Analysis of Diagnostic Images of Artworks and Feature Extraction: Design of a Methodology.

Digital images represent the primary tool for diagnostics and documentation of the state of preservation of artifacts. Today the interpretive filters that allow one to characterize information and communicate it are extremely subjective. Our research goal is to study a quantitative analysis methodology to facilitate and semi-automate the recognition and polygonization of areas corresponding to the characteristics searched.

Cracking the Code for Quality: The Interrelationships of Culture, Nurse Demographics, Advocacy, and Patient Outcomes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the complex relationships among patient safety culture, nurse demographics, advocacy, and patient outcomes.

Background: Why has healthcare lagged behind other industries in improving quality? Little nursing research exists that explores the multifactorial relationships that impact quality.

Methods: A convenience sample of 1045 nurses from 40 medical/surgical units was analyzed using a correlational cross-sectional design with secondary data analysis.

Fusion of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint and Second to Fifth Metatarsal Head Resection for Rheumatoid Forefoot Deformity.

The goals of the present study were to evaluate the mid-term results of first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion combined with second to fifth metatarsal head resection in rheumatoid forefoot deformity and identify the prognostic factors. The inclusion criteria were 2010 American College of Rheumatology and/or European League Against Rheumatism criteria for rheumatoid arthritis; symptomatic forefoot deformity; first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion and second to fifth metatarsal head resection; and a minimum of 4 years of follow-up data available. The patients were evaluated using the Disease Activity Score 28 for rheumatoid arthritis, Health Assessment Questionnaire for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Foot Function Index, forefoot American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale, and weightbearing radiographs.

Arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee in rheumatoid arthritis defined by the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria.

Background: The aims of this study were: (1) to evaluate the mid-term results and survivorship of arthroscopic synovectomy (AS) of the knee in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) defined with the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria; and (2) to identify prognostic factors.

Methods: Patients matching the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria, with symptomatic knee synovitis for at least six months, treated with arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee at a minimum of three year followup were included. Pre-operative evaluation included Larsen, HAQ, DAS28, and Laurin scores.

The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for movement disorders.

There is growing interest in the therapeutic potential of marijuana (cannabis) and cannabinoid-based chemicals within the medical community and, particularly, for neurological conditions. This interest is driven both by changes in the legal status of cannabis in many areas and increasing research into the roles of endocannabinoids within the central nervous system and their potential as symptomatic and/or neuroprotective therapies. We review basic science as well as preclinical and clinical studies on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids specifically as it relates to movement disorders.