Quantitative Computed Tomography in COPD: Possibilities and Limitations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease that is characterized by chronic airflow limitation. Unraveling of this heterogeneity is challenging but important, because it might enable more accurate diagnosis and treatment. Because spirometry cannot distinguish between the different contributing pathways of airflow limitation, and visual scoring is time-consuming and prone to observer variability, other techniques are sought to start this phenotyping process. Quantitative computed tomography (CT) is a promising technique, because current CT technology is able to quantify emphysema, air trapping, and large airway wall dimensions. This review focuses on CT quantification techniques of COPD disease components and their current status and role in phenotyping COPD

Governance and assessment insights in Information Technology: the Val IT Model

The purpose of this paper is the investigation of the relationship between Information Technology and value creation. In doing so, the paper presents a conceptual framework based on the Val IT model. This framework can assist companies in the selection, implementation and optimization of IT investments to create long-term value. The paper is based on a qualitative approach with the inclusion of a single-method approach. Research is developed according to the study of national and international literature. Following an initial analysis of existing literature on the evaluation of company investments, research has been conducted through the Val IT method to assess these intangible assets. The sources of research are secondary in nature (documents, reports, newspaper articles, papers and scientific books). This methodology emphasises the connection between the modern services created in the knowledge economy and the application of new technologies, especially in the field of Information Technology. Val IT is a governance framework for creating business value from IT investments. It allows companies to increase the possibility of selecting investments with a high potential of value creation, as well as with a greater possibility of success in executing, creating, strengthening and using these services

IT auditing in Italian bank: an explanatory study

This study analyses the characteristics of IT auditing in banks. Based upon two Italian case studies, the article provides a qualitative assessment of the objec-tives of the IT audit, the activities performed, the stakeholders served and the critical success factors that influence the capability of IT auditing to add value. The results show that the scope of the IT auditing function has extended; nowa-days senior managers expect IT auditors to support them in the evaluation of the IT system and in the assessment of IT security controls. Regarding IT auditing activities, the most commonly performed are risk assessment and information security risk assessment. Considering stakeholders, the interviewees revealed that the main stakeholders are executive managers, while the critical success factors are the characteristics of the control environment, the capacity of the IT auditor to stay in touch with the business, and behavioural skills

Reproducibility of volume and densitometric measures of emphysema on repeat computed tomography with an interval of 1 week.

Item does not contain fulltextOBJECTIVES: The reproducibilities of CT lung volume and densitometric measures of emphysema were assessed over 1 week. The influence of breathhold on reproducibility was assessed. METHODS: HRCT was performed on 44 subjects at inspiration on two visits with a 7-day interval. CT lung volume, relative area below -950HU (RA950-raw), and 15th percentile density (PD15-raw) were computed. Volume correction was used to obtain RA950-adj and PD15-adj. Reproducibilities between visits were assessed using concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and repeatability coefficient (RC). Reproducibilities were compared between raw and adjusted measures. Differences between visits were computed for volume and density measures. Correlations were computed for density differences versus volume difference. Subgroup analysis was performed using a 0.25 L volume difference threshold. RESULTS: High CCC were observed for all measures in full group (CCC > 0.97). Reproducibilities of volume (RC = 0.67 L), RA950-raw (RC = 2.3%), and PD15-raw (RC = 10.6HU) were observed. Volume correction significantly improved PD15 (RC = 3.6HU) but not RA950 (RC = 1.7%). RA950-raw and PD15-raw had significantly better RC in /=0.25 L. Significant correlations with volume were observed for RA950-raw and PD15-raw (R (2) > 0.71), but not RA950-adj or PD15-adj (R (2) < 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Good breathhold and RA950 reproducibilities were achieved. PD15 was less reproducible but improved with volume correction or superior breathhold reproduction. KEY POINTS : * Good breath-hold reproducibility is achievable between multiple CT examinations. * Reproducibility of densitometric measures may be improved by statistical volume correction. * Volume correction may result in decreased signal. * Densitometric reproducibility may also be improved by achieving good breath-hold reproduction. * Careful consideration of signal and noise is necessary in reproducibility assessment.1 februari 201

Immune responses that adapt the intestinal mucosa to commensal intestinal bacteria

Animals contain an enormous load of non-pathogenic bacteria in the lower intestine, which exploit an environment with a stable temperature and abundant carbon sources. Our load of bacteria outnumbers our own cells. In order to survive with such a high number of organisms in very close proximity to host tissues the intestinal mucosa and its immune system is highly adapted. Mucosal immune responses are induced by small numbers of live commensal organisms penetrating the Peyer's patches and persisting in dendritic cells (DC). These DC can induce immunoglobulin A(+) (IgA(+)) B cells, which recirculate through the lymph and bloodstream to populate the lamina propria and secrete protective IgA. Because DC loaded with commensal bacteria do not penetrate further than the mesenteric lymph nodes, immune induction to commensals is confined to the mucosa, allowing strong mucosal immune responses to be induced whilst the systemic immune system remains relatively ignorant of these organisms

Towards the development of an agile marketing capability

This study aims to explore the key theoretical foundations for the development of an Agile Marketing Capability (AMC) framework, through the performance of an in-depth literature review on IT and dynamic marketing capabilities. Our framework enables us to (1) advance the understanding of how IT and dynamic marketing capabilities evolve into agile marketing capabilities (2) unpack the distinctive and ongoing processes and features through which the Agile Marketing capabilities are accomplished (3) define the key propositions for a new marketing capability: the Agile Marketing Capability. This work may represent a useful framework for managers and decision makers to better understand the competitive advantages which could derive from the employment of agile marketing capabilities in order to improve their skills in challenging the continuous changes in market and customers’ needs