with severe complications that are worse in blacks! Effective management of hypertension requires that the pathophysiologic mechanism, underlining the condition be identified. The clinical laboratory can help in this regard by separating primary hypertension cases (high plasma rennin activity and low plasma rennin activity types) from those of secondary and mendelian types of hypertension. However most clinical laboratories in Nigeria do not provide some of the needed specialized tests-plasma renin activity level, urinary coritsol, plasma aldosterone and metanephrines, plasma natriuretic peptide and oral captopril tests, on routine bases. Importantly, clinicians in Nigeria should consider seriously, the role of the clinical laboratory in the management of hypertension, a condition that affects about 20% of the adult population. They should look beyond "basic or routine tests" in the management of patients with hypertension. Specific tests that will assist in the proper diagnoses of the type of hypertension in a patient should be carried out routinely on every case of hypertension. This will assist in justifying the addition of such investigations in laboratory tests repertoire, when laboratory budgets are prepared. PMID:17876918
Outcome of pregnancy in one Norwegian county 3 years prior to and 3 years subsequent to the Chernobyl accident
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Pregnancy outcome was studied in a county in Norway 3 years prior to and 3 years subsequent to the Chernobyl nuclear plant accident on 26th April 1986. More detailed analyses have been performed for the 12 months prior to and subsequent to the accident. A significant increase in the spontaneous abortion rate the first year after the accident was followed by a slight decrease during the second and third years, but figures were still higher than the period prior to the accident. The rate of legal abortions was unchanged. During the entire observation period the number of births increased continuously, with the exception of a decrease in the last 2 months of 1986 and the first month of 1987. A higher incidence of spontaneous abortions was found for pregnancies conceived during the first 3 months after the accident. This increase in the spontaneous abortion rate is noteworthy, and more especially its long-term persistence, which cannot be the results of external radiation. The internal radiation from food polluted by radioactive fallout is a possible explanation. Changes in nutrition in order to avoid polluted food may also be of importance. (authors)
Causes and 3-year-incidence of blindness in Jing-An District, Shanghai, China 2001-2009
Zhou Xingtao; Sun Xinghuai; Wu Liangcheng; Weng Chenghai
Abstract Background Registered data can provide valuable information regarding blindness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the main causes and 3-year incidence of registered blindness in Jing-An district in Shanghai, China. Methods Data from the blindness registry (age, gender and cause of visual disability) were collected and analyzed. The prevalence of blindness for 2003, 2007, 2009 and the 3-year incidence of blindness were calculated. Results The reported blindness increased sign...
Extrinsic Rewards Diminish Costly Sharing in 3-Year-Olds.
Ulber, Julia; Hamann, Katharina; Tomasello, Michael
Two studies investigated the influence of external rewards and social praise in young children's fairness-related behavior. The motivation of ninety-six 3-year-olds' to equalize unfair resource allocations was measured in three scenarios (collaboration, windfall, and dictator game) following three different treatments (material reward, verbal praise, and neutral response). In all scenarios, children's willingness to engage in costly sharing was negatively influenced when they had received a reward for equal sharing during treatment than when they had received praise or no reward. The negative effect of material rewards was not due to subjects responding in kind to their partner's termination of rewards. These results provide new evidence for the intrinsic motivation of prosociality-in this case, costly sharing behavior-in preschool children. PMID:27084549
Radiology education. The evaluation and assessment of clinical competence
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Hibbert, Kathryn M.; Van Deven, Teresa [The Univ. of Western Ontario, London, ON (Canada). Dept. of Medical Imaging; Chhem, Rethy K. [Medical Univ. of Vienna (Austria). Dept. of Radiology; Nagasaki Univ. (Japan). Atomic Bomb Disease Inst.; Wang, Shih-chang (eds.) [Univ. of Sydney Westmead Hospital (Australia). Dept. of Radiology; Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, Sydney (Australia). Faculty of Radiodiagnosis
Third volume of a trilogy devoted to radiology education and improvement of medical imaging students' learning, teaching, and scholarship. Reviews the philosophies, theories, and principles that underpin assessment and evaluation in radiology education. Includes a series of rich case studies. Written by an international group of experienced educators and medical professionals. This book reviews the philosophies, theories, and principles that underpin assessment and evaluation in radiology education, highlighting emerging practices and work done in the field. The sometimes conflicting assessment and evaluation needs of accreditation bodies, academic programs, trainees, and patients are carefully considered. The final section of the book examines assessment and evaluation in practice, through the development of rich case studies reflecting the implementation of a variety of approaches. This is the third book in a trilogy devoted to the scholarship of radiology education and is the culmination of an important initiative to improve medical imaging students' learning, teaching, and scholarship by bringing together experienced educators and medical professionals. The previous two books focused on the culture and the learning organizations in which our future radiologists are educated and on the application of educational principles in the education of radiologists. Here, the trilogy comes full circle: attending to the assessment and evaluation of the education of its members has much to offer back to the learning of the organization.
Radiology education. The evaluation and assessment of clinical competence
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Third volume of a trilogy devoted to radiology education and improvement of medical imaging students' learning, teaching, and scholarship. Reviews the philosophies, theories, and principles that underpin assessment and evaluation in radiology education. Includes a series of rich case studies. Written by an international group of experienced educators and medical professionals. This book reviews the philosophies, theories, and principles that underpin assessment and evaluation in radiology education, highlighting emerging practices and work done in the field. The sometimes conflicting assessment and evaluation needs of accreditation bodies, academic programs, trainees, and patients are carefully considered. The final section of the book examines assessment and evaluation in practice, through the development of rich case studies reflecting the implementation of a variety of approaches. This is the third book in a trilogy devoted to the scholarship of radiology education and is the culmination of an important initiative to improve medical imaging students' learning, teaching, and scholarship by bringing together experienced educators and medical professionals. The previous two books focused on the culture and the learning organizations in which our future radiologists are educated and on the application of educational principles in the education of radiologists. Here, the trilogy comes full circle: attending to the assessment and evaluation of the education of its members has much to offer back to the learning of the organization.
78 FR 5816 - Guidance for Industry on Clinical Pharmacogenomics: Premarket Evaluation in Early-Phase Clinical...
... (phase 3) that are needed to support marketing approval can be efficiently designed. Across the drug... effects in specific subgroups (i.e., use in study enrichment strategies). On February 18, 2011 (76 FR 9583... and how genomic principles should be considered and applied in early-phase clinical studies to...
[Agreement between Clinical Evaluation and Structured Clinical Interviews in Psychosomatic Inpatients].
Reichert, Cornelia; Henniger, Stephan; Jäger, Burkard; de Zwaan, Martina
The goal of this study was to determine the agreement between axis I mental disorders assessed with a structured clinical interview (SCID) and independently obtained non-structured clinical diagnoses in 185 psychosomatic in-patients. Additionally, the study focuses on the detection of potential predictors for the level of agreement. Diagnostic agreement was poor to moderate for the mood, anxiety and somatoform disorder cluster (κ = 0.293-0.444). Only for eating disorders an almost complete concordance could be found (κ = 0.812). The predictor analysis indicated a significant positive association between the comorbidity rate and the agreement in mood disorders. Furthermore, the diagnostic agreement of anxiety disorders was significantly higher for female than for male patients. These results reveal that even a team-based clinical diagnosis, assessed over the period of a hospital stay, shows little agreement with SCID-diagnoses. The predictor analysis as well as the poor correlation in 3 of 4 diagnostic clusters suggest that conceptual differences of the disorder criteria as well as their clinical interpretation might influence the concordance between diagnoses. Further studies focusing on methodical factors might reveal further insights to the cause of the diagnostic discrepancies. PMID:25941987
A clinical evaluation on adhesive posts in extensive composite restorations
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Ghavamnasiri M. Associate Professor
Full Text Available Problem: A few studies have been conducted about bioglass posts."nAim: The aim of this study was to compare bioglass posts with prefabricated metallic posts in clinical performance of extensive composite restorations for anterior endodontically treated teeth. Materials and Methods: Sixty endodontocally maxillary anterior teeth, with horizontally or vertically destruction, were selected. Teeth were divided into two groups based on the kind of post: Metallic prefabricated parapost and bioglass post. Each group was divided into three subgroups based on anterior bite: normal, deep bite and edge to edge. Gutta-percha was removed from 2/3 of canal length for parapost and 1/3 for bioglass post. After etching with phosphoric-acid (37% and applying dentine bonding syntac, Duo cement was used for the adhesion of bioglass post and a self cured composite (Degufil for parapost. Restoration was done with a hybrid composite (Heliomolar. Follow up studies, radio-graphically and clinically, were done every three months for a 1.5-year period. Exact Fisher and Pearson tests were used for data analysis."nResults: Apical lesion was not observed in any of the radiographs. Post seal was increased by resin cement and dentin bonding agent. Post type did not significantly affect on the clinical success rate of the restorations. The retention of restoration, for both posts, was the same. Crown destruction had no significant effect on success rate. The type of anterior bite had a significant effect on success rate, as the total 6.6% failure rate was related to the patients with anterior deep bite."nConclusion: It is suggested to use metallic paraposts and bioglass posts, in extensive composite restorations for patients with deep-bite, more conservatively.
The Retrospective Evaluation of Childhood Psoriasis Clinically and Demographic Features
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Ayşe Serap Karadağ
Full Text Available Objective: This study was aimed to define the clinical and demographic findings of psoriasis in childhood. Methods: In this retrospective study, the data from 64 children with psoriasis admitted at the our dermatology clinic between January 2007 and January 2011 were included whose data were fully. Results: Of the patients, 37 (57.8% were boys and 27 (42.2% were girls. Mean age of the children was 10.08 ±3.98 years (3-16. In 10 (15% cases, a positive family history was detected. The most frequent localizations at onset were trunk (46.9%, scalp (28.1%, knee-elbow (10.9% and extremities (7.9%, respectively. The most commonly seen clinical types were plaque (68.8%, guttate (20.3%, palmoplantar (9.4%, pustular (1.6%, respectively. Nine children had nail involvement. Out of all patients, 21.9% had upper respiratory tract infections and 9.4% had emotional stres. Four cases were diagnosed with depression. Of the cases, two cases were on non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication, and 4 of them were on antibiotics. Systemic treatments were given to 21.9% of the cases besides topical treatments. Conclusion: The epidemiological studies of psoriasis during childhood period for different countries have been reported. In this study, the ratio shows differences when compared to those previous studies. There are few epidemiologic studies for Turkey. We believe that further epidemiological studies including large number of patients' groups will contribute the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Clinical evaluation of digital subtraction angiography in Takayasu's arteritis
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Twenty-eight patients with Takayasu's arteritis were evaluated by either intra-venous DSA (28 patients) and/or intra-arterial DSA (9 patients). IV-DSA provided information comparable to those obtained by conventional angiography, although evaluation of collateral vessels with IV-DSA was not sufficient. With IA-DSA, images of definitive quality and completeness were obtained with small amount of contrast media in nearly all cases. IV-DSA is a choice of examination in screening and follow-up study for Takayasu's arteritis. Its usefulness and limitations are discussed, and interesting cases are presented. (author)
Facial diplegia: etiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic evaluation
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Sefer Varol
Full Text Available ABSTRACT Objective Facial diplegia (FD is a rare neurological manifestation with diverse causes. This article aims to systematically evaluate the etiology, diagnostic evaluation and treatment of FD. Method The study was performed retrospectively and included 17 patients with a diagnosis of FD. Results Patients were diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS (11, Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis (1, neurosarcoidosis (1, non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (1, tuberculous meningitis (1 herpes simplex reactivation (1 and idiopathic (1. In addition, two patients had developed FD during pregnancy. Conclusion Facial diplegia is an ominous symptom with widely varying causes that requires careful investigation.
A 3-year longitudinal analysis of changes in fitness, physical activity, fatness and screen time
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Aires, L; Andersen, Lars Bo; Mendonça, D;
in fitness. METHODS: This is a 3-year longitudinal study of 345 high school students aged 11-19 years. Students performed curl-ups, push-ups and 20-m shuttle run tests from Fitnessgram. PA and ST were evaluated using a standard questionnaire. Standardized scores of fitness tests were summed. Changes...... over time were calculated as Delta(1) (2007 minus 2006), Delta(2) (2008 minus 2007) and Delta(3) (2008 minus 2006). RESULTS: Changes in PAI were positively and independently associated with changes in fitness in Delta(1), Delta(2) and Delta(3). Changes in BMI were negatively associated with changes in...... fitness in Delta(3). Participants highly fit at baseline were those who showed positive changes in PAI over Delta(3), decreased changes in ST and had the lowest increase in BMI over 3 years compared with those low-fit at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in BMI were associated with changes in fitness over 3...
EM-GE-5 Regulation. Standard for the first-rate application clinical practices in the execution of the clinical investigations for medical teams' evaluation
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
This guide has the following objectives: a) To guide methodologically the implementation of Good Clinical Practice for the execution of clinical research with medical devices that need to be evaluated, in addition to the Regulation ER-6. Requirements for the Conduct of Clinical Trials for Medical Devices , b) Provide the fundamental aspects to be taken into count for quality control to clinical investigations.
Non-Clinical Safety Evaluation of Intranasal Iota-Carrageenan
Hebar, Alexandra; Koller, Christiane; Seifert, Jan-Marcus; Chabicovsky, Monika; Bodenteich, Angelika; Bernkop-Schnürch, Andreas; Grassauer, Andreas; Prieschl-Grassauer, Eva
Carrageenan has been widely used as food additive for decades and therefore, an extended oral data set is available in the public domain. Less data are available for other routes of administration, especially intranasal administration. The current publication describes the non-clinical safety and toxicity of native (non-degraded) iota-carrageenan when applied intranasally or via inhalation. Intranasally applied iota-carrageenan is a topically applied, locally acting compound with no need of systemic bioavailability for the drug's action. Animal experiments included repeated dose local tolerance and toxicity studies with intranasally applied 0.12% iota-carrageenan for 7 or 28 days in New Zealand White rabbits and nebulized 0.12% iota-carrageenan administered to F344 rats for 7 days. Permeation studies revealed no penetration of iota-carrageenan across nasal mucosa, demonstrating that iota-carrageenan does not reach the blood stream. Consistent with this, no relevant toxic or secondary pharmacological effects due to systemic exposure were observed in the rabbit or rat repeated dose toxicity studies. Data do not provide any evidence for local intolerance or toxicity, when carrageenan is applied intranasally or by inhalation. No signs for immunogenicity or immunotoxicity have been observed in the in vivo studies. This is substantiated by in vitro assays showing no stimulation of a panel of pro-inflammatory cytokines by iota-carrageenan. In conclusion, 0.12% iota-carrageenan is safe for clinical use via intranasal application. PMID:25875737
Exenatide once weekly: sustained improvement in glycemic control and cardiometabolic measures through 3 years
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
MacConell L
.Conclusion: ExQW produced clinically meaningful improvements in glycemic control that were durable through 3 years of treatment. Significant improvements in cardiometabolic measurements were also observed. ExQW was well-tolerated during long-term treatment and no new adverse events were noted.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00308139.Keywords: diabetes, exenatide, GLP-1 receptor agonist, hyperglycemia, DURATION-1
The effectiveness of finasteride and dutasteride used for 3 years in women with androgenetic alopecia
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Ids H Boersma
Full Text Available Background: The effectiveness of finasteride and dutasteride in women with androgenetic alopecia has been the subject of debate. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of finasteride and dutasteride on hair loss in women with androgenetic alopecia over a period of 3 years. Methods: From a database containing systematically retrieved data on 3500 women treated for androgenetic alopecia between 2002 and 2012 with finasteride 1.25 mg or dutasteride 0.15 mg, a random sample stratified for age and type of medication was taken to yield 30 women in two age categories: below and above 50 years, and for both medications. Hair thickness of the three thinnest hairs was measured from standardized microscopic images at three sites of the scalp at the start of the treatment and after 3 years of continuous medication intake. The macroscopic images were evaluated independently by three European dermatologists/hair experts. The diagnostic task was to identify the image displaying superior density of the hair. Results: Both age categories showed a statistically significant increase in hair thickness from baseline over the 3-year period for finasteride and dutasteride (signed rank test, P = 0.02. Hair thickness increase was observed in 49 (81.7% women in the finasteride group and in 50 (83.3% women in the dutasteride group. On average, the number of post-treatment images rated as displaying superior density was 124 (68.9% in the finasteride group, and 118 (65.6% in the dutasteride group. Dutasteride performed statistically significantly better than finasteride in the age category below 50 years at the central and vertex sites of the scalp. Conclusions: Finasteride 1.25 mg and dutasteride 0.15 mg given daily for 3 years effectively increased hair thickness and arrested further deterioration in women with androgenetic alopecia.
A Proposed New Index for Clinical Evaluation of Interproximal Soft Tissues: The Interdental Pressure Index
The interdental pressure index (IPI) is introduced to specifically evaluate clinical interproximal-tissue conditions and assess the effect of interproximal hygiene stimulation. This index scores clinical responses of periodontal tissues to the apical pressure of a horizontally placed periodontal probe. It is negative when gingival tissues are firm, bleeding-free, and slightly ischemic by the stimulation; otherwise it is positive. The clinical validation showed high intraoperator agreement (0....
Evaluating the effectiveness of clinical medical librarian programs: a systematic review of the literature*
Wagner, Kay Cimpl; Byrd, Gary D.
Objective: This study was undertaken to determine if a systematic review of the evidence from thirty years of literature evaluating clinical medical librarian (CML) programs could help clarify the effectiveness of this outreach service model.
Evaluation of measurement parameters in clinical cerebral MR angiography
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A three-dimensional MR angiography technique was developed in patients and volunteers that can produce clinically useful studies of the cerebral vasculature with multiple views possible from a single data set acquisition. A low-flip angle, three-dimensional fast imaging with steady precessing sequence was found to provide the optimal vessel/soft-tissue contrast related to the tissues' relaxation parameters and inflow. The inflowing unsaturated spins and vessel orientation made an axial acquisition most effective. The flow-related phase dispersion could be largelly corrected with the appropriate orientation, strength, order, and combination of refocusing gradients with the shortest possible echo times. Reduced voxel size also affected the phase dispersion due to motion and field inhomogeneities. Postprocessing yielded projection images of vessels throughout the three-dimensional volume
Clinical evaluation of osseointegration using resonance frequency analysis.
Satwalekar, Parth; Nalla, Sandeep; Reddy, Ramaswamy; Chowdary, Sheeba Glory
The stability of the implant at the time of placement and during the development of the osseointegration process are the two major issues governing the implant survival. Implant stability is a mechanical phenomenon related to local factors such as bone quality, quantity, type of placement technique and type of implant used. The application of a user-friendly, clinically reliable, non-invasive method to assess implant stability and the osseointegration process is considered highly desirable. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) is one such method which shows almost perfect reproducibility and repeatability after statistical analysis. The aim of this paper is to review the various methods used to assess implant stability and on the currently used RFA method which is being highly accepted in the recent times. PMID:26929512
Clinical and radiological evaluation in vertebral artery dissections
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Murat Çabalar
Full Text Available In recent years, vertebral artery dissection (VAD is reported more frequently as a cause of young cerebrovascular accidents. It can occur spontaneously or following a neck manipulation and trauma. The patients were 3 females (mean age: 35±26 years and 7 males (mean age: 37.71±4.96 years. Only 2 patients described neck trauma. Cerebellar findings were prominent in all cases. On radiological investigation, vascular changes of vertebral arteries were detected bilaterally in 2 cases, right in 5 and left in 3 cases. All the cases were treated with anticoagulant therapy and cured but 1 with sequela. Prognosis of vertebral artery dissection is generally good by early diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we reported clinical and radiological properties of 10 vertebral artery dissection cases.
Multiple risk factor evaluation in a hypertension clinic.
Thom, S; Bunker, J; Callister, W; Poulter, N; Sever, P; Zographos, D
Hypertension is associated with abnormal lipoprotein metabolism, which may be exacerbated by some groups of antihypertensive drugs and represents an additional powerful coronary heart disease risk factor. Of our Hypertension Clinic population, 75% had a total fasting serum cholesterol greater than 5.2 mmol/l. Dietary advice and adjustment of antihypertensive therapy has achieved significant reductions in total cholesterol, serum triglycerides and body weight (14%, 18% and 4.3%, respectively) in a cohort of 65 patients reassessed over a period of 3-21 months. The reduction in cholesterol is likely to represent at least a 28% reduction in the risk of a major coronary heart disease event, even before taking account of any improvement in other coronary heart disease risk factors. PMID:2632734
Medical beam monitor-Pre-clinical evaluation and future applications
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Future medical ion beam applications for cancer therapy which are based on scanning technology will require advanced beam diagnostics equipment. For a precise analysis of beam parameters we want to resolve time structures in the range of microseconds to nanoseconds. A prototype of an advanced beam monitor was developed by University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt and its research subsidiary Fotec in co-operation with CERN RD42, Ohio State University and the Jozef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana. The detector is based on polycrystalline Chemical Vapor Deposition (pCVD) diamond substrates and is equipped with readout electronics up to 2 GHz analog bandwidth. In this paper we present the design of the pCVD-detector system and results of tests performed in various particle accelerator based facilities. Measurements performed in clinical high energy photon beams agreed within 1.2% with results obtained by standard ionization chambers
Clinical evaluation of isolated abutment teeth in removable partial dentures
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Zarrati S
Full Text Available "nBackground and Aims: Nowadays, removable partial dentures are applied to patients who are not able to use dental implants or fixed prosthesis. Although based on the studies the users of removable partial dentures are in the risk of plaque accumulation and unacceptable changes such as gingivitis, periodontitis and mobility in abutment tooth. It is not clear whether the negative effects of removable partial dentures are more on the isolated teeth which are a kind of abutment adjacent to endentulous area in both sides. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical condition of isolated abutment teeth without splinting in comparison to control abutment from the aspects of B.O.P (bleeding on probing, mobility, pocket depth and gingivitis."nMaterials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the prepared questionnaires were filled out by 50 patients who received removable partial dentures in department of removable prosthodontics of dental school of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The patients had isolated abutment tooth and did not have any systemic disease. The obtained data were analyzed. Using Wilcoxon, exact Fisher and Kruskal-Wallis test."nResults: B.O.P (P=0.004, pocket depth (P=0.035, and mobility (P<0.001 in isolated abutments were more than those in control abutments, but there were not significant differences in the degree of caries (P=0.083 and gingivitis (P=0.07."nConclusion: This study showed that clinical condition of isolated abutments is worse than that of control abutments. More attention should be paid to healthiness of isolated teeth without splinting and periodic follow ups should be done in these cases.
Clinical evaluation of /sup 99m/Tc-DMSA renogram
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Van Poppel, H.; Vereecken, R.; Vekemans, K.; Verduyn, H.; Mortelmans, L.; de Roo, M.
Two hundred-two /sup 99m/Tc-DMSA renograms for urologic problems were evaluated. Some technical aspects of the examination and the value of the scintigraphic depth estimation are discussed. Pre- and postoperative uptake values in patients with renal surgery and sequential postoperative examinations are considered. The value of DMSA renograms in predicting recovery in obstructive uropathy and in deciding to opt for conservative therapy or nephrectomy is discussed.
Do Clinical Evaluations in a Psychiatry Clerkship Favor Students with Positive Personality Characteristics?
Chibnall, John T.; Blaskiewicz, Robert J.
Objective: The authors examine associations of personality characteristics, National Board of Medical Examiners subject examination performance, and Objective Structured Clinical Examination performance with clinical evaluations of third-year medical students in a psychiatry clerkship. Methods: Students completed the Revised NEO Personality…
Evaluation of radiological service of Dental Clinic, Uberlandia Federal University (MG-Brazil)
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The management related problems and the quality of dental radiographs of the Radiographic Service of the Dental Clinic, Uberlandia Federal University (MG-Brazil) are evaluated. The results are based on the examinations of 404 dental files from patients atending the Dental Clinic in 1983. Frequency distribution, mean and percentages were computed for the variables studied. (M.A.C.)
Nurses' evaluation of physicians' non-clinical performance in emergency departments: advantages, disadvantages and lessons learned
Alameddine, Mohamad; Mufarrij, Afif; Saliba, Miriam; Mourad, Yara; Jabbour, Rima; Hitti, Eveline
Background Peer evaluation is increasingly used as a method to assess physicians' interpersonal and communication skills. We report on experience with soliciting registered nurses' feedback on physicians' non-clinical performance in the ED of a large academic medical center in Lebanon. Methods We utilized a secondary analysis of a de-identified database of ED nurses' assessment of physicians' non-clinical performance coupled with an evaluation of interventions carried out as a result of this ...
MR enterography to evaluate sub-clinical intestinal inflammation in children with spondyloarthritis
Stoll Matthew L; Patel Ashish S; Punaro Marilynn; Dempsey-Robertson Molly
Abstract Background Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is an established tool to evaluate for changes associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but has not been studied in sub-clinical IBD. We sought to evaluate the use of MRE in children with spondyloarthritis (SpA), who are at risk of having sub-clinical gut inflammation. Methods Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with evidence of intestinal inflammation as evidence by an abnormal fecal calprotectin assay were offe...
Post graduate clinical placements:evaluating benefits and challenges with a mixed methods cross sectional design
Yiend, Jenny; Tracy, Derek K.; Sreenan, Brian; Cardi, Valentina; Foulkes, Tina; Koutsantoni, Katerina; Kravariti, Eugenia; Tchanturia, Kate; Willmott, Lucy; Shergill, Sukhi; Reedy, Gabriel
Background: Systematic evaluations of clinical placements are rare, especially when offered alongside academic postgraduate courses. An evidence-based approach is important to allow pedagogically-driven provision, rather than that solely governed by opinion or market demand. Our evaluation assessed a voluntary clinical placement scheme allied to a mental health course.Methods: Data were collected over academic years 2010/11- 2013/14, from participating students (n = 20 to 58) and clinician su...
Combined Individual Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Parent Training for Childhood Depression: 2- to 3-Year Follow-up
Eckshtain, Dikla; Gaynor, Scott T.
Fourteen children with significant depressive symptoms from an open clinical trial of Primary and Secondary Control Enhancement Training augmented with Caregiver-Child Relationship Enhancement Training, participated in a 2- to 3-year follow-up assessment. The results suggested that the significant decreases in depressive symptoms observed at…
Clinical study evaluating efficacy of praziquantel in clonorchiasis.
Yangco, B G; Lerma, C.; Lyman, G H; Price, D L
In 74 patients with clonorchiasis, the efficacy and safety of praziquantel was evaluated in a two-phase study: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial of praziquantel versus placebo (42 patients) and an open study (32 patients). All but one of the patients were Laotians. The intensity of clonorchiasis was light in 85% (63 of 74) and moderate in 15% (11 of 74) of the patients. Cure based on our established criteria was noted in 67 of 67 patients (100%) treated with praziquantel at a dose o...
[Review on requirements of drug allergy or pseudoallergic reactions in pre-clinical evaluation].
Han, Jia-yin; Yi, Yan; Liang, Ai-hua; Zhang, Yu-shi; Li, Chun-ying; Zhao, Yong; Wang, Lian-mei; Lu, Yu-ting; Li, Gui-qin
Drug allergy and pseudoallergic reactions are main adverse drug reactions. Allergy is mainly induced by the immunogenicity of drug, drug metabolic products or drug additive. Pseudoallergic reactions may result from the irritation or activation of inflammatory material release. Pre-clinical evaluation of drug allergy and pseudoallergic reactions is included in immunotoxicity evaluation. Now there is no in vivo or in vitro method that could predict all kinds of allergy or pseudoallergic reactions due to the different mechanisms. In the past few years, FDA, SFDA OECD, ICH and WHO have published several guidelines on per-clinical immunotoxicity evaluation, however, no agreement has been reached on allergy and pseudoallergic reactions evaluation. This article reviews the requirements of allergy and pseudoallergic reactions in pre-clinical evaluation. PMID:26666009
Comparative clinical evaluation of two professional tooth-whitening products.
Kowitz, G M; Nathoo, S A; Wong, R
A 2-week study was conducted to compare the tooth-whitening efficacy of two 10% carbamide peroxide products: Colgate Platinum Professional Toothwhitening System and Rembrandt Lighten Bleaching Gel. Fifty subjects were divided into two groups and assigned a product to use for 2 weeks. Change in tooth color was measured by reflectance spectroscopy at the initiation of study, at 1 week, and at 2 weeks into the study. Color change was calculated using the color-difference equation established by the Commission International de L'Eclairage. Results showed that Colgate Platinum was 62% more effective at tooth whitening after 1 week and 83% more effective after 2 weeks of treatment vs Rembrandt. At the termination of the study, the mean color difference (deltaE) for Colgate Platinum was 4.29 and 2.34 for Rembrandt. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the Colgate product is significantly superior at increasing tooth whiteness, increasing tooth lightness, reducing redness, and reducing yellowness. In this study, no adverse reactions were noted on clinical examination and none were reported by panelists with normal healthy dentition. PMID:8205580
Clinical types of spinocerebellar degeneration and evaluation with MR imaging
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Kojima, Shigeyuki (Chiba Univ. (Japan). School of Medicine)
Eighty one patients with the clinical diagnosis of non-hereditary spinocerebellar degeneration were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The MRI findings were subdivided into non-cerebellar atrophy, cerebellar atrophy without and with apparent enlargement of the fourth ventricle as a result of atrophy of the middle or superior cerebellar peduncles. The first pattern of non-cerebellar atrophy included ataxias such as Friendreich's ataxia and Machado-Joseph disease (MJD; type II). In the patients with MJD, atrophy of the brainstem was frequently recognized. The second pattern largely included late cortical cerebellar atrophy and hereditary ataxia of Holmes type. The third pattern was subdivided further into atrophies of the middle and superior cerebellar peduncles. The pattern of the former included olivo-ponto-cerebellar atrophy (OPCA) and hereditary ataxia of Menzel type, and the pattern of the latter included MJD and dentato-rubro-pallido-luysian atrophy (DRPLA). In the patients with OPCA and hereditary ataxia of Menzel type, increased signal intensity on T2-weighted image was always observed in the transverese pontine fibers, middle cerebellar peduncles. In several patients with MJD and DRPLA, atrophy of both cerebellar peduncles was demonstrated, but abnormal signal intensity was not observed in the pontocerebellar areas. (author).
Clinical and morphological evaluation of tuberculosis peripheral lymphadenopathy
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Objective: To analyze clinical presentations in patient of tuberculosis peripheral lymphadenopathy. Subjects and Methods: Patients presenting with peripheral lymphadenopathy with the confirmed diagnosis of tuberculosis were included in the study. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was made on finding acid fast bacilli on smear examination and / or histological demonstration of caseating epithelioid cell granulomas in the specimen obtained by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) or excision biopsy. Patients in whom definite diagnosis of tuberculosis was not established on the basis of microscopy or histopathology examination were excluded from the study. History and physical examination findings were recorded on pre-designed proforma. Results: The maximum number of patients (68.75%) was in pediatric age group. The duration of illness was more than a year in 43.75% of the patients. Cervical region was the commonest affected in 70.83% patients. In majority of cases (89.58%) glands were multiple and in 66.7% glands were matted. In 83% cases diagnosis was achieved by FNAC subjected to cytology and acid fast bacilte (AFB) smear examination. Conclusion: In local setting tuberculosis etiology should be strongly suspected in a young patient presenting with peripheral lymphadenopathy, with prolonged duration of illness, and involvement of cervical glands with multiple and matted appearance. FNA is a reliable tool of diagnosis. (author)
Cytogenetic evaluation of patients with clinical spectrum of Turner syndrome
Moka, Rajasekhar; Sreelakshmi, Kodandapani; Gopinath, Puthiya Mundyat; Satyamoorthy, Kapettu
AIM: The objective of this study was to correlate the genotype, of female patients, withshort stature and primary amenorrhea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-six subjects were recruited during 2005-2012. Microscopic and automated karyotyping analyses were done by using chromosomes isolated from the lymphocytes using Giemsa banding (GTG) to identify chromosome abnormalities. RESULTS: A total of 146 clinically suspected Turner syndrome (TS) subjects were recruited for the study, of which, 61 patients were identified to have chromosome abnormalities. The chromosomal abnormalities detected were as follows: Monosomy X (n = 19, 13.01%), triple X syndrome (n = 4, 2.7%), mosaic TS (n = 12, 8.21%), XY gonadal dysgenesis (n = 13, 8.9%), and structural abnormalities including X chromosome (n = 15, 10.27%) and one patient each with autosomal changes involving 9qh inversion and translocation of chromosomes 12 and 14. CONCLUSION: Karyotype abnormalities accounting for 46% in this study emphasize the need for karyotype testing in cases of short stature with primary amenorrhea. PMID:24082654
Breast imaging with SoftVue: initial clinical evaluation
Duric, Neb; Littrup, Peter; Li, Cuiping; Roy, Olivier; Schmidt, Steven; Cheng, Xiaoyang; Seamans, John; Wallen, Andrea; Bey-Knight, Lisa
We describe the clinical performance of SoftVue, a breast imaging device based on the principles of ultrasound tomography. Participants were enrolled in an IRB-approved study at Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. The main research findings indicate that SoftVue is able to image the whole uncompressed breast up to cup size H. Masses can be imaged in even the densest breasts with the ability to discern margins and mass shapes. Additionally, it is demonstrated that multi-focal disease can also be imaged. The system was also tested in its research mode for additional imaging capabilities. These tests demonstrated the potential for generating tissue stiffness information for the entire breast using through-transmission data. This research capability differentiates SoftVue from the other whole breast systems on the market. It is also shown that MRI-like images can be generated using alternative processing of the echo data. Ongoing research is focused on validating and quantifying these findings in a larger sample of study participants and quantifying SoftVue's ability to differentiate benign masses from cancer.
Lead intoxication: clinic and diagnostic evaluation in children
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Martínez-Riera Nora
Full Text Available Poverty, poor nutrition, environmental and social injustice prevailing in Latin America are factorsthat determine the action of pollutants on children. Lead poisoning and pollution constitute apublic health problem throughout the world. Lead affects multiple organs: nervous system particularly,hematopoietic, renal, endocrine, bone and others. Objective: to assess clinical, biochemicaland vascular effects in children exposed to known source of lead. Materials and methods: Sevenchildren with defined source lead exposure were studied, general and specific lead laboratorywere made. Endothelial function and electrocardiographic parameters were assessed. Statistic:descriptive. Results: Age average was 6,2 years (DE± 1, 6, average haematocrit 31% (DE±0,02;hemoglobin average 10,2 g/dl (DE± 0,78. 100% presented hypochromia, microcitosis, anemiaand marked anisocytosis. Lead average: 37,9 ug/dl (DE±6,22, ALA-D average: 8,9 U/L (DE±4,5.No changes were found in lipid profile and kidney function. All presented microalbuminuriaand endothelial dysfunction. Conclusion: These results show the effects of environmental leadexposure that can result in children not occupationally exposed.
Initial clinical evaluation of stationary digital chest tomosynthesis
Hartman, Allison E.; Shan, Jing; Wu, Gongting; Lee, Yueh Z.; Zhou, Otto; Lu, Jianping; Heath, Michael; Wang, Xiaohui; Foos, David
Computed Tomography (CT) is the gold standard for image evaluation of lung disease, including lung cancer and cystic fibrosis. It provides detailed information of the lung anatomy and lesions, but at a relatively high cost and high dose of radiation. Chest radiography is a low dose imaging modality but it has low sensitivity. Digital chest tomosynthesis (DCT) is an imaging modality that produces 3D images by collecting x-ray projection images over a limited angle. DCT is less expensive than CT and requires about 1/10th the dose of radiation. Commercial DCT systems acquire the projection images by mechanically scanning an x-ray tube. The movement of the tube head limits acquisition speed. We recently demonstrated the feasibility of stationary digital chest tomosynthesis (s-DCT) using a carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source array in benchtop phantom studies. The stationary x-ray source allows for fast image acquisition. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of s-DCT for patient imaging. We have successfully imaged 31 patients. Preliminary evaluation by board certified radiologists suggests good depiction of thoracic anatomy and pathology.
Laboratory evaluation of urinary tract infections in an ambulatory clinic.
Carroll, K C; Hale, D C; Von Boerum, D H; Reich, G C; Hamilton, L T; Matsen, J M
A 4-month evaluation of ambulatory patients with a suspicion of a urinary tract infection was performed. Specific objectives included assessment of five urinary screening methods, reevaluation of the necessity of the phenylethyl alcohol plate (PEA), and cost-effectiveness of screening for low colony count bacteriuria. Urine samples were collected as midstream, clean-caught specimens. A total of 142 samples, 87 from 79 symptomatic patients and 55 negative controls, were evaluated. All urine specimens were cultured using a 0.01 mL loop and a 0.001 mL loop onto Columbia sheep blood agar, MacConkey agar, and PEA agar. Twenty-four specimens (17%) were sterile, 64 (45%) were contaminated, and 54 (38%) were infected. Five urine screening methods were performed. These tests and their associated sensitivity and specificity are as follows. The Chemstrip 9 (Behring, Inc., Somerville, NJ) for leukocyte esterase and nitrate, 67%, 98%; microscopic analysis on spun urine, 79%, 93%; methylene blue stain for pyuria, 60%, 99%; Gram stain for pyuria, 45%, 93%; Gram stain for bacteriuria, 65%, 75%; and the URISCREEN (Analytab Products, Plainview, NY), 92%, 89%. Inclusion of a PEA plate for isolation of gram-positive organisms provided no additional information. Routine culture of urine samples at 10(-2) mL increased the contamination rate by 19%. PMID:7506476
Longitudinal behavioral analysis during dental care of children aged 0 to 3 years
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Robson Frederico Cunha
Full Text Available "When" and "how" the dentist intervenes have repercussions on children's physical and emotional patterns. The objective of the present study was to conduct a longitudinal behavioral analysis during dental care of babies aged 0 to 3 years. A total of 216 patients seen at the Baby Clinic of the School of Dentistry at Araçatuba, São Paulo State University (UNESP, were selected. The selection criterion was attendance at ten dental care sessions at bimonthly intervals for routine procedures such as clinical examination and oral hygiene. There was a predominance of cooperative behavior compared to uncooperative behavior when each visit was analyzed separately. The behavior of the patients must have been directly influenced by their psychomotor development. Constant attendance and exposure of the baby to non-stressful dental stimuli are factors that favor a cooperative behavior.
Japan and Fukushima 3 years after the tsunami
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After a comment of aerial photographs of the Fukushima region after the tsunami, and some observations about the condition of the different reactor buildings of the power station, the author recalls some design and architecture characteristics of Japanese BWR reactors and outlines some peculiarities, notably the absence of secondary circuit. He discusses the accident process, the issue of residual power, and how explosions occurred. He describes the situation 3 years after the accident by giving indications on the status of the reactor: its residual power, its core temperature, and water injection. The main tasks to be performed have been: to safely stop the reactors, to remove radioactive debris, to decontaminate the site, to manage waters, to restore confinements, to remove the numerous (more than 12.000) more or less molten fuel assemblies, to manage contaminated waters. The author discusses the issue of underground waters. He addresses the issue of site dismantling with its different steps which are planned over 40 years. While recalling the Japanese regulation in case of nuclear accident, and proposing a map from the evacuation plan with its different areas, the author recalls the initial area evacuation timing during the first weeks. He indicates the evolution of radioactivity for different radionuclides, evokes the issue of storage of contaminated soils and plants. He addresses the issue of dosimetry and of the health impact (regulatory levels, staff dose levels), the issues of food products and internal doses and the opinion of the HWO on the health impact, and the issue of a return of populations. The status and condition of nuclear energy in Japan is evoked
Evaluation of clinical skills for first-year surgical residents using orientation programme and objective structured clinical evaluation as a tool of assessment
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Pandya J
Full Text Available Background: Postgraduate specialities require a combination of knowledge and clinical skills. The internship year is less structured. Clinical and practical skills that are picked up during training are not well regulated and the impact is not assessed. In this study, we assessed knowledge and skills using objective structured clinical examination (OSCE. Aim: To evaluate the clinical skills of new first-year surgical residents using orientation programme and OSCE as a tool for assessment. Settings and Design: Observational study. Materials and Methods: Twenty new first-year surgical residents (10 each in 2008 and 2009 participated in a detailed structured orientation programme conducted over a period of 7 days. Clinically important topics and skills expected at this level (e.g., suturing, wound care etc. were covered. The programme was preceded by an OSCE to test pre-programme knowledge (the "pre-test". The questions were validated by senior department staff. A post-programme OSCE (the "post-test" helped to evaluate the change in clinical skill level brought about by the orientation programme. Statistical Analysis: Wilcoxson matched-pairs signed-ranks test. Results: Passing performance was achieved by all participants in both pre- and post-tests. Following the orientation programme, significant improvement was seen in tasks testing the psychomotor and cognitive domains. (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0401, respectively. Overall reliability of the OSCE was found to be 0.7026 (Cronbach′s coefficient alpha. Conclusions: This study highlighted the lacunae in current internship training, especially for skill-based tasks. There is a need for universal inclusion of structured orientation programmes in the training of first-year residents. OSCE is a reliable, valid and effective method for the assessment of clinical skills.
The post-arthro-CT of the wrist clinical evaluation
Scheurecker, G
To compare the diagnostic effectiveness of post-arthro-CT (PACT) and 3-compartment wrist arthrography (AG) both separate and combined versus wrist arthroscopy for scapho-lunate ligament (SLL), luno-triquetral ligament (LTL) and triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) defects and chondromalacia of the carpal bones. Material and methods: in 58 patients (16-69 years) the affected wrist was examined initially by conventional 3-compartment wrist arthrography with digital subtraction technique during injection followed by digital stress images. Afterwards spiral arthro-CT was performed in the semi-coronal and axial plane with 1 mm slice thickness and secondary true-coronal and sagittal reconstructions. Within 1 month arthroscopy was performed in general anesthesia utilizing standard joint entry points combined with routine digital picture archiving. All examinations were evaluated for SLL, LTL and TFC defects, PACT and AS for ChM too. Results: AG versus AS: the following detection rates were observed (AG and AS positive/AG...
Evaluation of a Potential Clinical Interaction between Ceftriaxone and Calcium▿
Steadman, Emily; Raisch, Dennis W.; Bennett, Charles L.; Esterly, John S.; Becker, Tischa; Postelnick, Michael; McKoy, June M.; Trifilio, Steve; Yarnold, Paul R.; Scheetz, Marc H.
In April 2009, the FDA retracted a warning asserting that ceftriaxone and intravenous calcium products should not be coadministered to any patient to prevent precipitation events leading to end-organ damage. Following that announcement, we sought to evaluate if the retraction was justified. A search of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System was conducted to identify any ceftriaxone-calcium interactions that resulted in serious adverse drug events. Ceftazidime-calcium was used as a comparator agent. One hundred four events with ceftriaxone-calcium and 99 events with ceftazidime-calcium were identified. Adverse drug events were recorded according to the listed description of drug involvement (primary or secondary suspect) and were interpreted as probable, possible, unlikely, or unrelated. For ceftriaxone-calcium-related adverse events, 7.7% and 20.2% of the events were classified as probable and possible for embolism, respectively. Ceftazidime-calcium resulted in fewer probable embolic events (4%) but more possible embolic events (30.3%). Among cases that considered ceftriaxone or ceftazidime and calcium as the primary or secondary drug, one case was classified as a probable embolic event. That patient received ceftriaxone-calcium and died, although an attribution of causality was not possible. Our analysis suggests a lack of support for the occurrence of ceftriaxone-calcium precipitation events in adults. The results of the current analysis reinforce the revised FDA recommendations suggesting that patients >28 days old may receive ceftriaxone and calcium sequentially and provide a transparent and reproducible methodology for such evaluations. PMID:20086152
Feasibility of Automatic Extraction of Electronic Health Data to Evaluate a Status Epilepticus Clinical Protocol.
Hafeez, Baria; Paolicchi, Juliann; Pon, Steven; Howell, Joy D; Grinspan, Zachary M
Status epilepticus is a common neurologic emergency in children. Pediatric medical centers often develop protocols to standardize care. Widespread adoption of electronic health records by hospitals affords the opportunity for clinicians to rapidly, and electronically evaluate protocol adherence. We reviewed the clinical data of a small sample of 7 children with status epilepticus, in order to (1) qualitatively determine the feasibility of automated data extraction and (2) demonstrate a timeline-style visualization of each patient's first 24 hours of care. Qualitatively, our observations indicate that most clinical data are well labeled in structured fields within the electronic health record, though some important information, particularly electroencephalography (EEG) data, may require manual abstraction. We conclude that a visualization that clarifies a patient's clinical course can be automatically created using the patient's electronic clinical data, supplemented with some manually abstracted data. Future work could use this timeline to evaluate adherence to status epilepticus clinical protocols. PMID:26518205
Two-year clinical evaluation of resin composite in posterior teeth: A randomized controlled study
Gianordoli-Neto, Ranulfo; Padovani, Gislaine Cristina; Mondelli, José; de Lima Navarro, Maria Fidela; Mendonça, Juliano Sartori; Santiago, Sérgio Lima
Background: Clinical evaluations as fundamental method to prove the efficiency of restorative materials. Aim: This study evaluated the clinical performance of restorative systems during 2 years of clinical service. Materials and Methods: This study assessed the clinical performance of restorative systems (Filtek Z250 and P60), during 2 years of clinical service, using the US Public Health Service system. The randomized and double-blind study comprising thirty volunteers. The restorations were evaluated at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. It was used the following criteria: marginal discoloration (MD), marginal integrity (MI), superficial texture (ST), wear (W), postoperative sensitivity (PS) and recurrent caries (RC). Results: Statistic analysis was performed using Fisher's and McNemar's exact tests and Pearsons's Chi-square in a significance level of 5%. The results at baseline and 24 months for Group I were: MD – 100, 100%; MI – 100, 88.6%; ST – 100, 94.3%; W – 100, 94.3%; PS – 100, 100%; RC – 100, 100%, of alpha scores; Group II: MD – 100, 97.1%; MI – 100, 91.4%; ST – 100, 94.3%; W – 100, 91.4%; PS – 100, 100%; RC – 100, 100%, of alpha scores. It was observed no statistical difference in the evaluated criteria and period. Conclusions: After 24 months of evaluation, both restorative systems exhibited acceptable clinical performance.
[Clinical evaluation of congenital cholesteatoma of the middle ear].
Kikuchi, Masahiro; Yamamoto, Etsuo; Shinohara, Shogo; Shiomi, Yousaku; Fujiwara, Keizo; Shiomi, Yoshiko; Watanabe, Futoshi; Tanabe, Makito
We conducted a retrospective study to identify the clinical features and surgical observations of congenital cholesteatoma. Sixty patients were diagnosed and underwent surgery for congenital cholesteatoma between April 1987 and May 2002. All diagnoses were made on the basis of two operative findings: 1. the tympanic membrane manifested neither retraction, perforation, nor granulation. 2. the tympanic membrane was not continuous with the cholesteatoma. In this series, congenital cholesteatoma accounted for 7% of all cholesteatomas (853 ears). The patient age ranged from 2 to 48 years. The male to female ratio was 4:1. Seventeen patients had multiple cholesteatoma. Fifty-three patients exhibited closed-type cholesteatomas, while the remaining 7 patients had open-type cholesteatomas that had formed as a flat surface of the epidermis. Patients with open-type cholesteatomas presented with a much more pronounced conductive hearing loss and ossicular erosion or malformation. Twenty-two patients with relatively small cholesteatomas were analyzed to estimate the origin of their cholesteatomas. Of the 22 patients, 13 had anterior superior quadrant (ASQ-type) and 9 had posterior superior quadrant (PSQ-type) cholesteatomas. The mean age at the time of detection was older in the PSQ-type group than in the ASQ-type group and the frequency of ossicular erosion or malformation was more prominent in the PSQ-type group than in the ASQ-type group. The primary site of origin was thought to be the portion between the tympanic ostium of the auditory canal and the semicanal for tensor tympani in the ASQ-type group and near the incudostapedial joint in the PSQ-type group. A planned staged procedure was performed in 29 patients, 15 patients (52%) had residual lesions situated mostly on the oval window, the round window, an exposed facial nerve or an exposed lateral semicircular canal. The frequency of residual lesions in patients who presented with extended, multiple cholesteatoma and
A clinical evaluation of the non-contact tonometer.
Wittenberg, S
Paired non-contact tonometer readings were taken on patients at the Boston City Hospital Eye Clinic before and after routine vision care that included Goldmann tonometry. The variability of NCT readings was determined and comparisons made between readings obtained with the NCT and Goldmann instruments. The regression equation relating the pre-Goldmann NCT findings (N1), to the Goldmann (G), was N1 = 1.01G + 1.97; and the equation relating the post-Goldmann NCT findings (N2), to the Goldman was N2 = .94G + 1.70. The N1 mean was 2.06 mm. higher than the mean G, while the N2 mean was .58 mm. higher than the mean G. The correlation coefficients and standard deviation of the differences for the two comparisons were, .88, 3.91, and .93, 3.07, respectively. The Goldmann findings therefore were seen to agree more closely with the NCT findings taken after them. The linear regression and correlation coefficients between the NCT and the Goldmann were generally in good agreement with those of prior studies, although the standard deviations of the differences between findings were larger in this study. This result is not surprising since no attempt was made to train Goldmann operators to criterion or to limit variability induced by differing observer criteria or by the use of only one Goldmann operator. The operators of the Goldmann tonometer had varying degrees of training as residents in ophthalmology. Interestingly, the agreement between pre-Goldmann NCT and post-Goldmann NCT findings was not good. This suggested that the taking of the Goldmann findings themselves may have had a significant effect on the tonometric readings and that the considerable time that frequently took place between the two sets of NCT readings could have affected the value. The standard deviation of the differences between pre- and post-Goldmann readings on the same patient was 3.27 as compared to that for paired readings which was 2.28. The data also showed a much better agreement between the NCT and
Clinical evaluation of Synthetic Aperture Sequential Beamforming and Tissue Harmonic Imaging
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Brandt, Andreas Hjelm; Hemmsen, Martin Christian; Hansen, Peter Møller;
liver pathology were scanned to set a clinical condition, where ultrasonography is often performed. A total of 114 sequences were recorded and evaluated by five radiologists. The evaluators were blinded to the imaging technique, and each sequence was shown twice with different left-right positioning...
Clinical evaluation of synthetic aperture sequential beamforming ultrasound in patients with liver tumors
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Hansen, Peter Møller; Hemmsen, Martin Christian; Brandt, Andreas Hjelm;
maintained despite the data reduction. A total of 117 sequences were recorded and evaluated blinded by five radiologists from a clinical perspective. Forty-eight percent of the evaluations were in favor of SASB, 33% in favor of conventional ultrasound and 19%were equal, that is, a clear, but non...
Long-term evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of community milk fluoridation in Bulgaria
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Petersen, P E; Kwan, S; Ogawa, H
OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical effectiveness of a community milk fluoridation programme. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Parallel arm 5-year cohort study, with final cross-sectional comparisons between groups. PARTICIPANTS: 3-year-olds in 8 Bulgarian cities/towns entered the cohort study with random......-olds from control cities were baseline examined for caries, then 276 children at the age 8 years in 2009. INTERVENTIONS: In six intervention communities: 1,498 examined children received 0.5 mg F in 100 or 200 ml school milk or yogurt provided each school day; a further 180 received non-fluoridated milk. In...... two control communities, fluoride was not added to 284 children's school milk. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dental caries experience of primary, and permanent teeth. RESULTS: For primary teeth, caries increments were 46% (p < 0.001) and 30% (p < 0.01) lower in the fluoridated milk groups compared with non...
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
Objective To evaluate the saliva ferning test (SFT) as diagnostic test for xerostomia in patients with Sjogren 's Syndrome (SS). Methods In this study, dried samples of freshly produced saliva from 78 patients with established SS according to European Community criteria and 80 healthy controls were examined by light microscopy. The crystallization was classified into 4 types according to the ferning phenomenon: uniformity, branching, spreading and integrity (type Ⅰ normal and type Ⅱ ,III ,Ⅳ abnormal ). Then , the 78 patients underwent labial salivary gland biopsy. According to Tarpley' s classifica tion, minor salivary gland biopsy (≥2+) was considered to be positive. Results 1. The sensitivity of SFT was high (70/ 78 = 89.74% ). And the specificity was also high (67/80 = 83.75% ). 2. Abnormal SFT was observed in 70/78(89.74%) samples from patients group and in 13/80 ( 16.25% ) samples from healthy controls. The differences of SFT in patients group versus controls were statistically significant (P0.05) as diagnostic tests in SS. Conclusion SFT was simple , sensitive and specific as diagnostic test in SS suspect patients just as mini labial gland biopsy.
Clinical evaluation of physical fitness in male obese Japanese
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
Abstract:Objective To establish an effective exercise prescription, the exercise capacity of obese subjects was investigated.Methods In 71 male obese (body mass index: BMI≥26.4) Japanese, aged 26-77 years, the body composition and physical fitness such as aerobic exercise level, muscle strength and flexibility were determined and compared with those of age- and sex-matched 71 borderline (24.2≤BMI<26.4) and 71 normal Japanese men (19.8≤BMI<24.2). The relationship between body composition and other parameters was evaluated in obese subjects.Results In obese subjects, body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, waist hip ratio, and skinfold thickness were higher than those of borderline and normal subjects. Lower aerobic exercise level and weight bearing index (WBI) were noted in obese subjects. There was a negative correlation between waist hip ratio and aerobic exercise level (oxygen uptake at ventilatory threshold) (r=-0.509, P<0.01) and also between waist hip ratio and WBI (r=-0.315, P<0.01). Conclusions Lower physical fitness is considered to be a general characteristic of male obese Japanese, and the accumulation of visceral adipose tissue might affect exercise capacity.
Tics and Tourette syndrome: clinical evaluation of 44 cases
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Teive Hélio A.G.
Full Text Available We evaluated 44 patients with tics and Tourette's syndrome (TS emphasising the age of onset of symptoms, sex, classification and localization of tics, associated symptoms and signs and comorbidities. Thirty-three patients (75.2% had TS defined criteria whereas 10 (22.7% had chronic motor and/or vocal tics. Simple motor tics were found in 43 cases (97.7%, mainly affecting the eyes (43.2%, mouth (43.2%, face (34.1%. Simple vocal tics occurred in 33 (75%. Coprolalia was found in just 6 cases (13.6% and copropraxia in just 2 (4.5%. Obsessive compulsive disorder and/or symptoms were found in 26 cases (59.1% and attention deficit in 17 (38.6%. Eighteen patients (40.9% had other disorders, such as alcoholism, tabagism, drug abuse, affective disorders, anxiety, sleep and learning disorders. The data obtained are similar to those found by other authors. We highlight the low frequency of coprolalia, as well as the associated neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Mohammed Naveed
Full Text Available INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic Intra nasal approach to by-pass the obstruction of lacrimal apparatus is a simple and commonly practiced surgery among the ENT Surgeons. Various modifications in the form of usage of micro drill, application of Mitomycin C and preserving the nasal flap to line the opening in the sac to name a few are being used. Recurrence of epiphora and closure of the neo opening is described and observed are labeled as failed endonasal DCR. This study makes an attempt to review retrospectively and prospectively to evaluate the degree of recurrence and causes of failure. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: This study also attempts to determine the causes of failure of endonasal DCR and its subsequent management. Thus this study precludes the role of revision DCR. Materials and Methods: 50 patients who underwent endonasal DCR surgery at GGH Kurnool and reported with symptoms of returning of epiphora, purulent discharge from the eye were included. A detailed history taking and endoscopic examination done to find the cause of failure. An attempt is made to classify the causes and find suitable remedy.RESULTS:36% of the patients showed tendency to form synaechiae, 18.6% of patients presented with thick lacrimal crest, 9% of them showed formation of a thin veil like membrane over the neo-ostium. All the patients were subjected to revision surgery and subjective improvement in 92% of the patients reported at the time of reporting of the study.
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Singh Akhilesh Kumar
Full Text Available Context: Human beings, in order to adjust themselves in the modest era, have been compelled to become fast and mechanical. This is the reason why they can't give proper attention to daily and seasonal regimes, exercise and diet. This change in lifestyle is responsible for Agnimandya. According to them Mandagni is Root cause of every disease. Agni plays the key role in the process of bio-transformation. Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the role of Trikatu (Pippali, Maricha and Shunthi as appetite stimulent (Agnivardhan.Methods and Material: This was a prospective randomized active control trial. A total of 60 participants showing classical symptoms of Agnimandya between 20 and 60 years of age were randomly assigned to receive treatments. One group received Trikatu churna while another group received Agnitundi Vati. Both groups practiced supervised intervention for 3 weeks. The signs and symptoms like Avipak, Prasek, Kshudhamandya, Shirogaurav, Amashay Pradeshi gaurav, Antrakujan, Pravahan were graded and interpreted at the end of the trial.Results: The result was found effective for treating Avipak, Prasek, Kshudhamandya, Shirogaurav, Amashay Pradeshi gaurav, Antrakujan, Pravahan of Agnimandya in the group treated with Trikatu Churna. The results for the above criteria for the assessment was found statically highly significant.Conclusions: Trikatu Churna is highly effective in treating Agnimandya.
Determinants of physician antibiotic prescribing behavior: a 3 year cohort study in Portugal.
Teixeira Rodrigues, António; Ferreira, Mónica; Piñeiro-Lamas, Maria; Falcão, Amílcar; Figueiras, Adolfo; Herdeiro, Maria T
Objectives Antibiotic misprescription is a major driver of resistance, which is a worldwide public health problem. Therefore, our aim is to assess the influence of the determinants of physician prescribing on the quality of antibiotic use. Methods A 3 year cohort study including all primary-care physicians working in Portugal's Central Regional Health Administration (n = 1094) was conducted. We assessed the determinants of prescribing using a pre-validated, personally addressed, reply-paid, self-administered questionnaire (sent four times to non-responders, between September 2011 and February 2012) designed to collect information on physicians' attitudes to and knowledge of antibiotic prescribing as well as their socio-demographic and professional data. To evaluate antibiotic prescribing, we've calculated ESAC 12 quality indicators per physician per year, allowing us to stratify them as good or poor prescribers according to their performance on those indicators. Associations between determinants and outcomes were fitted with generalized linear mixed models. Results The overall response rate was 46.1%. Emergency activity (OR [95% CI] = 0.29 [0.16-0.54]; p < 0.05) and workload (number of patients seen per day: OR [95% CI] = 0.97 [0.94-1.00]; p < 0.05; number of patients seen per week in emergencies: OR [95% CI] = 0.98 [0.97-0.99]; p < 0.05) were both related to poor quality of antibiotic prescribing. Statistically significant odds ratios were also obtained for ignorance (IqOR [95% CI] = 2.14 [1.31-3.52]), complacency (1/IqOR [95% CI] = 1.19 [1.01-1.41]) and responsibility of others (1/IqOR [95% CI] = 1.78 [1.10-3.06]). Conclusions The above results serve to emphasize workload, working at emergency departments and physicians' attitudes identified as critical factors affecting antibiotic prescribing. This provides new insights for clinicians, researchers and policy makers when it comes to developing and improving the clinical and
Clinical evaluation of diuretic renography in obstructive uropathy
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Diuretic renography assisted with Lasix was performed in 44 cases with obstructive uropathy. The procedure was done in four steps, (1) hydration with an intake of water 10 to 20 minutes before the examination, (2) non-diuretic (regular) dynamic renal scan with sup(99m)Tc-DTPA for 20 minutes. (3) Voiding and (4) post-voiding diuretic dynamic renal scan followed an i.v. injection of Lasix (0.4-0.5 mg/kg, Max 20 mg) at 2 minutes for 15 minutes. Quantitative analysis of the time-activity curves which were obtained from data stored as 64 x 64 matrix per frame of 10 seconds during imaging was simultanously performed on a computer system. Most of kidneys showed a prompt linear, mono-compartnental excretion in a semi-logarithmic scale after the administration of diuretics. Mean half time (D-Tl/2) and S.D. of diuretic excretion in normal Kidneys was 4.41 +- 2.73 minutes and reactive duration 2.04 +- 1.23. The excretion pattern of these diuretic renograms showed four different groups, (I) linear decrease with D-Tl/2 under 10 min., (II) linear with D-Tl/2 between 10 to 20 min. (III) linear with D-Tl/2 over 20 Min. and non-linear and (IV) flat or elevated excretion. All of preoperative obstructive kidneys urologically indicated of the operation showed excretion pattern of I, III and IV with decrease in a blood perfusion on non-diuretic dynamic images. This finding is appreciated of significance evaluating the indication of an operation to the affected kidney. However, many of the postoperative kidneys showed such decrease persisted. In those kidneys, diuretic Tl/2 and excretion patterns were useful for following-up the urodynamic change after the reconstration performed in urinary tracts (author)
Clinical evaluation of diuretic renography in obstructive uropathy
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Itoh, K.; Imanaka, K.; Nonomura, K.; Koyanagi, T. (Hokkaido Univ., Sapporo (Japan). School of Medicine)
Diuretic renography assisted with Lasix was performed in 44 cases with obstructive uropathy. The procedure was done in four steps, (1) hydration with an intake of water 10 to 20 minutes before the examination, (2) non-diuretic (regular) dynamic renal scan with sup(99m)Tc-DTPA for 20 minutes. (3) Voiding and (4) post-voiding diuretic dynamic renal scan followed an i.v. injection of Lasix (0.4-0.5 mg/kg, Max 20 mg) at 2 minutes for 15 minutes. Quantitative analysis of the time-activity curves which were obtained from data stored as 64 x 64 matrix per frame of 10 seconds during imaging was simultanously performed on a computer system. Most of kidneys showed a prompt linear, mono-compartmental excretion in a semi-logarithmic scale after the administration of diuretics. Mean half time (D-Tl/2) and S.D. of diuretic excretion in normal Kidneys was 4.41 +- 2.73 minutes and reactive duration 2.04 +- 1.23. The excretion pattern of these diuretic renograms showed four different groups, (I) linear decrease with D-Tl/2 under 10 min., (II) linear with D-Tl/2 between 10 to 20 min. (III) linear with D-Tl/2 over 20 Min. and non-linear and (IV) flat or elevated excretion. All of preoperative obstructive kidneys urologically indicated of the operation showed excretion pattern of I, III and IV with decrease in a blood perfusion on non-diuretic dynamic images. This finding is appreciated of significance evaluating the indication of an operation to the affected kidney. However, many of the postoperative kidneys showed such decrease persisted. In those kidneys, diuretic Tl/2 and excretion patterns were useful for following-up the urodynamic change after the reconstruction performed in urinary tracts.
An economic evaluation of antihypertensive therapies based on clinical trials
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Rosana Lima Garcia Tsuji
Full Text Available OBJECTIVE: Hypertension is a major issue in public health, and the financial costs associated with hypertension continue to increase. Cost-effectiveness studies focusing on antihypertensive drug combinations, however, have been scarce. The cost-effectiveness ratios of the traditional treatment (hydrochlorothiazide and atenolol and the current treatment (losartan and amlodipine were evaluated in patients with grade 1 or 2 hypertension (HT1-2. For patients with grade 3 hypertension (HT3, a third drug was added to the treatment combinations: enalapril was added to the traditional treatment, and hydrochlorothiazide was added to the current treatment. METHODS: Hypertension treatment costs were estimated on the basis of the purchase prices of the antihypertensive medications, and effectiveness was measured as the reduction in systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (in mm Hg at the end of a 12-month study period. RESULTS: When the purchase price of the brand-name medication was used to calculate the cost, the traditional treatment presented a lower cost-effectiveness ratio [US$/mm Hg] than the current treatment in the HT1-2 group. In the HT3 group, however, there was no difference in cost-effectiveness ratio between the traditional treatment and the current treatment. The cost-effectiveness ratio differences between the treatment regimens maintained the same pattern when the purchase price of the lower-cost medication was used. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the traditional treatment is more cost-effective (US$/mm Hg than the current treatment in the HT1-2 group. There was no difference in cost-effectiveness between the traditional treatment and the current treatment for the HT3 group.
Clinical evaluation of a '3-in-1' intravenous nutrient solution.
O'Keefe, S J; Bean, E; Symmonds, K; Smit, R; Delport, I; Dicker, J
Eighty-five consecutive general hospital patients requiring total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were prospectively studied in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a '3-in-1' nutrient mixture. All formulas were individualized to estimated requirements (average composition nitrogen 14 g, glucose 350 g, fat 50 g), mixed in the hospital pharmacy, contained within 3-litre EVA plastic bags, and given to the patients as a continuous 24-hour infusion. The average duration of TPN was 19 days per patient (range 8 - 84 days). Judging by nitrogen balance and plasma protein concentrations, the system was effective in maintaining or improving nutritional status in patients in a relatively stable condition but not in those who were critically ill (e.g. those in an intensive care unit). Development of magnesium and iron deficiencies was common during the period of TPN (25% of patients developing magnesium deficiency and 40% developing iron deficiency) despite daily supplementation with commercial trace element mixtures, but these states were easily corrected by high-dose administration. 'Creaming' of less than 5 mm on the surface of the emulsion was common, whereas that of more than 10 mm was rare (12 bags) and invariably associated with excessive addition of polyvalent cation or glucose. Deposition of lipid on the internal surface of the catheter was a common problem after 2 weeks' continuous administration. Temporary problems with faulty bag connections resulted in excessive catheter sepsis (14%) due to Staphylococcus epidermidis. Mild reversible disturbances in liver function occurred in one-third of the patients. The system appears safe and effective for the management of most patients requiring long-term TPN.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:3925569
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of a polyester prosthesis in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture
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Clinical and radiographic findings after intra-articular replacement of cranial cruciate ligament with a polyester prosthesis using a modified over-the-top technique were evaluated in six dogs. Seven surgeries were done due to bilateral involvement of the cranial cruciate ligament in one dog. Clinical evaluation was performed on postoperative days 3, 10 and 40, and radiographic evaluation was done at 5 and 24 months after surgery in five dogs, where signs of progressive degenerative joint disease were confirmed. Resolution of clinical signs was observed from 25 to 68 days after surgery as evaluated by dog owners. Overall function of joint movement after surgery was classified as good. Two dogs presented fraying of the implant after surgery. It was concluded that the polyester prosthesis, as implanted in these dogs, was not a satisfactory replacement for the injured ligament, as better results may be obtained with less invasive and simpler techniques
Evaluation of clinical pharmacist recommendations in the geriatric ward of a Belgian university hospital
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Somers A
Full Text Available Annemie Somers,1 Hugo Robays,1 Peter De Paepe,2 Georges Van Maele,3 Katrina Perehudoff,4 Mirko Petrovic41Department of Pharmacy, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; 2Department of Emergency Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; 3Department of Medical Statistics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; 4Department of Geriatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, BelgiumObjective: To evaluate the type, acceptance rate, and clinical relevance of clinical pharmacist recommendations at the geriatric ward of the Ghent university hospital.Methods: The clinical pharmacist evaluated drug use during a weekly 2-hour visit for a period of 4 months and, if needed, made recommendations to the prescribing physician. The recommendations were classified according to type, acceptance by the physician, prescribed medication, and underlying drug-related problem. Appropriateness of prescribing was assessed using the Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI before and after the recommendations were made. Two clinical pharmacologists and two clinical pharmacists independently and retrospectively evaluated the clinical relevance of the recommendations and rated their own acceptance of them.Results: The clinical pharmacist recommended 304 drug therapy changes for 100 patients taking a total of 1137 drugs. The most common underlying drug-related problems concerned incorrect dose, drug–drug interaction, and adverse drug reaction, which appeared most frequently for cardiovascular drugs, drugs for the central nervous system, and drugs for the gastrointestinal tract. The most common type of recommendation concerned adapting the dose, and stopping or changing a drug. In total, 59.7% of the recommendations were accepted by the treating physician. The acceptance rate by the evaluators ranged between 92.4% and 97.0%. The mean clinical relevance of the recommendations was assessed as possibly important (53.4%, possibly low relevance (38.1%, and possibly
Evaluating Dopamine Reward Pathway in ADHD; clinical implications
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - characterized by symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity - is the most prevalent childhood psychiatric disorder that frequently persists into adulthood, and there is increasing evidence of reward-motivation deficits in this disorder. To evaluate biological bases that might underlie a reward/motivation deficit by imaging key components of the brain dopamine reward pathway (mesoaccumbens). We used positron emission tomography to measure dopamine synaptic markers (transporters and D2/D3 receptors) in 53 nonmedicated adults with ADHD and 44 healthy controls between 2001-2009 at Brookhaven National Laboratory. We measured specific binding of positron emission tomographic radioligands for dopamine transporters (DAT) using [11C]cocaine and for D2/D3 receptors using [11C]raclopride, quantified as binding potential (distribution volume ratio -1). For both ligands, statistical parametric mapping showed that specific binding was lower in ADHD than in controls (threshold for significance set at P 2/D3 receptors, the mean accumbens for controls was 2.85 vs 2.68 for those with ADHD (95% CI, 0.06-0.30, P = .004); and in the midbrain, it was for controls 0.28 vs 0.18 for those with ADHD (95% CI, 0.02-0.17, P = .01). The analysis also corroborated differences in the left caudate: the mean DAT for controls was 0.66 vs 0.53 for those with ADHD (95% CI, 0.04-0.22; P = .003) and the mean D2/D3 for controls was 2.80 vs 2.47 for those with ADHD (95% CI, 0.10-0.56; P = .005) and differences in D2/D3 in the hypothalamic region, with controls having a mean of 0.12 vs 0.05 for those with ADHD (95% CI, 0.02-0.12; P = .004). Ratings of attention correlated with D2/D3 in the accumbens (r = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.15-0.52; P = .001), midbrain (r = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.14-0.52; P = .001), caudate (r = 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11-0.50; P = .003), and hypothalamic (r = 0.31; CI, 0.10-0.49; P = .003) regions and with DAT in the midbrain (r = 0.37; 95% CI, 0
Impact of F-18 FDG-PET for the Clinical Multidisciplinary Evaluation of Dementia
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Prakash, Vineet; Vestergård, Karsten; Frost, Majbritt; Iyer, Victor Vishwanath; Steffensen, Elena; Larsson, Elna Boel-Marie
PURPOSE Dementia is a challenging clinical diagnosis. Compared with conventional clinical evaluations, F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET has been reported to improve not only the diagnostic accuracy of dementia but also help better define the underlying type. This is because FDG PET d...... or Frontotemporal dementia. CLINICAL RELEVANCE/APPLICATION F18-FDG Brain PET with visual and automated analyses can be valuable in a diagnostic algorithim for the work up of dementia when the cause is uncertain.......PURPOSE Dementia is a challenging clinical diagnosis. Compared with conventional clinical evaluations, F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET has been reported to improve not only the diagnostic accuracy of dementia but also help better define the underlying type. This is because FDG PET...... demonstrates metabolic patterns reflecting neuronal function specific to different dementias.To assess the impact of PET on a multidisciplinary dementia clinic for patients with suspected dementia by comparing it with the initial clinical evaluation and paraclinical tests. METHOD AND...
Evaluating Dopamine Reward Pathway in ADHD; clinical implications
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Volkow, N.D.; Wang, G.; Volkow, N.D.; Wang, G.-J.; Kollins, S.H., Wigal, t.L.; Newcorn, J.H.; Telang, F.; Fowler, J.S.; Zhu, W.; Logan, J.; Ma, Y.; Pradhan, K.; Wong, C.T.; Swanson, J.M.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - characterized by symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity - is the most prevalent childhood psychiatric disorder that frequently persists into adulthood, and there is increasing evidence of reward-motivation deficits in this disorder. To evaluate biological bases that might underlie a reward/motivation deficit by imaging key components of the brain dopamine reward pathway (mesoaccumbens). We used positron emission tomography to measure dopamine synaptic markers (transporters and D{sub 2}/D{sub 3} receptors) in 53 nonmedicated adults with ADHD and 44 healthy controls between 2001-2009 at Brookhaven National Laboratory. We measured specific binding of positron emission tomographic radioligands for dopamine transporters (DAT) using [{sup 11}C]cocaine and for D{sub 2}/D{sub 3} receptors using [{sup 11}C]raclopride, quantified as binding potential (distribution volume ratio -1). For both ligands, statistical parametric mapping showed that specific binding was lower in ADHD than in controls (threshold for significance set at P < .005) in regions of the dopamine reward pathway in the left side of the brain. Region-of-interest analyses corroborated these findings. The mean (95% confidence interval [CI] of mean difference) for DAT in the nucleus accumbens for controls was 0.71 vs 0.63 for those with ADHD (95% CI, 0.03-0.13, P = .004) and in the midbrain for controls was 0.16 vs 0.09 for those with ADHD (95% CI, 0.03-0.12; P {le} .001); for D{sub 2}/D{sub 3} receptors, the mean accumbens for controls was 2.85 vs 2.68 for those with ADHD (95% CI, 0.06-0.30, P = .004); and in the midbrain, it was for controls 0.28 vs 0.18 for those with ADHD (95% CI, 0.02-0.17, P = .01). The analysis also corroborated differences in the left caudate: the mean DAT for controls was 0.66 vs 0.53 for those with ADHD (95% CI, 0.04-0.22; P = .003) and the mean D{sub 2}/D{sub 3} for controls was 2.80 vs 2.47 for those with ADHD (95% CI, 0
The post-arthro-CT of the wrist: clinical evaluation
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
To compare the diagnostic effectiveness of post-arthro-CT (PACT) and 3-compartment wrist arthrography (AG) both separate and combined versus wrist arthroscopy for scapho-lunate ligament (SLL), luno-triquetral ligament (LTL) and triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) defects and chondromalacia of the carpal bones. Material and methods: in 58 patients (16-69 years) the affected wrist was examined initially by conventional 3-compartment wrist arthrography with digital subtraction technique during injection followed by digital stress images. Afterwards spiral arthro-CT was performed in the semi-coronal and axial plane with 1 mm slice thickness and secondary true-coronal and sagittal reconstructions. Within 1 month arthroscopy was performed in general anesthesia utilizing standard joint entry points combined with routine digital picture archiving. All examinations were evaluated for SLL, LTL and TFC defects, PACT and AS for ChM too. Results: AG versus AS: the following detection rates were observed (AG and AS positive/AG negative - AS positive/AG positive - AS negative/ AG and AS negative): SLL: 16/8/0/34, LTL: 13/4/8/33, TFC: 28/5/1/24. Using AS as the 'gold standard' this translates into following sensitivity (%) and specificity (%) values: SLL 67/100, LTL 76/80, TFC 85/96. PACT versus AS: the following detection rates were observed (PACT and AS positive/PACT negative - AS positive/PACT positive - AS negative/ PACT and AS negative): SLL: 18/6/0/34, LTL: 15/2/8/33, TFC: 31/2/2/23, ChM: 20/15/3/20. Using AS as the 'gold standard' this translates into following sensitivity (%) and specificity (%) values: SLL 75/100, LTL 88/80, TFC 94/92, ChM 57/87. AG+PACT versus AS: the following detection rates were observed (AG+PACT and AS positive/AG+PACT negative - AS positive/AG+PACT positive - AS negative/ AG+PACT and AS negative): SLL: 19/5/0/34, LTL: 15/2/8/33, TFC: 31/2/2/23, ChM 20/15/3/20. Using AS as the 'gold standard' this translates into following sensitivity (%) and specificity
A prospective 9-month human clinical evaluation of Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) therapy.
Nevins, Marc; Kim, Soo-Woo; Camelo, Marcelo; Martin, Ignacio Sanz; Kim, David; Nevins, Myron
This investigation was designed and implemented as a single-center, prospective study to evaluate the clinical response to the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). Eight patients with advanced periodontitis were enrolled and treated with full-mouth LANAP therapy and monitored for 9 months. Fullmouth clinical measurements, including clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), and recession, were provided at baseline and after 9 months of healing by a single calibrated examiner, including a total of 930 sites and 444 sites with initial PD equal to or greater than 5 mm. Clinical results for the 930 sites measured pre- and postoperatively revealed that mean PD was reduced from 4.62 ± 2.29 mm to 3.14 ± 1.48 mm after 9 months (P recession increased from 0.86 ± 1.31 mm to 1.52 ± 1.62 after 9 months (P < .05). For the subset of 444 sites with initial PD greater than or equal to 5 mm, the PD decreased from 6.50 ± 2.07 mm to 3.92 ± 1.54 mm (P < .05) and CAL decreased from 7.42 ± 2.70 mm to 5.78 ± 2.06 mm (P < .05). As demonstrated by the clinical evaluation, the majority of treated sites demonstrated clinical improvement. LANAP therapy should be further investigated with long-term clinical trials to compare the stability of clinical results with conventional therapy. PMID:24396837
Self-discrepancy: structural differences between clinical and non-clinical populations evaluated with MCMI-II
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Ângela Brandão
Full Text Available This research addresses the personality as a complex and dynamic structure and it relates the self-discrepancy theory with Millon's theory of personality. Self-discrepancy theory predicts that Ideal and Ought discrepancies originate different negative emotions. Millon's bipsychosocial theoty emphasizes the interaction between organism, environment and social learning, making salient the circularity of the interaction. The present study refers to the Real-Self (RS, Ideal-Self (IS and Ought-Self (OS discrepancies, evaluated using the MCMI-II in two different samples (clinical and non-clinical. The RSs results are different in the two samples and they were analized scale by scale. The RS-IS and RS-OS discrepancies results for each trait scale analyzes were mixed. It was given greater emphasis to RS-RI discrepancies and implications for personality theories and case conceptualization are taken into consideration.
A framework to support preceptors' evaluation and development of new nurses' clinical judgment.
Nielsen, Ann; Lasater, Kathie; Stock, Mary
In today's complex, fast-paced world of hospital nursing, new graduate nurses do not have well-developed clinical judgment skills. Nurse preceptors are charged with bridging the gap between new graduates' learning in school and their autonomous practice as RNs. In one large, urban medical center in the U.S., a clinical judgment model and rubric were used as a framework for a new evaluation and orientation process. Preceptors of new graduate nurses who had used the former and new processes described their experiences using the framework. The findings indicated that having a structured framework provided objective ways to evaluate and help develop new graduate nurses' clinical judgment. It is hypothesized that academic clinical supervisors may find such a framework useful to prepare students for transition to practice. PMID:27428698
Clinical evaluation of a novel herbal dental cream in plaque formation: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Patki, Pralhad
Sunita Amrutesh1, J Malini2, Prakash S Tandur3, Pralhad S Patki41Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, 2Department of Microbiology, 3Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, K.L.E. College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Bangalore, India; 4Medical Services and Clinical Trials, R&D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Bangalore, IndiaBackground: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal dental cream in comparison to fluoride dental cream.Objective...
Evaluation of a nonradiometric system (BACTEC 9000 MB) for detection of mycobacteria in human clinical samples.
ZANETTI, S.; Ardito, F; SECHI, L.; Sanguinetti, M.; Molicotti, P.; Delogu, G.; Pinna, M P; NACCI, A.; Fadda, G.
This study was carried out to evaluate the rate of recovery and time required for detection of mycobacteria from pulmonary and extrapulmonary human clinical samples, by using a fluorescence-quenching-based oxygen sensor (BACTEC 9000 MB; Becton Dickinson Microbiology Systems, Sparks, Md.). The results were compared with those obtained by microscopy, conventional culture in Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium, and a BACTEC radiometric system (BACTEC 460 TB; Becton Dickinson). Of the 779 clinical samp...
Evaluation of an inter-professional training program for student clinical supervision in Australia
Gillieatt, Sue; Martin, Robyn; Marchant, Trudi; Fielding, Angela; Duncanson, Kate
Background As a response to an Australian shortage of clinical health, nursing, and medical placements, Commonwealth Government funding has been directed to expand student training opportunities and increase the competence and number of available clinical supervisors. This paper evaluates the application of a particular supervision training model for this purpose. It considers the model's suitability and relevance across professions and its impact on supervisory knowledge, skills, and values ...
Fluoroscope guided epidural needle insertioin in midthoracic region: clinical evaluation of Nagaro's method
Kim, Won Joong; Kim, Tae Hwa; Shin, Hwa Yong; Kang, Hyun; Baek, Chong Wha; Jung, Yong Hun; Woo, Young Cheol; Kim, Jin Yun; Koo, Gill Hoi; Park, Sun Gyoo
Background In the midthoracic region, a fluroscope guided epidural block has been proposed by using a pedicle as a landmark to show the height of the interlaminar space (Nagaro's method). However, clinical implication of this method was not fully evaluated. We studied the clinical usefulness of a fluoroscope guided thoracic epidural block in the midthoracic region. Methods Twenty four patients were scheduled to receive an epidural block at the T6-7 intervertebral space. The patients were plac...
Clinical Significance of Lymphoscintigraphy Findings in the Evaluation of Lower Extremity Lymphedema
Seyhan Karaçavuş; Yunus Keser Yılmaz; Hasan Ekim
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of lymphoscintigraphy imaging in the evaluation of lower extremity lymphedema. Methods: Technetium-99m-labeled nanocolloid was injected subcutaneously in the first web spaces of both feet of 123 patients (M/F: 43/80, mean age 57.5±13.1 years, range 16-78 years) who had clinical evidence of lower extremity swelling with suspicion of lymphedema, and were referred for routine lymphoscintigraphy. Lymphos...
Economic evaluation alongside pragmatic randomised trials: developing a standard operating procedure for clinical trials units
Russell Ian T; Linck Pat; Hounsome Barry; Edwards Rhiannon T
Abstract Background There is wide recognition that pragmatic randomised trials are the best vehicle for economic evaluation. This is because trials provide the best chance of ensuring internal validity, not least through the rigorous prospective collection of patient-specific data. Furthermore the marginal cost of collecting economic data alongside clinical data is typically modest. UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) does not require a standard operating procedure (SOP) for economic e...
Evaluation of clinical and laboratory predictors of fatality in patients with Hantavirus infection
Uğur Kostakoğlu; Gürdal Yılmaz; Serkan Volkan; Sevinç Kant Sökel1; Selçuk Kaya; İftihar Köksal
Objectives: To determine the clinical and laboratory predictors of fatality among patients with Hantavirus infection.Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on the patients with Hantavirus infection between April 2009and October 2011 at the Black Sea and the Mediterranean regions in Turkey. Demographic, clinical and laboratory findings offatal cases and non-fatal cases at the admission were compared.Results: Twenty-two patients with confirmed Hantavirus infection were evalu...
Uniform Evaluation of Clinical Teaching - an instrument for specific feedback and cross comparison between Departments
Pernilla Kihlberg; Mattias Perzon; Rolf Gedeborg; Per Blomqvist; Jakob Johansson
The quality of clinical teaching in Swedish medical schools has recently been questioned by student representatives at the medical schools in Sweden. The clinical teaching at Uppsala University Medical School has previously only been sparsely evaluated and with varying instruments. Our aim was to develop a simple assessment instrument and implement it uniformly, enabling cross comparisons between different departments. Further we wanted to investigate students' response rate and analyze their...
Evaluation of Clinical and Administrative Data to Augment Public Health Surveillance
Egger, Joseph R.; Lowe, Brooks; Johnson, Erica; Durbin, Randy; Griffin, Erica; Dhakal, Sanjaya; Dey, Achintya; Groseclose, Sam
Objective To assess the utility of inpatient and ambulatory clinical data compiled by public and commercial sources to enhance the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's surveillance activities. Introduction Medical claims and EHR data sources offer the potential to ascertain disease and health risk behavior prevalence and incidence, evaluate the use of clinical services, and monitor changes related to public health interventions. Passage of the HITECH Act of 2009 supports the availabil...
Development, dissemination, implementation and evaluation of a clinical pathway for oxygen therapy
C Wong; Visram, F; Cook, D.; Griffith, L; Randall, J.; O Brien, B.; Higgins, D
BACKGROUND: Oxygen is commonly administered to patients in hospital, but prescribing and monitoring of such therapy may be suboptimal. The objective of this study was to develop, disseminate, implement and evaluate a multidisciplinary clinical pathway for the administration of oxygen. METHODS: The authors developed a clinical pathway for the ordering, titration and discontinuation of oxygen, which was disseminated through teaching sessions, in-service training sessions and information posters...
Evaluation of clinical pharmacist recommendations in the geriatric ward of a Belgian university hospital
Somers A; Robays H; De Paepe P; Van Maele G; Perehudoff K; Petrovic M
Annemie Somers,1 Hugo Robays,1 Peter De Paepe,2 Georges Van Maele,3 Katrina Perehudoff,4 Mirko Petrovic41Department of Pharmacy, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; 2Department of Emergency Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; 3Department of Medical Statistics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; 4Department of Geriatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, BelgiumObjective: To evaluate the type, acceptance rate, and clinical relevance of clinical pharmacist recom...
De novo ocular hypertension after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty: comparative 3-year incidence, risk factors, and outcomes
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Chan EW
Full Text Available Errol W Chan,1 Tina T Wong,2,3 Hla M Htoon,3 Ching L Ho,2 Donald T Tan,1,2,3 Jodhbir S Mehta2,3,4 1Department of Ophthalmology, National University Health System, Singapore; 2Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; 3Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; 4Department of Clinical Sciences, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore Objective: To compare the 3-year incidence of de novo ocular hypertension (OHT after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK and penetrating keratoplasty (PK. For DSAEK, to evaluate predictors for OHT and 2-year outcomes after OHT development. Methods: This was a review of the prospective Singapore Corneal Transplant Study at a single tertiary referral center. Consecutive DSAEKs and PKs for Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (FED and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK in eyes without pre-existing glaucoma were analyzed. OHT incidence after DSAEK and PK were compared using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and OHT risk factors identified using Cox proportional regression. OHT was defined: intraocular pressure (IOP ≥ 24 mmHg or ≥ 10 mmHg from baseline. Secondary outcomes 2 years after OHT development in DSAEK were rates of glaucoma medical therapy failure, IOP success, graft failure and rejection, and best-spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA. Results: There were 108 (96.4% DSAEKs and 216 (96% PKs. The 1-, 2- and 3-year de novo OHT incidence was not significantly different between DSAEK (36.1%, 47.2%, 47.2%, respectively and PK (35.7%, 44.9%, 45.8%, respectively; P = 0.914. OHT incidence did not differ in subgroup analyses of multiple clinical variables (P > 0.1. OHT predictors after DSAEK were: fellow eye glaucoma (hazard ratio [HR] 3.20, P = 0.004, age <60 years (HR 2.41, P = 0.016, concurrent goniosynechiolysis (HR 3.29, P = 0.021, post-graft complications or procedures (HR 2.85, P = 0.006. Two years after OHT onset, 29.7% of DSAEKs failed glaucoma medical therapy requiring
Students' perceptions regarding the objective, structured, clinical evaluation as an assessment approach
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Louis Frederick Small
Full Text Available The nursing profession is characterised by the fact that a significant amount of time is spent on competency-related activities. The assessment of clinical competence is therefore an important issue in nursing education and the utilisation of objective structured clinical evaluation for that purpose was considered to be very important in this study. The objective of this research was to explore and describe the perceptions of first- and third-year student nurses with regard to the objective structured clinical evaluation assessment approach. A quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical research design was used. The instrument was a questionnaire (ordinal. This questionnaire focused on the perceptions of student nurses with regard to the objective structured clinical evaluation approach in particular, and with regard to aspects such as reality, execution, time allocation and student and assessor variables. The findings indicated that, as an assessment tool, the objective structured clinical evaluation approach was perceived as not being totally realistic, especially by the more senior nursing students (third-year as compared with the first-year nursing students. Varying degrees of stress were experienced by the nursing students in their first and third years but, in general, the overall perception appeared to be that the approach was well organised and that the respective students would be able to perform equally well in the clinical field. It may be concluded that the majority of students appreciate the format of the objective structured clinical evaluation approach. However, the study further highlighted the fact that more extensive training of students on time management and the relief of emotional stress is necessary during the implementation of this approach.
Ultrasound Image Quality Assessment: A framework for evaluation of clinical image quality
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Hemmsen, Martin Christian; Pedersen, Mads Møller; Nikolov, Svetoslav Ivanov;
Improvement of ultrasound images should be guided by their diagnostic value. Evaluation of clinical image quality is generally performed subjectively, because objective criteria have not yet been fully developed and accepted for the evaluation of clinical image quality. Based on recommendation 500...... from the International Telecommunication Union - Radiocommunication (ITU-R) for such subjective quality assessment, this work presents equipment and a methodology for clinical image quality evaluation for guiding the development of new and improved imaging. The system is based on a BK-Medical 2202 Pro......Focus scanner equipped with a UA2227 research interface, connected to a PC through X64-CL Express camera link. Data acquisition features subject data recording, loading/saving of exact scanner settings (for later experiment reproducibility), free access to all system parameters for beamformation and is...
Measurement properties of exsisting clinical assessment methods evaluating scapular positioning and function. A systematic review
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Larsen, Camilla Marie; Juul-Kristensen, B; Lund, H;
MEASUREMENT PROPERTIES OF EXISTING CLINICAL ASSESSMENT METHODS EVALUATING SCAPULAR POSITIONING AND FUNCTION. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW1,2Camilla Marie Larsen, 1,3Birgit Juul-Kristensen, 1,3Hans Lund, 1Karen Søgaard1Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark2...... of the available clinical scapular assessment methods and critically appraise the methodological quality of the involved studies. METHODS A systematic, computer-assisted literature search using Medline, CINAHL, SportDiscus and EMBASE was performed from inception to October 2013. Reference lists in...... groups: Static positioning assessment (n=19), Semi-dynamic (n=13), and Dynamic functional assessment (n=22). Fifteen studies were excluded for evaluation due to no/few clinimetric results, leaving 35 studies for evaluation. Graded according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health...
Changes in body composition in apparently healthy urban Indian women up to 3 years postpartum
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Neha A Kajale
Full Text Available Introduction: Dietary and life style practices differ in postpartum (PP and nonpregnant Indian women. Effect of these practices on postpartum weight retention (PPWR and development of cardio-metabolic risk (CMR has been scarcely studied in urban women. Aims of this study were to (i compare anthropometry, biochemical parameters and body composition up to 3 years PP (ii effect of PPWR, dietary fat intake and physical activity on CMR factors. Methods: Design: Cross-sectional, 300-fullterm, apparently healthy primi-parous women (28.6 ± 3.4 years randomly selected. 128 women within 7-day of delivery (Group-A, 88 with 1-2 years (Group-B and 84 with 3-4-year-old-children (Group-C were studied. Anthropometry, sociodemographic status, physical activity, diet, clinical examination, biochemical tests, body composition, at total body (TB, by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE-Lunar DPX were collected. Results: Women at 3-year PP showed higher weight retention (6.5[10] kg than at 1-year (3.0[7] kg (median [IQR]. Android fat % (central obesity increased (P 0.1. Conclusion: Postdelivery, low physical activity and higher PPWR may increase CMR in Indian women.
Mini-clinical evaluation exercise til evaluering af kommunikation og samarbejde i ambulatoriet
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Eriksen, Jesper Grau; Simonsen, Dorit; Bastholt, Lars;
INTRODUCTION: In the revised Danish medical specialist training increased focus has been placed on competences which are hard to evaluate such as communication skills. Mini-CEX seems promising as an evaluation tool. Our aim was to test: 1) whether mini-CEX was useable in the evaluation of...... communicative and cooperative skills and 2) whether mini-CEX would provide reproducible data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one residents were evaluated by mini-CEX by trained observers. Seventeen residents had at least two observations within a short period of time and these data were used to estimate the mini...... satisfied with the mini-CEX evaluations. CONCLUSION: The mini-CEX is a promising tool for the evaluation of communicative and cooperative skills. Udgivelsesdato: 2009-Mar-16...
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
梁繁荣; 李瑛
Objective: To try to give an objective evaluation on the clinical research situation about acupuncturetreatment of facial paralysis in the past 50 years and try to provide a possible evidence for clinical practice. Methods:All papers are searched and assessed according to the international standards and clinical epidemiology. Results:There is no systematic review (SR) on acupuncture treatment of facial palsy in a total of 1021 articles enlisted in thepresent paper. Comparing with the quantity of the descriptive studies and expert opinions (constituting 84.84% ), thatof the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical controlled trials (CCTs) is smaller (constituting 15. 16%), be-sides, the quality of RCTs and CCTs is unsatisfactory. Conclusion: At present, the quantity and quality of studies withRCTs about acupuncture treatment of facial paralysis can't meet the need of clinical practice, and in order to improvethe therapeutic effect, a higher quality of RCTs and SR is required.
Evaluation of Clinical and Laboratory Data in Patients with Recurrent Infections and Suspected Immunodeficiency
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Hamid Ahanchian
Full Text Available Background: Frequent infections is among the most frequent clinical dilemmas for primary care physicians. Immunodeficiency disorders are a heterogeneous group of illnesses that predispose patients to the recurrent infections, autoimmunity and malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory data collected for the final diagnosis of patients referred with recurrent infections and suspected immunodeficiency to a local immunodeficiency clinic. Methods: This epidemiological study was carried out between April 2010 and September 2012 at the Immunodeficiency Clinic of Mashhad. All patients with clinical manifestations of immunodeficiency who were referred to our clinic during this period of time were included in this study. 41 patients aged from 10 months to 51 years, were evaluated. Results: Forty one patients, aged between 10 months and 51 years were evaluated. Eleven patients had a primary immunodeficiency, four cases had a secondary immunodeficiency, in three patients an underlying structural disease were found, eight patients were predisposed to recurrent infections as a result of allergies and finally, fifteen cases were found to be normal individuals. Discussion: Most patients with recurrent infection have a normal immune system. Allergic disorders are the most common predisposing factor to recurrent infection. However, as immunodeficiency disorders are potentially serious, early diagnosis can improve the quality of life and outcome and prevent severe sequels in future.
Uniform Evaluation of Clinical Teaching - an instrument for specific feedback and cross comparison between Departments
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Pernilla Kihlberg
Full Text Available The quality of clinical teaching in Swedish medical schools has recently been questioned by student representatives at the medical schools in Sweden. The clinical teaching at Uppsala University Medical School has previously only been sparsely evaluated and with varying instruments. Our aim was to develop a simple assessment instrument and implement it uniformly, enabling cross comparisons between different departments. Further we wanted to investigate students' response rate and analyze their response pattern.A questionnaire inspired by a concept from Stanford University was created and introduced at hospital departments performing clinical teaching of medical students. Ten questions reflecting different aspects of clinical teaching were used. The outcome was used for specific feedback to the clinical teachers, cross comparison and official ranking of the departments.The evaluation instrument has been successfully developed and uniformly implemented throughout the departments of the hospital. The students have with a relatively high response rate graded the items with a great deal of variation between and within the clinical rotations. Altogether, this has provided specific feedback to the clinical teachers and enabled cross comparison between departments. Our belief is that the instrument also applies to other educations involving supervision.
Results of a 3-Year, Nutrition and Physical Activity Intervention for Children in Rural, Low-Socioeconomic Status Elementary Schools
King, Kristi McClary; Ling, Jiying
Improving children's nutrition and physical activity have become priorities in the United States. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the longitudinal effects of a 3-year, school-based, health promotion intervention (i.e. nutrition and physical education, classroom physical activity, professional development and health promotion for teachers…
Hormonal treatment may harm the germ cells in 1 to 3-year-old boys with cryptorchidism
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Cortes, Dina; Thorup, Jørgen Mogens; Visfeldt, J
Hormonal treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or gonadotropin releasing hormone may be given initially for cryptorchidism. We evaluated whether hormonal treatment is safe for the germ cells in boys with cryptorchidism 1 to 3 years old in whom follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing...
Sources of variability in medical student evaluations on the internal medicine clinical rotation
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Ryan Spielvogel
Full Text Available Objectives: To explore the sources of variability in evaluator ratings among third year medical students in the Internal Medicine clinical rotation. Also, to examine systematic effects and variability introduced by differences in the various student, evaluator, and evaluation settings. Methods: A multilevel model was used to estimate the amount of between-student, between-rater and rater-student interaction variability present in the students' clinical evaluations in a third year internal medicine clinical rotation. Within this model, linear regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of variables on the students' numerical evaluation scores and the reliability of those scores. Results: A total of 2,747 evaluation surveys were collected from 389 evaluators on 373 students over 4.5 years. All surveys used a nine-point grading scale, and therefore all results are reported on this scale. The calculated between-rater, between-student and rater-student interaction variance components were 0.50, 0.27 and 0.62, respectively. African American/Black students had lower scores than Caucasian students by 0.58 points (t=-3.28; P=0.001. No gender effects were noted. Conclusions: These between-rater and between-student variance components imply that the evaluator plays a larger role in the students' scores than the students themselves. The residual rater-student interaction variance was larger and did not change by accounting for the measured demographic variables. This implies there is significant variability in each rater-student interaction that remains unexplained. This could contribute to unreliability in the system, requiring that students receive between 8 and 17 clinical evaluations to achieve 80reliability.
A semi-automated tool for treatment plan-quality evaluation and clinical trial quality assurance
Wang, Jiazhou; Chen, Wenzhou; Studenski, Matthew; Cui, Yunfeng; Lee, Andrew J.; Xiao, Ying
The goal of this work is to develop a plan-quality evaluation program for clinical routine and multi-institutional clinical trials so that the overall evaluation efficiency is improved. In multi-institutional clinical trials evaluating the plan quality is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. In this note, we present a semi-automated plan-quality evaluation program which combines MIMVista, Java/MATLAB, and extensible markup language (XML). More specifically, MIMVista is used for data visualization; Java and its powerful function library are implemented for calculating dosimetry parameters; and to improve the clarity of the index definitions, XML is applied. The accuracy and the efficiency of the program were evaluated by comparing the results of the program with the manually recorded results in two RTOG trials. A slight difference of about 0.2% in volume or 0.6 Gy in dose between the semi-automated program and manual recording was observed. According to the criteria of indices, there are minimal differences between the two methods. The evaluation time is reduced from 10-20 min to 2 min by applying the semi-automated plan-quality evaluation program.
A semi-automated tool for treatment plan-quality evaluation and clinical trial quality assurance
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The goal of this work is to develop a plan-quality evaluation program for clinical routine and multi-institutional clinical trials so that the overall evaluation efficiency is improved. In multi-institutional clinical trials evaluating the plan quality is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. In this note, we present a semi-automated plan-quality evaluation program which combines MIMVista, Java/MATLAB, and extensible markup language (XML). More specifically, MIMVista is used for data visualization; Java and its powerful function library are implemented for calculating dosimetry parameters; and to improve the clarity of the index definitions, XML is applied. The accuracy and the efficiency of the program were evaluated by comparing the results of the program with the manually recorded results in two RTOG trials. A slight difference of about 0.2% in volume or 0.6 Gy in dose between the semi-automated program and manual recording was observed. According to the criteria of indices, there are minimal differences between the two methods. The evaluation time is reduced from 10–20 min to 2 min by applying the semi-automated plan-quality evaluation program. (note)
Nephrotic Syndrome Following H1N1 Influenza in a 3-Year-Old Boy
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Pio Liberatore
Full Text Available Background: The pandemic influenza A/H1N1, spread through the world in 2009, producing a serious epidemic in Italy. Complications are generally limited to patients at the extremes of age (65years and those with comorbid medical illness. The most frequent complications of influenza involve the respiratory system.Case Presentation: A 3-year-old boy with a recent history of upper respiratory tract infection developed a nephrotic syndrome. Together with prednisone, furosemide and albumin bolus, a therapy with oseltamivir was started since the nasopharyngeal swab resulted positive for influenza A/H1N1. Clinical conditions andlaboratory findings progressively improved during hospitalization, becoming normal during a 2 month follow up.Conclusion: The possibility of a renal involvement after influenza A/H1N1 infection should be considered.
Epidermoid Cyst in the Floor of the Mouth of a 3-Year-Old
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Rossana Pascual Dabán
Full Text Available Epidermoid cysts are a rare entity in the oral cavity and are even less frequent in the floor of the mouth, representing less than 0.01% of all the cases. We present the case of a 3-year-old girl with a growth in the floor of the mouth with 2 months of evolution and without changes since it was discovered by her parents. The lesion was asymptomatic; it did not cause dysphagia, dyspnea, or any other alteration. A CT scan with contrast was done which revealed the location and exact size of the lesion, allowing an intraoral approach for its excision. The histological examination confirmed the clinical speculation of an epidermoid cyst.
Epidermoid cyst in the floor of the mouth of a 3-year-old.
Pascual Dabán, Rossana; García Díez, Eloy; González Navarro, Beatriz; López-López, José
Epidermoid cysts are a rare entity in the oral cavity and are even less frequent in the floor of the mouth, representing less than 0.01% of all the cases. We present the case of a 3-year-old girl with a growth in the floor of the mouth with 2 months of evolution and without changes since it was discovered by her parents. The lesion was asymptomatic; it did not cause dysphagia, dyspnea, or any other alteration. A CT scan with contrast was done which revealed the location and exact size of the lesion, allowing an intraoral approach for its excision. The histological examination confirmed the clinical speculation of an epidermoid cyst. PMID:25694831
A Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation of Sentence Boundary Detection for the Clinical Domain.
Griffis, Denis; Shivade, Chaitanya; Fosler-Lussier, Eric; Lai, Albert M
Sentence boundary detection (SBD) is a critical preprocessing task for many natural language processing (NLP) applications. However, there has been little work on evaluating how well existing methods for SBD perform in the clinical domain. We evaluate five popular off-the-shelf NLP toolkits on the task of SBD in various kinds of text using a diverse set of corpora, including the GENIA corpus of biomedical abstracts, a corpus of clinical notes used in the 2010 i2b2 shared task, and two general-domain corpora (the British National Corpus and Switchboard). We find that, with the exception of the cTAKES system, the toolkits we evaluate perform noticeably worse on clinical text than on general-domain text. We identify and discuss major classes of errors, and suggest directions for future work to improve SBD methods in the clinical domain. We also make the code used for SBD evaluation in this paper available for download at http://github.com/drgriffis/SBD-Evaluation. PMID:27570656
Dynamic Response of the Hybrid III 3 Year Old Dummy Head and Neck During Side Air Bag Loading
Duma, Stefan M.; Crandall, Jeff R.; Pilkey, Walter D.; Seki, Kazuhiro; Aoki, Takashi
This paper presents the results from fourteen (n = 14) tests designed to evaluate the response and injury potential of a Hybrid III 3 year old dummy subject to loading by a deploying seat mounted side air bag. An instrumented Hybrid III 3 year old dummy was used for tests in two different occupant positions chosen to maximize head and neck loading. Four seat mounted thoracic side air bags were used that varied only in the level of inflator output. NHTSA's neck injury criteria for complex load...
Adverse drug reactions profile of antimicrobials: A 3-year experience, from a tertiary care teaching hospital of India
Richa; V R Tandon; S Sharma; V Khajuria; Mahajan, V.; Z Gillani
Aim of Study: To evaluate adverse drug reaction (ADR) profile of antimicrobials over 3-year period. Material and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was undertaken using suspected adverse drug data collection form available under Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI). Results: A total of 2,586 ADR events were recorded in 3 years, out of which 392 (15.15%) were because of antimicrobials. Male: female was 1.02:1. Medicine department contributed maximally (98.97%). The intraveno...
Math Skills and Executive Functioning in Preschool: Clinical and Ecological Evaluation
Presentación Herrero, María Jesús; Siegenthaler Hierro, Rebeca; Pinto Tena, Vicente; Mercader, Jessica; Miranda Casas, Ana
This study compares the relationship between executive functioning, analyzed with clinical and ecological tests, and math skills in preschoolers. The children (255 children 5 to 6 years old) were evaluated using neuropsychological tests of inhibition, and working memory and the TEDI-MATH to estimate basic mathematical skills. The ecological evaluation of the executive functioning by the parents and teachers was carried out with the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Co...
Clinical evaluation of a wireless ECG sensor system for arrhythmia diagnostic purposes
Fensli, Rune; Gundersen, Torstein; Snaprud, Tormod; Heljesen, Ole
In a clinical study, a novel wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder has been evaluated with regard to its ability to perform arrhythmia diagnostics. As the ECG recorder will detect a "non-standard" ECG signal, it has been necessary to compare those signals to "standard" ECG recording signals in order to evaluate the arrhythmia detection ability of the new system. Simultaneous recording of ECG signals from both the new wireless ECG recorder and a conventional Holter recorder was compared by...
A review of methods of clinical image quality evaluation in mammography
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Purpose: Consistency in evaluation of mammography images in research and clinical practice is dependent on a standardised clinical image quality evaluation system. Currently two such systems are available-one developed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the other by the European Commission (EU guidelines). The purpose of this study was to review mammography clinical evaluation methods in research studies and their adherence to these systems. Method: A total of 23 research articles were reviewed from the period 2000-2006, 11 of these studies used digital images. The focus of the review was the criteria and rating scales used. Results: Only 5 studies used either the ACR (3) or EU guidelines (2). The remainder included aspects of these systems together with a range of other criteria and rating scales. Variation was found in the categories of criteria used, number of criteria, the descriptors of the criteria and the instructions used to evaluate the criteria. Instructions were frequently not specific and open to individual interpretation. Although breast density is an important criterion of image quality and contributes to perception of breast lesions, inclusion of this criterion was not universal, and even when used the area of breast density to be evaluated was not identified, thus enhancing inter-observer variability. Scales that were absolute or relative were used for evaluation, all of which incorporated inconsistent numbers of steps. Conclusion: Low adherence to ACR and EU Guidelines has resulted in considerable variation in the evaluation methods used in research studies. The implications of this variability are considerable both for evaluation of image quality in research outcomes and clinical practice.
Computer-Assisted Interpretation of the EEG Background Pattern: A Clinical Evaluation
Lodder, Shaun S.; Jessica Askamp; Michel J A M van Putten
OBJECTIVE: Interpretation of the EEG background pattern in routine recordings is an important part of clinical reviews. We evaluated the feasibility of an automated analysis system to assist reviewers with evaluation of the general properties in the EEG background pattern. METHODS: Quantitative eeg methods were used to describe the following five background properties: posterior dominant rhythm frequency and reactivity, anterior-posterior gradients, presence of diffuse slow-wave activity and ...
Deferasirox in Indian children with thalassemia major: 3 years experience
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Mayank Dhamija
Full Text Available Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the oral iron chelator deferasirox in treating transfusional hemosiderosis in a cohort of Indian children with thalassemia major with high iron load. Materials and Methods: The first 50 children (age 2-18 yrs with thalassemia major to commence deferasirox at our center were enrolled and followed up for a period of 36 months between April 2008 and March 2011. The dose of deferasirox was determined by their baseline serum ferritin and was adjusted to a maximum of 40 mg/kg/day depending on response. Ferritin levels, SGOT, SGPT, serum creatinine and urine albumin were regularly monitored. Results: Of the 50 patients, 76% documented a significant decline in serum ferritin ( P<0.05. Seven (14% patients had a stable ferritin whilst 5 patients (10% documented an increase over the study period. The mean serum ferritin at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 months was 4354, 3260, 3290 and 3042, respectively ( P<0.05. The median serum ferritin at the same time points was 3555, 2810, 2079 and 2271, respectively ( P<0.05. No severe toxicity was seen. Conclusions: Deferasirox, when given in doses ≥30 mg/kg, was found to be an effective and safe drug in reducing transfusional hemosiderosis. Thirty five (70% needed dose escalation upto 40 mg/kg/day. Fifteen (30%, however did not achieve a negative iron balance despite maximally permissible doses.
Evaluation of patients with a recent clinical fracture and osteoporosis, a multidisciplinary approach
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Udrea Gabriela
Full Text Available Abstract The aetiology of osteoporotic fractures is multifactorial, but little is known about the way to evaluate patients with a recent clinical fracture for the presence of secondary osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of contributors to secondary osteoporosis in patients presenting with a clinical vertebral or non-vertebral fracture. Identifying and correcting these contributors will enhance treatment effect aimed at reducing the risk of subsequent fractures. In a multidisciplinary approach, including evaluation of bone and fall-related risk factors, 100 consecutive women (n = 73 and men (n = 27 older than 50 years presenting with a clinical vertebral or non-vertebral fracture and having osteoporosis (T-score ≤-2.5 were further evaluated clinically and by laboratory testing for the presence of contributors to secondary osteoporosis. In 27 patients, 34 contributors were previously known, in 50 patients 52 new contributors were diagnosed (mainly vitamin D deficiency in 42 and 14 needed further exploration because of laboratory abnormalities (mainly abnormal thyroid stimulating hormone in 9. The 57 patients with contributors were older (71 vs. 64 yrs, p We conclude that more than one in two patients presenting with a clinical vertebral or non-vertebral fracture and BMD-osteoporosis have secondary contributors to osteoporosis, most of which were correctable. Identifying and correcting these associated disorders will enhance treatment effect aimed at reducing the risk of subsequent fractures in patients older than 50 years.
Clinical evaluation tools: a survey of doctors of chiropractic and students at one chiropractic college
Mansholt, Barbara A.; Vining, Robert D.
Introduction: The reliability and validity of many evaluation tools leading to clinical decision-making for spinal manipulation are varied. We surveyed senior students and DC employees at one chiropractic college regarding 1) which analysis tools should be used and 2) factors that influence their choices. Methods: The survey queried which tools should be used on a routine patient encounter. Clinical evaluation tools included palpation, skin temperature analysis, leg length analysis, and radiographs. Results: Surveys were collected from 58 doctors of chiropractic (DCs) and 74 students. Respondents from both groups reported to most commonly use static palpation, followed by motion palpation and leg length analysis. DC respondents ranked evidence and personal experience high for rationale; student respondents frequently chose patient preference. Conclusion: DC and student respondents reported use of clinical evaluation tools consistently. However, some variations in rationale were noted. It is important for educators to provide a balanced presentation of the strengths and limitations of clinical analysis procedures to support the development of well-justified evidence-based clinical decision-making skills. PMID:27069264
Development of a New O&M Clinical Competency Evaluation Tool and Examination of Validity and Reliability Evidence
Renshaw, Rebecca L.
The goal of this study was to create an evaluation tool that would be the new standard for evaluating clinical competencies of interns in the field of orientation and mobility (O&M). Using results from previous research in this area, specific competency skills were identified and the O&M Clinical Competency Evaluation Matrix (CCEM) was developed.…
Evaluation of a new clinical performance assessment tool : A reliability study
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C. Joseph
Full Text Available Clinical practice is an essential requirement of any graduatephysiotherapy programme. For this purpose, valid and reliable assessment toolsare paramount for the measurement of key competencies in the real-worldsetting. This study aims to determine the internal consistency and inter-raterreliability of a newly developed and validated clinical performance assessmentform. A cross-sectional quantitative research design was used, which includedpaired evaluations of 32 (17 treatment and 15 assessment student examinationsperformed by two independent clinical educators. Chronbachs alpha was computedto assess internal consistency and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC's withconfidence intervals of 95% were computed to determine the percentage agreement between paired examiners. Thedegree of internal consistency was substantial for all key performance areas of both examinations, except for timeand organisational management (0.21 and professionalism (0.42 in the treatment and evaluation examinationsrespectively. The overall internal consistency was 0.89 and 0.73 for both treatment and assessment examinations,indicating substantial agreement. With regard to agreement between raters, the ICC's for the overall marks were0.90 and 0.97 for both treatment and assessment examinations. Clinical educators demonstrated a high level ofreliability in the assessment of students' competence using the newly developed clinical performance assessment form.These findings greatly underscore the reliability of results obtained through observation of student examinations, andadd another tool to the basket of ensuring quality assurance in physiotherapy clinical practice assessment.
Maternal evaluations of young children's developmental status: A comparison of clinic- and non-clinic-groups
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Pia Deimann
Full Text Available The question whether parents' reports on their children's development provide reliable information is a subject of controversial debate. While parental rating scales and parental interviews are widely used in clinical practice, empirical findings have shown that parents cannot assess their children well. Previous research has illustrated that most parents tend to overestimate the developmental status and cognitive performance of their children. If the child displays behavior problems, the accuracy of mothers' appraisals decreases substantially. The aim of this study was (1 to examine whether mothers who are concerned about their children's development still overestimate the developmental status and (2 whether maternal beliefs about developmental norms influence the accuracy of evaluation. The sample consisted of 14 mother-child-dyads who were clients of two outpatient clinics in Vienna and had concerns about the child's development, 16 mother-child-dyads without concerns who sought advice because of their children's potential high abilities, and 30 mother-child-dyads without concerns and no clinic referral. While the children were tested using the Wiener Entwicklungstest (Viennese Developmental Test, WET, Kastner-Koller & Deimann, 2002, a developmental test for children 3 to 6 years old, mothers were asked to estimate which items of the WET (1 their own child and (2 a normal peer would be able to solve. Mothers with concerns had limited knowledge of what a child of a certain age can achieve and they expected too much. Though they realized that their own developmentally delayed child did not fulfill these high expectations, they were not able to appraise his/her performance accurately. Mothers whose children were normally developed or even above average were able to evaluate their own children much more precisely. Moreover, these mothers estimated developmental norms more accurately. Both mothers of gifted children and of
Typing and Antibiogram of Vibrio cholerae Isolates from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pune: A 3 Year Study
Palewar, Meghna S; Choure, Archana C; Swati Mudshingkar; Vaishali Dohe; Anju Kagal; Renu Bhardwaj; Abhishek Jaiswal; Banwarilal Sarkar
A retrospective analysis was done over a period of 3 years (January 2010- December 2012) in a tertiary care hospital, Pune, to note the changes in the prevalence and distribution of biotypes, serotypes, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and phage types of Vibrio cholerae isolates from clinical samples so as to be vigilant and curtail major outbreak in future. Vibrio cholerae isolates were obtained from 4.4% of the 1126 fecal specimens processed from cases of acute watery diarrhea. Majority of...
Evaluation of clinical pharmacist interventions on drug interactions in outpatient pharmaceutical HIV-care
de Maat, M M R; de Boer, A; Koks, C H W; Mulder, J W; Meenhorst, P L; van Gorp, E C M; Mairuhu, A T A; Huitema, A D R; Beijnen, J H
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of intervention in drug interactions of antiretroviral drugs with coadministered agents by a clinical pharmacist in outpatient HIV-treatment. METHODS: The study design included two intervention arms (A and B), which were both preceded by a control observation pe
Evaluation of clinical pharmacist interventions on drug interactions in outpatient pharmaceutical HIV-care.
Maat, M.M. de; Boer, A.T. den; Koks, C.H.W.; Mulder, J.W.; Meenhorst, P.L.; Gorp, E. van; Mairuhu, A.T.; Huitema, A.D.; Beijnen, J.H.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of intervention in drug interactions of antiretroviral drugs with coadministered agents by a clinical pharmacist in outpatient HIV-treatment. METHODS: The study design included two intervention arms (A and B), which were both preceded by a control observation pe
A CIS (Clinical Information System) Quality Evaluation Tool for Nursing Care Services
Lee, Seon Ah
The purpose of this study was to develop a tool to evaluate the quality of a clinical information system (CIS) conceived by nurses and conduct a pilot test with the developed tool as an initial assessment. CIS quality is required for successful implementation in information technology (IT) environments. The study started with the realization that…
Clinical Evaluation of a Chemiluminescence Immunoassay for Determination of Immunoglobulin G Avidity to Human Cytomegalovirus
Grazia Revello, Maria; Gorini, Giovanna; Gerna, Giuseppe
Clinical evaluation of a novel fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay for determination of immunoglobulin G avidity to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) showed 92.8% sensitivity and 84.7% specificity in detecting a recent (≤90 days) primary HCMV infection. The assay appears useful for accurately diagnosing recent primary HCMV infections.
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of maxillary central incisors exposure in patients undergoing maxillary advancement
Guilherme dos Santos Trento; Felipe Bueno Rosettti Bernabé; Delson João da Costa; Nelson Luis Barbosa Rebellato; Leandro Eduardo Klüppel; Rafaela Scariot
Abstract Introduction: Patients with dentofacial deformities may undergo orthodontic or orthodontic-surgical treatment. Both modalities can affect esthetics. Objective: This study aims to evaluate clinical and radiographic changes in exposure of maxillary central incisors occurring after orthognathic surgery for maxillary advancement. Methods: A total of 17 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for maxillary advancement between September, 2010 and July, 2011 were selected. Exposure...
The Clinical-Forensic Dichotomy in Sexual Abuse Evaluations: Moving toward an Integrative Model
Tishelman, Amy C.; Meyer, Susanne K.; Haney, Penny; McLeod, Sara K.
We propose the use of an approach to evaluation that can be undertaken in a clinical setting when concerns regarding child sexual abuse are unclear or ambiguous and other systems are not involved, thus providing an option for the nondisclosing child often discussed in the "delayed disclosure" literature. This approach can also be appropriate for a…
21 CFR 312.87 - Active monitoring of conduct and evaluation of clinical trials.
... 21 Food and Drugs 5 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Active monitoring of conduct and evaluation of clinical trials. 312.87 Section 312.87 Food and Drugs FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (CONTINUED) DRUGS FOR HUMAN USE INVESTIGATIONAL NEW DRUG APPLICATION Drugs...
[Establish research model of post-marketing clinical safety evaluation for Chinese patent medicine].
Zheng, Wen-ke; Liu, Zhi; Lei, Xiang; Tian, Ran; Zheng, Rui; Li, Nan; Ren, Jing-tian; Du, Xiao-xi; Shang, Hong-cai
The safety of Chinese patent medicine has become a focus of social. It is necessary to carry out work on post-marketing clinical safety evaluation for Chinese patent medicine. However, there have no criterions to guide the related research, it is urgent to set up a model and method to guide the practice for related research. According to a series of clinical research, we put forward some views, which contained clear and definite the objective and content of clinical safety evaluation, the work flow should be determined, make a list of items for safety evaluation project, and put forward the three level classification of risk control. We set up a model of post-marketing clinical safety evaluation for Chinese patent medicine. Based this model, the list of items can be used for ranking medicine risks, and then take steps for different risks, aims to lower the app:ds:risksrisk level. At last, the medicine can be managed by five steps in sequence. The five steps are, collect risk signal, risk recognition, risk assessment, risk management, and aftereffect assessment. We hope to provide new ideas for the future research. PMID:26983223
An Antipodean Evaluation of Problem-Based Learning by Clinical Educators.
Williams, Allison F.
The use of problem-based learning in an Australian nursing education program was evaluated through interviews with 14 clinical teachers. They saw improvement in students' self-direction and holistic views of patients, but felt students lacked psychomotor skills and fundamental knowledge of anatomy and physiology. (SK)
Portfolio assessment and evaluation: Implications and guidelines for clinical nursing education
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M.M. Chabeli
Full Text Available With the advent of Outcomes-Based Education in South Africa, the quality of nursing education is debatable, especially with regard to the assessment and evaluation of clinical nursing education, which is complex and renders the validity and reliability of the methods used questionable. This paper seeks to explore and describe the use of portfolio assessment and evaluation, its implications and guidelines for its effective use in nursing education. Firstly, the concepts of assessment, evaluation, portfolio and alternative methods of evaluation are defined. Secondly, a comparison of the characteristics of the old (traditional methods and the new alternative methods of evaluation is made. Thirdly, through deductive analysis, synthesis and inference, implications and guidelines for the effective use of portfolio assessment and evaluation are described.
Evaluation of undergraduate nursing students' clinical confidence following a mental health recovery camp.
Cowley, Thomas; Sumskis, Sue; Moxham, Lorna; Taylor, Ellie; Brighton, Renee; Patterson, Chris; Halcomb, Elizabeth
In the present study, we evaluate the impact of participation in a mental health recovery camp on the clinical confidence of undergraduate nursing students in dealing with individuals with mental illness. Twenty undergraduate nursing students who participated in the recovery camp completed the Mental Health Nursing Clinical Confidence Scale both before and directly after attending the camp. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Participation in the recovery camp was associated with a statistically-significant increase in students' level of overall confidence between the pretest and post-test data (P level of confidence in both the pre- and post-results. The clinical confidence of undergraduate nursing students improved through participation in an immersive clinical experience within the recovery camp. PMID:26767715
Pulse oximetry: instrumental alternative in the clinical evaluation by the bed for the dysphagia
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Cardoso, Maria Cristina de Almeida Freitas
Full Text Available Introduction: The clinical evaluation by the bed is the clinical procedure utilized by the speech therapy as a screening test for established if the individual presents or not a clinical picture of dysphagia. Its achievement count with the use of the pulse oximetry that is the not-invasive measure of the peripheral saturation of O2. When it related to the dysphagia, the saturation can decline in the moment of the swallowing, suggesting a compromise of the respiratory system. Such decline is observed in individuals that aspire with sustenances of liquid and solid consistency, before during and after food, when compared to the individuals that do not aspire. Objective: To verify the possibility of the utilization of the pulse oximetry as an instrumental alternative in the clinical evaluation for the dysphagia. Method: Revision of literature, based in articles indexed in the bases Lilacs and Medline having as a reference the descriptors: saturation of oxygen, pulse oximetry and swallowing disorders. Results: The association of the clinical evaluation to the pulse oximetry shows up with high sensibility in the detection of the penetration and aspiration laringotraqueal and with bass false-positive index, considering it desaturation, the indices that pierced with bigger values than 2%. Some data found are divergent as the aspiration detection possibility. Final Comments: The studies analyzed confer to oximetria of wrist the character of practically and possibility of use in the actions by the bed, being utilized ally to the clinical evaluation for dysphagia, although certain disagreement between the same is found as regards the utilization of its results as indicator of aspiration laringotraqueal, suggesting need of subsequent researches.
Statistical evaluation of surrogate endpoints with examples from cancer clinical trials.
Buyse, Marc; Molenberghs, Geert; Paoletti, Xavier; Oba, Koji; Alonso, Ariel; Van der Elst, Wim; Burzykowski, Tomasz
A surrogate endpoint is intended to replace a clinical endpoint for the evaluation of new treatments when it can be measured more cheaply, more conveniently, more frequently, or earlier than that clinical endpoint. A surrogate endpoint is expected to predict clinical benefit, harm, or lack of these. Besides the biological plausibility of a surrogate, a quantitative assessment of the strength of evidence for surrogacy requires the demonstration of the prognostic value of the surrogate for the clinical outcome, and evidence that treatment effects on the surrogate reliably predict treatment effects on the clinical outcome. We focus on these two conditions, and outline the statistical approaches that have been proposed to assess the extent to which these conditions are fulfilled. When data are available from a single trial, one can assess the "individual level association" between the surrogate and the true endpoint. When data are available from several trials, one can additionally assess the "trial level association" between the treatment effect on the surrogate and the treatment effect on the true endpoint. In the latter case, the "surrogate threshold effect" can be estimated as the minimum effect on the surrogate endpoint that predicts a statistically significant effect on the clinical endpoint. All these concepts are discussed in the context of randomized clinical trials in oncology, and illustrated with two meta-analyses in gastric cancer. PMID:25682941
A new method of real-time skin dose visualization. Clinical evaluation of fluoroscopically guided interventions
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
We have conducted a prospective study to clinically evaluate a new radiation dose observing tool that displays patient's peak skin dose (PSD) map in real time. The skin dose map (SDM) prototype quantifies the air kerma based on exposure parameters from the X-ray system. The accuracy of this prototype was evaluated with radiochromic films, which were used as a mean for PSD measurement. The SDM is a reliable tool that provides an accurate PSD estimation and location. SDM also has many advantages over the radiochromic films, such as real-time dose evaluation and easy access to critical operational parameters for physicians and technicians. (orig.)
A new method of real-time skin dose visualization. Clinical evaluation of fluoroscopically guided interventions
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Boujan, Fazel [Hopital Hautepierre, Service d' Imagerie 2 - Neuroradiologie, Strasbourg (France); University Hospitals of Strasbourg, Division of Neurointerventional Radiology, Imaging Department, Strasbourg (France); Clauss, Nicolas; Mertz, Luc [University Hospitals of Strasbourg, Division of Radiation Physics and Radiation Safety, Imaging Department, Strasbourg (France); Santos, Emilie; Boon, Sjirk; Schouten, Gerard [Philips Healthcare, Best (Netherlands); Dietemann, Jean-Louis [University Hospitals of Strasbourg, Division of Neuroradiology and Neurointerventional, Imaging Department, Strasbourg (France)
We have conducted a prospective study to clinically evaluate a new radiation dose observing tool that displays patient's peak skin dose (PSD) map in real time. The skin dose map (SDM) prototype quantifies the air kerma based on exposure parameters from the X-ray system. The accuracy of this prototype was evaluated with radiochromic films, which were used as a mean for PSD measurement. The SDM is a reliable tool that provides an accurate PSD estimation and location. SDM also has many advantages over the radiochromic films, such as real-time dose evaluation and easy access to critical operational parameters for physicians and technicians. (orig.)
Clinical and Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Lower-extremity Vein Thrombosis in Behcet Syndrome
Seyahi, Emire; Cakmak, Osman Serdal; Tutar, Burcin; Arslan, Caner; Dikici, Atilla Suleyman; Sut, Necdet; Kantarci, Fatih; Tuzun, Hasan; Melikoglu, Melike; Yazici, Hasan
Abstract Vascular involvement can be seen in up to 40% of patients with Behcet syndrome (BS), the lower-extremity vein thrombosis (LEVT) being the most common type. The aim of the current study was to compare venous Doppler findings and clinical features between BS patients with LEVT and control patients diagnosed as having LEVT due to other causes. All consecutive 78 patients (71 men, 7 women; mean age 38.6 ± 10.3 years) with LEVT due to BS and 50 control patients (29 men, 21 women; mean age 42.0 ± 12.5 years) who had LEVT due to other causes, or idiopathic, were studied with the help of a Doppler ultrasonography after a detailed clinical examination. Patterns of venous disease were identified by cluster analyses. Clinical features of chronic venous disease were assessed using 2 classification systems. Venous claudication was also assessed. Patients with BS were more likely to be men, had significantly earlier age of onset of thrombosis, and were treated mainly with immunosuppressives and less frequently with anticoagulants. Furthermore, they had significantly more bilateral involvement, less complete recanalization, and more frequent collateral formation. While control patients had a disorganized pattern of venous involvement, BS patients had a contiguous and symmetric pattern, involving all deep and superficial veins of the lower extremities, with less affinity for crural veins. Clinical assessment, as measured by the 2 classification systems, also indicated a more severe disease among the BS patients. In line, 51% of the BS patients suffered from severe post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and 32% from venous claudication, whereas these were present in 8% and 12%, respectively, among the controls. Among BS patients, a longer duration of thrombosis, bilateral femoral vein involvement, and using no anticoagulation along with immunosuppressive treatment when first diagnosed were found to be associated independently with severe PTS. Lower-extremity vein
Treatment of male varicoceles by transcatheter polidocanol foam sclerotherapy: evaluation of clinical success, complications, and patients' satisfaction with regard to alternative techniques
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Ali, Alma; Wirth, Stefan; Treitl, Karla Maria; Treitl, Marcus [Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Institute for Clinical Radiology, Munich (Germany)
We report our experience with polidocanol foam sclerotherapy with no additional coils, evaluating clinical success, patients' satisfaction, and complications. We conducted a retrospective study of 141 patients with 146 varicoceles (mean age: 29.3 years; range: 13 - 60 years) who underwent foam sclerotherapy with polidocanol 2 % (range: 2 - 12 ml) in an outpatient setting between January 2007 and December 2013. For the follow-up, telephone interviews with the patients were conducted (mean follow-up time: 46.4 months, standard deviation: 20.17 months). The technical success rate was 91.8 %. There was a 55.8 % response rate to the telephone interviews. Follow-up revealed a clinical success rate of 83.9 % and a persistence or relapse rate of 16.1 %. Of the patients, 81.9 % were absolutely satisfied with the outcome. In 94.9 % of cases, pain or discomfort resolution was reported, and in 97 % of cases, aesthetic issues were no longer a problem. Of partners, 63.2 % achieved pregnancy, and in 50 % of patients with preprocedural testicular atrophy, catch-up growth was observed. One patient with pampiniform plexus phlebitis received inpatient treatment with no long-term damage recorded. Polidocanol foam varicocele sclerotherapy is a safe and effective procedure, with a high rate of patients' satisfaction, clinical and technical success, and considerable catch-up growth and pregnancy achievement. (orig.)
Consensus Recommendations for Systematic Evaluation of Drug-Drug Interaction Evidence for Clinical Decision Support
Scheife, Richard T.; Hines, Lisa E.; Boyce, Richard D.; Chung, Sophie P.; Momper, Jeremiah; Sommer, Christine D.; Abernethy, Darrell R.; Horn, John; Sklar, Stephen J.; Wong, Samantha K.; Jones, Gretchen; Brown, Mary; Grizzle, Amy J.; Comes, Susan; Wilkins, Tricia Lee; Borst, Clarissa; Wittie, Michael A.; Rich, Alissa; Malone, Daniel C.
Background Healthcare organizations, compendia, and drug knowledgebase vendors use varying methods to evaluate and synthesize evidence on drug-drug interactions (DDIs). This situation has a negative effect on electronic prescribing and medication information systems that warn clinicians of potentially harmful medication combinations. Objective To provide recommendations for systematic evaluation of evidence from the scientific literature, drug product labeling, and regulatory documents with respect to DDIs for clinical decision support. Methods A conference series was conducted to develop a structured process to improve the quality of DDI alerting systems. Three expert workgroups were assembled to address the goals of the conference. The Evidence Workgroup consisted of 15 individuals with expertise in pharmacology, drug information, biomedical informatics, and clinical decision support. Workgroup members met via webinar from January 2013 to February 2014. Two in-person meetings were conducted in May and September 2013 to reach consensus on recommendations. Results We developed expert-consensus answers to three key questions: 1) What is the best approach to evaluate DDI evidence?; 2) What evidence is required for a DDI to be applicable to an entire class of drugs?; and 3) How should a structured evaluation process be vetted and validated? Conclusion Evidence-based decision support for DDIs requires consistent application of transparent and systematic methods to evaluate the evidence. Drug information systems that implement these recommendations should be able to provide higher quality information about DDIs in drug compendia and clinical decision support tools. PMID:25556085
Measurement properties of existing clinical assessment methods evaluating scapular positioning and function. A systematic review
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Larsen, Camilla Marie; Juul-Kristensen, Birgit; Lund, Hans;
The aims were to compile a schematic overview of clinical scapular assessment methods and critically appraise the methodological quality of the involved studies. A systematic, computerassisted literature search using Medline, CINAHL, SportDiscus and EMBASE was performed from inception to October...... excluded for evaluation due to no/few clinimetric results, leaving 35 studies for evaluation. Graded according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN checklist), the methodological quality in the reliability and validity domains was ''fair'' (57%) to......) reliability; (2) validity; and (3) responsiveness. Observational evaluation systems and assessment of scapular upward rotation seem suitably evidence-based for clinical use. Future studies should test and improve the clinimetric properties, and especially diagnostic accuracy and responsiveness, to increase...
Measurement properties of existing clinical assessment methods evaluating scapular positioning and function. A systematic review
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Larsen, Camilla Marie; Juul-Kristensen, Birgit; Lund, Hans;
Abstract The aims were to compile a schematic overview of clinical scapular assessment methods and critically appraise the methodological quality of the involved studies. A systematic, computer-assisted literature search using Medline, CINAHL, SportDiscus and EMBASE was performed from inception to...... excluded for evaluation due to no/few clinimetric results, leaving 35 studies for evaluation. Graded according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN checklist), the methodological quality in the reliability and validity domains was "fair" (57%) to......; (2) validity; and (3) responsiveness. Observational evaluation systems and assessment of scapular upward rotation seem suitably evidence-based for clinical use. Future studies should test and improve the clinimetric properties, and especially diagnostic accuracy and responsiveness, to increase...
Measurement properties of existing clinical assessment methods evaluating scapular positioning and function. A systematic review
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Larsen, Camilla Marie; Juul-Kristensen, B; Lund, H;
Measurement properties of existing clinical assessment methods evaluating scapular positioning and function. A systematic review Larsen CM1, Juul-Kristensen B1,2 Lund H1,2, Søgaard K1 1University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics 2Institute of Occupational....... Methods A systematic, computer-assisted literature search using Medline, CINAHL, SportDiscus and EMBASE was performed from inception to October 2013. Reference lists in articles were also screened for publications. The overall method used in this review can be divided into four steps: 1) Compile an...... evaluation due to no/few clinimetric results, leaving 35 studies for evaluation. Graded according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN checklist), the methodological quality in the reliability and validity domains was 'fair' (57%) to 'poor' (43%), with...
Measurement properties of existing clinical assessment methods evaluating scapular positioning and function. A systematic review
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Larsen, Camilla Marie; Juul-Kristensen, Birgit; Lund, Hans;
ABSTRACT OARSI Measurement properties of existing clinical assessment methods evaluating scapular positioning and function. A systematic review Larsen CM1, Juul-Kristensen B1,2 Lund H1,2, Søgaard K11University of Southern Denmark, Institute of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics2Institute of...... studies.MethodsA systematic, computer-assisted literature search using Medline, CINAHL, SportDiscus and EMBASE was performed from inception to October 2013. Reference lists in articles were also screened for publications. The overall method used in this review can be divided into four steps: 1) Compile an...... evaluation due to no/few clinimetric results, leaving 35 studies for evaluation. Graded according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN checklist), the methodological quality in the reliability and validity domains was 'fair' (57%) to 'poor' (43%), with...
Acute undifferentiated febrile illness in rural Cambodia: a 3-year prospective observational study.
Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)
Tara C Mueller
Full Text Available In the past decade, malaria control has been successfully implemented in Cambodia, leading to a substantial decrease in reported cases. Wide-spread use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs has revealed a large burden of malaria-negative fever cases, for which no clinical management guidelines exist at peripheral level health facilities. As a first step towards developing such guidelines, a 3-year cross-sectional prospective observational study was designed to investigate the causes of acute malaria-negative febrile illness in Cambodia. From January 2008 to December 2010, 1193 febrile patients and 282 non-febrile individuals were recruited from three health centers in eastern and western Cambodia. Malaria RDTs and routine clinical examination were performed on site by health center staff. Venous samples and nasopharyngeal throat swabs were collected and analysed by molecular diagnostic tests. Blood cultures and blood smears were also taken from all febrile individuals. Molecular testing was applied for malaria parasites, Leptospira, Rickettsia, O. tsutsugamushi, Dengue- and Influenza virus. At least one pathogen was identified in 73.3% (874/1193 of febrile patient samples. Most frequent pathogens detected were P. vivax (33.4%, P. falciparum (26.5%, pathogenic Leptospira (9.4%, Influenza viruses (8.9%, Dengue viruses (6.3%, O. tsutsugamushi (3.9%, Rickettsia (0.2%, and P. knowlesi (0.1%. In the control group, a potential pathogen was identified in 40.4%, most commonly malaria parasites and Leptospira. Clinic-based diagnosis of malaria RDT-negative cases was poorly predictive for pathogen and appropriate treatment. Additional investigations are needed to understand their impact on clinical disease and epidemiology, and the possible role of therapies such as doxycycline, since many of these pathogens were seen in non-febrile subjects.
Improving information availability in vascular surgical clinics. A service evaluation and improvement project.
Hurst, Katherine; Kreckler, Simon; Handa, Ashok; Handa, Ashok
This prospective service evaluation was designed to assess the availability of critical information required in vascular surgical clinics. All the data was collected via a repeated questionnaire, and the outcomes from each cycle were used to highlight where intervention was required to improve the surgical clinic experience. The first audit identified outpatient clinic deficiencies and allowed for problem analysis. Two Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycles then were undertaken. Interventions following each cycle included consultant access to online duplex scans and secretarial access to referral letters. Results from the first cycle showed that approximately 20% of clinic appointments were missing information and only 30% of these issues were resolved during the clinic using a work around. Following the first intervention; the numbers of missing patient notes reduced to 4.3% (10.5%), and referral letters to 3.6% (4.6%). Although the numbers of missing duplex scan results increased to 6.5% (3.3%), the new system of online scan results allowed for all scans to be accessed during the clinic. Following results of a second PDCA cycle, vascular surgical secretaries were given access to 'choose and book', a database of GP referral letters. Post intervention, all missing referral letters (2%) could be accessed immediately within the clinic setting. Data driven interventions and repeated PDCA cycles can improve hospital systems for minimal cost. With an annual clinic turnaround of 2500 patients, these interventions can reduce clinic delays and potential harm caused by unavailable records for up to 500 patients a year. PMID:26893887
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure
Trujillo, Adriana; Feixas, Guillem; Bados, Arturo; García-Grau, Eugeni; Salla, Marta; Medina, Joan Carles; Montesano, Adrián; Soriano, José; Medeiros-Ferreira, Leticia; Cañete, Josep; Corbella, Sergi; Grau, Antoni; Lana, Fernando; Evans, Chris
Objective The objective of this paper is to assess the reliability and validity of the Spanish translation of the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure, a 34-item self-report questionnaire that measures the client's status in the domains of Subjective well-being, Problems/Symptoms, Life functioning, and Risk. Method Six hundred and forty-four adult participants were included in two samples: the clinical sample (n=192) from different mental health and primary care centers; and the nonclinical sample (n=452), which included a student and a community sample. Results The questionnaire showed good acceptability and internal consistency, appropriate test–retest reliability, and acceptable convergent validity. Strong differentiation between clinical and nonclinical samples was found. As expected, the Risk domain had different characteristics than other domains, but all findings were comparable with the UK referential data. Cutoff scores were calculated for clinical significant change assessment. Conclusion The Spanish version of the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure showed acceptable psychometric properties, providing support for using the questionnaire for monitoring the progress of Spanish-speaking psychotherapy clients.
Accuracy and Robustness Improvements of Echocardiographic Particle Image Velocimetry for Routine Clinical Cardiac Evaluation
Meyers, Brett; Vlachos, Pavlos; Charonko, John; Giarra, Matthew; Goergen, Craig
Echo Particle Image Velocimetry (echoPIV) is a recent development in flow visualization that provides improved spatial resolution with high temporal resolution in cardiac flow measurement. Despite increased interest a limited number of published echoPIV studies are clinical, demonstrating that the method is not broadly accepted within the medical community. This is due to the fact that use of contrast agents are typically reserved for subjects whose initial evaluation produced very low quality recordings. Thus high background noise and low contrast levels characterize most scans, which hinders echoPIV from producing accurate measurements. To achieve clinical acceptance it is necessary to develop processing strategies that improve accuracy and robustness. We hypothesize that using a short-time moving window ensemble (MWE) correlation can improve echoPIV flow measurements on low image quality clinical scans. To explore the potential of the short-time MWE correlation, evaluation of artificial ultrasound images was performed. Subsequently, a clinical cohort of patients with diastolic dysfunction was evaluated. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons between echoPIV measurements and Color M-mode scans were carried out to assess the improvements delivered by the proposed methodology.
Patients with the tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy-clinical evaluation and outcome
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
Agata Salska; Izabela Plesiewicz; Marzenna Zielinska; Krzysztof Chiżynski
Objective:Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy(TTC) or is a rare, acute, reversible cardiac dysfunction mimicking an acute coronary syndrome(ACS) and usually connected with a preceding intense physical or emotional stress trigger.This case series-observational study is to evaluate the clinical findings(including the depression and anxiety disorders) and outcome in patients with the tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy treated in ourCentre, during18 month period.Methods:From the group of730 patients, who were admitted with the suspected acute myocardial infarct, ten patients, who fulfilled diagnostic criteria forTTC, were evaluated.For each patient we assessed: clinical characteristic, previous medical history including coronary disease risk factors and preceding stress trigger,12-leads electrocardiography and laboratory tests.All patients underwent coronary-artery angiography, trans-thoracic echocardiography and completed the questionnaire evaluating the depression and anxiety disorders.Results:The estimated prevalence and clinical features of patients with the tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy in ourCentre were similar to those in the literature, with the wide range of stress triggers.There was a statistically significant improvement in the ejection fraction during the hospitalization.Psychological tests revealed the0.7 occurrence of depression or anxiety disorders among our patients.Conclusions:The exact pathogenesis of the tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy remains uncertain, but it is important to take it into account as a differential diagnosis in patients with the clinical features of myocardial infarct in the absenceof coronary artery stenosis.
Survival of patients identified as candidates for intestinal transplantation: a 3-year prospective follow-up
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Pironi, L.; Forbes, A.; Joly, F.;
%-88%) in those with parenteral nutrition-related liver failure (P = .364). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm home parenteral nutrition as the primary therapeutic option for intestinal failure and support the appropriateness and potential life-saving role of timely intestinal transplantation for patients......BACKGROUND & AIMS: The US Medicare indications for intestinal transplantation are based on failure of home parenteral nutrition. The American Society of Transplantation also includes patients at high risk of death from their primary disease or with high morbidity intestinal failure. A 3-year...... prospective study evaluated the appropriateness of these indications. METHODS: Survival on home parenteral nutrition or after transplantation was analyzed in 153 (97 adult, 56 pediatric) candidates for transplantation and 320 (262 adult, 58 pediatric) noncandidates, enrolled through a European multicenter...
Effects of structured written feedback by cards on medical students' performance at mini clinical evaluation exercise (Mini-CEX) in an outpatient clinic
Introduction: Feedback cards are recommended as a feasible tool for structured written feedback delivery in clinical education while effectiveness of this tool on the medical students' performance is still questionable. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of structured written feedback by cards as well as verbal feedback versus verbal feedback alone on the clinical performance of medical students at the Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) test in...
Sonography in the evaluation of the patients with a clinical suspicion of acute intestinal intussusception
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Acute intestinal intussusception is one of the commonest causes of abdominal emergency in infants. It strikes mainly infants 3 to 30 months old. Ileo-colic intussusception is the commonest form (75-95%), whereas ileo-ileo-colic, colono-colic and ileo-ileal intussusception are rather uncommon. Intussusception is primitive in 95% of cases and secondary in extant 5%. Over the last 3 years we examined 25 infant with clinical suspicion of acute intestinal intussusception by means of plain abdominal radiographs and US. In 11 cases US diagnosed acute intestinal intussusception. US signs useful for diagnosis were: intussusception 'pudding'on both transverse and longitudinal scans, and communicating intussusception 'pudding' and bowel. US allowed intestinal intussusception to be diagnosed in 11 cases and ruled out in 14, with 100% reliability. In agreement with literature data, our results confirm US as the method of choice- versus conventional radiology- in the diagnosis of acute intestinal intussusception and stress the value of US studies in helping avoid surgery
Evaluating, understanding and improving the quality of clinical placements for undergraduate nurses: A practice development approach.
Courtney-Pratt, Helen; Ford, Karen; Marlow, Annette
Supervision and support is central to sustainability of clinical placement experiences of undergraduate nurses, but open to influences that impact nurses' capacity to undertake the role. Whilst supervision of learners is integral to the role of health care professionals, the primary responsibility is to deliver safe and effective care. Supervision of learners in practice is impacted by low levels of organisational support, variable individual preparedness, and lack of feedback and recognition for the role from education and industry partners. Over a period of five years the Quality Clinical Placement Evaluation research team, consisting of a partnership between health care and tertiary sectors have developed, and utilised a practice development approach to understand and support the quality of clinical placement for undergraduates and supervising ward nurses involved in Tasmanian clinical placement programs. Importantly, the approach evolved over time to be a flexible three step program supporting the translation of findings to practice, comprised of an education session related to supervision support; survey distribution to undergraduates and supervising ward nurses following clinical placement; and workshops where stakeholders come together to consider findings of the survey, their experience and the local context, with resultant actions for change. This paper reports on findings from the program after successful implementation in urban tertiary hospitals as it was implemented in non-traditional clinical placement settings, including community, aged care and rural settings. Feedback from clinicians identifies the utility of the three step program across these settings. The unique partnerships and approach to evaluating, understanding and improving quality of clinical placements has potential for transferability to other areas, with the value of findings established for all stakeholders. PMID:26256817
Effect of filming errors committed by nursing students to evaluate simulated clinical situations
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Carme Sansalvador-Comas
Full Text Available Clinic simulation as a training and knowledge method allows people experiment a real event representation with the aim of acquiring knowledge, abilities and aptitudes. The filming of the staging represents a useful tool to review the decisions taken and the actions they did, with the purpose to highlight the strengths, weaknesses and the areas for improvement. The article describes a study carried out by a group of students in second course of nursing, and it tries to evaluate if there is any influence if somebody is filming you during the clinic simulation, does it make you do more errors or not?
Clinical impact of anatomo-functional evaluation of brain function during brain tumor surgery
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
To attempt to improve surgical outcome of brain surgery, clinical significance of anatomo-functional evaluation of brain function during resection of brain tumors was assessed. Seventy four patients with glioma located near eloquent areas underwent surgery while awake. Intraoperative tractography-integrated functional neuronavigation and cortical/subcortical electrical stimulation were correlated with clinical symptoms during and after resection of tumors. Cortical functional areas were safely removed with negative electric stimulation and eloquent cortices could be removed in some circumstances. Subcortical functional mapping was difficult except for motor function. Studying cortical functional compensation allows more extensive removal of brain tumors located in the eloquent areas. (author)
Etiology, classification and clinical evaluation of partial-thickness tears of rotator cuff
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
TANG Kang-lai 唐康来; Peter Habermeryer; LI Qi-hong 李起鸿; Sven Lichtenberg; YANG Liu 杨柳
@@ Since partial thickness tears of the rotator cuff were described well by Codman 1 in 1934, they have been extensively discussed in all kinds of literatures.Partial thickness tears of the rotator cuff are now considered to play a more significant role than previously in inducing patients disability. Partialthickness cuff tears deserve more clinical attention. Both accurate diagnosis and proper surgical repair are very essential. The cognition of partialthickness tears has been deepened in the last decades. In this paper we will review the etiology, classification and clinical evaluation of partial thickness tears of the rotator cuff.
Mini clinical evaluation exercise in undergraduate dermatovenereology education: an experience of University of Pamukkale, Medical Faculty
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Şeniz Ergin
Full Text Available Background and Design: Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX is being widely used in medical education and is a reliable and valid method for the assessment of residents' competency in medical interviewing, physical examination, humanistic qualities/professionalism, clinical judgment, counseling skills, organization, and efficiency. In order to enhance formative evaluation methods in our faculty, we planned to apply the method to students on dermatovenereology training. Materials and Methods: The Mini-CEX was performed by residents to 42 medical students. At first, 5 residents were evaluated by a faculty member with Mini-CEX and were informed about their application-oriented evaluator roles. The students were informed prior to conducting the assessment. Standard Mini-CEX form was used for the assessment. The participants were rated in 7 competencies and each was rated using a 9-point Likert scale. At the end of each encounter, students and evaluators rated their satisfaction with Mini-CEX using a 9-point Likert scale. Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Student feedback was evaluated with "grounded theory". Results: A total of 50 assessments, 44 in outpatient and 6 in inpatient clinic, were performed. Satisfaction with the Mini-CEX was rated by the evaluators and the students as 7,16 and 7,98, respectively. There was no significant difference between the evaluators in terms of student satisfaction. Average time spent on observing the encounter and in giving feedback was 16.5 and 6.5 minutes, respectively. There was no significant difference between assessors in terms of time spent observing and giving feedback. Average scores of assessed clinical competencies were between 4,28 and 8,14. The highest scores were reported on humanistic qualities/ professionalism whereas the lowest were reported on clinical judgment skills. Discussion: According to our data, we believe that Mini-CEX may be used as an
Agreement between Therapists, Parents, Patients, and Independent Evaluators on Clinical Improvement in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Lewin, Adam B.; Peris, Tara S.; De Nadai, Alessandro S.; McCracken, James T.; Piacentini, John
Objective: Independent evaluators (IE) are used widely in clinical trials to make unbiased determinations of treatment response. By virtue of being kept blind to treatment condition, however, IEs are also kept unaware of many pertinent clinical details that are relevant for decisions about clinical improvement. In this study, agreement among…
Implementation and evaluation of a clinical data management programme in a primary care centre.
LENUS (Irish Health Repository)
Sweeney, J
Electronic health records (EHR) support clinical management, administration, quality assurance, research, and service planning. The aim of this study was to evaluate a clinical data management programme to improve consistency, completeness and accuracy of EHR information in a large primary care centre with 10 General Practitioners (GPs). A Clinical Data Manager was appointed to implement a Data Management Strategy which involved coding consultations using ICPC-2 coding, tailored support and ongoing individualised feedback to clinicians. Over an eighteen month period there were improvements in engagement with and level of coding. Prior to implementation (August 2011) 4 of the 10 GPs engaged in regular coding and 69% of their consultation notes were coded. After 12 months, all 10 GPs and 6 nurses were ICPC-2 coding their consultations and monthly coding levels had increased to 98%. This structured Data Management Strategy provides a feasible sustainable way to improve information management in primary care.
Psychometric Evaluation of the MMPI-2/MMPI-2-RF Restructured Clinical Scales in an Israeli Sample.
Shkalim, Eleanor
The current study cross-culturally evaluated the psychometric properties of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2)/MMPI-2-Restructured Form Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales in psychiatric settings in Israel with a sample of 100 men and 133 women. Participants were administered the MMPI-2 and were rated by their therapists on a 188-item Patient Description Form. Results indicated that in most instances the RC Scales demonstrated equivalent or better internal consistencies and improved intercorrelation patterns relative to their clinical counterparts. Furthermore, external analyses revealed comparable or improved convergent validity (with the exceptions of Antisocial Behavior [RC4] and Ideas of Persecution [RC6] among men), and mostly greater discriminant validity. Overall, the findings indicate that consistent with previous findings, the RC Scales generally exhibit comparable to improved psychometric properties over the Clinical Scales. Implications of the results, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed. PMID:25354670
Clinical evaluation of asthmatic children and adolescents: relevance of interdisciplinary attention
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Karina Machado Siqueira
Full Text Available Descriptive, retrospective study, aimed to evaluate clinical conditions of asthmatic children and adolescents at the beginning of treatment and after six months of accompaniment by a multi-professional team, focused on interdisciplinary attention. A research developed in a reference ambulatory for tertiary attention of infant asthma, in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. Data was collected from 101 medical records from January and March 2013. Children and adolescents were predominantly male (70,3%, aged between two and five years (31,7% and clinically classified as moderated persistent asthma (47,6%. After following them for six months, it was seen that most (64,4% obtained total or partial control of the disease, reduction of all symptoms identified in the first consultation and presented high adherence to the proposed pharmacological treatment (70,3%. Interdisciplinary attention can result in improved clinical control and contribute to advances in assistance quality to asthmatic children and adolescents.
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Francisca Fariña
Full Text Available Forensic evaluation of psychological injury involves the use of a multimethod approximation i.e., a psychometric instrument, normally the MMPI-2, and a clinical interview. In terms of the clinical interview, the traditional clinical interview (e.g., SCID is not valid for forensic settings as it does not fulfil the triple objective of forensic evaluation: diagnosis of psychological injury in terms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD, a differential diagnosis of feigning, and establishing a causal relationship between allegations of intimate partner violence (IPV and psychological injury. To meet this requirement, Arce and Fariña (2001 created the forensic-clinical interview based on two techniques that do not contaminate the contents i.e., reinstating the contexts and free recall, and a methodic categorical system of contents analysis for the diagnosis of psychological injury and a differential diagnosis of feigning. The reliability and validity of the forensic-clinical interview designed for the forensic evaluation of psychological injury was assessed in 51 genuine cases of (IPV and 54 mock victims of IPV who were evaluated using a forensic-clinical interview and the MMPI-2. The result revealed that the forensic-clinical interview was a reliable instrument (α = .85 for diagnostic criteria of psychological injury, and α = .744 for feigning strategies. Moreover, the results corroborated the predictive validity (the diagnosis of PTSD was similar to the expected rate; the convergence validity (the diagnosis of PTSD in the interview strongly correlated with the Pk Scale of the MMPI-2, and discriminant validity (the diagnosis of PTSD in the interview did not correlate with the Pk Scale in feigners. The feigning strategies (differential diagnosis also showed convergent validity (high correlation with the Scales and indices of the MMPI2 for the measure of feigning and discriminant validity (no genuine victim was classified as a feigner
[Clinical evaluation of pivmecillinam in the maintenance therapy of chronic urinary tract infection (author's transl)].
Tamaya, T; Tsurusaki, T; Kusanishi, H; Okada, H; Yamamoto, H; Ahara, M; Murakami, A; Takano, N; Obata, T; Shimura, T; Iwasaki, T; Nakata, Y; Futaoka, S; Ohshima, K; Furuta, N; Murakami, T; Ohtani, I; Sugihara, Y; Yuasa, M; Mizunoya, F; Ota, S; Fujita, H; Ueha, I; Katoh, K
In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pivmecillinam (melysin tablet, PMPC), PMPC was administered to 78 chronic UTI cases in the field of obstetrics and gynecology (posthysterectomy infection, chronic cystitis, chronic pyelonephritis and etc.). In principle, daily 400 mg of PMPC was administered for 2 weeks. (1) Overall clinical efficacy judged by doctor was evaluated in 78 cases and the result was; excellent in 17, good in 37, fair in 10, poor in 13 and unknown in 1 case with the effectiveness rate of 69.2%. (2) Overall clinical efficacy judged by 'criteria for clinical evaluation in complicated UTI' recommended by UTI study member was evaluated in 54 cases and the result was; excellent in 15, good in 20 and poor in 19 cases with the overall efficacy rate of 64.8%, the result of which was similar to that of doctor's judgement. (3) Efficacy on pyuria was evaluated in 72 cases and it was cleared in 27, decreased in 25, unchanged in 20 and unknown in 6 cases. Efficacy on bacteriuria was evaluated in 72 cases and it was eliminated in 44, decreased in 9, replaced in 8, unchanged in 8 and unknown in 9 cases. (4) Side effect, considered by doctors to be caused by PMPC administration, was noticed in 3 out of 78 cases (3.8%), all of which was mild gastrointestinal disturbance and the administration of PMPC was continued. Abnormal change of laboratory finding considered by doctors to be caused by PMPC administration was noticed in 1 out of 78 cases, which was slight elevation of GOT and GPT values. It is therefore considered that PMPC appear to be useful drug for the maintenance therapy of chronic UTI in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. PMID:6276586
Rotational laxity after anterior cruciate ligament injury by kinematic evaluation of clinical tests.
Zaffagnini, S; Martelli, S; Falcioni, B; Motta, M; Marcacci, M
Despite the numerous studies on anterior cruciate ligament biomechanics and clinical tests, some disagreements still exist in the literature on the role of ACL in restraining rotations and which kinematic test after ACL injuries is the most suitable to evaluate this instability. This work analyses the capability of passive clinical and stress tests to detect an ACL state quantifying rotational instability. The study was conducted on animal knees with a new protocol. We found that an internal-external stress test can give a useful indication on the ACL state when used to estimate the side to side differences while varus-valgus laxity and secondary motions in standard kinematic tests did not seem to be affected by ACL injury. The kinematic protocol performed could be used intra-operatively to quantify rotations, allowing a more accurate evaluation of knee instability to guide surgical reconstruction and improve its final outcome. PMID:11204247
Evaluation of the vascular clinical trial program of metrizamide and iohexol
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
The vascular clinical trial programs of the contrast media metrizamide (Amipaque) and iohexol (Omnipaque), organized by Nyegaard and Co. AS in Northern Europe were assessed and compared. The comparison comprised some selected characteristics of the programs, self-assessment by the investigators involved in both programs (questionnaire) and assessment of the standard of the trial reports (2 evaluators). It was found that Nyegaard clinical research staff spent in average 4 1/2 month for one iohexol trial compared with one month for one of metrizamide. The reason for this was found to be a higher priority, increased regulatory requirements and a uniform data pool established for the iohexol program. In general, a quality improvement was revealed for the iohexol program over the metrizamide program. The 2 evaluators as well as the questioned investigators found the reporting standard of the iohexol trials significantly higher (p<=0.05) than that of the metrizamide trials. (Auth.)
Evaluating Creative Thinking of Rn-Bsn Students in the Course of Clinical Case Study and Practicum
Ku, Ya-Lie
This case study evaluated creative thinking of RN-BSN students in the course of clinical case study and practicum. Study design used quantitative and qualitative evaluations of creative thinking of RN-BSN students by triangulation method in the course of clinical case study and practicum. Sixty RN-BSN students self-perceived the changing levels of…
Evaluation of children's dental anxiety levels at a kindergarten and at a dental clinic.
Kilinç, Gulser; Akay, Aynur; Eden, Ece; Sevinç, Nilgün; Ellidokuz, Hülya
This study evaluated the dental anxiety levels of preschool children at a kindergarten and at a dental clinic. The anxiety levels of ninety 4-6-year-old (4.99 ± 0.81) preschool children were evaluated according to pulse rates, the facial image scale (FIS), the Venham picture test (VPT), and the Frankl behavior rating scale. The children's mothers were asked to complete the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) forms 1 and 2 (STAI 2 and STAI 2). The sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson's correlation test were used. A statistically significant difference was observed between the children's pulse rates when measured at the dental clinic and those when measured at the kindergarten (p dentist at the kindergarten, their anxiety levels seemingly increased as they arrived at the dental clinic. The significant increase observed in the children's pulse rates was a physical indicator that their anxiety levels had increased. It can be concluded that the children felt more anxious at the dental clinic that at the kindergarten. PMID:27556551
Integrating research and clinical neuroimaging for the evaluation of traumatic brain injury recovery
Senseney, Justin; Ollinger, John; Graner, John; Lui, Wei; Oakes, Terry; Riedy, Gerard
Advanced MRI research and other imaging modalities may serve as biomarkers for the evaluation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery. However, these advanced modalities typically require off-line processing which creates images that are incompatible with radiologist viewing software sold commercially. AGFA Impax is an example of such a picture archiving and communication system(PACS) that is used by many radiology departments in the United States Military Health System. By taking advantage of Impax's use of the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard, we developed a system that allows for advanced medical imaging to be incorporated into clinical PACS. Radiology research can now be conducted using existing clinical imaging display platforms resources in combination with image processingtechniques that are only available outside of the clinical scanning environment. We extracted the spatial and identification elements of theDICOM standard that are necessary to allow research images to be incorporatedinto a clinical radiology system, and developed a tool that annotates research images with the proper tags. This allows for the evaluation of imaging representations of biological markers that may be useful in theevaluation of TBI and TBI recovery.
The clinical effectiveness of various adhesive systems: an 18-month evaluation.
Moosavi, H; Kimyai, S; Forghani, M; Khodadadi, R
The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the clinical performance of three different adhesive systems over 18 months in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs). Thirty patients, with at least three noncarious cervical lesions, were enrolled in the study. One operator randomly restored a total of 90 lesions with resin composite (Herculite XRV). The restorations were bonded with either Optibond FL (OF), three-step total-etch; Optibond Solo Plus (OS), two-step total-etch; or Optibond All-In-One (OA), one step self-etch. The restorations were clinically evaluated at baseline and after six, 12, and 18 months using the eight United States Public Health Services criteria. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests (padhesive systems for evaluated criteria were not observed in comparison of the mean Alfa score percentages. There was a significant increase in marginal discoloration for (OA) adhesive after 18 months compared with baseline (p=0.011). Other restoration criteria had no statistically significant differences among the three adhesives (p>0.05). With the exception of marginal discoloration, the clinical effectiveness of three types of adhesive systems in NCCLs was acceptable after 18 months. However, using the one-step self-etch adhesive may lead to some marginal discolorations. PMID:22917442
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of maxillary central incisors exposure in patients undergoing maxillary advancement
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Guilherme dos Santos Trento
Full Text Available Abstract Introduction: Patients with dentofacial deformities may undergo orthodontic or orthodontic-surgical treatment. Both modalities can affect esthetics. Objective: This study aims to evaluate clinical and radiographic changes in exposure of maxillary central incisors occurring after orthognathic surgery for maxillary advancement. Methods: A total of 17 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for maxillary advancement between September, 2010 and July, 2011 were selected. Exposure of maxillary central incisors was evaluated clinically and by lateral cephalograms. Measurements were taken one week before and three months after surgery. Data were paired in terms of sex, age, nasolabial angle, height and thickness of the upper lip, the amount of maxillary advancement, clinical exposure and inclination of maxillary central incisor by statistical tests (CI 95%. Results: After maxillary advancement, incisor clinical exposure had increased even with relaxed lips and under forced smile. Moreover, there was a mean increase of 23.33% revealed by lateral cephalograms. There was an inverse correlation between upper lip thickness and incisors postsurgical exposure revealed by radiographic images (p = 0.002. Conclusions: Significant changes in the exposure of maxillary central incisors occur after maxillary advancement, under the influence of some factors, especially lip thickness.
Evaluation of clinical parameters and lesions in pig organs during post-weaning period
Mejía Medina, Julián; Rincón Ruiz, Juan; Gutiérrez Vergara, Cristian; Correa Londoño, Guillermo; López Herrera, Albeiro; Parra Suescún, Jaime
To evaluate the effect of early weaning on clinical parameters, development and occurrence of lesions in organs of systemic importance, and weight gain in pigs evaluations were carried out. The experiment was conducted in the San Pablo Production Research Center of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (Medellín). We used 16 weaned pigs at 21 days of age. The animals were fed for 10 days with a basal diet (milk). Four pigs were slaughtered on days 1, 5, 7 and 10 post-weaning and samples of int...
Evaluation of two commercially available anti human immunodeficiency virus antibody Elisa Kits using clinical samples
Anuradha K; Ponamgi S; Lakshmi V
Laboratory diagnosis is the mainstay in the diagnosis of HIV infection in an individual. The wide range of diagnostic kits available, for the detection of anti HIV antibodies, makes it mandatory that the kits are evaluated before they are made available in the market. We evaluated the performance of a Microlisa HIV kit (J.Mitra & Co.)† using a panel of HIV reactive and non reactive clinical specimens. The sensitivity and specificity of the kit were found to be 100% as com...
Evaluation and the NIH clinical and translational science awards: a "top ten" list.
Pincus, Harold Alan; Abedin, Zainab; Blank, Arthur E; Mazmanian, Paul E
Since 2006, a total of 61 Clinical and Translational Science Institutes (CTSAs) have been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with the aim of reducing translation time from a bench discovery to when it impacts patients. This special issue of Evaluation & the Health Professions focuses on evaluation within and across the large, complex system of the CTSA Program of NIH. Through insights gained by reading the articles in this special edition and the experience of the authors, a "top ten" list of lessons learned and insights gained is presented. The list outlines issues that face those who evaluate the influence of the CTSA Program, as they work to anticipate what will be needed for continuing success. Themes include (1) considering the needs of stakeholders, (2) the perspective of the evaluators, (3) the importance of service improvement, (4) the importance of teams and people, (5) costs and return on investments, (6) methodology considerations to evaluate the CTSA enterprise, (7) innovation in evaluation, (8) defining the transformation of research, (9) evaluating the long-term impact of the CTSAs on public health, and (10) contributing to science policy formulation and implementation. The establishment of the CTSA Program, with its mandated evaluation component, has not only influenced the infrastructure and nature of translational research but will continue to impact policy and management in science. PMID:24214661
Clinical and roentgenographic evaluation of hydroxyapatite-augmented and nonaugmented porous total hip arthroplasty.
Ciccotti, M G; Rothman, R H; Hozack, W J; Moriarty, L
Sixty osteoarthritic patients undergoing primary, uncemented total hip arthroplasty were matched for age and weight and randomized into one of four groups with respect to implant coating and postoperative, protected weight-bearing status: group 1, hydroxyapatite-augmented, 12 weeks; group 2, nonaugmented, 12 weeks; group 3, hydroxyapatite-augmented, 6 weeks; and group 4, nonaugmented, 6 weeks. Tantalum spheres were implanted periprosthetically into the femur at the time of the arthroplasty, thus providing constant references for stereoscopic radiographs. Patients were then evaluated over a 2-year period with clinical examination, plain radiography, and roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis. Clinical evaluation using the Charnley scoring system showed no significant preoperative or postoperative intergroup differences, whereas visual analog testing noted less thigh pain with hydroxyapatite-augmented stems at the 12-week and 6-month follow-up evaluations. Plain radiographic analysis produced no significant differences, with no instability detected, and bony ingrowth was uniform in all groups. Stereographic evaluation showed migration in all groups, but there were no significant differences between the augmented and nonaugmented stems or the 6-week and 12-week partial weight-bearing protocols. Charnley, plain radiographic, and stereogrammetric evaluations all suggest that migration is unaltered by enhanced surfaces and early, unprotected weight bearing does not jeopardize implant fixation regardless of coating design. The lower incidence of visual analog thigh pain with the hydroxyapatite-augmented stems, however, may be a reflection of bony ingrowth and, as such, add some validity to the theoretic advantages of enhanced surface prostheses. PMID:7699376
Continuing education program evaluation for course improvement, participant effect and utilization in clinical practice.
Faulk, L G
An evaluation of a single continuing education (CE) program was conducted by the presenter to assess impact of the offering and gather information for course improvement. The purpose of this evaluation was to document if and to what extent the learners attained the program's objectives and also to systematically examine the program to see how it might be improved. The third purpose was to document if participants' interest was stimulated by the program and if they actually used the information in clinical practice or at least found it helpful. Fifty-five nurses participated in completing a pretest and posttest, reactionnaire at the conclusion of the program and follow-up questionnaire. Participants made significantly (p less than .05) better scores on the posttests as compared to the pretest. On the evaluation form, 98% of the nurses responded that they had learned new facts, and 75% indicated that information was moderately new. In addition, a slight majority (58%) responded that they changed their beliefs about assertiveness. Of returned follow-up questionnaires, 95% told others about the program, and 59% read articles. All nurses indicated they had found the information useful, and 87% had actually used the information in clinical practice. This study documents a method for CE administrators and educators to evaluate the impact of CE and provide information for course improvement. The evaluation supports the program's worth. Participants benefited in terms of knowledge and interest. In addition, program strengths/weaknesses were identified. PMID:6325622
Economic evaluation alongside pragmatic randomised trials: developing a standard operating procedure for clinical trials units
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Russell Ian T
Full Text Available Abstract Background There is wide recognition that pragmatic randomised trials are the best vehicle for economic evaluation. This is because trials provide the best chance of ensuring internal validity, not least through the rigorous prospective collection of patient-specific data. Furthermore the marginal cost of collecting economic data alongside clinical data is typically modest. UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC does not require a standard operating procedure (SOP for economic evaluation as a prerequisite for trial unit registration. We judge that such a SOP facilitates the integration of health economics into trials. Methods A collaboration between health economists and trialists at Bangor University led to the development of a SOP for economic evaluation alongside pragmatic trials, in addition to the twenty SOPs required by UKCRC for registration, which include randomisation, data management and statistical analysis. Results Our recent telephone survey suggests that no other UKCRC-registered trials unit currently has an economic SOP. Conclusion We argue that UKCRC should require, from all Trials Units undertaking economic evaluation and seeking registration or re-registration, a SOP for economic evaluation as one of their portfolio of supporting SOPs.
Clinical evaluation of mammography using a screen-film system. Pt. 3
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
In a clinical image quality test, the parameter image quality is analysed using the ROC method and on the basis of mammograms already classified by means of histological findings into ''benign'' and ''malignant'' cases. The results of this analysis confirmed those of the first two studies: The screen-film system, due to its almost equally good image quality, achieves a diagnostic accuracy as good as the Definix test film without screen. In addition, the following two parameters have been investigated in this clinical test: Different knowledge and experience of the evaluating experts in the field of mammography, and the learning progress in the course of expert training. The difference in knowledge and experience of the various evaluators becomes apparent in ROC analysis only with an evaluator having much more experience than the others in the field of mammography. The parameter learning progress - as shown by repeating the evaluation after three months of intensive training - does not come forth clear enough in the ROC curves. An analysis of the frequency distribution of the five decision thresholds reveals the approach of the individual evaluator. (orig.)
Building a web-based CAD server for clinical use, evaluation, and incremental learning. Implementation of analysis function based on execution result and clinical feedback
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Development of clinical image analysis software such as computer-assisted detection/diagnosis (CAD) involves a cycle of algorithm development, software implementation, clinical use, refinement of algorithm and software based on feedback. This cycle is expected to accelerate development of CAD software. We have been building a web-based CAD server that enables radiologists to use CAD software and to give feedback in clinical environment. The platform has been utilized in our hospital for 16 months, and more than 2,000 cases of feedback data have been accumulated. In this report, we introduce additional functions for performance evaluation based on executed results of CAD software and clinical feedback. (author)
Clinical Evaluation and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Serum Tumor Markers in Lung Cancer
Rong Wang; Guoqing Wang; Nan Zhang; Xue Li; Yunde Liu
The detection of serum tumor markers is valuable for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. Tumor markers are frequently used for the management of cancer patients. However, single markers are less efficient but marker combinations increase the cost, which is troublesome for clinics. To find an optimal serum marker combination panel that benefits the patients and the medical management system as well, four routine lung cancer serum markers (SCCA, NSE, CEA, and CYFRA21-1) were evaluated individua...
Clinical evaluation of direct composite restoration done for midline diastema closure – long-term study
Prabhu, R.; S Bhaskaran; Geetha Prabhu, K. R.; M A Eswaran; Phanikrishna, G.; Deepthi, B.
Purpose of the Study: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically the performance of composite resin used to restore midline diastema between the maxillary and mandibular central incisors. Methodology: Direct composite restorations were done for 45 patients with midline diastema between the maxillary and mandibular central incisors. Standard protocols were followed for the placement of composite resin for the diastema closure, and recall visits were made for every 6 months for a period o...
Comparative evaluation of probing depth and clinical attachment level using a manual probe and Florida probe
Amandeep Kour; Ashish Kumar; Komal Puri; Manish Khatri; Mansi Bansal; Geeti Gupta
Background: To compare and evaluate the intra- and inter-examiner efficacy and reproducibility of the first-generation manual (Williams) probe and the third-generation Florida probe in terms of measuring pocket probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Materials and Methods: Forty subjects/4000 sites were included in this comparative, cross-sectional study. Group- and site-wise categorizations were done. Based on gingival index, PD, and CAL, patients were divided into four group...
Clinical evaluation of the modified tension band wiring technique for the fractured patella
Gudapati, Dr Dinesh; V.R, Dr Chandrakanth; Reddy.P, Dr Praveen Kumar; T. M.; K.N, Dr Arun; Mugadlimath, Anand Basayya
The patella is of importance for the extension of the knee joint. It increases the force of the quadriceps apparatus by improving the leverage. In addition, it protects the anterior articular surface of the distal femur against external violence, but may easily be injured due to its unprotected position.Several methods of internal fixation of fractured patella have been advocated. This dissertation is directed towards the clinical evaluation of the modified tension band wiring technique for t...
Clinical evaluation of cardiac effects of experimental doxycycline overdosing in healthy calves
Amory Hélène; Detilleux Johann; Desmecht Daniel; Rollin Frédéric; Brihoum Mounir
Abstract Background Cardiac morphologic and functional changes consistent with cardiomyopathy have been reported in field cases of calves with accidental doxycycline overdosing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinically the cardiac effects of an experimentally-induced doxycycline overdosing in healthy calves. Twelve 2 months-old healthy Belgian Blue calves were studied. Six of them (group 1) received the normal dose (5 mg/kg, BID) and the six others (group 2) received five times th...
Clinical evaluation of cissus quadrangularis and moringa oleifera and osteoseal as osteogenic agents in mandibular fracture
Singh, Vibha; Singh, Narendra; Pal, U. S.; Dhasmana, Satish; Mohammad, Shadab; Singh, Nimisha
Background: Ayurveda the ancient science of medicine describes various herb preparations that achieve the hastening of bone healing. Harjor showed clinical efficacy in the treatment of fractures. Objectives: The comparative evaluation of herbal agents as osteogenic agents in mandibular fractures. Study design: The patients were divided into four groups. Group 1: Osteoseal; Group 3: Harjor (Cissus quadrangularis); Group 2: Moringa (Moringa Oleifera); Group 4: Placebo. Result and Conclusion: Pa...
Controlled clinical evaluations of chlorine dioxide, chlorite and chlorate in man.
Lubbers, J R; Chauan, S; Bianchine, J. R.
To assess the relative safety of chronically administered chlorine water disinfectants in man, a controlled study was undertaken. The clinical evaluation was conducted in the three phases common to investigational drug studies. Phase I, a rising dose tolerance investigation, examined the acute effects of progressively increasing single doses of chlorine disinfectants to normal healthy adult male volunteers. Phase II considered the impact on normal subjects of daily ingestion of the disinfecta...
ND: YAG Laser in the therapy of hypersensitivity teeth clinical evaluation
Kovacevska, Ivona; Dimova, Cena; Georgiev, Zlatko
Introduction: Various methods and materials are used in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. Sealing of open dentinal tubules is one of the methods to reach insensibility. Laser as a source of coherent radiation is used to melt layers of dentine surface. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Nd: YAG laser in the therapy of hypersensitive teeth. Study design: 43 patients of both sex at the age 26 - 54 were included in the study for cli...
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of maxillary central incisors exposure in patients undergoing maxillary advancement
Trento, Guilherme dos Santos; Bernabé, Felipe Bueno Rosettti; da Costa, Delson João; Rebellato, Nelson Luis Barbosa; Klüppel, Leandro Eduardo; Scariot, Rafaela
Abstract Introduction: Patients with dentofacial deformities may undergo orthodontic or orthodontic-surgical treatment. Both modalities can affect esthetics. Objective: This study aims to evaluate clinical and radiographic changes in exposure of maxillary central incisors occurring after orthognathic surgery for maxillary advancement. Methods: A total of 17 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for maxillary advancement between September, 2010 and July, 2011 were selected. Exposure of m...
Clinical pathological evaluation and risk factors of oral cancer cases of east coast of peninsular Malaysia
Farini, M. S.; Azlina, A.; Rushdan, I.; Manoharan, M; Zain, R. B.; Samsudin, A. R.
Introduction: Oral cancer is one of the common cancers m Malaysia. Tile population of east coast of Peninsular Malaysia has a different hfestyle and Malay is the predominant race. Oral cancer research in this area started since the Malaysian National Oral Cancer group was established. The am: of this study is to evaluate the clinical pathological findings and to investigate the role of tobacco smoking, alcohol consurnption and betel quid chewing as tile risk factors among oral cancer cases m ...
Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers.
Pandit, S; Biswas, S; Jana, U; De, R K; Mukhopadhyay, S C; Biswas, T K
Purified Shilajit, an Ayurvedic rasayana, was evaluated in healthy volunteers of age between 45 and 55 years for its effect on male androgenic hormone viz. testosterone in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study at a dose of 250 mg twice a day. Treatment with Shilajit for consecutive 90 days revealed that it has significantly (P DHEAS) compared with placebo. Gonadotropic hormones (LH and FSH) levels were well maintained. PMID:26395129
Evaluation and management of diabetic patients in a primary healthcare clinic / Jana Luttig
Luttig, Jana
In many African countries, including South Africa, much attention has been centred on the management of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis epidemics. However, there is growing awareness in South Africa that life-style related non-communicable conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, represent an important health priority (Pirie, 2005:42). The general objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment of diabetic patients in clinics on primary healthcare level and to determine what contribution...
Evaluation and registration of adverse events in clinical drug trials in migraine
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Tfelt-Hansen, P.; Bjarnason, N.H.; Dahlof, C.; Derry, S.; Loder, E.; Massiou, H.
Tolerability of a drug should be regarded as important as its efficacy. In all four phases of drug development evaluation of adverse events is important. Recommendations for assessment of adverse events in acute and prophylactic clinical drug trials in migraine are given. Tolerability may be...... indirectly assessed using measures of general well-being and eight such tools are presented. Finally, recommendations for reporting of adverse events are given Udgivelsesdato: 2008/7...
Clinical evaluation of the Nucleus® 6 cochlear implant system: Performance improvements with SmartSound iQ
Mauger, Stefan J.; Warren, Chris D; Knight, Michelle R; Goorevich, Michael; Nel, Esti
Objective: This paper provides a detailed description of the Nucleus 6 system, and clinically evaluates user performance compared to the previous Nucleus 5 system in cochlear implant recipients. Additionally, it clinically evaluates a range of Nucleus 6 and Nucleus 5 programs to determine the performance benefits provided by new input processing technologies available in SmartSound iQ. Design Speech understanding tests were used to clinically validate the default Nucleus 6 program, by compari...
Criteria for evaluating response and outcome in clinical trials for children with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.
LENUS (Irish Health Repository)
Niemeyer, Charlotte M
Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia is a rare myeloproliferative disease in young children. While hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative therapeutic option for most patients, children with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia increasingly receive novel agents in phase I-II clinical trials as pre-transplant therapy or therapy for relapse after transplantation. However, response criteria or definitions of outcome for standardized evaluation of treatment effect in patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia are currently lacking. Here we propose criteria to evaluate the response to the non-transplant therapy and definitions of remission status after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. For the evaluation of non-transplant therapy, we defined 6 clinical variables (white blood cell count, platelet count, hematopoietic precursors and blasts in peripheral blood, bone marrow blast percentage, spleen size and extramedullary disease) and 3 genetic variables (cytogenetic, molecular and chimerism response) which serve to describe the heterogeneous picture of response to therapy in each individual case. It is hoped that these criteria will facilitate the comparison of results between clinical trials in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia.
Evaluation of Clinical and Ultrasonographic Parameters in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Treated with Adalimumab: A Retrospective Study
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M. Teoli
Full Text Available Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and US-PD parameters in PsA during adalimumab treatment. Methods. A retrospective study has been conducted in forty patients affected by moderate-to-severe peripheral PsA. Clinical, laboratory, and US-PD evaluations were performed at baseline, after 4, 12, and 24 weeks of treatment. They included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, C-reactive protein (CRP, visual analogue scale (VAS, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ modified for Spondyloarthritis, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI score, the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS 28, and US-PD assessment. US-PD findings were scored according to a semiquantitative scale (ranging 0–3 for synovial proliferation (SP, joint effusion (SE, bone erosions (BE, and PD. Results. Data obtained for clinical, laboratory findings and US-PD evaluation showed statistical significant improvement in all the measures performed except for BE. A significant parallel decrease in SE, SP, and PD values were demonstrated. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that US-PD is a valid technique in monitoring the response to adalimumab in moderate-to-severe PsA.
Ideas and Methods of Research on Measurement and Evaluation of Clinical Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Tumor
Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)
@@ Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a glorious history of over 3000 years. The daily increasing demand of Chinese herbal medicine in the world has urged the international society to pay more attention to TCM, which also means a new opportunity for and challenge to the study and development of TCM. Clinical therapeutic effect is the lifeline of TCM, but the present measurement for clinical effect evaluation fails to reflect the essential effect of TCM. Therefore, how to measure and evaluate objectively the clinical effect of TCM becomes a problem we have to study studiously. World Health Organization (WHO)is very much concerned about the clinical effect evaluation of traditional medicines, and has formulated the "Guidance of Researches on Safety and Validity Evaluation of Phyto-Drugs"(1). In this paper,the authors would mainly discuss the ideas and methods in studying measurement and evaluation of clinical effect of TCM (MECE-TCM) in treating malignant tumor.
Typing and Antibiogram of Vibrio cholerae Isolates from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pune: A 3 Year Study
Palewar, Meghna S; Choure, Archana C; Mudshingkar, Swati; Dohe, Vaishali; Kagal, Anju; Bhardwaj, Renu; Jaiswal, Abhishek; Sarkar, Banwarilal
A retrospective analysis was done over a period of 3 years (January 2010- December 2012) in a tertiary care hospital, Pune, to note the changes in the prevalence and distribution of biotypes, serotypes, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and phage types of Vibrio cholerae isolates from clinical samples so as to be vigilant and curtail major outbreak in future. Vibrio cholerae isolates were obtained from 4.4% of the 1126 fecal specimens processed from cases of acute watery diarrhea. Majority of the isolates were identified as V. cholerae O1 biotype El Tor serotype Ogawa (98%); Phage 27 was the predominant type (77.5%). Majority of the cases were encountered during the months June-August (68%). Antibiogram over a period of 3 years showed that isolates were consistently resistant to Ampicillin (90%) and Furazolidone (88%). Low level of resistance was seen with Norfloxacin (8%), Gentamicin (8%) and Tetracycline (6%). All isolates were susceptible to Chloramphenicol. PMID:25722619
Typing and antibiogram of Vibrio cholerae isolates from a tertiary care hospital in Pune: A 3 year study
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Meghna S Palewar
Full Text Available A retrospective analysis was done over a period of 3 years (January 2010- December 2012 in a tertiary care hospital, Pune, to note the changes in the prevalence and distribution of biotypes, serotypes, antibiotic susceptibility pattern and phage types of Vibrio cholerae isolates from clinical samples so as to be vigilant and curtail major outbreak in future. Vibrio cholerae isolates were obtained from 4.4% of the 1126 fecal specimens processed from cases of acute watery diarrhea. Majority of the isolates were identified as V. cholerae O1 biotype El Tor serotype Ogawa (98%; Phage 27 was the predominant type (77.5%. Majority of the cases were encountered during the months June-August (68%. Antibiogram over a period of 3 years showed that isolates were consistently resistant to Ampicillin (90% and Furazolidone (88%. Low level of resistance was seen with Norfloxacin (8%, Gentamicin (8% and Tetracycline (6%. All isolates were susceptible to Chloramphenicol.
Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of a Resin-Based Root Canal Sealer: 10-Year Recall Data
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Osvaldo Zmener
Full Text Available Objectives. This retrospective clinical and radiographical study evaluated the 10-year outcome of one-visit endodontic treatment with gutta-percha and a methacrylate resin-based sealer. Methods. From an initial sample size of 180 patients, 89 patients with 175 root canals responded to a recall. Treatment outcome was based on predetermined clinical and radiographic criteria. Results. Root canals had been adequately filled to the working length in 80 teeth (89.88%, short in 6 instances (6.74%, while 3 (3.37% with extrusion immediate postoperatively, showed no sealer in periradicular tissues. The difference in the outcomes of treatments with respect to age, gender, preoperative pulp or periapical status, the size of periapical lesions and the type of permanent restorations were not statistically significantly different (>0.05. Overall, 7 (7.86% cases were considered clinically and radiographically a failure. A life table analysis showed a cumulative probability of success of 92.13% after 10 years with a 95% confidence interval of 83.0 to 94.0. Conclusions. The results of this retrospective clinical and radiographical study suggest that the tested methacrylate-resin based sealer used with gutta-percha performed similarly to other root canal sealers over a period 10 years. Clinical Implications. Considering the success rate after 10 years of this methacrylate resin-based sealer can be recommended as an alternative to other commonly used root canal sealers.
Evaluation of clinical teaching and professional development in a problem and community-based nursing module
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J.C de Villiers
Full Text Available In South Africa the main focus is on primary health care. This affects the education and training of nurses, and training schools must respond by developing appropriate teaching modules. A school of nursing developed, implemented and revised a problem- and community- based learning module over a period of three years (1996-1998. This student-centered module focuses on students' needs, active participation, collaboration, accountability, self-assessment, self-study, life-long learning and appropriate skills. In the formal clinical teaching environment PBL was the main approach. However, this approach was also supported by a variety of strategies, for example group discussions and scenarios. The knowledge, attitudes and professional development skills acquired in the PBL approach were then applied informally in the community setting (CBE. The purpose of the study was to evaluate a first year clinical teaching module as part of an extensive programme. A quantitative research method, a descriptive design, and a variety of data collection techniques were used. Conclusions were that clinical teaching was effective within the problem- (PBL and community-based (CBE approaches; 78% of respondents were positive about the clinical learning environment; 61 % stated that expectations were met; 81% preferred group activities, and 67% indicated that they had developed professional skills. Facilitators agreed that clinical teaching met the requirements of PBL & CBE. The pass rate also improved.
Evaluation of clinical and MR findings for the prognosis of spinal epidural haematomas
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
AIM: The potential of MR and clinical findings of spinal epidural haematomas (SEHs), particularly the early MR findings, to help minimize delays in diagnosis, to aid prognosis and as a reference for conservative treatment, are evaluated. METHODS: Retrospectively 20 patients with SEHs (14 men and 6 women) were examined to record their neurological deficit, MR findings, management, clinical outcome, and interval between symptom onset and MRI or surgery. Two-tailed Fisher's exact test was used for these analyses. RESULTS: Of 8 patients with severe neurological deficit at the onset of symptoms, none had obvious clinical improvement after either surgical or conservative management. Of 12 patients with mild to moderate deficits, 11 (92%) showed improvement or recovery of clinical symptoms. T2-weighted images revealed myelopathy or infarction of the compressed spinal cord in 9 patients, 7 (78%) of whom had no improvement in neurological deficit with either conservative or surgical management. Images in 6 patients showed contrast enhancement in the haematomas. CONCLUSION: Poor clinical outcomes were observed mainly in those with severe neurological deficit and hyperintensity on T2-weighted images of the involved spinal cord. Surgery did not appear to improve outcome in many of these patients. In acute SEHs, MRI showed characteristic findings, such as contrast enhancement, which should not be confused with signs of inflammatory or neoplastic epidural disease
Re-Evaluation of Clinical Dementia Diagnoses with Pittsburgh Compound B Positron Emission Tomography
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M. Degerman Gunnarsson
Full Text Available Objectives: There is an overlap regarding Pittsburgh compound B (PIB retention in patients clinically diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease (AD and non-AD dementia. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there are any differences between PIB-positive and PIB-negative patients in a mixed cohort of patients with neurodegenerative dementia of mild severity regarding neuropsychological test performance and regional cerebral glucose metabolism measured with [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG positron emission tomography (PET. Methods: Eighteen patients clinically diagnosed as probable AD or frontotemporal dementia were examined with PIB PET, FDG PET and neuropsychological tests and followed for 5-9 years in a clinical setting. Results: The PIB-positive patients (7 out of 18 had slower psychomotor speed and more impaired visual episodic memory than the PIB-negative patients; otherwise performance did not differ between the groups. The initial clinical diagnoses were changed in one third of the patients (6 out of 18 during follow-up. Conclusions: The subtle differences in neuropsychological performance, the overlap of hypometabolic patterns and clinical features between AD and non-AD dementia highlight the need for amyloid biomarkers and a readiness to re-evaluate the initial diagnosis.
The Impact of Nutrition on Child Development at 3 Years in a Rural Community of India
Syed Sadat Ali; Dhaded; Shivprasad Goudar
Background: In India, child malnutrition is mostly the result of high levels of exposure to infection and inappropriate infant and young child feeding and caring practices and has its origins almost entirely during the first 2 to 3 years of life. This study aims in assessing the impact of breast feeding on child development of children at 3 years. Methods: About 530 children at 3 years were assessed for developmental delay by Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). Growth measurements and he...
Evaluating the informatics for integrating biology and the bedside system for clinical research
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Meystre Stéphane M
Full Text Available Abstract Background Selecting patient cohorts is a critical, iterative, and often time-consuming aspect of studies involving human subjects; informatics tools for helping streamline the process have been identified as important infrastructure components for enabling clinical and translational research. We describe the evaluation of a free and open source cohort selection tool from the Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside (i2b2 group: the i2b2 hive. Methods Our evaluation included the usability and functionality of the i2b2 hive using several real world examples of research data requests received electronically at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center between 2006 - 2008. The hive server component and the visual query tool application were evaluated for their suitability as a cohort selection tool on the basis of the types of data elements requested, as well as the effort required to fulfill each research data request using the i2b2 hive alone. Results We found the i2b2 hive to be suitable for obtaining estimates of cohort sizes and generating research cohorts based on simple inclusion/exclusion criteria, which consisted of about 44% of the clinical research data requests sampled at our institution. Data requests that relied on post-coordinated clinical concepts, aggregate values of clinical findings, or temporal conditions in their inclusion/exclusion criteria could not be fulfilled using the i2b2 hive alone, and required one or more intermediate data steps in the form of pre- or post-processing, modifications to the hive metadata, etc. Conclusion The i2b2 hive was found to be a useful cohort-selection tool for fulfilling common types of requests for research data, and especially in the estimation of initial cohort sizes. For another institution that might want to use the i2b2 hive for clinical research, we recommend that the institution would need to have structured, coded clinical data and metadata available that can be
A clinical evaluation of comprehensive dental treatment for children under general anesthesia.
Su, H L; Chen, P S
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the comprehensive dental treatment for children under general anesthesia. From 1989 to 1991, 57 children with mean age of 3 years 2 months were treated, followed up with a minimal of 1 year. This procedure allows the dentition to be restored in one visit. Further care including preventive options and behavior shaping was provided on a 3-6 months recall schedule. The reasons for general anesthesia are that these children were either unable to accept treatment because of handicaps, extreme fear or young age. Their mean number of decayed tooth was 15 (Standard Deviation, SD = 5) and nearly three quarters of the children were under 6 years old. The most frequent treatment procedures were the extraction of teeth, composite resin restoration and Ni-Cr crown restoration. The Ni-Cr crown (1.7% failure rate) was more successful than the amalgam and composite resin restoration (9.7% failure rate). Pedo-strip crown had the highest failure rate (22%) for anterior teeth restoration. Nineteen children needed retreatment with conventional behavior guide. Six children had new caries and required further treatment. Thirty eight children returned for regular recall during the minimal 1 year follow-up period. PMID:1295652
Multiple trait genetic evaluation of clinical mastitis in three dairy cattle breeds.
Govignon-Gion, A; Dassonneville, R; Baloche, G; Ducrocq, V
In 2010, a routine genetic evaluation on occurrence of clinical mastitis in three main dairy cattle breeds-- Montbéliarde (MO), Normande (NO) and Holstein (HO)--was implemented in France. Records were clinical mastitis events reported by farmers to milk recording technicians and the analyzed trait was the binary variable describing the occurrence of a mastitis case within the first 150 days of the first three lactations. Genetic parameters of clinical mastitis were estimated for the three breeds. Low heritability estimates were found: between 2% and 4% depending on the breed. Despite its low heritability, the trait exhibits genetic variation so efficient genetic improvement is possible. Genetic correlations with other traits were estimated, showing large correlations (often>0.50, in absolute value) between clinical mastitis and somatic cell score (SCS), longevity and some udder traits. Correlation with milk yield was moderate and unfavorable (ρ=0.26 to 0.30). High milking speed was genetically associated with less mastitis in MO (ρ=-0.14) but with more mastitis in HO (ρ=0.18). A two-step approach was implemented for routine evaluation: first, a univariate evaluation based on a linear animal model with permanent environment effect led to pre-adjusted records (defined as records corrected for all non-genetic effects) and associated weights. These data were then combined with similar pre-adjusted records for others traits in a multiple trait BLUP animal model. The combined breeding values for clinical mastitis obtained are the official (published) ones. Mastitis estimated breeding values (EBV) were then combined with SCSs EBV into an udder health index, which receives a weight of 14.5% to 18.5% in the French total merit index (ISU) of the three breeds. Interbull genetic correlations for mastitis occurrence were very high (ρ=0.94) with Nordic countries, where much stricter recording systems exist reflecting a satisfactory quality of phenotypes as reported by the
Effects of 6 Months ALL Treatment on Psychosocial Development and Emotional Status in Children Aged 1 to 3 Years
Arzu Kantarcıoğlu; Melike Evim Sezgin; Birol Baytan; Adalet Meral Güneş
Introduction: The aim of the current study was to evaluate possible effects of cancer treatment on psychosocial development and emotional state among children who was diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) before hospitalization and six months after treatment process.Materials and Methods: Twelve patients aged 1 to 3 years were screened before and six months after treatment. AGTE (Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory) and BITSEA (Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessme...
Pediatricians' oral health recommendations for 0- to 3-year-old children: results of a survey in Thuringia, Germany
Wagner, Yvonne; Heinrich-Weltzien, Roswitha
Background German societies of pediatricians and dentists disagree about oral health-related preventive recommendations (use of fluoride supplements, fluoride-containing toothpaste) for children aged 0–3 years. After failure to reach a consensus, there is no study that has evaluated the guidelines that pediatricians use in daily practice. Methods A standardized questionnaire was sent to all 167 practicing pediatricians in the state of Thuringia, Germany, to assess the current oral health-rela...
An evaluation of remote communication versus face-to-face in clinical dental education.
Martin, N; Lazalde, O Martínez; Stokes, C; Romano, D
Distance learning and internet-based delivery of educational content are becoming very popular as an alternative to real face-to-face delivery. Clinical-based discussions still remain greatly face-to-face despite the advancement of remote communication and internet sharing technology. In this study we have compared three communication modalities between a learner and educator: audio and video using voice over internet protocol (VoIP) alone [AV]; audio and video VoIP with the addition of a three dimensional virtual artefact [AV3D] and physical face-to-face [FTF]. Clinical case discussions based on fictitious patients were held between a 'learner' and an 'expert' using the three communication modalities. The learner presented a clinical scenario to the experts, with the aid of a prop (partially dentate cast, digitised for AV3D), to obtain advice on the management of the clinical case. Each communication modality was tested in timed exercises in a random order among one of three experts (senior clinical restorative staff) and a learner (from a cohort of 15 senior clinical undergraduate students) all from the School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield. All learners and experts used each communication modality in turn with no prior training. Video recording and structured analysis were used to ascertain learner behaviour and levels of interactivity. Evaluation questionnaires were completed by experts and learners immediately after the experiment to ascertain effectiveness of information exchange and barriers/facilitators to communication. The video recordings showed that students were more relaxed with AV and AV3D than FTF (p = 0.01). The evaluation questionnaires showed that students felt they could provide (p = 0.03) and obtain (p = 0.003) more information using the FTF modality, followed by AV and then AV3D. Experts also ranked FTF better than AV and AV3D for providing (p = 0.012) and obtaining (p = 0) information to/from the expert. Physical face
Evaluating current automatic de-identification methods with Veteran's health administration clinical documents
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Ferrández Oscar
Full Text Available Abstract Background The increased use and adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHR causes a tremendous growth in digital information useful for clinicians, researchers and many other operational purposes. However, this information is rich in Protected Health Information (PHI, which severely restricts its access and possible uses. A number of investigators have developed methods for automatically de-identifying EHR documents by removing PHI, as specified in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act "Safe Harbor" method. This study focuses on the evaluation of existing automated text de-identification methods and tools, as applied to Veterans Health Administration (VHA clinical documents, to assess which methods perform better with each category of PHI found in our clinical notes; and when new methods are needed to improve performance. Methods We installed and evaluated five text de-identification systems "out-of-the-box" using a corpus of VHA clinical documents. The systems based on machine learning methods were trained with the 2006 i2b2 de-identification corpora and evaluated with our VHA corpus, and also evaluated with a ten-fold cross-validation experiment using our VHA corpus. We counted exact, partial, and fully contained matches with reference annotations, considering each PHI type separately, or only one unique 'PHI' category. Performance of the systems was assessed using recall (equivalent to sensitivity and precision (equivalent to positive predictive value metrics, as well as the F2-measure. Results Overall, systems based on rules and pattern matching achieved better recall, and precision was always better with systems based on machine learning approaches. The highest "out-of-the-box" F2-measure was 67% for partial matches; the best precision and recall were 95% and 78%, respectively. Finally, the ten-fold cross validation experiment allowed for an increase of the F2-measure to 79% with partial matches
Clinical evaluation of CT discography in the diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation
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The CT discographic findings of 56 discs in 43 patients with low-back and/or leg pain were evaluated mainly from the clinical standpoint including pain provocation during the injection of the contrast material, correlation between the type of the herniation and symptoms and clinical course after the examination. The clinical value of CT discography is controversial, but it is well recognized that CT discography is the diagnostic method of choice for equivocal situations as patients showing negative myelography and significant symptoms and for the preoperative evaluation of patient thought to have the extreme lateral disc herniation. Exact provoked pain response was noted in 72 % of 43 pathologic discs and almost all discs especially in patients showing positive SLR test at less than 70 deg. So this pain response seems to provide additional information indicating the true pathologic disc level. Sciatic pain in the legs was much more frequently seen in the paramedian or lateral type herniation, but there was no relation between low-back pain and central type herniation. Majority of either type of disc herniation showed both low-back and leg pains. This suggests that clinical symptoms are based on not only disc herniation but also disc degeneration itself. We injected steroid (4 mg of Decadron) and local anesthetic (1 ml of 1 % Carbocain) into the disc after the examination for the purpose of improving the clinical symptoms as the first attempt. Definite improvement of various degree was noted in 56 % of total 43 cases after the procedure and CT discography was thought to be a valuable method of diagnosis in proper indications despite risky needle puncture. (author)
Clinical evaluation of endodotic therapy on periodontal tissue healing in chronic advanced periodontitis
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Sadeghi R.
Full Text Available Statement of Problem: There is a controversy about the relationship between pulpal and periodontal diseases. The interrelationship between pulp and periodontium could have an important effect on the treatment plan of the tooth. Purpose: The aim of the present research is to evaluate root canal therapy effects on periodontal healing of teeth with chronic advanced periodontitis. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial 32 single rooted teeth which had necrotic pulp or irreversible pulpitis in 7 patients with chronic advanced periodontitis were selected based on specific criteria. Using a split mouth design, teeth were randomly put in two groups of test and control. In the test group root canal therapy ,scaling & root planing were done.In the control group, only scaling & root planing were performed. Clinical parameters including Pocket Depth (PD, Clinical Attachment Level (CAL, mobility, pattern of bone destruction and plaque index (PI were evaluated in two groups at base line, 1 and 3 months after treatment. Appropriate tests such as paired Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney were performed. Results: Statistically significant reductions were found in the test group when comparing baseline and one-month post treatment values for Clinical Attachment level (CAL but not after 3-months. In the control group the CAL reductions were not statistically significant between baseline and one month post-treatment, but a increase were observed between one month and three months after treatment. There was a statstically significant difference between the test and the control groups. Other parameters didn't show any significant differences in each group and between two groups. Conclusion: Since clinical attachment level was the most important parameter we found it can high lighted the role of pathogene with pulpal origin in progression of periodeontal disease and it is concluded that beside periodontal treatment in some advanced periodontal
[Sample size calculation in clinical post-marketing evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine].
Fu, Yingkun; Xie, Yanming
In recent years, as the Chinese government and people pay more attention on the post-marketing research of Chinese Medicine, part of traditional Chinese medicine breed has or is about to begin after the listing of post-marketing evaluation study. In the post-marketing evaluation design, sample size calculation plays a decisive role. It not only ensures the accuracy and reliability of post-marketing evaluation. but also assures that the intended trials will have a desired power for correctly detecting a clinically meaningful difference of different medicine under study if such a difference truly exists. Up to now, there is no systemic method of sample size calculation in view of the traditional Chinese medicine. In this paper, according to the basic method of sample size calculation and the characteristic of the traditional Chinese medicine clinical evaluation, the sample size calculation methods of the Chinese medicine efficacy and safety are discussed respectively. We hope the paper would be beneficial to medical researchers, and pharmaceutical scientists who are engaged in the areas of Chinese medicine research. PMID:22292397
One-year clinical evaluation of posterior packable resin composite restorations.
Loguercio, A D; Reis, A; Rodrigues Filho, L E; Busato, A L
This study evaluated the clinical performance of four packable resin composite restorative materials in posterior teeth (Class I and II) compared with one hybrid composite after one year. Eighty-four restorations were placed in 16 patients. Each patient received at least five restorations. The tested materials were: (1) Solitaire + Solid Bond; (2) ALERT + Bond-1; (3) Surefil + Prime & Bond NT (4) Filtek P60 + Single Bond and; (5) TPH Spectrum + Prime & Bond 2.1. All restorations were made using rubber dam isolation, and the cavity design was restricted to the elimination of carious tissue. Deeper cavities were covered with calcium hydroxide and/or glass ionomer cement. In shallow and medium cavities, no protection was performed except for the respective adhesive system used in each group. Each adhesive system and resin composite was placed according to the manufacturer's instructions. One week later, the restorations were finished/polished and evaluated according to the USPHS modified criteria. All patients attended the one-year recall, and the 84 restorations were evaluated at that time based on the same evaluation criteria. The scores were submitted to statistical analysis (Chi-square test, p<0.05). Solitaire and TPH showed some fractures at marginal ridges. Solitaire, ALERT and TPH showed some concerns related to color match and surface texture. Surefil and Filtek P60 showed an excellent clinical performance after one year. PMID:11551005
Development of polarization dental imaging modality and evaluation of its clinical feasibility
Kim, Eunji; Son, Taeyoon; Bae, Yunjin; Jung, Byungjo
Recently, it has become more important to objectively analyze teeth color in terms of esthetical point of view. In the evaluation of tooth color, the specular reflection caused by saliva on tooth may cause artifacts in analysis. In this study, a polarization dental imaging modality (PDIM) was developed to address the specular reflection problems. Clinical validity was evaluated by performing three studies such as shade-guide selection for implant, plaque distribution detection, and evaluation of tooth whitening. In the selection of shade-guide, in-vivo human teeth and shade-guide color images were obtained. The minimum color difference between shade-guide and tooth was calculated using Euclidian distance. In the plaque distribution detection, teeth disclosing agent was used to differentiate plaque from teeth and images were taken. In the evaluation of whitening, whiteness indices were calculated using 29 shade-guide images. Results presented that the new imaging modality could provide reproducible images by effectively removing the specular reflection on teeth surface and therefore, minimize artifacts in the quantitatively analysis of shade-guide selection, plaque detection, and tooth whitening. In conclusion, the PDIM potentially proved its clinical efficacy as a new imaging modality.
Clinical and diagnostic methods for evaluation of sharp foreign body syndrome in buffaloes
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Nasr-Eldin M. Aref
Full Text Available Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate clinically and under laboratory condition the sharp foreign body syndrome (SFBS in buffaloes with special emphasis on the diagnostic value of radiography, ultrasonography and blood gases and acidbase balance. Materials and Methods: 196 buffaloes with a history of anorexia, reduction of milk production and no response to previous medical treatment were included in the present study. These animals were subjected to clinical and radiographical examinations. Positive cases for SFBS were further evaluated by sonography, hemato-biochemical and blood gas and acid base balance analysis.Results: Out of 196 admitted cases, 49 (25% cases were confirmed as SFBS by clinical and radiographical examination. Positive cases were subsequently divided into two main categories (complicated and non complicated according to radiographical and sonographical findings. SFBS with no complication was diagnosed in 16 cases while 33 cases showed various degrees of complication including reticular adhesion (abdominal and diaphragmatic, n= 23, diaphragmatic hernia (n = 6 and traumatic pericarditis (n = 4. Leukocytosis, hyperprotenemia and increased activity of AST and ALT were of additional values in the diagnosis of SFBS. A consistent finding of primary metabolic alkalosis was recorded in all cases except one with advanced traumatic pericarditis that showed metabolic acidosis. Conclusion: While there is no substitution for clinical examination, using of ultrasonography and radiography simultaneously are essential for proper evaluation and differentiation between various sequelae of SFBS in buffaloes. Radiography is an efficient tool for visualization of metallic foreign body while ultrasonography is an excellent device in assessing fibrinous deposits. Hemato-biochemical and blood gases and acid base balance are of additional values in discriminating between various outcomes of SFBS.
Large ameloblastic fibro-odontoma in a 3 year- old child: case report
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Laurindo Moacir Sassi
Full Text Available Introduction: The ameloblastic fibro-odontoma is a rare mixed neoplasm composed of proliferating odontogenic epithelium, ectomesenchymal tissue, and varying degrees of dental hard tissue formation. The mean age of the incidence is from 8-12 years and there is no gender or anatomic site predilection, but it is most commonly found in children's or teenager's jaws. Case report: A 3-year-old female patient showed a swelling in anterior maxilla, with facial asymmetry. Radiographically, it presented as a mixed lesion with undefined limits. Clinical hypothesis was odontoma. Enucleating surgery was conducted with tooth germs preservation. The final diagnosis was ameloblastic fibro-odontoma. No recurrence was observed at 1-year follow-up period, and the permanent tooth germs were correctly positioned for eruption. Conclusion: Although ameloblastic fibro-odontoma is a benign lesion, it developed in a very early age, with rapid growth and destruction of cortical bone. Proper surgical enucleation allowed the teeth maintenance.
Conservative management of external root resorption after tooth reimplantation: a 3-year follow-up.
Ionta, Franciny Querobim; de Oliveira, Gabriela Cristina; de Alencar, Catarina Ribeiro Barros; Gonçalves, Priscilla Santana Pinto; Alcalde, Murilo Priori; Minotti, Paloma Gagliardi; Machado, Maria Aparecida de Andrade Moreira; Rios, Daniela
The aim of this case report is to describe the treatment of a 9-year-old patient who suffered external root resorption of the permanent maxillary left lateral incisor following reimplantation of the avulsed left central and lateral incisors. Sixteen days after reimplantation and splinting of the incisors in a hospital emergency department, the patient was brought to the pediatric department of a dental school for further treatment. Root canal access was created in the maxillary left lateral and central incisors, and calcium hydroxide paste was used as intracanal dressing. At the 5-month follow-up, a radiograph revealed extensive external root resorption, a communicating root canal, and a periodontal lesion affecting the left lateral incisor. Management of the root resorption included obturation of the apical third of the canal with gutta percha and the middle third with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). At the 3-year recall examination, the patient was asymptomatic, and no mobility or soft tissue alterations were observed clinically. There was no radiographic sign that resorption had progressed. Despite the success of treatment, observation is still required. The use of MTA may be considered an alternative treatment for external root resorption after tooth reimplantation. The technique may allow tooth preservation in children until skeletal growth and development are completed and implant treatment may be considered. PMID:27367632
Gender-specific factors associated with shorter sleep duration at age 3 years.
Plancoulaine, Sabine; Lioret, Sandrine; Regnault, Nolwenn; Heude, Barbara; Charles, Marie-Aline
Total sleep duration has been decreasing among children in the last decades. Short sleep duration (SSD) has been associated with deleterious health consequences, such as excess weight/obesity. Risk factors for SSD have already been studied among school-aged children and adolescents, but inconsistent results have been reported regarding possible gender differences. Studies reporting such relationships are scarce in preschoolers, despite the importance of this period for adopting healthy behaviour. We aimed to investigate factors associated with SSD in 3-year-old boys (n = 546) and girls (n = 482) in a French Mother-Child Cohort (EDEN Study). Children were born between 2003 and 2006 in two French university hospitals. Clinical examinations and parent self-reported questionnaires allowed us to collect sociodemographic (e.g. income, education, family situation, child-minding system), maternal [e.g. body mass index (BMI), parity, depression, breastfeeding duration] and child's characteristics (e.g. gender, birth weight, term, physical activity and TV viewing duration, food consumption, usual sleep time). Sleep duration/24-h period was calculated and SSD was defined as sleep physiology, or both. PMID:26041449
Evaluation of features to support safety and quality in general practice clinical software
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Schattner Peter
Full Text Available Abstract Background Electronic prescribing is now the norm in many countries. We wished to find out if clinical software systems used by general practitioners in Australia include features (functional capabilities and other characteristics that facilitate improved patient safety and care, with a focus on quality use of medicines. Methods Seven clinical software systems used in general practice were evaluated. Fifty software features that were previously rated as likely to have a high impact on safety and/or quality of care in general practice were tested and are reported here. Results The range of results for the implementation of 50 features across the 7 clinical software systems was as follows: 17-31 features (34-62% were fully implemented, 9-13 (18-26% partially implemented, and 9-20 (18-40% not implemented. Key findings included: Access to evidence based drug and therapeutic information was limited. Decision support for prescribing was available but varied markedly between systems. During prescribing there was potential for medicine mis-selection in some systems, and linking a medicine with its indication was optional. The definition of 'current medicines' versus 'past medicines' was not always clear. There were limited resources for patients, and some medicines lists for patients were suboptimal. Results were provided to the software vendors, who were keen to improve their systems. Conclusions The clinical systems tested lack some of the features expected to support patient safety and quality of care. Standards and certification for clinical software would ensure that safety features are present and that there is a minimum level of clinical functionality that clinicians could expect to find in any system.
A new cognitive evaluation battery for Down syndrome and its relevance for clinical trials
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Susana ede Sola
Full Text Available The recent prospect of pharmaceutical interventions for cognitive impairment of Down syndrome(DS has boosted a number of clinical trials in this population. However, running the trials has raised some methodological challenges and questioned the prevailing methodology used to evaluate cognitive functioning of DS individuals. This is usually achieved by comparing DS individuals to matched healthy controls of the same mental age. We propose a new tool, the TESDAD Battery that uses comparison with age-matched typically developed adults. This is an advantageous method for probing the clinical efficacy of DS therapies, allowing the interpretation and prediction of functional outcomes in clinical trials. In our DS population the TESDAD battery permitted a quantitative assessment of cognitive defects, which indicated language dysfunction and deficits in executive function, as the most important contributors to other cognitive and adaptive behavior outcomes as predictors of functional change in DS. Concretely, auditory comprehension and functional academics showed the highest potential as end-point measures of therapeutic intervention for clinical trials: the former as a cognitive key target for therapeutic intervention, and the latter as a primary functional outcome measure of clinical efficacy. Our results also emphasize the need to explore the modulating effects of IQ, gender and age on cognitive enhancing treatments. Noticeably, women performed significantly better than men of the same age and IQ in most cognitive tests, with the most consistent differences occurring in memory and executive functioning and negative trends rarely emerged on quality of life linked to the effect of age after adjusting for IQ and gender. In sum, the TESDAD battery is a useful neurocognitive tool for probing the clinical efficacy of experimental therapies in interventional studies in the DS population suggesting that age-matched controls are advantageous for determining
A new cognitive evaluation battery for Down syndrome and its relevance for clinical trials.
de Sola, Susana; de la Torre, Rafael; Sánchez-Benavides, Gonzalo; Benejam, Bessy; Cuenca-Royo, Aida; Del Hoyo, Laura; Rodríguez, Joan; Catuara-Solarz, Silvina; Sanchez-Gutierrez, Judit; Dueñas-Espin, Ivan; Hernandez, Gimena; Peña-Casanova, Jordi; Langohr, Klaus; Videla, Sebastia; Blehaut, Henry; Farre, Magi; Dierssen, Mara
The recent prospect of pharmaceutical interventions for cognitive impairment of Down syndrome (DS) has boosted a number of clinical trials in this population. However, running the trials has raised some methodological challenges and questioned the prevailing methodology used to evaluate cognitive functioning of DS individuals. This is usually achieved by comparing DS individuals to matched healthy controls of the same mental age. We propose a new tool, the TESDAD Battery that uses comparison with age-matched typically developed adults. This is an advantageous method for probing the clinical efficacy of DS therapies, allowing the interpretation and prediction of functional outcomes in clinical trials. In our DS population the TESDAD battery permitted a quantitative assessment of cognitive defects, which indicated language dysfunction and deficits in executive function, as the most important contributors to other cognitive and adaptive behavior outcomes as predictors of functional change in DS. Concretely, auditory comprehension and functional academics showed the highest potential as end-point measures of therapeutic intervention for clinical trials: the former as a cognitive key target for therapeutic intervention, and the latter as a primary functional outcome measure of clinical efficacy. Our results also emphasize the need to explore the modulating effects of IQ, gender and age on cognitive enhancing treatments. Noticeably, women performed significantly better than men of the same age and IQ in most cognitive tests, with the most consistent differences occurring in memory and executive functioning and negative trends rarely emerged on quality of life linked to the effect of age after adjusting for IQ and gender. In sum, the TESDAD battery is a useful neurocognitive tool for probing the clinical efficacy of experimental therapies in interventional studies in the DS population suggesting that age-matched controls are advantageous for determining normalization of
Evaluation of features to support safety and quality in general practice clinical software
Background Electronic prescribing is now the norm in many countries. We wished to find out if clinical software systems used by general practitioners in Australia include features (functional capabilities and other characteristics) that facilitate improved patient safety and care, with a focus on quality use of medicines. Methods Seven clinical software systems used in general practice were evaluated. Fifty software features that were previously rated as likely to have a high impact on safety and/or quality of care in general practice were tested and are reported here. Results The range of results for the implementation of 50 features across the 7 clinical software systems was as follows: 17-31 features (34-62%) were fully implemented, 9-13 (18-26%) partially implemented, and 9-20 (18-40%) not implemented. Key findings included: Access to evidence based drug and therapeutic information was limited. Decision support for prescribing was available but varied markedly between systems. During prescribing there was potential for medicine mis-selection in some systems, and linking a medicine with its indication was optional. The definition of 'current medicines' versus 'past medicines' was not always clear. There were limited resources for patients, and some medicines lists for patients were suboptimal. Results were provided to the software vendors, who were keen to improve their systems. Conclusions The clinical systems tested lack some of the features expected to support patient safety and quality of care. Standards and certification for clinical software would ensure that safety features are present and that there is a minimum level of clinical functionality that clinicians could expect to find in any system.
da Rocha, Válney Luiz; Thomé, André Luiz Coelho; da Silva Castro, Daniel Labres; de Oliveira, Leandro Zica; de Moraes, Frederico Barra
Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological medium-term results from surgical treatment of developmental hip dysplasia through Salter innominate bone osteotomy and Ombrédanne femoral shortening. Methods: Fourteen patients were evaluated, with surgical treatment on 18 hips (seven right-side hips and eleven left-side hips) using the proposal technique, performed between 1998 and 2008. The Dutoit and Severin criteria were used respectively for clinical and radiographic evaluations. Results: The average preoperative index for the seven right-side hips was 43.3° (40° to 50°), and this was corrected through surgery to an average of 31.57° (24° to 42°). The average preoperative index for the eleven left-side hips was 42.1° (36° to 56°), and this was corrected through surgery to an average of 30.36° (20° to 44°). There was a statistically significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative acetabular indexes, with P > 0.05. The clinical evaluation showed that there were seven excellent hips (38.9%), eight good ones (44.4%), three fair hips (16.7%) and no poor ones (0%). By grouping the hips rated good and excellent as satisfactory and those rated poor and fair as unsatisfactory, 83.3% of the results were seen to be favorable. There were no statistically significant correlations between occurrences of complications and patient age at the time of surgery or between complications and the preoperative acetabular index (p > 0.05). The complications observed consisted of one case each of subluxation, osteonecrosis and osteonecrosis together with subluxation. Conclusion: The combined procedure of Salter and Ombrédanne is a viable option for treating developmental hip dysplasia after patients have started to walk. PMID:27027068
One-year clinical evaluation of compomer restorations in cervical lesions of different aetiology
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Premović Milica
Full Text Available Introduction. The aim of this one-year prospective clinical study was to evaluate the treatment results of compomer restorations (Dyract® eXtra/ Dentsply/De Trey, Konstanz, Germany with a single step self-etching dental adhesive (Xeno® III Dentsply/De Trey, Konstanz, Germany used for restoring class V lesions (non-carious and primary carious cervical lesions. Material and Methods. A total number of 62 class V restorations (n = 62 were placed by one dentist in 30 patients on incisors, canines and premolars. The fillings were placed due to different indications: non-carious cervical defects (n = 32 and primary carious lesions (n = 30. The restorations were evaluated by a single-blind design, according to the Modified United States Public Health Service system 6 and 12 months following the placement. The following were evaluated: retention, marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, wear, postoperative sensitivity and secondary caries. The statistical analysis compared the ratings of each criteria between materials using the Pearson chi-square or Fisher's exact test at a level of significance of 5% (p<0.05. Results. Two restorations of the non-carious lesion group were lost after 6 months, and after 12 months one restoration was lost in the group of primary carious lesions. There were no statistically significant differences between restorations for all evaluated criteria in both groups. Conclusion. The compomer restorations in combination with a single step self-etching dental adhesive showed acceptable clinical performance in Class V lesions after one year of clinical service.
Clinical Image Evaluation of Film Mammograms in Korea: Comparison with the ACR Standard
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Gwak, Yeon Joo; Kim, Hye Jung [Department of Radiology, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, Daegu 702-210 (Korea, Republic of); Kwak, Jin Young [Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 120-752 (Korea, Republic of); Son, Eun Ju [Department of Radiology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 135-720 (Korea, Republic of); Ko, Kyung Hee [Department of Radiology, Bundang CHA Hospital, CHA University College of Medicine, Seongnam 463-712 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Jin Hwa [Department of Radiology, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan 602-715 (Korea, Republic of); Lim, Hyo Soon [Department of Radiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 501-757 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, You Jin [Department of Radiology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 700-721 (Korea, Republic of); Park, Ji Won; Shin, Kyung Min [Department of Radiology, Kyungpook National University Medical Center, Daegu 702-210 (Korea, Republic of); Jang, Yun-Jin [Department of Radiology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu 700-721 (Korea, Republic of)
The goal of this study is to compare the overall quality of film mammograms taken according to the Korean standards with the American College of Radiology (ACR) standard for clinical image evaluation and to identify means of improving mammography quality in Korea. Four hundred and sixty eight sets of film mammograms were evaluated with respect to the Korean and ACR standards for clinical image evaluation. The pass and failure rates of mammograms were compared by medical facility types. Average scores in each category of the two standards were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify an optimal Korean standard pass mark by taking the ACR standard as the reference standard. 93.6% (438/468) of mammograms passed the Korean standard, whereas only 80.1% (375/468) passed the ACR standard (p < 0.001). Non-radiologic private clinics had the lowest pass rate (88.1%: Korean standard, 71.8%: ACR standard) and the lowest total score (76.0) by the Korean standard. Average scores of positioning were lowest (19.3/29 by the Korean standard and 3.7/5 by the ACR standard). A cutoff score of 77.0 for the Korean standard was found to correspond to a pass level when the ACR standard was applied. We suggest that tighter regulations, such as, raising the Korean pass mark, subtracting more for severe deficiencies, or considering a very low scores in even a single category as failure, are needed to improve the quality of mammography in Korea.
Predicting caregiver-reported behavior problems in cocaine-exposed children at 3 years.
Warner, Tamara Duckworth; Behnke, Marylou; Hou, Wei; Garvan, Cynthia Wilson; Wobie, Kathleen; Eyler, Fonda Davis
Predictors of caregiver-reported behavior problems for 3-year-olds with prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) and matched controls were examined using structural equation modeling. We tested whether PCE had a direct effect on child behavior problems in a model that included other prenatal drug exposure, child sex, caregiver depression, and the quality of the child's home environment. The sample (N = 256) was drawn from a longitudinal, prospective study of children of (predominantly crack) cocaine-using women and controls matched on race, socioeconomic status, parity, and pregnancy risk. Child Behavior Problems was modeled as a latent variable composed of the 48-item Conners' Parent Report Scale Conduct Problem and Impulsive-Hyperactive scales and the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory Intensity scale. Caregiver depression was the only significant predictor of Child Behavior Problems. Mean levels of caregiver self-reported depression and reported child behavior problems did not differ between groups. Mean depression scores were well above the recommended clinical cutoff while mean child behavior problems scores were within normal limits. The model explained 21% of the variance in caregiver-reported child behavior problems in our sample of rural African American, low SES youngsters. Non-maternal caregivers of cocaine-exposed children had significantly lower mean depression scores and mean child behavior problems ratings for 2 of 3 scales used in the study compared to biological mothers of children with PCE and controls. For all groups, much larger proportions of children were rated as having clinically significant behavior problems than would be expected based on the prevalence of behavior problems in the general population. PMID:16682870
Prospective clinical evaluation of 273 modified acid-etched dental implants: 1- to 5- year results
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Michele De Franco
Full Text Available Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implant survival and the implant-crown success of implants with surface treated with organic acids. Materials and methods: A total of 273 implants (Implus®, Leader-Novaxa, Milan, Italy were inserted in 63 patients, from June 2006 to June 2010, in a single clinical centre. In each annual follow up session, clinical, radiographic and prosthetic parameters were evaluated. The implant-crown success criteria included the absence of pain, suppuration and clinical mobility, a distance between the implant shoulder and the first visible bone contact (DIB <2.0 mm from the surgery and the absence of prosthetic complications at the implantabutment interface. Prosthetic restorations were 32 fixed partial prostheses, 48 single crowns and 16 fixed full arches. Results: The cumulative survival rate was 95.70% (93.81 maxilla, 98.24% mandible. Among the surviving implants, the implant-crown success was 96.07%. At the 5-year control, the mean DIB was 1.2 mm (± 0.5. Conclusion: Implants with surface treated with organic acids seem to represent a good solution for the prosthetic rehabilitation of partially and completely edentulous patients.
Evaluation of thermoluminescent dosimeters using water equivalent phantoms for application in clinical electrons beams dosimetry
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The dosimetry in Radiotherapy provides the calibration of the radiation beam as well as the quality control of the dose in the clinical routine. Its main objective is to determine with greater accuracy the dose absorbed by the tumor. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of three thermoluminescent dosimeters for the clinical electron beam dosimetry. The performance of the calcium sulfate detector doped with dysprosium (CaSO4: Dy) produced by IPEN was compared with two dosimeters commercially available by Harshaw. Both are named TLD-100, however they differ in their dimensions. The dosimeters were evaluated using water, solid water (RMI-457) and PMMA phantoms in different exposure fields for 4, 6, 9, 12 and 16 MeV electron beam energies. It was also performed measurements in photon beams of 6 and 15 MV (2 and 5 MeV) only for comparison. The dose-response curves were obtained for the 60Co gamma radiation in air and under conditions of electronic equilibrium, both for clinical beam of photons and electrons in maximum dose depths. The sensitivity, reproducibility, intrinsic efficiency and energy dependence response of dosimeters were studied. The CaSO4: Dy showed the same behavior of TLD-100, demonstrating only an advantage in the sensitivity to the beams and radiation doses studied. Thus, the dosimeter produced by IPEN can be considered a new alternative for dosimetry in Radiotherapy departments. (author)
Topical Turmeric Microemulgel in the Management of Plaque Psoriasis; A Clinical Evaluation.
Sarafian, Golnaz; Afshar, Minoo; Mansouri, Parvin; Asgarpanah, Jinous; Raoufinejad, Kosar; Rajabi, Mehdi
Psoriasis is an autoimmune and recurrent chronic inflammatory skin disease. About 1-3% of the world wide populations are affected. The characteristic features are hyperprolifration of keratinocytes leading to redness, thickening and scaling of epidermis followed with itching and appearance of the lesions which in most cases bother the patients medically and psychologically. Psoriasis is symptomatically treated by the range of oral and topical medications, however, major side effects in some cases are associated with them. Based on several studies, Curcuma longa can inhibit several inflammatory enzymes mainly involved in the inflammatory process of Psoriasis. Therefore, we decided to target this well-known herbal agent with fantastic safety profile to be formulated as a novel topical microemulgel. The clinical and therapeutic benefit of this novel topical formulation was evaluated on 34 patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis in a randomized, prospective intra-individual, right-left comparative, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) Questionnaire and Psoriasis area & severity index (PASI) score as well as photos before and after treatment was used to evaluate the outcomes. The results show that the clinical and quality of life parameters in treated lesions in comparison with untreated lesions have improved (Ppatients and most likely as an add-on therapeutic option for many patients suffering with plaque psoriasis. PMID:26330875
Sociodemographic and Clinical Changes Over Time of Individuals Evaluated for Cognitive Disturbances: Good or Bad News?
Canevelli, Marco; Cesari, Matteo; Trobia, Federico; Talarico, Giuseppina; Tosto, Giuseppe; Letteri, Federica; Reniè, Roberta; Gasparini, Marina; Bruno, Giuseppe
In recent years, "prevention" and "early diagnosis" have been growingly discussed and explored in the field of cognitive disorders. Such increased attention to cognitive disturbances and neurodegenerative conditions may constitute a key step for achieving early/timely diagnosis of dementing illnesses. At the same time, it may generate possible issues (such as a greater proportion of negative diagnostic procedures with potential misuse of resources) that should be acknowledged by health care systems. In this report, we present exploratory analyses aimed at investigating the sociodemographic and clinical changes over time of all the individuals who have been cognitively assessed in a Memory Clinic between 2002 and 2014. Overall, individuals evaluated for cognitive disturbances have gradually become younger, more educated, and less impaired in cognitive and physical functions at their first cognitive assessment. To date, nearly 1 of 4 individuals completing a neuropsychological evaluation has no objective cognitive deficits, thus presenting subjective cognitive complaints. Based on these findings, the development and implementation of strategies for improving the referral to memory clinics is strongly needed. PMID:26593304
Enhancing feedback for clinical use: Creating and evaluating profiles of clients seeking counseling.
Nordberg, Samuel S; Castonguay, Louis G; McAleavey, Andrew A; Locke, Benjamin D; Hayes, Jeffrey A
The current study explored the reliability and clinical utility of a method designed to identify latent classes of students seeking counseling, based on 8 symptom domains and their interactions. Participants were over 50,000 college students in counseling, assessed with the CCAPS-62 and -34 as part of routine clinical care. Latent profile analysis was used to group an exploratory and confirmatory sample of students by reported symptoms across the 8 CCAPS subscales. Profiles were evaluated for reliability and clinical utility, in particular for risk assessment and the prediction of treatment duration and success. Nine reliably stable latent profiles, or groups of profiles, emerged from analysis. Profiles differed significantly in reported symptoms, demographic makeup, psychosocial history, and diagnoses. Additionally, profiles appeared to capture meaningful differences between clients that had implications for relative risk of suicide, self-harm, and violence toward others as well as significant differences in the number of sessions in treatment and the effect size of treatment. Latent profiles of patients appear to capture meaningful, stable differences that could be implemented in an automated system of evaluation and feedback, and that might be useful to clinicians, administrators, and researchers. (PsycINFO Database Record PMID:27078199
Evaluation of Clinical Interest of Anti-Aquaporin-4 Autoantibody Followup in Neuromyelitis Optica
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Jean-Baptiste Chanson
Full Text Available Neuromyelitis optica (NMO is an autoimmune disease in which a specific biomarker named NMO-IgG and directed against aquaporin-4 (AQP4 has been found. A correlation between disease activity and anti-AQP4 antibody (Ab serum concentration or complement-mediated cytotoxicity has been reported, but the usefulness of longitudinal evaluation of these parameters remains to be evaluated in actual clinical practice. Thirty serum samples from 10 NMO patients positive for NMO-IgG were collected from 2006 to 2011. Anti-AQP4 Ab serum concentration and complement-mediated cytotoxicity were measured by flow cytometry using two quantitative cell-based assays (CBA and compared with clinical parameters. We found a strong correlation between serum anti-AQP4 Ab concentration and complement-mediated cytotoxicity (P<0.0001. Nevertheless, neither relapse nor worsening of impairment level was closely associated with a significant increase in serum Ab concentration or cytotoxicity. These results suggest that complement-mediated serum cytotoxicity assessment does not provide extra insight compared to anti-AQP4 Ab serum concentration. Furthermore, none of these parameters appears closely related to disease activity and/or severity. Therefore, in clinical practice, serum anti-AQP4 reactivity seems not helpful as a predictive biomarker in the followup of NMO patients as a means of predicting the onset of a relapse and adapting the treatment accordingly.
Evaluation of moxifloxacin for the treatment of tuberculosis : 3 years of experience
Pranger, A. D.; van Altena, R.; Aarnoutse, R. E.; van Soolingen, D.; Uges, D. R. A.; Kosterink, J. G. W.; van der Werf, T. S.; Alffenaar, J. W. C.
Moxifloxacin (MFX) is a powerful second-line anti-tuberculosis (TB) agent, but the optimal dose has not yet been established and long-term safety data are scarce. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of TB patients treated at the Tuberculosis Centre Beatrixoord, University Medical Centre G
Evaluation of the NEG Coating Saturation Level after 3 Years of LHC Beam Operation
Bregliozzi, G; Jimenez, J M; Lanza, G; Porcelli, T
The room temperature vacuum system of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN has been designed to ensure vacuum stability and beam lifetime of 100 h with nominal current of 0.56 A per beam at 7 TeV of energy. The requirements for the interaction regions are moreover driven to minimize the background noise of the experiments, to keep the equivalent hydrogen gas density below 1013 molecules of H2 per m3. \
[Results evaluations 3 years after our first experience with the laparoscopic treatment of Hirschsprung disease].
Polliotto, S; Heinen, F; Andina, G; Korman, R
The laparoscopic approach has been successfully used during the recent last years in pediatric surgery. We describe the first experience in Argentina using laparoscopic surgery in November 4th in 1996, for the treatment of a Hirschsprung disease case. We used the technique of Soave's modified by Georgenson. Details of the surgical procedure are given. Hospitalization time took 5 days and immediated postoperatory cares were well done. Soave-Georgeson technique seems to be a safe and effective possibility for the Hirschsprung disease treatment, and it is completely achieveable by laparoscopy. The present experience does not show advantages in terms of a lower hospitalization time, however it really shows the benefits of laparoscopic surgery, such as post-operatory comfort and better cosmetic results, both highly superior than those obtained with classical surgery. PMID:11480199
A Required Course in the Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of Clinical Pharmacy Services
Kamal, Khalid M.; Berdine, Hildegarde J.
Objective To develop, implement, and assess a required pharmacy practice course to prepare pharmacy students to develop, implement, and evaluate clinical pharmacy services using a business plan model. Design Course content centered around the process of business planning and pharmacoeconomic evaluations. Selected business planning topics included literature evaluation, mission statement development, market evaluation, policy and procedure development, and marketing strategy. Selected pharmacoeconomic topics included cost-minimization analysis, cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Assessment methods included objective examinations, student participation, performance on a group project, and peer evaluation. Assessment One hundred fifty-three students were enrolled in the course. The mean scores on the objective examinations (100 points per examination) ranged from 82 to 85 points, with 25%-35% of students in the class scoring over 90, and 40%-50% of students scoring from 80 to 89. The mean scores on the group project (200 points) and classroom participation (50 points) were 183.5 and 46.1, respectively. The mean score on the peer evaluation was 30.8, with scores ranging from 27.5 to 31.7. Conclusion The course provided pharmacy students with the framework necessary to develop and implement evidence-based disease management programs and to assure efficient, cost-effective utilization of pertinent resources in the provision of patient care. PMID:19214263
Clinical and Laboratory evaluation of measleslike rash in children and young adults
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Stewien Klaus Eberhard
Full Text Available A clinical and laboratory evaluation of 11 children and young adults with measleslike rash was done during the measles outbreak in the Greater São Paulo Metropolitan area at the end of 1996 and spread over the country during 1997. Measles was laboratory confirmed in 07 patients by specific IgM detection in acute serum specimens using an IgM-capture EIA, by specific IgG seroconversion in serum pairs, and by reverse transcription PCR and virus isolation in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Clinical presentations were not always classic; one of the 07 cases had received measles vaccine and corresponded to modified clinical case of measles. The 4 remaining cases were negative for measles and were diagnosed as exanthem subitum (2 cases, scarlet fever and Kawasaki disease. The present study reinforces the view that clinical features alone are not sufficient for establishing an accurate diagnosis in the post-vaccine era, and a surveillance system based on sensitive laboratory results is needed so that it can confirm IgM-negative measles cases.
Evaluation of haptoglobin phenotypes in association with clinical features of patients suffered from preterm labor disease.
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Hossein Ali Khazaei
Full Text Available Preterm birth means the birth before thirty seven week of pregnancy that causes a lot of complications for the baby. Variety factors are suggested to be involved in disease. In this study, we decided to evaluate haptoglobin (Hp phenotypes association with clinical features of patients suffered from premature delivery to understand better the possible correlation of genetic and clinical features in this disease. This cross-sectional analytic descriptive study has been carried out in two groups of 120 women, 60 with preterm and 60 with term labor. Patients were selected with previously diagnosed by gynecologist with preterm birth in the labor during the study period. After performing diagnostic tests, the frequency of each haptoglobin phenotype in the two groups was analyzed using the Chi-square test (X2 test and SPSS software. The maximum serum haptoglobin phenotype frequency in patients with Hp2-2, was 43 (71.7% whereas in healthy individuals, 35 (58.3%. No, statistically significant differences between the two groups were found (p=0.310. But based on some patients clinical features such as their history of preterm delivery, previous history of recurrent abortions and history of preterm delivery in their family, significant association was found with Hp2-2 compared with healthy control (p<0.003. This study showed that Hp2-2 phenotypes levels in the case group was higher than in control but the factors influencing the presence or absence of preterm labor is clinically various.
Real-time interactive MR imaging system. Sequence optimization, and basic and clinical evaluations
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
A real-time interactive MR imaging system (real-time MRI) is an MR scanner which has a fast image updating cycle and the ability to freely change slice orientation, just like an ultrasound imaging system. Recently, such a system has been developed and installed on a clinical 1.5-Tesla system. The purpose of this study was to optimize the pulse sequences for clinical use and to evaluate the clinical usefulness and basic functionality of real-time MRI. For T1-weighted imaging, FLASH (fast low angle shot) can be selected, and up to 5 frames per second can be acquired depending on the matrix size. For T2-weighted imaging, true FISP (fast imaging with steady-state precession) can be selected, and up to 4 frames per second can be acquired. Maximum C/N between liver and spleen was obtained at a flip angle of 20 degrees on FLASH. Maximum C/N between cardiac cavity and wall was obtained at a flip angle of 60 degrees on true FISP. Localization of the right and left coronary arteries could be performed within 30 seconds in three volunteers. Although the present real-time MRI system has drawbacks such as low spatial resolution and relatively low contrast resolution, we expect real-time MRI to be one of the most important tools for future clinical MRI. (author)
Comprehensive evaluation and validation of targeted next-generation sequencing performance in two clinical laboratories.
Mendez, Pedro; Dang, Jennifer; Kim, James Wansoo; Lee, Sharon; Yoon, Jun-Hee; Kim, Thomas; Sailey, Charles J; Jablons, David M; Kim, Il-Jin
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has led to breakthroughs for genetic and genomic analyses and personalized medicine approaches for many diseases. More and more clinical laboratories are using NGS as a genetic screening tool for providing mutation information that is used to select the best treatment regimens for cancer patients. However, several obstacles prevent the routine implementation of NGS technology into the clinical molecular diagnosis setting: the sophisticated sample preparation process, high cost, time-consuming data analyses, as well as the reproducibility and accuracy of interpretation. To systematically evaluate the performance and quality of targeted NGS cancer panel analyses in clinical laboratories, we performed three different tests: i) laboratory-to-laboratory accuracy test, ii) intra-laboratory precision validation, and iii) limit of detection test, using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cancer tissue specimens, cell lines and mutation positive DNA. A laboratory-to-laboratory accuracy test performed using 51 samples showed 100% sensitivity and 99.97% specificity. For the intra-laboratory precision test, 100% reproducibility was observed. For the limit of detection test, KRAS mutations from samples diluted from 70 to 2% of mutant allele frequencies were detected correctly. We believe that the present study demonstrated the feasibility of clinical implementation of a targeted NGS cancer panel analysis for personalized medicine. PMID:27121194
Redesign of a computerized clinical reminder for colorectal cancer screening: a human-computer interaction evaluation
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Saleem Jason J
Full Text Available Abstract Background Based on barriers to the use of computerized clinical decision support (CDS learned in an earlier field study, we prototyped design enhancements to the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA's colorectal cancer (CRC screening clinical reminder to compare against the VHA's current CRC reminder. Methods In a controlled simulation experiment, 12 primary care providers (PCPs used prototypes of the current and redesigned CRC screening reminder in a within-subject comparison. Quantitative measurements were based on a usability survey, workload assessment instrument, and workflow integration survey. We also collected qualitative data on both designs. Results Design enhancements to the VHA's existing CRC screening clinical reminder positively impacted aspects of usability and workflow integration but not workload. The qualitative analysis revealed broad support across participants for the design enhancements with specific suggestions for improving the reminder further. Conclusions This study demonstrates the value of a human-computer interaction evaluation in informing the redesign of information tools to foster uptake, integration into workflow, and use in clinical practice.
The evaluation of a successful collaborative education model to expand student clinical placements.
Barnett, Tony; Cross, Merylin; Shahwan-Akl, Lina; Jacob, Elisabeth
Worldwide, universities have been encouraged to increase the number of students enrolled in nursing courses as a way to bolster the domestic supply of graduates and address workforce shortages. This places pressure on clinical agencies to accommodate greater numbers of students for clinical experience who, in Australia, may often come from different educational institutions. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a collaborative model of clinical education that would increase the capacity of a health care agency to accommodate student placements and improve workplace readiness. The project was undertaken in a medium sized regional hospital in rural Australia where most nurses worked part time. Through an iterative process, a new supported preceptorship model was developed by academics from three institutions and staff from the hospital. Focus group discussions and interviews were conducted with key stakeholders and clinical placement data analysed for the years 2004 (baseline) to 2007. The model was associated with a 58% increase in the number of students and a 45% increase in the number of student placement weeks over the four year period. Students reported positively on their experience and key stakeholders believed that the new model would better prepare students for the realities of nursing work. PMID:19243994
An evaluation of wait-times at an interprofessional student-run free clinic.
Hu, Tina; Leung, Fok-Han
Student-run free clinics (SRFCs) are becoming increasingly popular programmes in schools for promoting interprofessional education and service learning. Despite their prevalence, little research has been done surrounding SRFCs and wait-times. SRFCs may experience long wait-times because patients are often seen on a drop-in basis and time has to be allotted for interprofessional case discussion and teaching. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the wait-times for patients being seen at an interprofessional SRFC and determine potential improvements. Wait-times, total treatment room times, total time per patient, and whether a referral and/or prescription was given were tracked from May 2014 to July 2015 at an SRFC. A total of 268 patients were seen in 52 clinics. On average, five patients were seen per clinic. Patients waited for an average time of 21 minutes before they were seen by the team. Average treatment time per patient was 69 minutes. Patients were generally at the clinic for a total of 91 minutes before being discharged. Several improvements for managing client flow at interprofessional SRFCs are discussed. PMID:27332500
Clinical evaluation of medetomidine, a novel sedative and analgesic drug for dogs and cats.
Vähä-Vahe, T
Medetomidine, a potent alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, was investigated in open, multicenter clinical trials with patients of various canine and feline breeds (1736 dogs and 678 cats). The purpose of the study was to find an optimal dose of medetomidine for sedation and analgesia in clinical practice and to study how well the intended procedure could be performed under the influence of the drug. The mean dose (i.m.) of medetomidine used for examinations, clinical procedures and minor surgical interventions was 40 micrograms/kg, and for radiography 30 micrograms/kg. In cats the dose was 80-110 micrograms/kg. On the doses chosen, almost all animals were recumbent and 72% of the dogs and 85% of the cats were in a slight anaesthetic stage, unable to rise. The evaluation of the overall suitability of medetomidine (% of cases) in different indications was "very satisfactory" or "satisfactory" in 95% of dogs and 81-96% of cats. Side effects reported were limited almost exclusively to vomiting and muscle jerking in dogs (12% and 0.5% of the cases) and to vomiting in cats (65%). Medetomidine seems to suffice for pharmacological restraint of dogs and cats. The concomitant use of medetomidine (80-100 micrograms/kg) and ketamine (7 mg/kg) in cats (n = 295) provided a good anaesthesia (20-40 min). The recovery was smooth. The present study shows that medetomidine provides an effective level of sedation and analgesia for clinical use. PMID:2698057
An evaluation of clinical pharmacist service on a neurology care unit.
Yi, Zhan-Miao; Sun, Shu-Sen; Li, Xiao-Xiao; Lu, Ming; Zhai, Suo-Di
Background Medications used to treat neurological diseases may result in adverse effects. Research is needed to demonstrate pharmacist value and their roles in patient care. Objective To categorize the types and severities of the prescribing errors intercepted and to describe clinical activities conducted by neurology ward pharmacists. Method Pharmacists prospectively reviewed medication orders over an 18-month period with inventions documented and categorized. Results A total of 341 prescribing errors in 1183 patients were intercepted. The most common error types were dosing frequency (35.8 %) and medication selection (21.5 %). The top five most detected error medications were those indicated for hyperhomocysteinemia (22.0 %), stress ulcer prophylaxis (12.3 %), poor circulation (10.9 %), hyperglycemia (6.5 %), and infections (5.9 %). Although 67.5 % of the detected errors having the potential causing no harm, 26.4 % of the errors may require intervention, and 6.2 % may increase the length of stay. The number of errors decreased from 19 to 10 per month during the study period. Clinical pharmacists also actively engaged in medication use evaluation, clinical decision support system optimization, and education to patients and providers. Conclusion Presence of clinical pharmacists at the neurology unit may help in early detection of prescribing errors with increased patient safety. PMID:26659084
Clinical and parasitological evaluation of pour-on fluazuron and ivermectin for treating canine demodicosis
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Clarissa P. Souza
Full Text Available The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of pour-on formulations of fluazuron and ivermectin in different therapeutic protocols for treatment of demodicosis by means of quantifying mites with skin scraping, histological and clinical evaluation in dogs. Eighteen dogs with skin scrapings positive for Demodex canis were evaluated, divided into three groups. All the animals were treated every 14 days, completing 6 treatments for each animal (days 0, 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70. In group 1, pour-on 2.5% fluazuron was used at the dose of 20mg/kg; in the group 2 pour-on 2.5% fluazuron at a dose of 20 mg/kg in association with pour-on 0.5% ivermectin at the dose of 0.6mg/kg; and in group 3, pour-on 0.5% ivermectin alone was used, at the dose of 0.6mg/kg. The treatment was evaluated and monitored through skin scrapings and clinical follow-up of the lesions every 14 days for 84 days, and through histopathological examination at the end of each treatment protocol. The success rate was defined as the percentage of dogs in each group that had negative skin scrapings after the treatment: this was 16.67% for group 1, and 50% for groups 2 and 3. The reduction in mite counts reached effectiveness of 67.66%, 88.99% and 84.29% for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The Wilcoxon test showed that there was a significant difference between the number of mites before and after treatment in groups 2 and 3. The histopathological examination revealed that only group 1 showed no significant difference in the intensity of infestation between days 0 and 84. Clinically, there was no significant difference between the evaluation before and after treatment in the three groups. pour-on 2.5% fluazuron and pour-on 0.5% ivermectin were not effective for treating canine demodicosis, either in association or as single therapy, when applied every 14 days for a period of 70 days. Quantification of mites using skin scrapings and histological evaluation proved to be ineffective
Allocation of Resources to Collaborators and Free-Riders in 3-Year-Olds
Melis, Alicia P.; Altrichter, Kristin; Tomasello, Michael
Recent studies have shown that in situations where resources have been acquired collaboratively, children at around 3 years of age share mostly equally. We investigated 3-year-olds' sharing behavior with a collaborating partner and a free-riding partner who explicitly expressed her preference not to collaborate. Children shared more equally with…
Development and impact analysis of 3-year-old child FE human model
Koizumi, T.; Tsujiuchi, N.; Taki, N.; Forbes, P.A.; Lange, R. de
In a previous study, a 3-year old child FE human model was developed by scaling down an adult male FE human model. Scaling down was performed for body dimensions, joint characteristics, and material properties. The focus of this current study is biofidelity validation and enhancement of the 3-year-o
Development of the clinical learning evaluation questionnaire for undergraduate clinical education: Factor structure, validity, and reliability study
AlHaqwi, Ali I; Kuntze, Jeroen; van der Molen, Henk
textabstractBackground: Teaching and learning of clinical skills for undergraduate medical students usually takes place during the clinical clerkship. Therefore, it is of vital importance to ensure the effectiveness of the rotations within this clerkship. The aims of this study were to develop an instrument that measures the effectiveness of the clinical learning environment, to determine its factor structure, and to find first evidence for the reliability and validity of the total scale and ...
The role of a clinical nurse consultant dementia specialist: A qualitative evaluation.
Duane, Fleur M; Goeman, Dianne P; Beanland, Chris J; Koch, Susan H
Delay in diagnosis and difficulties in accessing appropriate health care services plague dementia care delivery in the community setting, potentiating the risk for misdiagnosis, inappropriate management, poor psychological adjustment and reduced coping capacity and ability to forward plan. We evaluated a clinical nurse consultant role with a speciality in dementia to provide person-centred pre-diagnosis support in the community. Clients, with a six-month history of cognitive and functional decline in the absence of delirium but no formal diagnosis of dementia, were recruited from a Home Care Nursing Service and an Aged Care Assessment Service located in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The role of a clinical nurse consultant was highly regarded by clients and other health professionals. This paper discussing the CNC role and the outcomes of the role suggests it was successful in providing timely assistance and support for consumers and support for other health professionals. PMID:24339107
Synergism of clinical evaluation and penile sonographic imaging in diagnosis of penile fracture: a case report
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Bello Jibril
Full Text Available Abstract Introduction Penile fracture is an uncommon urologic emergency, and is the traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea covering the corpus cavernosa. This usually occurs following blunt trauma sustained during coitus, masturbation or self-manipulations to hide or suppress an erection. Clinical diagnosis can often be easily made with typical history and examination findings. However, the patient may present atypically and/or with a suspicion of associated urethral injury. The roles of various diagnostic investigations are being evaluated in these situations. Case presentation We report the case of a 31-year-old African man with penile fracture and suspected associated urethral injury that occurred after self-manipulations to hide an erection. Conclusions Penile ultrasound and sonourethrography provide useful additional diagnostic information to supplement clinical history and physical examination findings and can be performed easily, at low cost and with no delays to surgery.
Magnetic bead-based nucleic acid purification kit: Clinical application and performance evaluation in stool specimens.
Yoon, Jihoon G; Kang, Jin Seok; Hwang, Seung Yong; Song, Jaewoo; Jeong, Seok Hoon
Two different methods - the semi-automated magnetic bead-based kit (SK, Stool DNA/RNA Purification kit®) and the manual membrane column-based kit (QS, QIAamp® DNA Stool Mini kit) - for purifying nucleic acids from clinical stool samples were compared and evaluated. The SK kit was more user-friendly than QS due to the reduced manual processing, partial automation, and short turnaround time with half cost. Furthermore, SK produced high yields in both DNA and RNA extractions but poor purity in RNA extraction. In the assessment of rotavirus and Clostridium difficile infection, both kits had equivalent or more sensitive performance compared with the standard method. Although SK showed some interference and inhibition in nucleic acid extraction, the performance, including the repeatability, linearity, analytical sensitivity, and matrix effect, was sufficient for routine clinical use. PMID:27030641
Evaluation of clinical and electrocardiographic changes during the euthanasia of horses
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Buhl, Rikke; Andersen, L.O.F.; Karlshøj, M.;
The objective of this prospective field study was to investigate whether commonly used criteria for clinical death occurred at the same time as cardiac death, as determined by electrocardiography. Specific ECG changes during euthanasia were also studied. Twenty-nine horses were euthanized with...... pentobarbital at two different dose rates and 15 of the 29 horses also received detomidine hydrochloride for sedation. ECG was recorded prior to and during euthanasia. Time to collapse, cessation of reflexes, heart sounds and asystole were recorded. ECG recordings were used to calculate RR intervals, PQ...... duration, QRS duration, distance from QRS complex to end of T wave corrected for HR (QTc interval), duration of T-wave from peak to end (TpeakTend) and amplitudes of T wave (Tpeak) before and during euthanasia. Differences between groups and ECG changes were evaluated using analysis of variance. Clinical...
Development of criteria for evaluating clinical response in thyroid eye disease using a modified Delphi technique
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Douglas, Raymond S; Tsirbas, Angelo; Gordon, Mark;
OBJECTIVE: To identify components of a provisional clinical response index for thyroid eye disease using a modified Delphi technique. METHODS: The International Thyroid Eye Disease Society conducted a structured, 3-round Delphi exercise establishing consensus for a core set of measures for clinical...... parsed into 11 domains for the Delphi surveys. Eighty-four respondents participated in the Delphi 1 survey, providing 220 unique items. Ninety-two members (100% of the respondents from Delphi 1 plus 8 new participants) responded in Delphi 2 and rated the same 220 items. Sixty-four members (76% of...... participants) rated 153 criteria in Delphi 3 (67 criteria were excluded because of redundancy). Criteria with a mean greater than 6 (1 = least appropriate to 9 = most appropriate) were further evaluated by the nominal group technique and provisional core measures were chosen. CONCLUSIONS: Using a Delphi...
Clinical evaluation of MR fluoroscopy on a low-field permanent magnet
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Clinical evaluation of MR fluoroscopy on a low-field permanent magnet MR unit was performed. The unit is open-type so that a patient can move even his shoulders and legs during the scanning. During the continuous scan, the scan-reconstruction-display array system produces real-time fluoroscopic imaging by using a part of the prior image data to reconstruct the current image. In the studies of needle biopsy under MR fluoroscopic guide, three dimensional real-time information was effectively available. MR dynamic studies applied to vocal cord, eye and knee movement offered us much additional information that was not obtained in static MR studies. MR fluoroscopy using open-typed apparatus showed the clinical potentiality in dynamic studies of various organs and conditions, and interventional procedures. (author)
Clinical evaluation of direct composite restoration done for midline diastema closure – long-term study
Prabhu, R.; Bhaskaran, S.; Geetha Prabhu, K. R.; Eswaran, M. A.; Phanikrishna, G.; Deepthi, B.
Purpose of the Study: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically the performance of composite resin used to restore midline diastema between the maxillary and mandibular central incisors. Methodology: Direct composite restorations were done for 45 patients with midline diastema between the maxillary and mandibular central incisors. Standard protocols were followed for the placement of composite resin for the diastema closure, and recall visits were made for every 6 months for a period of 60 months for evaluation of the success of these restorations made. Qualified dental personnel examined the restorations made. Results: Clinical evaluations were done after the restorations had been in place for an average of 6 months. Results indicate that none of the restorations were totally lost, and resulting in a 91% overall retention rate for the period of 60 months. About 62% of the restorations made had no noticeable color difference with that of the adjacent tooth, and gingival health indicated 73% of the sample was without any signs of inflammation. Conclusions: Composites restored for diastemas exhibit satisfactory survival rates placed with recommended placement protocols and without occlusal loading. PMID:26538917
Quantitative prediction and clinical evaluation of an unexplored herb-drug interaction mechanism in healthy volunteers.
Gufford, B T; Barr, J T; González-Pérez, V; Layton, M E; White, J R; Oberlies, N H; Paine, M F
Quantitative prediction of herb-drug interaction risk remains challenging. A quantitative framework to assess a potential interaction was used to evaluate a mechanism not previously tested in humans. The semipurified milk thistle product, silibinin, was selected as an exemplar herbal product inhibitor of raloxifene intestinal glucuronidation. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model simulations of the silibinin-raloxifene interaction predicted up to 30% increases in raloxifene area under the curve (AUC0-inf) and maximal concentration (Cmax). Model-informed clinical evaluation of the silibinin-raloxifene interaction indicated minimal clinical interaction liability, with observed geometric mean raloxifene AUC0-inf and Cmax ratios lying within the predefined no effect range (0.75-1.33). Further refinement of PBPK modeling and simulation approaches will enhance confidence in predictions and facilitate generalizability to additional herb-drug combinations. This quantitative framework can be used to develop guidances to evaluate potential herb-drug interactions prospectively, providing evidenced-based information about the risk or safety of these interactions. PMID:26904384
Employing New Mathematical Models and Equations to Evaluate Risk-Benefit Criteria of Clinical Therapeutics
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Da Y. Lu
Full Text Available Current preclinical and clinical evaluation of a drugs or therapy is at first to find out a maximum toxicity tolerance, which is overall fixed. The potential therapeutic dosage will be ranged just lower or within the periphery of these maximum tolerant data. A hidden acceptance among general researchers lies as the toxicity concentration of a drug is always the same and can be referred as a fixed data. However, practical therapeutics is not very strictly following this doctrine. Even using many strict well-formed mathematical models and toxicity evaluating systems, the disputes and lawsuits of some newly-developed drugs are increasing dramatically nowadays. In this work, a mathematical equation and a dynamic parameter are generated to help improving this situation. This new mathematic model combines and integrates effective, toxicity and no effective data as a whole, which fits to evaluate the risk-benefits of therapeutics in dynamic and changeable states. We need no more to deduce therapeutic dosage from fixed tolerance data regardless different therapeutic modes of action and toxicity of drugs acting on different organs and physiological systems. We hypothesize and equation that risk-benefit ratios are varied with drug dosages. It is a new start to help the understanding of effects and toxicities of therapeutic same time in a single clinical practice and well compliment with previous mathematical models.
Clinical evaluation of synthetic aperture harmonic imaging for scanning focal malignant liver lesions.
Brandt, Andreas Hjelm; Hemmsen, Martin Christian; Hansen, Peter Møller; Madsen, Signe Sloth; Krohn, Paul Suno; Lange, Theis; Hansen, Kristoffer Lindskov; Jensen, Jørgen Arendt; Nielsen, Michael Bachmann
The purpose of the study was to perform a clinical comparison of synthetic aperture sequential beamforming tissue harmonic imaging (SASB-THI) sequences with a conventional imaging technique, dynamic receive focusing with THI (DRF-THI). Both techniques used pulse inversion and were recorded interleaved using a commercial ultrasound system (UltraView 800, BK Medical, Herlev, Denmark). Thirty-one patients with malignant focal liver lesions (confirmed by biopsy or computed tomography/magnetic resonance) were scanned. Detection of malignant focal liver lesions and preference of image quality were evaluated blinded off-line by eight radiologists. In total, 2,032 evaluations of 127 image sequences were completed. The sensitivity (77% SASB-THI, 76% DRF-THI, p = 0.54) and specificity (71% SASB-THI, 72% DRF-THI, p = 0.67) of detection of liver lesions and the evaluation of image quality (p = 0.63) did not differ between SASB-THI and DRF-THI. This study indicates the ability of SASB-THI in a true clinical setting. PMID:26095533
A pilot study evaluating alternative approaches of academic detailing in rural family practice clinics
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Hartung Daniel M
Full Text Available Abstract Background Academic detailing is an interactive, convenient, and user-friendly approach to delivering non-commercial education to healthcare clinicians. While evidence suggests academic detailing is associated with improvements in prescribing behavior, uncertainty exists about generalizability and scalability in diverse settings. Our study evaluates different models of delivering academic detailing in a rural family medicine setting. Methods We conducted a pilot project to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and satisfaction with academic detailing delivered face-to-face as compared to a modified approach using distance-learning technology. The recipients were four family medicine clinics within the Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network (ORPRN. Two clinics were allocated to receive face-to-face detailing and two received outreach through video conferencing or asynchronous web-based outreach. Surveys at midpoint and completion were used to assess effectiveness and satisfaction. Results Each clinic received four outreach visits over an eight month period. Topics included treatment-resistant depression, management of atypical antipsychotics, drugs for insomnia, and benzodiazepine tapering. Overall, 90% of participating clinicians were satisfied with the program. Respondents who received in person detailing reported a higher likelihood of changing their behavior compared to respondents in the distance detailing group for five of seven content areas. While 90%-100% of respondents indicated they would continue to participate if the program were continued, the likelihood of participation declined if only distance approaches were offered. Conclusions We found strong support and satisfaction for the program among participating clinicians. Participants favored in-person approaches to distance interactions. Future efforts will be directed at quantitative methods for evaluating the economic and clinical effectiveness of detailing in rural
Statistical controversies in clinical research: an initial evaluation of a surrogate end point using a single randomized clinical trial and the Prentice criteria.
Heller, G
Surrogate end point research has grown in recent years with the increasing development and usage of biomarkers in clinical research. Surrogacy analysis is derived through randomized clinical trial data and it is carried out at the individual level and at the trial level. A common surrogate analysis at the individual level is the application of the Prentice criteria. An approach for the evaluation of the Prentice criteria is discussed, with a focus on its most difficult component, the determination of whether the treatment effect is captured by the surrogate. An interpretation of this criterion is illustrated using data from a randomized clinical trial in prostate cancer. PMID:26254442
Mediastinal lymphadenopathy in congestive heart failure: a sequential CT evaluation with clinical and echocardiographic correlations
Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)
Chabbert, Valerie; Canevet, Guillaume; Otal, Philippe; Joffre, Francis [Department of Radiology, University of Toulouse, Avenue Jean-Poulhes, 31403, Toulouse (France); Baixas, Cecile; Galinier, Michel [Department of Cardiology, University of Toulouse, Avenue Jean-Poulhes, 31403, Toulouse (France); Deken, Valerie; Duhamel, Alain [Department of Medical Statistics, University of Lille, Place de Verdun, 59037, Lille Cedex (France); Remy, Jacques; Remy-Jardin, Martine [Department of Radiology, Hospital Calmette, University Center of Lille, Boulevard Jules Leclerc, 59037, Lille Cedex (France)
The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and evolution after treatment of mediastinal lymphadenopathy associated with congestive left heart failure on CT scans in correlation with clinical and echocardiographic findings. Thirty-one consecutive patients with subacute left heart failure underwent a clinical evaluation using the NYHA classification, a CT examination, and transthoracic echocardiography at the time of initial presentation (T1). After initiation of medical treatment (T2), follow-up CT scans were systematically obtained together with a clinical evaluation. At T1, all patients showed severe (type III: n=12, 39%; type IV: n=12, 39%) to moderate (type I, n=1, 3%; type II, n=6, 19%) dyspnea with a mean ejection fraction of 39% (range 22-74%). On initial CT scans, enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes were seen in 13 patients (42%) with blurred contours in 5 patients (16%) and hazy mediastinal fat in 1 patient (3%). Significant decrease in the size of lymphadenopathy was observed between T1 and T2 (T1, n=13, 42% vs T2, n=10, 32%; p<0.05) with a concurrent decrease in the severity of dyspnea (grade III-IV dyspnea at T1, n=24, 78% vs grade I-II dyspnea at T2, n=26, 83.5%). Patients with enlarged lymph nodes at T1 showed: (a) a significantly lower ejection fraction at echocardiography than those without lymphadenopathy (mean{+-}SD value: 34{+-}12.9 vs 43{+-}13.8%; p=0.04); (b) a significantly larger diameter of the right superior pulmonary vein (mean{+-}SD value: 17{+-}2.75 vs 14{+-}3.9 mm; p=0.04); and (c) a higher frequency of abnormal peribronchovascular thickening (n=5 vs n=1; p=0.06). Mediastinal lymphadenopathy associated with subacute left heart failure was observed in 13 patients (42%), showing regression after initiation of treatment in 8 of 13 patients (62%). (orig.)
The role of peer-assisted learning in building evaluative judgement: opportunities in clinical medical education.
Tai, Joanna Hong-Meng; Canny, Benedict J; Haines, Terry P; Molloy, Elizabeth K
This study explored the contribution of peer-assisted learning (PAL) in the development of evaluative judgement capacity; the ability to understand work quality and apply those standards to appraising performance. The study employed a mixed methods approach, collecting self-reported survey data, observations of, and reflective interviews with, the medical students observed. Participants were in their first year of clinical placements. Data were thematically analysed. Students indicated that PAL contributed to both the comprehension of notions of quality, and the practice of making comparisons between a given performance and the standards. Emergent themes included peer story-telling, direct observation of performance, and peer-based feedback, all of which helped students to define 'work quality'. By participating in PAL, students were required to make comparisons, therefore using the standards of practice and gaining a deeper understanding of them. The data revealed tensions in that peers were seen as less threatening than supervisors with the advantage of increasing learners' appetites for thoughtful 'intellectual risk taking'. Despite this reported advantage of peer engagement, learners still expressed a preference for feedback from senior teachers as more trusted sources of clinical knowledge. While this study suggests that PAL already contributes to the development of evaluative judgement, further steps could be taken to formalise PAL in clinical placements to improve learners' capacity to make accurate judgements on the performance of self and others. Further experimental studies are necessary to confirm the best methods of using PAL to develop evaluative judgement. This may include both students and educators as instigators of PAL in the workplace. PMID:26662035
Clinical observed performance evaluation: a prospective study in final year students of surgery.
LENUS (Irish Health Repository)
Markey, G C
We report a prospective study of clinical observed performance evaluation (COPE) for 197 medical students in the pre-qualification year of clinical education. Psychometric quality was the main endpoint. Students were assessed in groups of 5 in 40-min patient encounters, with each student the focus of evaluation for 8 min. Each student had a series of assessments in a 25-week teaching programme. Over time, several clinicians from a pool of 16 surgical consultants and registrars evaluated each student by direct observation. A structured rating form was used for assessment data. Variance component analysis (VCA), internal consistency and inter-rater agreement were used to estimate reliability. The predictive and convergent validity of COPE in relation to summative OSCE, long case, and overall final examination was estimated. Median number of COPE assessments per student was 7. Generalisability of a mean score over 7 COPE assessments was 0.66, equal to that of an 8 x 7.5 min station final OSCE. Internal consistency was 0.88-0.97 and inter-rater agreement 0.82. Significant correlations were observed with OSCE performance (R = 0.55 disattenuated) and long case (R = 0.47 disattenuated). Convergent validity was 0.81 by VCA. Overall final examination performance was linearly related to mean COPE score with standard error 3.7%. COPE permitted efficient serial assessment of a large cohort of final year students in a real world setting. Its psychometric quality compared well with conventional assessments and with other direct observation instruments as reported in the literature. Effect on learning, and translation to clinical care, are directions for future research.
Evaluation of dengue NS1 antigen rapid tests and ELISA kits using clinical samples.
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Subhamoy Pal
Full Text Available Early diagnosis of dengue virus (DENV infection can improve clinical outcomes by ensuring close follow-up, initiating appropriate supportive therapies and raising awareness to the potential of hemorrhage or shock. Non-structural glycoprotein-1 (NS1 has proven to be a useful biomarker for early diagnosis of dengue. A number of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs targeting NS1 antigen (Ag are now commercially available. Here we evaluated these tests using a well-characterized panel of clinical samples to determine their effectiveness for early diagnosis.Retrospective samples from South America were used to evaluate the following tests: (i "Dengue NS1 Ag STRIP" and (ii "Platelia Dengue NS1 Ag ELISA" (Bio-Rad, France, (iii "Dengue NS1 Detect Rapid Test (1st Generation" and (iv "DENV Detect NS1 ELISA" (InBios International, United States, (v "Panbio Dengue Early Rapid (1st generation" (vi "Panbio Dengue Early ELISA (2nd generation" and (vii "SD Bioline Dengue NS1 Ag Rapid Test" (Alere, United States. Overall, the sensitivity of the RDTs ranged from 71.9%-79.1% while the sensitivity of the ELISAs varied between 85.6-95.9%, using virus isolation as the reference method. Most tests had lower sensitivity for DENV-4 relative to the other three serotypes, were less sensitive in detecting secondary infections, and appeared to be most sensitive on Day 3-4 post symptom onset. The specificity of all evaluated tests ranged from 95%-100%.ELISAs had greater overall sensitivity than RDTs. In conjunction with other parameters, the performance data can help determine which dengue diagnostics should be used during the first few days of illness, when the patients are most likely to present to a clinic seeking care.
Developing and Evaluating Clinical Written Assignment in Clinical Teaching for the Senior B.S. Nursing Students: An action research
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Leila Valizadeh
Full Text Available Introduction: In a four-year undergraduate level , the nursing students have to get prepared in the patients education, designing care plans, applying nursing processes and exercise the clinical decisions, in addition to learning practical skills. Therefore, multiple clinical teaching strategies in nursing must be applied. In this study the sheets for the mentioned fields were designed and used. Methods: In this action research in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 64 nursing senior students and related instructors participated. Clinical written assignment included the patient's health condition sheet, tables showing the used medicines and the precautions, the clinical and paraclinical tests and the results, identifying the patient problems, designing and implementing care plan and writing nursing reports with SOAPIE method. The instructors' viewpoints were achieved through the group discussions and their notes taken. The perceived competency of the students was obtained through a questionnaire. The qualitative data was analyzed by the content analysis and quantitative using SPSS. Results: Both the students and the instructors agreed with the clinical written assignment. The desired care competency of the students before and after assignment was statistically significant (p<0.05. According to the instructors, intervention was useful for the senior students who have passed the courses needed for completing and using the different parts of these forms. Conclusion: Since a need is always felt in the trends of the nursing clinical teaching, the researchers recommend the clinical written assignment and their application along with other strategies for senior nursing students in clinical teaching.
Assessment and classification of psychopathology in epidemiological research of children 0-3 years of age: a review of the literature
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Skovgaard, A M; Houmann, T; Landorph, S L; Christiansen, E
The research of psychopathology in children 0-3 years of age is dominated by clinical case studies and theoretical reflections, and epidemiological studies are few. This paper reviews methods to assess and classify psychopathology in children 0-3 years old in an epidemiological context. Diagnostic...... psychopathology in children 0-3 years of age: screening instruments with established psychometric properties, such as the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT), and methods of in-depth assessment known from both clinical practice and research: developmental tests, such...... as the Bayley Scales, and relationship assessments, such as the Early Relational Assessment (ERA). Theclassification of psychopathology in young children can be approved by the Diagnostic Classification 0-3. The reliability and validity of DC 0-3 have not yet been established, but preliminary results...
Assessment and classification of psychopathology in epidemiological research of children 0-3 years of age: a review of the literature
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Skovgaard, A M; Houmann, T; Landorph, S L;
The research of psychopathology in children 0-3 years of age is dominated by clinical case studies and theoretical reflections, and epidemiological studies are few. This paper reviews methods to assess and classify psychopathology in children 0-3 years old in an epidemiological context. Diagnostic...... psychopathology in children 0-3 years of age: screening instruments with established psychometric properties, such as the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and the Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT), and methods of in-depth assessment known from both clinical practice and research: developmental tests, such...... as the Bayley Scales, and relationship assessments, such as the Early Relational Assessment (ERA). The classification of psychopathology in young children can be approved by the Diagnostic Classification 0-3. The reliability and validity of DC 0-3 have not yet been established, but preliminary...
Medical Evaluation Processes in Clinical settings. Qualitative Analysis through the Experience of Teachers and Students
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Juan Fernando Cediel Becerra
Full Text Available Evaluation processes in clinical practice havenot been well, being their study focused on the technical issues concerning these processes.This study tried an approach to the evaluationprocesses through the analysis of perceptionsfrom teachers and students about the methodologyof evaluation considering the teachinglearningprocesses performed in a clinicalpractice of the Medicine Program –UniversidadEl Bosque from Bogota. With this purpose weconducted interviews with teachers and studentssearching the manner in which the evaluative,learning and teaching processes are done; thenwe analyzed the perception from both agentsconcerning the way these processes are related.The interviews were categorized bath deductivelyand inductively, and then contrasted withsome current theories of learning, teaching andevaluation in medicine. The study showed thatnowadays the evaluation and, in general, theeducative processes are affected by several factorswhich are associated to the manner theprofessional practice is developed, and the educativeprocess of the current teachers. We concludedthere is no congrency between theapproach of the evaluation, mainly conductivist,and the learning and teaching strategiesmainly constructivist. This fact cause dissent inteachers and students.
Efficacy of panoramic radiography as a screening procedure in dental examination compared with clinical evaluation
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
To evaluate the efficacy of panoramic radiography by comparing the results of clinical examination with radiographic findings. We studied 190 patients (20 men and 170 women; mean age, 40 years; range, 22 to 68 years) who visited the health promotion center of Korea Medical Science Institute and were examined both clinically and by panoramic radiography. We compared results from both examinations. Treatment options by clinical examination were described as 'no treatment indicated', 'treatment of dental caries', 'removal of calculus', 'treatment of periodontal disease'. 'prothodonic treatment' and 'extraction of the third molar'. Findings taken from the panoramic radiography were: dental caries, peroapical lesion, alveolar bone loss, calculus deposition, retained root, impaction of the third molar, disease of maxillary sinus, bony change of mandibular condyle, etc. The prevalence of panoramic findings were: 37.9% of dental caries, 17.4% of periapical lesions, 44.7% of alveolar bone losses, 62.6% of calculi deposition. 7.9% of retained roots, 26.8% of third molar impactions, 6.3% of disease of maxillary sinus, 2.1% of bony changes of mandibular condlye and 35.8% of miscellaneous lesions. Abnormal conditions revealed by panoramic radiography which had not been discovered on clinical examination were: 24.2% of the patients had dental caries, 17.4% had periapical lesions, 7.4% had calculi deposition, 5.3% had retained roots, 15.3% had third molar impactions. The opposite cases were: 5.2% had dental caries, 12.6% had calculi deposition, and 9.5% had third molar impactions. The use of panoramic radiography as a supplement to the clinical examination might be a valuable screening technique
Evaluating Fluoroquinolone Use in Patients Admitted to the Tuberculosis Outpatient Clinic
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Sinem İliaz
Full Text Available Objective: Inelaborate use of new quinolones with strong anti-tuberculosis (TB activity leads to difficulty in diagnosis and more importantly, quinolone-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We aimed to determine the frequency of quinolone use in patients who were referred to our hospital for suspected TB and to evaluate the association between quinolone use and different clinical laboratory parameters. Methods: Between November 15 and December 15, 2013, all patients who were admitted to the TB outpatient clinic with no previous diagnosis of TB were included in this study. Demographic and clinical laboratory findings and history of antibiotic use were recorded. Patients' quinolone use were questioned by showing fluoroquinolone antibiotic boxes' photographs available on the market. The departments of the doctors who prescribed quinolones were recorded. Results: The mean age of 179 patients included in the study was 37±16 (15–89 years. Among these, 113 patients (63.1% were male. Seventy five patients (41.9% were diagnosed as tuberculosis according to the clinical-radiological and/or bacteriological findings. Of 179 patients, 58.1% (n=104 had been prescribed antibiotics for current complaints before referral to our clinic. Sixteen patients (15% had been recommended fluoroquinolones. Fluoroquinolones were prescribed by seven internal medicine specialists, five pulmonologists, three emergency medicine specialists, and one family medicine practitioner. Among 16 fluoroquinolones prescribed, nine were moxifloxacin, four were levofloxacin, and three were gemifloxacin. Quinolone use revealed a significant inverse relationship only with the presence of hemoptysis (p=0.04. Conclusion: Besides increased educational activities regarding the rational use of antibiotics in recent years, the quinolone group of antibiotics is still prescribed for suspected TB cases. To avoid quinolone-resistant M. tuberculosis strains, further education is required.
Efficacy of panoramic radiography as a screening procedure in dental examination compared with clinical evaluation
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An, Seo Young; An, Chang Hyeon; Choi, Karp Shik [Kyungpook National Univ. School of Dentistry, Daegu (Korea, Republic of)
To evaluate the efficacy of panoramic radiography by comparing the results of clinical examination with radiographic findings. We studied 190 patients (20 men and 170 women; mean age, 40 years; range, 22 to 68 years) who visited the health promotion center of Korea Medical Science Institute and were examined both clinically and by panoramic radiography. We compared results from both examinations. Treatment options by clinical examination were described as 'no treatment indicated', 'treatment of dental caries', 'removal of calculus', 'treatment of periodontal disease'. 'prothodonic treatment' and 'extraction of the third molar'. Findings taken from the panoramic radiography were: dental caries, peroapical lesion, alveolar bone loss, calculus deposition, retained root, impaction of the third molar, disease of maxillary sinus, bony change of mandibular condyle, etc. The prevalence of panoramic findings were: 37.9% of dental caries, 17.4% of periapical lesions, 44.7% of alveolar bone losses, 62.6% of calculi deposition. 7.9% of retained roots, 26.8% of third molar impactions, 6.3% of disease of maxillary sinus, 2.1% of bony changes of mandibular condlye and 35.8% of miscellaneous lesions. Abnormal conditions revealed by panoramic radiography which had not been discovered on clinical examination were: 24.2% of the patients had dental caries, 17.4% had periapical lesions, 7.4% had calculi deposition, 5.3% had retained roots, 15.3% had third molar impactions. The opposite cases were: 5.2% had dental caries, 12.6% had calculi deposition, and 9.5% had third molar impactions. The use of panoramic radiography as a supplement to the clinical examination might be a valuable screening technique.
Evaluation of a clinical needs assessment and exploration of the associated supports for students with a disability in clinical practice: part 2.
Howlin, Frances; Halligan, Phil; O'Toole, Sinead
Engagement and successful completion of nursing and midwifery programmes may be predicated on the identification and implementation of reasonable accommodations to facilitate clinical learning for students with a disability. This qualitative study aims to evaluate a clinical needs assessment for students with a disability and explore their experiences of support in clinical practice. A purposive sample of year one undergraduate students was used. Four students consented to participate and undertook an individual interview. Their disabilities were categorised as specific learning disability (dyslexia) (n = 3) and mental health (n = 1). Data analysis revealed two main themes 'students' experiences of disclosure' and 'receiving support'. Findings revealed that all students disclosed on placement, however, the extent of disclosure was influenced by personal and environmental factors. Students used the clinical needs assessment to highlight accommodations to clinical staff on placement. Issues of concern that arose, included communication between all key stakeholders, negative staff attitudes and the need to improve the provision of accommodations. This preliminary evaluation indicates that the Clinical Needs Assessment bridges the gap in provision of student support between higher education and healthcare institutions. Findings suggest that competence based needs assessments can identify individualised reasonable accommodations for students undertaking clinical placements. PMID:25052770
Summary of Medipix Technology's 3-Years in Space and Plans for Future Developments
Pinsky, Lawrence
NASA has evaluated 7 Timepix-based radiation imaging detectors from the CERN-based Medipix2 collaboration on the International Space Station (ISS), collecting more than 3-years of data, as well on the December, 2014 EFT-1 mission testing the new Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. These data along with data collected at ground-based accelerator facilities including the NASA Space Radiation Lab (NSRL) at Brookhaven in the US, as well as at the HIMAC facility at the National Institute for Radiological Sciences in Japan, have allowed the development of software analysis techniques sufficient to provide a stand-alone accurate assessment of the space radiation environment for dosimetric purposes. Recent comparisons of the performance of the Timepix with both n-on-p and p-on-n Si sensors will be presented. The further evolution of the Timepix technology by the Medipix3 collaboration in the form of the Timepix3 chip, which employs a continuous data-driven readout scheme, is being evaluated for possible use in future space research applications. Initial performance evaluations at accelerators will be reported. The Medipix2 Collaboration is also in the process of designing an updated version of the Timepix chip, called the Timepix2, which will continue the frame-based readout scheme of the current Timepix chip, but add simultaneous charge encoding using the Time-Over-Threshold (TOT) and first-hit Time-of-Arrival (TOA) encoding. Current plans are to replace the Timepix by the Timepix2 with minimal reconfiguration of the supporting electronics. Longer-term plans include participation in the currently forming Medipix4 collaboration. A summary of these prospects will also be included.
Decision theory and the evaluation of risks and benefits of clinical trials.
Bernabe, Rosemarie D C; van Thiel, Ghislaine J M W; Raaijmakers, Jan A M; van Delden, Johannes J M
Research ethics committees (RECs) are tasked to assess the risks and the benefits of a clinical trial. In previous studies, it was shown that RECs find this task difficult, if not impossible, to do. The current approaches to benefit-risk assessment (i.e. Component Analysis and the Net Risk Test) confound the various risk-benefit tasks, and as such, make balancing impossible. In this article, we show that decision theory, specifically through the expected utility theory and multiattribute utility theory, enable for an explicit and ethically weighted risk-benefit evaluation. This makes a balanced ethical justification possible, and thus a more rationally defensible decision making. PMID:22819925
Clinical value of radiological methods in evaluation and therapy of severe thoracic trauma
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Plain chest radiographs allow the diagnosis of most intrathoracic injuries. However, they are only momentary pictures and give no information on the respiratory function. A tension pneumothorax, rib fractures and subcutaneous emphysema should be diagnosed clinically before radiographs are taken. Computed tomography is helpful in evaluation of intrapulmonary lesions, hemothorax, rupture of the diaphragm and dislocation of the heart. Further diagnostic tools include aortography in suspected aortic rupture, sonography in cardiac injuries and hemopericardium, bronchoscopy in suspected bronchial or tracheal rupture, ECG and enzyme determinations in cardiac contusion, and eventually pneumoperitoneum in suspected rupture of the diaphragm. (orig.)
Bilateral congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle report of a case with clinical, radiological and neurophysiological evaluation.
Padua, R; Romanini, E; Conti, C; Padua, L; Serra, F
Congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle is a rare condition. Bilateral involvement is extremely rare: only seven cases have been reported in the literature. Although the anatomy of the thoracic outlet can be markedly altered by the hypermobility of the shoulder and although few cases with mild symptoms suggesting brachial plexus impairment have been reported, the neurological status of the brachial plexus in congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle has not been well assessed. We report a case of bilateral congenital pseudarthrosis of the clavicle in which clinical, neurophysiological and radiological evaluations were performed. PMID:10546362
Clinical evaluation of CpG oligonucleotides as adjuvants for vaccines targeting infectious diseases and cancer.
Scheiermann, Julia; Klinman, Dennis M
Synthetic oligonucleotides (ODN) that express unmethylated "CpG motifs" trigger cells that express Toll-like receptor 9. In humans this includes plasmacytoid dendritic cells and B cells. CpG ODN induce an innate immune response characterized by the production of Th1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Their utility as vaccine adjuvants was evaluated in a number of clinical trials. Results indicate that CpG ODN improve antigen presentation and the generation of vaccine-specific cellular and humoral responses. This work provides an up-to-date overview of the utility of CpG ODN as adjuvants for vaccines targeting infectious agents and cancer. PMID:24975812
Clinical evaluation of marginal fracture of amalgam restorations: one-year report.
Osborne, J W; Friedman, S J
Fourteen dental amalgam alloys were used in this study. After 1 year, amalgam restorations were evaluated for fracture at the margins. The clinical results indicated that Dispersalloy, Indiloy, a high-copper blend by Syntex, Cluster, and Unison had the least marginal failure. This was followed by Premalloy, Cupralloy, Tytin, Cupralloy ESP, and Contour. Velvalloy and Sybraloy and Orosphere II were the third major grouping with Summalloy having the most fracture at the margins. Different batches of the same alloy performed similarly. The correlation between creep and ridit means (fracture at the margins) was not found to be statistically significant. PMID:3457164
Clinical patch test data evaluated by multivariate analysis. Danish Contact Dermatitis Group
DEFF Research Database (Denmark)
Christophersen, J; Menné, T; Tanghøj, P;
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of individual explanatory factors, such as sex, age, atopy, test time and presence of diseased skin, on clinical patch test results, by application of multivariate statistical analysis. The study population was 2166 consecutive patients......-mix, colophony, and formaldehyde), one or more individual factors were of significance for the risk of being sensitized, except for chromate and formaldehyde. It is concluded that patch test results can be compared only after stratification of the material or by multivariate analysis....
Evaluation of quantitative accuracy in CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT for various isotopes
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
In vivo pre-clinical single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a valuable tool for functional small animal imaging, but several physical factors, such as scatter radiation, limit the quantitative accuracy of conventional scintillation crystal-based SPECT. Semiconductor detectors such as CZT overcome these deficiencies through superior energy resolution. To our knowledge, little scientific information exists regarding the accuracy of quantitative analysis in CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT systems for different isotopes. The aim of this study was to assess the quantitative accuracy of CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT for four isotopes: 201Tl, 99mTc, 123I, and 111In. The quantitative accuracy of the CZT-based Triumph X-SPECT (Gamma-Medica Ideas, Northridge, CA, U.S.A.) was compared with that of a conventional SPECT using GATE simulation. Quantitative errors due to the attenuation and scatter effects were evaluated for all four isotopes with energy windows of 5%, 10%, and 20%. A spherical source containing the isotope was placed at the center of the air-or-water-filled mouse-sized cylinder phantom. The CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT was more accurate than the conventional SPECT. For example, in the conventional SPECT with an energy window of 10%, scatter effects degraded quantitative accuracy by up to 11.52%, 5.10%, 2.88%, and 1.84% for 201Tl, 99mTc, 123I, and 111In, respectively. However, with the CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT, the degradations were only 9.67%, 5.45%, 2.36%, and 1.24% for 201Tl, 99mTc, 123I, and 111In, respectively. As the energy window was increased, the quantitative errors increased in both SPECT systems. Additionally, the isotopes with lower energy of photon emissions had greater quantitative error. Our results demonstrated that the CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT had lower overall quantitative errors due to reduced scatter and high detection efficiency. Furthermore, the results of this systematic assessment quantifying the accuracy of these SPECT
Evaluation of quantitative accuracy in CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT for various isotopes
Park, S.-J.; Yu, A. R.; Kim, Y.-s.; Kang, W.-S.; Jin, S. S.; Kim, J.-S.; Son, T. J.; Kim, H.-J.
In vivo pre-clinical single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a valuable tool for functional small animal imaging, but several physical factors, such as scatter radiation, limit the quantitative accuracy of conventional scintillation crystal-based SPECT. Semiconductor detectors such as CZT overcome these deficiencies through superior energy resolution. To our knowledge, little scientific information exists regarding the accuracy of quantitative analysis in CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT systems for different isotopes. The aim of this study was to assess the quantitative accuracy of CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT for four isotopes: 201Tl, 99mTc, 123I, and 111In. The quantitative accuracy of the CZT-based Triumph X-SPECT (Gamma-Medica Ideas, Northridge, CA, U.S.A.) was compared with that of a conventional SPECT using GATE simulation. Quantitative errors due to the attenuation and scatter effects were evaluated for all four isotopes with energy windows of 5%, 10%, and 20%. A spherical source containing the isotope was placed at the center of the air-or-water-filled mouse-sized cylinder phantom. The CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT was more accurate than the conventional SPECT. For example, in the conventional SPECT with an energy window of 10%, scatter effects degraded quantitative accuracy by up to 11.52%, 5.10%, 2.88%, and 1.84% for 201Tl, 99mTc, 123I, and 111In, respectively. However, with the CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT, the degradations were only 9.67%, 5.45%, 2.36%, and 1.24% for 201Tl, 99mTc, 123I, and 111In, respectively. As the energy window was increased, the quantitative errors increased in both SPECT systems. Additionally, the isotopes with lower energy of photon emissions had greater quantitative error. Our results demonstrated that the CZT-based pre-clinical SPECT had lower overall quantitative errors due to reduced scatter and high detection efficiency. Furthermore, the results of this systematic assessment quantifying the accuracy of these SPECT
Clinical evaluation of a prototype intraoral source x-ray system.
Lieberman, J E; Webber, R L
A prototype dental roentgenographic system which incorporates a tightly collimated intraoral x-ray source and an extraoral Polaroid film screen cassette was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Findings indicate that the detectability of artificially induced incipient enamel lesions was significantly less than that demonstrable for conventional roentgenograms produced with an extraoral source, long-cone geometry, and Kodak Ultra Speed D film. Larger lesions were found to be reliably detected by either technique. The new intraoral approach reduces the dose to the patient by possibly as much as 98 per cent and yields positive dry prints in 15 seconds. This system was clinically tested and found to be useful in endodontics and presurgical evaluation. Modifications are discussed which could reduce some of the technical problems and many of the shortcomings encountered. PMID:362311
Clinical scale preparation and evaluation of 131I-Rituximab for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with anti CD20 MoAb conjugated to a β- emitting radioisotope like 131I or 90Y has the added advantage of delivering radiation not only to tumor cells that bind the antibody but also due to a crossfire effect, to neighboring tumor cells inaccessible to the antibody. In order to make available an indigenous radioimmunotherapeutic agent for Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), radioiodinated Rituximab has been prepared and evaluated at a clinical scale. Radioiodination of Rituximab was performed by the conventional Chloramine T method using 7.4 GBq Na131I in a lead shielded plant. Six batches of radioiodination were prepared and characterized by electrophoresis and HPLC to evaluate the reproducibility of the product. The product remained stable retaining the radiochemical purity > 95% upto 5 days after radioiodination. In vitro cell binding studies and biodistribution studies in normal Swiss mice have indicated the potential of this molecule as a radioimmunotherapeutic agent for NHL. (orig.)
Amorphous and crystalline polyetheretherketone: Mechanical properties and tissue reactions during a 3-year follow-up.
Nieminen, Tuomo; Kallela, Ilkka; Wuolijoki, Erkki; Kainulainen, Heikki; Hiidenheimo, Ilmari; Rantala, Immo
The study was aimed to test the mechanical strength, structural stability, and tissue reactions of optically amorphous and crystalline polyetheretherketone (PEEK) plates during a 3-year follow-up in vivo and in vitro. The injection-moulded PEEK plates were implanted to the dorsal subcutis of 12 sheep, which were sacrificed at 6-156 weeks. Thereafter, the plates were subjected to tensile tests, and levels of crystallinity were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Histological evaluation was carried out using the paraffin technique. In vitro properties were examined with the tensile test and DSC at 0-156 weeks. Tissue reactions were mild and fairly similar for the amorphous and crystalline plates at corresponding points in time. The mechanical characteristics of the plates remained stable over the entire follow-up. The tensile yield load and elongation at the yield load of the crystalline plates were roughly double ( approximately 500 vs. 270 N and 2.4 vs. 1.4 mm, respectively) in comparison to the amorphous plates. The elongation at break load of the crystalline plates was smaller than that of the amorphous ones (6 vs. 10). The level of crystallinity in both the optically amorphous ( approximately 15%) and crystalline (32-34%) plates remained invariable during the follow-up. The in vitro and in vivo data coincided remarkably well. In conclusion, both optically amorphous and crystalline PEEK plates are suitable for the fixation of fractures and osteotomies. PMID:17618477
Evaluation of Sialic Acid and Acute Phase Proteins (Haptoglobin and Serum Amyloid A) in Clinical and Subclinical Bovine Mastitis
S. Nazifi*, M. Haghkhah1, Z. Asadi, M. Ansari-Lari2, M. R. Tabandeh3, Z. Esmailnezhad and M. Aghamiri
The present study was conducted to evaluate the concentrations of sialic acids (total, lipid bound and protein bound) and their correlation with acute phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloid A) in clinical and subclinical mastitis of cattle. Thirty subclinical mastitic cows with positive California mastitis test (CMT) test and no clinical signs of mastitis, 10 clinical mastitic cows and 10 healthy cows with negative CMT test and normal somatic cell count were selected. Milk and blood sa...
Clinical evaluation of children testing positive in screening tests for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A preliminary report
Maria Skounti; Katerina Mpitzaraki; Anastas Philalithis; Emmanouil Galanakis
Background and Objectives: Screening tests are of great diagnostic value in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), however final diagnosis relies on a clinical examination by an expert. The objective of the present study was to clinically evaluate children who had been screened positive for ADHD through both a parent and a teacher questionnaire. Methods: Parent interview and child behavior checklist and clinical assessment were used to confirm the preliminary diagnosis in 42 childre...
Clinical significance of dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of wrist joint in Rheumatoid arthritis
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
To assess the role of contrast-enhanced dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in evaluation disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis. Forty-seven wrist joints with rheumatoid arthritis were examined prospectively. Coronal images of the wrist were obtained using fat-suppression Fast multi-planar spoiled gradient recalled (FMPSPGR) acquisition in the steady state ; TR/TE 102/6.4 msec, flip angle = 60, 4 slices per sequence, FOV = 8 cm, matrix 256 X 192 at 1.5 Tesla. Scans were carried out once before and five to eight times after an intravenous Gd-DPTA injection, at 30-second-intervals. The enhancement of synovium were measured, the enhancement ratio was calculated(postcontrast SNR/precontrast SNR) and time-enhancement ratio curves were plotted. Patients were divided into three groups according to the ratio of initial to peak enhancement : less than 30% ; 30-80% more than 80%. Differences among the three groups were statistically tested using clinical indices and laboratory data as variable. Comparing one group with another, there were no significant differences in clinical indices and laboratory data except for the parameter of grip strength. Enhancement pattern measured in a single wrist joint was not comparable to a clinical index in predicting disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis
Clinical Evaluation and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Serum Tumor Markers in Lung Cancer
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Rong Wang
Full Text Available The detection of serum tumor markers is valuable for the early diagnosis of lung cancer. Tumor markers are frequently used for the management of cancer patients. However, single markers are less efficient but marker combinations increase the cost, which is troublesome for clinics. To find an optimal serum marker combination panel that benefits the patients and the medical management system as well, four routine lung cancer serum markers (SCCA, NSE, CEA, and CYFRA21-1 were evaluated individually and in combination. Meanwhile, the costs and effects of these markers in clinical practice in China were assessed by cost-effectiveness analysis. As expected, combinations of these tumor markers improved their sensitivity for lung cancer and different combination panels had their own usefulness. NSE + CEA + CYFRA21-1 was the optimal combination panel with highest Youden's index (0.64, higher sensitivity (75.76%, and specificity (88.57%, which can aid the clinical diagnosis of lung cancer. Nevertheless, the most cost-effective combination was SCCA + CEA, which can be used to screen the high-risk group.
Repeatability Evaluation of a Contrast Sensitivity System for Transfer to the Eye Clinic
Alcalde, N. G.; Castillo, L. R.; Filgueira, C. Paz; Colombo, E. M.
The Contrast Sensitivity Function (CSF) is a valuable tool which can be used to characterize functional vision and also for the diagnosis and management of patients with different eye diseases. In spite of its usefulness, the CSF is currently hardly ever used in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to validate the use of the system called FVC-100 (Tecnovinc-UNT-CONICET, Argentina), which calculates the CSF, in order to transfer this important tool to ophthalmological clinics. The validation was carried out through the design of a repeatability test and the subsequent analysis of the results. Furthermore, we evaluated the impact of different factors influencing the repeatability of the measurements such as age and previous training. The tests were based on the discrimination of sinusoidal gratings for different spatial frequencies (1, 4 and 12 c/°) in both eyes of 12 people, aged between 20 and 70. The results show that the calculated values of SC of each subject have a high repeatability and are not dependent on age or training. These results allow us to conclude positively regarding the effectiveness of the FVC-100, and to validate its use in clinics for the calculation of the FSC as a standard measure of functional vision quality.
A Proposed New Index for Clinical Evaluation of Interproximal Soft Tissues: The Interdental Pressure Index
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Checchi Luigi
Full Text Available The interdental pressure index (IPI is introduced to specifically evaluate clinical interproximal-tissue conditions and assess the effect of interproximal hygiene stimulation. This index scores clinical responses of periodontal tissues to the apical pressure of a horizontally placed periodontal probe. It is negative when gingival tissues are firm, bleeding-free, and slightly ischemic by the stimulation; otherwise it is positive. The clinical validation showed high intraoperator agreement (0.92; 95% CI: 0.82–0.96; P=0.0001 and excellent interoperator agreement (0.76; 95% CI: 0.14–1.38; P=0.02. High internal consistency with bleeding on probing (κ=0.88 and gingival index (Cronbach's α=0.81 was obtained. Histological validation obtained high sensitivity (100% and specificity (80% for IPI+ toward inflammatory active form. The same results were recorded for IPI− toward chronic inactive form. IPI results as a simple and noninvasive method with low error probability and good reflection of histological condition that can be applied for oral hygiene motivation. Patient compliance to oral hygiene instructions is essential in periodontal therapy and IPI index can be a practical and intuitive tool to check and reinforce this important aspect.
Clinical evaluation of normal tissue toxicity induced by ionizing radiation in cases of laryngeal carcinoma
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Laryngeal cancer is the second most frequent head and neck cancer in the Brazilian male population. For treatment, radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy is now used in substitution for total laryngectomy, becoming the standard treatment for advanced larynx cancer cases, with the aim of organ preservation. However, this method needs assessment of the side effects caused to normal tissue and organ functionality after treatment and the relation of these clinical factors to the individual characteristics of patients. Thus, the clinical characteristics of 229 patients with laryngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy were evaluated by medical records analysis in relation to normal tissue radiosensibility. Significant relations between smoking (p = 0.018) and combined chemoradiotherapy assistance (p = 0.03) were identified with high frequency of treatment suspension cases. The application of combined chemoradiotherapy also resulted in a higher incidence of oral mucositis (p = 0.04), xerostomia (p = 0.001) and treatment side effects to GIT (p = 0.04). Advanced clinical staging was associated with worse prognosis (p = 0.002) and a higher occurrence of treatment failure (p < 0.001). Radiotherapy was also less effective depending on the primary tumor location (p = 0.001). (author)
Evaluation of DICOM viewer software for workflow integration in clinical trials
Haak, Daniel; Page, Charles E.; Kabino, Klaus; Deserno, Thomas M.
The digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) protocol is nowadays the leading standard for capture, exchange and storage of image data in medical applications. A broad range of commercial, free, and open source software tools supporting a variety of DICOM functionality exists. However, different from patient's care in hospital, DICOM has not yet arrived in electronic data capture systems (EDCS) for clinical trials. Due to missing integration, even just the visualization of patient's image data in electronic case report forms (eCRFs) is impossible. Four increasing levels for integration of DICOM components into EDCS are conceivable, raising functionality but also demands on interfaces with each level. Hence, in this paper, a comprehensive evaluation of 27 DICOM viewer software projects is performed, investigating viewing functionality as well as interfaces for integration. Concerning general, integration, and viewing requirements the survey involves the criteria (i) license, (ii) support, (iii) platform, (iv) interfaces, (v) two-dimensional (2D) and (vi) three-dimensional (3D) image viewing functionality. Optimal viewers are suggested for applications in clinical trials for 3D imaging, hospital communication, and workflow. Focusing on open source solutions, the viewers ImageJ and MicroView are superior for 3D visualization, whereas GingkoCADx is advantageous for hospital integration. Concerning workflow optimization in multi-centered clinical trials, we suggest the open source viewer Weasis. Covering most use cases, an EDCS and PACS interconnection with Weasis is suggested.
Clinical evaluation of Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha Churna and Praval Pishti in the management of menopausal syndrome
Modi, Mansi B.; Donga, Shilpa B.; Dei, Laxmipriya
Menopause is a gradual and natural transitional phase of adjustment between the active and inactive ovarian function and occupies several years of a women's life and involves biological and psychological changes adjustments. The present clinical trial was designed as per Ayurveda clinical trials protocol to evaluate the efficacy of Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha Churna and Praval Pishti in the management of menopausal syndrome. It was directed by Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences as randomized open clinical trial. Total 52 patients were registered in the study, out of which 51 patients completed the study. Specialized rating scales like Kupperman Index Score as well as Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and Menopause Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaires were adopted for diagnostic as well as assessment criteria. The effects were examined based on MRS and MENQOL. Results were analyzed statistically using Wilcoxon matched paired test and 't' test. Highly significant (P < 0.01) reduction was found in the symptoms of MRS as well as MENQOL. Finally, it can be stated that combined treatment of above drugs gives better result in both somatic as well as psychological complaints in women with mild to moderate symptoms of menopausal syndrome. PMID:23723668
Clinical evaluation of normal tissue toxicity induced by ionizing radiation in cases of laryngeal carcinoma
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Ramos, Adriano de Paula; Marques, Gustavo Inacio de Gomes; Soares, Renata da Bastos Ascenco; Dourado, Juliana Castro Dourado [Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Goias (PUCGO), Goiania, GO (Brazil). Dept. of Medicine; Mendonca, Yuri de Abreu, E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com [Goias Association Against Cancer, Goiania, GO (Brazil). Lab. of Radiobiology and Oncogenetics
Laryngeal cancer is the second most frequent head and neck cancer in the Brazilian male population. For treatment, radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy is now used in substitution for total laryngectomy, becoming the standard treatment for advanced larynx cancer cases, with the aim of organ preservation. However, this method needs assessment of the side effects caused to normal tissue and organ functionality after treatment and the relation of these clinical factors to the individual characteristics of patients. Thus, the clinical characteristics of 229 patients with laryngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy were evaluated by medical records analysis in relation to normal tissue radiosensibility. Significant relations between smoking (p = 0.018) and combined chemoradiotherapy assistance (p = 0.03) were identified with high frequency of treatment suspension cases. The application of combined chemoradiotherapy also resulted in a higher incidence of oral mucositis (p = 0.04), xerostomia (p = 0.001) and treatment side effects to GIT (p = 0.04). Advanced clinical staging was associated with worse prognosis (p = 0.002) and a higher occurrence of treatment failure (p < 0.001). Radiotherapy was also less effective depending on the primary tumor location (p = 0.001). (author)
The 5-point Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) Scale: A modified tool for evaluating plaque psoriasis severity in clinical trials
Langley, R.G.; Feldman, S.R.; Nyirady, J.; Kerkhof, P.C.M. van de; Papavassilis, C.
Abstract Background: To evaluate new psoriasis treatments, clinicians, regulators and pharmaceutical developers require well-accepted, clinically meaningful measures of disease severity. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score is most widely used as a primary endpoint in clinical trials,
New insights into the clinical evaluation of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis patients: a single center's experience
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Suhr OB
Full Text Available Ole B Suhr,1 Sandra Gustavsson,1 Victoria Heldestad,2 Rolf Hörnsten,3 Per Lindqvist,1 Erik Nordh,2 Urban Wiklund41Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, 2Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, 3Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology, Heart Centre, 4Department of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, SwedenAbstract: Over the last decade, new medical treatment modalities have emerged based on increased insights into amyloid formation. With the increased possibilities for treatment of amyloidosis caused by transthyretin (TTR amyloid deposits comes the need for diagnostic procedures for early diagnosis and better tools to follow disease progression. This is of particular importance in clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of new treatments. Until recently, the treatment of TTR amyloidosis (ATTR was based solely on liver transplantation, a procedure that has halted disease progression in many patients. Liver transplantation has been especially effective in patients under the age of 50 years carrying the TTR V30M mutation, whereas the outcome of the procedure has been variable for others, particularly elderly male patients and those carrying a non-V30M mutation. This review concentrates on new insights derived from our center's experience with liver transplantation, how to implement this experience in evaluation of new treatment modalities for ATTR, and how to facilitate early diagnosis of neuropathy with easily available diagnostic tools. Attention has focused on manifestations of the disease that involve the heart and the peripheral nervous system; change in peripheral nerve function has been the primary endpoint in two controlled clinical trials, one finished and one ongoing. New insights into the amyloid formation process and the lessons learned from liver transplantation give the opportunity to design potentially effective treatment modalities for ATTR
Assessment set for evaluation of clinical outcomes in multiple sclerosis: psychometric properties
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Rasova K
Full Text Available Kamila Rasova,1 Patricia Martinkova,2 Jana Vyskotova,3 Michaela Sedova21Department of Rehabilitation, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Faculty Hospital Královské Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic; 2Center of Biomedical Informatics and Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Institute of Computer Science, AS CR, Prague, Czech Republic; 3Faculty of Medicine, Ostrava University, Ostrava, Czech RepublicPurpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS manifests itself in a wide range of symptoms. Physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of those symptoms connected with mobility. For this therapy to be at its most effective it should be based on a systematic examination that is able to describe and classify damaged clinical functions meaningfully. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a battery of tests and composite tests that can be used to systematically evaluate clinical features of MS treatable by physiotherapy.Methods: The authors assembled a proposed battery of tests comprising known, standard, and validated assessments (low-contrast letter acuity testing; the Motricity Index; the Modified Ashworth Scale; the Berg Balance Scale; scales of postural reactions, tremor, dysdiadochokinesia, and dysmetria; the Nine-Hole Peg Test; the Timed 25-Foot Walk; and the 3-minute version of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test and one test (knee hyperextension of the authors' own. Normalization was calculated and six composite assessments were measured. Seventeen ambulatory subjects with MS were tested twice with the assessment set before undergoing physiotherapy, and 12 were also tested with the assessment set after the physiotherapy. The test–retest reliability, stability, internal consistency of composite measurements, sensitivity to changes after therapy, and correlation between measurements and the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale score were evaluated for all tests in the assessment set
Er,Cr:YSGG laser labial frenectomy: a clinical retrospective evaluation of 156 consecutive cases.
Olivi, Giovanni; Chaumanet, Gilles; Genovese, Maria Daniela; Beneduce, Carla; Andreana, Sebastiano
The labial frenum may impede oral hygiene and result in diastema between anterior teeth and traction of the attached gingiva. Surgical removal of the frenum during puberty has been recommended for these patients. This article clinically evaluates the efficacy of an Er,Cr:YSGG laser in removing the labial frenum in an adolescent and pre-pubescent population. Using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser at a power setting of 1.5 W or less and 20 to 30 pulses per second, a total of 156 frenectomies were performed on 143 children. Patients returned for recall visits at 3, 7, 21, and 30 days and at one, two, and three years. Surgical areas were checked for adverse events, recurrency of frenum, and functional complications. Patient acceptance was also evaluated by using the Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale. Thirteen recurrences were reported in the adolescent population at 21 or 30 days, all of which required re-intervention; however, only two cases displayed recurrence of the frenum. None of the three pre-pubescent cases required additional intervention, maintaining acceptable clinical results after three years. Patient acceptance was very high, and no postoperative adverse events were reported. PMID:20478790
Clinical, Epidemiological and Therapeutic Evaluation in 14 Cases of Inflammatory Breast Cancer in Canines
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Celina Gomes da Silva
Full Text Available With the aim of evaluating clinical aspects, age, breed, presence of metastasis, chemotherapeutical protocol, use of COX-2 inhibitors and survival rate in female dogs diagnosed with inflammatory carcinoma at the Hospital Veterinario de Uberaba (HVU, a retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of 14 female dogs seen at HVU between July, 2011 and July, 2012 and diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. The breeds included were crossbred, poodle, Brazilian terrier, teckel and Belgian shepherd. Average age: 11.1 years. Outbreaks of distant metastasis were detected in 7 animals, out of which 5 patients received COX-2 inhibitors as sole treatment and only 4 received chemotherapeutical treatment. The protocol, constituted by piroxicam, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin and doxorubicin showed the highest survival time (210 days. In conclusion, inflammatory carcinoma is a disease of bad prognosis, short survival time and produces systemic alterations that reduce therapeutic response. Apparently, the most accurate therapeutic form is the association of COX-2 inhibitors and chemotherapeutics; however, controlled clinical studies are needed in order to evaluate these suggestions.
Clinical evaluation and design of network live broadcast system of DSA video streaming
International Nuclear Information System (INIS)
Objective: To evaluate the clinical feasibility of network live broadcast of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) video streaming. Methods: DSA video streaming was captured by an advanced image capture board. MPEG-4 and DirectShow framework were used for data compression and transmission. Data of DSA video streaming could be transmitted easily from server sender filter to client receiver filter according to TCP and UDP protocols. Images of 24 cases were captured, which were compared with images of DSA workstation by experienced doctors. The subjective evaluation criteria included the manifestition of normal and pathological blood vessels, and sharpness, contrast degree and real time efficiency of images. Results: The delay time of live broadcast was less than one second in 100 M LAN. Among 24 cases, excellent imaging quality was got in 17 cases, good in 5 cases and midst in 2 cases. Conclusion: Excellent images and synchronism of DSA video are achieved in this system, which can meet clinical requirements of diagnosis and synchronism. (authors)
A treatment simulator with CT-extension: feasibility evaluation for the clinical situation
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The need of cross-sectional data for radiotherapy, be it target localization or treatment planning, is beyond discussion. However, due to heavy demand for diagnostic work, scanners for Computed Tomography (CT) in a radiology department cannot be dedicated for radiotherapy treatment planning exclusively. A conventional treatment simulator with CT-extension (Sim-CT) offers a less costly and more convenient alternative form of a CT-scanner for radiotherapy. The potential benefits of such a dedicated system are multiple and have been described extensively in literature. The Philips SLS-CTa is currently being tested for clinical efficacy in our department and preliminary results will be presented. Initial evaluation on contrast resolution using the contrast-detail-dose approach, showed that contrast sensitivity is not as good as models developed for diagnostic CT-scanners predict. The possible reason might be a less efficient scatter reduction than that found in diagnostic scanners. Spatial resolution has been evaluated by means of Modulation Transform Functions (MTF), and line pair gauges of 6 lp/cm as well as holes of 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm respectively can be resolved for Field Of Views (FOV) of 250 mm and 500 mm. The clinical feasibility of the CT-extension both as an on-line diagnostic tool during the simulation procedure, as well as on the acquisition of relative electron densities in the exact treatment position which can then be used to formulate dose distributions, will be discussed in detail