Application of Forward Projected Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction Solution in Improving Image Quality of Head and Neck CT Angiography / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To explore the application value of forward projected model-based iterative reconstruction solution(FIRST)algorithm improving image quality of 100 kV low-dose head and neck CT angiography(CTA).Materials and Methods A total of 32 patients who underwent head and neck CTA examinations in the Beijing Hospital from September to October 2021 were retrospectively recruited.All patients were divided into three groups based on different reconstruction,including the filtered back projection(FBP)group,the adaptive iterative dose reduction 3D(AIDR 3D)group,and the FIRST group.The average CT value,image noise,signal-to-noise ratio,contrast to noise ratio and other objective indicators of the main blood vessels images(including common carotid artery,vertebral artery,internal carotid artery C1,C4,middle cerebral artery M1,M3 and anterior cerebral artery A1,A3)and background(including muscle,brain tissue)in the head and neck of the three groups were recorded and analyzed,respectively.The subjective imaging evaluation was scored and analyzed.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)was used as the gold standard to evaluate the detection of vascular stenosis in the head and neck by each reconstruction algorithm.Results Compared with the AIDR 3D group and the FBP group,the FIRST group significantly reduced the image noise of the blood vessels and the background(muscle,brain tissue)(t=-13.19--7.28,all P<0.001).The signal-to-noise ratio and contrast to noise ratio of the FIRST group were significantly higher than those of the FBP group,AIDR 3D group(t=2.17-9.67,all P<0.001).The CT values of FIRST group were significantly higher than those of AIDR 3D group in the common carotid artery,internal carotid artery C1 and C4,middle cerebral artery M1,and anterior cerebral artery A1 segment(t=1.28-3.60,all P<0.05).The CT value of background(muscle,brain tissue)in FIRST group was significantly lower than those in the FBP group and the AIDR 3D group,with statistically significant difference(t=-7.63--4.03,all P<0.001).The images of FIRST group and AIDR 3D group met the diagnostic requirements,and the subjective scores of the two groups were significantly higher than those of the FBP group images(all P<0.05).The imaging scores of FIRST group were significantly higher than those of AIDR 3D group(P<0.05).Compared with DSA,FBP was ineffective for mild and moderate stenosis;FIRST and AIDR 3D algorithms were consistent with DSA.Conclusion Compared with traditional FBP and AIDR 3D reconstruction algorithms,FIRST algorithm can effectively improve the image quality of low-dose head and neck CTA and obtain better image quality and meet the diagnostic performance of head and neck vascular diseases.

Computer-based clinical examination (CCE) in surgery: would It complement or replace the OSCE in the post-COVID-19 era?

Objectives: Surgical clinical assessment of medical students is confronted by many challenges particularly the increasing numbers of students with limited resources, and pandemics. The search for new tools of assessment continues. Our objectives were: (1) To develop a computer-based clinical exam (CCE) and identify its characteristics (2) To assess its acceptability of the students. Method: The study was conducted at the Surgical Department, Alzaiem Alazhari University (AAU) between February and August, 2017. We used the modular object oriented dynamic learning environment (MOODLE) program as a platform to upload and deliver the exam. The exam consisted of 45 questions (stations). Each consisted of a clinical scenario accompanied by a photograph (of a patient or investigation) or short video followed by multiple choice questions (MCQs). A questionnaire was designed to get the students' feedback. We analyzed the questionnaire and scores obtained by the students and compared them to their performance in other tools of the surgical exam, using SPSS statistical program. Results: The study included 188 final year medical students. There was a highly significant correlation of the CCE scores of each student with their final result (r= 0.67), and with other tools of the surgery exam particularly the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Students' acceptability was high. Conclusion: The CCE is valid and practicable. It saves time and is popular with the students and tutors. It complements the OSCE in the assessment of clinical competency and allows wide coverage of the curriculum. It is expected to gain importance and popularity in the post-COVID-19 era.

Physical properties of beans of the BRSMG majestoso cultivar during drying / Propriedades físicas de grãos de feijão cultivar BRSMG majestoso durante a secagem

Beans are the main source of protein of plant origin in the Brazilian diet, they also contain phenolic compounds, antioxidants, iron, fibers and vitamins. The BRSMG Majestoso cultivar belongs to the commercial group of carioca beans, displays high productivity, excellent health and a 90-day cycle, has high yield and is resistant to disease. The study of physical properties enables the prediction of agricultural products behavior relative to responses of physical and chemical treatments, in order to allow the maintenance of quality and safety of processed foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of drying on the physical characteristics of beans of the BRSMG Majestoso cultivar. Beans with an initial moisture content of approximately 0.2660 d.b. (dry basis) were used, and dried at 40ºC. The following physical characteristics were determined: bulk density, unit density, intergranular porosity, 1000-grain weight, sphericity, circularity, geometric diameter, unit volume, projected area, surface area and the surface to volume ratio. Based on the results, a reduction in the moisture content of the beans promotes an increase in bulk density, unit density, porosity, sphericity, circularity and the surface to volume ratio. Conversely, the 1000-grain weight, geometric diameter, unit volume, projected area and surface area decreased as the moisture content of the beans was reduced.

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho, avaliar o efeito da secagem sobre as características físicas de grãos de feijão cultivar BRSMG Majestoso. Foram utilizados grãos com teor de água inicial de aproximadamente 0,2660 b.s. (base seca), e submetidos à secagem com temperatura de 40 ºC. Foram determinadas as propriedades físicas: massa específica aparente, massa específica unitária, porosidade intergranular, massa de mil grãos, esfericidade, circularidade, diâmetro geométrico, volume unitário, área projetada, área superficial e a relação superfície/volume. Com base nos resultados obtidos conclui-se que a redução do teor de água dos grãos de feijão proporcionou aumento da massa específica aparente e unitária, porosidade, esfericidade, circularidade e relação superfície/volume. Em contrapartida, a massa de mil grãos, o diâmetro geométrico, o volume unitário, a área projetada e a área superficial diminuíram com a redução do teor de água dos grãos de feijão.

Video projected practical examination as an introduction to formative assessment tool for undergraduate examination in pathology

Background: Assessment of the medical students includes theory as well as practical assessment. Traditional practical examination in pathology which includes viva and spots is now increasingly being questioned because of their inherent lack of validity and reliability, time consumption, and human resource requirement. Therefore, a need was felt for another form of practical examination which can be used as formative assessment, and if found feasible, can be employed in summative assessment too. Aim: The aim of the study was to develop and implement a new method of video projected practical examination (VPPE) as a formative assessment tool for MBBS second professional students so as to improve their learning and academic performance in practical pathology and also to obtain students' perception regarding the effectiveness of VPPE. Methodology: The study was carried out with the MBBS second professional students before their end-of-semester examination in the Department of Pathology. In this new method, slide video projection was used as a formative assessment tool during practical examination. Students were randomly divided into two groups. Group I was subjected to VPPE, while simultaneously conventional practical examination was held for Group II. Assessment results of VPPE were compared with conventional practical examination. Faculty and students feedback was also taken at the end of the examination. Results: Mean marks of the students who undertook VPPE was higher than those who gave conventional practical examination. Majority (95.3%) of the students agreed that VPPE is better than conventional practical examination. Most of the faculty members also felt that it is a more valid and reliable assessment tool. Conclusions: Introducing VPPE as a formative assessment tool in practical pathology enhanced their learning and academic performance. Opinion of examiners and students also showed that VPPE has several advantages over conventional practical examination.

Worth the risk? Terrorism-induced fear of flying / ¿Vale la pena el riesgo? Miedo inducido por el terrorismo a volar

We conducted two bi-national experiments regarding emotional and behavioral responses to a terrorist plot against commercial flights, examining both feelings and projected action. The studies employed hypothetical scenarios in which terrorists attacked airplanes with shoulder-fired missiles as they were landing or taking off from an international airport. The scenarios were built around two factorially crossed manipulated variables, each with three levels: (1) government announcements or actions (2) social norm, expressed as variation in airline ticket sales. Each respondent read a questionnaire containing only one of the nine scenarios. Experiment 1 was conducted in Spain and California (n = 360, 50% female), Experiment 2 in Israel and California (n = 504, 50% female). In both studies, fear and flight plans were not differentially affected by governmental response or social norm. Women expressed more fear than men. Experiment 1 examined the purpose of the trip. Most respondents would not change a planned flight to attend a close friend's wedding or important job interview, but a substantial number would postpone a vacation or drive to a different location. Experiment 2 featured escalating attacks. These yielded increased fear and more canceled trips. Within both studies, responses were similar across countries despite national differences in direct experience with terrorism.

Se realizaron dos experimentos bi-nacionales con respecto a las respuestas emocionales y conductuales a un plan terrorista contra vuelos comerciales, examinando ambas cosas: sentimientos y proyectos de acción. Los estudios emplearon escenarios hipotéticos en los que los terroristas atacaron los aviones con misiles disparados desde el hombro, ya que estaban aterrizando o despegando desde un aeropuerto internacional. Los escenarios fueron construidos alrededor de dos variables factoriales cruzadas, cada uno con tres niveles: (1) los anuncios o acciones del gobierno (2) norma social, expresada como la variación en la venta de billetes de avión. Cada encuestado leyó un cuestionario que contenía sólo uno de los nueve escenarios. El experimento 1 se realizó en España y California (n = 360, 50% mujeres), el experimento 2 en Israel y California (n = 504, 50% mujeres). En ambos estudios, el miedo y los planes de vuelo no fueron diferencialmente afectados por la respuesta gubernamental o la norma social. Las mujeres expresaron más miedo que los hombres. El experimento 1 examinó el propósito del viaje. La mayoría de los encuestados no cambiarían un vuelo planeado para asistir a la boda de un amigo cercano o para una importante entrevista de trabajo, pero un número considerable de participantes podrían posponer unas vacaciones o ir en coche a un lugar diferente. El experimento 2 contó con la escalada de los ataques. Estas aumentaron el temor y la cantidad de viajes cancelados. En ambos estudios, las respuestas fueron similares en todos los países a pesar de las diferencias nacionales y la experiencia directa con el terrorismo.

Comparison of landmark position between conventional cephalometric radiography and CT scans projected to midsagittal plane / 대한치과교정학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare landmark position between cephalometric radiography and midsagittal plane projected images from 3 dimensional (3D) CT. METHODS: Cephalometric radiographs and CT scans were taken from 20 patients for treatment of mandibular prognathism. After selection of landmarks, CT images were projected to the midsagittal plane and magnified to 110% according to the magnifying power of radiographs. These 2 images were superimposed with frontal and occipital bone. Common coordinate system was established on the base of FH plane. The coordinate value of each landmark was compared by paired t test and mean and standard deviation of difference was calculated. RESULTS: The difference was from -0.14 +/- 0.65 to -2.12 +/- 2.89 mm in X axis, from 0.34 +/- 0.78 to -2.36 +/- 2.55 mm (6.79 +/- 3.04 mm) in Y axis. There was no significant difference only 9 in X axis, and 7 in Y axis out of 20 landmarks. This might be caused by error from the difference of head positioning, by masking the subtle end structures, identification error from the superimposition and error from the different definition. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed innate shortcomings of radiography. For the development of 3D cephalometry, more study was needed.

Projected Workforce of Certified Emergency Nurses in Korea / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to suggest the projected workforce of certified emergency nurses in Korea. METHOD: The methods used in this study are 1) demand & ratio model was used for the projected workforce of CEN, 2) Index functional formula was used for the suggestion of the number of general hospitals and hospitals, 3) Experts in Emergency care were contacted to get an opinion and information about the criteria of distribution and scope of CEN, 4) National and international internet data were collected. RESULT: The demand of CEN were analyzed by two ways; demand of Emergency centers only and demand of emergency centers including community centers. The number of CENs needed to meet the demands in 2002, 2005 and 2010 was estimated at minimum of 1,512 to maximum1,576, 1,640 to 1,704 and 1,892 to 1,956 respectively. The projected number of CENs for the 2002 was 1% total available nurses in Korea, and 3.2 CENs per 100,000 population. CONCLUSION: It is really desirable that CENs not only work for hospital emergency centers but also for emergency related centers in community.

A study on the projected Workfore of Certified Infection Control Nurse in Korea / 병원감염관리

objective: A suggestion of the projected workforce of Certified Infection Control Nurse in Korea Methods : I) Demand model was used for the projected workforce of Certified Infection Control Nurse . 2) Time series regression equation was used for the suggestion of the number of general hospitals and hospitals 3) Expert in infection control were contacted to get an opinion and information about the criteria of distribution and scope of Certified Infection Control Nurse. 4) National and international internet data were collected. 5) The demand of Certified Infection Control Nurse were analyzed by legislative criteria and recommended criteria of advanced nation (1) Maximal demand of Certified Infection Control Nurse: full responsibility and intra hospital concurrent responsibility (2) Minimal demand of Certified Infection Control Nurse: full responsibility and inter hospital concurrent responsibility (3) Demand of SENIC project of CDC in U.S.A: 1 Certified Infection Control Nurse every 250 beds. Results: In maximal demand. there will be 559 Certified Infection Control Nurse needed in 2002, and 746 in 2010. In minimal demand, there will be 272 Certified Infection Control Nurse needed in 2002, and 316 in 2010. On the basis of criteria of SENIC project. there will be 588-915 Certified Infection Control Nurse needed in 2002, 628-972 Certified Infection Control Nurse needed in 2010. Conclusion: In case of concurrent responsibility, intra hospital concurrent responsibility is more desirable than inter hospital concurrent responsibility, and infection control work must be major job in their work.

A study on the projected Workfore of Certified Infection Control Nurse in Korea / 병원감염관리

objective: A suggestion of the projected workforce of Certified Infection Control Nurse in Korea Methods : I) Demand model was used for the projected workforce of Certified Infection Control Nurse . 2) Time series regression equation was used for the suggestion of the number of general hospitals and hospitals 3) Expert in infection control were contacted to get an opinion and information about the criteria of distribution and scope of Certified Infection Control Nurse. 4) National and international internet data were collected. 5) The demand of Certified Infection Control Nurse were analyzed by legislative criteria and recommended criteria of advanced nation (1) Maximal demand of Certified Infection Control Nurse: full responsibility and intra hospital concurrent responsibility (2) Minimal demand of Certified Infection Control Nurse: full responsibility and inter hospital concurrent responsibility (3) Demand of SENIC project of CDC in U.S.A: 1 Certified Infection Control Nurse every 250 beds. Results: In maximal demand. there will be 559 Certified Infection Control Nurse needed in 2002, and 746 in 2010. In minimal demand, there will be 272 Certified Infection Control Nurse needed in 2002, and 316 in 2010. On the basis of criteria of SENIC project. there will be 588-915 Certified Infection Control Nurse needed in 2002, 628-972 Certified Infection Control Nurse needed in 2010. Conclusion: In case of concurrent responsibility, intra hospital concurrent responsibility is more desirable than inter hospital concurrent responsibility, and infection control work must be major job in their work.

A Study on Changes of the Foot Shape with the Weight Loading by One Foot / 체질인류학회지

In this study, foot girth, instep girth, instep height, foot arch height, foot length, foot width, heel width and five length items in forepart foot were measured using chiefly the method of measurements with foot projected contours. 38 young women and 5 young men participated in this experiments. Two positions of the foot were taken in account : 1) normal position-when body weight is not supported by right foot 2) weight loading position-when body weight is supported by right foot. The following results were obtained. 1. The change rates of the men subjects show a more increased shapes in foot width and forepart foot length than in the change rates of the women subjects. 2. The changes of foot shape when body weight is supported by one foot, inside part of the foot size was increased with greater surfaces in women while the outside part of the foot size was increased with greater surfaces in men subjects.

A quentitative model for the projection of health expenditure / 예방의학회지

A multiple regression analysis using ordinary least square (OLS) is frequently used for the projection of healt expenditure as well as for the identification of factors affecting health care costs. Data for the analysis often have mixed characteristics of time series and cross section. Parameters as a result of OLS estimation, in this case, are no longer the best linear unbiased estimators (BLUE) because the data do not satisfy basic assumptions of regression analysis. The study theoretically examined statistical problems induced when OLS estimation was applied with the time series cross section data. Then both the OLS regression and time series cross section regression (TSCS regression) were applied to the same empirical data. Finally, the difference in parameters between the two estimations were explained through residual analysis.