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Biomedical subjects

J Connor

Publications and source records attributed to J Connor.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Anatomic extent of colitis and disease severity are not predictors of pouchitis after restorative proctocolectomy for mucosal ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Pouchitis is a common complication following restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (RPC-IPAA) for mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC). The aim of this study was to determine if perioperative anatomic extent and severity of disease are predictors of pouchitis. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent RPC-IPAA for MUC between 1988 and 2002 were retrospectively studied. Pouchitis was classified as acute, recurrent or refractory. Colectomy specimen slides were histopathologically evaluated by a single blinded pathologist (MB), who assessed extent and severity of disease. RESULTS: Of 112 patients assessed, 70 (62.5%) had some form of pouchitis at a median follow-up of 38 months (range, 1-204 months). No association was found between the extent or severity of disease and subsequent development of acute or chronic pouchitis. A positive correlation was found between the histopathologic score and the occurrence of clinical pouchitis (p=0.014). The presence of colonic metaplasia in the pouch biopsy was significantly correlated with a histopathologic diagnosis of pouchitis (p<0.0001, r=-0.449). CONCLUSIONS: Following RPC for MUC, the extent and severity of disease do not predict the subsequent development of pouchitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Functional characterization of an orphan nuclear receptor, Rev-ErbAalpha, in chondrocytes and its potential role in osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression and function of the orphan nuclear receptor Rev-ErbAalpha in articular cartilage and to investigate its role in osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Expression of Rev-ErbAalpha was analyzed at both the messenger RNA and protein levels in human and bovine articular cartilage and chondrocytes by real-time polymerase chain reaction (TaqMan) and immunocytochemical techniques. The effects of cartilage catabolic and anabolic agents on the expression of Rev-ErbAalpha were evaluated by TaqMan analysis. Overexpression was achieved by either adenoviral transduction or treatment with a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist, whereas expression was suppressed by antisense oligonucleotides. RESULTS: Among the 48 known nuclear receptors, Rev-ErbAalpha was found to be the most highly expressed in OA cartilage. It is known to function as a transcription repressor. Treatment of articular chondrocytes with known catabolic agents resulted in the induction of Rev-ErbAalpha, whereas stimulation with anabolic agents led to a decrease in expression. Overexpression of the nuclear receptor was associated with an increase in the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinase 13 and aggrecanase. In contrast, a decrease in Rev-ErbAalpha expression led to a concomitant reduction in the activity of matrix-degrading enzymes. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate that Rev-ErbAalpha is highly expressed in OA articular chondrocytes and that its expression is modulated by known cartilage catabolic and anabolic stimuli. We also demonstrated that modulation of Rev-ErbAalpha expression in chondrocytes may be a novel means of regulating the expression and production of multiple matrix-degrading enzymes. These observations suggest that Rev-ErbAalpha may be a novel therapeutic target for OA.

ADAM Proteins↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of cecal abrasion and multiple-abrasion models in generating intra-abdominal adhesions for animal studies.

BACKGROUND: The formation of postoperative adhesions is a common problem in abdominal surgery that may lead to serious complications. Appropriate animal adhesion models are essential for the investigation of adhesiogenesis and the development of new anti-adhesive products. Although animal models have been developed to study the process of adhesion formation in the abdomen, they are not effective in generating adhesions located over small bowel where adhesions are most commonly observed in clinical practice. METHODS: Twenty-nine Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to standardized cecal abrasion (group 1; n=9), or two types of multiple abrasion, in which cecal and 3 or 5 abrasions were performed on small bowel (group 2, n=10; and group 3, n=10). An observer blinded to the randomization assessed the difficulty of adhesiolysis on a 6-point scale, and the locations of the adhesions were recorded 21 days after the initial surgery. RESULTS: Adhesiolysis was significantly more difficult in group 3 than in group 1 (p=0.01). The number of animals that had adhesions between the small bowel segments and the total number of locations where small bowel adhered were significantly greater in group 2 and 3 than in group 1 (p<0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Abrasions to the small bowel created consistent adhesions that have clinical characteristics of intra-abdominal adhesions as compared to the standard cecal abrasion model and that can be used in future animal studies on adhesions.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Meta-analysis to determine the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter damage.

BACKGROUND: The reported incidence of anal sphincter injury after first (11.5-35.0 per cent) and subsequent (3.4-12.1 per cent) vaginal deliveries varies widely. In addition, the reported incidence of associated faecal incontinence ranges from zero to 68.2 per cent. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of reported incidences of postpartum anal sphincter defect diagnosed by endoanal ultrasonography (EAUS) and associated incidences of faecal incontinence. METHODS: A Medline search yielded five studies with more than 100 subjects who underwent EAUS after childbirth for evaluation of anal sphincter disruption and who were questioned about symptoms of faecal incontinence, defined as any impairment in flatus and stool control but not including urgency of defaecation. A Bayesian meta-analysis was performed to produce one inference while accounting for potential heterogeneity among the five study populations. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of 717 vaginal deliveries revealed a 26.9 per cent incidence of anal sphincter defect in primiparous women and an 8.5 per cent incidence of new sphincter defects in multiparous women. Overall, 29.7 per cent of anal sphincter defects were symptomatic. Some 3.4 per cent of women experienced postpartum faecal incontinence without an anal sphincter defect. In a Bayesian calculation, the probability of postpartum faecal incontinence due to a sphincter defect was 76.8-82.8 per cent. CONCLUSION: : The incidence of occult anal sphincter disruption following vaginal delivery is much higher than commonly estimated. However, at least two-thirds of occult defects are asymptomatic postpartum. The probability of faecal incontinence associated with an anal sphincter defect was 76.8-82.8 per cent.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2003

Vehicle year and the risk of car crash injury.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the association between vehicle age and risk of car crash injury. DESIGN AND SETTING: Data from a population based case-control study conducted in the Auckland region in 1998/99 was used to examine the adjusted risk of car crash injury or death due to vehicle age, after controlling for a range of known confounders. Cases were all cars involved in crashes in which at least one occupant was hospitalized or killed anywhere in the Auckland region, and controls were randomly selected cars on Auckland roads. The drivers of the 571 case vehicles and 588 control vehicles completed a structured interview. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Hospitalisation or death of a vehicle occupant due to car crash injury. RESULTS: Vehicles constructed before 1984 had significantly greater chance of being involved in an injury crash than those constructed after 1994 (odds ratio 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 to 6.91), after adjustment for potential confounders. There was also a trend for increasing crash risk with each one year increase in vehicle age after adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratio 1.05, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.11; p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: This study quantifies the increased risk of car crash injury associated with older vehicle year and confirms this as an important public health issue.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2002

Preload-adjusted maximal power: a novel index of left ventricular contractility in atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular contractility in atrial fibrillation is known to change in a beat to beat fashion, but there is no gold standard for contractility indices in atrial fibrillation, especially those measured non-invasively. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the non-invasive index of contractility "preload-adjusted PWR(max)" (maximal ventricular power divided by the square of end diastolic volume) can accurately measure left ventricular contractility in a beat to beat fashion in atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Atrial fibrillation was induced experimentally using 60 Hz stimulation of the atrium and maintained in 12 sheep; four received diltiazem, four digoxin, and four no drugs (control). Aortic flow, left ventricular volume, and left ventricular pressure were monitored simultaneously. Preload-adjusted PWR(max), the slope of the end systolic pressure-volume relation (E(max)), and the maximum rate of change of left ventricular pressure (dP/dt(max)) were calculated in a beat to beat fashion. RESULTS: Preload-adjusted PWR(max) correlated linearly with load independent E(max) (p < 0.0001) and curvilinearly with load dependent dP/dt(max) (p < 0.0001), which suggested the load independence of preload-adjusted PWR(max). After five minutes of diltiazem administration, preload-adjusted PWR(max), dP/dt(max), and E(max) fell significantly (p < 0.0001) to 62%, 64%, and 61% of baseline, respectively. Changes were not significant after five minutes of digoxin (103%, 98%, and 102%) or in controls (97%, 96%, and 95%). CONCLUSIONS: Preload-adjusted PWR(max) correlates linearly with E(max) and is a useful measure of contractility even in atrial fibrillation. Non-invasive application of this method, in combination with echocardiography and tonometry, may yield important information for optimising the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Prevalence of driver sleepiness in a random population-based sample of car driving.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To obtain reliable estimates of the prevalence of driver sleepiness. DESIGN: A two-stage cluster sampling technique was employed to obtain a sample of car drivers representative of time spent driving on public roads in a geographically defined region. Data were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaire, and analysed in accordance with the sampling design. SETTING: The Auckland region of New Zealand, between April 1998 and July 1999. PARTICIPANTS: 588 drivers of cars and other light vehicles recruited at 69 roadside survey sites. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Of 746 eligible participants, 79% were interviewed, 12% refused, 8% were untraceable, and 1% were unable to give informed consent. From this sample we estimated that 58.7% of driving was undertaken by men. The vast majority of driving (90.8%) was undertaken by drivers with Epworth Sleepiness scores in the normal range (<10), but a significant minority was undertaken by drivers with one or more characteristics likely to impair alertness. 3.1% had < or = 5 hours sleep in the previous 24 hours, and 21.9% had < or = 4 full nights sleep in the previous week. The triad of symptoms associated with sleep apnea (snoring, choking, and breathing pauses while sleeping) was present in 1.6%; and 8.1% worked a pattern of shifts likely to interfere with normal sleep. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sleepiness amongst a random sample of New Zealand car driving was low, and less than suggested by previous studies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The role of driver sleepiness in car crashes: a systematic review of epidemiological studies.

To assess the available evidence for a causal role of driver sleepiness in car crashes or car crash injury, and to quantify the effect, a systematic review of the international literature was conducted. The review included all studies with a fatigue-related exposure measure, a crash or crash injury outcome measure and a comparison group, regardless of publication status, language or date of the study. Eighteen cross-sectional studies and one case-control study fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The fatigue-related exposures investigated in these studies were sleep disorders (n = 14), shift work (n = 2), sleep deprivation/fragmentation (n = 1), and excessive daytime sleepiness (n = 2). Only one study used an injury outcome measure. Studies were limited in their ability to establish a causal relationship by their design, by biases, and in many cases, by small sample sizes. The better quality cross-sectional studies were suggestive of a positive relationship between fatigue and crash risk, but could not provide reliable estimates of the strength of the association. The case-control study provided moderately strong evidence for an association between sleep apnoea and risk of driver injury, with an adjusted odds ratio of 7.2 (95% confidence interval 2.4-21.8). We conclude that the direct epidemiological evidence for a causal role of fatigue in car crashes is weak, but suggestive of an effect. To estimate the burden of injury due to fatigue-related crashes in the population, information is required from well-designed observational epidemiological studies about the prevalence of fatigue in the car driving population and the size of the risk this confers.

Accidents, Traffic↗
PubMed2001

Effect of alendronate and MK-677 (a growth hormone secretagogue), individually and in combination, on markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

GH increases bone turnover and stimulates osteoblast activity. We hypothesized that administration of MK-677, an orally active GH secretagogue, together with alendronate, a potent inhibitor of bone resorption, would maintain a higher bone formation rate relative to that seen with alendronate alone, thereby generating greater enhancement of bone mineral density (BMD) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. We determined the individual and combined effects of MK-677 and alendronate administration on insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical markers of bone formation (osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) and resorption [urinary N-telopeptide cross-links (NTx)] for 12 months and BMD for 18 months. In a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, 18-month study, 292 women (64-85 yr old) with low femoral neck BMD were randomly assigned in a 3:3:1:1 ratio to 1 of 4 daily treatment groups for 12 months: MK-677 (25 mg) plus alendronate (10 mg); alendronate (10 mg); MK-677 (25 mg); or a double dummy placebo. Patients who received MK-677 alone or placebo through month 12 received MK-677 (25 mg) plus alendronate (10 mg) from months 12-18. All other patients remained on their assigned therapy. All patients received 500 mg/day calcium. The primary results, except for BMD, are provided for month 12. MK-677, with or without alendronate, increased insulin-like growth factor I levels from baseline (39% and 45%; P < 0.05 vs. placebo). MK-677 increased osteocalcin and urinary NTx by 22% and 41%, on the average, respectively (P < 0.05 vs. placebo). MK-677 and alendronate mitigated the reduction in bone formation compared with alendronate alone based on mean relative changes in serum osteocalcin (-40% vs. -54%; P < 0.05, combination vs. alendronate) and reduced the effect of alendronate on resorption (NTx) as well (-52% vs. -61%; P < 0.05, combination vs. alendronate). MK-677 plus alendronate increased BMD at the femoral neck (4.2% vs. 2.5% for alendronate; P < 0.05). However, similar enhancement was not seen with MK-677 plus alendronate in BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, or total body compared with alendronate alone. GH-mediated side effects were noted in the groups receiving MK-677, although adverse events resulting in discontinuation from the study were relatively infrequent. In conclusion, the anabolic effect of GH, as produced through the GH secretagogue MK-677, attenuated the indirect suppressive effect of alendronate on bone formation, but did not translate into significant increases in BMD at sites other than the femoral neck. Although the femoral neck is an important site for fracture prevention, the lack of enhancement in bone mass at other sites compared with that seen with alendronate alone is a concern when weighed against the potential side effects of enhanced GH secretion.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Prevention of monocyte adhesion and inflammatory cytokine production during blood platelet storage: an in vitro model with implications for transfusion practice.

A novel platelet additive solution [ThromboSoltrade mark (TS)] was designed to allow extended refrigerated platelet storage. It has been shown to preserve platelet function and prevent cytokine accumulation in platelet concentrates stored for up to 9 days. It consists of amiloride, adenosine, sodium nitroprusside, dipyridamole, quinacrine, and ticlopidine. We hypothesized that the cytokine inhibition may be due to prevention of monocyte (MC) adhesion and activation on the surfaces of platelet storage bag plastic polymers. In an in vitro model, we incubated purified peripheral blood MCs on discs of polyolefin and polyvinylchloride from platelet storage bags, and on polystyrene, in the presence of TS for up to 7 days. We found that after incubation with TS, adherent MC numbers were decreased by >80-95% compared with controls on all surfaces examined. Levels of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha] were low in wells with TS but rose progressively in the controls during incubation. Amiloride alone had similar effects on adhesion and cytokine release as the complete TS preparation. Removing amiloride from TS abrogated these effects. These findings suggest an important role for TS and amiloride in monocyte function, and have implications for the development of agents designed for prolonged platelet storage.

Blood Platelets↗
PubMed2000

Pharmacokinetic assessment of an oral enalapril suspension for use in children.

The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril is commonly used to treat pediatric hypertension. Because some children are unable to swallow tablets or require doses less than the lowest available enalapril tablet, an enalapril suspension was developed. This study examined the relative bioavailability of enalapril suspension (10 mg) (S) compared with 10-mg marketed VASOTEC tablets (T) in 16 healthy adult subjects. The geometric mean ratio (S/T) estimate of urinary recovery of free enalaprilat, the active moiety, was 0.92 (90% confidence interval (CI): 0.80, 1.07). Urinary recovery data indicate that approximately 50% of the dose was absorbed (50% recovered in urine as enalapril plus enalaprilat) with about 30% of the dose recovered as free enalaprilat for both S and T. The geometric mean ratios (S/T) of serum AUC and C(max) were 1.01 (90% CI: 0.90, 1.13) and 0.98 (90% CI: 0.83, 1.16), respectively. Suspension T(max) was slightly shorter (0.5 h) than that for tablet, but this difference is not clinically significant. Both formulations were well tolerated and there were no clinically significant adverse experiences. We conclude that the bioavailability of enalapril oral suspension 10-mg is similar to that of VASOTEC 10-mg tablet. Instructions for compounding enalapril are provided.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2000

Red blood cell stabilization reduces the effect of cell density on recovery following cryopreservation.

The relationship between red blood cell hematocrit and hemolysis during cryopreservation has been examined. Cells were frozen with glycerol, thawed, and deglycerolized in a model system based on the protocols used in transfusion medicine. Analysis included determination of hemolysis following thaw (Thaw) and deglycerolization (Overall) and osmotic fragility of the final cell suspensions. Results demonstrate that thaw hemolysis decreased with increasing hematocrit at all glycerol levels tested. Overall hemolysis increased with increasing hematocrit at low (15% w/v) glycerol and decreased with increasing hematocrit at high (40% w/v) glycerol levels. These results were paralleled by changes in the fragility index. Furthermore, these results indicate a distinction between freeze/thaw lysis and damage which leads to lysis during postthaw processing. To examine this further, a biochemical stabilizing solution, having no cryoprotective effects itself, was added to suboptimal glycerol concentrations. This addition resulted in hemolysis levels and fragility indices comparable to those using high (40% w/v) glycerol levels. Thus, the damage observed with increasing hematocrit is not necessarily a function of the packing on the volume of the ice-free zone, but rather an expression of cell damage. Furthermore, this damage is, in part, biochemical in nature and may be protected against through specific cellular stabilization prior to cryopreservation.

Cryopreservation↗
PubMed2000

Neural transplants. effects On startle responses in neonatally MSG-treated rats.

Neonatal monosodium glutamate (MSG) treatment has been associated with dysfunctions in stress responses. Therefore, the present study aimed at examining the acoustic startle response (ASR) in MSG-treated rats and the effects of fetal neural transplantation. Male and female rats were given MSG (4 mg/g) or saline on alternate days from days 2-10 after birth. To determine whether fetal transplants could reverse behavioral impairments observed in MSG-treated rats, at 12 days of age MSG-treated rats received either arcuate nucleus (AN), cortical fetal grafts, or sham surgery into the third ventricle. ASR amplitude was measured at 35-40 days of age, and again in adulthood. MSG produced the expected decrease in the density of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the AN area. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons/fibers were not affected by MSG. Pituitary atrophy was observed in all MSG rats. We report a permanent increase in the amplitude and reduction in short-term habituation of ASR in all MSG-treated rats. No effect was observed on long-term habituation in male rats. Cortical, but not AN tissue significantly reduced the magnitude of ASR in MSG animals. The results are discussed in terms of the central pathways mediating ASR, in particular hypothalamo-amygdala connections. It is considered that nonspecific factors mediate recovery produced by cortical tissue grafts, as observed in other models of neural transplantation.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Filtered platelet concentrates from pooled buffy coats show comparable storage lesions when stored for 9 d at 20-24 degrees C or when supplemented with thromboSol at 2-6 degrees C.

The present study investigated the quality of platelet concentrates from pooled buffy coat (PCBC) along different production steps and during storage to characterize storage lesions reflected by platelet activation, changing metabolic and cell turnover status (pH, LDH activity). These criteria were compared in conventionally stored PCBCs (20-24 degrees C, n = 8, Group I) to cold stored PCBCs (2-6 degrees C, n = 8, Group II) when supplemented with ThromboSol. Platelet activation was measured on days 1, 3, 7 and 9 by flow cytometry using fluoresceinisothiocyanate-labeled monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (CD41a, PAC-1 and LIBS-1), P-selectin (CD62P) or CD40 ligand receptor (CD40L) in combination with a phycoerythrin-labeled panspecific platelet marker against GPIb (CD42b). The platelet activation assessed with mAbs PAC-1, CD41a, LIBS-1 and CD40L showed an overall activation of 98 +/- 4% (mean value +/- 1 SD) at day 7 in both groups, except for CD62P, which was significantly lower in Group II. A storage-dependent greater platelet loss occurred in Group II compared to Group I, 42% vs. 19% (p < 0.05 on day 9). We could demonstrate that platelets stored in ThromboSol show about the same in-vitro activation as conventionally stored PCBCs, but their clinical usefulness needs to be investigated.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Effect of case managers with a general medical patient population.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of inpatient case management (CM) on a general medical service and to determine if a prediction rule, identifying patients likely to need discharge planning services, could define a subset of patients for whom CM would be most effective. We hypothesized that CM would have greatest impact on patients predicted to be at highest risk of needing discharge planning to arrange for post-discharge medical services. We carried out a prospective controlled study. Six general medicine teams from a 600-bed urban teaching hospital were randomly assigned to CM (n = 4) or standard care (SC) (n = 2). Number of patients = 302 (207 CM; 95 SC). Case managers participated in daily physician team rounds and coordinated discharge planning for CM patients; SC patients received discharge planning from staff nurses or discharge planners when requested by physicians. The outcomes measured were deviation from the hospital length of stay (LOS) expected for a patient's diagnosis, patient satisfaction and non-acute medical service utilization during the month after discharge. Overall, patients from CM and SC teams did not differ in their deviation from expected LOS, post-discharge medical service utilization and patient satisfaction. However, after stratifying patients by their predicted need for post-discharge medical services, only patients in the 'high risk' category had a significantly shorter LOS under CM (2.9 days shorter than SC patients; P = 0.02). We concluded that, in this study, the effect of case managers on a general medical service was limited to shortening LOS only among a stratum of high risk patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Effects of the addition of second-messenger effectors to platelet concentrates separated from whole-blood donations and stored at 4 degrees C or -80 degrees C.

BACKGROUND: Platelet concentrates (PCs) are currently stored at 22 degrees C under continuous agitation. Because of the potential risk of the overgrowth of bacteria in case of contamination, PC shelf life is limited to 5 days. A mixture of second-messenger effectors is being evaluated to determine if it has benefits for cold liquid storage and cryopreservation of platelets. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PCs separated from whole-blood donations by the buffy coat method were randomly assigned (n = 6 each) to be stored for 5 days at 22 degrees C under continuous agitation or at 4 degrees C after treatment with a platelet storage medium (ThromboSol, LifeCell Corp. ). PCs were also cryopreserved with 6-percent DMSO (final concentration) or with ThromboSol plus 2-percent DMSO (final concentration) (TC). After storage, platelets were analyzed by flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and aggregation and perfusion techniques. RESULTS: Cold liquid storage of ThromboSol-treated platelets resulted in a lower binding of coagulation factor Va on the platelet surface than on platelets stored at 22 degrees C. In transmission electron microscopy, a conversion to spherical morphology was seen in the case of cold liquid storage. No difference between ThromboSol-treated platelets stored at 4 degrees C and platelets stored at 22 degrees C was seen in perfusion studies. Cryopreservation in the presence of TC prevented the reduction in glycoprotein Ib and IV expression on platelet surface that is seen in 6-percent DMSO-cryopreserved platelets. Platelets cryopreserved in TC covered, by thrombus, a significantly greater percentage of the perfused surface after the freezing and thawing process. CONCLUSION: ThromboSol-treated PCs separated from whole-blood donations by the buffy coat method, stored at 4 degrees C for 5 days, or cryopreserved in the presence of TC, maintained in vitro functional activity comparable to that achieved by current methods of storage, although discoid morphology was not preserved during cold liquid storage with ThromboSol.

Bacteria↗
PubMed2000

On segmenting the three-dimensional scan data of a human body.

Software for categorizing a cloud of more than 300,000 three-dimensional (3-D) surface data points, captured from a human subject, is presented. The software is part of an incremental approach that progressively refines the identification of human anthropometric landmarks. The first phase of identification is to orient and segment the human body data points. A step-by-step method for these tasks is presented. One of the algorithms, a discrete point cusp detector, plays a fundamental role in separating the data cloud. The theory and operation of the algorithm is explained. The discrete cusp detector can be used to separate any two cylindrical objects, in (3-D) data, whose boundaries touch. The software has been tested on over a hundred different body scan data sets and shown to be robust.

Adolescent↗