Cases For Reader Research Articles

Dedicated breast computed-tomography in women with a personal history of breast cancer: A proof-of-concept study

PurposeTo compare the subjective image quality assessment using B-CT and digital mammography in women with personal history of breast cancer (PHBC). MethodIn this retrospective study 32 patients with PHBC were included. Each patient had undergone a B-CT examination and a previous mammogram in a time interval of less than 18 months between the two examinations. Two radiologists evaluated the two examinations independently with regard to the presence of lesions, BI-RADS classification, level of confidence for the overall exam interpretation, scar evaluation and image quality including image degradation due to clip artifacts. Level of confidence and image quality were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. A p-value of less than 0.01 was considered statistically significant. ResultsThirty-seven operated and 27 non-operated breasts were included. Confidence for the overall interpretation with B-CT was equal or superior to mammography in 63 cases (98.4 %) for reader 1 and in 58 cases (90.6 %) for reader 2 (p <.001). Confidence for scar evaluation with B-CT was equal or superior to mammography in all cases for reader 1 and in 34 cases (91.9 %) for readers 2 (p <.001). One case with local recurrence in B-CT was identified by both readers and no false positive findings were reported. A moderate to high image degradation due to beam-hardening artifacts has been reported by both readers in 29.4 % of cases due to surgical clips in the B-CT volume. ConclusionsB-CT in patients with PHBC provides high quality images that can be evaluated with confidence equal or superior to mammography.

Transformational change process in a large corporation – case of a prominent Indian public sector undertaking

Purpose This study aims to discuss what prompted this organization to embark on the journey of transformational change, challenges faced strategies adopted to overcome challenges, leadership role and outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The descriptive approach is used to comprehend the transformational change process in this gigantic public sector undertaking (PSU). To have an idea of the effectiveness of the change process, the pre- and post-change performance of the company was taken into account through collection and analysis of physical and financial parameters. However, focus of this paper is concentrated on the transformation process and its chronological sequence only. Human resource productivity trend and organization development interventions adopted over the years were also observed along with conducting a sentiment analysis of the employees who lived through this entire change process in the organization. Findings The case study describes how this Indian PSU went through the process of transformational change management and leaves the reader to assess the degree and extent of success of the approach and strategy of the company in this regard. There may be many what-if situations and contingencies in this case for readers to explore for suggestions and solutions and finding new possibilities. Originality/value Change management is not a new exercise for the Indian corporate sector. What makes this case unique is the pro-active action initiated by a traditional high-performing and well-protected PSU to anticipate the future challenges and initiate action to overcome these. Change agents must “rewire” the plane while it is flying if the organization hopes to survive and perhaps prosper in the future. This case study is a first-hand account of the change process happening in a gigantic Indian PSU with Maharatna status.

Research on Aesthetic Thinking and Computer Courseware Design of Higher Vocational Aesthetic Education Based on Information Perspective

The current period is in the soft period of software aesthetic education course teaching in higher vocational colleges. The traditional teaching mode cannot meet the needs of students for ever-changing knowledge, and there is also a lack of effective communication between students and teachers. By analyzing the specific situation of aesthetic thinking in higher vocational colleges in China, this paper explores the making and application of software aesthetic education course teaching courseware of contemporary higher vocational colleges by taking Adobe InDesign software as a case for readers’ reference.

Indeterminate Focal Liver Lesions Incidentally Discovered at Gray-Scale US

to assess the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the characterization of focal liver lesions (FLLs) incidentally discovered but indeterminate at gray-scale ultrasound (US). one hundred forty-two consecutive patients with 174 FLLs (169 benign and 5 malignant) incidentally discovered but indeterminate at gray-scale US, underwent CEUS after the administration of SonoVue. Two readers independently reviewed CEUS scans and: (1) classified each lesion as malignant or benign on a 5-point scale of confidence by means of definite diagnostic criteria; (2) provided if possible a specific diagnosis; (3) were requested if further imaging was needed for lesion characterization. Sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (Az) as well as interobserver agreement were calculated. at CEUS, both readers correctly differentiated benign from malignant lesions in 168 of 174 (96.5%) cases (P < 0.0001). A specific correct diagnosis was provided in 123 of 174 (70.7%) and 127 of 174 (72.9%) cases for reader 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.0001). A further imaging study to characterize the lesion after CEUS was requested in 67 cases (38.5%) for reader 1 (P < 0.001) and 46 cases (26.4%) for reader 2 (P < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis after CEUS revealed Az value of 1 for both readers and sensitivity and specificity values of 100% and 97.04% for reader 1 and 100% and 96.45 for reader 2 respectively (P < 0.0001). Inter-reader agreement at CEUS was good (weighted k = 0.779). CEUS improves the diagnostic performance of radiologists in the characterization of indeterminate FLLs incidentally discovered at US and reduces the need for further radiologic work-up.

Red cell indexes revisited: Review with test cases

This, the last in the group of articles on laboratory investigation of anemia, reviews the red cell indexes and their significance in diagnosis and then presents brief test cases for readers to assess their knowledge. In each test case, indexes and blood smear form the basis for investigative strategy and conclusions.