A thermally polarized, dissolved-phase Xe phantom for quality-control and multisite comparisons of gas-exchange imaging.

Harmonizing and validating Xe gas exchange imaging across multiple sites is hampered by a lack of a quantitative standard that 1) displays the unique spectral properties of Xe observed from human subjects in vivo and 2) has short enough T times to enable practical imaging. This work describes and demonstrates the development of two dissolved-phase, thermally polarized phantoms that mimic the in-vivo, red blood cell and membrane resonances of Xe dissolved in human lungs. Following optimization, combinations of two common organic solvents, acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide, resulted in two in-vivo-like dissolved-phase Xe phantoms yielding chemical shifts of 212.

Toward an ontology of collaborative learning healthcare systems.

Objective: To establish a basis for a domain ontology - a formal, explicit specification of a shared conceptualization - of collaborative learning healthcare systems (CLHSs) in order to facilitate measurement, explanation, and improvement.

Methods: We adapted the "Methontology" approach to begin building an ontology of CLHSs. We specified the purpose of an ontology, acquired domain knowledge via literature review, conceptualized a common framework of CLHSs using a grounded approach, refined these concepts based on expert panel input, and illustrated concept application via four cases.

A science of collaborative learning health systems.

Introduction: Improving the U.S. healthcare system and health outcomes is one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.

An evidence-based review of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in the adolescent population.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a relatively common problem in emergency medicine. The incidence of PSP peaks in adolescence and is most common in tall, thin males. Recent advances in the care of patients with PSP have called into question traditional approaches to management.

A maturity grid assessment tool for learning networks.

Background: The vision of learning healthcare systems (LHSs) is attractive as a more effective model for health care services, but achieving the vision is complex. There is limited literature describing the processes needed to construct such multicomponent systems or to assess development.

Methods: We used the concept of a capability maturity matrix to describe the maturation of necessary infrastructure and processes to create learning networks (LNs), multisite collaborative LHSs that use an actor-oriented network organizational architecture.

Filling in the gaps: Implantable bronchial valves in pediatric patients with persistent leaks.

This series presents an adult procedure that benefits young patients with persistent air leaks. This less invasive procedure can be done outpatient with adult/pediatric bronchoscopists providing patients less invasive procedures with better outcomes.

Bronchodilator responsiveness assessed by forced oscillometry and multiple breath washout techniques in preschool children.

Importance: The forced oscillation (FOT) and multiple breath washout (MBW) techniques are passive tests of lung function, and are reliable for preschool-age children. There has not been comparison testing to determine which test could more accurately differentiate between healthy controls and poorly controlled asthmatics, or differentiate a response to bronchodilator administration.

Objective: To determine whether the MBW and/or FOT could differentiate between healthy controls and poorly controlled asthmatics, and whether the two tests could detect a response to bronchodilator administration.