scholarly journals Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of equine cheek teeth and adjacent structures: comparative study of image quality in horses in vivo, post-mortem and frozen-thawed

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christin Röttiger ◽  
Maren Hellige ◽  
Bernhard Ohnesorge ◽  
Astrid Bienert-Zeit
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Mr Images ◽  
Adjacent Structures ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ct And Mri

Abstract Background The use of cadavers for radiology research methodologies involving subjective image quality evaluation of anatomical criteria is well-documented. The purpose of this method comparison study was to evaluate the image quality of dental and adjacent structures in computed tomography (CT) and high-field (3 T) magnetic resonance (MR) images in cadaveric heads, based on an objective four-point rating scale. Whilst CT is a well-established technique, MR imaging (MRI) is rarely used for equine dental diagnostics. The use of a grading system in this study allowed an objective assessment of CT and MRI advantages in portraying equine cheek teeth. As imaging is commonly performed with cadaveric or frozen and thawed heads for dental research investigations, the second objective was to quantify the impact of the specimens’ conditions (in vivo, post-mortem, frozen-thawed) on the image quality in CT and MRI. Results The CT and MR images of nine horses, focused on the maxillary premolar 08s and molar 09s, were acquired post-mortem (Group A). Three observers scored the dental and adjacent tissues. Results showed that MR sequences gave an excellent depiction of endo- and periodontal structures, whereas CT produced high-quality images of the hard tooth and bony tissues. Additional CT and MRI was performed in vivo (Group B) and frozen-thawed (Group C) in three of these nine horses to specify the condition of the best specimens for further research. Assessing the impact of the specimens’ conditions on image quality, specific soft tissues of the maxillary 08s and 09s including adjacent structures (pulps, mucosa of the maxillary sinuses, periodontal ligament, soft tissue inside the infraorbital canal) were graded in group B and C and analysed for significant differences within CT and MR modalities in comparison to group A. Results showed that MRI scores in vivo were superior to the post-mortem and frozen-thawed condition. Conclusions On comparing the imaging performance of CT and MRI, both techniques show a huge potential for application in equine dentistry. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical suitability of MRI. For further research investigations it must be considered, that the best MR image quality is provided in live horses.

scholarly journals Dying “from” or “with” COVID-19 during the Pandemic: Medico-Legal Issues According to a Population Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8851
Author(s):  
Fabio De-Giorgio ◽  
Vincenzo M. Grassi ◽  
Eva Bergamin ◽  
Alessandro Cina ◽  
Franca Del Del Nonno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Sudden Cardiac Death ◽  
Cardiac Death ◽  
Heating System ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
The Other ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Co Poisoning ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

There is still a lack of knowledge concerning the pathophysiology of death among COVID-19-deceased patients, and the question of whether a patient has died with or due to COVID-19 is still very much debated. In Italy, all deaths of patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 are defined as COVID-19-related, without considering pre-existing diseases that may either contribute to or even cause death. Our study included nine subjects from two different nursing homes (Cases 1–4, Group A; Cases 5–9, Group B). The latter included patients who presumably died from CO poisoning due to a heating system malfunction. All subjects tested positive for COVID-19 both ante- and post-mortem and were examined using post-mortem computed tomography prior to autopsy. COVID-19 was determined to be a contributing cause in the deaths of four out of nine subjects (death due to COVID-19; i.e., pneumonia and sudden cardiac death). In the other five cases, for which CO poisoning was identified as the cause of death, the infection presumably had no role in exitus (death with COVID-19). In our attempt to classify our patients as dying with or due to COVID-19, we found the use of complete assessments (both histological analyses and computed tomography examination) fundamental.

The Value of Low-dose Prospective Dual-energy Computed Tomography with Iodine Mapping in the Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-437
Author(s):  
Lifeng Wang ◽  
Xingxing Jin ◽  
Zhenguo Qiao ◽  
Bin Xu ◽  
Jiaqing Shen
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Radiation Dose ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Preoperative Staging ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Imaging Quality ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Objectives: This study investigated the radiation dose and value of prospective dualenergy computed tomography (DECT) in the diagnosis of gastric cancer. Methods: Sixty patients scheduled for computed tomography (CT) for preoperative staging were divided into two groups. Thirty patients (Group A) underwent a single contrast-enhanced abdominal CT acquisition using a dual-source mode (100 kV/140 kV). Weighted average images of the two-kilovolt acquisitions and iodine maps were created. The remaining 30 patients underwent a standard CT scan (Group B). Two observers performed a blinded read of the images for gastric lesions, evaluating the image quality and recording effective dose. Results: During the blinded read, observers found 90% (27/30) of the cancers in both groups. The mean imaging quality scores were 2.1±0.9 for Group A, and 2.3±1.1 for Group B. The effective mean doses were 6.59±0.59 mSv and 25.86±0.44 mSv for Groups A and B, respectively. Compared with the control group (B), the imaging quality in the low-dose group decreased a little, but the radiation dose substantially decreased by 74.6%. Conclusion: The new DECT technique is valuable for examining gastric cancer patients. The dualkV scan mode can substantially reduce radiation dose while preserving good diagnostic image quality.

scholarly journals Impacts of Mycoplasma gallisepticum Vaccine on Newcastle Disease Vaccination and Protection in Parent Stock Flocks

1970 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-64
Author(s):  
M Rayhan Faruque ◽  
Jens P Christensen
Keyword(s):  
Newcastle Disease ◽  
Haemagglutination Inhibition ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Mycoplasma Gallisepticum ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Group A ◽  
Parent Stock ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Group D

The present study reports on the impact of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccination on vaccine respond and subsequent protection against Newcastle disease (ND) in parent stock flocks of Department of Livestock Services (DLS) using MG killed vaccine and conventional ND vaccines. Birds were grouped into four groups, each consisted of 50 birds from the same flock. Group A birds were vaccinated with ND, group B with ND and MG, group C with MG, and group D birds were kept as unvaccinated control. The parameters studied included detection of ND antibody, MG seroprevalance, mortality (%), and cause of death. The sera of groups B and C were sero-positive after administration of MG vaccine. The haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) titres of group A were higher than group B from week 4 after administration of MG vaccine to the birds of group B. The mortality was very low; one bird of group C died at week 5 due to traumatic injury and another bird of group D died at week 2 due to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). After challenge, birds of groups A and B showed no clinical signs and normal post mortem findings were found. Birds of groups C and D showed clinical signs from day 3 and different pathological lesions were found in post mortem. The MG vaccination did not improve other parameters. Therefore, inoculation of MG INAC vaccine is not justified and is too expensive at farm levels.Keywords: Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccine, Newcastle disease (ND) vaccination, Protection, MortalityDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v24i1.1240   Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 24, Number 1, June 2007, pp 62-64 

The Impact of the use of C-Arm Cone-Beam CT during Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed E. Abdelsalam ◽  
Tomas M. Appleton Figueira ◽  
Joe Ensor ◽  
Alda L. Tam ◽  
Rony Avritscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Average Duration ◽  
Cone Beam Ct ◽  
Cone Beam ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Order

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the consequences of using C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) on super-selective catheterization of hepatic artery (HA) branches during chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Two groups of patients were created according to the dates of their treatment sessions. Group A and Group B included patients who had their treatment sessions in 2004 - 2005 and 2008 - 2010, respectively. The sessions performed in 2006 and 2007 were excluded to allow for the adoption and incorporation of CBCT imaging into clinical practice. All chemoembolized HA branches were categorized according to selection order (0-1, 2, or ≥3). Other procedure variables were documented. Results: A total of 58 and 183 sessions were included in Groups A and B, respectively, for 144 patients. C-arm CBCT was used in 2 (3%) sessions and 142 (78%) sessions in groups A and B, respectively. The average number of vessels treated was significantly higher in group B (1.8) compared to group A (1.3) (P < .0001). A shift to an increased selection order in group B (0-1, 44 [24%]; 2, 85 [46%]; ≥3, 54 [30%]) was more significant (P = .0004) than that in group A (0-1, 32 [55%]; 2, 18 [31%]; ≥3, 8 [14%]). The average duration of the procedure was significantly longer in group B (P = .0002). Conclusions: Using C-arm CBCT during chemoembolization has a positive impact on increasing the number and order of HA selected and chemoembolized. This comes at the expense of an increase in the duration of the procedure.

scholarly journals Survival impact of C-Arm cone-beam computed tomography on hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing chemoembolization

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Mohamed E. Abdelsalam ◽  
Tomas M. Appleton Figueira ◽  
Joe Ensor ◽  
Alda L. Tam ◽  
Rony Avritscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cone Beam Computed Tomography ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Cone Beam ◽  
Aggressive Approach ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Order

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the use of C-arm cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for tumor targeting for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and its impact on overall survival (OS) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Material and Methods: Two groups were retrospectively evaluated according to the date of the first TACE session before and after C-arm CBCT installation in late 2005 (group A [n = 34], 2004–2005; group B [n = 104], 2008+). The years 2006 and 2007 were excluded to allow for the incorporation of this new imaging technology into clinical practice. The vessel selection order was recorded for all TACE sessions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the impact on and predictors of survival. Results: The average TACE selection order for each patient was significantly higher in group B than in group A (P < 0.0001). The median OS was significantly longer in group B (29.34 months) than in group A (19.65 months; P = 0.0088), and the difference in duration was most pronounced in patients with tumor burdens < 25% (n = 93; P = 0.0075), in whom the 3-year survival rate was 56.1% in group B and 15.3% in group A. In these 93 patients, the OS was significant longer (P = 0.018) for high (41.07 months) versus low (19.65 months) vessel selection order across both groups. In multivariate analyses, both the period in which TACE was performed (P = 0.022) and the use of C-arm CBCT (P = 0.0075) were significant predictors of improved OS. Conclusion: Use of advanced C-arm CBCT during TACE enhances the operating physician’s ability to deliver targeted, effective therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma, an aggressive approach that favorably impacts survival.

scholarly journals Age-Related Alterations of Hyaluronan and Collagen in Extracellular Matrix of the Muscle Spindles

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Chenglei Fan ◽  
Carmelo Pirri ◽  
Caterina Fede ◽  
Diego Guidolin ◽  
Carlo Biz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Muscle Spindles ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Picrosirius Red

Background: Muscle spindles (MSs) play a crucial role in proprioception and locomotor coordination. Although the elasticity and viscosity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) within which MSs are embedded may play a key role in MS function, the impact of aging on ECM components is unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the age-related physiological changes of the ECM and to verify if these could be due to alterations of the environment directly surrounding MSs. Methods: Hematoxylin Eosin and picrosirius-red staining was carried out; collagen types I (COLI) and III (COLIII) were assessed, and biotinylated hyaluronan binding protein (HABP) immunohistochemical analysis was undertaken to evaluate alterations of the ECM in the intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) of the hindlimbs of C57BL/6J male mice. Assessments were carried out on 6-week-old (Group A), 8-month-old (Group B), and 2-year-old (Group C) laboratory mice. Results: The capsule’s outer layer became progressively thicker with aging (it was 3.02 ± 0.26 μm in Group A, 3.64 ± 0.31 μm in Group B, and 5.81 ± 0.85 μm in Group C). The collagen in IMCT around and within the MSs was significantly higher in Group C, but there were no significant differences between Groups A and B. The MS capsules and continuous IMCT were primarily made up of COLI and COLIII. The average optical density (AOD) values of COLI in IMCT surrounding MS were significantly higher after aging (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in COLIII in the three groups (p > 0.05). HA was present in IMCT and filled the MSs capsule. The AOD of HABP of MS showed that there were lower HA levels in Group C with respect to Group A (p = 0.022); no significant differences were noted neither between Groups A and B nor between Groups B and C (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Age-related collagen accumulation and lower HA in the ECM in which the MSs were embedded may probably cause more stiffness in the ECM in vivo, which could help to partly explain the peripheral mechanisms underlying the age-related decline in functional changes related to MSs.

scholarly journals The Impact of Left Atrial Size in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Using Remote Magnetic Navigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Xiao-yu Liu ◽  
Hai-feng Shi ◽  
Jie Zheng ◽  
Ku-lin Li ◽  
Xiao-xi Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Magnetic Navigation ◽  
Remote Magnetic Navigation ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of left atrial (LA) size for the ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) using remote magnetic navigation (RMN). Methods. A total of 165 patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation using RMN were included. The patients were divided into two groups based on LA diameter. Eighty-three patients had small LA (diameter <40 mm; Group A), and 82 patients had a large LA (diameter ≥40 mm; Group B). Results. During mapping and ablation, X-ray time (37.0 (99.0) s vs. 12 (30.1) s, P<0.001) and X-ray dose (1.4 (2.7) gy·cm2 vs. 0.7 (2.1) gy·cm2, P=0.013) were significantly higher in Group A. No serious complications occurred in any of the patients. There was no statistical difference in the rate of first anatomical attempt of pulmonary vein isolation between the two groups (71.1% vs. 57.3%, P=0.065). However, compared with Group B, the rate of sinus rhythm was higher (77.1% vs. 58.5%, P<0.001) during the follow-up period. More patients in Group A required a sheath adjustment (47/83 vs. 21/82, P<0.001), presumably due to less magnets positioned outside of the sheath. In vitro experiments with the RMN catheter demonstrated that only one magnet exposed created the sheath affects which influenced the flexibility of the catheter. Conclusions. AF ablation using RMN is safe and effective in both small and large LA patients. Patients with small LA may pose a greater difficulty when using RMN which may be attributed to the fewer magnets beyond the sheath. As a result, the exposure of radiation was increased. This study found that having at least two magnets of the catheter positioned outside of the sheath can ensure an appropriate flexibility of the catheter.

scholarly journals The Influence of the Physiotherapeutic Program on Selected Static and Dynamic Foot Indicators and the Balance of Elderly Women Depending on the Ground Stability

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4660
Author(s):  
Joanna Matla ◽  
Katarzyna Filar-Mierzwa ◽  
Anna Ścisłowska-Czarnecka ◽  
Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szymańska ◽  
Aneta Bac
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Women ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Balance Assessment ◽  
Motor Functions ◽  
Static Test ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact

Seniors are a constantly growing group of people in many societies. It is necessary to develop physiotherapeutic programs to improve their mobility. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the physiotherapeutic program conducted unstable ground on selected indicators of motor functions of elderly women. Sixty women (60–80 years) participated in the research. Group A (N = 20) underwent a 12-week physiotherapeutic program on stable ground, group B (N = 20) followed an exercise program on unstable ground, and group C (N = 20) (control group) had no therapeutic intervention. The effects of the therapy were assessed by using a FreeMed platform (foot load analysis) and a Biosway balance system. The results were compared using ANOVA (the one-way analysis), the Kruskal–Wallis test and also the post hoc tests (Tukey’s test and the multiple comparison test). In group A, a statistically significant change was observed in the static test and balance assessment, in group B this was observed in the static and dynamic foot tests and balance assessment, in group C, no statistical significance was achieved. The authors’ physiotherapeutic program had a statistically significant effect on changes in the balance and selected indicators of the motor functions of the examined people. Comparing the results before and after the therapy more improvement changes were noted in women training on an unstable ground compared to women training on a stable ground.

Training-induced alterations of the in vivo force-velocity relationship of human muscle

1981 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 750-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. J. Caiozzo ◽  
J. J. Perrine ◽  
V. R. Edgerton
Keyword(s):  
Training Group ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Velocity Relationship ◽  
Slow Velocity ◽  
Group A ◽  
Force Velocity ◽  
Group B ◽  
Relationship Of

Seventeen male and female subjects (ages 20–38 yr) were tested pre- and posttraining for maximal knee extension torque at seven specific velocities (0, 0.84, 1.68, 2.51, 3.35, 4.19, and 5.03 rad . s-1) with an isokinetic dynamometer. Maximal knee extension torques were recorded at a specific joint angle (0.52 rad below the horizontal plane) for all test speeds. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: group A, control, n = 7; group B, training at 1.68 rad . s-1, n = 5; or group C, training at 4.19 rad . s-1, n = 5. Subjects trained the knee extensors by performing two sets of 10 single maximal voluntary efforts three times a week for 4 wk. Before training, each training group exhibited a leveling-off of muscular tension in the slow velocity-high force region of the in vivo force-velocity relationship. Training at 1.68 rad . s-1 resulted in significant (P less than 0.05) improvements at all velocities except for 5.03 rad . s-1 and markedly affected the leveling-off in the slow velocity-high force region. Training at 4.19 rad . s-1 did not affect the leveling-off phenomenon but brought about significant improvements (P less than 0.05) at velocities of 2.51, 3.35, and 4.19 rad . s-1. The changes seen in the leveling-off phenomenon suggest that training at 1.68 rad . s-1 might have brought about an enhancement of motoneuron activation.

Pharmacist Impact on Physician Practices Related to Diabetes Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 560-575
Author(s):  
Amina Ammar ◽  
Lindsay M. Darghali ◽  
Wassim Tarraf ◽  
Helen D. Berlie ◽  
Linda A. Jaber
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Individual Treatment ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Composite Target ◽  
Physician Practices ◽  
Physical Presence ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact

To examine the impact of a pharmacist’s physical presence on (1) the achievement of individual and combined targets for hemoglobin A1c (A1C), blood pressure (BP), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (composite target), and (2) physician practices in relation to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) standards of medical care.   Methods A retrospective, comparative study of randomly selected diabetic patients seen within an underserved primary care setting at least twice annually between June 1, 2018- December 31, 2019. Patients were allocated by whether they had received care in one of the physician-pharmacist clinics (Group A) or the physician-only clinic (Group B). Study outcomes included the proportion of patients achieving the composite and individual treatment targets for A1C, BP, and LDL-C.   Results A total of 394 patients were included; Majority were underserved African Americans. The composite target was attained by 20% of participants in Group A and 13% in Group B (p=0.09). There were no statistically significant differences in achievement of individual targets between groups. A significantly higher proportion of participants in Group A achieved better control of diastolic blood pressure control (85% vs. 74%), had microalbuminuria tested (50% vs. 12%), were prescribed aspirin (43% vs. 32%), and had lower utilization of non-insulin glucose-lowering agents relative to those in Group B.   Conclusion The impact of a pharmacist’s physical presence on physician practice demonstrated a general trend towards improvement in clinical outcomes related to diabetes management. Future studies are needed to further characterize the impact provided by the physician-pharmacist relationship.

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