Biomedical subjects

A Forbes

Publications and source records attributed to A Forbes.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Cantharidin blisters: a technique for investigating leukocyte trafficking and cytokine production at sites of inflammation in humans.

A skin blister technique is described which allows the investigation of acute inflammation in humans in vivo. Filter paper discs are placed on the skin, impregnated with cantharidin and covered with impermeable film held by adhesive tape. The assembly is easily applied, unobtrusive, stable and may be worn during normal activities. The blister formed at 24 h contains approximately 5x10(5)-5x10(6) cells, predominantly neutrophils and macrophages. Inflammatory cytokines and chemotactic factors are detectable in the blister fluid. The technique is useful for characterizing the acute inflammatory response in health and disease.

Blister↗

PubMed2001

Current indoor allergen levels of fungi and cats, but not house dust mites, influence allergy and asthma in adults with high dust mite exposure.

We assessed the influence of current indoor levels of fungi, house dust mite allergen (Der p 1), and cat allergen (Fel d 1) on sensitization and asthma in adults. A total of 485 adults answered a questionnaire and had skin prick tests and lung function tests. Dust and air samples were collected from their bedrooms. The dust was analyzed for Der p 1, Fel d 1, and fungal biomass (ergosterol). Fungal propagules were measured in air samples. Current asthma was defined as having wheezed during the past 12 mo plus bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) to methacholine. High exposure to total airborne fungi was associated with increased BHR, but perhaps paradoxically with a lower risk of being sensitized to fungi. Ergosterol levels in floor dust were a risk factor both for being sensitized to fungi and having wheezed within the last year. High Fel d 1 levels in floor dust were found to increase the risk of being sensitized to cats and in beds to increase the risk of current asthma. Although Der p 1 levels in homes were high, people exposed to high Der p 1 levels in floor dust were less likely to be sensitized to house dust mites or to have wheezed within the past year. Current indoor levels of fungi and Fel d 1, but not Der p 1, influenced sensitization and asthma in adults with high dust mite exposure.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Incidence of malignant disease in biopsy-proven inflammatory myopathy. A population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The validity and magnitude of an association between myositis and malignant disease continue to be debated. Such issues as the legitimacy of a myositis diagnosis and distinction among myositis subgroups in previous population-based studies remain unresolved. OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk for malignant disease in patients with biopsy-proven inflammatory myopathies. DESIGN: Population-based, retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Victoria, Australia. PATIENTS: 537 patients in whom a biopsy-positive idiopathic inflammatory myopathy was first diagnosed from 1981 through 1995. MEASUREMENTS: Standardized incidence ratios were calculated to compare the incidence of malignant disease in patients with inflammatory myopathy and the general population. RESULTS: A total of 116 cases of malignant disease were found in 104 patients. Seventy-four cases were identified concurrently with (within 7 days) or after diagnosis of myositis. The highest risk for malignant disease was associated with dermatomyositis (standardized incidence ratio, 6.2 [95% CI, 3.9 to 10.0]). The risk was also increased in polymyositis (standardized incidence ratio, 2.0 [CI, 1.4 to 2.7]), although the relative risk for malignant disease in dermatomyositis compared with polymyositis was 2.4 (CI, 1.3 to 4.2). An increased risk for malignant disease was also found in inclusion-body myositis (standardized incidence ratio, 2.4 [CI, 1.2 to 4.9]). The excess risk for malignant disease diminished with time (standardized incidence ratio, 4.4 [CI, 2.7 to 7.1] in the first year; 3.4 [CI, 2.3 to 5.1] between 1 and 3 years; 2.2 [CI, 1.3 to 3.9] between 3 and 5 years; and 1.6 [CI, 1.0 to 2.6] beyond 5 years [ P for trend, 0.002]). CONCLUSION: The risk for malignant disease is increased in biopsy-proven dermatomyositis and polymyositis and also appears to be increased in inclusion-body myositis.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Association between insertion mutation in NOD2 gene and Crohn's disease in German and British populations.

Background Genetic predisposition to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been shown by epidemiological and linkage studies. Genetic linkage of IBD to chromosome 16 has been previously observed and replicated in independent populations. The recently identified NOD2 gene is a good positional and functional candidate gene since it is located in the region of linkage on chromosome 16q12, and activates nuclear factor (NF) kappaB in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharides. Methods We sequenced the coding region of the NOD2 gene and genotyped an insertion polymorphism affecting the leucine-rich region of the protein product in 512 individuals with IBD from 309 German or British families, 369 German trios (ie, German patients with sporadic IBD and their unaffected parents), and 272 normal controls. We then tested for association with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Findings Family-based association analyses were consistently positive in 95 British and 99 German affected sibling pairs with Crohn's disease (combined p<0.0001); the association was confirmed in the 304 German trios with Crohn's disease. No association was seen in the 115 sibling pairs and 65 trios with ulcerative colitis. The genotype-specific disease risks conferred by heterozygous and homozygous mutant genotypes were 2.6 (95% CI 1.5-4.5) and 42.1 (4.3-infinity), respectively. Interpretation The insertion mutation in the NOD2 gene confers a substantially increased susceptibility to Crohn's disease but not to ulcerative colitis.

Alleles↗

PubMed2001

Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of gastric acid-lowering therapy on duodenal polyposis and relative adduct labeling in familial adenomatous polyposis.

PURPOSE: Bile has been implicated in the pathogenesis of duodenal polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. In vitro experiments have shown that familial adenomatous polyposis bile is capable of producing DNA adducts. This effect can be ameliorated by increasing the pH of the incubate. The aim of this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was to examine the effect of oral ranitidine on duodenal polyposis in a group of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with familial adenomatous polyposis were randomly assigned to ranitidine 300 mg daily or placebo for six months after baseline endoscopy. Polyp counts were performed and biopsy specimens taken to detect DNA adducts by 32P-postlabeling. RESULTS: No difference was seen in polyp numbers (P = 0.9) or relative adduct labeling (P = 0.7) after treatment with ranitidine or placebo. DISCUSSION: Acid suppression therapy does not seem to improve duodenal polyposis despite in vitro findings. On the other hand, ranitidine does not exacerbate actual (or markers of) neoplasia in this highly tumor-prone condition.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

PubMed2001

Use of anti-tumour necrosis factor agents in inflammatory bowel disease. European guidelines for 2001-2003.

The introduction of novel anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents has not only led to impressive new therapeutic opportunities but also resulted in uncertainty regarding their optimal use and possible side effects. Guidelines are presented here for the use of anti-TNF agents in gastrointestinal disorders. Experts were chosen from different European countries by an algorithm to avoid bias. An expert consensus on guidelines was established using a two-stage procedure of systematic Medline and abstract search for evidence and a qualifying meeting to derive recommendations. Detailed guidelines were developed for the use and the future clinical development of anti-TNF agents in inflammatory bowel disease. Grading of available evidence and grading of recommendations were performed according to AHCPR guidelines. At present infliximab is the only registered agent for Crohn's disease. Infliximab should be always used at a dose of 5 mg/kg. The guidelines define the indications both in refractory and in fistulating disease for the readministration and before surgery. Guidelines for safety and for concomitant treatments are given. Prospects, potential clinical use, and future directions for the clinical development of other anti-TNF agents are detailed. Clinical use of anti-TNF agents will be influenced by a large number of clinical trials being concluded in 2001 and 2002. It is likely that anti-TNF therapies will become an important long-term therapy for a proportion of patients with Crohn's disease. Biological agents will be followed by smaller and more stable, orally available compounds. These guidelines will be succeeded by a formal public consensus in 2002/2003.

Crohn Disease↗

PubMed2001

On the methodological, theoretical and philosophical context of health inequalities research: a critique.

The integration of survey data with psycho-social theories is an important and emerging theme within the field of health inequalities research. This paper critically examines this approach arguing that the respective models of health inequality which these approaches promote, the related concepts of 'social cohesion' and 'social capital' suffer from serious methodological, theoretical and philosophical flaws. The critique draws particular attention to the limitations of survey-derived data and the dangers of using such data to develop complex social explanations for health inequalities. The paper discusses wider epistemological issues which emerge from the critique addressing the fundamental but neglected question of 'what is inequality'? The paper concludes by introducing a structure for questions regarding health inequalities emphasising the need for those question to be attached to real communities.

Health Care Rationing↗

PubMed2001

Studies of the microstructure of polymer-modified bitumen emulsions using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Polymer-modified bitumen emulsions present a safer and more environmentally friendly binder for enhancing the properties of roads. Cationic bitumen emulsion binders containing polymer latex were investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The latex was incorporated into the bitumen emulsion by using four different addition methods and all emulsions were processed with a conventional colloid mill. The emulsion binder films were studied after evaporation of the emulsion aqueous phase. We show how the microstructure and distribution of the polymer varies within the bitumen binder depending on latex addition method, and that the microstructure of the binder remains intact when exposed to elevated temperature. It was found that a distinctly fine dispersion of polymer results when the polymer is blended into the bitumen before the emulsifying process (a monophase emulsion). In contrast, bi-phase emulsion binders produced by either post-adding the latex to the bitumen emulsion, or by adding the latex into the emulsifier solution phase before processing, or by comilling the latex with the bitumen, water and emulsifier all resulted in a network formation of bitumen particles surrounded by a continuous polymer film. The use of emulsified binders appears to result in a more evenly distributed polymer network compared to the use of hot polymer-modified binders, and they therefore have greater potential for consistent binder cohesion strength, stone retention and therefore improved pavement performance.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Clinical, social and rehabilitation status of long-term home parenteral nutrition patients: results of a European multicentre survey.

BACKGROUND: Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a lifesaving treatment in patients with intestinal failure. Dependency of nutritional support becomes permanent for the majority of patients who had received HPN for at least 2 years. The alternative to long term HPN in selected patients is intestinal transplantation. AIMS: To study some of the clinical, social and rehabilitation aspects of long-term HPN treatment. METHODS: A survey was performed in nine European HPN centres. The questionnaire covered epidemiologic data, underlying diseases, intestinal anatomy, nutritional support and status, marital status, rehospitalization rate, HPN complications, rehabilitation score, drugs use, coexistent diseases and interest in intestinal transplantation. For some items, data were collected within 12 months prior to the evaluation. RESULTS: This survey included 228 patients with a median age of 49 years. The median duration of HPN was 7 years (range 2--24 years). Short bowel length less than 100 cm was reported in 65% of patients with a predominance of end-jejunostomy or jejuno-colonic anastomosis. Global subjective nutritional status was normal in 79% of the patients, who were supplied with a mean number of 5.6 bags of parenteral nutrition weekly. Rehospitalizations within the 12 months prior to evaluation accounted for a mean period of 23 days and were due to HPN complications in half of the cases. Catheter-related sepsis was the most frequent HPN-complication. Bone metabolism disorders, which seemed to be more common than liver diseases, were directly related to HPN duration. One-third of the HPN patients was regularly consuming analgesics or opiates. HPN impair complete rehabilitation status but may improve the status of patients who had a very low rehabilitation score before starting HPN. An interest of intestinal transplantation was noted in only 10% of medical teams and in 8% of HPN patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the largest European survey on long-term HPN patients with long standing or permanent intestinal failure. Data enlighten clinical, social and rehabilitation aspects of patients who could face the option of intestinal transplantation in the future.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Colonic CD8 and gamma delta T-cell infiltration with epithelial damage in children with autism.

OBJECTIVES: We have reported colitis with ileal lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (LNH) in children with regressive autism. The aims of this study were to characterize this lesion and determine whether LNH is specific for autism. METHODS: Ileo-colonoscopy was performed in 21 consecutively evaluated children with autistic spectrum disorders and bowel symptoms. Blinded comparison was made with 8 children with histologically normal ileum and colon, 10 developmentally normal children with ileal LNH, 15 with Crohn's disease, and 14 with ulcerative colitis. Immunohistochemistry was performed for cell lineage and functional markers, and histochemistry was performed for glycosaminoglycans and basement membrane thickness. RESULTS: Histology demonstrated lymphocytic colitis in the autistic children, less severe than classical inflammatory bowel disease. However, basement membrane thickness and mucosal gamma delta cell density were significantly increased above those of all other groups including patients with inflammatory bowel disease. CD8(+) density and intraepithelial lymphocyte numbers were higher than those in the Crohn's disease, LNH, and normal control groups; and CD3 and plasma cell density and crypt proliferation were higher than those in normal and LNH control groups. Epithelial, but not lamina propria, glycosaminoglycans were disrupted. However, the epithelium was HLA-DR(-), suggesting a predominantly T(H)2 response. INTERPRETATION: Immunohistochemistry confirms a distinct lymphocytic colitis in autistic spectrum disorders in which the epithelium appears particularly affected. This is consistent with increasing evidence for gut epithelial dysfunction in autism.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Altered expression of the lymphocyte activation markers CD30 and CD27 in patients with pouchitis.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism underlying the development of ileal pouch inflammation in ulcerative colitis patients (pouchitis) after restorative proctocolectomy is unclear. Persistent systemic T cell activation or expansion of specific memory cell populations could predispose certain patients to develop local inflammation within the neo-rectum. Therefore, the aim was to study the expression of the lymphocyte activation markers CD27, CD30, CD25 and CD69 on the CD45RO+ memory cell subset of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), soluble CD30 levels and mucosal CD30 expression in patients with pouchitis and in controls. METHODS: Flow cytometry was performed on PBMC isolated from patients with pouchitis (n = 9), without pouchitis (n = 10) and normal controls (n = 9). Serum CD30 was measured in patients with pouchitis (n = 25), without pouchitis (n = 26) and normal controls (n = 20) by ELISA. CD30 expression was quantified in pouchitis (n = 15) and normal pouch (n = 15) mucosa using a three-stage immunoperoxidase method. RESULTS: Naive CD45RO-CD27+ PBMC were significantly decreased in pouchitis (25.6%) compared to normal controls (34.4%), (P = 0.03). CD30, CD25 and CD69 subsets did not differ between the groups. Serum CD30 was increased in pouchitis patients 58 (1-380) U/ml compared to non-pouchitis 16.5 (1-290) U/ml, P=0.007, and normal controls 11 (2-80) U/ml, P = 0.0005. In the mucosa, the numbers of CD30+ cells were increased in pouchitis compared to non-inflamed pouches (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Increased sCD30 in pouchitis is associated with elevated mucosal expression. Of the activation markers studied, only the circulating naïve CD27+ population differed in pouchitis patients compared with controls. The observed decrease in this cell type may reflect antigen priming and subsequent loss of CD27 implying that antigen driven activation of specific T cell subsets may occur in pouchitis.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Comparison of occupational exposure using three different methods: hygiene panel, job exposure matrix (JEM), and self reports.

This study was undertaken to compare the agreement of occupational exposure assessment by a panel of occupational hygienists with a job exposure matrix and self-reported exposures in a community-based case-control study. We also investigated the intra-rater reliability and degree of attenuation of the hypothetical odds ratio of the panel in retrospective chemical exposure assessment. A panel of three occupational hygienists was recruited to assess exposure to chemicals for 5,620 jobs. The agreement between the panel, a job exposure matrix (FINJEM), and the self-reported exposures was then assessed. A further 172 jobs were resubmitted to the panel to assess intra-rater reliability. The kappa for intra-rater reliability ranged from 0.60-0.71. The agreement between the panel and FINJEM ranged from 0.07 to 0.46 (for similar exposures), and agreement between the panel and among the self-reports ranged from 0.00 to 0.48. Agreement between hygienists when rating exposure to the same chemical ranged from 0.48 to 0.57. Based on these findings, the degree of exposure misclassification by the panel where the true odds ratio was 2 would result in the observed odds ratio ranging between 1.70 and 1.88. The results indicated good intra-rater reliability for the hygiene panel. However, the agreement among the panel, FINJEM, and self-reported exposures was found to be only poor to fair. The attenuation of the odds ratios due to exposure misclassification by the panel was variable and dependent upon the exposure.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Fine mapping of the chromosome 3p susceptibility locus in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Genetic predisposition for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been demonstrated by epidemiological and genetic linkage studies. Genetic linkage of IBD to chromosome 3 has been observed previously. A high density analysis of chromosome 3p was performed to confirm prior linkages and elucidate potential genetic associations. METHODS: Forty three microsatellite markers on chromosome 3 were genotyped in 353 affected sibling pairs of North European Caucasian extraction (average marker density 2 cM in the linkage interval). Marker order was defined by genetic and radiation hybrid techniques. RESULTS: The maximum single point logarithm of odds (LOD) score was observed for Crohn's disease at D3S3591. Peak multipoint LOD scores of 1.65 and 1.40 for the IBD phenotype were observed near D3S1304 (distal 3p) and near D3S1283 in the linkage region previously reported. Crohn's disease contributed predominantly to the linkage. The transmission disequilibrium test showed significant evidence of association (p=0.009) between allele 4 of D3S1076 and the IBD phenotype (51 transmitted v 28 non-transmitted). Two known polymorphisms in the CCR2 and CCR5 genes were analysed, neither of which showed significant association with IBD. Additional haplotype associations were observed in the vicinity of D3S1076. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides confirmatory linkage evidence for an IBD susceptibility locus on chromosome 3p and suggests that CCR2 and CCR5 are unlikely to be major susceptibility loci for IBD. The association findings in this region warrant further investigation.

Alleles↗

PubMed2001

Interleukin 10 (Tenovil) in the prevention of postoperative recurrence of Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: New lesions of Crohn's disease occur early after ileal or ileocolonic resection and ileocolonic anastomosis. We performed a double blind controlled trial to evaluate the safety and tolerance of recombinant human interleukin 10 (IL-10; Tenovil) in subjects operated on for Crohn's disease. We also assessed the effect of Tenovil in preventing endoscopic recurrence 12 weeks after surgery. METHODS: Patients with Crohn's disease who underwent curative ileal or ileocolonic resection and primary anastomosis were randomised within two weeks after surgery to receive subcutaneous Tenovil 4 microg/kg once daily (QD) (n=22) or 8 microg/kg twice weekly (TIW) (n=21), or placebo (QD or TIW) (n=22). An ileocolonoscopy was performed after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Compliance was excellent. The most frequently observed adverse events were mild and moderate in severity and equally distributed across treatment groups. Thirty seven patients in the pooled Tenovil group and 21 patients in the pooled placebo group were evaluable by endoscopy. At 12 weeks, 11 of 21 patients (52%) in the placebo group had recurrent lesions compared with 17 of 37 patients (46%) in the Tenovil group (ns). The incidence of severe endoscopic recurrence was similar in both groups (9%). CONCLUSION: Tenovil treatment for 12 consecutive weeks in patients with Crohn's disease after intestinal resection was safe and well tolerated. No evidence of prevention of endoscopic recurrence of Crohn's disease by Tenovil was observed.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Spatially restricted activity of a Drosophila lipid phosphatase guides migrating germ cells.

Temporal and spatial controls of cell migration are crucial during normal development and in disease. Our understanding, though, of the mechanisms that guide cells along a specific migratory path remains largely unclear. We have identified wunen 2 as a repellant for migrating primordial germ cells. We show that wunen 2 maps next to and acts redundantly with the previously characterized gene wunen, and that known wunen mutants affect both transcripts. Both genes encode Drosophila homologs of mammalian phosphatidic acid phosphatase. Our work demonstrates that the catalytic residues of Wunen 2 are necessary for its repellant effect and that it can affect germ cell survival. We propose that spatially restricted phospholipid hydrolysis creates a gradient of signal necessary and specific for the migration and survival of germ cells.

Acid Phosphatase↗

PubMed2001

Critique of a protocol for annual review of older people with diabetes.

In this article we present a critical evaluation of the development of a protocol to support district nurses in the domiciliary annual review of older people with diabetes. We discuss the protocol's development, identifying its limitations and making recommendations for its use. We conclude that although the protocol is a useful starting point its validity is challenged by a lack of primary research regarding the care of older people with diabetes. More work is needed to identify appropriate remedial therapy following the annual review. The health education component also requires development to better reflect the different needs of older people.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2000

Interventions for shoulder pain.

OBJECTIVES: To review the efficacy of common interventions for shoulder pain. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Group trials register, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Medline, Embase, Cinahl, and Science Citation Index) up to May 1998, and hand searched major textbooks, bibliographies of relevant literature, the fugitive literature, and the subject indices of relevant journals including: American College of Rheumatology;British College of Rheumatologists; the Biennial Conference of the Manipulative Physiotherapy Association of Australia;International Federation of Manual Therapists conference proceedings; British Orthopaedic Association;and American Orthopaedic Association. SELECTION CRITERIA: Each identified study was assessed for possible inclusion by two independent reviewers based on the blinded methods sections. The determinants for inclusion were that the trial include an intervention of interest (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular or subacromial glucocorticosteroid injection, oral glucocorticosteroid treatment, physiotherapy, manipulation under anaesthesia, hydrodilatation, or surgery); that treatment allocation was randomized; and that the outcome assessment was blinded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Methodological quality was assessed by two independent, blinded reviewers. Data relating to selection criteria, outcome measurement and treatment effect was extracted from the blinded trials. Range of motion scores were entered as degrees of restriction to movement, and all pain and overall effect scores were transformed to 100 point scales. For continuous outcome measures, where standard deviation was not reported it was either calculated from the raw data or converted from standard error of the mean. If neither of these were reported, authors were contacted in an effort to obtain the missing values. Effect sizes were calculated and combined in a pooled analysis if study population, endpoint and intervention were comparable. MAIN RESULTS: Thirty one trials met inclusion criteria. Mean methodological quality score was 16.8 (9.5 - 22) out of possible score of 40. Selection criteria varied widely even for the same diagnostic label. There was no uniformity in outcome measures used and their measurement properties were rarely reported. Effect sizes for individual trials were small (-1.4 to 3. 0). The results of only three studies investigating rotator cuff tendonitis could be pooled. Benefit of subacromial steroid injection over placebo for improving range of abduction (weighted difference between means (WMD) 35 degrees, 95% CI 14 to 55) was the only positive finding. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is little evidence to support or refute the efficacy of common interventions for shoulder pain. As well as, the need for further well designed clinical trials, more research is needed to establish a uniform method of defining shoulder disorders and developing outcome measures which are valid, reliable and responsive in these study populations.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

Comparison and reproducibility of fast and conventional spoiled gradient-echo magnetic resonance sequences in the determination of knee cartilage volume.

Quantitation of articular cartilage by magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction has been validated and is likely to be a useful outcome measure in clinical trials of arthritis. The cost of magnetic resonance imaging is largely dependent on scanning time. The aim of this study was to compare a fast spoiled gradient-echo sequence magnetic resonance imaging scanning protocol, which takes 5 minutes and 44 seconds, with the standard, previously validated spoiled gradient-echo sequence protocol, which takes 11 minutes and 56 seconds, in the measurement of knee cartilage volume. Cartilage volumes calculated from the standard and fast magnetic resonance imaging sequences were similar. The median absolute percentage overestimation or underestimation of the cartilage volume with the fast sequence for 10 normal subjects was 2.5, 4.1, and 3.2% for patellar, femoral, and tibial cartilage, respectively. For eight subjects with osteoarthritis, the percentages were 4.3 and 3.9% for femoral and tibial cartilage, respectively. The fast spoiled gradient-echo sequence protocol had very high intra-rater and inter-rater reproducibility in normal subjects and in those with osteoarthritis. Because the cost of magnetic resonance imaging scanning is largely determined by scan time, the faster scanning protocol means that the cost of estimates of knee cartilage volume can be significantly reduced, thus increasing the feasibility of this methodology.

Adult↗