Crameroutzen0951

Intra-operative ultrasound (US) is a popular imaging modality for its non-radiative and real-time advantages. However, it is still challenging to perform an interventional procedure under two-dimensional (2-D) US image guidance. Accordingly, the trend has been to perform three-dimensional (3-D) US image guidance by equipping the US probe with a spatial position tracking device, which requires accurate probe calibration for determining the spatial position between the B-scan image and the tracked probe. In this report, we propose a novel probe spatial calibration method by developing a calibration phantom combined with the tracking stylus. The calibration phantom is custom-designed to simplify the alignment between the stylus tip and the B-scan image plane. The spatial position of the stylus tip is tracked in real time, and its 2-D image pixel location is extracted and collected simultaneously. Gaussian distribution is used to model the spatial position of the stylus tip and the iterative closest point-based optimization algorithm is used to estimate the spatial transformation that matches these two point sets. Once the probe is calibrated, its trajectory and the B-scan image are collected and used for the volume reconstruction in our freehand 3-D US imaging system. Experimental results demonstrate that the probe calibration approach results in less than 1-mm mean point reconstruction accuracy. It requires less than 5 min for an inexperienced user to complete the probe calibration procedure with minimal training. The mockup test shows that the 3-D images are geometrically correct with 0.28°-angle accuracy and 0.40-mm distance accuracy.Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is gaining popularity among rheumatologists, especially in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joint assessment, as it is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging modality that is relatively easy to set up in a clinic setting. Although ultrasonography (US) is often regarded as being operator dependent with associated reproducibility issues, the use of consensus-based scoring system along with standardized definition of joint inflammation in RA has been shown to improve its performance/reliability as an outcome measurement tool. signaling pathway Through this review article, we have (i) gone through the principle US findings in RA joint assessment, (ii) discussed various scoring systems for evaluation of US joint pathologies, (iii) described the literature in the use of US in areas of RA diagnosis and disease prognostication and (iv) examined the findings of recent major randomized controlled trials incorporating US as monitoring tools to help target treatment in RA. By doing so, we hope to provide clinicians with an insight into the role of musculoskeletal US imaging in areas of RA diagnosis, prognosis and disease monitoring.Ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool in patients with abdominal pain and after injury. However, it is highly dependent on the skills and training of the examiner. Thus, ultrasound competencies should be acquired early during medical education. The instructional approach affects the retention and performance of skills. A promising approach is "mastery learning." The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of "mastery learning" compared with the "see one, do one" approach by performing a focused assessment of sonography for trauma (FAST) in undergraduate medical students based using an academic assessment tool (Objective Structured Clinical Examination [OSCE]). In a prospective controlled trial, 146 participants were randomly allocated to two groups (see one, do one and mastery learning) and trained in a 90-min module. In the see one, do one group, the trainer demonstrated the complete FAST routine, and then the students trained each other on it under supervision and received direct oral feedback from the tutors. In the mastery learning group, each student received a routing slip. The routing slip contained five levels of competence for the FAST routine, each of which had to be achieved (e.g., choosing the correct probe) and verified by the trainer before working toward the next competency level. The acquired competencies were assessed after training using the OSCE, which is a standardized practical exam using checklists. The mastery learning group attained 40.69 ± 5.6 points on average (of a maximum of 46 points), and the see one, do one group, 33.85 ± 7.7 points (p less then 0.001). Mastery learning is an effective teaching method for undergraduate medical students performing FAST and is superior to the see one, do one approach, as assessed with the OSCE.Study objective It is important for researchers interested in trials using the exception from informed consent to understand the views and experiences of enrolled individuals. Previous studies have shown that patient and surrogate attitudes are generally positive. These studies were small and did not include pediatric patients, and interviews were often conducted long after trial enrollment. This study sought to explore attitudes toward exception from informed consent in a larger sample and more contemporaneous setting. Methods A 10-item paper-and-pencil survey was integrated into the Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial, a randomized trial of 3 treatments for benzodiazepine-refractory status epilepticus in pediatric and adult patients. Primary domains included attitudes toward trial enrollment, exception from informed consent, and community consultation. Simple descriptive statistics, χ2, and Fisher's exact tests were conducted. Results Of 317 patients and surrogates, 90% agreed with or were neutra consultation focusing on individuals with connections to the disease under study. Future research should focus on communication in the postenrollment period, especially with individuals who may have concerns about exception from informed consent.Introduction The metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype defines obese patients who have preserved insulin sensitivity and absence of metabolic complications. This phenotype is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type2 diabetes in adulthood. Objectives To determine the prevalence of MHO and the metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) phenotype in a cohort of obese children and adolescents and to establish the predictive capacity of the tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) and other anthropometric parameters in order to identify these patients. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 239 obese patients (125males) from 8 to 18years of age. Grade3 obesity was present in 45.9% of the patients. ROC curves were used to find the best cut-off point for TMI, body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score (BMIzs), and waist/height index (WHI). MHO components plasma blood glucose, plasma triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure. Results The prevalence of MUO in the study cohort was 62.