scholarly journals Integrity of personal radiation protective equipment (PRPE): a 3-year longitudinal follow-up study

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P.-J Kellens ◽  
A De Hauwere ◽  
S Peire ◽  
I Tournicourt ◽  
L Strubbe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interquartile Range ◽  
First Year ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Rejection Criterion ◽  
Minimize Radiation Exposure ◽  
Operator Dose ◽  
Integrity Analysis

Abstract Background Personal radiation protective equipment (PRPE) such as lead aprons, vests, skirts and thyroid shields minimize radiation exposure of operators using ionizing radiation. However, PRPE might be prone to cracks and tears in the attenuating layer of the garments which results in inadequate radiation protection and increased operator dose. Currently, there are no uniform guidelines regarding regular inspection and/or rejection criteria of PRPE. Purpose This study aims to investigate the prevalence, qualification and quantification of PRPE integrity during a longitudinal follow-up. Methods All PRPE of a large, general hospital was yearly evaluated in the period 2018–2020. The equipment was inspected on a tele-operated X-ray table and cracks and tears were qualified and quantified using an X-ray opaque ruler. Rejection criteria of Lambert & McKeon were applied to accept or reject further use of the PRPE. In brief, all pieces, except for thyroid shields, with a total defect area larger than 670mm2 are rejected. For tears, specifically at the position of the gonads, an extra rejection criterion of 15mm2 is defined. For thyroid shields, the rejection criterion is set to 11mm2. Results In the 3-year follow-up period, a total of 915 PRPE were evaluated. 43.3% of PRPE showed tears and 29.3% needed to be rejected based on the Lambert & McKeon criteria. More specifically, in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively, 17.4%, 16.9% and 21.2% were rejected. In the attached figure, typical examples of visualized defects are represented. The median tear area (interquartile range) was 12 (30) mm2. Remarkably, of 195 newly registered PRPE, 8.7% showed tears in the first year of use of which 88.2% needed to be rejected. In the latter case, the median tear area (interquartile range) was 40 (50) mm2. Information regarding purchase date and size is missing in respectively 45.5% and 50.7% of the cases. Additionally, 13.7% lacked information regarding lead equivalency. Conclusion PRPE are prone to tears and cracks. Up to 40% of PRPE showed tears and cracks resulting in nearly 20% rejections. Newly purchased PRPE are not guaranteed to remain free of cracks and tears in the first year of use. These results urge the importance for regular X-ray based integrity analysis of PRPE. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

scholarly journals Discovery and follow-up of the unusual nuclear transient OGLE17aaj

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. L2 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gromadzki ◽  
A. Hamanowicz ◽  
L. Wyrzykowski ◽  
K. V. Sokolovsky ◽  
M. Fraser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Curve ◽  
Black Body ◽  
Emission Lines ◽  
First Year ◽  
Tidal Disruption ◽  
Massive Black Holes ◽  
X Ray ◽  
New Type ◽  
Narrow Emission

Aims. We report on the discovery and follow-up of a peculiar transient, OGLE17aaj, which occurred in the nucleus of a weakly active galaxy. We investigate whether it can be interpreted as a new candidate for a tidal disruption event (TDE). Methods. We present the OGLE-IV light curve that covers the slow 60-day-long rise to maximum along with photometric, spectroscopic, and X-ray follow-up during the first year. Results. OGLE17aaj is a nuclear transient exhibiting some properties similar to previously found TDEs, including a long rise time, lack of colour-temperature evolution, and high black-body temperature. On the other hand, its narrow emission lines and slow post-peak evolution are different from previously observed TDEs. Its spectrum and light-curve evolution is similar to F01004-2237 and AT 2017bgt. Signatures of historical low-level nuclear variability suggest that OGLE17aaj may instead be related to a new type of accretion event in active super-massive black holes.

scholarly journals The Swift Bulge Survey: optical and near-IR follow-up featuring a likely symbiotic X-ray binary and a focused wind CV

2020 ◽  
Vol 492 (3) ◽  
pp. 4344-4360 ◽  
Author(s):  
A W Shaw ◽  
C O Heinke ◽  
T J Maccarone ◽  
G R Sivakoff ◽  
J Strader ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Dwarf ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Substantial Contribution ◽  
Galactic Centre ◽  
First Year ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Giant Stars ◽  
Near Ir ◽  
Star Binary

ABSTRACT The nature of very faint X-ray transients (VFXTs) – transient X-ray sources that peak at luminosities $L_X\lesssim 10^{36} {\rm \, erg \, s^{-1}}$ – is poorly understood. The faint and often short-lived outbursts make characterizing VFXTs and their multiwavelength counterparts difficult. In 2017 April we initiated the Swift Bulge Survey, a shallow X-ray survey of ∼16 square degrees around the Galactic centre with the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The survey has been designed to detect new and known VFXTs, with follow-up programmes arranged to study their multiwavelength counterparts. Here we detail the optical and near-infrared follow-up of four sources detected in the first year of the Swift Bulge Survey. The known neutron star binary IGR J17445-2747 has a K4III donor, indicating a potential symbiotic X-ray binary nature and the first such source to show X-ray bursts. We also find one nearby M-dwarf (1SXPS J174215.0-291453) and one system without a clear near-IR counterpart (Swift J175233.9-290952). Finally, 3XMM J174417.2-293944 has a subgiant donor, an 8.7 d orbital period, and a likely white dwarf accretor; we argue that this is the first detection of a white dwarf accreting from a gravitationally focused wind. A key finding of our follow-up campaign is that binaries containing (sub)giant stars may make a substantial contribution to the VFXT population.

scholarly journals First-year follow-up of children with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis—an analysis of the German National Pediatric Rheumatologic Database from 2009 to 2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Reiser ◽  
Jens Klotsche ◽  
Anton Hospach ◽  
Rainer Berendes ◽  
Anja Schnabel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Activity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis

Abstract Objective To assess the first-year features of patients with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO). Methods Patients with a diagnosis of CNO, disease duration of under 13 months, and first registration in the German National Pediatric Rheumatologic Database (NPRD) between 2009 and 2018 were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Results Of 774 documented patients, 62.8% were female, and all patients had a median age of 11 years. The most affected clinical sites were the tibia (29.7%), pelvis (28.0%), and femur (27.8%). HLA-B27 was positive in 48 of 314 analyzed patients (15.3%). In 406 patients, an X-ray was performed at the first visit; X-ray results showed osteosclerosis/−lysis in 34.0% and hyperostosis in 14.5% of the patients. MRI scans (focal and whole-body scans) were performed in 648 patients, and 81.5% showed a positive TIRM/STIR signal. A total of 84.7% of the patients were administered nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 9.6% were administered oral glucocorticoids, 10.8% were administered disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and 6.1% were administered bisphosphonates. An evaluation of the patient’s questionnaire showed an overall well-being (NRS 0–10) of 2.0. The PedCNO disease “activity” score revealed a 70% improvement in variables in 43% of patients in the initial 1-year follow-up. Copresentation with diagnostic criteria of pediatric enthesitis-related arthritis was rare. Conclusion To our knowledge, the NPRD cohort seemed to be the largest cohort of children and adolescents suffering from CNO worldwide. Most patients were treated effectively with NSAIDs, and only a small group of patients was administered additional medication. The patient-defined measures of disease activity had a moderate impact on patients’ daily lives. Trial registration Not applicable.

scholarly journals Follow-up after biventricular repair of the hypoplastic left heart complex

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rinske J IJsselhof ◽  
Saniyé D R Duchateau ◽  
Rianne M Schouten ◽  
Matthias W Freund ◽  
Jörg Heuser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Interquartile Range ◽  
First Year ◽  
Left Heart ◽  
Hypoplastic Left Heart ◽  
Biventricular Repair ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Hypoplastic Left Heart Complex

Abstract OBJECTIVES In hypoplastic left heart complex patients, biventricular repair is preferred over staged-single ventricle palliation; however, there are too few studies to support either strategy. Therefore, we retrospectively characterized our patient cohort with hypoplastic left heart complex after biventricular repair to measure left-sided heart structures and assess our treatment strategy. METHODS Patients with hypoplastic left heart complex who had biventricular repair between 2004 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Operative results were evaluated and echocardiographic mitral valve (MV) and aortic valve (AoV) dimensions, left ventricular length and left ventricular internal diastolic diameter (LVIDd) were measured preoperatively and during follow-up after 0.5, 1, 3, 5 and 10 years. RESULTS In 32 patients, the median age at surgery was 10 (interquartile range 5.0) days. The median follow-up was 6.19 (interquartile range 6.04) years. During the 10-year follow-up, the mean Z-scores increased from −2.82 to −1.49 and from −2.29 to 0.62 for MV and AoV, respectively. Analysis of variance results with post hoc paired t-tests showed that growth of left-sided heart structures was accelerated in the first year after repair, but was not equal, with the MV lagging behind the AoV (P = 0.033), resulting in significantly smaller MV Z-scores compared with AoV Z-scores at 10-year follow-up (P < 0.001). There were 2 (6%) early deaths. The major adverse events occurred in 4 (13%) patients. The surgical or catheter-based reintervention was required in 14 (44%) patients. CONCLUSIONS The growth rate of heart structures was most prominent during the first year after biventricular repair with lower growth rate of the MV compared with the AoV.

Cost-Effectiveness of Chest X-Ray Follow-Up of Patients Treated for Seminoma of the Testis

1986 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Ciatto ◽  
Luca Cionini ◽  
Paolo Pacini
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Stage I ◽  
First Year ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
One Year

The authors report on a consecutive series of 253 cases of seminoma of the testis followed with periodic chest X-ray examinations from a minimum of three to a maximum of 27 years. The detection rate of asymptomatic intrathoracic metastases (ITM) was considered together with the costs of the follow-up procedure. Chest X-ray follow-up is not advisable beyond one year from primary treatment, since most (14 of 18) ITM occur in the first year, the detection rate of ITM beyond this date is too low (0.11% patients/year), and the related costs are too high (over $ 130,000 per ITM detected). Chest X-ray follow-up is questionable even in the first year after primary treatment for Stage I cases because of the low detection rate (1.38% patients/year) and the high costs (over $ 14,000 per ITM detected), whereas it appears to be opportune in Stages IIA and IIB.

scholarly journals Features of secondary prevention in young STEMI patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Bilyi ◽  
A N Parkhomenko ◽  
O I Irkin ◽  
Y M Lutai ◽  
A O Stepura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Secondary Prevention ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Cardiovascular Death ◽  
First Year ◽  
Combination Drug ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Remote Observation

Abstract   Among patients who underwent a myocardial infarction (MI), one in five patients has a second cardiovascular event (MI, acute cerebrovascular accident, arrhythmias, etc.) during the first year, even with optimal treatment and care. Young patients often do not take the prescribed treatment or do not take it for a long time after discharge from the hospital. The issue of secondary prevention among the population is well studied, while in the literature such data for young people are lacking. Methods The data of 160 STEMI young patients (18–46 years) who admitted and treated in the intensive care unit were evaluated. We studied the effect of the main groups of medicines on the course of AMI in young patients. The remote observation lasted 5 years after discharge from the hospital. The following cardiovascular events during 1 (365 days), 2 (730 days), 3 (1095 days), and 5 years (1800 days) of the FU were used as the endpoint: death from any cause, combined endpoint (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization (CABG, stenting). Results It was noted that taking one of the antithrombotic drugs (clopidogrel or ticagrelor) in young patients, after 2, 3, and 5 years of follow-up, significantly affected the development of the combined endpoint, reducing the number of events (p=0.013, p=0.004 and p=0.048, respectively). Statins had a better effect on the number of combined endpoints (reduced their number) in young patients during 2-year and 3-year follow-up (p=0.041) and (p=0.034), respectively. In young patients, ACEI or ARB tended to influence the development of a combined endpoint at 2, 3, and 5 years of follow-up (p=0.061, p=0.080, and p=0.067, respectively). In our study, we found that taking aspirin at a dose of 75–100 mg tends to reduce the development of death from any cause (p=0.054) within 5 years (1800 days) from discharge. Patients under 45 years after undergoing AMI were significantly less likely to take the minimum necessary medication, like aspirin, and statins than older patients (45–65 years) (24.2% vs. 42%, p&lt;0.001, respectively). Conclusion Young patients after AMI for secondary prevention must take an antithrombotic drug (clopidogrel or ticagrelor), statins, and an ACEI or ARB. In order to increase compliance, it is recommended to take a combination drug. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

scholarly journals Baker’s cyst in children: conservative management versus surgical excision according to clinical and imaging criteria

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed A. Mansour ◽  
Mohammed A. Shehata ◽  
Mohammed M. Shalaby ◽  
Mohammed A. Arafa ◽  
Hisham A. Almetaher
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Management ◽  
Surgical Excision ◽  
Popliteal Cyst ◽  
First Year ◽  
Baker’S Cyst ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Baker's Cyst ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Pediatric patients rarely exhibit Baker’s cysts. This study was conducted on 15 cases (9 males, 6 females) presented with Baker (popliteal) cyst in the last 2 years (from September 2017 to September 2019). The mean age was 8.5 years. The aim of this study was to present our experience in management of these cases based on clinical and imaging criteria. Plain x-ray and knee ultrasonography were routinely done for all cases. If the size of the cyst was less than or equal to 3 cm by ultrasonography, with no or minimal pain, the patients were managed conservatively and were scheduled to followed up visits after 3 months, 6 months, and after 12 months for clinical assessment of symptoms and sonographic size of the cyst. Surgical excision of the Baker’s cyst was considered if the size of the cyst was more than 3 cm with persistent of pain. Results Seven cases had cysts less than 3 cm by ultrasonography and were managed conservatively. In five out of these seven cases, the cysts disappeared with no recurrence within the first year of follow-up. In two cases, the cysts increased in size with increase in pain. These two cases were subjected to surgical excision after 1 year of follow-up. The remaining eight cases had cysts more than 3 cm and were managed by surgical excision. Out of the ten cases which were managed by surgical excision, recurrence occurred in 3 cases within the first post-operative year (after 4 months, 7 months, and 8 months) consecutively. Conclusions The management of Baker’s cysts in children is debatable, with no definite protocol. In this current study, we conclude that surgical excision of large Baker’s cysts (more than 3 cm) with persistent symptoms is crucial providing meticulous dissection without rupture of the cyst and proper closure of the pedicle which connects the cyst with the knee joint, while conservative management and follow-up is effective in small Baker’s cysts (less than 3 cm) with no recurrence.

scholarly journals Open reduction and internal fixation treatment of distal tibia fracture with Wise lock plate followed by two year follow up

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (6) ◽  
pp. 1132
Author(s):  
Mohit Kumar ◽  
Pooja Rawat ◽  
Jitendra Gupta ◽  
Gaurav Luthra
Keyword(s):  
Tibial Fracture ◽  
Distal Tibia ◽  
High Energy ◽  
First Year ◽  
Distal Tibial Fracture ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Union ◽  
Vas Score ◽  
A Prospective Study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Distal tibial fractures are high energy injuries with high complication rate. The objective of this study was to reduce the postoperative complications of distal tibial fracture by using indigenously manufactured implants (plates and screws).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This was a prospective study of 10 patients (6 patients had 43-B1 fracture, 4 patients had 43-B2 fracture) with two year follow up period followed by physical exercises after one month of the surgery. The fractures were treated with 3.5 mm Wise lock medial distal tibia plate. X-ray was used to check the union, non-union. Functional outcomes were assessed with visual analog scale (VAS) score.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> X-ray was showing good results. Average VAS score was 1.5 (90%) 9 patients and 2.5 (10%) in 1 patient. At the end of the first year VAS score is 2 for one patient with 9 others having 1 and at the end of the second year the VAS score is 0 for 9 patients and 1 for one patient.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Treatment of distal tibial fracture with 3.5 mm Wise lock medial distal tibia plate shows good outcomes with less complications.</p><p> </p>

Electron Microscopy of Human Gallstones

1971 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 296-297
Author(s):  
C. Wolpers ◽  
R. Blaschke
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Bile Pigment ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Triclinic Crystal System ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Infra Red ◽  
Main Components

Scanning microscopy was used to study the surface of human gallstones and the surface of fractures. The specimens were obtained by operation, washed with water, dried at room temperature and shadowcasted with carbon and aluminum. Most of the specimens belong to patients from a series of X-ray follow-up study, examined during the last twenty years. So it was possible to evaluate approximately the age of these gallstones and to get information on the intensity of growing and solving.Cholesterol, a group of bile pigment substances and different salts of calcium, are the main components of human gallstones. By X-ray diffraction technique, infra-red spectroscopy and by chemical analysis it was demonstrated that all three components can be found in any gallstone. In the presence of water cholesterol crystallizes in pane-like plates of the triclinic crystal system.

The First Year Experience of Ankara Child Follow up Center

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fadime Yuksel ◽  
Safa Celik ◽  
Filiz Daskafa ◽  
Nilufer Keser ◽  
Elif Odabas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Year Experience ◽  
First Year
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