Book of Abstracts 15th International Symposium on Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering and 3rd Conference on Imaging and Visualization

In this edition, the two events will run together as a single conference, highlighting the strong connection with the Taylor & Francis journals: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering (John Middleton and Christopher Jacobs, Eds.) and Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering: Imaging and Visualization (JoãoManuel R.S. Tavares, Ed.). The conference has become a major international meeting on computational biomechanics, imaging andvisualization. In this edition, the main program includes 212 presentations. In addition, sixteen renowned researchers will give plenary keynotes, addressing current challenges in computational biomechanics and biomedical imaging. In Lisbon, for the first time, a session dedicated to award the winner of the Best Paper in CMBBE Journal will take place. We believe that CMBBE2018 will have a strong impact on the development of computational biomechanics and biomedical imaging and visualization, identifying emerging areas of research and promoting the collaboration and networking between participants. This impact is evidenced through the well-known research groups, commercial companies and scientific organizations, who continue to support and sponsor the CMBBE meeting series. In fact, the conference is enriched with five workshops on specific scientific topics and commercial software.info:eu-repo/semantics/draf

Analysis of the backpack loading efects on the human gait

Gait is a simple activity of daily life and one of the main abilities of the human being. Often during leisure, labour and sports activities, loads are carried over (e.g. backpack) during gait. These circumstantial loads can generate instability and increase biomechanicalstress over the human tissues and systems, especially on the locomotor, balance and postural regulation systems. According to Wearing (2006), subjects that carry a transitory or intermittent load will be able to find relatively efficient solutions to compensate its effects.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Polymyalgia rheumatica in primary care: an exploration of the challenges of diagnosis and management using survey and qualitative methods

Background: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is one of the most common inflammatory arthritic disorders seen in older people and is closely related to giant cell arteritis (GCA). Most PMR patients are diagnosed and managed in general practice yet primary care focused research is lacking.Methods: Three complimentary studies were undertaken to investigate PMR and GCA in primary care.1. A systematic review investigating the diagnosis and diagnostic criteria for PMR2. A national questionnaire survey of 5000 randomly selected general practitioners (GPs)3. Qualitative telephone interview study of GPs.Results: No validated diagnostic criteria or combination of investigations were identified that could be used for definitive PMR diagnosis. 1249 (25%) GPs responded to the questionnaire survey. 24 GPs were interviewed for the qualitative study. Features used by GPs to identify PMR were largely in-line with current guidance. Diagnosis was found to be challenging with GPs relying heavily on response to treatment with glucocorticoids. Guideline advised investigations were not routinely requested. Concerns surrounding long term treatment with glucocorticoids were widespread in relation to both potential adverse effects and on-going monitoring.Headache was the main symptom used to identify potential patients with GCA. Other symptoms indicative of GCA were less frequently used. Significant fears relating to missing a diagnosis of GCA exist as well as frustrations in forward treatment and investigation of potential GCA patients with clear regional variations in assessment and referral pathways.Conclusion: For PMR, focused GP educational strategies are needed to promote the need to exclude relevant differential diagnoses and on-going vigilance for treatment complications. Raising awareness of the range of potential features that GCA can present with could aid and improve diagnosis. To complement this, a national standard for fast track pathways for suspected GCA patients to relevant expertise could help to improve care and outcomes for patients with GCA

Polymyalgia rheumatica in primary care: an exploration of the challenges of diagnosis and management using survey and qualitative methods

Background: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is one of the most common inflammatory arthritic disorders seen in older people and is closely related to giant cell arteritis (GCA). Most PMR patients are diagnosed and managed in general practice yet primary care focused research is lacking. Methods: Three complimentary studies were undertaken to investigate PMR and GCA in primary care. 1. A systematic review investigating the diagnosis and diagnostic criteria for PMR 2. A national questionnaire survey of 5000 randomly selected general practitioners (GPs) 3. Qualitative telephone interview study of GPs. Results: No validated diagnostic criteria or combination of investigations were identified that could be used for definitive PMR diagnosis. 1249 (25%) GPs responded to the questionnaire survey. 24 GPs were interviewed for the qualitative study. Features used by GPs to identify PMR were largely in-line with current guidance. Diagnosis was found to be challenging with GPs relying heavily on response to treatment with glucocorticoids. Guideline advised investigations were not routinely requested. Concerns surrounding long term treatment with glucocorticoids were widespread in relation to both potential adverse effects and on-going monitoring. Headache was the main symptom used to identify potential patients with GCA. Other symptoms indicative of GCA were less frequently used. Significant fears relating to missing a diagnosis of GCA exist as well as frustrations in forward treatment and investigation of potential GCA patients with clear regional variations in assessment and referral pathways. Conclusion: For PMR, focused GP educational strategies are needed to promote the need to exclude relevant differential diagnoses and on-going vigilance for treatment complications. Raising awareness of the range of potential features that GCA can present with could aid and improve diagnosis. To complement this, a national standard for fast track pathways for suspected GCA patients to relevant expertise could help to improve care and outcomes for patients with GCA