| 1. |
- Arnold, Celine, et al.
(author)
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Surfactant distribution in waterborne acrylic films. 2 Surface Investigation
- 2011
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In: Colloids and Surfaces A. - : Elsevier BV. - 0927-7757 .- 1873-4359. ; 374:1-3, s. 58-68
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper presents results on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) enrichment at the surface of pure acrylic or acrylic/laponite composite latex films. Surface concentrations were measured by Confocal Raman Spectroscopy leading to higher values than the nominal concentration of 6 wt%. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analyses showed uppermost surface layers saturated with SDS in most cases. High resolution Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) revealed a variety of morphologies for these surfactant top layers, highlighting the occurrence of SDS bilayers in different configurations. In an attempt to check for a correlation between the surface concentration of the surfactant in dry films and the concentration of free surfactant in water in the initial latex, this latter concentration was determined from the level of the plateau in adsorption isotherms. Adsorption studies by conductimetry showed an unexpected increase of the amount of adsorbed SDS with pH. The proposed interpretation is that, upon acrylic acid neutralization, the chains at the surface become more hydrophilic and spread out in water, revealing more sites for SDS to adsorb on. No correlation between free surfactant and surface enrichment could be established, indicating that the enrichment process is more complex than expected.
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| 2. |
- Blystad, Ida, et al.
(author)
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Synthetic MRI of the brain in a clinical setting
- 2012
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In: Acta Radiologica. - : Sage Publications. - 0284-1851 .- 1600-0455. ; 53:10, s. 1158-1163
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND:Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has relatively long scan times for routine examinations, and the signal intensity of the images is related to the specific MR scanner settings. Due to scanner imperfections and automatic optimizations, it is impossible to compare images in terms of absolute image intensity. Synthetic MRI, a method to generate conventional images based on MR quantification, potentially both decreases examination time and enables quantitative measurements.PURPOSE:To evaluate synthetic MRI of the brain in a clinical setting by assessment of the contrast, the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and the diagnostic quality compared with conventional MR images.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Twenty-two patients had synthetic imaging added to their clinical MR examination. In each patient, 12 regions of interest were placed in the brain images to measure contrast and CNR. Furthermore, general image quality, probable diagnosis, and lesion conspicuity were investigated.RESULTS:Synthetic T1-weighted turbo spin echo and T2-weighted turbo spin echo images had higher contrast but also a higher level of noise, resulting in a similar CNR compared with conventional images. Synthetic T2-weighted FLAIR images had lower contrast and a higher level of noise, which led to a lower CNR. Synthetic images were generally assessed to be of inferior image quality, but agreed with the clinical diagnosis to the same extent as the conventional images. Lesion conspicuity was higher in the synthetic T1-weighted images, which also had a better agreement with the clinical diagnoses than the conventional T1-weighted images.CONCLUSION:Synthetic MR can potentially shorten the MR examination time. Even though the image quality is perceived to be inferior, synthetic images agreed with the clinical diagnosis to the same extent as the conventional images in this study.
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| 3. |
- Falk, Anna, et al.
(author)
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Discrimination between glioma grades II and III in suspected low-grade gliomas using dynamic contrast-enhanced and dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion MR imaging : a histogram analysis approach
- 2014
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In: Neuroradiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-3940 .- 1432-1920. ; 56:12, s. 1031-1038
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IntroductionPerfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used in the pre-operative assessment of brain tumours. The aim of this prospective study was to identify the perfusion parameters from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion imaging that could best discriminate between grade II and III gliomas.MethodsMRI (3 T) including morphological ((T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T1-weighted (T1W)+Gd)) and perfusion (DCE and DSC) sequences was performed in 39 patients with newly diagnosed suspected low-grade glioma after written informed consent in this review board-approved study. Regions of interests (ROIs) in tumour area were delineated on FLAIR images co-registered to DCE and DSC, respectively, in 25 patients with histopathological grade II (n = 18) and III (n = 7) gliomas. Statistical analysis of differences between grade II and grade III gliomas in histogram perfusion parameters was performed, and the areas under the curves (AUC) from the ROC analyses were evaluated.ResultsIn DCE, the skewness of transfer constant (k trans) was found superior for differentiating grade II from grade III in all gliomas (AUC 0.76). In DSC, the standard deviation of relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was found superior for differentiating grade II from grade III gliomas (AUC 0.80).ConclusionsHistogram parameters from k trans (DCE) and rCBF (DSC) could most efficiently discriminate between grade II and grade III gliomas.
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| 4. |
- Laustsen, Søren Ravn, et al.
(author)
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Præoperativ funktionel magnetisk resonans-billeddannelse hos patienter med hjernetumor
- 2010
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In: Ugeskrift for læger. - 0041-5782 .- 1603-6824. ; 172:35, s. 2370-2376
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) allows important functions in the brain cortex to be mapped noninvasively. The purpose with this work was to investigate a possible correlation between the distance from the tumour margin to fMRI activity and postoperative neurological deficits by means of a standardised method for measurement of distance. A second purpose was to investigate the influence of preoperative fMRI on the neurosurgical decision-making process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 25 patients. The inclusion criteria were surgery or biopsy after fMRI plus a three-month postoperative assessment. A total of 14 patients complied with these requirements (six men and eight women, the mean age was 39 years). fMRI raw data was collected using a three tesla magnetic resonance scanner (Signa HDx R14M5, GE Healthcare). The distance from the tumour margin to fMRI activation was measured using GE-reformat version 4.2 after raw data had been postprocessed using GE BrainwavePA version 1.3.08130. The neurosurgeons valuation of fMRI in the preoperative decision-making process was obtained using a standard questionnaire. RESULTS: There was a trend of association between distance from tumour to eloquent functional areas and the patients' postoperative neurological outcome (Fisher's exact test: distance < 15 mm, p = 0.43; distance < 10 mm, p = 0.14). fMRI proved very useful when deciding whether to operate or not (42%), when deciding the surgical approach (50%) and when deciding the extent of the surgical approach (83%). CONCLUSION: The standardised method for measurement of distance between tumour margin and fMRI activity can contribute to the preoperative risk assessment in patients with brain tumours.
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| 5. |
- Ludvigsson, Johnny, et al.
(author)
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GAD65 antigen therapy in recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus
- 2012
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In: New England Journal of Medicine. - : Massachusetts Medical Society. - 0028-4793 .- 1533-4406. ; 366:5, s. 433-442
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The 65-kD isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65) is a major autoantigen in type 1 diabetes. We hypothesized that alum-formulated GAD65 (GAD-alum) can preserve beta-cell function in patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes.METHODS: We studied 334 patients, 10 to 20 years of age, with type 1 diabetes, fasting C-peptide levels of more than 0.3 ng per milliliter (0.1 nmol per liter), and detectable serum GAD65 autoantibodies. Within 3 months after diagnosis, patients were randomly assigned to receive one of three study treatments: four doses of GAD-alum, two doses of GAD-alum followed by two doses of placebo, or four doses of placebo. The primary outcome was the change in the stimulated serum C-peptide level (after a mixed-meal tolerance test) between the baseline visit and the 15-month visit. Secondary outcomes included the glycated hemoglobin level, mean daily insulin dose, rate of hypoglycemia, and fasting and maximum stimulated C-peptide levels.RESULTS: The stimulated C-peptide level declined to a similar degree in all study groups, and the primary outcome at 15 months did not differ significantly between the combined active-drug groups and the placebo group (P=0.10). The use of GAD-alum as compared with placebo did not affect the insulin dose, glycated hemoglobin level, or hypoglycemia rate. Adverse events were infrequent and mild in the three groups, with no significant differences.CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with GAD-alum did not significantly reduce the loss of stimulated C peptide or improve clinical outcomes over a 15-month period.
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| 6. |
- Nordanskog, Pia, et al.
(author)
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Hippocampal volume in relation to clinical and cognitive outcome after electroconvulsive therapy in depression
- 2014
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In: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. - United States : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0001-690X .- 1600-0447. ; 129:4, s. 303-311
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE:In a previous magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, we found a significant increase in hippocampal volume immediately after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate hippocampal volume up to 1 year after ECT and investigate its possible relation to clinical and cognitive outcome.METHOD:Clinical and cognitive outcome in 12 in-patients with depression receiving antidepressive pharmacological treatment referred for ECT were investigated with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and a broad neuropsychological test battery within 1 week before and after ECT. The assessments were repeated 6 and 12 months after baseline in 10 and seven of these patients, respectively. Hippocampal volumes were measured on all four occasions with 3 Tesla MRI.RESULTS:Hippocampal volume returned to baseline during the follow-up period of 6 months. Neither the significant antidepressant effect nor the significant transient decrease in executive and verbal episodic memory tests after ECT could be related to changes in hippocampal volume. No persistent cognitive side effects were observed 1 year after ECT.CONCLUSION:The immediate increase in hippocampal volume after ECT is reversible and is not related to clinical or cognitive outcome.
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| 7. |
- Nordanskog, Pia, et al.
(author)
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Increase in Hippocampal Volume After Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients With Depression : A Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
- 2010
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In: JOURNAL OF ECT. - 1095-0680 .- 1533-4112. ; 26:1, s. 62-67
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Major depression has traditionally been regarded as a neurochemical disease, but findings of a decreased hippocampal volume in patients with depression have turned the pathophysiological focus toward impairments in structural plasticity. The mechanisms of action of the most effective antidepressive treatment, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), still remains elusive, but recent animal research has provided evidence for a cell proliferative effect in the hippocampus. The aim of this prospective study was to determine if hippocampal volume changes after ECT in patients with depression.Methods: Twelve patients with depression and ongoing antidepressive pharmacological treatment were investigated with clinical ratings and 3 T magnetic resonance imaging within 1 week before and after the ECT series. Each hippocampus was manually outlined on coronal slices, and the volume was calculated.Results: The left as well as the right hippocampal volume increased significantly after ECT.Conclusions: The hippocampal volume increases after ECT, supporting the hypothesis that hippocampus may play a central role in the treatment of depression.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Abrahamsen Grøndahl, Vigdis, 1964-, et al.
(author)
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Exploring patient satisfaction predictors in relation to a theoretical model
- 2013
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In: International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 0952-6862 .- 1758-6542. ; 26:1, s. 37-54
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim is to describe patients' care quality perceptions and satisfaction and to explore potential patient satisfaction predictors as person‐related conditions, external objective care conditions and patients' perception of actual care received (“PR”) in relation to a theoretical model.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional design was used. Data were collected using one questionnaire combining questions from four instruments: Quality from patients' perspective; Sense of coherence; Big five personality trait; and Emotional stress reaction questionnaire (ESRQ), together with questions from previous research. In total, 528 patients (83.7 per cent response rate) from eight medical, three surgical and one medical/surgical ward in five Norwegian hospitals participated. Answers from 373 respondents with complete ESRQ questionnaires were analysed. Sequential multiple regression analysis with ESRQ as dependent variable was run in three steps: person‐related conditions, external objective care conditions, and PR (p < 0.05).FindingsStep 1 (person‐related conditions) explained 51.7 per cent of the ESRQ variance. Step 2 (external objective care conditions) explained an additional 2.4 per cent. Step 3 (PR) gave no significant additional explanation (0.05 per cent). Steps 1 and 2 contributed statistical significance to the model. Patients rated both quality‐of‐care and satisfaction highly.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the theoretical model using an emotion‐oriented approach to assess patient satisfaction can explain 54 per cent of patient satisfaction in a statistically significant manner.
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| 10. |
- Abrahamsen Grøndahl, Vigdis, 1964-, et al.
(author)
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Patients' experiences of care quality and satisfaction satisfaction during hospital stay : a qualitative study
- 2013
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In: European Journal for Person Centered Healthcare. - : University of Buckingham Press. - 2052-5656 .- 2052-5648. ; 1:1, s. 185-192
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rationale, aim and objectives: Patients experiencing high care quality and satisfied patients are more likely to follow treatments. Patient satisfaction is an important contributor to physical and mental health-related quality of life. Research emphasises the need to further study satisfaction from the patients’ perspective. The aim was to describe patients’ experiences of care quality and the relation to their satisfaction during hospital stay. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Interviews were conducted with 22 patients discharged from hospital. Data was analysed by conventional content analysis.Results: Four categories and seven subcategories describing patients’ experiences of care quality and the relation to their satisfaction emerged. Desire to regain health comprised waiting for treatment, being cured, having hopes of being cured and described the treatment and health outcome of hospitalisation. Need to be met in a professional way as a unique person comprised receiving personalized knowledge, receiving healthcare by competent healthcare personnel and described the way patients need to be met by healthcare personnel. Need to be involved comprised taking responsibility for own health, leaving responsibility for own health and concerned the patients’ way of handling hospitalisation. Need to have balance between privacy and companionship concerned the relationship to fellow patients. Conclusions: Health condition is of great importance to patients’ experiences of quality of care and their satisfaction in relation to hospital stay. The healthcare personnel need to be aware that seriously ill patients may never be completely satisfied. Furthermore, healthcare personnel must do their utmost to provide the patients with person-centered care. Hospital managers must consider the design of wards with respect to such matters as multiple-bed versus single-bed rooms and heads of nursing must carefully plan each patient’s accommodation.
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