scholarly journals Could ante-mortem computed tomography be useful in forensic pathology of traumatic intracranial haemorrhage?

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mmachuene I. Hlahla ◽  
Moshibudi J. Selatole
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Forensic Pathology ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
Pathology Laboratory ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Autopsy Findings ◽  
Level Of Consciousness ◽  
Discrepancy Rate

Background: Imaging techniques have proven valuable in forensic pathology practice, with computed tomography being preferred for forensic use. In the era of virtual autopsy and a low- to middle-income, resource-constrained country, a question arises as to whether ante-mortem computed tomography (ACT) could be cost-effective by reducing the number of invasive autopsies performed.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of ACT in forensic pathology by examining discrepancy rates between ACT scans and autopsy findings in cases of deceased individuals with traumatic intracranial haemorrhages and assess factors associated with discrepancies.Methods: Eighty-five cases of ACT and autopsy reports from 01 January 2014 to 31 December 2016 from the Polokwane Forensic Pathology Laboratory, South Africa, were analysed retrospectively. Using Cohen’s kappa statistics, measures of agreement and resultant discrepancy rates were determined. Also, the discrepancy patterns for each identified factor was also analysed.Results: The discrepancy rate between ACT and autopsy detection of haemorrhage was 24.71% while diagnostic categorisation of haemorrhage was 55.3%. Classification discrepancy was most observed in subarachnoid haemorrhages and least observed in extradural haemorrhages. A markedly reduced level of consciousness, hospital stay beyond two weeks and three or fewer years of doctors’ experience contributed to classification discrepancies.Conclusion: Ante-mortem computed tomography should be used only as an adjunct to autopsy findings. However, the low discrepancy rate seen for extradural haemorrhages implies that ACT may be useful in the forensic diagnosis of extradural haemorrhages.

Integration Between Computed Tomography and Nuclear Medicine for Non-invasive Assessment of Coronary Anatomy and Myocardial Perfusion

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Wanda Acampa ◽  
Mario Petretta ◽  
Carmela Nappi ◽  
Alberto Cuocolo ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Blood Flow ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Myocardial Perfusion ◽  
Myocardial Blood Flow ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Emission Computed Tomography ◽  
Coronary Anatomy ◽  
Non Invasive

Many non-invasive imaging techniques are available for the evaluation of patients with known or suspected coronary heart disease. Among these, computed-tomography-based techniques allow the quantification of coronary atherosclerotic calcium and non-invasive imaging of coronary arteries, whereas nuclear cardiology is the most widely used non-invasive approach for the assessment of myocardial perfusion. The available single-photon-emission computed tomography flow agents are characterised by a cardiac uptake proportional to myocardial blood flow. In addition, different positron emission tomography tracers may be used for the quantitative measurement of myocardial blood flow and coronary flow reserve. Extensive research is being performed in the development of non-invasive coronary angiography and myocardial perfusion imaging using cardiac magnetic resonance. Finally, new multimodality imaging systems have recently been developed bringing together anatomical and functional information. This article provides a description of the available non-invasive imaging techniques in the assessment of coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion in patients with known or suspected coronary heart disease.

Trends in Nanotechnology for in vivo Cancer Diagnosis: Products and Patents

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (18) ◽  
pp. 2167-2181
Author(s):  
Tatielle do Nascimento ◽  
Melanie Tavares ◽  
Mariana S.S.B. Monteiro ◽  
Ralph Santos-Oliveira ◽  
Adriane R. Todeschini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Metal Nanoparticles ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Tumor Detection ◽  
Abnormal Growth ◽  
Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology

Background: Cancer is a set of diseases formed by abnormal growth of cells leading to the formation of the tumor. The diagnosis can be made through symptoms’ evaluation or imaging tests, however, the techniques are limited and the tumor detection may be late. Thus, pharmaceutical nanotechnology has emerged to optimize the cancer diagnosis through nanostructured contrast agent’s development. Objective: This review aims to identify commercialized nanomedicines and patents for cancer diagnosis. Methods: The databases used for scientific articles research were Pubmed, Science Direct, Scielo and Lilacs. Research on companies’ websites and articles for the recognition of commercial nanomedicines was performed. The Derwent tool was applied for patent research. Results: This article aimed to research on nanosystems based on nanoparticles, dendrimers, liposomes, composites and quantum dots, associated to imaging techniques. Commercialized products based on metal and composite nanoparticles, associated with magnetic resonance and computed tomography, have been observed. The research conducted through Derwent tool displayed a small number of patents using nanotechnology for cancer diagnosis. Among these patents, the most significant number was related to the use of systems based on metal nanoparticles, composites and quantum dots. Conclusion: Although few systems are found in the market and patented, nanotechnology appears as a promising field for the development of new nanosystems in order to optimize and accelerate the cancer diagnosis.

scholarly journals Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of BCG Vaccination against Tuberculosis in Indonesia: A Model-Based Study

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 707
Author(s):  
Afifah Machlaurin ◽  
Franklin Christiaan Karel Dolk ◽  
Didik Setiawan ◽  
Tjipke Sytse van der Werf ◽  
Maarten J. Postma
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Control Programme ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Bcg Vaccination ◽  
Life Years ◽  
The Cost

Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG), the only available vaccine for tuberculosis (TB), has been applied for decades. The Indonesian government recently introduced a national TB disease control programme that includes several action plans, notably enhanced vaccination coverage, which can be strengthened through underpinning its favourable cost-effectiveness. We designed a Markov model to assess the cost-effectiveness of Indonesia’s current BCG vaccination programme. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were evaluated from the perspectives of both society and healthcare. The robustness of the analysis was confirmed through univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA). Using epidemiological data compiled for Indonesia, BCG vaccination at a price US$14 was estimated to be a cost-effective strategy in controlling TB disease. From societal and healthcare perspectives, ICERs were US$104 and US$112 per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), respectively. The results were robust for variations of most variables in the univariate analysis. Notably, the vaccine’s effectiveness regarding disease protection, vaccination costs, and case detection rates were key drivers for cost-effectiveness. The PSA results indicated that vaccination was cost-effective even at US$175 threshold in 95% of cases, approximating the monthly GDP per capita. Our findings suggest that this strategy was highly cost-effective and merits prioritization and extension within the national TB programme. Our results may be relevant for other high endemic low- and middle-income countries.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional anatomy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging of the banded houndshark (Triakis scyllium)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Wha Kim ◽  
Adams Hei Long Yuen ◽  
Cherry Tsz Ching Poon ◽  
Joon Oh Hwang ◽  
Chang Jun Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Evolutionary Developmental Biology ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
Ct Scanner ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractDue to their important phylogenetic position among extant vertebrates, sharks are an invaluable group in evolutionary developmental biology studies. A thorough understanding of shark anatomy is essential to facilitate these studies and documentation of this iconic taxon. With the increasing availability of cross-sectional imaging techniques, the complicated anatomy of both cartilaginous and soft tissues can be analyzed non-invasively, quickly, and accurately. The aim of this study is to provide a detailed anatomical description of the normal banded houndshark (Triakis scyllium) using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with cryosection images. Three banded houndsharks were scanned using a 64-detector row spiral CT scanner and a 3 T MRI scanner. All images were digitally stored and assessed using open-source Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine viewer software in the transverse, sagittal, and dorsal dimensions. The banded houndshark cadavers were then cryosectioned at approximately 1-cm intervals. Corresponding transverse cryosection images were chosen to identify the best anatomical correlations for transverse CT and MRI images. The resulting images provided excellent detail of the major anatomical structures of the banded houndshark. The illustrations in the present study could be considered as a useful reference for interpretation of normal and pathological imaging studies of sharks.

scholarly journals SAT0554 SONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF CALCIUM PYROPHOSPHATE DEPOSITION DISEASE AT WRIST. A FOCUS ON THE SCAPHO-LUNATE LIGAMENT.

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1234.2-1235
Author(s):  
E. Cipolletta ◽  
G. Smerilli ◽  
R. Mashadi Mirza ◽  
A. DI Matteo ◽  
F. Salaffi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Calcium Pyrophosphate ◽  
Scaphoid Bone ◽  
Lunate Bone ◽  
Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease ◽  
Dorsal Aspect ◽  
Deposition Disease ◽  
Extensor Compartment

Background:Only few articles evaluated the wrist in calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD), although it is the second most frequent target of CPPD. Very recently, in a computed tomography (CT) study ligamentous calcifications were reported as a highly specific feature of CPPD at wrist level (1).Objectives:i) to determine the prevalence and distribution of the ultrasound (US) findings indicative of calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) crystal deposits at the wrist, with a particular focus on the dorsal aspect of the scapho-lunate ligament (SLL); ii) to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of US and conventional radiography (CR) in the evaluation of CPP crystal deposits at wrist level, iv) to assess the agreement between the different imaging techniques.Methods:Consecutive patients with a “definite” diagnosis of CPPD according to the Ryan and McCarty criteria and disease controls were prospectively included in this cross-sectional single-centre study. Dorsal part of the SLL, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), and volar recess of the radio-lunate joint were explored using US (according to EULAR standard scans and OMERACT definitions), CR and CT.Results:Sixty-one CPPD patients and 39 disease controls were enrolled. Two-hundred wrists were evaluated using both CR and US. CT data of 26 (13.0%) wrists were available: 20 wrists in CPPD patients and 6 wrists in controls. CPP crystal deposits were found by US in at least one wrist in 95.1% of CPPD patients and in 15.4% of controls (p<0.001). SLL calcification was reported in 83.6% of CPPD patients and in 5.1% of controls (p<0.001). CPP crystal deposits were observed by US at the SLL and/or radio-lunate joint in 5.7% of wrists and 6.6% of CPPD patients, but not at the TFCC of the same wrist. On CR, calcifications were found in at least one wrist in 72.1% of CPPD patients and in 0% of controls (p<0.001). Using the Ryan-McCarty criteria as a gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were 0.72 (0.59-0.83), 1.0 (0.91-1.0) and 0.83 (0.74-0.90) for CR and 0.95 (0.86-0.99), 0.85 (0.69-0.94) and 0.91 (0.84-0.96) for US. Table 1 shows the agreement between the different imaging techniques.Tabel 1.Agreement between US and the other imaging techniques in the evaluation of CPP crystal deposits at the wrist.US-CR (n=200)US-CT (n=26)TFCC0.55 (0.43-0.67)0.70 (0.43-0.97)SLL0.23 (0.07-0.39)0.69 (0.41-0.97)RLJ0.25 (0.09-0.41)0.46 (0.12-0.80)Legend.n: number of the wrists,RLJ: volar recess of the radio-lunate joint. Values in brackets are the 95% confidence intervals of the Cohen’s kappa.Figure 1provides a pictorial evidence of the appearance of CPP crystal deposits in the SLL.A: CPP crystal deposits (curved arrow) at the TFCC. The SLL is not assessable due to superimposition of other bones.B: in the same patient of figure 1A, CT scan shows the presence of a calcification of the dorsal aspect of the SLL (arrow).C: dorsal longitudinal scan of the SLL: isolated hyperechoic spot (arrowheads) inside the ligament.D: dorsal longitudinal scan of the SLL showing the presence of a large aggregate extending towards the extensor tendons and hyperechoic spots (arrowheads) within it.Legend.iii: third extensor compartment,iv: fourth extensor compartment,l: lunate bone,s:scaphoid bone.Conclusion:This study supports the diagnostic accuracy of US in evaluating wrist involvement in CPPD patients. SLL calcifications are a specific US finding of CPPD at wrist level.References:[1]Ziegeler K, Diekhoff T, Hermann S, et al. Low-dose computed tomography as diagnostic tool in calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease arthropathy: focus on ligamentous calcifications of the wrist. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2019;37:826-33.Disclosure of Interests:Edoardo Cipolletta: None declared, Gianluca Smerilli: None declared, Riccardo Mashadi Mirza: None declared, Andrea Di Matteo Grant/research support from: the publication was conducted while Dr. Di Matteo was an ARTICULUM fellow, Fausto Salaffi Speakers bureau: Dr. Salaffi reports personal fees from Bristol Myers Squibb, personal fees from Pfizer, personal fees from Novartis, personal fees from AbbVie, personal fees from Roche, personal fees from Merck Sharp & Dohme Italia, outside the submitted work., Walter Grassi Speakers bureau: Prof. Grassi reports personal fees from AbbVie, personal fees from Celgene, personal fees from Grünenthal, personal fees from Pfizer, personal fees from Union Chimique Belge Pharma, outside the submitted work., Emilio Filippucci Speakers bureau: Dr. Filippucci reports personal fees from AbbVie, personal fees from Bristol-Myers Squibb, personal fees from Celgene, personal fees from Roche, personal fees from Union Chimique Belge Pharma, personal fees from Pfizer, outside the submitted work.

scholarly journals Incremental Net Monetary Benefit of Bariatric Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cost-Effectiveness Evidences

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prapaporn Noparatayaporn ◽  
Montarat Thavorncharoensap ◽  
Usa Chaikledkaew ◽  
Bhavani Shankara Bagepally ◽  
Ammarin Thakkinstian
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Diabetes Group ◽  
Lifetime Horizon ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Full Economic Evaluation

AbstractThis systematic review aimed to comprehensively synthesize cost-effectiveness evidences of bariatric surgery by pooling incremental net monetary benefits (INB). Twenty-eight full economic evaluation studies comparing bariatric surgery with usual care were identified from five databases. In high-income countries (HICs), bariatric surgery was cost-effective among mixed obesity group (i.e., obesity with/without diabetes) over a 10-year time horizon (pooled INB = $53,063.69; 95% CI $42,647.96, $63,479.43) and lifetime horizon (pooled INB = $101,897.96; 95% CI $79,390.93, $124,404.99). All studies conducted among obese with diabetes reported that bariatric surgery was cost-effective. Also, the pooled INB for obesity with diabetes group over lifetime horizon in HICs was $80,826.28 (95% CI $32,500.75, $129,151.81). Nevertheless, no evidence is available in low- and middle-income countries. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals The Use of Imaging Techniques in Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorders (CKD-MBD)—A Systematic Review

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 772
Author(s):  
Ana Pimentel ◽  
Jordi Bover ◽  
Grahame Elder ◽  
Martine Cohen-Solal ◽  
Pablo Antonio Ureña-Torres
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Quantitative Computed Tomography ◽  
Vertebral Fracture Assessment ◽  
Vascular Calcifications ◽  
Ckd Stage

Although frequently silent, mineral and bone disease (MBD) is one of the most precocious complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is omnipresent in patients with CKD stage 5. Its pathophysiology is complex, but basically, disturbances in vitamin D, phosphate, and calcium metabolism lead to a diverse range of clinical manifestations with secondary hyperparathyroidism usually being the most frequent. With the decline in renal function, CKD-MBD may induce microstructural changes in bone, vascular system and soft tissues, which results in macrostructural lesions, such as low bone mineral density (BMD) resulting in skeletal fractures, vascular and soft tissue calcifications. Moreover, low BMD, fractures, and vascular calcifications are linked with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality. Therefore, a better characterization of CKD-MBD patterns, beyond biochemical markers, is helpful to adapt therapies and monitor strategies as used in the general population. An in-depth characterization of bone health is required, which includes an evaluation of cortical and trabecular bone structure and density and the degree of bone remodeling through bone biomarkers. Standard radiological imaging is generally used for the diagnosis of fracture or pseudo-fractures, vascular calcifications and other features of CKD-MBD. However, bone fractures can also be diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and vertebral fracture assessment (VFA). Fracture risk can be predicted by bone densitometry using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computed tomography (QTC) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQTC), quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and most recently magnetic resonance micro-imaging. Quantitative methods to assess bone consistency and strength complete the study and adjust the clinical management when integrated with clinical factors. The aim of this review is to provide a brief and comprehensive update of imaging techniques available for the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and monitoring of CKD-MBD.

Managing the Edentulous Mandible using Recent Technological Developments: A Case Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-54
Author(s):  
Ashok Sethi ◽  
Thomas Kaus ◽  
Naresh Sharma ◽  
Peter Sochor
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Surgical Guide ◽  
Prosthetic Reconstruction ◽  
Anterior Teeth ◽  
Edentulous Mandible ◽  
Cad Cam

Safe clinical practice in implant dentistry requires an accurate investigation of the availability of bone for implant placement and the avoidance of critical anatomical structures. Modern imaging techniques using computed tomography (CT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provide the clinician with the required information. The imaging thus obtained provides accurate representation of the height, width and length of the available bone.1 In addition, whenever adequate radiation dose is used, accurate information about the bone density in Hounsfield units can be obtained. Important spatial information regarding the orientation of the ridges and the relationship to the proposed prosthetic reconstruction can be obtained with the aid of radiopaque templates during the acquisition of CT scan data. Modern software also provides the facility to decide interactively upon the positioning of the implants and is able to relate this to a stereolithographic model constructed from the imaging data. A surgical guide for the accurate positioning of the implants can be constructed. The construction of screw retained prostheses is fraught with difficulties regarding the accuracy of the construction. Accurate fit of the prosthesis is difficult to obtain due to the inherent errors in impression taking, component discrepancies, investing and casting inaccuracies.2,3 CAD/CAM technology eliminates the inaccuracies involved with the investing and casting of superstructures. Clinical Case This case describes the management of an 84 year old female patient, who had recently lost her remaining mandibular anterior teeth. This resulted in the patient's inability to wear conventional dentures in the mandible.

scholarly journals Achieving Viral Suppression in 90% of People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Antiretroviral Therapy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (10) ◽  
pp. 1487-1491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean B Nachega ◽  
Nadia A Sam-Agudu ◽  
Lynne M Mofenson ◽  
Mauro Schechter ◽  
John W Mellors
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Term Treatment ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Although significant progress has been made, the latest data from low- and middle-income countries show substantial gaps in reaching the third “90%” (viral suppression) of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals, especially among vulnerable and key populations. This article discusses critical gaps and promising, evidence-based solutions. There is no simple and/or single approach to achieve the last 90%. This will require multifaceted, scalable strategies that engage people living with human immunodeficiency virus, motivate long-term treatment adherence, and are community-entrenched and ‑supported, cost-effective, and tailored to a wide range of global communities.

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