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Biomedical subjects

V Goel

Publications and source records attributed to V Goel.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Cervical human vertebrae. Quantitative three-dimensional anatomy of the middle and lower regions.

In this study, the three-dimensional quantitative anatomy of middle and lower cervical vertebrae was determined. The three-dimensional coordinates of various marked points on the surface of the vertebra were measured with a specially designed morphometer instrument. From these coordinates, linear dimensions, angulations, and areas of surfaces and cross-sections of most vertebral components were calculated. The results showed two distinct transition regions: 1) toward the thoracic spine by the wider C7 vertebra but narrower spinal canal; and 2) toward the upper cervical region with the larger pedicle and spinous process of C2. Based on the study of 72 human cervical vertebrae, mean and standard error of the mean values of some clinically important dimensions of vertebral body, spinal canal, pedicles, transverse processes, spinous process, and uncovertebral joints are given for C2-C7 vertebrae. The areas of the end plates, spinal canal, and pedicles were modeled by elliptical and triangular shapes, and results were compared with the actual measurements.

Anthropometry↗

Thoracic human vertebrae. Quantitative three-dimensional anatomy.

This study details the quantitative three-dimensional surface anatomy of thoracic vertebrae based on a study of 144 vertebrae. The thoracic spine was found to have three distinct regions: upper, middle, and lower segments. The two end segments appear to be transitional zones toward cervical and lumbar regions. The middle zone (T3 to T9) is of utmost importance due to the presence of the combination of narrow spinal canal and critical vascular supply. Means and standard errors of the means for linear, angular, and area dimensions of vertebral bodies, spinal canal, pedicle, pars articularis, spinous and transverse processes, and rib articulations are provided for all thoracic vertebrae. This information is necessary for constructing accurate mathematical models of the human spine. It will also provide a better understanding of the spine, and allow for a more precise clinical and surgical management of spinal problems.

Anthropometry↗

1990 Volvo Award in clinical sciences. The consistency and accuracy of roentgenograms for measuring sagittal translation in the lumbar vertebral motion segment. An experimental model.

An experimental model of the L4-L5 lumbar motion segment was developed that allowed precise manipulation of sagittal translation, rotation of L5 relative to L4, tilt of L4 on L5, and control of roentgenogram quality (image clarity) by placing a water bath between the tube and the vertebral body. A series of experiments were designed to systematically assess the consistency and accuracy of sagittal translation measurements from roentgenograms of varying quality, using different measurement protocols and various rater combinations on models with varying degrees of concomitant motions (rotations and tilts). Study 1 assessed the effects of roentgenogram quality, raters, and seven measurement methods on the consistency and accuracy of evaluating translations in the sagittal plane. Results indicated very high reliabilities across roentgenogram quality, raters, and measurement. As expected, high-quality roentgenograms were more accurately evaluated than lower-quality roentgenograms. However, closer inspection of the consequences of errors in measured translations indicated surprisingly high false-positive and false-negative rates, with significant differences observed between measurement methods. Study 2 assessed the effects of concomitant motions and measurement methods on the consistency and accuracy of evaluations. Within-rater consistency and accuracy indices were remarkably high and similar across measurement methods and degrees of concomitant motions. However, important differences in the false-positive and false-negative rates were again observed. Method 2, described by Morgan and King, demonstrated the overall best performance and the least interference due to concomitant motions. Study 3 assessed the effects of raters and measurement methods on the consistency of measuring translation in clinical roentgenograms, where concomitant motion factors may be present, but not explicitly considered. Results indicated substantially lower within- and between-rater consistency estimates relative to consistencies obtained from the model, although these magnitudes were similar to those reported by others evaluating clinical roentgenograms. The implications of lower consistency estimates relative to increased false-positive and false-negative rates must be more closely examined. These studies present evidence suggesting that high consistency and accuracy indices do not ensure acceptable false-positive and false-negative rates and, thus, provide empirical evidence supporting the view that using roentgenograms as a basis for diagnosing instability often can lead to errors in classification. This is less so when observed translations are relatively large (+/- 5+ mm) on roentgenograms that are relatively clear, with little obliquity, and when concomitant motions are minimal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Awards and Prizes↗

Nonionic contrast media: economic analysis and health policy development.

The replacement of old radiologic contrast media with supposedly safer but more expensive media has created a dilemma for radiologists and hospital administrators. To quantitate the nature of this trade-off we performed a cost-utility analysis using optimistic assumptions that favoured the new media. A complete conversion to the new media would result in an incremental cost of at least $65,000 to gain 1 quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). For a selective strategy in which only high-risk patients would receive the new media the cost would be about $23,000 per QALY gained. However, the incremental cost for low-risk patients is over $220,000 per QALY gained. Conversion to the new contrast media, although not necessarily the most efficient use of scarce resources, has already occurred in Ontario, primarily because of press publicity, pressure from insurers and a political unwillingness of policymakers to decide the fate of identifiable victims. We found that funding of a new intervention associated with a high cost-utility ratio rather than interventions with lower ratios might save some identifiable victims at the expense of a larger number of unidentifiable ones.

Adult↗

A cost-utility analysis of preoperative total parenteral nutrition.

It has been suggested that preoperative total parenteral nutrition may be used to reduce the risk of nutrition-associated postoperative complications in high-risk patients. These patients can be identified based on their nutritional status. The efficiency of this intervention is assessed using the technique of cost-utility analysis. Data from multiple sources is integrated to perform the economic assessment. The cost-utility ratios for treating several malnourished patients with localized upper gastrointestinal cancer are below $40,000. These cost-utility ratios compare favorably with published results of other programs. The ratios increase considerably if patients who are better nourished (at lower risk of postoperative complication) receive the intervention. The analysis is very sensitive to the efficacy of the intervention.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

Estimation of pulmonary artery pressure by colour guided continuous wave Doppler in cases of ventricular septal defect and tricuspid regurgitation.

The accuracy of a non-invasive estimation of systolic pulmonary artery pressure in 33 patients with ventricular septal defect and/or tricuspid regurgitation, by colour guided continuous wave Doppler was evaluated. The estimated pulmonary artery pressure correlated well with values obtained at cardiac catheterization (r = 0.93). Correlation was better in cases with ventricular septal defect (r = 0.98) than in cases with tricuspid regurgitation (r = 0.87). Pulmonary artery pressure was under-estimated in cases with mild tricuspid regurgitation, probably due to eccentricity of regurgitant jet in some of these cases.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of the bronchoconstrictor and cardiovascular effects of some tachykinins in guinea pigs.

The effects of three tachykinins [substance P (SP), physalaemin (PH), and eledoisin-related peptide (ERP)] were investigated in anesthetized paralyzed guinea pigs. We measured airway resistance (R) and dynamic thoracic elastance (E) with a computerized technique, and blood pressure via a carotid artery. Tachykinins injected iv or intra-aortically (ia) induced dose-dependent increases in R and E, 4 times greater on iv than ia injection. They did not give rise to tachyphylaxis. As a bronchoconstrictor, PH was 5.0X and ERP 1.8X more potent than SP; time to peak response was longer for PH than for ERP and SP; and hypotensive responses, which were of similar magnitude for all three substances, lasted longest after PH. Bronchoconstrictor responses were unaltered by bilateral vagotomy, atropine, mecamylamine, and mepyramine. Morphine reduced PH-induced increases in R (P less than 0.01) and E (P less than 0.05), which were not reversed by naloxone, and capsaicin treatment 1 week before the experiments reduced both SP- and PH-induced increases in E (P less than 0.05). [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]-SP reduced ERP-induced increases in R and E, and [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]-SP reduced both SP- and PH-induced increases in R and E. We conclude that PH is the most potent bronchoconstrictor of the tachykinins tested. Tachykinin-induced bronchospasm is 'non-reflex' arising via a direct effect on airway smooth muscle; the release of histamine, acetylcholine, or other tachykinins is not involved in the responses. [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]-SP is more effective at SP-E receptors, and [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]-SP at SP-P receptors; both types of receptor are located all along the airways.

Airway Resistance↗

Perioperative parenteral nutrition: a meta-analysis.

We used a meta-analysis protocol to evaluate the results of 18 controlled trials that measured the effectiveness of perioperative total parenteral nutrition. The pooled results of 11 trials that were randomized or quasi-randomized showed trends suggesting that total parenteral nutrition reduced the risk for complications from major surgery (p = 0.21) and fatalities (p = 0.21). Consideration of these pooled estimates of the effectiveness of this intervention must be offset by the poor quality of the trials' methodologies and the iatrogenic complications (pneumothorax, septicemia) that occurred at a pooled rate of 0.067. Alternately, other design flaws, such as the failure to exclude patients who were not malnourished from the trials, may have limited the ability of these trials to show the effectiveness of total parenteral nutrition. The evidence available up to August 1986 shows that the routine use of perioperative total parenteral nutrition in unselected patients having major surgery is not justified; however, this intervention may be helpful in subgroups of these patients who are at high risk.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Does capsaicin cause reflex bronchospasm in guinea-pigs?

Capsaicin given intravenously (i.v.) into the vena cava or intra-arterially (i.a.) into the aortic arch of anesthetized guinea-pigs induced dose-dependent increases in pulmonary-flow resistance (R) and dynamic thoracic elastance (E). Threshold doses were 0.5-1.0 micrograms/kg body weight; greater than 8.0 micrograms/kg induced tachyphylaxis. These responses to capsaicin, i.v. or i.a., were similar after decentralization, bilateral vagotomy, or glossopharyngealotomy, and after autonomic blockers (mecamylamine, atropine, mepyramine, and bethanidine). Morphine significantly reduced responses to capsaicin but had no effect on responses to substance P (SP). Naloxone did not reverse the inhibitory effect of morphine, and neither reduced nor enhanced capsaicin-induced increases. Of the two antagonists to SP examined (given i.v.), [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP had no effect on SP-induced increases but abolished capsaicin-induced increases in R, though without affecting increases in E, and [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP reduced increases in R induced by both SP and capsaicin but had no effect on increases in E. Capsaicin (2.0-32.0 micrograms/kg i.v. or i.a.) had no bronchospastic effect in guinea-pigs given this drug (50.0 mg/kg s.c.) 7 days earlier. We conclude that in guinea-pigs--unlike other species--capsaicin causes bronchospasm without stimulating any afferent receptors in a centrally mediated bronchospastic reflex arc.

Animals↗

Mechanisms of action of sodium cromoglycate.

The effects of sodium cromoglycate (SCG) on cardiovascular and pulmonary responses to phenylbiguanide, capsaicin, and vagal stimulation were studied in anesthetized guinea pigs. Phenylbiguanide had no bronchospastic activity but induced reflex changes in arterial blood pressure which were reduced or abolished by SCG. Capsaicin induced nonreflex bronchospasm, and decreases in arterial blood pressure that were unaffected by SCG. Sodium cromoglycate, given before or after atropine, had no effect on the bronchospasm and cardiovascular responses to unilateral or bilateral stimulation of the vagus nerves. We conclude that SCG may influence both the afferent and efferent pathways of responses to drugs.

Animals↗