Dual-energy computerized tomography has gained great interest because of its ability to characterize the chemical composition of a material rather than simply providing relative attenuation images as in conventional tomography. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel polychromatic dual-energy processing algorithm, with an emphasis on detection and ...

This study aimed to find a simple, cost-effective, and time-efficient method for the preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), so the acquired benefits will be readily available for multiple procedures in smaller outpatient clinics and to explore the safety and efficacy of the application of PRP in the treatment of degenerative ...

: Fecal incontinence is highly prevalent in the general population and especially in risk groups. Obesity is also common and is associated with comorbidities that impair general health and interfere with daily activities. Identifying mutable factors for fecal incontinence, such as stool consistency, is of paramount importance to improve quality ...

Abstract The slow development of effective treatment of glioblastoma is contrasted by the rapidly advancing research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. Amplification and overexpression of receptor tyrosine kinases, particularly EGFR and PDGFRA, are complemented by mutations in the PI3K, RB1, and p53 signaling pathways. In addition to finding ...

Patients with colorectal cancer are at risk for developing metachronous colorectal cancer. The purpose of posttreatment surveillance is to detect and remove premalignant lesions to prevent metachronous colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of and predictive factors for metachronous colorectal cancer in patients with ...

Citation information: Roessler GF, Dietlein TS, Plange N, Roepke A-K, Dinslage S, Walter P, Mazinani BAE. Accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation using partial coherence interferometry in patients with high myopia. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 228-233. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-1313.2012.00903.x ABSTRACT: Purpose:  Ultrasound-A-scan-biometry intraocular lens power calculation for cataract surgery sometimes ...

Maximum contaminant levels are used to control potential health hazards posed by chemicals in drinking water, but no primary national or international limits for aluminum (Al) have been adopted. Given the differences in toxicological profiles, the present evaluation derives total allowable concentrations for certain water-soluble inorganic Al compounds (including chloride, ...

Increased, often inappropriate, drug exposure, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes, reduced homeostatic reserve and frailty increase the risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the older population, thereby imposing a significant public health burden. Predicting and diagnosing ADRs in old age presents significant challenges for the clinician, even when specific risk ...

Uncertainty regarding the benefits of vertebroplasty (VP) for the treatment of acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures has recently arisen. A prospective, controlled, randomized single-center trial (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT00994032) was designed to compare the effects of VP versus conservative treatment on the quality of life and pain in patients with painful ...

Observing a renewed focus on community engagement as part of our university's strategic plan and the experiential learning partnerships encouraged by the TIGER (Technology and Information Guiding Education Reform) Initiative in health information technology, an academic-practice partnership was initiated between a group of Midwestern rural hospitals and a university's advanced ...

This paper addresses the problem of rotation-invariant nonrigid point set matching. The shape context (SC) feature descriptor is used because of its strong discriminative nature, whereas edges in the graphs constructed by point sets are used to determine the orientations of SCs. Similar to lengths or directions, oriented SCs constructed ...

: Steroids, immunomodulators, and biologics, often in combination with one another, are frequently used in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Retrospective studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the influence of preoperative immunosuppressive therapy on postoperative complications after surgery in Crohn's disease. Unplanned hospital readmission is considered to be an index ...

: Despite its prevalence and deleterious impact on patients and families, fecal incontinence remains an understudied condition. Few data are available on its economic burden in the United States. : The aim of this study was to quantify per patient annual economic costs associated with fecal incontinence. : A mail ...

In rectal cancer treatment, both the local primary and the regional and systemic tumour cell deposits must be taken care of in order to improve survival. The three main treatments, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, each with their own advantages and limitations, must then be combined to improve results. Several large ...

Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) are an important clinical and public health concern. Although DDI screening now occurs during drug development, it is difficult to predict clinical importance based on in vitro experiments. Furthermore, older drugs that were not screened may have interactions that have not yet been identified. In this Commentary, ...

: Following successful intercostal-musculocutaneous nerve (ICN-MCN) neurotization for brachial plexus injuries (BPIs), patients initially show a synkinetic movement of elbow flexion during inspiration. Later they are able to flex the elbow, independent of respiratory activity. : To demonstrate cortical reorganization following ICN-MCN coaptation in BPI through functional magnetic resonance imaging ...

Background:  In the light of the new diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) and currently available early treatment, this study aimed to explore whether, and to what extent, disclosure of the diagnosis of MS or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) affects patients' anxiety, mood and quality of life (QoL). Methods:  Eligible ...

ABSTRACT:: Trichoblastoma (TB) is an infrequent, generally benign neoplasm arising from the germinative hair bulb with induction of mesenchymal stroma and with no adverse outcomes such as relapses, metastasis, or death. We report 2 cases of false-negative tumor-free margins after Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for aggressive TB.

There is no demonstrated benefit of high-tie versus low-tie vascular transections in colorectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-tie and low-tie vascular transections on colonic length after oncological sigmoidectomy, the theoretical feasibility of colorectal anastomosis at the sacral promontory, and straight or ...

To compare retinal measurements obtained by time domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices before and after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (Lasik) and to assess the interaction of Lasik and retinal structures as measured by time domain OCT. Fifty-three patients randomly selected participated in the study. Only the right eye ...

Ileocecal resection is the most commonly performed operation in patients with Crohn's disease. Anastomotic-associated complications, with their associated morbidity, are the most feared risks of surgery. This study aimed to assess the influence of a variety of putative risk factors in a homogenous group of patients undergoing first or subsequent ...

: Anastomotic sinus is a relatively uncommon complication after an IPAA. Disease course is poorly defined, and management can be challenging. : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency, management, and outcome of anastomotic pouch sinus. : This research is a retrospective cohort study from a prospectively ...

Introduction: Gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) can overcome drawbacks associated with oral drug delivery, by defeating natural physiological principles. Various gastroretentive technologies have been developed in the past, but few of them achieved success on the market. Areas covered: This review is focused on the key concepts required to make ...

Abstract  Background: Non-word repetition (NWR) difficulties are common, but not universal, among children with specific language impairment (SLI). However, older children and adolescents with SLI have rarely been studied. Studies disagree on the relationship between NWR difficulties and difficulties with other areas of language and literacy. There is also no ...

The concentration of airborne and blood lead (Pb) was assessed in a Pb acid battery recycling plant and in a Pb acid battery manufacturing plant in Kenya. In the recycling plant, full-shift area samples taken across 5 days in several production sections showed a mean value ± standard deviation (SD) ...

Background:  Current clinical guidelines for the management of symptoms suggesting urinary tract infection recommend empiric antibiotic therapy. Objective:  To determine the diagnostic accuracy of urinary tract symptoms for early identification of urinary tract infection (UTI) in sexually active women when culture results are not available. Method:  This was a cross-sectional ...

Greater understanding is needed related to qualitatively assess pregnancy intentions and rapid subsequent pregnancies among adolescent and adult mothers. Four-site prospective study of 227 adolescent and adult mothers. Data were analyzed to understand the relationship between pregnancy intentions, adolescent status, and use of long-acting contraceptives and rapid subsequent pregnancy. The ...

Understanding how bone growth is regulated by hormonal and mechanical factors during early growth periods is important for optimizing the attainment of peak bone mass to prevent or postpone the occurrence of fragility fractures later in life. Using genetic mouse models that are deficient in thyroid hormone (TH) (Tshr(-/-) and ...

In this paper, we propose a novel image indexing and retrieval algorithm using local tetra patterns (LTrPs) for content-based image retrieval (CBIR). The standard local binary pattern (LBP) and local ternary pattern (LTP) encode the relationship between the referenced pixel and its surrounding neighbors by computing gray-level difference. The proposed ...

Simulation activities have been developed for many areas of nursing, but there are minimal nursing simulation activities in the area of mental health nursing. In this article, the authors describe development of mental health simulation activities for junior BSN students using clinical faculty as the standardized patients. Faculty who want ...

Background:  Exercise stress testing offers a non-invasive, less expensive way of risk stratification prior to coronary angiography, and a negative stress test may actually avoid angiography. However, previous meta-analyses have not included all exercise test modalities, or patients without known Coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and Results:  We systematically reviewed ...

  Y.O.O. Rock Columbia County Youth Outreach Opportunities for Families Children, and Youth (Waibel-Duncan & Gillam, 2009) represents our nonurban county's first organized effort to systematically identify and promote awareness of volunteer and outreach opportunities for families, children, and youth.   In addition to describing Y.O.O. Rock's development, this article ...

: The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcome of the radiofrequency treatment for moderate to severe fecal incontinence. : This study is a retrospective review of a single-institution experience. : Patients who underwent the radiofrequency procedure were included. : The primary outcomes measured were ...

This ongoing column provides information on accreditation for nursing programs of all types by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). Readers may submit questions to me at NLNAC. General questions of interest to a wide audience are addressed here; those with more specific questions or those requiring confidentiality ...

Circadian clocks allow organisms to predict environmental changes of the day/night cycle. In the cyanobacterial circadian clock machinery, the phosphorylation level and ATPase activity of the clock protein KaiC oscillate with a period of approximately 24 h. The time information is transmitted from KaiC to the histidine kinase SasA through the ...

: Despite accelerated recovery programs and the widespread uptake of laparoscopic surgery, postoperative ileus remains a significant factor affecting length of stay after abdominal surgery. Alvimopan, an opioid-receptor antagonist, may reduce the incidence of postoperative ileus and expedite hospital discharge. : The aim of this study was to perform a ...

INTRODUCTION: Perifosine is a novel targeted oral Akt inhibitor currently in Phase III clinical development for treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC, in combination with capecitabine) and multiple myeloma (MM, in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone). AREAS COVERED: The mechanism, preclinical testing, and clinical activity of perifosine in CRC and MM ...

When students receive consistent and fair feedback about their behavior, program liability decreases. To help students to have a clearer understanding of minimum program standards and the consequences of substandard performance, the author developed attendance and participation monitoring and performance improvement instruments. The author discusses the tools that address absenteeism, ...

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a widespread technique for tissue sampling from hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes (LN). The diagnostic yield of this method is reported to be very high even outside clinical trials. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of EBUS-TBNA after its implementation at a ...

  Diabetes is a serious, chronic illness with long-term implications for health and lifestyle. Significant differences in health outcome may be achieved as a result of the degree of adherence to recommended diabetes management regimens. Adherence is a particularly challenging issue with adolescents with diabetes.   The present study examined ...

Many RNs seeking their BSN degrees do not have well-developed nonclinical professional skills related to scholarship. To address this issue, faculty used the Community of Inquiry Framework to develop an elective, online course to help RN-BSN students explore professional growth through writing, presenting, and portfolio development. The authors discuss the ...

The transforming growth factor-β-signaling pathway has been identified as being involved in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to determine how diet and lifestyle factors in combination with genetic variation in the transforming growth factor-β-signaling pathway alters colorectal cancer risk. We used data from 2 population-based case-control studies. ...

Olympic athletes are vulnerable to traumatic, environmental and infectious skin manifestations. Although dermatological complaints are frequent among Olympians, there is a scarcity of literature that reviews sports-related dermatoses among Olympic athletes. A comprehensive review of PREMEDLINE and MEDLINE searches of all available literature through to January 2011 was conducted, focusing ...

The global epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases is closely related to changes in lifestyle, including decreasing leisure time physical activity (PA). Physical inactivity is a major public health challenge. To respond to that challenge, it is essential to know which personal and environmental factors affect PA behaviour. Certain life events ...

Colloidal dispersions of silver bromide (AgBr) in aqueous surfactant medium have been prepared using a surfactant-assisted synthesis approach with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The surfactant acts both as source of bromide ion as well as the stabilizing agent. Upon progressive addition of silver nitrate to aqueous CTAB solution, stable AgBr dispersions ...

Novel water-soluble decacationically armed C(60) and C(70) decaiodide monoadducts, C(60)- and C(70)[>M(C(3)N(6)(+)C(3))(2)], were synthesized, characterized, and applied as photosensitizers and potential nano-PDT agents against pathogenic bacteria and cancer cells. A high number of cationic charges per fullerene cage and H-bonding moieties were designed for rapid binding to the anionic residues ...

Repeated exposure to morphine leads to the addiction, which influences its clinical application seriously. The glutamatergic projection from prefrontal cortex (PFC) to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays an important role in rewarding effects. It is still unknown whether morphine exposure changes PFC-NAc synaptic transmission. To address this question, in vivo ...

In recent years there have been more widely and deeply studies in investigating melamine toxicity. Generally, it is believed that the main target of melamine is the urinary system. However, previous studies revealed that it also had additional biological actions. Obviously, the toxicity mechanisms of melamine have not been fully ...

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on pneumocyte apoptosis and apoptosis-related protein, as well as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, I/R group and PNS group. The unilateral ...

The present study was to investigate the effects of diltiazem, a ghrelin receptor agonist, on food intake and gastrointestinal functions in rats. Rats were intragastrically administered with diltiazem solution (daily 16 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg or 80 mg/kg, 30 d), and the rats with saline as control. To detect the effects ...