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A persistent functional artery connecting the thyrocervical trunk and the aortic arch. Embryonic remnant or important aortic vas vasorum?

During the dissection of the neck region of a 56 year old female cadaver an artery was found branching from the thyrocervical trunk as a fourth branch and entering the aortic arch on its superior posterior aspect between the brachiocephalic trunk and the left common carotid artery. Selective angiography revealed that this artery branched into several arterioles at its junction on the superior aspect of the aortic arch between the brachiocephalic trunk and the left common carotid artery. No similar structure could be found in the literature. Evaluation of this phenomenon according to our knowledge of the development of human arterial networks, it was concluded that the artery might be a persistent intersegmental artery, or an enlarged nutrient artery (vas vasorum) to the aortic arch.

Aged↗

Morphology and development of the postdiaphragmatic part of the sympathetic trunk in the pig (Sus scrofa L.) during its prenatal period.

The experiment was conducted on 36 swine fetuses divided into the three developmental groups described by Marrable (1971). In the postdiaphragmatic part, 10 to 20 primary ganglia were found in the sympathetic trunk. They had fused with the secondary structures, and hence the sympathetic trunks studied finally consisted of 6-16 ganglia. It is remarkable that the higher number of primary ganglia did not correspond with the higher number of secondary ones. The variation in the number of secondary ganglia was mainly connected with the interganglionic fusion occurring in the section studied. The standard variation in the length of the sympathetic ganglia increased considerably with the age of the fetuses as well as the analogous coefficient of variation. The analysis of the statistical parameters referring to the ganglia of the investigated section of the sympathetic trunk investigated indicated the growth of its developmental dynamics, which did not occur until the terminal period of gestation.

Animals↗

Morphology and development of the thoracic part of the sympathetic trunk (pars thoracica trunci sympathici) in the pig (Sus scrofa L.) during the prenatal period.

The aim of the experiment was to establish, on the basis of morphometric and statistic analysis, the changes occurring in the thoracic part of the sympathetic trunk of the pig during its prenatal period. The experiment was conducted on 36 swine fetuses divided into three age groups. The standard variation (s) and the coefficient of variation (CV%) of the length of sympathetic components were calculated. The rates of standard variation increased with the age of the fetuses and it was found that the most dynamic development of the elements examined took place during the terminal period of gestation. Also the coefficient of correlation of the length of those elements investigated with the length of the fetuses was calculated. The part of the sympathetic trunk in question was found to be negatively allometric in relation to the body length during the whole of gestation. A gradual emergence of an increasing domination of the right side of the body, in relation either to the ganglia or to the interganglionic branches was observed. There was no perceptible influence of sex on the rate of development of the part of the sympathetic trunk studied. Also an emergence of an increasing domination of the fetuses originating from the left uterine horn at the end of gestation was noted.

Animals↗

Effect of simulating leg length inequality on pelvic torsion and trunk mobility.

Although techniques such as roentgenograms and magnetic resonance imaging can provide definitive information about leg length inequality, they are not easily implemented for screening purposes. Using relative heights of palpated iliac crests as criteria for determining degree of lateral pelvic tilt, we examined the immediate effect of simulating leg length inequality on pelvic torsion and trunk flexion. In seven healthy men and 22 healthy women, 18-28 years of age, a lift of at least 15 mm was placed under either foot to laterally tilt the pelvis 1.2 degrees or more. In eight subjects with pre-existing lateral pelvic tilts of 1.8 degrees or more, a lift was also used to eliminate the tilt. We examined how this tilting affected torsion between the innominates and mobility of the trunk. The innominate contralateral to the lift became more anteriorly rotated than the ipsilateral innominate and lateral flexion of the trunk increased toward the side of the lift. Both of these effects can be associated with clinical leg length inequality, so a lateral pelvic tilt on the order of 1.2 degrees, if encountered in the clinic, should signal the suitability of more extensive examination for possible lower limb asymmetry.

Adolescent↗

Assessment of spatio-temporal gait parameters from trunk accelerations during human walking.

This paper studies the feasibility of an analysis of spatio-temporal gait parameters based upon accelerometry. To this purpose, acceleration patterns of the trunk and their relationships with spatio-temporal gait parameters were analysed in healthy subjects. Based on model predictions of the body's centre of mass trajectory during walking, algorithms were developed to determine spatio-temporal gait parameters from trunk acceleration data. In a first experiment, predicted gait parameters were compared with gait parameters determined from ground reaction forces measured by a treadmill. In a second experiment, spatio-temporal gait parameters were determined during overground walking. From the results of these experiments, it is concluded that, in healthy subjects, the duration of subsequent stride cycles and left/right steps, and estimations of step length and walking speed can be obtained from lower trunk accelerations. The possibility to identify subsequent stride cycles can be the basis for an analysis of other signals (e.g. kinematic or muscle activity) within the stride cycle.

Acceleration↗

Long-term comparison of aortic arch replacement with or without elephant trunk procedure via retrograde cerebral perfusion for aortic arch dissection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the duration of retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP) in patients with aortic arch dissection. METHODS: Between 1993 and December 2000, 56 patients were operated on for aortic arch dissection. Elephant trunk procedure was performed in 28 patients (Group A) and semiarcus replacement in 28 patients (Group B). Type I dissection (P=0.003), chronic ethiology (P=0.006), medial degeneration (P<0.001), and preoperative hemodynamic instability (P=0.004) were observed significantly more in Group A. In both groups RCP was used for cerebral protection. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was higher in Group A than Group B (32.1% versus 7.1%; P=0.015). Late mortality was observed only in Group A (10.5%; P=0.049). Actuarial survival was 55.1+/-11.55% in Group A and 91.67+/-5.64% in Group B at 5 yr (P=0.0113), while cumulative survival for all patients was 78.38+/-5.77% at 5 yr. RCP time was longer in Group A (62.7+/-16.8 versus 34.2+/-19.5 min; P<0.001). Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P=0.014) and renal insufficiency (P=0.004) were significantly predictors for hospital mortality, whereas elephant trunk (P=0.052) and RCP (>60 min) (P=0.175) did not increase early mortality. Only hemodynamic instability was significantly (P=0.006) predictors for late mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative severity of dissection, hemodynamic instability or organ dysfunctions impair early or late outcome. Elephant trunk technique with increased RCP time do not increase early or late mortality. To shorten RCP time (<60-65 min) can improve surgical results.

Adult↗

Stented elephant trunk procedure combined with ascending aorta and arch replacement for acute type A aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: Despite steadily improving outcomes, surgery for acute type A aortic dissection has several unresolved problems such as expansion of the residual false lumen in the descending aorta. We performed transaortic stented graft implantation into the descending aorta combined with the ascending aorta and aortic arch replacement for acute type A aortic dissection. We review the efficacy and outcomes of this procedure with respect to the residual false lumen and postoperative neurologic complications we encountered. METHODS: Nine consecutive patients with acute type A aortic dissection underwent this procedure. The stented elephant trunk graft was implanted through the aortic arch under hypothermic circulatory arrest. The stented graft was 15 cm long in six patients, and 10 cm long in three patients. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed 1 month after surgery and once each year after discharge to evaluate the postoperative time course of the residual false lumen. RESULTS: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was quite long because of slow cooling and re-warming [352+/-92 (mean+/-SD) min], and average lower-body arrest time was 54+/-10min. The intima in one patient was injured at the time of implantation, and a small leak was created. One patient died of multiorgan failure postoperatively. One patient suffered cerebral injury, and two suffered spinal cord injury perioperatively. Average follow-up time was 40.4 months (range, 13-66 months). One patient died of cerebral infarction during follow up, and the other seven survived and remain well. Postoperative enhanced CT scans showed that the dissected descending aortas attached to the stented grafts and the aortas near the stented grafts returned to normal. In one patient with no re-entry, the false lumen completely closed with thrombi and the entire aorta returned to normal. The diameter of the descending aorta decreased or did not change in six of the seven patients (85.8%) and increased by only 2mm in one of them (14.2%) during follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of a stented elephant trunk into the descending aorta combined with replacement of the ascending aorta and total arch for acute type A aortic dissection is effective in closing the residual false lumen of the descending aorta and in preventing expansion of the descending aorta. However, further technical modifications, such as using a short stented elephant trunk, eliminating aortic clamping, shortening CPB and spinal cord ischemic time, and reconstruction of left subclavian artery, are needed to prevent neurologic complications.

Acute Disease↗

EMG and kinematics of normal subjects performing trunk flexion/extensions freely in space.

Ten normal subjects performed continuous trunk flexion/extensions (F/E) without any restraining apparatus at free, 3, 2.25 and 1.5 s periods and a fatiguing task of F/E at 1.5 s period during 45 s. Kinematics of the trunk was obtained with bilateral electromyographic (EMG) activity of the erector spinae (three levels), the abdominal oblique muscles and the rectus abdominis muscles. The free period chosen by the subjects was found to vary between 3.05 and 1.47 s. Lateral flexion of the spine was similar in each task but rotation about its longitudinal axis increased as the F/E period shortened. When left and right side EMG signals were grouped by level of recording, a significant difference in activity was found. Subjects who produced the slowest free F/E displayed larger fatigue indexes derived from the EMG signals for some of their back muscles than for other subjects. The flexion/relaxation phenomenon was considered present in a muscle if a level <10% of the maximum signal recorded during extension was detected. The phenomenon was found in >50% of the observations and occurred at a similar angle in each task. Kinematics and several characteristics of the EMG signals of the trunk were statistically independent of the speed of motion.

Adolescent↗

A non-MVC EMG normalization technique for the trunk musculature: Part 1. Method development.

Normalization of muscle activity has been commonly used to determine the amount of force exerted by a muscle. The most widely used reference point for normalization is the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). However, MVCs are often subjective, and potentially limited by sensation of pain in injured individuals. The objective of the current study was to develop a normalization technique that predicts an electromyographic (EMG) reference point from sub-maximal exertions. Regression equations predicting maximum exerted trunk moments were developed from anthropometric measurements of 120 subjects. In addition, 20 subjects performed sub-maximal and maximal exertions to determine the necessary characteristic exertions needed for normalization purposes. For most of the trunk muscles, a highly linear relationship was found between EMG muscle activity and trunk moment exerted. This analysis determined that an EMG-moment reference point can be obtained via a set of sub-maximal exertions in combination with a predicted maximal exertion (expected maximum contraction or EMC) based upon anthropometric measurements. This normalization technique overcomes the limitations of the subjective nature for the MVC method providing a viable assessment method of individuals with a low back injury or those unwilling to exert an MVC as well as could be extended to other joints/muscles.

Adult↗

Trunk muscle coactivation in preparation for sudden load.

Biomechanical stability of the lumbar spine is an important factor in the etiology and control of low-back disorders. A principle component of biomechanical stability is the musculoskeletal stiffening generated by preparatory muscle coactivation. The goal of this investigation was to quantify preparatory behavior, evaluating trunk muscle activity immediately prior to sudden trunk flexion loading during static extension tasks compared to activity observed when subjects were informed no sudden load would occur. Coactive excitation was also examined as a function of fatigue and gender. Results demonstrated increased extensor muscle and flexor muscle coactivation following static fatiguing exertions, potentially compensating for reduced trunk stiffness. Female subjects produced greater flexor antagonism than in the males. No difference in the preparatory coactive muscle recruitment patterns were observed when subjects were expecting a sudden flexion load compared to recruitment patterns observed in similar static postures when subjects were informed no sudden load would be applied. This indicates the neuromuscular system relies greatly on response characteristics for the maintenance of stability in dynamic loading conditions.

Adult↗

Trunk muscle activation in low-back pain patients, an analysis of the literature.

This paper provides an analysis of the literature on trunk muscle recruitment in low-back pain patients. Two models proposed in the literature, the pain-spasm-pain model and the pain adaptation model, yield conflicting predictions on how low- back pain would affect trunk muscle recruitment in various activities. The two models are outlined and evidence for the two from neurophsysiological studies is reviewed. Subsequently, specific predictions with respect to changes in activation of the lumbar extensor musculature are derived from both models. These predictions are compared to the results from 30 clinical studies and three induced pain studies retrieved in a comprehensive literature search. Neither of the two models is unequivocally supported by the literature. These data and further data on timing of muscle activity and load sharing between muscles suggest an alternative model to explain the alterations of trunk muscle recruitment due to low-back pain. It is proposed that motor control changes in patients are functional in that they enhance spinal stability.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Extrapolation of time series of EMG power spectrum parameters in isometric endurance tests of trunk extensor muscles.

The aim of the present study was to test the viability of using short isometric contractions of trunk extensor muscles to perform an assessment of their endurance capacity. To this aim two types of analysis were performed. First, electromyographic (EMG) mean power frequency (MPF) slopes with respect to time as estimated over shorter fixed periods were compared to slopes estimated over the full contraction period of a contraction sustained until the endurance time. Second, the relationship between MPF slope estimates as estimated over various periods and the endurance time of the muscle group was evaluated. Five subjects performed three isometric trunk endurance tests at 25%, 50% and 75% of their maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), respectively. EMG signals of the left and right multifidus, iliocostalis and longissimus muscles were continuously recorded and spectral parameters were calculated. The MPF appeared to decrease consistently during all endurance tests. The extrapolation from a MPF time series of half the estimated contraction period to the time series of the complete contraction period gave reasonable results at all force levels, when data from several electrode locations were incorporated in a single slope estimate (mean or steepest slope). The accuracy of the prediction of trunk extensor endurance on the basis of these parameters describing the MPF time series over half the estimated contraction period was satisfactory. Endurance time predictions from yet shorter periods were unreliable.

Adult↗

Reliability of electromyographic and torque measures during isometric axial rotation exertions of the trunk.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the between-days reliability of electromyographic (EMG) measurement of 6 bilateral trunk muscles and also the torque output in 3 planes during isometric right and left axial rotation at different exertion levels. METHODS: Ten healthy subjects performed isometric right and left axial rotation at 100, 70, 50 and 30% maximum voluntary contractions in two testing sessions at least 7 days apart. EMG amplitude and frequency analyses of the recorded surface EMG signals were performed for rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, latissimus dorsi, iliocostalis lumborum and multifidus bilaterally. The primary torque in the transverse plane and the coupling torques in sagittal and coronal planes were measured. RESULTS: For both EMG amplitude and frequency values, good (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC=0.75-0.89) to excellent (ICC>/=0.90) reliability was found in the 6 trunk muscles at different exertion levels during axial rotation. The reliability of both maximal isometric axial rotation torque and coupling torques in sagittal and coronal planes were found to be excellent (ICC>/=0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Good to excellent reliability of EMG measures of trunk muscles and torque measurements during isometric axial rotation was demonstrated. This provides further confidence of using EMG and triaxial torque assessment as outcome measures in rehabilitation and in the evaluation of the human performance in the work place.

Abdominal Muscles↗

Correction of coronary arterial anomalies at surgical repair of common arterial trunk with ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction.

Common arterial trunk is frequently associated with anomalies of coronary arterial origin and distribution. We describe two infants in whom coronary intervention was performed during the repair of common arterial trunk, with reversal of ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction. We discuss the surgical implications of recognition of the coronary arterial anomalies during the repair of common arterial trunk.

Cardiac Catheterization↗

Physicochemical and structural characterization of alkali soluble lignins from oil palm trunk and empty fruit-bunch fibers.

Six alkali soluble lignin fractions were extracted from the cell wall materials of oil palm trunk and empty fruit-bunch (EFB) fibers with 5% NaOH, 10% NaOH, and 24% KOH/2% H(3)BO(3). All of the lignin fractions contained rather low amounts of associated neutral sugars (0.8-1.2%) and uronic acids (1.1-2.0%). The lignin fractions isolated with 5% NaOH from the lignified palm trunk and EFB fibers gave a relatively higher degree of polymerization as shown by weight-average molecular weights ranging between 2620 and 2840, whereas the lignin fractions isolated with 10% NaOH and 24% KOH/2% H(3)BO(3) from the partially delignified palm trunk and EFB fibers showed a relatively lower degree of polymerization, as shown by weight-average molecular weights ranging between 1750 and 1980. The results obtained by alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation showed that all of the lignin preparations contained a high proportion of noncondensed syringyl units with small amounts of noncondensed guaiacyl and fewer p-hydroxyphenyl units. The lignin fraction extracted with 5% NaOH from the lignified EFB fiber was mainly composed of beta-O-4 ether-linked units. Small amounts of 5-5', beta-5, and beta-beta' carbon-carbon linkages were also found to be present between the lignin structural units. Further studies showed that uronic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and ferulic acids in the cell walls of palm fibers were esterified to lignin.

Alkalies↗

Differences between trunk heat patterns shown by complete and incomplete spinal cord injured veterans.

Thermograms showing heat patterns in the trunk of the body were taken of ten intact subjects, seven subjects with incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI), and fifteen subjects diagnosed as having complete SCIs. Fourteen of the subjects with complete SCIs had a thermal demarcation line across the trunk. This line represented a temperature gradient of one to 2.5 degrees Celsius between a relatively warm upper level where sensations were normal and a relatively cool lower level in which sensations were either absent or different from pre-injury sensations. The transition zone was narrow and sharp for ten of the complete SCI subjects but was wide and gradual for the other five complete SCI subjects. The shape and width of the thermal transition zone corresponded to the location and degree of abruptness with which sensations changed from normal to abnormal. One of the subjects diagnosed as having a complete SCI failed to show a significant transition zone. The temperature difference between the upper and lower portions of his trunk was less than one degree Celsius. None of the intact or incomplete SCI subjects produced the transition zone. Only one incomplete SCI subject showed even a minimal difference in temperature between the normal sensation and abnormal sensation levels. A panel blind to the subjects' conditions was unable to differentiate between intact and incomplete SCI subjects but was able to sort complete from incomplete SCI subjects in all but the case with an indistinct transition zone.

Body Temperature↗

Electromyographic registration of diaphragmatic fatigue during sustained trunk flexion in cervical cord injured patients.

When performing forward trunk flexion, cervical cord injured (CCI) patients exhibit continuous and high EMG activity in the diaphragm and elevated abdominal pressures. This study addressed the question whether the trunk flexion manoeuvres cause such a high force development in the diaphragm that this muscle shows EMG signs of fatigue. Six patients with complete cervical cord lesions were tested sitting in their own wheelchairs. The tension-time indices obtained when patients were sitting in a relaxed position were moderately to markedly higher than in normal subjects. The force developed during trunk flexion averaged 30% of the maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure and was accompanied by clear EMG findings of diaphragmatic fatigue in all patients except one. The acute diaphragmatic load in certain CCI patients may well produce ischaemia and increase the risk of tissue impairment. Therefore, there appears to be a need for differing strategies in the short and in the long term treatment of CCI patients; longitudinal evaluation of main diaphragmatic function may be useful for an adequate amount of respiratory muscle training.

Cervical Vertebrae↗

Clinicopathological features of non-atherosclerotic cerebral arterial trunk aneurysms.

Internal elastic lamina (IEL) is the most vital structure of the cerebral arterial wall. Longstanding weakness of the IEL due to hemodynamic stress is compensated by adaptive intimal thickening. Formation of cerebral arterial trunk aneurysm is assumed to be the result of a break in the equilibrium between hemodynamic stress and the condition of the IEL and intima. Cerebral arterial trunk aneurysms unrelated to the branching zones have several lesional patterns of IEL and the state of intima. There is a strong relationship between the pathological features of aneurysms and their clinical courses. We attempt to delineate the concept of cerebral arterial trunk aneurysms including 'dissecting aneurysms' and 'fusiform aneurysms'.

Aortic Dissection↗