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Impact of Mobile Phone Interference on Gamma Camera Performance
No full textIntroduction: Electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to a mobile phone device has been reported to produce a detrimental effect on the function of a gamma camera system. This effect provides evidentiary support of potential bans or restrictions regarding mobile phone use within a nuclear medicine department. Methodology: A 3G Apple iPhone 6 was tested against a thyroid phantom in four operating modes, in three positions. Testing was carried out on a Siemens E-Cam gamma camera and a GE Discovery 670 SPECT/CT gamma camera. The protocols were standardized for operation on both systems with static images obtained for assessment. The static images were arithmetically assessed by means of subtraction from a baseline image, for results of potential EMI to be determined following comparison to the baseline image. Results: Initial assessment of static images acquired provided no abnormality between modes and positions. Following the application of arithmetic processes, the inferior right lobe presented with an increased ring of activity on activation of mobile signals regardless of position when tested on the Siemens E-Cam gamma camera. When compared to the GE Discovery 670 SPECT/CT gamma camera, these results did not appear to be present. This was confirmed numerically as a statistical significant difference was noted in count differences between the Siemens E-Cam and GE Discovery (P = 0.0004). Conclusion: The function of a gamma camera has the potential to be influenced by EMI produced by mobile phone devices. Further investigation is warranted employing SPECT acquisition to assess the potential for amplification of errors
Cost-effectiveness evaluation of manual physical therapy versus surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome: Evidence from a randomized clinical trial
No full textU BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) results in substantial societal costs and can be treated either by nonsurgical or surgical approaches. U OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in cost-effectiveness of manual physical therapy versus surgery in women with CTS. U METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 120 women with a clinical and an electromyo-graphic diagnosis of CTS were randomized through concealed allocation to either manual physical therapy or surgery. Interventions consisted of 3 sessions of manual physical therapy, including desensitization maneuvers of the central nervous system, or decompression/release of the carpal tunnel. Societal costs and health-related quality of life (estimated by the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions [EQ-5D] scale) over 1 year were used to generate incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year ratios for each treatment. U RESULTS: The analysis was possible for 118 patients (98%). Incremental quality-adjusted life years showed greater cost-effectiveness in favor of manual physical therapy (difference, 0.135; 95% confidence interval: 0.134, 0.136). Manual therapy was significantly less costly than surgery (mean difference in cost per patient, €2576; P\u3c.001). Patients in the surgical group received a greater number of other treatments and made more visits to medical doctors than those receiving manual physical therapy (P = .02). Absenteeism from paid work was significantly higher in the surgery group (P\u3c.001). The major contributors to societal costs were the treatment protocol (surgery versus manual therapy mean difference, €106 980) and absenteeism from paid work (surgery versus manual physical therapy mean difference, €42 224). U CONCLUSION: Manual physical therapy, including desensitization maneuvers of the central nervous system, has been found to be equally effective but less costly (ie, more cost-effective) than surgery for women with CTS. From a cost-benefit perspective, the proposed CTS manual physical therapy intervention can be considered
White noise as a possible therapeutic option for children with ADHD
No full textAttention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects many children and adults throughout the world. ADHD symptoms have been associated with changes in catecholamine release. Current therapies for ADHD have a variety of limitations that invite additional therapeutic options. White noise therapy has previously been utilized to improve sleep and aspects of cognition in a variety of patient populations. Through a proposed phenomenon called stochastic resonance, white noise may have the ability to improve symptoms in children with ADHD. Empirically, white noise therapy has been able to improve certain tasks affected by ADHD symptoms, including speech recognition and reading and writing speed. Not all tasks affected by ADHD are improved, however, and significant logistical challenges remain before this therapy could be realistically implemented. In this review, there appears to be evidence that white noise therapy could be beneficial for patients with ADHD, and therefore further research is encouraged to establish parameters for maximum therapeutic benefit
Phonetic (non)prestige markers in Galician, in contrast with Portuguese and Spanish: A sociolinguistic view
No full textLanguage standardization processes and hegemonic mechanisms are responsible for establishing the linguistic “norm” taught in schools and recognized by educated and trustworthy individuals. Through these processes and mechanisms, specific phonetic characteristics (otherwise natural to the phonetic inventory of particular languages) are identified as “non-prestigious” elements removed from the standard. Taking a sociolinguistic approach, this chapter offers a comparative review of selected phonetic characteristics, such as gheada, seseo, yeísmo, and so forth, present in Galician, Portuguese, and/or Spanish in order to shed light on the role played by institutions and/or the linguistic market in the (de-)construction of language identities
Determining indicators of high-quality application activities for team-based learning
No full textTo determine the indicators of quality for application activities in pharmacy team-based learning (TBL). Methods. A modified Delphi process was conducted with pharmacy TBL experts. Twenty-three experts met the inclusion criteria, including having at least four years of TBL experience, designing at least eight TBL sessions, training others to use TBL, and authoring a peer-reviewed TBL pharmacy paper. In round 1, panelists responded to five open-ended questions about their successful TBL applications activities, including satisfaction with the activity and methods for creating positive student outcomes. In round 2, panelists indicated their level of agreement with the round 1 quality indicators using a four-point Likert rating. Consensus was set at 80% strongly agree/agree. In an open comment period, panelists provided suggestions to help expand the indicator descriptions. Indicators were verified based on TBL and the education literature. Results. Twenty panelists (87% of those eligible) responded in round 1 and 17 (85% participation) in round 2. Sixteen quality indicators were identified in round 1, with 14 achieving consensus in round 2. “Uses authentic pharmacy challenges or situations” (88% strongly agree/agree) and “incorporates or provides effective feedback to groups” (88% strongly agree/agree) met consensus. However, “has multiple right answers” (76% strongly agree/agree) and “incorporates elements from school specific emphases (eg, faith, underserved)” (53% strongly agree/agree) did not reach consensus. Conclusions. These indicators can assist faculty members in designing application activities to provide high-quality TBL exercises that promote deep thinking and engaged classroom discussion. The indicators could also guide faculty development and quality improvement efforts, such as peer review of application activities
Intuitive leadership: A neurological, psychological, and quantum approach to heighten intelligence, innovation, and performance
No full textThis chapter explores the power of intuition and focuses on the mechanics of intuition supported by sciences in psychology, neuroscience, and quantum physics. Deeper and more expansive level is non-localized intuition or quantum entanglement, which is based on energy and is not limited to the physical, time or space, or prior experience. Manifesting is supported by quantum duality: Thoughts affect matter, and the nature of particles can be altered. Having a clear thought and vision is not enough; individuals and organizations require higher levels of energy to create, produce, and succeed. The chapter discusses how stress diminishes intuition, effective decision-making, and brain functioning, as well as how to shift from stress to neurological power. In addition, decision maker will learn several proven methods to develop and heighten their intuition. Leaders who consciously develop their own intuitive intelligence and the intuitive acumen within their organization will surpass the competition
Characterization of use of the pharmacy curriculum outcomes assessment across accredited colleges of pharmacy
No full textObjective. To characterize use of the Pharmacy Curriculum Outcomes Assessment (PCOA) in terms of timing, manner of delivery, and application of the results by accredited colleges of pharmacy. Methods. Accredited pharmacy programs were surveyed regarding PCOA administration, perceived benefits, and practical application of score reports. Survey items were comprised of new items developed from a literature review and items from prior studies. The survey addressed five domains: program demographics, administration, student preparation, use of results, and recommendations to improve the utility of the PCOA. Results. Responses were received from 126 of 139 (91%) surveyed programs. The majority of respondent programs administered PCOA in one session on a single campus. Most indicated PCOA results had limited use for individual student assessment. Almost half reported that results were or could be useful in curriculum review and benchmarking. Considerable variability existed in the preparation and incentives for PCOA performance. Differences in some results were found based on prior PCOA experience and between new vs older programs. Open-ended responses provided suggestions to enhance the application and utility of PCOA. Conclusion. The intended uses of PCOA results, such as for student assessment, curricular review, and programmatic benchmarking, are not being implemented across the academy. Streamlining examination logistics, providing additional examination-related data, and clarifying the purpose of the examination to faculty members and students may increase the utility of PCOA results
Case for the specialised sports physical therapist to be an essential part of professional athlete care: letter from America no. 1
No full textThe Phenomenal Space of Soulful Silence
Get PDFWhere has silence gone? What does this mean for the spiritual soul? This analysis utilizes a phenomenological and qualitative lens to assess the way silence and the soul interact. The author posits that the relationship between silence and the soul, or soulful silence, creates a space to learn about the powerful phenomena that shape us. Through imagery, metaphor, and personal reflection the author embarks on a descriptive journey to explore what we learn by sitting in soulful silence, the phenomenological and spiritual implications of soulful silence, and how one must first become intimately familiar with their own soulful silence to experience growth, beauty, and wisdom