ABSTRACT
Dual-energy CT (DECT) provides insights into the material properties of tissues and can differentiate between tissues with similar attenuation on conventional single-energy imaging. In the conventional CT scanner, differences in the X-ray attenuation between adjacent structures are dependent on the atomic number of the materials involved, whereas in DECT, the difference in the attenuation is dependent on both the atomic number and electron density. The basic principle of DECT is to obtain two datasets with different X-ray energy levels from the same anatomic region and material decomposition based on attenuation differences at different energy levels. In this article, we discuss the clinical applications of DECT and its potential robust improvements in performance and postprocessing capabilities.
ABSTRACT
Dual-energy CT (DECT) provides insights into the material properties of tissues and can differentiate between tissues with similar attenuation on conventional single-energy imaging. In the conventional CT scanner, differences in the X-ray attenuation between adjacent structures are dependent on the atomic number of the materials involved, whereas in DECT, the difference in the attenuation is dependent on both the atomic number and electron density. The basic principle of DECT is to obtain two datasets with different X-ray energy levels from the same anatomic region and material decomposition based on attenuation differences at different energy levels. In this article, we discuss the clinical applications of DECT and its potential robust improvements in performance and postprocessing capabilities.
ABSTRACT
Objective: This research was aimed at evaluating the knowledge of transmission, diagnosis, vaccination, and post-exposure prophylaxis of HBV among dental students, dentists and paramedics
Methodology: A randomized cross-sectional study was conducted at Bahria University Medical and Dental College, Karachi with a sample size of 240 subjects from February to March 2016. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to assess different parameters regarding knowledge about Hepatitis B infection. Dental students, dentists and paramedic staff participated in the study
Result: The response rate was 65.8%. Out of 158 individuals, 39[25%] were males and 119[75%] females. The difference in knowledge of males and females was insignificant [p>0.01]. The respondents obtained a mean correct answer of 6.94+/-2.59 out of 17. Dental students obtained mean correct score of 5.84+/-2.59, 5.84+/-2.26, 7.92+/-1.91, 7.35+/-2.66 in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and final year BDS respectively. The mean score for correct answers in dental professionals was 6.94+/-.59. The knowledge difference among students of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and final year and Faculty/ Paramedic was significant [p < 0.01]
Conclusion: The overall awareness regarding hepatitis B infection was found to be lacking. This underlines the need for more emphasis on the said topic in current BDS curriculum and conducting more refresher CDE sessions for dental professionals as an effort to limit the spread of infection