16 research outputs found
The Essentials of Cardiac Computerized Tomography
Cardiac computerized tomography (CT) has evolved from a research tool to an important diagnostic investigation in cardiology, and is now recommended in European, US, and UK guidelines. This review is designed to give the reader an overview of the current state of cardiac CT. The role of cardiac CT is multifaceted, and includes risk stratification, disease detection, coronary plaque quantification, defining congenital heart disease, planning for structural intervention, and, more recently, assessment of ischemia. This paper addresses basic principles as well as newer evidence
Altered structural connectome in non-lesional newly diagnosed focal epilepsy: Relation to pharmacoresistance
Altered Structural Brain Networks in Refractory and Nonrefractory Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy
Midbrain structure volume, estimated myelin and functional connectivity in idiopathic generalised epilepsy
BackgroundStructural and functional neuroimaging studies often overlook lower basal ganglia structures located in and adjacent to the midbrain due to poor contrast on clinically acquired T1-weighted scans. Here, we acquired T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and resting-state fMRI scans to investigate differences in volume, estimated myelin content and functional connectivity of the substantia nigra (SN), subthalamic nuclei (SubTN) and red nuclei (RN) of the midbrain in IGE.MethodsThirty-three patients with IGE (23 refractory, 10 non-refractory) and 39 age and sex-matched healthy controls underwent MR imaging. Midbrain structures were automatically segmented from T2-weighted images and structural volumes were calculated. The estimated myelin content for each structure was determined using a T1-weighted/T2-weighted ratio method. Resting-state functional connectivity analysis of midbrain structures (seed-based) was performed using the CONN toolbox.ResultsAn increased volume of the right RN was found in IGE and structural volumes of the right SubTN differed between patients with non-refractory and refractory IGE. However, no volume findings survived corrections for multiple comparisons. No myelin alterations of midbrain structures were found for any subject groups. We found functional connectivity alterations including significantly decreased connectivity between the left SN and the thalamus and significantly increased connectivity between the right SubTN and the superior frontal gyrus in IGE.ConclusionsWe report volumetric and functional connectivity alterations of the midbrain in patients with IGE. We postulate that potential increases in structural volumes are due to increased iron deposition that impacts T2-weighted contrast. These findings are consistent with previous studies demonstrating pathophysiological abnormalities of the lower basal ganglia in animal models of generalised epilepsy
Learners and their workplaces: towards a strategic model of flexible delivery of training in the workplace
Although the flexible delivery of training in the workplace has become a favoured policy position for training authorities in both Britain and Australia, this article reviews research that indicates neither learners nor their workplaces are well prepared. Drawing on the author\u27s own research and that from the broader literature, the article develops a model for the preparation of learners and workplaces for flexible delivery of training. Deriving from the proposed model, the article suggests a wide range of strategies that may be used in preparing learners and workplaces for successful engagement with the flexible delivery of training. <br /
Using pharmacy management systems for research: survival outcomes for lenalidomide in multiple myeloma in the clinical setting
Background Health records can be used to measure medicine use and health outcomes. The public subsidy of lenalidomide in Australia was based on two phase III trials showing improved survival. Objective To use hospital pharmacy information management systems to determine survival outcomes for lenalidomide as a second line treatment in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients. Setting Five public hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Method We extracted data on medicine use and survival for RRMM patients planned to start lenalidomide from pharmacy management and pathology databases. Descriptive statistical analyses (KaplanâMeier curves) were used to calculate overall survival. Main outcome measure Overall survival. Results There were 136 patients who received at least one lenalidomide dose and 2234 cycles were ordered. The median age was 69\ua0years and 54% were male. Two lenalidomide containing protocols were considered: 90% of patients had lenalidomide plus dexamethasone; 18% had lenalidomide plus dexamethasone with cyclophosphamide. The median starting lenalidomide dose was 20\ua0mg (range 4.3â25\ua0mg) on days 1â21 of a 28-day cycle. Median time on treatment 9.4\ua0months (range 0.5â71.7\ua0months). Median overall survival was 45.4\ua0months (range 12.0â70.5\ua0months). Conclusion The median survival in our study compared favourably to clinical trials. Patients and clinicians can be reassured that outcomes in this clinical setting are as good as those observed in trials
A Review of the Key Clinical Trials of 2015: Results and Implications
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Serum- and HDL3-serum amyloid A and HDL3-LCAT activity are influenced by increased CVD-burden
Management and Prevention of Saphenous Vein Graft Failure: A Review
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features will be thoroughly peer reviewed to ensure the content is of the
highest scientific standard and all features are marked as âpeer reviewedâ to
ensure readers are aware that the content has been reviewed to the same level
as the articles they are being presented alongside. Moreover, all sponsorship
and disclosure information is included to provide complete transparency and
adherence to good publication practices. This ensures that however the content
is reached the reader has a full understanding of its origin. No fees are
charged for hosting additional open access content.</p>
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<p>Other enhanced features include,
but are not limited to:</p>
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