Reliability of MRI interpretation of Discoid Lateral Meniscus: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND: Discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) has a varied and complex morphology that can be challenging to assess and treat. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently used for diagnosis and surgical planning; however, it is not known whether surgeons are reliable and accurate in their interpretation of MRI findings when defining the pathomorphology of DLM. HYPOTHESIS: Surgeons experienced in treating DLM are able to reliably interpret DLM pathology using MRI. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Knee MRI scans from 44 patients (45 knees) were selected from a pool of surgically treated patients with DLM. Five reviewers (fellowship-trained pediatric sports medicine surgeons) performed independent review of each MRI scan using the PRiSM Discoid Meniscus Classification. Inter- and intraobserver reliability of the rating factors-primary (width, height, presence of peripheral instability or tear) and secondary (location of instability or tear, tear type)-was assessed using the Fleiss κ coefficient, designed for multiple readers with nominal variables (fair reliability, 0.21-0.40; moderate, 0.41-0.60; substantial, 0.61-0.80; excellent, 0.81-1.00). Reliability is reported as κ (95% CI). RESULTS: Interobserver reliability in assessing most primary and secondary characteristics ranged from substantial (meniscal width) to moderate (peripheral instability, anterior instability, posterior instability, and posterior tear). Intraobserver reliability for most characteristics ranged from substantial (peripheral instability, presence of tear, anterior instability, posterior instability, and posterior tear) to moderate (meniscal width, anterior tear, and tear type). Notable exceptions were presence of tear, anterior tear, and tear type-all with fair interobserver reliability. Height had poor interobserver reliability and fair intraobserver reliability. CONCLUSION: Orthopaedic surgeons reliably interpret MRI scans using the PRiSM Discoid Meniscus Classification for the majority of DLM characteristics but vary in their assessment of height and presence and type of tear. MRI evaluation may be helpful to diagnose discoid by width and identify the presence of instability: 2 major factors in the decision to proceed with surgery. Arthroscopic evaluation should be used in conjunction with MRI findings for complete DLM diagnosis

Simulations of the interaction of intense petawatt laser pulses with dense Z-pinch plasmas : final report LDRD 39670.

We have studied the feasibility of using the 3D fully electromagnetic implicit hybrid particle code LSP (Large Scale Plasma) to study laser plasma interactions with dense, compressed plasmas like those created with Z, and which might be created with the planned ZR. We have determined that with the proper additional physics and numerical algorithms developed during the LDRD period, LSP was transformed into a unique platform for studying such interactions. Its uniqueness stems from its ability to consider realistic compressed densities and low initial target temperatures (if required), an ability that conventional PIC codes do not possess. Through several test cases, validations, and applications to next generation machines described in this report, we have established the suitability of the code to look at fast ignition issues for ZR, as well as other high-density laser plasma interaction problems relevant to the HEDP program at Sandia (e.g. backlighting)

Employment and training in London A review of the results from the London Training and Enterprise Councils' 1995/96 Employer Survey

Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:q96/22571 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

USDA plant hardiness zone map : [United States] /

Shows "Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005" in both fahrenheit and celcius degrees.Includes insets of Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico

Women in science Key points of a pilot study investigating the attitudes of undergraduates and postgraduates to careers in scientific research

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:8531.123(4) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Foresight in science An experiment in the field of cardiovascular research; key points from a PRISM study exploring the potential usefulness of foresight analysis for biomedical research funding bodies

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:8531.123(3) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

MRC and HEFC research funding in UK universities

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:q94/22721 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

International activity in cardiovascular research Trends in the output and impact of research papers from the UK, USA, Japan, Germany and France

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:q94/22719 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo