Lateral Patellar Inclination Angle Measured via a Two-Image Technique on Axial Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Author(s):  
James Lee Pace ◽  
Sheeba M. Joseph ◽  
Christopher Cheng ◽  
Matthew J. Solomito

AbstractLateral patellar inclination (LPI) measures patellar tilt and is historically described on axial X-ray or a single magnetic resonance image (MRI). Given the variability in patellar height, LPI may be better represented by performing this measurement on two separate axial MRI images. We hypothesized that a two-image LPI measurement would be different from the current single-image LPI and have similar, if not superior reliability. Sixty-five patients treated for patellar instability (PI) between 2014 and 2017 were identified. Single image and two-image LPI were measured on axial MRI images. All measurements were performed by two independent observers. Reliability analysis was based on three observers' measurements of 30 randomly selected patients. Both the one image and two image LPI showed good inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.71 and 0.89, respectively), although the two image LPI had less variability. Both single image and two image LPI had near perfect intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.98 and 0.98, respectively). Average single image LPI (14.6 ± 9.9 degrees) was 6.1 ± 3.4 degrees less than the average two image LPI (19.6 ± 9.4 degrees) (p = 0.037). Referencing a previously described 13.5 degrees maximum threshold, 54% of the patients had excessive patellar tilt based on single image LPI, while 73% had pathologic patellar tilt based on two image LPI. Two image LPI has similar reliability with less inter-rater variability compared with the historical single image LPI measurement. Significantly greater patellar tilt was identified with two image LPI that was found with single image LPI. A larger percentage of patients were classified as having pathologic patellar tilt based on two image LPI than single image LPI. The two image LPI provides more consistent and representative measurements of patellar tilt. Previously described threshold values for patellar tilt should be re-examined using this new measurement technique to appropriately risk stratify patients with PI and patellofemoral pain.

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 232596712095841
Author(s):  
Sheeba M. Joseph ◽  
Chris Cheng ◽  
Matthew J. Solomito ◽  
J. Lee Pace

Background: Trochlear dysplasia (TD) is a risk factor for patellar instability (PI). The Dejour classification categorizes TD but has suboptimal reliability. Lateral trochlear inclination (LTI) is a quantitative measurement of trochlear dysplasia on a single axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Hypothesis: A modified LTI measurement technique using 2 different axial MRI scans that reference the most proximal aspect of the trochlear cartilage on 1 image and the fully formed posterior condyles on the second image would be as reliable as and significantly different from the single-image measurement technique for LTI. Further, the 2-image LTI would adequately represent overall proximal trochlear morphologic characteristics. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients aged 9 to 18 years treated for PI between 2014 and 2017 were identified. The Dejour classification was radiographically determined. Single-image LTI was measured on a single axial MRI scan at the most proximal aspect of visible trochlear cartilage. A 2-image LTI was measured from 2 separate MRI scans: 1 at the most proximal aspect of trochlear cartilage and the second at the fully formed posterior condyles. This 2-image LTI was repeated at 3 subsequent levels (the first measurement is referred to as LTI-1; repeated measurements are LTI-2, LTI-3, and LTI-4, moving distally). In total, 65 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 30 were randomly selected for reliability analysis. Results: Inter- and intrarater reliability trended toward more variability for single-image LTI (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], 0.86 and 0.88, respectively) than for 2-image LTI (ICC, 0.97 and 0.96, respectively). The Dejour classification had lower intra- and interrater reliability (ICC, 0.31 and 0.73, respectively). Average single-image LTI (9.2° ± 12.6°) was greater than average 2-image LTI-1 (4.2° SD ± 11.9°) ( P = .0125). Single-image LTI classified 60% of patients with PI as having TD, whereas the 2-image LTI classified 71% as having TD. The 2-image LTI was able to capture 91% of overall proximal trochlear morphologic characteristics. Conclusion: LTI has higher reliability when performed using a 2-image measurement technique compared with single-image LTI and Dejour classification. The strong correlation between 2-image LTI and average LTI shows that 91% of TD is represented on the most proximal axial image. Because the single-image measurement appears to underestimate dysplasia, previously described thresholds should be reexamined using this 2-image technique to appropriately characterize TD.


2012 ◽  
Vol 170-173 ◽  
pp. 3444-3448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Jun Wei ◽  
Hai Bin Li ◽  
Cheng Wan

This study focuses on the threshold segmentation algorithm to obtain the real microstructure of asphalt concrete based on digital image technique, the perlite powder which was a kind of low-density material was put in the asphalt concrete to enhance the density contrast, three different specimens in which added different contents of perlite powder were compacted, and then the asphalt concrete specimens were scanned using x-ray CT to capture the gray images that reflect the density differences of the three constituents such as aggregates, mastic and voids, the CT images were converted to be the histograms. Furthermore, the FCM (Fuzzy C-Means) was demonstrated that it could be utilized to choose proper threshold values and segment images exactly, according to the double peak conditions of the three different histograms, the double peak condition for AC-13 is the best among the three types, a similar double peak features between AK13 and SMA-13 were observed. The results shows that the different contents of perlite powder added in the asphalt concrete can form different double peaks. This is another new method to segment the three constituents of the asphalt concrete exactly.


2007 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 359-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clarissa de Rosalmeida Dantas ◽  
Cláudio Eduardo Muller Banzato

OBJECTIVES: The Schedule for the Assessment of Insight - Expanded Version consists of 11 items that encompass: awareness of having a mental illness, ability to rename psychotic phenomena as abnormal, and compliance with treatment. The objective of the study was to evaluate the inter-rater reliability and to study the factorial structure of the Brazilian version of the instrument. METHOD: The Brazilian version of the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight - Expanded Version was used for the assessment of insight of 109 psychotic inpatients, 60 of whom had the interview tape-recorded in order to be scored by an independent evaluator. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was adopted as the inter-rater reliability coefficient. In the factor analysis, principal components analysis and Varimax rotation were adopted. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability coefficients from good to excellent were found for the individual items of the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight - Expanded Version with ICC values ranging from 0.54 to 0.82. Regarding the total score, inter-rater reliability was excellent, with ICC = 0.90. A factorial structure similar to the one obtained by the original version of the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight - Expanded Version was found, with 3 factors accounting for 71.72% of variance. CONCLUSION: In the Brazilian context, the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight - Expanded Version presented good inter-rater reliability and factorial structure compatible to the insight dimensions that are intended to be evaluated.


Author(s):  
Sen Chai ◽  
Sanjiang Liu ◽  
Liang Huang ◽  
Yunxi Jiang ◽  
Jianhao Bi ◽  
...  

Abstract Tube trailers assembled with large capacity hoop-wrapped composite cylinder of steel liner (i.e., large capacity type 2 tube (LCT2T)) have shown an increasing trend in China. It is an urgent issue to detect nondestructively the defects of cuts, scratches and voids on the composite overwrap, and corrosion, cracks or other defects on the steel liner during their use and manufacturing processes. In this paper, the double-wall single-image technique of X-ray digital radiography (DR) method was studied for the typical defects on the LCT2T by making specimens of cracks and pitting corrosion on the steel liner, as well as cuts, scratches and void defects on the composite overwrap. The optimal penetration parameter was selected based on the identification of image quality indicators (IQI), and the detection sensitivity of the DR method for the typical defects on the LCT2T was obtained. The results showed that the above-mentioned artificial defects were effectively detected with double-wall single-image technique, and this technique had a higher detection sensitivity to longitudinal defects on the composite overwrap of the LCT2T than that to circumferential defects, as well as the detection sensitivity of steel liner defects was higher than that of composite overwrap defects.


Author(s):  
Blanca De-la-Cruz-Torres ◽  
Emmanuel Navarro-Flores ◽  
Daniel López-López ◽  
Carlos Romero-Morales

Background: the aim of this study was to compare the echotexture of patients with soleus muscle injury and age matched controls. Methods: a sample of 62 athletes was recruited at the private clinic and was divided in two group: a healthy group (n = 31) and a soleus pathology group whose athletes had soleus muscle injury, located in the central tendon (n = 31). The muscle thickness (MTh), echointensity (EI) and echovariation (EV) were analyzed. An intra-rater reliability test (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient-ICC) was performed in order to analyze the reliability of the values of the measurements. Results: Sociodemographic variables did not show statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Ultrasound imaging measurements who reported statistically significant differences were EI (p = 0.001) and standard deviation (SD) (p = 0.001). MTh and EV variables did not show statistically significant differences (p = 0.381 and p = 0.364, respectively). Moreover, reliability values for the MTh (ICC = 0.911), EI (ICC = 0.982), SD (ICC = 0.955) and EV (ICC = 0.963). Based on these results the intra-rater reliability was considered excellent. Conclusion: Athletes with a central tendon injury of soleus muscle showed a lower EI when they were compared to healthy athletes. The echogenicity showed by the quantitative ultrasound imaging measurement may be a more objective parameter for the diagnosis and follow-up the soleus muscle injuries.


2007 ◽  
Vol 60 ◽  
pp. 352-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Hunsche ◽  
Dieter Sauner ◽  
Mohammad Maarouf ◽  
Klaus Lackner ◽  
Volker Sturm ◽  
...  

Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 570
Author(s):  
Olga Sánchez ◽  
Manuel Hernández-Vélez

ZnOTe compounds were grown by DC magnetron cosputtering from pure Tellurium (Te) and Zinc (Zn) cathodes in O2/Ar atmosphere. The applied power on the Zn target was constant equal to 100 W, while the one applied on the Te target took two values, i.e., 5 W and 10 W. Thus, two sample series were obtained in which the variable parameter was the distance from the Te targets to the substrate. Sample compositions were determined by Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS) experiments. Structural analysis was done using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) spectrometry and the growth of the hexagonal w-ZnO phase was identified in the XRD spectra. RBS results showed high bulk homogeneity of the samples forming ZnOTe alloys, with variable Te molar fraction (MF) ranging from 0.48–0.6% and from 1.9–3.1% for the sample series obtained at 5 W and 10 W, respectively. The results reflect great differences between the two sample series, particularly from the structural and optical point of view. These experiments point to the possibility of Te doping ZnO with the permanence of intrinsic defects, as well as the possibility of the formation of other Te solid phases when its content increases. The results and appreciable variations in the band gap transitions were detected from Photoluminescence (PL) measurements.


Author(s):  
Aida Carballo-Fazanes ◽  
Ezequiel Rey ◽  
Nadia C. Valentini ◽  
José E. Rodríguez-Fernández ◽  
Cristina Varela-Casal ◽  
...  

The Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) is one of the most common tools for assessing the fundamental movement skills (FMS) in children between 3 and 10 years. This study aimed to examine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the TGMD—3rd Edition (TGMD-3) between expert and novice raters using live and video assessment. Five raters [2 experts and 3 novices (one of them BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science)] assessed and scored the performance of the TGMD-3 of 25 healthy children [Female: 60%; mean (standard deviation) age 9.16 (1.31)]. Schoolchildren were attending at one public elementary school during the academic year 2019–2020 from Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Raters scored each children performance through two viewing moods (live and slow-motion). The ICC (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient) was used to determine the agreement between raters. Our results showed moderate-to-excellent intra-rater reliability for overall score and locomotor and ball skills subscales; moderate-to-good inter-rater reliability for overall and ball skills; and poor-to-good for locomotor subscale. Higher intra-rater reliability was achieved by the expert raters and novice rater with physical education background compared to novice raters. However, the inter-rater reliability was more variable in all the raters regardless of their experience or background. No significant differences in reliability were found when comparing live and video assessments. For clinical practice, it would be recommended that raters reach an agreement before the assessment to avoid subjective interpretations that might distort the results.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1362
Author(s):  
Joao Augusto Oshiro ◽  
Angelo Lusuardi ◽  
Elena M. Beamud ◽  
Leila Aparecida Chiavacci ◽  
M. Teresa Cuberes

Ureasil-Poly(ethylene oxide) (ureasil-PEO500) and ureasil-Poly(propylene oxide) (u-PPO400) films, unloaded and loaded with dexamethasone acetate (DMA), have been investigated by carrying out atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultrasonic force microscopy (UFM), contact-angle, and drug release experiments. In addition, X-ray diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering, and infrared spectroscopy have provided essential information to understand the films’ structural organization. Our results reveal that while in u-PEO500 DMA occupies sites near the ether oxygen and remains absent from the film surface, in u-PPO400 new crystalline phases are formed when DMA is loaded, which show up as ~30–100 nm in diameter rounded clusters aligned along a well-defined direction, presumably related to the one defined by the characteristic polymer ropes distinguished on the surface of the unloaded u-POP film; occasionally, larger needle-shaped DMA crystals are also observed. UFM reveals that in the unloaded u-PPO matrix the polymer ropes are made up of strands, which in turn consist of aligned ~180 nm in diameter stiffer rounded clusters possibly formed by siloxane-node aggregates; the new crystalline phases may grow in-between the strands when the drug is loaded. The results illustrate the potential of AFM-based procedures, in combination with additional physico-chemical techniques, to picture the nanostructural arrangements in polymer matrices intended for drug delivery.


1975 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
pp. 239-241
Author(s):  
John C. Brown ◽  
H. F. Van Beek

SummaryThe importance and difficulties of determining the height of hard X-ray sources in the solar atmosphere, in order to distinguish source models, have been discussed by Brown and McClymont (1974) and also in this Symposium (Brown, 1975; Datlowe, 1975). Theoretical predictions of this height, h, range between and 105 km above the photosphere for different models (Brown and McClymont, 1974; McClymont and Brown, 1974). Equally diverse values have been inferred from observations of synchronous chromospheric EUV bursts (Kane and Donnelly, 1971) on the one hand and from apparently behind-the-limb events (e.g. Datlowe, 1975) on the other.


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