scholarly journals Imaging microvasculature network evolution and neurodegeneration with precise photothrombosis approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Zhu ◽  
Mengqi Wang ◽  
Yin Liu ◽  
Weijie Zhang ◽  
Hequn Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Occlusion ◽  
Network Evolution ◽  
Local Blood Flow ◽  
Microvascular Network ◽  
Temporal Precision ◽  
Capillary Networks ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Target Neuron ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Microvascular Architecture

In the cerebral cortex, the vasculature plays important homeostatic functions, especially at the highly connected complex capillary networks. The association of focal capillary ischemia with the neurodegenerative disease as well as the laminar vascular dynamics have prompted studies of vascular micro-occlusion via photothrombosis. However, technical challenges of this approach remain, including increased temporal precision of occlusion, increasing the depth of vascular occlusion, understanding how such micro-occlusion impacts local blood flow, and ultimately the neuronal effects of such changes. Here, we have developed a novel approach that employs ultra-fast multiphoton light to induce focal Rose Bengal-induced photothrombosis. We demonstrated induction of highly precise and fast occlusion of microvessels at various types and depths. The change of the microvascular architecture and hemodynamics after occlusion revealed the autoregulation and significant difference between upstream vs downstream in layer 2/3. Further, we found that micro-occlusion at two different layers within the same vascular arbor results in distinct effects on the acute flow redistribution mechanism. To examine neuronal effects of such micro-occlusion, we produced infarct of capillaries surrounding a labeled target neuron and found this induces dramatic and rapid lamina-specific degeneration in neuronal dendritic architecture. In sum, our technique enhanced the precision and power of the photothrombotic study of microvascular function. The current results pointed to the importance of laminar scale regulation within the microvascular network, a finding which may be relevant for models of neurovascular disease.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Different Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Devices for Assessing Tissue Oxygenation with a Vascular Occlusion Test in Healthy Volunteers

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (6) ◽  
pp. 341-347
Author(s):  
Jaeyeon Chung ◽  
Sang-Hwan Ji ◽  
Young-Eun Jang ◽  
Eun-Hee Kim ◽  
Ji-Hyun Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Spectroscopy ◽  
Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Pairwise Comparison ◽  
Vascular Occlusion ◽  
Tissue Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Vascular Occlusion Test ◽  
Occlusion Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Hoc

Near-infrared spectroscopy devices can measure peripheral tissue oxygen saturation (StO<sub>2</sub>). This study aims to compare StO<sub>2</sub> using INVOS® and different O3™ settings (O3<sup>25:75</sup> and O3<sup>30:70</sup>). Twenty adults were recruited. INVOS® and O3™ probes were placed simultaneously on 1 side of forearm. After baseline measurement, the vascular occlusion test was initiated. The baseline value, rate of deoxygenation and reoxygenation, minimum and peak StO<sub>2</sub>, and time from cuff release to peak value were measured. The parameters were compared using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Bonferroni’s correction and Mann-Whitney pairwise comparison were used for post hoc analysis. The agreement between StO<sub>2</sub> of devices was evaluated using Bland-Altman plots. INVOS® baseline value was higher (79.7 ± 6.4%) than that of O3<sup>25:75</sup> and O3<sup>30:70</sup> (62.4 ± 6.0% and 63.7 ± 5.5%, respectively, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The deoxygenation rate was higher with INVOS® (10.6 ± 2.1%/min) than with O3<sup>25:75</sup> and O3<sup>30:70</sup> (8.4 ± 2.2%/min, <i>p</i> = 0.006 and 7.5 ± 2.1%/min, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The minimum and peak StO<sub>2</sub> were higher with INVOS®. No significant difference in the reoxygenation rate was found between the devices and settings. The time to reach peak after cuff deflation was faster with INVOS® (both <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Other parameters were similar. There were no differences between the different O3™ settings. There were differences in StO<sub>2</sub> measurements between the devices, and these devices should not be interchanged. Differences were not observed between O3™ device settings.

A novel approach to radiographic detection of bucco-palatal/lingual dilacerations: A preliminary study with ImageJ

2021 ◽  
pp. 095441192110307
Author(s):  
Samed Satir ◽  
Muhammed Hilmi Buyukcavus ◽  
Kaan Orhan
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Axis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Single Root ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Spectrum Feature ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Imagej Software ◽  
And Control ◽  
Control Group Group

The purpose of our study is to determine whether bucco-palatal/lingual (BPL) root dilacerations (RD), especially in single root teeth, can be determined using the ImageJ program through only one periapical radiography. Extracted teeth without any RD ( n = 8) were determined as the control group (Group 1) and with RD in apical 1/3 part at least 20° with the longitudinal axis in the BPL direction ( n = 8) as the study group (Group 2). With the help of a simple holder system prepared, digital periapical radiographs of all teeth were taken in an anteroposterior position. Histogram analysis of all periapical radiographs was performed using the spectrum feature of ImageJ software. It was aimed to make a dilaceration analysis by comparing the groups using mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and bin width values. As a result of the Mann-Whitney U test, all mean and maximum values showed a statistically significant difference between the study and control groups ( p < 0.05). This pilot study revealed that the ImageJ software can be used to diagnose BPL dilaceration in the apical 1/3 part of the root. It is important for dentists and patients that it can contribute to limiting the radiation dose to which patients will be exposed.

Intention to use flexible work arrangements

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 1438-1460
Author(s):  
Eun Jung Ko ◽  
Sang Soo Kim
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Motivational Factors ◽  
Personal Life ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Flexible Work Arrangements ◽  
Flexible Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Arrangements ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate gender differences in motivations to use flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in Korea. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review on theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study considers four motivational factors that influence the intention to use FWA: motivation for personal life, motivation for productivity, peer behaviour and concerns about career disadvantages. Survey response data drawn from 92 male and 105 female Korean workers were used to analyse differences by gender. Findings As for the male respondents, all four motivational factors have a significant effect on the intention to use FWA. However, in the female respondents, the effects of concerns about career disadvantages on the intention to use FWA are not significant. The results of gender differences analysis show that significant difference was not found in the effect of motivation for personal life on the intention to use FWA while the other three motivational factors have significant differences by gender. Research limitations/implications In this research, basing its conceptual background on TPB, a novel approach is taken by introducing motivational factors as the antecedents of intention to use FWA. This is a more systematic view on individuals’ behavioural mechanism relating to the intention to choose FWA. It is also meaningful in that this study looks at the intention to use FWA from a broader perspective by suggesting gender differences as critical analysis criteria given the uniqueness of Korean labour market. Practical implications For an effective operation of FWA, it is important not only to launch a flexible working programme itself, but also to ensure that the users are properly understood and fairly evaluated. Originality/value Considering the motivations of utilising FWA from various angles will contribute to coming up with various measures to raise the use and effectiveness of FWA.

scholarly journals Novel approach to delivering pro-environmental messages significantly shifts norms and motivation, but children are not more effective spokespeople than adults

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0255457
Author(s):  
Cynthia McPherson Frantz ◽  
John Petersen ◽  
Kathryn Lucaites
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Change ◽  
Local Population ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Message Content ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Personal Connections ◽  
Norm Perception ◽  
Non Local ◽  
The Impact

Three studies provided initial laboratory tests of the effectiveness of a novel form of community-based environmental messaging intended to be deployed on public digital signs. In all studies, adult participants watched a slideshow of “Community Voices,” a display that combines community images and quotes to celebrate and empower pro-environmental and pro-community thought and action. In addition to assessing the general efficacy of the approach, a central goal was to assess the impact of alternative messengers by comparing identical text associated with either adult or child messengers (Studies 1, 2, and 3). We also assessed the impact of alternative framing of the message itself by comparing: injunctive vs non-injunctive wording (Study 1), political vs non-political content (Study 1), and future vs. present-oriented framing (Study 2). Studies 1 and 2 were conducted on a national sample. In addition, to assess the impact of local vs. non-local messengers, Study 3 compared the response of a non-local sample to a local population in which subjects had personal connections with the people and places featured in the message content. Exposure to Community Voices messages resulted in significant increases in social norm perception, concern about environmental issues, commitment to action, and optimism, suggesting that this approach to messaging is potentially valuable for stimulating cultural change. However, messages attributed to child messengers were generally not more effective, and in some cases were less effective than the same message attributed to adults. We also found no significant difference in the impact of the alternative message frames studied.

scholarly journals Musical expertise generalizes to superior temporal scaling in a Morse code tapping task

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew A. Slayton ◽  
Juan L. Romero-Sosa ◽  
Katrina Shore ◽  
Dean V. Buonomano ◽  
Indre V. Viskontas
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Patterns ◽  
Motor Patterns ◽  
Temporal Scaling ◽  
Temporal Precision ◽  
Morse Code ◽  
Extensive Training ◽  
Timing Precision ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Speed Effect ◽  
High Level

ABSTRACTA key feature of the brain’s ability to tell time and generate complex temporal patterns is its capacity to produce similar temporal patterns at different speeds. For example, humans can tie a shoe, type, or play an instrument at different speeds or tempi—a phenomenon referred to as temporal scaling. While it is well established that training improves timing precision and accuracy, it is not known whether expertise improves temporal scaling. We quantified temporal scaling and timing precision in musicians and non-musicians as they learned to tap a Morse code sequence. We found that controls improved significantly over the course of days of training at the standard speed. In contrast, musicians exhibited a high level of temporal precision on the first day, which did not improve significantly with training. Although there was no significant difference in performance at the end of training at the standard speed, musicians were significantly better at temporal scaling—i.e., at reproducing the learned Morse code pattern at faster and slower speeds. Interestingly, both musicians and non-musicians exhibited a Weber-speed effect, where absolute temporal precision sharpened when producing patterns at the faster speed. These results are the first to establish that the ability to generate the same motor patterns at different speeds improves with extensive training and generalizes to non-musical domains.

Unobtrusive Smart Environments for Independent Living and the Role of Mixed Methods in Elderly Healthcare Delivery

2017 ◽  
pp. 1307-1324
Author(s):  
Alexander Astaras ◽  
Hadas Lewy ◽  
Christopher James ◽  
Artem Katasonov ◽  
Detlef Ruschin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Independent Living ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Sensor Data ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Intelligent Decision ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Smart Tv ◽  
Intelligent Decision Support

In this chapter the authors describe a novel approach to healthcare delivery for the elderly as adopted by USEFIL, a research project which uses unobtrusive, multi-parametric sensor data collection to support seniors. The system is based on everyday devices such as an in-mirror camera, smart TV, wrist-mountable personal communicator and a tablet computer strategically distributed around the house. It exploits sensor data fusion, intelligent decision support for carers, remote alerting, secure data communications and storage. A combined quantitative and qualitative knowledgebase was established and analysed, target groups were established among elderly prospective users and scenarios were built around each group. Use cases have been prioritised according to quantitative functional and non-functional criteria. Our research findings suggest that an unobtrusive system such as USEFIL could potentially make a significant difference in the quality of life of elderly people, improve the focus of provided healthcare and support their daily independent living activities.

scholarly journals Assessment of right ventricular sympathetic dysfunction in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: An 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine SPECT/CT study

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 2402-2409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrei Todica ◽  
Johannes Siebermair ◽  
Julia Schiller ◽  
Mathias J. Zacherl ◽  
Wolfgang P. Fendler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Hybrid Imaging ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Sympathetic Innervation ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Sympathetic Dysfunction ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate a novel approach for the quantification of right ventricular sympathetic dysfunction in patients diagnosed with ARVC/D through state-of-the-art functional SPECT/CT hybrid imaging. Methods Sympathetic innervation of the heart was assessed using 123I-MIBG-SPECT/CT in 17 patients diagnosed with ARVC according to the modified task force criteria, and in 10 patients diagnosed with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF). The 123I-MIBG-uptake in the left (LV) and right ventricle (RV) was evaluated separately based on anatomic information derived from the CT scan, and compared to the uptake in the mediastinum (M). Results There was a significant difference in the LV/M ratio between the ARVC/D and the IVF groups (3.2 ± 0.5 vs. 3.9 ± 0.8, P = 0.014), with a cut-off value of 3.41 (77% sensitivity, 80% specificity, AUC 0.78). There was a highly significant difference in the mean RV/M ratios between both groups (1.6 ± 0.3 vs. 2.0 ± 0.2, P = 0.001), with optimal cut-off for discrimination at 1.86 (88% sensitivity, 90% specificity, AUC 0.93). Conclusion Employing state-of-the-art functional SPECT/CT hybrid imaging, we could reliably assess and quantify right and left ventricular sympathetic innervation. The RV/M ratio was significantly lower in patients diagnosed with ARVC/D and provided sensitive and specific discrimination between patients with ARVC/D and IVF patients.

scholarly journals Coconut Oil as a Novel Approach to Managing Radiation-Induced Xerostomia: A Primary Feasibility Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Alexandra E. Quimby ◽  
Debora Hogan ◽  
Diana Khalil ◽  
Matthew Hearn ◽  
Colette Nault ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Total Duration ◽  
Coconut Oil ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Life Scale ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Radiation Induced

Background. Xerostomia is a common complication following radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC), for which there is no single, universally accepted therapy. Coconut oil has been anecdotally suggested to provide relief for this complication. This study sought to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of coconut oil as a therapy for radiation-induced xerostomia. Methods. A feasibility study was performed among 30 patients with xerostomia subsequent to radiation for HNC. Coconut oil samples were provided along with a protocol for use over a 2-week period and the option to continue if they found it beneficial. Patients were also instructed to keep diaries to document their patterns of use. The Xerostomia-related Quality of Life Scale (XeQOLS) was administered at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Descriptive methods were used to summarize patterns of coconut oil use and paired t-tests were used to assess changes in XeQOLS scores over time. Results. The mean total duration of coconut oil use during the study period was 16 days (1–71). The average number of uses per day was 3 (1–5), with an average amount per use of 5 mL (1.2–8.5). Twelve patients (41.4%) continued coconut oil use beyond the advised period. There was no statistically significant difference in XeQOLS scores pre- and post-treatment. There were no adverse events during the study period. Conclusions. The use of coconut oil as a treatment strategy for xerostomia post-HNC radiation is feasible, inexpensive, and safe. This study demonstrates that there may be a group of HNC patients that benefit from its use.

scholarly journals Transhepatic echocardiography: a novel approach for imaging in left ventricle assist device patients with difficult acoustic windows

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 491-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihai Strachinaru ◽  
Daniel J Bowen ◽  
Alina Constatinescu ◽  
Olivier C Manintveld ◽  
Jasper J Brugts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Left Ventricle ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Assist Device ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Inflow Cannula ◽  
Probe Orientation ◽  
And Function ◽  
Ventricle Assist Device

Abstract Aims A significant proportion of left ventricle assist device (LVAD) patients have very difficult transthoracic echocardiographic images. The aim of this study was to find an echocardiographic window which would provide better visualization of the heart in LVAD patients with limited acoustic windows. Methods and results Based on the anatomic relationships in LVAD patients, a right intercostal transhepatic approach was proposed. By using a computer simulator, we searched for the appropriate probe orientation. Further, 15 ambulatory LVAD patients (age 56 ± 15 years, 73% males) underwent two echocardiographic studies: one normal transthoracic echocardiography following the institutional protocol (Echo 1) and a second study which included the transhepatic approach (Echo 2). The two exams were performed by two different sonographers and the results validated by a third observer for agreement. The transhepatic intercostal window was feasible in all patients, with an image quality allowing good visualization of structures in 93%. Precise quantification of the left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function was achieved more often in the Echo 2 (10 vs. 3 patients for LV, P = 0.03 and 14 vs. 8 patients for RV, P = 0.04). A significant difference existed also in the quantification of the LVAD inflow cannula flow by pulsed Doppler (11 patients in Echo 2 vs. 3 patients in Echo 1, P = 0.009). Conclusion This is the first study describing a new echocardiographic window in LVAD patients. The transhepatic window may provide better quantification of left and RV dimensions and function and improvement in Doppler interrogation of the inflow cannula.

Novel Approach for the Simultaneous Determination of Carbinoxamine Maleate, Pholcodine, and Ephedrine Hydrochloride Without Interference from Coloring Matter in an Antitussive Preparation Using Smart Spectrophotometric Methods

2018 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 414-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azza A Moustafa ◽  
Maha A Hegazy ◽  
Dalia Mohamed ◽  
Omnia Ali
Keyword(s):  
Simultaneous Determination ◽  
Pharmaceutical Preparation ◽  
Successive Derivative ◽  
Zero Crossing ◽  
Spectrophotometric Methods ◽  
Ephedrine Hydrochloride ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Coloring Matter

Abstract The presence of coloring matters in syrups usually interferes with the spectrophotometric determination of active pharmaceutical ingredients. A novel approach was introduced to eliminate the interference of sunset yellow (coloring matter) in Cyrinol syrup. Smart, simple, accurate, and selective spectrophotometric methods were developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of a ternary mixture of carbinoxamine maleate, pholcodine, and ephedrine hydrochloride in syrup. Four of the applied methods used ratio spectra: successive derivative subtraction coupled with constant multiplication, successive derivative of ratio spectra, ratio subtraction coupled with ratio difference, and ratio spectra continuous wavelet transforms zero-crossing. In addition, a method that was based on the presence of an isosbestic point, the amplitude summation method, was also established. A major advantage of the proposed methods is the simultaneous determination of the mentioned drugs without prior separation steps. These methods were successfully applied for the determination of laboratory-prepared mixtures and a commercial pharmaceutical preparation without interference from additives, thus proving the selectivity of the methods. No significant difference regarding both accuracy and precision was observed upon statistical comparison of the results obtained by the proposed methods with each other and with those of official or reported ones.

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