Multidetector row CT for imaging the paediatric tracheobronchial tree

The introduction of multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) scanners has altered the approach to imaging the paediatric thorax. In an environment where the rapid acquisition of CT data allows general hospitals to image children instead of referring them to specialist paediatric centres, it is vital that general radiologists have access to protocols appropriate for paediatric applications. Thus a dramatic reduction in the delivered radiation dose is ensured with optimal contrast bolus delivery and timing, and inappropriate repetition of the scans is avoided. This article focuses on the main principles of volumetric CT imaging that apply generically to all MDCT scanners. We describe the reconstruction techniques for imaging the paediatric thorax and the low-dose protocols used in our institution on a 16-slice detector CT scanner. Examples of the commonest clinical applications are also given

Utilization of neurophysiological data to classify player immersion to distract from pain

Painful experiences during clinical procedures can have detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of a patient. Current pain reduction methods can be effective in reducing pain, however these methods are not without fault. Active distraction via computer games have been proven to effectively reduce the experience of pain. However, the potential of this distraction to effectively alleviate pain is dependent on players’ engagement with the game, which is determined by the difficulty of the game and the skill of the player. This paper aims to model and classify immersion through increasingly difficult levels of game play, in the presence of pain, using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and heart rate data. Twenty people participated in a study wherein fNIRS data (4 channels located at the prefrontal cortex, four channels located at the somatosensory cortex) and heart rate data were collected whilst participants were subjected to experimental pain, via the Cold Pressor Test (CPT). Participants played a computer game at varying difficultly levels as a distraction. Data were then pre-processed using an Acceleration Based Movement Artefact Reduction Algorithm (AMARA) and Correlation Based Signal Improvement (CBSI). Classification was subsequently undertaken using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Recursive Partitioning (rPart). The results demonstrate a maximum accuracy of 99.2% for the binary detection of immersion in the presence of pain

Cerebral Oxygenation During the First Days of Life in Preterm and Term Neonates:Differences Between Different Brain Regions

Near-infrared spectroscopy is a noninvasive method for monitoring brain oxygenation. The aim of the study was to investigate differences between cerebral oxygenation in different brain regions in newborns. In a prospective study, we monitored simultaneously left and right frontoparietal and temporo-occipital regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO(2)) and cerebral fractional tissue extraction (cFTOE: (arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) - rScO(2))/SaO(2)) using near-infrared spectroscopy. A 2-h measurement was performed on d 1, 3, and 7. We included 10 very preterm (GA = 37 wk) neonates. Limits of agreement for difference of the measurements between different places were determined using the Bland-Altman method. In all subgroups, the rScO(2) and cFTOE values at different regions were not different. Limits of agreement were between +/- 14 and +/- 18% for all subgroups. Left-to-right differences were small between different postnatal and GAs. A decrease and increase over time for rScO(2) and cFTOE values was detected for all four brain regions, most pronounced for infants with G