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Thoracic gas volume measurements in paralyzed mice.

We have previously measured thoracic gas volume (VTG) in spontaneously breathing mice using a whole body plethysmograph and have now extended our technique to allow for V(TG) measurements during paralysis. BALB/c mice were anesthetized and placed in a body-box and ventilated via a tracheostomy cannula through the box wall. Box pressure (Pb) and tracheal pressure (Pao) were measured during spontaneous breathing, and again after paralysis while mechanically compressing the chest. V(TG) was much larger after paralysis (0.49+/-0.06 ml, positive end-expiratory pressure = 2 cmH2O) when compared with spontaneous breathing (0.31+/-0.01 ml). External chest compression produced looping in the plots of Pb versus Pao that was attributable to gradual changes in Pb upon release of the mechanical chest compression and had the character of thermal transients. Under the assumption that the rate of heating of the air in the chamber was proportional to the pressure applied to the animal's chest, and that any increase in air temperature was dissipated by heat absorption by the chamber walls, we developed an algorithm that corrected for the thermal events. This yielded similar results for V(TG) (0.30+/-0.02 ml) as obtained during spontaneous efforts. Our method may prove particularly useful when paralysis is required for the precise measurement of lung mechanics.

Animals↗

Computerized detection of colorectal masses in CT colonography based on fuzzy merging and wall-thickening analysis.

In recent years, several computer-aided detection (CAD) schemes have been developed for the detection of polyps in CT colonography (CTC). However, few studies have addressed the problem of computerized detection of colorectal masses in CTC. This is mostly because masses are considered to be well visualized by a radiologist because of their size and invasiveness. Nevertheless, the automated detection of masses would naturally complement the automated detection of polyps in CTC and would produce a more comprehensive computer aid to radiologists. Therefore, in this study, we identified some of the problems involved with the computerized detection of masses, and we developed a scheme for the computerized detection of masses that can be integrated into a CAD scheme for the detection of polyps. The performance of the mass detection scheme was evaluated by application to clinical CTC data sets. CTC was performed on 82 patients with helical CT scanners and reconstruction intervals of 1.0-5.0 mm in the supine and prone positions. Fourteen patients (17%) had a total of 14 masses of 30-50 mm, and sixteen patients (20%) had a total of 30 polyps 5-25 mm in diameter. Four patients had both polyps and masses. Fifty-six of the patients (68%) were normal. The CTC data were interpolated linearly to yield isotropic data sets, and the colon was extracted by use of a knowledge-guided segmentation technique. Two methods, fuzzy merging and wall-thickening analysis, were developed for the detection of masses. The fuzzy merging method detected masses with a significant intraluminal component by separating the initial CAD detections of locally cap-like shapes within the colonic wall into mass candidates and polyp candidates. The wall-thickening analysis detected nonintraluminal masses by searching the colonic wall for abnormal thickening. The final regions of the mass candidates were extracted by use of a level set method based on a fast marching algorithm. False-positive (FP) detections were reduced by a quadratic discriminant classifier. The performance of the scheme was evaluated by use of a leave-one-out (round-robin) method with by-patient elimination. All but one of the 14 masses, which was partially cut off from the CTC data set in both supine and prone positions, were detected. The fuzzy merging method detected 11 of the masses, and the wall-thickening analysis detected 3 of the masses including all nonintraluminal masses. In combination, the two methods detected 13 of the 14 masses with 0.21 FPs per patient on average based on the leave-one-out evaluation. Most FPs were generated by extrinsic compression of the colonic wall that would be recognized easily and quickly by a radiologist. The mass detection methods did not affect the result of the polyp detection. The results indicate that the scheme is potentially useful in providing a high-performance CAD scheme for the detection of colorectal neoplasms in CTC.

Algorithms↗

Bone mineral density and vertebral compression fracture rates in ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between disease severity and bone density as well as vertebral fracture risk in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: Measurements were taken for bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral fracture rates in 87 patients with AS. BMD was measured at the hip (femoral neck -FN), lumbar spine (L1-L4-LS) and for the whole body using a hologic-QDR-1000/W absorptiometer. An algorithm based on normal female ranges of vertebral heights was used to define a fracture as occurring when two vertebral ratios were each three standard deviations below the calculated mean of the controls. RESULTS: Patients with AS had significantly lower FN-BMD in proportion to disease severity (based on a Schober index) and disease duration. LS-BMD was also reduced in early disease, but in patients with advanced AS it had increased considerably. Nine vertebral fractures (10.3%) were identified which was considerably higher than expected when compared with a fracture of 1.9% in a control population of 1035 females of a similar age range. Patients with AS with fractures were significantly older, more likely to be male, had longer disease duration and more advanced spinal limitation with less mobility. There was no significant reduction in lumbar spine or femoral neck bone density in the fracture group. CONCLUSIONS: Vertebral fractures that result from osteoporosis are a feature of longstanding AS. BMD used as a measure of osteoporosis of the spine in advanced AS is unreliable probably as a result of syndesmophyte formation and does not predict the risk of vertebral fracture. Alternative sites such as the neck of the femur should be used for sequential assessment of BMD in AS.

Adult↗

[Anterior cervical corpectomy in the treatment of multilevel degenerative stenoses with spondylotic myelopathy. Personal experience with therapy and a literature review].

The authors use as a basis experience with a group of 389 patients operated in 1989-1997 on account of degenerative diseases of the cervical spine with neurological manifestations. The results are compared with experience assembled in 1998-1999. In the new group (188 patients with the same diagnosis) the same indication criteria were used but in case of myelopathy associated with multisegmetal cervical stenosis not only multilevel discectomy was performed (as in the previous group) but in addition also 1-3 segmental corpectomy (somatectomy). The results were evaluated separately for both methods used. The authors emphasize the necessity of a radical approach during decompression of neurological structures incl. removal of uncovertebral osteophytes which must be combined with suitable stabilization of the fusions or possibly be supported by instrumentation. In the discussion the authors illustrate in the form of a review the development of anterior cervical corpectomy as one of the methods of an anterior approach to the cervical spine used at first in traumatic and oncological conditions, later extended to operations on account of degenerative, dysplastic conditions and other diseases. The authors wish to help to define criteria for application of corpectomy when treating stenoses of the spinal canal in the cervical region. The indication will be defined in a perspectively followed up group where a detailed clinical and electrophysiological algorithm for examination was submitted as well as postoperative follow-up and processing of the resulting data.

Bone Transplantation↗

[Guidelines for the diagnostics of deep pelvic/lower limb vein thrombosis].

As a result of availability and failing invasiveness the technique of compression sonography led to a change in the indication of thrombosis examination - from the proof of thrombosis shown by phlebography to exclusion of thrombosis by ultrasound. Compression sonography showed the same sensitivity and specificity as phlebography for proximal limb thrombosis and reaches high safety due to actual treatment studies in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. For the distal limb the compression sonography has provided > 90 % specificity, with an examinator dependent sensitivity of 50 to 95 %, and hence examination of the distal limb must be recommended. These guidelines for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis are recommendations by the Section of Vascular Ultrasound of DEGUM for examination technique and documentation. It also contains an algorithm of diagnosis for thrombosis as a result of the actual treatment studies.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Treatment of ventricular fibrillation during anaesthesia in an anaesthesia simulator.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate treatment of ventricular fibrillation (VF) occurring during anaesthesia and the use of a full-scale simulator, 80 anaesthetists in teams of two were attending a training session in the simulator Sophus. METHODS: The sessions were recorded on videotape and reviewed with the anaesthetists afterwards. Time of treatment and the sequence were registered. RESULTS: Onset time for VF was the starting point. Most of the subjects changed respiratory settings. Four teams did not change inspiratory oxygen and 17 teams did not turn off the vaporiser. Cardiac compression was initiated by all teams. DC-defibrillation was not used by two teams, with 38 of 40 teams defibrillating once, 37 twice and 29 teams three times. Adrenaline was administered by 30 of 40 teams. CONCLUSION: There was very little consistency among the teams regarding treatment for VF according to accepted algorithms. An anaesthesia simulator could be a tool for training and it is a safe way of demonstrating for the anaesthetist that certain treatment algorithms and behaviour during critical incidents are the most effective.

Anesthesia↗

[Temporary vena cava filters for prevention of pulmonary embolism].

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious complication in deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and the prevention of PE is a major target of treatment. Vena cava filters (VCF) can be inserted, and the temporary type and retrievable type of VCF have appeared in recent years in addition to permanent models. These have introduced new criteria for VCF insertion and changes in the algorithm for the treatment of PE. Among cases traditionally calling for permanent VCF, those requiring prevention of PE, especially in the early stage, are suitable for temporary VCF insertion. These include floating thrombi in the acute DVT phase, the perioperative period of thrombectomy or endovascular treatment for DVT, surgery for an abdominal mass compressing the vena cava or iliac veins, and secondary prophylaxis in the early stage of PE. High-risk patients such as parturient cases with DVT and those with multiple traumatic injuries should also be considered. However, there is little evidence concerning temporary VCF, and further investigations are necessary on insertion methods and indications.

Humans↗

[New methods of X-ray surgical diagnosis and treatment of varicocele in children and adolescents].

The authors studied 520 patients with left-sided varicocele by left-sided phleborenotesticulography of Doppler ultrasonography, tensiometry of the left renotesticular venous system, blood gas composition, hormonal parameters, and etc. They present rationale for and evidence illustrations of aortomesenteric compression of the left renal vein, left-sided phleborenal hypertension prior to and after surgery for endovascular occlusion of the left testicular vein, before and following intervenous proximal testiculoiliac venous bypass surgery. The data of andrological dysfunction in patients with varicosis of the pampiniform plexus and spermatic cord (varicocele) are presented. An algorithm of examination and treatment of this cohort of patients, by using both miniinvasive techniques (for X-ray endovascular occlusion of the temporal veins under local anesthesia) and high tech operations using microsurgical techniques (testiculoiliac venous anastomosis), is outlined.

Adolescent↗

A molecular spring for vision.

Light absorption by the visual pigment rhodopsin leads to vision via a complex signal transduction pathway that is initiated by the ultrafast and highly efficient photoreaction of its chromophore, the retinal protonated Schiff base (RPSB). Here, we investigate this reaction in real time by means of unrestrained molecular dynamics simulations of the protein in a membrane mimetic environment, treating the chromophore at the density functional theory level. We demonstrate that a highly strained all-trans RPSB is formed starting from the 11-cis configuration (dark state) within approximately 100 fs by a minor rearrangement of the nuclei under preservation of the saltbridge with Glu113 and virtually no deformation of the binding pocket. Hence, the initial step of vision can be understood as the compression of a molecular spring by a minor change of the nuclear coordinates. This spring can then release its strain by altering the protein environment.

Algorithms↗

Diagnostic approaches to suspected deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

The present paper aims at reviewing our present knowledge on the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with a particular emphasis on clinically suspected outpatients. The various contemporary diagnostic tools (including clinical probability assessment, fibrin D-Dimer measurement, venous compression ultrasonography, ventilation/perfusion lung scintigraphy, helical CT scan, and echocardiography) are presented and rational sequential strategies are discussed in their various aspects, including validation in outcome studies, and cost-effectiveness analyses.

Algorithms↗

Effects of prolonged surface pressure on the skin blood flowmotions in anaesthetized rats--an assessment by spectral analysis of laser Doppler flowmetry signals.

The objective of this study is to assess the effect of prolonged surface compression on the skin blood flowmotion in rats using spectral analysis based on wavelets transform of the periodic oscillations of the cutaneous laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) signal. An external pressure of 13.3 kPa (100 mmHg) was applied to the trochanter area and the distal lateral tibia of Sprague-Dawley rats via two specifically designed pneumatic indentors. The loading duration was 6 hours/day for 4 consecutive days. Five frequency intervals were identified (0.01-0.04 Hz, 0.04-0.15 Hz, 0.15-0.4 Hz, 0.4-2 Hz and 2-5 Hz) corresponding to endothelial related metabolic, neurogenic, myogenic, respiratory and cardiac origins. The absolute amplitude of oscillations of each particular frequency interval and the normalized amplitude were calculated for quantitative assessments. The results showed that (1) tissue compression following the above schedule induced significant decrease in the normalized amplitude in the frequency interval of 0.01-0.04 Hz both in the trochanter area (p < 0.001) and tibialis area (p = 0.023), (2) prolonged compression induced significant increase in the absolute amplitude (p = 0.004 for the trochanter area and p = 0.017 for the tibialis area) but significant decrease in the normalized amplitude (p = 0.023 for the trochanter area and p = 0.026 for the tibialis area) in the frequency interval of 0.15-0.4 Hz, and (3) at the tibialis area, the flowmotion amplitude (frequency interval 0.15-0.4 Hz) measured prior to the daily tissue compression schedule was found to be significantly higher on day 4 than the measurements obtained on day 1. However, this finding was not observed at the trochanter area. Our results suggested that prolonged compression might induce endothelial damage and affect the endothelial related metabolic activities.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Elastographic dynamic range expansion using variable applied strains.

In elastography, we want to image the entire range of stiffnesses of the elastic components found in inhomogeneous tissues. In order to achieve this, the elastographic dynamic range should equal the entire stiffness dynamic range in the target. Various sources of noise limit the dynamic range of elastography. The recently-defined strain filter concept offers an analytical and graphical way of observing these limitations. In this paper, we describe a method that achieves the expansion of the elastographic dynamic range. It involves the application of variable strains in combination with selective storage of strain data that have optimal elastographic signal-to-noise ratios. This expands the current dynamic range of elastography by orders of magnitude when compared to single compression elastography. The process is explained theoretically using the strain filter framework, and 1 D as well as 2D tissue simulations are used to corroborate the theory.

Algorithms↗

Development and evaluation of a procedure for fitting multi-channel compression hearing aids.

Hearing aids with multi-channel compression are often fitted on the basis of loudness scaling data obtained using narrow bands of noise or tones. Here, we report the development and evaluation of an alternative fitting procedure based on the use of speech signals. The parameters of the hearing aid (the gains in each channel for high and low input levels) are adjusted adaptively under computer control on the basis of the listener's responses. The goal is that speech at 85 dB SPL should be judged as 'loud', speech at 60 dB SPL should be judged as 'quiet', and speech at both levels should be judged as 'neither tinny nor boomy'. The procedure was evaluated using a two-channel compression hearing aid, the remote control of which allowed two programs to be stored. One program was based on our fitting procedure. The other was either based on the manufacturer's recommended full fitting procedure (which included loudness scaling with bands of noise), or was based on the audiogram alone, using the manufacturer's algorithm. After an acclimatization period of at least two weeks, subjects were then asked to fill in a questionnaire about their experiences with the two programs in different listening situations. The results generally indicated a preference for the program based on our adaptive fitting procedure. We also conducted laboratory measurements of speech intelligibility, in quiet and in a background of a single competing talker. These showed no clear difference between programs, although scores overall were very high. We conclude that our adaptive procedure gives very satisfactory results in everyday life. Parameter values giving good comfort also give good intelligibility. The procedure typically takes between five and 10 minutes per ear, which is quicker than most loudness scaling procedures.

Hearing Aids↗

Ultrasonographic screening before hospital discharge for deep venous thrombosis after arthroplasty: the post-arthroplasty screening study. A randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis that develops after joint arthroplasty and the value of screening tests to detect thrombi are uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To determine 1) the rate of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism occurring after hospitalization for joint arthroplasty and 2) the value of screening compression ultrasonography. DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: 1024 patients undergoing elective total hip or knee arthroplasty who received warfarin prophylaxis. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned to undergo either bilateral compression ultrasonography or a sham procedure before hospital discharge. Patients with a diagnosis of asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis were treated after discharge with standard anticoagulant therapy; other patients had warfarin therapy discontinued at discharge. All patients were followed for 90 days. RESULTS: In the screening group, asymptomatic proximal deep venous thrombosis was detected in 13 of 518 patients (2.5%). Another 4 patients subsequently developed symptomatic proximal deep venous thrombosis, and 1 patient treated for asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis developed major bleeding, for a total outcome event rate of 1.0% (5 of 518 patients). In the placebo group, 3 patients developed symptomatic proximal deep venous thrombosis and 2 had nonfatal pulmonary embolism, for a total event rate of 1.0% (5 of 506 patients) (difference, 0 percentage points [95% CI, -1.2 to 1.2 percentage points]). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty, the use of warfarin prophylaxis during hospitalization results in a very low rate of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism after hospital discharge. The use of screening compression ultrasonography at hospital discharge does not seem to be justified in this setting.

Algorithms↗

Diagnostic imaging of lower limb deep venous thrombosis.

Lower limb deep venous thrombosis is a common clinical disorder that can lead to fatal pulmonary emboli and postphlebitic syndrome. The clinical evaluation for deep venous thrombosis has been found to be useful in nonhospitalized patients, but a low-cost, easily available technique to confirm the presence of lower limp thrombi is still needed. Doppler ultrasound examination with compression has emerged as the diagnostic imaging study of choice for most patients. Contrast venography, magnetic resonance imaging or radionuclide scintigraphy may be useful in selected patients.

Algorithms↗

Advanced cardiac life support: update on recent guidelines and a look at the future.

The objectives of this article are to provide an update of the American Heart Association (AHA) 1992 National Conference guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiac care and to review the investigation and development of new methods of CPR which may be considered in future recommendations. Despite an organized approach to sudden cardiac arrest, survival in patients receiving CPR is in the range of 5-15%. The new AHA guidelines recommend standard manual CPR performed at a rate of 80-100 compressions/min and organized algorithms of advanced cardiac life support. These guidelines stress widespread community training and rapid response in the following sequence: (1) recognition of early warning signs, (2) activation of the emergency medical system (EMS), (3) basic CPR, (4) early defibrillation, (5) intubation, and (6) intravenous medication. Several new recommendations pertain specifically to in-hospital care and are, therefore, particularly relevant to physician management of cardiac arrest. The best predictor of survival in patients requiring circulatory support after cardiac arrest is attainable coronary and cerebral perfusion. Unfortunately, the minimal levels of end-organ perfusion required to sustain life are often difficult or impossible to achieve with standard manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation and several new techniques have therefore been introduced. The most promising of these techniques are (1) interposed abdominal compression, (2) pneumatic vest, and (3) active compression-decompression resuscitation. Each of these techniques offers unique advantages when compared with standard manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The 1992 National Conference recommendations provide a rational framework for the resuscitation of cardiac arrest victims. New methods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation are now available and investigation into these methods continues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Algorithms↗

Clarification of the mechanical behaviour of spinal motion segments through a three-dimensional poroelastic mixed finite element model.

The purpose of this study is to clarify the mechanical behaviour of spinal motion segments through a proper numerical model. The model constructed can give correct information and provide medical fields with valuable guidance in solving clinical problems occurring in the spine. A three-dimensional poroelastic finite element model of spinal motion segments is constructed and a mixed formulation is introduced. The geometry of the model is automatically formed from a series of CT-scanning images. Vertebral column, intervertebral joint, facet joints and ligaments are all included in the model. The contact surface of facet joints is considered as the inclined boundary. Such inclination is imposed when the contact surface is under compression. Ligaments surrounding the vertebral body and the intervertebral disc are put into the model when they are under tension. Iteration is implemented in the computing process to meet such boundary characteristics of facet joints and ligaments. Prediction of the mechanical behaviour in the segment under long term creep loading, is demonstrated using the current algorithm. Results show that the model and corresponding numerical procedures developed here can simulate the mechanical behaviour of the spinal motion segments properly.

Algorithms↗

Modeling of facet articulation as a nonlinear moving contact problem: sensitivity study on lumbar facet response.

A finite element (FE) based scheme for modeling facet articulation in a spinal motion segment is proposed. The algorithm presented models the facet articulation as a nonlinear progressive contact problem. This algorithm is used to perform a nonlinear FE analysis of a complete L3-L4 motion segment. The role of facets in load transmission through a motion segment and its sensitivity to facet geometric parameters (i.e., spatial orientation of the facets and the gap between the facet articular surfaces) on this load transmission are studied. Compression, flexion, extension, and torsion loads are used in this study. The effect of facetectomy on gross segment response and disk fiber strains is studied by comparing the response of FE models of motion segment with and without facets. Large facet loads are obtained when the motion segment is subjected to torsional and large extension rotations, whereas minimal facet loads are observed under compression and flexion loading. Removal of facets reduces the segment stiffness considerably in torsion and results in higher strain levels in disk fibers. The facet load transmission is sensitive to facet geometric parameters, i.e., spatial orientation and initial facet joint gap. The facet loads increase uniformly with decrease in initial gap between the facet articular surfaces under compression, extension, and torsional loads. The sensitivity to spatial orientation angles of the facet is, however, found to vary with the type of loading. This sensitivity may account for the wide variation in the facet response reported in literature.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗