Whole slide images as non-fungible tokens: A decentralized approach to secure, scalable data storage and access.

Background: Distributed ledger technology (DLT) enables the creation of tamper-resistant, decentralized, and secure digital ledgers. A non-fungible token (NFT) represents a record on-chain associated with a digital or physical asset, such as a whole-slide image (WSI). The InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) represents an off-chain network, hypermedia, and file sharing peer-to-peer protocol for storing and sharing data in a distributed file system. Today, we need cheaper, more efficient, highly scalable, and transparent solutions for WSI data storage and access of medical records and medical imaging data. Methods: WSIs were created from non-human tissues and H&E-stained sections were scanned on a Philips Ultrafast WSI scanner at 40× magnification objective lens (1 µm/pixel). TIFF images were stored on IPFS, while NFTs were minted on the Ethereum blockchain network in ERC-1155 standard. WSI-NFTs were stored on MetaMask and OpenSea was used to display the WSI-NFT collection. Filebase storage application programing interface (API) were used to create dedicated gateways and content delivery networks (CDN). Results: A total of 10 WSI-NFTs were minted on the Ethereum blockchain network, found on our collection "Whole Slide Images as Non-fungible Tokens Project" on Open Sea: https://opensea.io/collection/untitled-collection-126765644. WSI TIFF files ranged in size from 1.6 to 2.2 GB and were stored on IPFS and pinned on 3 separate nodes. Under optimal conditions, and using a dedicated CDN, WSI reached retrieved at speeds of over 10 mb/s, however, download speeds and WSI retrieval times varied significantly depending on the file and gateway used. Overall, the public IPFS gateway resulted in variably poorer WSI download retrieval performance compared to gateways provided by Filebase storage API. Conclusion: Whole-slide images, as the most complex and substantial data files in healthcare, demand innovative solutions. In this technical report, we identify pitfalls in IPFS, and demonstrate proof-of-concept using a 3-layer architecture for scalable, decentralized storage, and access. Optimized through dedicated gateways and CDNs, which can be effectively applied to all medical data and imaging modalities across the healthcare sector. DLT and off-chain network solutions present numerous opportunities for advancements in clinical care, education, and research. Such approaches uphold the principles of equitable healthcare data ownership, security, and democratization, and are poised to drive significant innovation.

Evaluation of International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Report Series-483 Detector-specific Output Correction Factor for Various Collimator Systems.

Aim: In this study, a 6MV flattening filter (FF) and 6MV FF Free (FFF) photon beam small-field output factors (OF) were measured with various collimators using different detectors. The corrected OFs were compared with the treatment planning system (TPS) calculated OFs. Materials and Methods: OF measurements were performed with four different types of collimators: Varian Millennium multi-leaf collimator (MLC), Elekta Agility MLC, Apex micro-MLC (mMLC) and a stereotactic cone. Ten detectors (four ionization chambers and six diodes) were used to perform the OF measurements at a depth of 10 cm with a source-to-surface distance of 90 cm. The corrected OF was calculated from the measurements. The corrected OFs were compared with existing TPS-generated OFs. Results: The use of detector-specific output correction factor (OCF) in the PTW diode P detector reduced the OF uncertainty by <4.1% for 1 cm × 1 cm Sclin. The corrected OF was compared with TPS calculated OF; the maximum variation with the IBA CC01 chamber was 3.75%, 3.72%, 1.16%, and 0.90% for 5 mm stereotactic cone, 0.49 cm × 0.49 cm Apex mMLC, 1 cm × 1 cm Agility MLC, and 1 cm × 1 cm Millennium MLC, respectively. Conclusion: The technical report series-483 protocol recommends that detector-specific OCF should be used to calculate the corrected OF from the measured OF. The implementation of OCF in the TPS commissioning will reduce the small-field OF variation by <3% for any type of detector.

Reporting LDL cholesterol results by clinical biochemistry laboratories in Czechia and Slovakia to improve the detection rate of familial hypercholesterolemia.

Introduction: This survey aims to assess the implementation of recommendations from the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) and the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) by clinical biochemistry laboratories in Czechia and Slovakia in their policies for reporting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations. Materials and methods: The web-based survey was distributed to all 383 Czech and Slovak clinical biochemistry laboratories that measure lipids by external quality assessment provider SEKK. A total of 17 single-answer questions were included. The questionnaire was focused on the detection and decision points in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). All survey answers were taken into account. The laboratories followed the EFLM and EAS guidelines when they reported an interpretative comment considering FH diagnosis in adults. Results: A total of 203 (53%) laboratories answered. Only 5% of laboratories added interpretative comments considering FH diagnosis when LDL-C concentrations are above 5.0 mmol/L in adults, and 3% of laboratories added interpretative comments considering FH diagnosis when LDL-C concentrations are above 4.0 mmol/L in children. Only 7% of laboratories reported goals for all cardiovascular risk categories (low, moderate, high, very high). Non-HDL cholesterol concentrations were calculated by 74% of responders. A significant number (51%) of participants did not measure apolipoprotein B, and 59% of laboratories did not measure lipoprotein(a). Conclusions: Only a small portion of laboratories from Czechia and Slovakia reported high LDL-C results with interpretative comments considering FH diagnosis in adults, the laboratories did not follow the guidelines.

Case series and technical report of nasal floor approach for mesiodens.

Objectives: This case series aims to introduce the nasal floor approach for extracting inverted mesiodens. Materials and Methods: Through a retrospective chart review between January 2022 and February 2023, we included the mesiodens patients using nasal floor approach, and analysis the location of mesiodens from the anterior nasal spine (ANS), total operation time, and complications. Results: Each mesiodens was located 10 to 12 mm from the ANS and was covered with a cortical layer of the nasal floor. All mesiodens were successfully extracted without exposing the adjacent incisors or nasopalatine nerve within 30 minutes from draping to postoperative dressing. Conclusion: The nasal floor approach is an efficient extraction method that reduces bone removal and prevents anatomical damage while removing the mesiodens just below the nasal floor bone.

Assuring the Safety of Dental Materials: The Usefulness and Application of Standards.

The formal history of standards and dentistry in the United States goes back to World War I and was prompted by the government's need to buy large quantities of dental materials to treat "an army of teeth in disrepair." This article covers the use of scientific research to establish specifications and standards used to evaluate dental materials and products, and how a practitioner can use these standards to assure the safety and performance of the materials that they use in their everyday practice.

Ultrasound-Guided Gluteal Fascial Plane Block for the Treatment of Chronic Refractory Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome - Technique Description and Anatomical Correlation Study.

INTRODUCTION: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome may often mimic pain generated from other sources. However, it is most commonly caused by gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendinopathy or tear. The purpose of this technical report was to: 1) describe the ultrasound-guided fascial plane block technique targeting the superior gluteal nerve in the plane between gluteus medius/gluteus minimus to treat moderate-to-severe, chronic, refractory greater trochanteric pain syndrome; 2) anatomically correlate the procedure with cadaveric dissections demonstrating the structures being imaged and the tissues along the needle trajectory; 3) demonstrate the feasibility of the technique with serial dissection of one cadaveric specimen following injection with color dye. TECHNIQUE DESCRIPTION: The ultrasound-guided fascial plane block targeting the superior gluteal nerve to treat moderate-to-severe, chronic, refractory greater trochanteric pain syndrome has been outlined with supporting ultrasound scans and anatomical dissections. The cadaveric dissections are correlated to the ultrasound scans of a healthy volunteer and provide visualization of the tissues in the needle trajectory. The feasibility study in a cadaveric specimen showed adequate stain of the superior gluteal nerve without spread to the piriformis muscle belly, the sciatic nerve, or the inferior gluteal nerve. CONCLUSIONS: This ultrasound-guided fascial plane block is a feasible option for blocking the superior gluteal nerve without inadvertent involvement of the sciatic and inferior gluteal nerves. Further randomized controlled clinical trials are necessary to assess the clinical efficacy of the gluteus medius/gluteus minimus fascial plane block to treat moderate-to-severe, chronic, refractory greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

Utilizing a Novel Pituitary Retractor for Early Descent of the Diaphragma Sellae during Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Early descent of the diaphragm sellae (DS) during endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for pituitary macroadenoma surgery is occasionally a troublesome event by blocking the surgical field. Here we introduce an alternative technique with the new pituitary retractor and present our clinical experiences. METHODS: We designed a simple and rigid pituitary retractor with the least space occupation in the nasal cavity to be compatible in EETS. The pituitary retractor was held by external holder system to support the herniated DS stably. We retrospectively reviewed a clinical 22 cases of pituitary macroadenomas underwent EETS using the pituitary retractor. RESULTS: The pituitary retractor stably pushed up the herniated DS in all cases, and the surgeon proceeded the procedure with bimanual maneuver. The pituitary retractor was helpful to remove tumors around the medial cavernous sinus and behind the DS in 16 and seven cases, respectively. In four cases, the meticulous hemostasis was completed with the direct visualization by the DS elevation with this retractor. Gross total tumor resection was performed in 20/22 patients (91%). The impaired visual function and hypopituitarism were improved in 18/20 (90%) and 7/14 (50%) patients after surgery, respectively. There was no complication related with the pituitary retractor. CONCLUSION: During EETS for pituitary macroadenomas, the novel pituitary retractor reported in this study is a very useful technique when the herniated DS block the surgical field and bimanual maneuver. This pituitary retractor can help to result in the excellent surgical outcomes with minimal morbidity.

Percutaneous Thoracic Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement.

Spinal cord stimulation is a safe, effective, and reversible method for the management of chronic neuropathic pain. Spinal cord stimulation was found to be superior to traditional conservative management in recent clinical trials. The superiority of this therapeutic strategy is in part due to the many benefits, such as decreased use of prescription pain medications, cost-effectiveness, and improvement in patient quality of life. With appropriate patient consent for photography during the operation per hospital policy, the technical description for percutaneous placement of a spinal cord stimulator was documented at the authors home institution. The percutaneous technique allows for decreased operative times and thus reduced anesthesia, as well as decreased post-operative pain due to less tissue and muscle dissection. Additionally, the percutaneous leads have a smaller footprint in the epidural space, allowing more patients with mild spinal canal stenosis to receive this therapeutic device, which generally precludes paddle placement. These features make the percutaneous method an appealing alternative to the traditional laminotomy technique. The traditional laminotomy approach for paddle lead placement has been well described in the literature. However, detailed and indexed techniques of the percutaneous alternative are lacking. This technical description provides the first, easily accessible technical guide for the percutaneous placement of thoracic spinal cord stimulators. The operative technique was documented with images and detailed descriptions at the authors home institution.

Revisiting the Genicular Nerve Block: An Up-to-Date Guide Utilizing Ultrasound Guidance and Peripheral Nerve Stimulation - Anatomy Description and Technique Standardization.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade, several authors have reported that percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) can be used to assist in verifying the position of the procedure needle tip in relation to nerve structures, and that the combined technique using both ultrasound (US) guidance and PNS may serve as a reliable method for confirmation of the correct position of the procedure needle tip. It has also been reported that, when combined with US guidance, PNS may increase the success rate of pain management interventions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this technical report was to standardize an effective and easy to learn illustrated step-by-step technical approach to nerve identification during US-guided genicular nerve blocks, using percutaneous PNS as a verification instrument for procedure needle tip location. STUDY DESIGN: This technical protocol was developed based on the results of the authors' most recent cadaveric study on the innervation of the knee joint capsule. The technique was developed and tested by 4 different interventionists with different levels of expertise in US-guided procedures. SETTING: The cadaveric study of the knee joint capsule innervation was performed at the laboratory of the Division of Anatomy of one institution. The technical protocol using US and PNS was later developed at the medical simulation center of a different institution. METHODS: A team of anatomists from a division of anatomy of one institution performed the cadaveric study on the innervation of the knee joint capsule. A team of physicians then developed the step-by-step approach to this technical protocol at the medical simulation center of  a different institution. Finally, the illustrated step-by-step approach was tested by 4 different interventionists with different levels of expertise in US-guided procedures (1 beginner-level user; 1 intermediate-level user; 2 expert-level users), using a portable percutaneous PNS and 2 different US transducers at 2 different institutions. RESULTS: This technical protocol was successfully developed based on the results of the cadaveric study on the innervation of the knee joint capsule. Additionally, it was later successfully tested by interventionists with various levels of expertise utilizing different US equipment at separate institutions. LIMITATIONS: By combining US and nerve stimulation, this protocol requires the availability of both US equipment and necessary equipment for nerve stimulation that must all be made available in the sterile field. Another potential disadvantage is that nerve stimulation controls and the US image screen are generally located on 2 separate display panels, which could cause difficulty with visualization and simultaneous calibration for 2 individual devices. CONCLUSIONS: Our illustrated step-by-step technical protocol can be effectively and safely utilized as a reliable method of training, by which physicians with little to moderate US experience can improve their skills in accurately identifying the genicular nerves while performing US-guided examinations with the intent of executing a peripheral nerve block.

Actions developed at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira to confront the COVID-19 pandemic / Ações desenvolvidas no Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira para enfrentamento à pandemia da COVID-19

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has brought countless challenges to the health institutions around the world, especially those located in countries such as Brazil, with large territorial dimensions and many social and economic differences. This technical report aims to publish the actions carried out and the products developed at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) before and during the pandemic - from January 31st to September 4th, 2020 - facing it efficiently and effectively, seeking institutional sustainability. The mobilization of the professional staff at the institution was fundamental to create protocols ofas-sistance, adapt the physical structures in the hospital and outpatient care, care for the health professionals, offer teaching and research activities in the distance mode, articulate management members to make decisions based on systematically collected data on the pandemic situationat real time. All actions were carried out with a single objective of assisting all the patients affected by COVID-19 admitted at the institution.

Resumo A pandemia da COVID-19 trouxe incontáveis desafios para as instituições de saúde de todo o mundo, em especial as localizadas em países como o Brasil, com grande dimensão territorial e muitas diferenças sociais e econômicas. Este informe técnico tem como objetivo publicizar as ações realizadas e os produtos desenvolvidos no Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) antes e durante a pandemia - no período de 31 de janeiro até 04 de setembro de 2020 - enfrentando-a com eficiência e eficácia, buscando a sustentabilidade institucional. A mobilização do corpo profissional da instituição foi fundamental para a construir protocolos de atendimento, adaptar as estruturas físicas na assistência ao paciente em âmbito hospitalar e ambulatorial, cuidar dos profissionais de saúde, ofertar as atividades de ensino e pesquisa na modalidade à distância, articular os membros da gestão para tomar decisões baseadas em dados sistematicamente coletados sobre a situação da pandemia em tempo real. Todas as ações foram realizadas com um uníssono objetivo de atender a todos os pacientes acometidos pela COVID-19 admitidos na instituição.

SCORE for health data technical package: assessment methodology, 2020

The SCORE for health data package uses five interventions: Survey populations and health risks; Count births, deaths and causes of death; Optimize health service data; Review progress and performance; Enable data use for policy and action. Each intervention has a set of key elements, which is accompanied by a set of indicators. In total, there are 24 quantitative and qualitative indicators for assessing SCORE interventions at various levels. The SCORE Assessment methodology 2020 complements the SCORE Global report on health data and capacity, 2020, and explains how countries were assessed and scored by five interventions and the accompanying elements and indicators. SCORE Assessment instrument and indicators: The SCORE Assessment instrument and the accompanying indicators were used to collect data to assess the Health Information Systems (HIS) in countries. They were developed in consultation with World Health Organization (WHO) country representatives, and technical experts from WHO regional offices and headquarters, and also drew upon the expertise and experience of external agencies and individual experts. Data gathered for the Global report on health data systems and capacity were initially obtained through a desk review of qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources, including global, regional, and national survey reports, regional and national health information databases, national birth and death registration portals, and health facility data. These preliminary data and assessments were shared with countries for review and input through WHO regional and country offices, and validated, most commonly, by the ministry of health. During the review and verification process, additional data were also submitted by multiple institutions, including ministries of health, national public health institutions, bureaus of statistics, ministries of finance, and other bodies responsible for specific data areas. Overall, 133 countries validated the data or provided permission to use the data from the desk review. Country sign-off: Collated data and assessments for each country (in the form of a summary sheet and draft country profile) were sent to respective governments for review and sign-off. Any changes requested or made by national authorities required supporting documentation verified by WHO SCORE focal persons. Some countries provided (caveated) permission to publish results which include an additional note indicating that validation is still awaiting completion due to delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic. When finalized these results will be updated online. Scoring methodology: Scoring is based on a maturity model where, at the end of a complete assessment, a country scores 1-5 for each of the five interventions: 1 reflects nascent capacity of the health information system and 5 represents sustainable capacity. For each intervention there is a set of key elements. Each key element is measured by one or more indicators and each indicator is defined by a set of attributes or items. Scoring begins at the indicator level by assessing the attributes. Reviewers assess each indicator attribute against a publicly available and verifiable source document (or website). Reviewers must provide documentation of the data sources for each indicator scored. In the case of multiple items, the indicator is scored by taking the sum of these item scores and comparing it to a maturity model. If there is more than one indicator within an element, the indicator scores are averaged to get the element score. Each intervention score is a weighted mean of the element scores within the intervention. Due to concerns about data availability and/or comparability, not all indicators or key elements were used in calculating a country's score.

SCORE for health data technical package: global report on health data systems and capacity, 2020

Data and information that help governments prioritize health challenges and allocate necessary resources rely on strong country health information systems. These systems identify health care availability as well as access and quality of care issues that prevent the attainment of universal health coverage (UHC). The same country health information systems also provide important data for global monitoring for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other donor reporting. To meet the increasingly complex demands on countries for health information, the new SCORE for Health Data Technical Package brings together, for the first time, a set of the most effective interventions and tools for addressing critical data gaps and strengthening country health data for planning and monitoring health priorities. The package is based on five key interventions, represented by the acronym SCORE. Interventions S, C and O focus on improving critical data sources, their availability and quality; while R and E aim to enhance the synthesis, analysis, access and use of health data for action. Key components of the SCORE package were launched in August 2020 ­ SCORE Essential interventions for strengthening country health information systems and SCORE Tools and standards. Together, these documents provide an overview of health information systems, the context and indicators of each intervention, examples of actions needed to strengthen different aspects of the system and a summary of the best tools and standards to do so. An additional key component of the SCORE package is the Assessment instrument which was developed to evaluate a country's health information system according to the five SCORE interventions. One hundred and thirty three country health information systems were assessed, covering 87% of the global population, with the data collected between 2013 and 2018. The results of the global assessment are published in this SCORE Global report on health data systems and capacity, 2020. Accompanying the global report is the SCORE Assessment methodology which provides details of the indicators and methodologies applied in the assessment and subsequent analyses. This report is particularly timely and highlights how important it is to strengthen a country's health information system to meet data needs. Among several key findings, the income divide between high and low-income countries is reflected in the lack of health information system capacity to address fundamental areas such as the registration of births, deaths and causes of death. While some countries have achieved sustainable capacity in some key areas, no country has a fully mature system capable of meeting their evolving needs for health information. The report provides recommendations for countries to prioritize investments in health information system and is published during one of the most data-strained public health crisis responses ever - that of the COVID-19 pandemic. As countries' health information systems have had to track COVID-19, they have also had to continue tracking other health priorities. This challenge underlines the demand to improve countries' health information system to meet current and future data needs. While the global report's assessment predates the COVID-19 pandemic, the results remain relevant, highlighting the key gaps and challenges countries face around the world. All countries have the potential to realise stronger data systems. The report assesses the five SCORE interventions that determine if a country has a fully mature health information system with the capacity to meet a country's evolving data needs. Up to 60% of the countries have a well-developed or sustainable capacity for reviewing progress and performance of their health sector and more than half have a well-developed or sustainable capacity to survey populations and health risks. Fewer countries reach such capacity for the other three interventions, but over half of all countries have moderate or better capacity for each of the five interventions, respectively. No single country assessed achieves sustainable capacity across all five interventions, nor meets best practice guidelines across the full spectrum of the health information system. Therefore, all countries could benefit from understanding the gaps in their system and follow SCORE recommendations for improvement.

Self-reported occupational accidents and affecting factors among the adult population / Acidentes de trabalho autorreferidos e fatores que afetam a população adulta

Abstract Introduction As official occupational accident records are insufficient in developing countries such as Turkey, self-reported numbers are a better reflection of the real scope of occupational accidents among Turkish workers. Objective This study aims to determine the factors affecting occupational accidents in Turkey. Method This cross-sectional study re-evaluated data from a total of 42,360 participants, were obtained from the 'Occupational Accidents and Occupational Health Problems' module of the Household Labor Force Survey conducted by TurkStat. Results The prevalence of occupational accidents in the prior 12 months was 2.1%. The probability of an occupational accident for men was 1.78 times higher than for women (95% CI: 1.38-2.30). Workers who had not completed primary education [OR=1.91 (95% CI: 1.09-3.3)] and those who were divorced [OR=2.26 (95% CI: 1.40-3.63)] were more likely to have an accident at work, when compared to university graduates and unmarried employees, respectively. Conclusion Male gender, low educational level, and divorced marital status can be considered risk factors and require more attention and a control program to prevent the loss of labor due to occupational accidents in Turkey. This is the first, most comprehensive, and up-to-date study using extensive national data to examine the factors that affect occupational accidents in Turkey.

Resumo Introdução Como os registros oficiais de acidentes de trabalho são insuficientes em países em desenvolvimento, como a Turquia, os números autorrelatados refletem melhor o escopo real do acidente ocupacional entre os trabalhadores turcos. Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo determinar os fatores que afetam os acidentes de trabalho na Turquia. Método Estudo transversal que reavaliou dados de um total de 42.360 participantes, obtidos no módulo 'Acidentes de trabalho e problemas de saúde ocupacional' da Pesquisa da Força de Trabalho Doméstica realizada pela TurkStat. Resultados A prevalência de acidentes de trabalho nos últimos 12 meses foi de 2,1%. A probabilidade de um acidente de trabalho para homens foi 1,78 vezes maior que para mulheres (IC 95%: 1,38-2,30). Os trabalhadores que não concluíram o ensino fundamental [OR = 1,91 (IC 95%: 1,09-3,3)] e os que se divorciaram [OR = 2,26 (IC 95%: 1,40-3,63)] apresentaram maior probabilidade de sofrer um acidente de trabalho, quando comparados com graduados universitários e empregados solteiros, respectivamente. Conclusão O sexo masculino, o baixo nível educacional e o estado civil divorciado podem ser considerados fatores de risco e requerem mais atenção e um programa de controle para evitar a perda de trabalho devido a acidentes de trabalho na Turquia. Este é o primeiro, mais abrangente e atualizado estudo, a partir de extensos dados nacionais, para examinar os fatores que afetam os acidentes de trabalho na Turquia.

Ultrasound-Guided Intercostal Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Implantation: Technique Report and Feasibility Study in a Cadaver.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe and validate a novel ultrasound-guided intercostal peripheral nerve stimulator implantation technique. METHODS: The fifth to tenth ribs on both sides of an unembalmed cadaveric specimen were localized using a 15-6-MHz linear array transducer, counting distally from T-1 bilaterally. A single interventionist then implanted 12 peripheral nerve stimulators on the fifth through tenth ribs, six MicroLeads on the left side and six StimRouters on the right side, using an in-plane lateral to medial approach to the inferior border of the corresponding rib. After all the stimulators were implanted, their location was confirmed using fluoroscopy. Gross anatomic dissection was later performed for each of the stimulators placed, and the distance of the lead from the intercostal nerve and pleura was noted. RESULTS: All leads were noted in an accurate position in the plane between the inner and innermost intercostal muscle, without any intrapleural placement. The distance of the leads from the intercostal nerves was on average 2.3 mm and 1.1 mm for MicroLead and StimRouter, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study is the first to determine the feasibility of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve stimulator placement in close proximity to the pleura. All the stimulator leads were accurately placed using our ultrasound-guided technique and were within 0.5-3 mm from the intercostal nerve. Although this technique might prove technically challenging, the use of ultrasound for intercostal peripheral nerve stimulator implantation appears feasible and warrants further investigation to establish this as an acceptable technique for patients.

Proposal of a New Standardized Freeze-Thawing Technical Protocol for Leucocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma Preparation and Cryopreservation.

A human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) concentrate can be defined as a preparation of autologous human plasma with increased platelet concentration produced by centrifugation of a larger volume of a patient's own blood. Platelets contain a plethora of growth factors in their α-granules that are concentrated through the centrifugation process in order to then be injected in supraphysiologic amounts to an injury site with the final aim of augmenting the natural healing process. Preparations of PRP concentrates can be further classified as leucocyte-rich (LR-PRP), defined as having a leucocyte concentration above baseline, and leucocyte-poor (LP-PRP), defined as having a leucocyte concentration below baseline. Although many preclinical and clinical trials have shown the ability of leucocyte-poor PRP concentrates to significantly improve symptomatic mild to moderate hip and/or knee osteoarthritis, to date there is no consensus on the optimal way of obtaining PRP preparations, specifically with respect to the concentration of blood components. In this technical report, we describe a new standardized freeze-thawing technique for leucocyte-poor PRP preparation and cryopreservation, which has been shown to be superior to currently available techniques based solely on centrifugation. By describing this technical protocol, which we have been using on a daily basis in the setting of a Regenerative Medicine Outpatient Clinic in a European tertiary university hospital center, we aim to contribute to a future consensus on the optimal way of obtaining and preserving leucocyte-poor PRP concentrates.

Angled Abutment Transfer Jig: A Technical Report.

AIM: To introduce an angled abutment transfer jig that splints abutments securely together to facilitate easy and quick orientation. BACKGROUND: Transferring angled abutments from cast to patients' mouth could be tasking and time-consuming. Transfer jigs are often used to facilitate orientation of abutments into implant fixtures. However, with the available jigs, abutments could move out of place and thus pose a hassle in repositioning. TECHNIQUE: This technical report introduces an angled abutment transfer jig that consists of two impression copings screwed onto angled abutments which are splinted together with red acrylic resin. Access to abutment screws is feasible through slots created in the impression copings. CONCLUSION: The introduced jig is rigid and thus ensures very accurate and easy transfer of abutments into implants followed by accurate prosthesis seating. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This transfer jig design allows clinicians to transfer the orientation of angled abutments from cast to patients' mouth with optimal speed and precision.

Cervical cancer prevention in Pernambuco: improvements for whom? Inequity scenario in the state of the Northeast Region / Prevenção do câncer do colo do útero: avanços para quem? Um retrato da iniquidade em estado da Região Nordeste

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the access to cervical cancer preventive examination in Pernambuco between 2002 and 2015 by cytopathological exam coverage. Methods: public data from SUS Computer Department were used, then processed by Tabnet and Excel and calculated the slope of the over time coefficient trend by simple regression techniques. Afterwards, they were plotted in thematic maps covering cytopathological exams on Terraview app 4.2.2. Results: Pernambuco State presented an increase of exam coverage trend in all the health regions until 2010. Since that year it started to have stabilization and decreased the tendency. Comparing the coverage of the two first years, in 2002, 42.7% of the cities coverage was below 0.2 and in 2015 the scenario changed, 41.1% of the cities coverage was above 0.6. We emphasize that even in that same year 13.5% of the cities still had a low or too low coverage (less than 0.4). The over time trends in increase and decline were strongly meaningful. Conclusions: this study revealed that all health regions presented a coverage lower than recommended, in some period or in all of them, even with the State growth tendency it demonstrated an unequal and heterogeneous characteristic.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar o acesso ao exame preventivo para o câncer de colo do útero em Pernambuco, entre 2002 e 2015, por meio da cobertura do citopatológico. Métodos: foram utilizados dados de domínio público do Departamento de Informática do SUS, processados no Tabnet e Excel® e calculados os coeficientes de inclinação de tendência temporal, por meio de técnicas de regressão simples. Por fim, foram plotados em mapas temáticos de cobertura de exames citopatológicos no aplicativo Terraview 4.2.2. Resultados: Pernambuco apresentou aumento na tendência de cobertura ao exame para todas as regiões de saúde até 2010. A partir deste ano, apresentou uma tendência de estabilização e diminuição. Ao comparar a cobertura no primeiro e no último ano, em 2002 42,7% dos municípios estavam com cobertura abaixo de 0.2 e em 2015 o cenário muda para 41,1% de municípios com cobertura acima 0.6. Destaca-se que neste mesmo ano 13,5% dos municípios ainda apresentavam uma cobertura baixa e muito baixa (<0.4). Tendências temporais de crescimento e decréscimo tiveram forte significância. Conclusões: todas as regiões de saúde apresentaram cobertura inferior ao preconizado, em algum período ou em todos, mesmo com a tendência estadual de crescimento, demonstrando uma característica heterogênea e desigual.

Ten-Step Minimally Invasive Cervical Decompression via Unilateral Tubular Laminotomy: Technical Note and Early Clinical Experience.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive techniques utilizing tubular retractors have become an increasingly popular approach to the spinal column. The concept of a unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (ULBD), first applied in the lumbar spine, has recently been applied to the cervical spine for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). A better understanding of the indications and surgical techniques is required to effectively educate surgeons on how to appropriately and safely perform tubular cervical laminotomy via ULBD. OBJECTIVE: To describe a 10-step technique for minimally invasive cervical laminotomy and report our early clinical experience. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 15 patients with CSM who were treated with this procedure. Visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores were obtained pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean age of the 15 patients was 73.1 ± 6.8 yr. The median number of levels treated was 1 (range 1-3). Mean operative time was 125.3 ± 30.8 or 81.7 ± 19.2 min per level. Mean estimated blood loss was 57.3 ± 24.6 cc. Median postoperative hospital length of stay was 36 h. No complications were encountered. Median follow-up was 18 mo. Mean pre- and postoperative VAS were 6.4 ± 2.4 and 1.0 ± 0.8, respectively (P < .001). Mean pre- and postoperative NDI were 46.4 ± 19.2 and 7.0 ± 6.9, respectively (P < .001). Mean pre- and postoperative Mjoa were 11.3 ± 2.5 and 14.5 ± 0.5, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSION: In our early clinical experience, minimally invasive cervical ULBD is safe and effective. Adherence to the presented 10-step technique will allow surgeons to safely address bilateral cervical pathology while avoiding complications.

From big data mining to technical sport reports: the case of inertial measurement units.

The inertial measurement units (IMU) are instruments used to quantify the external load of athletes; they are increasingly common in assessing team and individual sports. This type of instruments has several sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes and magnetometers; this allows access to a large amount of information and analysis possibilities. Due to the complexity of synthesising this data, it is necessary to create a flow for collecting, analysing and presenting the collected data in a simple way and present it as quickly as possible to the technical staff. This report aims to present new methods of reduction of the data and propose a new approach method for the analysis of the IMU's outcomes.