Lumbar disc space height in relation to neural foraminal dimensions and patient characteristics: A morphometric analysis from L1-S1 using computed tomography.

Introduction: The normative relationship between lumbar intervertebral disc space height (DSH) and neuroforaminal dimensions (NFD) has yet to be defined.

Research Question: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between lumbar DSH and NFD using computed tomography (CT), accounting for influences of patient demographic and anthropometric characteristics.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed CT imaging of 350 female and 350 male patients.

Anatomic Parameters for Diagnosing Congenital Lumbar Stenosis Based on Computed Tomography of 1,000 Patients.

Introduction: Quantitative parameters for diagnosis of congenital lumbar stenosis (CLS) have yet to be universally accepted. This study establishes parameters for CLS using CT, assessing the influences of patient sex, race, ethnicity, and anthropometric characteristics.

Methods: Interpedicular distance (IPD), pedicle length, canal diameter, and canal area were measured using 1,000 patients between 18 and 35 years of age who were without spinal pathology.

Morphometric analysis of cervical neuroforaminal dimensions from C2-T1 using computed tomography of 1,000 patients.

Background: Race and sex differences are not consistently reported in the literature. Fundamentally, anatomical differences of cervical neuroforaminal dimensions (CNFD) amongst these groups would be important to know.

Purpose: To establish normative radiographic morphometric measurements of CNFD and uncover the influence of patient sex, race, and ethnicity while also considering anthropometric characteristics.

Anatomic Assessment of L1-S1 Neuroforaminal Dimensions Using Computed Tomography in 1,000 Patients: A Follow-Up Study.

Objectives: While the radiographic criteria for diagnosing central lumbar stenosis are well described, criteria for diagnosing neuroforaminal stenosis (NFS) are unclear. Prior research has utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to characterize neuroforaminal dimensions (NFDs). However, this approach has inherent limitations that can adversely impact measurement accuracy.

Double-Plate Technique for Long-Construct Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

The standard technique for multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) uses a single plate to span multiple vertebral levels. However, the usage of single long plates is linked to potential hardware failure and screw pullout from stress overload. A single long plate is also more likely to fail at the caudal levels.

Normative Measurements of L1 to S1 Neuroforaminal Dimensions Derived From Plain Film Radiography, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort.

Objective: To report normative measurements of L1 to S1 lumbar neuroforamina on plain film radiography (PFR), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), accounting for patients' sex and ethnicity.

Background: The quantitative criteria fothe diagnosis of neuroforaminal stenosis remains unknown.

Comparison of L1-S1 neuroforaminal dimensions derived from plain film radiography versus computed tomography.

Purpose: To compare measurements of lumbar neuroforaminal dimensions (NFD) derived from plain film radiography (PFR) and computed tomography (CT) of young patients without spinal pathology.

Methods: We analyzed 213 patients between 18 and 35 years of age without spinal pathology who received PFR and CT within one year of each other. NFD were defined as foraminal height, sagittal anterior-to-posterior width, and area.

Comparison of time series and mechanistic models of vector-borne diseases.

Vector-borne disease models are widely used to understand the dynamics involved in virus transmission. The simplest version of the mechanistic SEIR-SEI model is the most widely used representation of the dynamics involved in vector-borne diseases. Modifications to the basic model can improve the complex dynamics' acuracy.

Multi-cluster and environmental dependant vector born disease models.

Vector-born disease models are extensively used for surveillance and control processes. The most simple and generally use model (SEIR-SEI model) cannot explain a variety of phenomena involved in these diseases spread and development. In order to obtain a wider insight of the vector-born disease models (and the dynamics involved in them), this work focuses into analyse the classical model, a modified versions of it, and 8 their parameters.

Use of humic substances in froth flotation processes.

Continual growing demand for metals in regular and emerging markets has led to an increasing use of chemicals and reagents in ore processing. This trend force to incur in an increasing use of commodities which inevitable leads to higher operational costs and environmental concern. The chemicals and reagents used in flotation processes especially invoke high costs of handling and disposal due to their hazardous nature, but until now, few studies have been carried out to seek possible alternatives.

Optimization of multi-pathway production chains and multi-criteria decision-making through sustainability evaluation: a biojet fuel production case study.

Selection of optimal technologies for novel biobased products and processes is a major challenge in process design, especially when are considered many alternatives available to transform materials into valuable products. Furthermore, such technological alternatives vary in their technical performances and cause different levels of economic and environmental impacts throughout their life cycles. Additionally, selection of optimal production pathways requires a shift from the traditional materials management practices to more sustainable practices.

Identification of terpenes and essential oils by means of static headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry.

Static headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (SHS GC-IMS) is a relatively new analytical technique that has considerable potential for analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this study, SHS GC-IMS was used for the identification of the major terpene components of various essential oils (EOs). Based on the data obtained from 25 terpene standards and 50 EOs, a database for fingerprint identification of characteristic terpenes and EOs was generated utilizing SHS GC-IMS for authenticity testing of fragrances in foods, cosmetics, and personal care products.

Combining homogeneous catalysis with heterogeneous separation using tunable solvent systems.

Tunable solvent systems couple homogeneous catalytic reactions to heterogeneous separations, thereby combining multiple unit operations into a single step and subsequently reducing waste generation and improving process economics. In addition, tunable solvents can require less energy than traditional separations, such as distillation. We extend the impact of such solvents by reporting on the application of two previously described carbon dioxide tunable solvent systems: polyethylene glycol (PEG)/organic tunable solvents (POTS) and organic/aqueous tunable solvents (OATS).

Delayed primary repair of intrathoracic esophageal perforation: is it safe?

The management of intrathoracic esophageal perforation with delayed diagnosis is a subject of controversy. Because of the obvious advantages of primary repair as a simple single-stage operation, this technique was preferentially used to treat 18 of 22 consecutive patients with esophageal perforation. These patients were stratified into three groups according to the time interval between perforation and repair: group A, less than 6 hours, five patients (28%); group B, 6 to 24 hours, six patients (33%); and group C, more than 24 hours, seven patients (39%).

One-stage primary repair of distal esophageal perforation using fundic wrap.

Esophageal leak following primary repair of esophageal perforation is a serious complication that can lead to severe mediastinitis and sepsis. Complete diversion with esophageal exclusion or resection is designed to minimize further mediastinal contamination. However, this approach is not necessarily associated with less morbidity or mortality.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty failures in patients with multivessel disease. Is there an increased risk?

In recent years, there has been a nationwide trend toward performing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. The clinical course of 57 consecutive patients who required emergency first-time coronary artery bypass grafting operations were reviewed to assess for difference in outcome between the 28 patients (49%) with single-vessel disease and the 29 patients (51%) with multivessel disease. The two groups were similar in preoperative characteristics except for a higher proportion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the patients with multivessel disease (p = 0.

Simple approach for extrapericardial placement of defibrillator patches via median sternotomy.

The intrapericardial placement of implantable cardioverter defibrillator patches has been associated with a variety of complications due to the patch-epicardial interface. Extrapericardial placement of defibrillator patches minimizes these problems. We describe a simple and reproducible technique to achieve this goal whenever a median sternotomy approach is used.

Pericardioperitoneal shunt: an alternative treatment for malignant pericardial effusion.

The treatment of 37 consecutive cases of symptomatic malignant pericardial effusion over a period of 13 years was retrospectively analyzed. The most common diagnoses were lung cancer (59%) and breast cancer (11%). In the most recent 4 patients, the Denver pleuroperitoneal shunt was used to drain the pericardial effusion into the peritoneal cavity.

Pseudoaneurysms of the aorta after cardiac surgery or chest trauma.

Between March 1982 and June 1992, 17 patients (age: 21-76 years) were diagnosed with pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta (PTA). Four PTAs developed post-trauma while 13 developed after aortic or cardiac surgery. Unusual presentations included: dyspnea, hoarseness, dysphagia, massive hemoptysis (2 degrees to aortobronchial fistula), massive hematemesis (2 degrees to aorto-esophageal fistula), superior vena cava syndrome, paralyzed right hemidiaphragm, and herald bleeding from the sternotomy.

Pericardioplasty.

When so desired, a simple technique can be performed to close the pericardium after a cardiac operation. The only requirement is to think about it during the opening of the pericardium and make the appropriate cuts.

Embryonal carcinoma of the testis presenting as a left heart mass.

A 31-year-old man with a history of intravenous drug abuse and tooth abscess was admitted for evaluation of possible infective endocarditis. Echocardiography showed that he had a left atrial mass. The mass removed from the left atrium had the same histology as the primary embryonal carcinoma discovered in the right testicle during hospitalization.

Coaxial needle biopsy of lesions of the lung guided by computed tomography.

Thirty patients underwent coaxial needle aspiration biopsies of lesions of the lung under CTG. Tissue obtained was adequate for diagnosis in 90 per cent of the patients. The incidence of pneumothorax was low using the coaxial needle technique.

Impalement injuries to the thorax as a result of motor vehicle accidents.

We report three cases of thoracic impalement by large-diameter steel pipes as a result of motor vehicle accidents. The steel pipes were removed in all patients in the operating room under general anesthesia and controlled circumstances. Despite the dramatic nature and presentation of these injuries, all 3 patients had nonlethal injuries and have recuperated without sequelae.

Interrupted aortic arch complex: successful total correction in the neonate.

Two neonates subjected to definitive repair of interrupted aortic arch complex during the first week of life are presented. Results correlated well with preoperative status. Our definition of complete correction, including direct aortic anastomosis, is discussed along with the surgical strategy employed for successful repair of this otherwise dismal anomaly.