Quality assessment and assurance in diagnostic imaging. Theoretical and practical considerations and a quality audit of the excretory urogram

Concepts necessary to an understanding of the basics of quality assurance audits are presented. Included are specific examples that bridged theory and practice by applying the protocol to a real-life diagnostic imaging situation. This method meets the present requirements of the Joint Commission of the Accrediation of Hospitals.     

Illusory correlation for body type and happiness: covariation bias and its relationship to eating disorder symptoms

OBJECTIVE: The current study investigates covariation bias (illusory correlation) in the perceived association between happiness and body type, as well as the association between covariation bias and eating disorder symptoms. METHOD: Undergraduate women (n = 186) rated pictures of women on a variety of attributes, including happiness, degree of overweight, and attractiveness. Later, they were asked to judge the level of covariation between these attributes that was present in the stimuli that they had rated. Participants also completed the Eating Disorder Examination-Self-Report Questionnaire (EDE-Q). RESULTS: Participants reported that there was a negative association between weight and happiness in the stimuli that they had rated, even though the true correlation in the data was zero. This covariation bias was stronger among participants with higher levels of eating disorder symptoms. DISCUSSION: The results suggest a cognitive bias that may play a role in maintaining and enhancing concerns about shape and weight in symptomatic women.     

A photometric study of the color of health gingiva.

An apparatus was developed that was found suitable for measuring gingival color in terms of reflectance at 6328 A. A total of 445 readings were taken on 95 Caucasian subjects in order to determine certain properties of healthy gingival color. It was determined that: 1. Healthy adult gingival color ranged in reflectance from 17% to 45% of the magnesium oxide standard, with a mean of 32%. 2. Gingival color of children was lighter than that of adults. The reflectance of children's gingiva ranged from 31% to 43%, with a mean of 35%. 3. Gingival color did not vary with the sex of the individual. 4. Gingival color was lighter in individuals with blonde hair than in individuals with brown hair. 5. Gingival color was darker in individuals with darker eye color. 6. Gingival color was lighter in individuals with geographic origins that are commonly related to lighter complexions. 7. Gingival color did not vary with age, within the adult range covered in this study. 8. Gingival color did not vary with the following physiological and physical factors: menstrual period, use of oral contraceptives, smoking habits, moistness or dryness of the gingiva, which side was measured, time of day, or time after toothbrushing, smoking a cigarette, eating an apple, or drinking a hot beverage.     

Colon perforation following percutaneous nephrostomy and renal calculus removal

Two patients had colonic perforation as a result of percutaneous nephrostomy placement followed by track dilatation and renal calculus removal. We present the technical aspects of nephrostomy placement and stone removal, as well as the clinical diagnosis and management of these cases. Both patients recovered well with conservative therapy and required no surgical intervention. This report reviews the anatomic considerations for percutaneous nephrostomy in patients undergoing renal stone removal.