The aim of this study was to identify the origin of swallowing sound components by using modern techniques that can provide numeric, synchronized acoustic–radiologic data. We enrolled 15 volunteer ...subjects (10 men and 5 women, average age = 29.5 ± 8 years) and used an X-ray camera connected to a video acquisition card to obtain synchronized acoustic–radiologic data (25 images/s). The subjects were asked to swallow 10 ml of a barium suspension. Each sound component was associated with a specific position of the bolus and the anatomic structure that was moving. The average duration of the pharyngeal sound was 690 ± 162 ms. The durations of the laryngeal ascension sound and the laryngeal release sound were significantly different (72 ± 38 ms and 106 ± 47 ms,
p
< 0.001). The upper-sphincter opening sound was present in 100% of the recordings. Its duration was 185 ± 103 ms and was significantly different from the two other sounds. The duration of the first interval was 108 ± 44 ms and the duration of the second was 236 ± 139 ms. This study allowed us to determine the origin of the three main sound components of the pharyngeal swallowing sound with respect to movements in anatomic structures and the different bolus positions.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Objective
To prospectively compare the renal safety of meglumine gadoterate (Gd-DOTA)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to a control group (unenhanced MRI) in high-risk patients.
Methods
...Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) scheduled for MRI procedures were screened. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with an elevation of serum creatinine levels, measured 72 ± 24 h after the MRI procedure, by at least 25 % or 44.2 μmol/l (0.5 mg/dl) from baseline. A non-inferiority margin of the between-group difference was set at −15 % for statistical analysis of the primary endpoint. Main secondary endpoints were the variation in serum creatinine and eGFR values between baseline and 72 ± 24 h after MRI and the percentage of patients with a decrease in eGFR of at least 25 % from baseline. Patients were screened for signs of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) at 3-month follow-up.
Results
Among the 114 evaluable patients, one (1.4 %) in the Gd-DOTA-MRI group and none in the control group met the criteria of the primary endpoint Δ = −1.4 %, 95%CI = (−7.9 %; 6.7 %). Non-inferiority was therefore demonstrated (
P
= 0.001). No clinically significant differences were observed between groups for the secondary endpoints. No serious safety events (including NSF) were noted.
Conclusion
Meglumine gadoterate did not affect renal function and was a safe contrast agent in patients with CKD.
Key points
• Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a potential problem following gadolinium administration for MRI.
• Meglumine gadoterate (Gd-DOTA) appears safe, even in patients with chronic kidney disease.
• Gd-DOTA only caused a temporary creatinine level increase in 1/70 such patients.
• No case or sign of NSF was detected at 3-month follow-up.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, VSZLJ, ZAGLJ
Abstract Objective Longitudinal shortening is traditionally considered the predominant part of global right ventricular (RV) systolic function. Less attention has been paid to transverse contraction. ...The aim of this study was to evaluate RV transverse motion by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in a large cohort of patients and to assess its relationship with RV ejection fraction (RVEF). Study design We retrospectively analyzed the CMR scans of 300 patients referred to our center in 2010. RVEF was determined from short axis sequences using the volumetric method. Transverse parameters called RV fractional diameter changes were calculated after measuring RV diastolic and systolic diameters at basal and mid-level in short axis view (respectively FBDC and FMDC). We also measured the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) as a longitudinal reference. Results Our population was divided into 2 groups according to RVEF. 250 patients had a preserved RVEF (>40%) and 50 had a RV dysfunction (RVEF ≤40%). Transverse and longitudinal motions were significantly reduced in the group with RV dysfunction ( p < .0001). After ROC analysis, areas under the curve for FBDC, FMDC and TAPSE, were respectively 0.79, 0.82 and 0.72, with the highest specificity and sensitivity respectively of 88% and 68% for FMDC (threshold at 20%) for predicting RV dysfunction. FMDC had an excellent negative predictive value of 93%. Conclusion RV fractional diameter changes, especially at the mid-level, appear to be accurate for semi-quantitative assessment of RV function by CMR. A cut-off of 20% for FMDC differentiates patients with a low (EF ≤ 40%) or a preserved RVEF.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
The first detailed English-language book on Korean horror introduces the cultural specificity of the genre to an international audience, from the iconic monsters of gothic horror, to the avenging ...killers ofOldboyandDeath Bell.
Beginning in the 1960s, it traces a path through the history of Korean horror, offering new interpretations of classic films, demarcating the shifting patterns of production and consumption across the decades, and acquainting readers with films rarely seen and discussed outside of Korea. It explores the importance of folklore and myth on horror film narratives, the impact of political and social change upon the genre, and accounts for the transnational triumph of some of Korea's contemporary horror films. While covering some of the most successful recent films such asPhoneandA Tale of Two Sisters, the collection also explores the obscure, the arcane and the little-known outside Korea, including detailed analyses ofThe Devil's StairwayandWoman's Wail. Its exploration and definition of the canon makes it an engaging and essential read for students and scholars in horror film studies and Korean Studies alike.
Key featuresCovers films from 1960 to present day, fromThe HousemaidtoThirstCase studies cover both popular and lesser known films, fromOldboytoThe Fox with Nine TailsDiscusses icons of the genre such as the wonhon (vengeful female ghost) and the gumiho (shapeshifting fox)
How do Canadian provincial and territorial governments intervene in the cultural and artistic lives of their citizens? What changes and influences shaped the origin of these policies and their ...implementation? On what foundations were policies based, and on what foundations are they based today? How have governments defined the concepts of culture and of cultural policy over time? What are the objectives and outcomes of their policies, and what instruments do they use to pursue them?
Answers to these questions are multiple and complex, partly as a result of the unique historical context of each province and territory, and partly because of the various objectives of successive governments, and the values and identities of their citizens.
Cultural Policy: Origins, Evolution, and Implementation in Canada’s Provinces and Territories offers a comprehensive history of subnational cultural policies, including the institutionalization and instrumentalization of culture by provincial and territorial governments; government cultural objectives and outcomes; the role of departments, Crown corporations, other government organizations, and major public institutions in the cultural domain; and the development, dissemination, and impact of subnational cultural policy interventions.
Published in English.