Application of Highly Flexible Adaptive Image Receive Coil for Lung MR Imaging Using Zero TE Sequence: Comparison with Conventional Anterior Array Coil

(1) Background: Highly flexible adaptive image receive (AIR) coil has become available for clinical use. The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of AIR anterior array coil in lung MR imaging using a zero echo time (ZTE) sequence compared with conventional anterior array (CAA) coil. (2) Methods: Sixty-six patients who underwent lung MR imaging using both AIR coil (ZTE-AIR) and CAA coil (ZTE-CAA) were enrolled. Image quality of ZTE-AIR and ZTE-CAA was quantified by calculating blur metric value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of lung parenchyma. Image quality was qualitatively assessed by two independent radiologists. Lesion detection capabilities for lung nodules and emphysema and/or lung cysts were evaluated. Patients’ comfort levels during examinations were assessed. (3) Results: SNR and CNR of lung parenchyma were higher (both p < 0.001) in ZTE-AIR than in ZTE-CAA. Image sharpness was superior in ZTE-AIR (p < 0.001). Subjective image quality assessed by two independent readers was superior (all p < 0.05) in ZTE-AIR. AIR coil was preferred by 64 of 66 patients. ZTE-AIR showed higher (all p < 0.05) sensitivity for sub-centimeter nodules than ZTE-CAA by both readers. ZTE-AIR showed higher (all p < 0.05) sensitivity and accuracy for detecting emphysema and/or cysts than ZTE-CAA by both readers. (4) Conclusions: The use of highly flexible AIR coil in ZTE lung MR imaging can improve image quality and patient comfort. Application of AIR coil in parenchymal imaging has potential for improving delineation of low-density parenchymal lesions and tiny nodules.

Analysis, Design and Experimental Research of a Novel Bilateral Patient Transfer Robot

Patient transfer has always been a difficult problem in the hospital. For medical staff, there are problems including high risk of infection, heavy physical labor and low efficiency of transfer; for patients, there are problems including poor comfort and secondary injury. In this paper, a novel bilateral patient transfer robot is investigated and designed. The following tasks are conducted: (1) Based on the process of patient transfer, a transfer model, which consists of two degrees of freedom, is proposed, and the working principle of bilateral patient transfer robot is obtained and analyzed in detail. (2) Force analysis of the patient transfer robot is conducted. The corresponding relationship between the patient comfort and the insertion angle is proposed, and the optimal sizes of mechanical structure are obtained. (3) Based on the theoretical analysis, the mechanical structure and the control system of the robot are designed, and the prototype is manufactured. (4) Experimental research is conducted. The results show that the prototype can complete the required motion performance with a carrying capacity up to 150 kg and patient comfort is excellent. The results of this paper prove that this kind of patient transfer robot has good performance, it can also reduce the burden on medical staff.

Orthodontic Treatment of Bilateral Transposition of Maxillary Canines and Lateral Incisors

Dental transposition is a severe disturbance of tooth position and its eruptive sequence. It may affect any tooth, and it may occur at any location within the dental arch, although some teeth may be more frequently affected than others. There are several types of dental transposition, and their classification depends on the type of teeth involved. The aetiology of transposition is not very clear and has always been the subject of controversies, and it is still not completely understood. The prevalence of dental transposition and the factors related to this dental anomaly have been well documented in the literature. When treating dental transposition, many factors which may affect the treatment results must be considered, such as aesthetics, occlusion, treatment duration, patient comfort, patient cooperation, and periodontal support. Various treatment options are currently available for the treatment of dental transposition. Successful treatment outcomes depend on the patient’s age, concern about facial and dental aesthetics, motivation of the patient, functional requirements, type of malocclusion, and the position of the root apices. The present case report is aimed at outlining the orthodontic treatment of a young adult patient diagnosed with bilateral maxillary canine-lateral incisor transposition.

Diferentes actitudes hacia la sexualidad entre estudiantes de Enfermería de primero y cuarto curso

Objective: To evaluate whether attitudes towards sexuality acquired by students during a Spanish nursing degree are sufficient for their performance in professional practice. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study based on a self-completion survey composed of standardized scales that compare sexual attitudes among 101 first-year students with 86 fourth-year students. The 187 nursing students, 24 men and 163 women were between 18 and 60 years old (Mage=21.21, SD=5.48). The evaluative instrument was an anonymous questionnaire that consisted of sociodemographic questions and two standardized scales: Attitudes Towards Sexuality Scale (ATSS-28) and Double Standard Scale (DSS). Results: Comparison between cohorts using the Mann-Whitney U test proved to be close to being significant in the ATSS, U=3625.50, z=-1.95, p=.052 and significant in DSS, U=3560.50, z=-2.13, p=.034. These findings indicate that fourth-year students have more positive attitudes towards sexuality and less rigid adherence to gender roles. In addition, a medium negative correlation, rs=-.307, p=.001, between ATSS and DSS was obtained, showing a positive association between attitudes and less adherence to gender roles. These results suggest that nursing degree training had a positive impact on sexual attitudes. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals are centrally involved in the care of patients and families. Nurses’ attitudes towards sexuality are important in terms of patient comfort and the accessibility and acceptability of care. Implementation of training in sexuality has a positive effect on nursing care and favours the establishment of global health strategies. Objetivo: Evaluar si las actitudes hacia la sexualidad adquiridas por los alumnos durante el Grado en Enfermería son suficientes para su desempeño profesional.Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo y transversal basado en una encuesta compuesta por escalas estandarizadas que comparó las predisposiciones sexuales entre 101 alumnos de primer curso con 86 de cuarto. Los 187 estudiantes de enfermería, 24 hombres y 163 mujeres tenían entre 18 y 60 años (Medad=21.21, DT=5.48). El instrumento utilizado para su evaluación fue un cuestionario anónimo que estaba constituido por preguntas sociodemográficas y las dos siguientes escalas, la Escala de Actitudes hacia la Sexualidad (ATSS-28) y la Escala de Doble Estándar (DSS). Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos estuvieron cera de ser significativos por curso en la ATSS, U=3625.50, z=-1.95, p=.052 y significativos en la DSS, U=3560.50, z=-2.13, p=.034. Estos hallazgos indicaron que los alumnos de cuarto tuvieron actitudes más positivas hacia la sexualidad y una menor adherencia a los roles de género. Además, se obtuvo una correlación negativa moderada, rs=-. 307, p=.001, entre la ATSS y la DSS que mostraba asociación entre las actitudes positivas y la menor adhesión a roles de género. Estos resultados sugieren que la formación enfermera tuvo un impacto positivo en sus actitudes.Conclusión: La enfermería está involucrada de manera central en el cuidado de los pacientes y sus familias. Sus actitudes hacia la sexualidad son importantes en términos de comodidad del paciente, accesibilidad y aceptabilidad de su atención.

Comparison of Diode Laser and Conventional Method in Treatment of Gingival Melanin Hyperpigmentation

Purpose: The goal of this study is to compare the scalpel and diode laser methods for treating gingival hyperpigmentation in terms of postoperative discomfort and wound healing. Materials & Methods: Sixteen systemically healthy individuals diagnosed with light or moderate gingival hyperpigmentation were enrolled for this study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: scalpel or laser. Dummett’s oral pigmentation index was recorded at baseline. Early wound healing and post-operative discomfort were evaluated on the 7th day by using the VAS form. Comparisons between the groups were tested using the Mann-Whitney U test and P-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Total epithelization was observed in the laser group, whereas the epithelization was incomplete in the scalpel group at the end of the observation period. The pain perception on the first two days after the surgery was significantly higher in the scalpel group than in the laser group. (p=0,002 and p=0,038, respectively). No significant differences were found between the fourth- and seventh-day when surgical techniques were compared regarding pain perception (p>0,05). Similarly, pain perceptions of female and male individuals showed no significant difference (p>0,05). Conclusion: In the treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation, both surgical techniques were clinically successful. Although the treatment process was long, according to the results of our study, the laser technique is superior to the scalpel method in terms of patient comfort. The choice of the method may vary depending on the available equipment and the clinician’s preference or request of the patient.

Sleep position, patient comfort, and technical performance with two established procedures for home sleep testing

Purpose In patients with a high pre-test probability of suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), (cardio)-respiratory polygraphy (RP; level 3) is commonly used for home sleep testing (HST); however, testing based on peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) is increasingly recognized as an alternative method. The aim of the study was to compare sleep position, patients’ comfort, and technical failure rates of HST with RP and PAT in patients with suspected OSA. Methods Sleep position, patients’ comfort, and technical failure rates of RP and PAT were compared in 56 patients receiving two nights of HST with either RP or PAT in a randomized fashion. Results Time in supine position with PAT was significantly lower (173.7±88 min) compared to RP (181.7±103.7 min; p < 0.001), although the absolute mean difference was not clinically significant. Patients reported to sleep better, feeling less disturbed when falling asleep, losing less sensors, and fewer nightly awakenings with PAT, but experienced more pain at the side of the finger probe. Forty-five out of 56 patients (80%) rated PAT as being the superior sleep test and 49 out of 56 (88%) would prefer PAT for further investigations (p<0.001). PAT testing was associated with less technical failures. Conclusion The results demonstrate that HST with PAT leads to less time in supine sleep positioning, which may be clinically relevant in selected patients. Moreover, PAT is associated with less technical failures and is perceived with less discomfort during testing and a reduced number of nocturnal awakenings in patient self-reports.

Ultrasound Guided Brachiocephalic Vein Cannulation using Supraclavicular Approach

The need of central vein cannulation has been increased since the increased case of critical patients and patients underwent high-risk patients. Supraclavicular approach of central vein cannulation is an alternative approach to central vein cannulation due to fewer anatomical variance, good longitudinal vein view, better visualization of needle during procedure, clear demarcation of landmarks, larger target area, better patient comfort, and fewer complications. This case study presents an ultrasound guided central vein cannulation using supraclavicular approach in 30 year old male patient diagnosed with septic shock, anemia, trombcytopenia, and electrolyte imbalance post laparotomy. The indication of central vein cannulation in the patient was to deliver volume resuscitation, to provide emergency vein access, to provide nutritional support, to deliver chemically caustic agents, and central vein pressure monitoring.

Immediate load implants: systematic review of the major technical and patient comfort approaches

Introduction: The first implant follow-up studies constituted the scientific foundation of modern implantology. Early loading was identified as a critical factor and, therefore, several waiting times were tried until the establishment of a period of at least three months for the mandible and five to six months for the maxilla. Therefore, implant with immediate load (ILI) was defined as “installation of a prosthetic element over an implant, without OI having occurred”. Objective: To demonstrate, through a systematic review, the clinical success rates of the immediate loading technique, present the indication criteria, and the follow-up of the procedures. Methods: This study followed the PRISMA model. Clinical studies were selected, involving retrospective, prospective and randomized studies. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. The bibliographic search was performed using online databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Results and Conclusion: A total of 135 articles were found involving immediate loading implants. A total of 78 articles were evaluated in full and 35 were included and evaluated in the present study. The analysis of the literature obtained showed that the success rates with the ILI technique are compatible with those of the late loading, as long as certain guidelines are followed, which were divided into factors related to the patient, surgical technique, implant, prosthesis, and to aesthetics. The high success rate is a consequence of correct surgical and prosthetic planning, harmony between the implant system, patient, and dentist.

Evaluating the Effect of Attached Gingiva Height on Pre-implant Tissue

Background: Many patients refer to their load implants while there is no attached gingiva in the area of prosthetic implants – unlike the attached gingivae found with natural teeth. The important role played by gingiva in comforting the patient and preventing gingival inflammation has not been fully appreciated yet. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the attached gingival height with gingival inflammation and patients’ comfort. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine 80 implants (Dio uf) placed in 63 patients. At least two months had passed since the patients had had implant crown. The patients were divided into three groups: attached gingiva, gingival up to 2 mm, and at least 2 mm of attached gingiva. Indices such as bleeding on probing (BOP), the amount of plaque, gingival index and patient comfort during brushing and chewing were evaluated. Statistical data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov– Smirnov test, Levene’s test and independent t-test. Results: By increasing the height of attached gingiva, decreases were observed in probing depth (P value=0.004), BOP (P value=0.001), the degree of plaque index (P value=0.006), and gingival index (P value=0.003); and this association was statistically quite significant. By increasing the attached gingiva height, furthermore, the patients felt less discomfort when brushing and chewing; however, the findings were not statistically significant in terms of patients’ comfort during chewing (P value=0.364). Conclusions: Increasing the height of attached gingiva reduced the symptoms of gingival inflammation, but increased patients’ comfort when chewing and brushing.

Towards long term monitoring: Seizure detection with reduced electroencephalogram channels

Epilepsy is a prevalent condition characterised by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. The diagnosis of epilepsy is by surface electroencephalography (EEG), a time-consuming and uncomfortable process for patients. The diagnosis of seizures using EEG over a brief monitoring period has variable success, dependent on patient tolerance and seizure frequency. Further, the availability of hospital resources and hardware and software specifications inherently limit the capacity to perform long-term data collection whilst maintaining patient comfort. The application and maintenance of the standard number of electrodes restrict recording time to a maximum of approximately ten days. This limited monitoring period also results in limited data for machine learning models for seizure detection and classification. This work examines the literature on the impact of reduced electrodes on data accuracy and reliability in seizure detection. Here we present two electrode ranking models, demonstrating the decline in seizure detection performance associated with reducing electrodes. We assert the need for further research in electrode reduction to advance solutions toward portable, reliable devices that can simultaneously provide patient comfort, long-term monitoring and contribute to multi-modal patient care solutions.