Predicting osteoarthritis onset and progression with 3D texture analysis of cartilage MRI DESS: 6-Year data from osteoarthritis initiative.

In this study, we developed a gray level co-occurrence matrix-based 3D texture analysis method for dual-echo steady-state (DESS) magnetic resonance (MR) images to be used for knee cartilage analysis in osteoarthritis (OA) studies and use it to study changes in articular cartilage between different subpopulations based on their rate of progression into radiographically confirmed OA. In total, 642 series of right knee DESS MR images at 3T were obtained from baseline, 36- and 72-month follow-ups from the OA Initiative database. At baseline, all 214 subjects included in the study had Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade <2.

Endoscopic transpapillary stenting for pancreatic fistulas after necrosectomy with necrotizing pancreatitis.

Background: Data concerning the incidence and treatment of pancreatic fistula after necrosectomy in severe acute necrotizing pancreatitis (SAP) are scarce. Our aim was to assess the incidence of pancreatic fistula, and the feasibility and results of endoscopic transpapillary stenting (ETS) in patients with SAP after necrosectomy.

Methods: From January 2009 to December 2012 twenty-nine consecutive patients with SAP and necrosectomy in Oulu University Hospital were enrolled into this study.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema in patients with nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage: predictors and association with outcome.

Background: Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a well-recognized phenomenon after intracranial insult. In this study, we evaluated the predictors for NPE and its association with outcome in patients with intensive care unit-treated nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Methods: This was a prospective, observational clinical study in a university-level intensive care unit.

Effects of a heart rate-based recovery period on hormonal, neuromuscular, and aerobic performance responses during 7 weeks of strength training in men.

The purpose of this study was to compare hormonal, neuromuscular, and aerobic performance changes between a constant 2-minute interset recovery time and an interset recovery time based on individual heart rate (HR) responses during a 7-week (3 sessions per week, 3 × 10 repetition maximum [RM]) hypertrophic strength training period. The HR-dependent recovery time was determined with a Polar FT80 HR monitor, whereas the control groups used constant 2-minute periods between sets. From 24 male subjects who were divided in 2 equal groups, 21 completed the study (FT80, n = 12; CONTROL, n = 9).

Incidence, ultrasonic patterns and resolution of nephrocalcinosis in very low birthweight infants.

This longitudinal study was undertaken in order to elucidate the incidence and natural course of nephrocalcinosis in preterm infants and to evaluate whether the ultrasonic classification for nephrocalcinosis used here is suitable for predicting subsequent resolution of the condition. A total of 129 very low birthweight infants were screened for nephrocalcinosis by renal ultrasonography at 2 wk, 6 wk and 3 mo. The pyramidal changes were classified as peripheral, scattered or extensive.