An Ultrasonic Based System to Measure Inter Spinous Process Distance in Humans: A Pilot Study

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariel Medina ◽  
Maruti R. Gudavalli ◽  
P. K. Raju ◽  
Gregory D. Cramer
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Spinous Process ◽  
Lumbar Vertebrae ◽  
Single Element ◽  
Ultrasonic Signals ◽  
Two Dimensional Image ◽  
Spinous Processes ◽  
Human Volunteers ◽  
The Difference

The objective of this research project was to develop an ultrasonic based testing system and evaluate its application on human volunteers to locate and assess the distance between adjacent lumbar vertebrae. Tests were performed on ten volunteers aged between 19 and 29 years old during two sessions. The participants were asked to lie face down on a table with lower back section uncovered while the tests were executed. A computer controlled ultrasonic system was designed for this application. A single element 3.5 MHz immersion transducer held by a customized assembly was used to propagate and receive the ultrasonic signals. The transducer was moved along the assembly to fully scan at least two contiguous spinous processes. A Lab view based program was designed to generate a two-dimensional image (B-scan) that display the shape and position of the bone tips as well as the distance between them. The standard deviation obtained from the measurements of the distance between the tips of the spinous processes of human subjects, in a given session ranged from 0.1–0.48mm. The difference between two sessions had a mean of 0.85–0.95 mm and a standard deviation of 0.87–1.03mm with reliability coefficients greater than 0.95. The study demonstrated the viability of utilizing ultrasound to precisely measure the distance between spinous processes of adjacent lumbar vertebrae.

scholarly journals Allowing a Possible Margin of Error When Assessing Student Skills in Spinous Process Location

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Hart ◽  
Cheneir Neely
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Spinous Process ◽  
Vertebral Level ◽  
Chiropractic College ◽  
Margin Of Error ◽  
Spinous Processes ◽  
Student Volunteers ◽  
Standard Deviations ◽  
Process Location

Introduction: Spinal palpation is subject to inconsistency between examiners. When testing students on the location of vertebral spinous processes, faculty examiners may wish to allow for a margin of error that is observed between experienced practitioners. This study attempts to determine such a margin of error for selected vertebral levels that could be allowed in testing situations at Sherman Chiropractic College. This could serve as a model for other chiropractic colleges in determining their margins of error. Methods: Two faculty clinicians palpated spinous processes at four different vertebral levels (C2, T3, T9, and L2) on 18 student volunteers. Differences for each vertebral level, along with one, two, and three standard deviations, were calculated. Results: Average differences between examiners increased caudally, as follows: C2, 4.23 ± 3.77 mm; T3, 13.41 ± 10.53 mm; T9, 18.17 ± 17.62 mm; L2, 18.70 ± 16.58 mm. Discussion: In this study, faculty examiners exhibited variation in their locations of spinous processes for these vertebrae. These variations could be allowed when assessing student skills in locating these spinous processes at this chiropractic college. Conclusion: In this study, differences between examiners plus or minus one standard deviation ranged from 4.23 ± 3.77 mm for C2 to 18.70 ± 16.58 mm for L2. The concept of margin of error should be considered by faculty examiners when assessing the skill of students in locating the spinous process of various vertebral levels.

Failure strength of lumbar spinous processes loaded in a tension band model

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Raymond Golish ◽  
Louie Fielding ◽  
Vijay Agarwal ◽  
Jenni Buckley ◽  
Todd F. Alamin
Keyword(s):  
Spinous Process ◽  
Lumbar Vertebrae ◽  
Biomechanical Model ◽  
Surgical Decompression ◽  
Tension Band ◽  
Failure Strength ◽  
Spinous Processes ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Object There has been increasing interest in spinous process tension band devices, as distinct from spinous process spacers and plates. The purpose of this study was to load spinous processes caudally at L-4 and cranially at L-5 parallel to the long axis of the spine in a biomechanical model of tension band loading. The goal was to provide normative data for the design of a spinous process tension band device after varying degrees of surgical decompression and across varying bone mineral densities (BMDs). Methods Fresh-frozen L4–5 lumbar vertebrae pairs were divided into 3 surgical groups: intact, midline-sparing decompression (laminotomy and medial facetectomy), and midline decompression with foraminotomy (one-half of spinous process resected, laminotomy, and medial facetectomy). After decompression, specimens were disarticulated into isolated L-4 and L-5 vertebrae. Each vertebra was loaded to failure in a caudal (L-4) or cranial (L-5) direction parallel to the long axis of the spine via a 6-mm-wide strap looped around the spinous process. Failure strength and mode were recorded. Results Seventeen L-4 and L-5 lumbar vertebrae were tested from 17 cadavers. There were 10 male (59%) and 7 female (41%) cadavers, with a mean age of 66.6 ± 16.5 years (range 41–100 years) and a mean BMD of 1 ± 0.23 g/cm2 (range 0.66–1.34 g/cm2); the mean is expressed ± SD throughout. For data analysis, specimens were grouped into those with no or midline-sparing decompression (Group 1: 11 of 17) and those with midline decompression (Group 2: 6 of 17). At L-4, the mean failure strength for Group 1 was 453 ± 162 N, and for Group 2 it was 264 ± 99 N (p = 0.02; Cohen's d = 1.4). At L-5, the mean failure strength for Group 1 was 517 ± 190 N, and for Group 2 it was 269 ± 184 N (p = 0.02; Cohen's d = 1.3). There was no significant difference in failure strength between the intact and midline-sparing decompression groups at L-4 (p = 0.91) or L-5 (p = 0.41). Conclusions Across specimens with a wide range of BMDs, midline-sparing decompression was not found to decrease the mean failure strength of the L-4 and L-5 spinous processes (453 and 517 N, respectively), whereas midline surgical decompression decreased the failure strength of these processes (264 and 269 N, respectively) in a biomechanical model of tension band loading relevant to the design of a tension band device.

FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF THE SPACE CREATED BY SPLIT SPINOUS PROCESSES IN DOUBLE-DOOR LAMINOPLASTY TO OPTIMIZE SHAPE OF AN ARTIFICIAL SPACER

2000 ◽  
Vol 04 (01) ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shigeru Hirabayashi ◽  
Kiyoshi Kumano
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Vertebral Body ◽  
Clinical Case ◽  
Spinous Process ◽  
Lateral Deviation ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Spinous Processes ◽  
Inner Surface ◽  
The Difference

In double-door laminoplasty, several types of artificial spinous process spacers have been used instead of grafted bone from the iliac crest. However, inadequate contact between the spacer and the spinous process has recently been reported. From the observation during operation, we suspect that the main cause of the inadequate contact is the difference in shape between the spacer and the widened space created by the split spinous processes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the shape of the widened space by means of a finite element analysis in order to confirm our observation objectively and to provide a shape design of a spacer adapting to the space. Half-sectioned finite element models of the second cervical (C2) vertebra and the C6 vertebra were made from both the computed tomography (CT) of a clinical case and a plastic model of a cervical spine. The finite element model was designed to have almost the same size and shape as those of the genuine vertebra in the clinical case. Since cancellous bone and soft tissues were thought not to meaningfully influence the rigidity of the model, the model was made of only cortical bone with a thickness of 1.5 mm. The x-axis was defined as the lateral direction of the vertebral body, the y-axis as the anteroposterior direction of the vertebral body and the z-axis as the craniocaudal direction along the posterior margin of the vertebral body. The boundary conditions were fixed at the inner surface of the half-sectioned vertebral body. A force of 100 N was applied to the inner surface of the half-sectioned spinous process (to the cranial side and the caudal side, 50 N each) in the direction of the x-axis. The lateral deviation of each split spinous process was defined as the degree of deviation in the x-axis direction. The degree of lateral deviation of each split spinous process was analyzed in two types of models with and without making a lateral gutter 4 mm wide along the z-axis direction. The lateral deviation at the cranial side was larger than that at the caudal side in both the C2 and C6 vertebrae. The difference between the lateral deviation at the cranial side and the caudal side of each vertebra was larger in the type of model with the lateral gutter than in the type of model without it. It was confirmed that the shape of the widened space is trapezoidal in not only the axial but also frontal sections. In conclusion, the optimal shape of a spacer adapting to the widened space in double-door laminoplasty is trapezoidal in not only the axial but also frontal sections.

scholarly journals Combining 3D Structured Light Imaging and Spine X-ray Data Improves Visualization of the Spinous Lines in the Scoliotic Spine

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 301
Author(s):  
Sławomir Paśko ◽  
Wojciech Glinkowski
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Surface Topography ◽  
Structured Light ◽  
Spinous Process ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Diagnostic System ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Spinous Processes

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional trunk and spinal deformity. Patient evaluation is essential for the decision-making process and determines the selection of specific and adequate treatment. The diagnosis requires a radiological evaluation that exposes patients to radiation. This exposure reaches hazardous levels when numerous, repetitive radiographic studies are required for diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment. Technological improvements in radiographic devices have significantly reduced radiation exposure, but the risk for patients remains. Optical three-dimensional surface topography (3D ST) measurement systems that use surface topography (ST) to screen, diagnose, and monitor scoliosis are safer alternatives to radiography. The study aimed to show that the combination of plain X-ray and 3D ST scans allows for an approximate presentation of the vertebral column spinous processes line in space to determine the shape of the spine’s deformity in scoliosis patients. Twelve patients diagnosed with scoliosis, aged 13.1 ± 4.5 years (range: 9 to 20 years) (mean: Cobb angle 17.8°, SD: ±9.5°) were enrolled in the study. Patients were diagnosed using full-spine X-ray and whole torso 3D ST. The novel three-dimensional assessment of the spinous process lines by merging 3D ST and X-ray data in patients with scoliosis was implemented. The method’s expected uncertainty is less than 5 mm, which is better than the norm for a standard measurement tool. The presented accuracy level is considered adequate; the proposed solution is accurate enough to monitor the changes in the shape of scoliosis’s spinous processes line. The proposed method allows for a relatively precise calculation of the spinous process lines based on a three-dimensional point cloud obtained with a four-directional, three-dimensional structured light diagnostic system and a single X-ray image. The method may help reduce patients’ total radiation exposure and avoid one X-ray in the sagittal projection if biplanar radiograms are required for reconstructing the three-dimensional line of the spinous processes line.

STUDIES ON HABITUATION TO COLD PAIN

1966 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques LeBlanc ◽  
Pierre Potvin
Keyword(s):  
Cold Water ◽  
Mental Arithmetic ◽  
Blood Pressure Response ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Cold Pain ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Water Test ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
Habituation To Cold

It was possible to produce habituation to cold in a group of human subjects by immersing the left hand in cold water for [Formula: see text] minutes twice a day for 19 days. The right hand did not adapt. Another group of subjects was exposed similarly with the difference that an anxiety test (mental arithmetic test) was always given simultaneously with the cold-water test. In this second group the original blood pressure response, i.e. for the first day, was greater than in the first group because of the cumulative effects of the two tests. After 19 days definite evidence was obtained for adaptation to these two tests administered together. However, when these tests were given separately to the second group, no adaptation was evident; adaptation occurred only to both tests given simultaneously. These results indicate that no adaptation develops to cold per se if the subjects are distracted from cold discomfort. It was also found that adaptation of one hand to cold water not only failed to induce adaptation in the opposite hand but even reinforced responses of the unadapted hand. These findings suggest a participation of the central nervous system in adaptation to cold pain, and tend to minimize the importance of local peripheral changes.

An evaluation of the Hennessy and Chong Fat Depth Indicator, and the Ulster Probe, for use in pig carcass classification and grading

1981 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-324 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. Kempster ◽  
J. P. Chadwick ◽  
D. W. Jones ◽  
A. Cuthbertson
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Lumbar Vertebrae ◽  
Optical Probe ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Residual Standard Deviation ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Prediction Residual ◽  
Thickness Measurements ◽  
Cut Surface

ABSTRACTThe Hennessy and Chong Fat Depth Indicator and the Ulster Probe automatic recording instruments developed for measuring fat thickness were tested against the optical probe for use in pig carcass classification and grading.Fat thickness measurements were taken using each probe 60 mm from the dorsal mid-line over the m. longissimus at the positions of the 3rd/4th lumbar vertebrae, 3rd/4th last ribs and last rib on a total of 110 hot carcasses covering the range of market weights in Great Britain. The standard deviation of carcass lean proportion at equal carcass weight was 35·4 g/kg.The instruments differed little in the precision of carcass lean proportion prediction: residual standard deviation (g/kg) for the multiple regression with carcass weight and the best individual fat measurement for each probe were: last rib optical probe, 22·1; last rib Ulster Probe, 22·7; and 3rd/4th last rib Fat Depth Indicator, 21/6. Residual standard deviation (g/kg) for carcass lean proportion prediction from carcass weight and all three fat measurements in multiple regression were 21·3 optical probe, 21·3 Ulster Probe and 201 Fat Depth Indicator.Similar mean fat measurements were obtained from the optical probe and Fat Depth Indicator, and for these instruments, but to a lesser extent for the Ulster Probe, the regression relationships with each other and with fat thickness measurements taken on the cut surface of the cold carcass were also similar.The differences recorded in precision are unlikely to be sufficiently important to influence the choice of one probe rather than another.

scholarly journals BIMG-13. A NOVEL RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL ([18F]DASA-23) TO MONITOR PYRUVATE KINASE M2 INDUCED GLYCOLYTIC REPROGRAMMING IN GLIOBLASTOMA

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i3-i4
Author(s):  
Corinne Beinat ◽  
Chirag Patel ◽  
Tom Haywood ◽  
Surya Murty ◽  
Lewis Naya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Pyruvate Kinase ◽  
Cancer Metabolism ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Pyruvate Kinase M2 ◽  
Molar Activity ◽  
Pet Tracer ◽  
Human Volunteers

Abstract BACKGROUND Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) catalyzes the final step in glycolysis, a key process of cancer metabolism. PKM2 is preferentially expressed by glioblastoma (GBM) cells with minimal expression in healthy brain, making it an important biomarker of cancer glycolytic re-programming. We describe the bench-to-bedside development, validation, and translation of a novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracer to study PKM2 in GBM. Specifically, we evaluated 1-((2-fluoro-6-[18F]fluorophenyl)sulfonyl)-4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazine ([18F]DASA-23) in cell culture, mouse models of GBM, healthy human volunteers, and GBM patients. METHODS [18F]DASA-23 was synthesized with a molar activity of 100.47 ± 29.58 GBq/µmol and radiochemical purity >95%. We performed initial testing of [18F]DASA-23 in GBM cell culture and human GBM xenografts implanted orthotopically into mice. Next we produced [18F]DASA-23 under current Good Manufacturing Practices United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and evaluated it in healthy volunteers and a pilot cohort of patients with gliomas. RESULTS In mouse imaging studies, [18F]DASA-23 clearly delineated the U87 GBM from the surrounding healthy brain tissue and had a tumor-to-brain ratio (TBR) of 3.6 ± 0.5. In human volunteers, [18F]DASA-23 crossed the intact blood-brain barrier and was rapidly cleared. In GBM patients, [18F]DASA-23 successfully outlined tumors visible on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The uptake of [18F]DASA-23 was markedly elevated in GBMs compared to normal brain, and it was able to identify a metabolic non-responder within 1-week of treatment initiation. CONCLUSION We developed and translated [18F]DASA-23 as a promising new tracer that demonstrated the visualization of aberrantly expressed PKM2 for the first time in human subjects. These encouraging results warrant further clinical evaluation of [18F]DASA-23 to assess its utility for imaging therapy-induced normalization of aberrant cancer metabolism.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of input functions from a dynamic PET image with sequential administration of 15O2 and H215O for noninvasive and ultra-rapid measurement of CBF, OEF, and CMRO2

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 780-792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobuyuki Kudomi ◽  
Yukito Maeda ◽  
Hiroyuki Yamamoto ◽  
Yuka Yamamoto ◽  
Tetsuhiro Hatakeyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rate Constants ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Invasive Procedure ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Sequential Administration ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Arterial Input Functions

CBF, OEF, and CMRO2 images can be quantitatively assessed using PET. Their image calculation requires arterial input functions, which require invasive procedure. The aim of the present study was to develop a non-invasive approach with image-derived input functions (IDIFs) using an image from an ultra-rapid O2 and C15O2 protocol. Our technique consists of using a formula to express the input using tissue curve with rate constants. For multiple tissue curves, the rate constants were estimated so as to minimize the differences of the inputs using the multiple tissue curves. The estimated rates were used to express the inputs and the mean of the estimated inputs was used as an IDIF. The method was tested in human subjects ( n = 24). The estimated IDIFs were well-reproduced against the measured ones. The difference in the calculated CBF, OEF, and CMRO2 values by the two methods was small (<10%) against the invasive method, and the values showed tight correlations ( r = 0.97). The simulation showed errors associated with the assumed parameters were less than ∼10%. Our results demonstrate that IDIFs can be reconstructed from tissue curves, suggesting the possibility of using a non-invasive technique to assess CBF, OEF, and CMRO2.

scholarly journals Synthesis of Plans to Increase the Results of Ordinary National Education Test by All-Round Tutoring Process for Primary School Grade 6

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Nuttakan Pakprod ◽  
Kanokrat Jirasatjanukul ◽  
Damrong Tumthong ◽  
Prapa Amklad ◽  
Wipa Lekchom
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Target Group ◽  
Educational Testing ◽  
School Grade ◽  
National Education ◽  
Standard Deviations ◽  
The Difference ◽  
High Level ◽  
Basic Level

The objective of this research is to study the results of activities to increase the scores of Ordinary National Education Test. Cluster; teachers of Phetchaburi Rajabhat University comparing the results of Ordinary National Education Test in 2017-2018 and studying the satisfaction of the activities. The target group is 49 schools in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces, data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The study found that the difference of the scores of the Ordinary National Education Test was higher in 32 schools and there is a difference in scores of Ordinary National Education Test tests lower by 2 schools, representing 94.12, with the satisfaction of the participation in the activity of increasing the basic educational testing at the basic level is at a high level with an average of 4.22, standard deviations 0.73, which the participants are satisfied with the process. The process of organizing activities was at the highest with an average of 4.28, standard deviations 0.76 and continues organizing activities to increase the scores of Ordinary National Education Test.

scholarly journals The Sensitivity of Wellbeing to Inequalities in Local Wellbeing

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Pascarn Ronald Dickinson
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Subjective Wellbeing ◽  
General Social Survey ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
Important Addition ◽  
The Difference

<p>Research points to a robust negative relationship between average levels of subjective wellbeing and the distribution of subjective wellbeing. The fact that our wellbeing falls as wellbeing distributions widen suggests we care about inequalities in the lives of others. Central to this relationship is the role of place and human geography. The literature relating wellbeing to inequality in wellbeing is confined almost exclusively to inter-country comparisons. Virtually no attention has been paid to the relationship between wellbeing and inequality within countries - at the level of regions and below. The aim of this thesis is to test the generality of the inter-country evidence in the sub-national context.  I present four hypotheses which I test on three separate cross-sectional surveys: the New Zealand Quality of Life Survey, The New Zealand General Social Survey and the survey of Māori wellbeing, Te Kupenga. I follow the literature in using the standard deviation of wellbeing as a measure of wellbeing inequality. In each case the negative relationship between individual wellbeing and wellbeing inequality is clearly identifiable. The wellbeing effect of living in a place one standard deviation higher than another is roughly equivalent to the difference between the wellbeing of someone who is fully employed and someone who is unemployed and looking for work. Clearly we are highly sensitive to disparities in the subjective wellbeing of those around us.  I conduct several tests of the psychological drivers that lie behind the wellbeing response to local inequality in wellbeing. The first tests fairness perceptions, and finds sensitivity to wellbeing inequality to be higher among those who do not believe society is intrinsically fair. My test of altruism, while not as convincing empirically, suggests altruistic people may also be less affected by local wellbeing inequality. Both conclusions are consistent with the implied causation running from inequality to wellbeing.  While an important addition to the wellbeing literature, the more important implication of my findings is political. As the New Zealand Local Government Act comes up for renewal, the evidence I have assembled strongly supports providing local government with a clear purpose and the necessary funding to address the underlying causes of local inequalities in wellbeing. On empirical grounds alone, reducing wellbeing inequality is likely to make us all much happier.</p>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document