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At least 1,063 records · Page 59Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

Obesity prevention in low socioeconomic status urban African-american adolescents: study design and preliminary findings of the HEALTH-KIDS Study.

OBJECTIVES: Obesity prevention among children and adolescents is a public health priority; however, limited school-based intervention trials targeting obesity have been conducted. This article provides an overview of the study design and baseline preliminary findings of our ongoing school-based intervention study. DESIGN: Randomized intervention trial to test a school-based, environmental obesity prevention program in urban low socioeconomic status (SES) African-American adolescents. The intervention program was developed based on several behavioral theories and was guided by preliminary findings based on focus group discussion and baseline data. SETTING: Four Chicago public schools in the US. SUBJECTS: Over 450 5-7th graders and their families and schools were involved. RESULTS: Our baseline data indicate a high prevalence of overweight (43% in boys and 41% in girls) and a number of problems in these children's physical activity and eating patterns. Only 26% reported spending > or = 20 min engaged in vigorous-moderate exercise in > or = 5 days over the past 7 days; 29% reported spending > or = 5 h each day watching TV, playing video games, or using computer. They also consumed too many fried foods and soft drinks. On average, 55% consumed fried foods > or = 2 times/day over the past 7 days; regarding soft drinks, 70% reported consuming > or = 2 times/day. CONCLUSION: School-based obesity prevention programs are urgently needed in the target US urban, low SES, minority communities. These data can be used to inform intervention activities.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Predicting soft tissue changes in maxillary impaction surgery: a comparison of two video imaging systems.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the accuracy of two video imaging systems, Orthognathic Treatment Planner (OTP) and Prescription Portrait (Portrait), in predicting soft tissue profile changes after maxillary impaction surgery. Computer-generated line drawing predictions were compared with actual postsurgical profiles. Neither program was very accurate with vertical measures and lower lip contour. Portrait was more accurate at pronasale, inferior labial sulcus, and pogonion in the y-axis direction (P < 0.05). Video image predictions produced from the presurgical photographs were rated by orthodontists, surgeons, and lay people, who compared the predictions with the actual postsurgical photographs using a visual analog scale. Portrait's prediction images were scored higher than OTP's for five of eight areas. Orthodontists were most critical of the lips and the overall appearance. Lay people were most critical of the chin and submental areas.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Strength, but not muscle mass, is associated with mortality in the health, aging and body composition study cohort.

BACKGROUND: Although muscle strength and mass are highly correlated, the relationship between direct measures of low muscle mass (sarcopenia) and strength in association with mortality has not been examined. METHODS: Total mortality rates were examined in the Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study in 2292 participants (aged 70-79 years, 51.6% women, and 38.8% black). Knee extension strength was measured with isokinetic dynamometry, grip strength with isometric dynamometry. Thigh muscle area was measured by computed tomography (CT) scan, and leg and arm lean soft tissue mass were determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Both strength and muscle size were assessed as in gender-specific Cox proportional hazards models, with age, race, comorbidities, smoking status, level of physical activity, fat area by CT or fat mass by DXA, height, and markers of inflammation, including interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha considered as potential confounders. RESULTS: There were 286 deaths over an average of 4.9 (standard deviation = 0.9) years of follow-up. Both quadriceps and grip strength were strongly related to mortality. For quadriceps strength (per standard deviation of 38 Nm), the crude hazard ratio for men was 1.51 (95% confidence interval, 1.28-1.79) and 1.65 (95% confidence interval, 1.19-2.30) for women. Muscle size, determined by either CT area or DXA regional lean mass, was not strongly related to mortality. In the models of quadriceps strength and mortality, adjustment for muscle area or regional lean mass only slightly attenuated the associations. Further adjustment for other factors also had minimal effect on the association of quadriceps strength with mortality. Associations of grip strength with mortality were similar. CONCLUSION: Low muscle mass did not explain the strong association of strength with mortality, demonstrating that muscle strength as a marker of muscle quality is more important than quantity in estimating mortality risk. Grip strength provided risk estimates similar to those of quadriceps strength.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1979

Computed tomography in unilateral extremity swelling of unusual cause.

Computed tomography (CT) were used in the evaluation of unilateral soft tissue swelling of unusual cause. Three patients with unilateral myositis are described and the diagnostic information provided by the CT scan is discussed. A fourth patient with lymphedema praecox and unilateral extremity swelling is presented.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Adaptive two-pass rank order filter to remove impulse noise in highly corrupted images.

In this paper, we present an adaptive two-pass rank order filter to remove impulse noise in highly corrupted images. When the noise ratio is high, rank order filters, such as the median filter for example, can produce unsatisfactory results. Better results can be obtained by applying the filter twice, which we call two-pass filtering. To further improve the performance, we develop an adaptive two-pass rank order filter. Between the passes of filtering, an adaptive process is used to detect irregularities in the spatial distribution of the estimated impulse noise. The adaptive process then selectively replaces some pixels changed by the first pass of filtering with their original observed pixel values. These pixels are then kept unchanged during the second filtering. In combination, the adaptive process and the second filter eliminate more impulse noise and restore some pixels that are mistakenly altered by the first filtering. As a final result, the reconstructed image maintains a higher degree of fidelity and has a smaller amount of noise. The idea of adaptive two-pass processing can be applied to many rank order filters, such as a center-weighted median filter (CWMF), adaptive CWMF, lower-upper-middle filter, and soft-decision rank-order-mean filter. Results from computer simulations are used to demonstrate the performance of this type of adaptation using a number of basic rank order filters.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2006

Basic nonlinear acoustics: an introduction for radiological physicists.

Presented is a brief introduction to nonlinear acoustics, a topic of increasing importance in modern diagnostic ultrasound. Specifically treated is shock wave and harmonic production in lossless media. We also present a description of linear attenuation mechanisms in soft tissue and finally nonlinear propagation in soft tissue.

Acoustics↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Endoscopic transnasal resection of a juvenile angiofibroma using an ultrasonically activated scalpel.

We report a case of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA). A 19-year-old male came to our clinic complaining of severe nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Imaging investigations using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging techniques revealed a soft tissue mass in the nasopharynx with minimal extension to the pterygopalatine fossa. After embolization of the internal maxillary artery, we successfully performed endoscopic transnasal surgery for a JNA using an ultrasonically activated scalpel. Endoscopic follow-up for the 18 months after the surgical procedure revealed no evidence of recurrence or residual tumor.

Adult↗

PubMed1984

Nuclear magnetic resonance of the spine: clinical potential and limitation.

Magnetic resonance can visualize the vertebral bodies, discs, neural structures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), neural foramina, and extradural structures in the sagittal, axial, and coronal planes. The normal nucleus pulposus can be differentiated from the anulus and changes associated with degeneration. Infection, trauma, and neoplastic conditions can be identified. The signal intensity of the CSF relative to extradural and neural structures can be increased to provide evaluation of the size and configuration of the contents of the thecal sac without the use of an intrathecal contrast medium. Impingement by disc, tumors, fracture segments, and expansile masses can then be accurately evaluated. It is the most accurate modality for the evaluation of the foramen magnum, Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, infection, and degeneration of intervertebral discs. It can identify paravertebral soft tissue and bony changes when plain films and computed tomographic (CT) studies are negative or equivocal. Not only can lesions be localized, but significant information regarding the nature of the process can be obtained. Using variations of the spin-echo technique with appropriate T1 and T2-weighted images, magnetic resonance can produce tissue contrast distinctions not possible with CT scans or conventional angiography.

Arteriovenous Malformations↗

PubMed2000

An investigation of three-dimensional scanning of human body surfaces and its use in the design and manufacture of prostheses.

The capture of highly accurate data describing the complex surfaces of the human body may prove extremely useful in many medical situations. The data provide a method of measuring and recording changes to the surface of a patient's soft tissue. The data may be applied to computer-controlled manufacturing techniques, such as rapid prototyping (RP). This enables accurate physical replicas of the patient topography to be produced. Such models may be used as an aid in the design and manufacture of prostheses. This paper describes an investigation aimed at identifying problems that may be encountered when scanning patients and describes the application of the resulting data in the design and manufacture of facial prostheses. The results of the experiment are presented together with a discussion of the accuracy and potential advantages afforded by this approach.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed1991

Ultrasound in the diagnosis of the juxta-pleural lesion.

Any opacity on a chest radiograph has a wide differential diagnosis. Plain radiography and computed tomography may help to differentiate whether bone, intercostal soft tissue or mediastinum are involved. Bronchoscopy is often negative with peripheral lesions. This leaves the physician with a diagnostic problem. We examined ultrasonically 30 patients with juxta-pleural lesions and performed cutting biopsy in 27. Twenty-four of these produced positive histology (90%). The three that were not biopsied were anechoic and had pulsatile lesions due to vascular abnormalities. There were four benign lesions all with hypoechoic appearances and the 20 malignant cases showed a wide spectrum of echogenicity. Of the malignant lesions, 90% showed pleural line disruption with reduced respiratory movement suggesting chest wall invasion. There were no complications, despite using cutting biopsy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Effect of number of projections on image quality of local CT.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the image quality of the local CT imaging procedure, in terms of resolution, contrast, and noise as a function of the number of projections. METHODS: The contrast and resolution of the images was determined with a phantom object consisting of three rods of different materials, as well as a phantom human head embedded in soft tissue equivalent material. In addition, slices reconstructed from computed sinograms were used for comparison. RESULTS: Sharpness, contrast and noise were determined as a function of the number of projections. The number of projections was found to affect the contrast and the noise most, and had much less influence on resolution. CONCLUSIONS: Judging from the images of the phantom head and the numerical data, it seems that the minimum number of projections needed to obtain images of useful quality in the geometry used is about 33. Improved image quality (at any number of projections) can best be achieved through noise suppression.

Artifacts↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Management of nasal aspergillosis in a dog with a single, noninvasive intranasal infusion of clotrimazole.

An 11-year-old, spayed female keeshond was presented for unilateral epistaxis and serous nasal discharge of four weeks duration. Initial nasal radiographs, rhinoscopy, and histopathology suggested severe, destructive lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis. The patient deteriorated while receiving an anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone. A computed tomographic scan of the nose demonstrated a soft-tissue density in both the right nasal cavity and frontal sinus. Samples for histopathology obtained at surgery were diagnostic for nasal aspergillosis. All clinical signs resolved with a single, noninvasive infusion of intranasal clotrimazole and a four-week course of oral itraconazole.

Administration, Intranasal↗

PubMed1996

Osteochondral Lesions of the Talar Dome.

Osteochondral lesions of the talar dome are relatively common causes of ankle pain and disability. Trauma is the most common cause, but ischemic necrosis, en-docrine disorders, and genetic factors may have etiologic significance. Medial lesions are usually located posteriorly on the dome of the talus, whereas lateral lesions are most frequently located anteriorly. Although the staging system described by Berndt and Harty remains popular, it may not accurately reflect the integrity of the articular cartilage. Small lesions of the talar dome may be present despite a normal appearance on plain radiography. Bone scintigraphy may show increased radionuclide uptake in the talar dome. Magnetic resonance imaging is also sensitive for identifying intraosseous abnormalities in the talus and has the added benefit of revealing other types of soft-tissue lesions not visible on routine radiographic studies. Computed tomography remains the imaging technique of choice when delineation of a bone fragment is desired. Nonoperative management of osteochondral lesions, including restricted weight-bearing and/or immobilization, is recommended unless a loose fragment is clearly present. Surgical options include drilling (usually reserved for intact lesions), debridement of the lesion with curettage or abrasion of the bone bed, internal fixation of the fragment, and bone grafting. Recent technical advances allow these procedures to be performed arthroscopically, with potential reduction of surgical trauma, length of hospital stay, and complication rates.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1999

[Usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of superior lumbar hernia: a case report].

A 48-year-old man consulted us with the chief complaints of right flank mass. On examination, there was a soft bulge on the right superior lumbar area. Since computed tomographic scanning showed subcutaneous fatty tissue, we suspected a superior lumbar hernia. The diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that revealed a lumbar muscle defect and prolapsed fatty tissue around the kidney. During the operation, a small hernia hiatus, 2 cm in width, opened in the superior lumbar triangle. The herniated fatty tissue was excised, and the defect of fascia was closed by overlapping the adjacent fascial structure. No signs of recurrence were found at 3 months postoperatively. The usefulness of MRI for the diagnosis is discussed and previous literature is reviewed.

Hernia, Ventral↗

PubMed2001

Destructive diskovertebral lesions in ankylosing spondylitis: appearance on magnetic resonance imaging.

We report magnetic resonance imaging findings of diskovertebral lesions in a case of ankylosing spondylitis mimicking metastatic and/or infectious disease. Multiple hypointense areas were seen on T1-weighted images corresponding to hyperintense areas on T2-weighted images in dorsal, lumbar, and sacral vertebral bodies and the manubriosternal joint, with accompanying soft tissue masses. Diagnosis was achieved through biopsy, regression of the paravertebral soft tissue masses, later detection of bilateral sacroiliitis on computed tomography, and presence of histocompatibility antigen HLA-B27.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Clinics in Diagnostic imaging. Sacrococccygeal chordoma.

A 41-year-old man with a sacrococcygeal chordoma is presented with emphasis on its morphological and imaging features. Examples of chordomas at other sites situated along the skull base and spinal axis are illustrated. Bone erosion and expanding soft tissue mass are invariably present on both enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Sacrococcygeal chordomas are usually large on initial presentation and treatment is targeted at complete surgical excision since incomplete resection invariably leads to recurrence and distant metastases. Skull base chordomas are smaller but are less accessible to complete removal. Adjuvant radiotherapy is offered under these circumstances with the view to delay recurrence. The biological behaviour and prognostic factors for survival are summarised.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Office design and technology placement: fundamental foundations.

Build technology infrastructure on a solid foundation. Outline the technology vision, determine the budget, research products and vendors, plan a practical installation and support your investment with training. Reap the rewards of today's dental technologies by establishing your practice as high technology yet soft touch.

Capital Financing↗

PubMed2003

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinomas (LELCAs) of the urinary bladder are rare. We report 2 such cases presenting with painless gross hematuria. The first case occurred in a 73-year-old man. Bladder sonography revealed a 2 x 3 cm well-defined tumor beneath the bladder mucosa. Radical cystoprostatectomy revealed lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma with perivesical soft tissue invasion. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was given. Computed tomography scan demonstrated no evidence of recurrence 26 months postoperatively. The second case occurred in a 63-year-old man. Cystoscopy revealed a solid tumor at the bladder dome. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) demonstrated lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma with lamina propria invasion. Tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin but negative for leukocyte common antigen. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy due to suspicious extravesical tumor spread and high-grade tumor characteristics. After tumor recurrence was identified, TUR-BT was performed again and the surgical specimen showed superficial high-grade LELCA. After bacillus Calmette-Guerin instillation, follow-up cystoscopy revealed no recurrence at 10 months postoperatively. Pure LELCA is morphologically different from transitional cell carcinoma and has a more favorable prognosis than high-grade, invasive bladder carcinoma if managed appropriately.

Aged↗