Impact of signal-to-noise ratio and contrast definition on the sensitivity assessment and benchmarking of fluorescence molecular imaging systems.

Significance: Standardization of fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) is critical for ensuring quality control in guiding surgical procedures. To accurately evaluate system performance, two metrics, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast, are widely employed. However, there is currently no consensus on how these metrics can be computed. Aim: We aim to examine the impact of SNR and contrast definitions on the performance assessment of FMI systems. Approach: We quantified the SNR and contrast of six near-infrared FMI systems by imaging a multi-parametric phantom. Based on approaches commonly used in the literature, we quantified seven SNRs and four contrast values considering different background regions and/or formulas. Then, we calculated benchmarking (BM) scores and respective rank values for each system. Results: We show that the performance assessment of an FMI system changes depending on the background locations and the applied quantification method. For a single system, the different metrics can vary up to ∼ 35 dB (SNR), ∼ 8.65 a . u . (contrast), and ∼ 0.67 a . u . (BM score). Conclusions: The definition of precise guidelines for FMI performance assessment is imperative to ensure successful clinical translation of the technology. Such guidelines can also enable quality control for the already clinically approved indocyanine green-based fluorescence image-guided surgery.

Assinatura de convênio entre EPAMIG-ILCT e Rede Brasileira de Bancos de Leite Humano marca Minas Láctea 2024

Abertura do 37° Congresso Nacional de Laticínios e assinatura do convênio entre a EPAMIG/ILCT (Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária de Minas Gerais/Instituto de Laticínios Cândido Tostes) e a Rede Brasileira de Bancos de Leite Humano (rBLH). Este acordo visa fortalecer o processamento e o controle de qualidade do leite humano, reforçando a colaboração entre as instituições.

Norma técnica disponível: transferência de leite humano pasteurizado em situação de emergência ou estado de calamidade pública

A Rede Brasileira de Bancos de Leite Humano (rBLH-BR) anuncia a publicação da Norma Técnicas BLH-IFF/NT 56.24 - Transferência de Leite Humano Pasteurizado em Situação de Emergência ou Estado de Calamidade Pública. Esta Norma Técnica tem por objetivo estabelecer os critérios de transferência interredes do leite humano pasteurizado, no âmbito da Rede Brasileira de Bancos de Leite Humano, em situação de emergência ou estado de calamidade pública.

Detection of anxiety symptoms and disorders in older adults: a diagnostic accuracy systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety symptoms and disorders are common in older adults and often go undetected. A systematic review was completed to identify tools that can be used to detect anxiety symptoms and disorders in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO were searched using the search concepts anxiety, older adults and diagnostic accuracy in March 2023. Included articles assessed anxiety in community-dwelling older adults using an index anxiety tool and a gold standard form of anxiety assessment and reported resulting diagnostic accuracy outcomes. Estimates of pooled diagnostic accuracy outcomes were completed. RESULTS: Twenty-three anxiety tools were identified from the 32 included articles. Pooled diagnostic accuracy outcomes were estimated for the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI)-20 [n = 3, sensitivity = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.70-0.97, specificity = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.67-0.89] to detect generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and for the GAI-20 (n = 3, cut off ≥ 9, sensitivity = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.62-0.83, specificity = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.74-1.00), Beck Anxiety Inventory (n = 3, sensitivity = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.58-0.79, specificity = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.51-0.68) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) (n = 3, sensitivity = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.60-0.89, specificity = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.60-0.87) to detect anxiety disorders in clinical samples. CONCLUSION: The GAI-20 was the most studied tool and had adequate sensitivity while maintaining acceptable specificity when identifying GAD and anxiety disorders. The GAI-20, GAI-Short Form and HADS-A tools are supported for use in detecting anxiety in community-dwelling older adults. Brief, self-rated and easy-to-use tools may be the best options for anxiety detection in community-dwelling older adults given resource limitations. Clinicians may consider factors including patient comorbidities and anxiety prevalence when selecting a tool and cut off.

Improving healthcare transition for young people with cancer: factors fundamental to the quality improvement journey.

BACKGROUND: Young people receiving cancer treatment in the South Thames Children's, Teenagers' and Young Adults' Cancer Operational Delivery Network usually receive care across two or more NHS trusts, meaning transition into adult services can be challenging. AIM: To develop a planned, co-ordinated approach to transition across the network that meets National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance recommendations for transition and the cancer service specifications. METHODS: A 2-year, nurse-led quality improvement (QI) project, using the principles of experience-based co-design. OUTCOMES: The QI project resulted in the development of six key principles of practice; refining and testing of a benchmarking tool; initiatives to facilitate first transition conversations; and the launch of an information hub. CONCLUSION: Robust QI processes, cross-network collaboration and wide stakeholder involvement required significant resource, but enabled deeper understanding of existing pathways and processes, facilitated the establishment of meaningful objectives, and enabled the testing of interventions to ensure the project outcomes met the needs of all stakeholders.

Key requirements for obtaining valid informed consent to treatment.

Richard Griffith, Senior Lecturer in Health Law at Swansea University, discusses the importance of consent in nursing and outlines the key elements for ensuring the patient has given valid consent before providing treatment.