Objective: Image segmentation is an essential step in quantifying the extent of reduced or absent lung function. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a new tool for automatic segmentation of lungs in ventilation and perfusion SPECT images and compare automatic and manual SPECT lung segmentations with reference computed tomography (CT) volumes. Methods: A total of 77 subjects (69 patien

Purpose: To set forth experiences in the context of the SERGS Pilot Curriculum—the first standardized educational program for robotic use in gynecological surgery—in terms of feasibility, effectiveness and potential for certification. Methods: The Society of European Robotic Gynecological Surgery (SERGS) outlined a Pilot Curriculum for standardized education in robot-assisted laparoscopic gynecolo

Background: Comorbidity of bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder is common in adolescence. Obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms may be episodic and secondary to alterations in mood, and display specific features. Management of pediatric bipolar disorder-obsessive-compulsive disorder is challenging, as pharmacotherapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder may induce or exacerbate manic ep

This study is devoted to the assessment of the relations between the digital chest x-ray screening procedure parameters, different dose quantities (DAP, ESD, Effective dose) for different age and gender patient groups and patient’s anthropometric indicators. We selected the anthropometric indicators with the maximum impacton patient’s doses. We propose a new approach for the determination of the s

The modern approach to the radiation protection of the patients from medical exposure is mainly based on the principle of optimization using diagnostic reference levels. Implementation of diagnostic reference levels and optimization in Russian radiological practice is limited due to lack of methodology of data collection and patient dose assessment, investigation and management of abnormally high

Background: High levels of blood glucose are thought to be associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) and hyperinsulinemia, an interstage in the development of CRC. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between incident CRC and blood glucose; plasma insulin; and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR), respectively, and to determine whether these association

Population ageing places pressure on pensions and health care services, creating an imperative to extend working lives. Alongside this, there has been increased political emphasis in Europe and elsewhere on the provision of care in the home. Many older people will increasingly be challenged by the responsibilities of caring for the sick, disabled and elderly, and participating in the labor market.

Diagnostic reference levels are the main and the most effective tools of optimization of the radiation protection of patients from medical exposure. Diagnostic reference levels should be established based on theresults of dedicated dose surveys, allowing evaluating typical patient dose distributions in a selected dose quantity for the selected X-ray examinations. The aim of the current study was t

Background: Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) has been used to reduce spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP) for decades. The purpose of this study was to analyze to what extent BTX-A treatment was used to treat spasticity in a total population of children with CP. We investigated 1) the use of BTX-A in relation to age, sex, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, 2) the mos

The aim of this study was to evaluate adult patient doses in Russia in the context of patient protection. Effective doses from x-ray and nuclear medicine examinations were assessed using two approaches. The first was based on data collection performed by the authors in hospitals in St. Petersburg and other 17 Russian regions. The second approach was to assess mean doses through the collective dose

We examined tau haplotype frequencies in two different ethnical groups from the Basque Country (BC): Roma people and residents of European ancestry (general population). In addition, we analyzed the spatial distribution of tau haplotypes in Eurasian populations to explore the genetic affinities of the Romani groups living in Europe in a broader scope. The 17q21.31 genomic region was characterized

Purpose: To compare the performance of one-view digital breast tomosynthesis (1v-DBT) to that of three other protocols combining DBT and mammography (DM) for breast cancer detection. Materials and methods: Six radiologists, three experienced with 1v-DBT in screening, retrospectively reviewed 181 cases (76 malignant, 50 benign, 55 normal) in two sessions. First, they scored sequentially: 1v-DBT (me

Computed tomography (CT) is a widespread diagnostic modality that is commonly associated with relatively high patient doses. Hence, optimization of radiation protection of the patients from CT examinations is extremely important. An integrant part of radiation protection in medicine is a system of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of establish

Background: This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of indacaterol/glycopyrronium (IND/GLY) versus salmeterol/fluticasone (SFC) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with moderate to very severe airflow limitation and ≥1 exacerbation in the preceding year. Methods: A previously published and validated patient-level simulation model was adapted using clinical data from the FLA

The taxonomic position and evolution of the five Scandinavian montane species previously referred to the informal group Depilata of Hieracium are discussed. There is very little modern information about these species and as they have not been listed under any of the currently accepted sections of the genus they are at risk of being completely forgotten. They have always been considered as intermed

We present a novel approach to model the diffusion of a mutant in a geographical network. This is a key issue in the control of epidemics, since many diseases are transmitted by intermediate hosts that could be substituted with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with a mutation that prevents them from spreading the pathogen. The main strength of our model lies in making analytically tractable t