The CDD System in Computed Tomographic Diagnosis of Diverticular Disease

Purpose This overview sums up the Classification of Diverticular Disease (CDD) with regard to its application in computed tomographic diagnosis and briefly recapitulates its targeted advantages over preliminary systems. Primarily, application of the CDD in computed tomography diagnostics is described. Differences with respect to the categories of the older systems are pointed out on the level of each CDD type using imaging examples. Materials and Methods The presented images are derived from our institute according to the S2k criteria. Literature was researched on PubMed. Results The CDD constitutes an improvement compared to older systems for categorizing the stages of diverticular disease. It provides more discriminatory power on the descriptive-morphological level and defines as well as differentiates more courses of the disease. Furthermore, the categories translate more directly into state-of-the-art decision-making concerning hospitalization and therapy. Conclusion The CDD should be applied routinely in the computed tomographic diagnosis of diverticular disease. Typical imaging patterns are presented. Key points Citation Format

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TaxaTarget: Fast, Sensitive, and Precise Classification of Microeukaryotes in Metagenomic Data

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1186624/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Seth Commichaux ◽

Kiran Javkar ◽

Harihara Subrahmaniam Muralidharan ◽

Padmini Ramachandran ◽

Andrea Ottesen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

State Of The Art ◽

Marker Gene ◽

Taxonomic Classification ◽

Discriminatory Power ◽

Training Data ◽

Metagenomic Data ◽

Marker Genes ◽

Amino Acid Region ◽

Database Structure

Abstract BackgroundMicrobial eukaryotes are nearly ubiquitous in microbiomes on Earth and contribute to many integral ecological functions. Metagenomics is a proven tool for studying the microbial diversity, functions, and ecology of microbiomes, but has been underutilized for microeukaryotes due to the computational challenges they present. For taxonomic classification, the use of a eukaryotic marker gene database can improve the computational efficiency, precision and sensitivity. However, state-of-the-art tools which use marker gene databases implement universal thresholds for classification rather than dynamically learning the thresholds from the database structure, impacting the accuracy of the classification process.ResultsHere we introduce taxaTarget, a method for the taxonomic classification of microeukaryotes in metagenomic data. Using a database of eukaryotic marker genes and a supervised learning approach for training, we learned the discriminatory power and classification thresholds for each 20 amino acid region of each marker gene in our database. This approach provided improved sensitivity and precision compared to other state-of-the-art approaches, with rapid runtimes and low memory usage. Additionally, taxaTarget was better able to detect the presence of multiple closely related species as well as species with no representative sequences in the database. One of the greatest challenges faced during the development of taxaTarget was the general sparsity of available sequences for microeukaryotes. Several algorithms were implemented, including threshold padding, which effectively handled the missing training data and reduced classification errors. Using taxaTarget on metagenomes from human fecal microbiomes, a broader range of genera were detected, including multiple parasites that the other tested tools missed.ConclusionData-driven methods for learning classification thresholds from the structure of an input database can provide granular information about the discriminatory power of the sequences and improve the sensitivity and precision of classification. These methods will help facilitate a more comprehensive analysis of metagenomic data and expand our knowledge about the diverse eukaryotes in microbial communities.

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State-of-the-art ultrasonography is as accurate as helical computed tomography and computed tomographic angiography for detecting unresectable periampullary cancer.

Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine ◽

10.7863/jum.2001.20.5.481 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 20 (5) ◽

pp. 481-490 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

M M Morrin ◽

J B Kruskal ◽

V Raptopoulos ◽

K Weisinger ◽

R J Farrell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

State Of The Art ◽

Computed Tomographic Angiography ◽

Helical Computed Tomography ◽

Periampullary Cancer ◽

Computed Tomographic ◽

Tomographic Angiography

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Occipitocervical Dislocation

Spinal Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/med/9780190887773.003.0003 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 21-30

Author(s):

Alexander B. Dru ◽

Daniel J. Hoh

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Decision Making ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Postoperative Management ◽

Dimensional Reconstruction ◽

Diagnosis And Classification ◽

X Ray Computed ◽

Board Review ◽

Tomography Scan

This chapter covers the presentation, diagnosis, operative decision-making, surgical procedure, postoperative management, and evidence/outcomes of patients who have sustained atlanto-occipital dislocation (AOD). The format of the chapter walks the reader through the case in a logical manner with each section containing questions and oral board review pearls that are directly answered in the text. Each section has a combination of radiographic (x-ray, computed tomography scan, and three-dimensional reconstruction) and illustrative imaging to aid in the diagnosis and classification of AOD. This chapter is designed to provide residents or board-eligible neurosurgeons with an up-to-date review of this condition for both written and oral board certification.

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Dose Reduction and Dose Management in Computed Tomography – State of the Art

RöFo - Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren ◽

10.1055/s-0044-101261 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 190 (06) ◽

pp. 531-541 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Dominik Zinsser ◽

Roy Marcus ◽

Ahmed Othman ◽

Fabian Bamberg ◽

Konstantin Nikolaou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Image Reconstruction ◽

Image Quality ◽

Dose Reduction ◽

State Of The Art ◽

Literature Research ◽

Tube Current ◽

Key Points ◽

Technical Innovations ◽

Dose Management

Background For years, the number of performed CT examinations has been rising. At the same time, computed tomography became more dose efficient. The aim of this article is to give an overview about the state of the art in dose reduction in CT and to highlight currently available tools in dose management. Method By performing a literature research on Pubmed regarding dose reduction in CT, relevant articles were identified and analyzed. Results and Conclusion Technical innovations with individual adaptation of tube current and voltage as well as iterative image reconstruction enable a considerable dose reduction with preserved image quality. At the same time, dedicated software tools are able to handle huge amounts of data and allow to optimize existing examination protocols. Key points Citation Format

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Evaluation of Sternal Bone Healing with Computed Tomography and a Quantitative Scoring Algorithm

The Open Medical Imaging Journal ◽

10.2174/1874347101408010029 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 29-35 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Gregory S. Stacy ◽

Osmanuddin Ahmed ◽

Arlene Richardson ◽

Brian M. Hatcher ◽

Heber MacMahon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Bone Healing ◽

Potential Benefit ◽

Median Sternotomy ◽

Kappa Statistics ◽

Observer Variability ◽

Computed Tomographic ◽

Inter Observer Variability ◽

Scoring Algorithm

Objective: The exquisite bone detail offered by computed tomography makes it the ideal modality for evaluation of bone healing. However, few studies have investigated the normal computed tomographic appearance of the sternum after median sternotomy and, to the best of our knowledge, no computed tomographic classification of sternal healing has been proposed. Given the potential benefit of objective criteria, we propose a validated scoring classification of sternal healing using computed tomography for both clinical and investigational purposes. Methods: Computed tomography scans from 20 patients who underwent a median sternotomy were evaluated for sternal healing at either 3 or 6 months postoperatively. Five anatomic locations along the sternum were selected using defined criteria, and a 6-point quantitative scale was developed to evaluate sternal healing. Independent radiologists read and scored each of the 5 locations on the sternum. Inter- and intra-observer variability was assessed by calculating the kappa statistics to measure the reliability of the scoring algorithm. Results: Calculation of the kappa statistics indicated substantial agreement for intra-observer variability and substantial to almost perfect agreement for inter-observer variability. For intra-observer variability, the kappa statistics ranged from 0.591 to 0.802, and for inter-observer variability, the kappa statistics ranged from 0.590 to 0.969. When the two radiologists differed, the magnitude of the difference was no more than 1 or 2 points. Conclusion: This simple system of evaluating sternal healing had high inter- and intra-observer reliability. Therefore, it may be considered a valid method for assessing sternal osteosynthesis for both clinical and investigative purposes. Ultramini abstract: (49 words): Few studies have investigated the normal computed tomography appearance of the sternum after median sternotomy, and we knew of no computed tomography-based classification of sternal healing. Given the potential benefit of objective criteria, we designed and validated a scoring classification of sternal osteosynthesis for both clinical and investigational purposes.

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Mahalanobis-Taguchi system: state of the art

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management ◽

10.1108/ijqrm-10-2016-0174 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 596-613 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Cecilia Guadalupe Mota-Gutiérrez ◽

Edgar Omar Reséndiz-Flores ◽

Yadira Iracema Reyes-Carlos

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Pattern Recognition ◽

Analytical Method ◽

Design Methodology ◽

State Of The Art ◽

System State ◽

Content Type ◽

Medicine Education ◽

Study Application

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to show a bibliographical review of the applications of the MTS throughout the time and the different fields. Design/methodology/approach The Mahalanobis-Taguchi system (MTS) is an analytical method used for the diagnosis and/or pattern recognition of multivariate data for quantitative decision making. Findings Its scope is very broad, ranging from engineering, medicine, education, and manufacturing, among others. This work presents a classification of the literature in the following areas of the MTS: introduction of the method, cases of study/application, comparison with other methods, integration and development of the MTS with other methods, construction of Mahalanobis space, dimensional reduction and threshold establishment. It realized a wide search of the publications in magazines and congresses. Originality/value This paper is a summary of the main applications, contributions and changes to MTS.

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To Fill or Not to Fill? – Value of the Administration of Positive Rectal Contrast for CT Evaluation of Diverticular Disease of the Colon

RöFo - Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren ◽

10.1055/a-1339-2157 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Simone Meyer ◽

Martina Schmidbauer ◽

Frank K. Wacker ◽

Kristina Imeen Ringe

Keyword(s):

Diverticular Disease ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Radiological Staging ◽

Key Points ◽

Disease Staging ◽

Ct Evaluation ◽

Sensitivity Specificity

Purpose To assess the value of the administration of positive rectal contrast at CT in patients referred for suspected diverticular disease (DD) of the colon. Materials and Methods 460 patients (253 male, 207 female; median age 62 years; interquartile range 24) with clinical suspicion of DD of the colon were included in this retrospective IRB-approved study. CT was performed with i. v. contrast only (n = 328, group M1), i. v. + positive rectal contrast (n = 82, group M2), neither i. v. nor rectal contrast (n = 32, group S1), or positive rectal contrast only (n = 19, group S2). Two readers in consensus evaluated all CT datasets concerning diagnosis of DD (yes/no) and categorized findings (classification of diverticular disease (CDD)). Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values for the diagnosis of DD were calculated for all groups, using either clinical follow-up (n = 335) or intraoperative findings (n = 125) as the reference standard. In patients undergoing surgery, radiological staging of DD was correlated with the histopathology (weighted Cohen-k). Results 224 patients (48.7 %) were diagnosed with DD. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were as follows. Group M1 / M2: 92 %/92 %, 97 %/94 %, 96 %/96 %, 94 %/89 %, respectively; group S1 / S2: 94 %/86 %, 93 %/80 %, 94 %/92 %, 93 %/67 %, respectively. Radiological staging and histopathology correlated substantially in all groups (k = 0.748–0.861). Conclusion Abdominal CT had a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of DD. Disease staging correlated well with the findings at surgery. Additional positive rectal contrast administration did not have a significant advantage and may therefore be omitted in patients with suspected DD. Key Points: Citation Format

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Awareness and Decision Making in Professional Ethics

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027//1016-9040.5.1.19 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 19-27 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ronny Swain

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Professional Ethics ◽

Ethical Decision Making ◽

Code Of Ethics ◽

Professional Autonomy ◽

Ethical Awareness ◽

Ethical Decisions ◽

The Right ◽

Aid Decision

The paper describes the development of the 1998 revision of the Psychological Society of Ireland's Code of Professional Ethics. The Code incorporates the European Meta-Code of Ethics and an ethical decision-making procedure borrowed from the Canadian Psychological Association. An example using the procedure is presented. To aid decision making, a classification of different kinds of stakeholder (i.e., interested party) affected by ethical decisions is offered. The author contends (1) that psychologists should assert the right, which is an important aspect of professional autonomy, to make discretionary judgments, (2) that to be justified in doing so they need to educate themselves in sound and deliberative judgment, and (3) that the process is facilitated by a code such as the Irish one, which emphasizes ethical awareness and decision making. The need for awareness and judgment is underlined by the variability in the ethical codes of different organizations and different European states: in such a context, codes should be used as broad yardsticks, rather than precise templates.

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