Relationship between Smoking and Vocal Self-perception of Trans Women

Objective: To verify the relationship between smoking, age, schooling, and the vocal self-perception of trans women. Methods: Cross-sectional observational quantitative study conducted with 24 trans women over 18 years old, living in their affirmed gender for a minimum of 6 months. Data collection involved selected questions from the translated and authorized Portuguese version of the Trans Woman Voice Questionnaire (TWVQ) and information regarding age, education, occupation, and smoking status. All variables were analyzed descriptively, and the association with smoking was assessed using Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, Student's T, and Mann-Whitney tests, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The mean age of trans women was 28.2 +/- 6.5 years (range: 21 - 48). Most participants (41.6%) had completed their high school education and pursued diverse careers. Regarding smoking habits, 58.3% of women were either current smokers or had smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. A statistically significant association was found between smoking and age (p = 0.001), with smokers having a lower average age (24.9 years) compared to nonsmokers (32.9 years). However, no statistical significance was observed between smoking, education, and self-perception of vocal femininity. Only 9 (37.5%) trans women perceived their voices as feminine, while 17 (70.7%) desired a more feminine-sounding voice. Limitation: The limited sample size in this study may have constrained the ability to detect significant differences between the analyzed groups using statistical tests. Conclusion: The smoking prevalence was notably high among younger trans women. However, there was no statistically significant difference in vocal self-perception between those who smoked and those who did not. The majority of trans women expressed a desire for their voices to sound more feminine, particularly among smokers.

Objetivo: Verificar la relación entre el tabaquismo, edad, escolaridad y la autopercepción vocal de mujeres trans. Métodos: Estudio observacional transversal cuantitativo realizado con 24 mujeres trans mayores de 18 años, que viven en su género afirmado durante 6 meses. Para la recolección de datos se utilizaron preguntas seleccionadas de la versión portuguesa traducida y autorizada del Trans Woman Voice Questionnaire (TWVQ) y datos sobre edad, educación, ocupación y tabaquismo. Todas las variables se analizaron descriptivamente y la asociación con el tabaquismo se realizó mediante las pruebas Chi-cuadrado de Pearson, Exacta de Fisher, T de Student y Mann Whitney, con un nivel de significación del 5%. Resultados: La edad promedio de las mujeres trans fue de 28,2 +/- 6,5 (rango 21 - 48). La mayoría de las participantes (41,6%) había terminado la escuela secundaria con carreras muy diversas. Respecto al tabaquismo, el 58,3% de las mujeres fuman actualmente o han fumado al menos 100 cigarrillos en su vida. Hubo una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el tabaquismo y la edad (p = 0,001), en la que la edad promedio entre los fumadores (24,9 años) fue menor que la de los no fumadores (32,9 años). No hubo significación estadística entre el tabaquismo, la educación y la autopercepción vocal. Solo 9 (37,5%) mujeres trans actualmente consideran su voz femenina y 17 (70,7%) dijeron que la voz ideal podría sonar más femenina. Limitación: La pequeña casuística puede haber limitado la identificación de diferencias entre los grupos analizados a través de pruebas estadísticas. Conclusión: El tabaquismo fue alto entre las mujeres trans, especialmente las más jóvenes. La autopercepción vocal no fue estadísticamente diferente entre los grupos de fumadores y no fumadores. La mayoría de las mujeres trans dijeron que sus voces podrían sonar más femeninas, especialmente las fumadoras.

Speed of Pitch Change in People with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study

Objective: To examine laryngeal maximum performance through a novel pitch diadochokinetic (DDK) task in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy controls. Methods: This exploratory pilot study included a total of eight people with PD (seven male and one female) and eight healthy controls. Participants were instructed to rapidly transition or alternate between a chosen comfortable low and high pitch and were instructed to complete the task as a pitch glide. An Auditory Sawtooth Waveform Inspired Pitch Estimator-Prime model was used to first extract the pitch contour and then a customized MATLAB algorithm was used to compute and derive measures of pitch range and pitch slope. Results: Pitch range and slope were reduced in some participants with PD. Effects of age and disease duration were observed in people with PD: reductions in both pitch measures with increase in age and disease duration. Conclusions: A novel pitch DDK task may supplement the conventional laryngeal DDK task in the evaluation and treatment of motor speech and voice disorders. Individual variability analysis may provide specific diagnostic and therapeutic insights for people with PD.

Objetivo: Examinar el máximo rendimiento laríngeo a través de una novedosa tarea diadococinética de tono (DDK, por sus siglas en inglés) en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) y controles sanos. Métodos: Este estudio piloto exploratorio incluyó un total de ocho personas con EP (siete hombres y una mujer) y ocho controles sanos. Se instruyó a los participantes para que hicieran una transición rápida o alternaran entre un tono bajo y uno alto que les resultara cómodo y se les indicó que completaran la tarea como un deslizamiento de tono. Se utilizó un modelo de Estimador de Tono Inspirado en la Forma de Onda de Diente de Sierra Auditiva-Prime para extraer primero el contorno del tono y luego se utilizó un algoritmo MATLAB personalizado para calcular y derivar medidas de rango de tono y pendiente de tono. Resultados: El rango y la pendiente de tono se redujeron en algunos participantes con EP. Se observaron efectos de la edad y la duración de la enfermedad en personas con EP: reducciones en ambas medidas de tono con el aumento de la edad y la duración de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: Una nueva tarea de DDK de tono podría complementar la tarea DDK laríngea convencional en la evaluación y el tratamiento de trastornos motores del habla y de la voz. El análisis de la variabilidad individual podría proporcionar información específica de diagnóstico y terapéutica para personas con EP.

Multi Slice Spiral CT Pulmonary Angiography in Dynamic Pitch Mode using Volume Helical Shuttle Technology for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism

Introduction : Multi slice Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) in dynamic pitch (Volume Helical Shuttle-VHS) mode is an evolving method to visualize pulmonary arteries including the peripheral pulmonary vasculature. The purpose of this study is to evaluate CT Pulmonary Angiography in dynamic pitch mode (Volume Helical Shuttle) for pulmonary embolism in comparison with standard pitch mode. Methods : We have done a multicentric analytical comparison study with study group involving patients undergone CTPA in dynamic pitch mode-Volume Helical Shuttle (VHS) and comparison group involving patients undergone CTPA in standard pitch mode. Results : Optimal contrast enhancement phase of the pulmonary artery in the study group in Phase I to III were 22.6%, 43.4% and 34%. The best phases were the last two phases in our study. Study Group main pulmonary artery mean signal intensity is 423.83±75.94 HU and comparison groups mean signal intensity is 361.74±98.28HU (P value = 0.039). The percentages of analyzable segmental arteries were 91.6% in study group and 87.3% in comparison group (P value-0.008). The percentages of analyzable sub segmental arteries were 89.5% in study group and 84% in comparison group (P value-0.004). The study group shows less percentage of motion artefacts and higher image quality than the comparison group, however it was not statistically significant (P value >0.05). Conclusions : Multislice CTPA in dynamic pitch mode using Volume Helical Shuttle (VHS) technology increase the ability to obtain the Optimal contrast enhancement in pulmonary arteries, improves the overall image quality, obviate the need for breath holding.

Application of 70 kVp tube voltage combined with the FLASH in low-dose CT of pediatric paranasal sinus / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of dual-source low-dose computed tomography (CT) of the paranasal sinus in children, with acquisition at an ultra-low tube voltage (70 kVp) combined with the Flash scan. Methods CT scans of the paranasal sinus were performed on 80 pediatric patients who were divided into two groups according to different protocols (70 kVp protocol with Flash scan mode and the iterative reconstruction, pitch 3, the experimental group (group A), n = 40; 80 kVp protocol with conventional spiral mode, pitch 1.5, control group (group B), n = 40). For each examination, the CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP) and effective dose (ED) were estimated. The image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and overall subjective diagnostic image quality were also evaluated. Results The images of these two groups were all satisfied for the clinical diagnosis. For radiation dose, the CTDIvol (mGy), DLP (mGycm) and ED (mSv) values of the 70 kVp protocol were significantly lower than those of the 80 kVp protocol [CTDIvol: 0.39 ± 0.004 vs1.57 ± 0.009 mGy, P < 0.001; DLP: 6.31 ± 0.52 vs 19.88 ± 2.01 mGycm, P < 0.001; ED: 0.024 ± 0.005 vs 0.079 ± 0.016 mSv, P < 0.001. Compared with those of the 80-kVp protocol, the image noise and the SNRbone increased, the SNRsoft-tissue decreased. There was no statistical difference in the subjective scores of the two groups of image quality by the two physicians (P > 0.05). Conclusion When diagnosing the paranasal sinus in children, an ultralow tube voltage (70 kVp) combined with the Flash scan technique can reduce the radiation dose significantly while maintaining diagnostic image quality with clinically acceptable image noise.

Dual pitch titanium-coated pedicle screws improve initial and early fixation in a polyetheretherketone rod semi-rigid fixation system in sheep / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Reports on the efficacy of modifications to the thread design of pedicle screws are scarce. The aim of the study was to investigate initial and early fixation of pedicle screws with a plasma-sprayed titanium coating and dual pitch in the pedicle region (dual pitch titanium-coated pedicle screw [DPTCPS]) in a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) rod semi-rigid fixation system.@*Methods@#Fifty-four sheep spine specimens and 64 sheep were used to investigate initial ( "0-week" controls) and early (postoperative 6 months) fixation, respectively. Sheep were divided into dual pitch pedicle screw (DPPS), standard pitch pedicle screw (SPPS), DPTCPS, and standard pitch titanium-coated pedicle screw (SPTCPS) groups. Specimens/sheep were instrumented with four screws and two rods. Biomechanical evaluations were performed, and histology at the implant-bone interface was investigated.@*Results@#At 0-week, mean axial pull-out strength was significantly higher for the DPTCPS and SPTCPS than the SPPS (557.0 ± 25.2 vs. 459.1 ± 19.1 N, t = 3.61, P < 0.05; 622.6 ± 25.2 vs. 459.1 ± 19.1 N, t = 3.43, P < 0.05). On toggle-testing, the DPTCPS was significantly more resistant than the SPPS and SPTCPS (343.4 ± 16.5 vs. 237.5 ± 12.9 N, t = 3.52, P < 0.05; 343.4 ± 16.5 vs. 289.9 ± 12.8 N, t = 3.12, P < 0.05; 124.7 ± 13.5 vs. 41.9 ± 4.3 cycles, t = 2.18, P < 0.05; 124.7 ± 13.5 vs.79.5 ± 11.8 cycles, t = 2.76, P < 0.05). On cyclic loading, maximum displacement was significantly lower for the DPTCPS than the SPPS and SPTCPS (1.8 ± 0.13 vs. 3.76 ± 0.19 mm, t = 2.29, P < 0.05; 1.8 ± 0.13 vs. 2.46 ± 10.20 mm, t = 2.69, P < 0.05). At post-operative 6 months, mean axial pull-out strength was significantly higher for the DPTCPS and SPTCPS than the SPPS (908.4 ± 33.6 vs. 646.5 ± 59.4 N, t = 3.34, P < 0.05; 925.9 ± 53.9 vs. 646.5 ± 59.4 N, t = 3.37, P < 0.05). On toggle-testing, the DPTCPS was significantly more resistant than the SPPS and SPTCPS (496.9 ± 17.9 vs. 370.3 ± 16.4 N, t = 2.86, P < 0.05; 496.9 ± 17.9 vs. 414.1 ± 12.8 N, t = 2.74, P < 0.05; 249.1 ± 11.0 vs.149.9 ± 11.1 cycles, t = 2.54, P < 0.05; 249.1 ± 11.0 vs.199.8 ± 7.2 cycles, t = 2.61, P < 0.05). On cyclic loading, maximum displacement was significantly lower for the DPTCPS than the SPPS and SPTCPS (0.96 ± 0.11 vs. 2.39 ± 0.14 mm, t = 2.57, P < 0.05; 0.96 ± 0.11 vs. 1.82 ± 0.12 mm, t = 2.73, P < 0.05). Resistance to toggle testing (370.3 ± 16.4 vs. 414.1 ± 12.8 N, t = 3.29, P < 0.05; 149.9 ± 11.1 vs.199.8 ± 7.2 cycles, t = 2.97, P < 0.05) was significantly lower and maximum displacement in cyclic loading (2.39 ± 0.14 vs.1.82 ± 0.12 mm; t = 3.06, P < 0.05) was significantly higher for the SPTCPS than the DPTCPS. Bone-to-implant contact was significantly increased for the DPTCPS compared to the SPPS (58.3% ± 7.0% vs. 36.5% ± 4.4%, t = 2.74, P < 0.05); there was no inflammatory reaction or degradation of coated particles.@*Conclusion@#DPTCPSs might have stronger initial and early fixation in a PEEK rod semi-rigid fixation system.

The value of ultraGlarge pitch Turbo Flash scan mode in the diagnosis of tracheal foreign body in infants / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To explore the value of ultra-large pitch Turbo Flash scan mode in the diagnosis of tracheal foreign body in infants.Methods The imaging data of 60 infants with foreign body in trachea confirmed by bronchus endoscopy were analyzed retrospectively. The 60 infants were equally divided into 2 groups according to the scanning time.For group A,the routine scan with the mode of CARE Dose 4D/CARE kV and pitch as 1.9 was performed.For group B,the scan with ultra-large pitch Turbo Flash model was performed.The scanning time,volume CT dose index (CTDIvol)and dose length product (DLP)of each patient were recorded in both groups and statistically analyzed.Results The scanning time,DLP and CTDIvol of group A and group B were statistically significant.CTDIvol and DLP of group B were significantly lower than those of group A (P＜0.05).The diagnostic accuracy of group A and B were 100%(30/30),respectively (P＞0.05).The foreign body display of group A and B were 100% (30/30),respectively (P＞0.05).Conclusion Ultra-large pitch Turbo Flash can be used to detect tracheal foreign body in infants.It can significantly reduce radiation dose,shorten examination time and obtain satisfactory image quality.

Progress in pitch control in pulp by enzymes / 生物工程学报

Pitch deposits have negative effects on product quality, machine performance and production line profitability during pulp and paper manufacture. As traditional pitch control technology cannot provide satisfactory solutions in the pitch deposits, the enzymatic treatment has been rapidly developed for its high efficiency and pollution-free property. In this review, the chemical composition and present form of the pitch in pulp is first introduced, followed by a description of the pitch control enzymes. The emphasis is on the current research on enzymatic solutions to pitch problems, including the reaction mechanism, technology, and the present main problems of lipase, sterol esterases, laccase and lipoxygenase. Finally, the technology prospects in this field are proposed.

A Review of Music Perception with Cochlear Implantation / 대한이비인후과학회지

With a high sound quality stimulated by the electrical device and a large inclusion in medical insurance, the number of cochlear implant recipients has been rapidly increased in Korea. Today, it is not surprising that early implanted young children with congenital deafness show a similar performance to their normal hearing peers in speech perception. However, the cochlear implant users still have a trouble to enjoy music. This review study aims to introduce briefly about acoustic components that required to perceive the music and understand a relationship between cochlear implantation and temporal fine structure. For the pediatric implant users who have less experience on acoustical sound features but are much familiar with the electrically stimulated sound, perceiving the music seems to be challengeable due to the lack of temporal fine resolution related to pitch and timbre among various components of music. Four representative test batteries for evaluating the recipients' ability of the music perception were mentioned and effective auditory music trainings were discussed with analysis of related investigations. Unlike hearing aids users who usually depend on fitting algorism for better music quality, the cochlear implant users need systematic training to improve their music perception ability. In conclusion, advancement of speech processing technology which can provide accurate information about the temporal fine structure of incoming music to the recipients needs to be developed. Also, a practical application of music training should be recommended as a part of auditory training for the cochlear implant users.

Pitch-Matching Accuracy and Temporal Auditory Processing

Abstract Introduction Pitch-matching refers to the ability to vocally reproduce an acoustic model in a corresponding tone to the presented sound. This ability, which is dependent on pitch perception ability, can vary among individuals, and some are not able to sing in the correct tune or discriminate differences between tones. Objective To correlate pitch-matching accuracy and auditory processing in individuals without musical training. Methods A Pitch-Matching Test (vocal reproduction of synthesized and human voice sounds) and two commercially available tests of auditory temporal processing (the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test and the Random Gap DetectionTest) were administered to all participants. A total of 62 college students of both genders, aged between 18 and 35 years old, were divided into 2 groups, according to their performances in the Pitch- Matching Test (the accurate match group and the inaccurate match group). Results In the Pitch-Matching Test, both groups achieved better results when reproducing vocalized sounds. The accurate match group achieved a significantly higher pitch pattern sequence test performance. In the Random Gap Detection Test analysis, there were no differences between the two groups. The Pearson's chi-squared test showed a direct correlation between the Pitch-Matching Test and the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest the existence of a significant relationship between temporal auditory processing and pitch-matching, through which accurate pitch-matching individuals perform better in the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test. Inaccurate pitch-matching individuals may be skilled at discriminating pitch, despite their poor performance in the Pitch-Matching Test.

Amusia and its electrophysiological correlates in neurofibromatosis type 1 / Amusia e seus correlatos eletrofisiológicos na neurofibromatose tipo 1

ABSTRACT Auditory processing deficits are common in people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and they often report difficulties in musical performance. Objective: We investigated whether NF1 could be associated with amusia as well as with some impairment of primary auditory cortex activity. Methods: Eighteen people with NF1 and 22 healthy volunteers, matched for age, sex and educational level, were evaluated with the Montreal Battery Evaluation of Amusia - short version. The integrity of cortical primary auditory processing areas was evaluated by evoked potential mismatch negativity. Results: Amusia was correlated with NF1 (p = 0.001, odds ratio = 42.0, confidence interval 4.5-39.6). Patients with NF1 exhibited a greater prevalence of amusia than healthy controls (67% vs. 4.5%) and difficulties in both melodic and temporal music perception. Worse performance on the Montreal Battery Evaluation of Amusia was correlated with a greater mismatch negativity latency in NF1 group. Conclusions: Amusia is a common feature in NF1 and may result from impairment of activity in primary auditory processing areas.

RESUMO Déficits de processamento auditivo são comuns em pessoas com neurofibromatose tipo 1 (NF1), que também se queixam frequentemente de dificuldades no desempenho musical. Objetivos: Nós investigamos se a NF1 poderia estar associada à amusia, assim como a algum comprometimento da atividade do córtex auditivo primário. Métodos: Dezoito pessoas com NF1 e 22 controles sem a doença, pareados por idade, sexo e nível educacional, foram avaliados por meio da versão reduzida da Bateria de Avaliação de Amusia de Montreal (MBEA). A integridade das áreas corticais primárias do processamento auditivo foi avaliada através do potencial evocado auditivo mismacth negativity (MMN). Resultados: A amusia correlacionou-se com a NF1 (p = 0,001, odds ratio = 42,0, intervalo de confiança 4,5-39,6). Os pacientes com NF1 apresentaram maior prevalência de amusia do que os controles saudáveis (67% vs. 4,5%) e dificuldades na percepção musical, tanto melódica quanto temporal. O desempenho pior na MBEA foi correlacionado com maiores latências do MMN no grupo NF1. Conclusões: A amusia é uma característica comum na NF1 e pode resultar do comprometimento da atividade de áreas de processamento auditivo primário.

Image Quality and Radiation Dose of High-Pitch Dual-Source Spiral Cardiothoracic Computed Tomography in Young Children with Congenital Heart Disease: Comparison of Non-Electrocardiography Synchronization and Prospective Electrocardiography Triggering

OBJECTIVE: To compare image quality and radiation dose of high-pitch dual-source spiral cardiothoracic computed tomography (CT) between non-electrocardiography (ECG)-synchronized and prospectively ECG-triggered data acquisitions in young children with congenital heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six children (≤ 3 years) with congenital heart disease who underwent high-pitch dual-source spiral cardiothoracic CT were included in this retrospective study. They were divided into two groups (n = 43 for each; group 1 with non-ECG-synchronization and group 2 with prospective ECG triggering). Patient-related parameters, radiation dose, and image quality were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient-related parameters including age, cross-sectional area, body density, and water-equivalent area between the two groups (p > 0.05). Regarding radiation dose parameters, only volume CT dose index values were significantly different between group 1 (1.13 ± 0.09 mGy) and group 2 (1.07 ± 0.12 mGy, p 0.05). CONCLUSION: In high-pitch dual-source spiral pediatric cardiothoracic CT, additional ECG triggering does not substantially reduce motion artifacts in young children with congenital heart disease.

Validation of foot pitch angle estimation using inertial measurement unit against marker-based optical 3D motion capture system

Gait analysis is relevant to a broad range of clinical applications in areas of orthopedics, neurosurgery, rehabilitation and the sports medicine. There are various methods available for capturing and analyzing the gait cycle. Most of gait analysis methods are computationally expensive and difficult to implement outside the laboratory environment. Inertial measurement units, IMUs are considered a promising alternative for the future of gait analysis. This study reports the results of a systematic validation procedure to validate the foot pitch angle measurement captured by an IMU against Vicon Optical Motion Capture System, considered the standard method of gait analysis. It represents the first phase of a research project which aims to objectively evaluate the ankle function and gait patterns of patients with dorsiflexion weakness (commonly called a “drop foot”) due to a L5 lumbar radiculopathy pre- and post-lumbar decompression surgery. The foot pitch angle of 381 gait cycles from 19 subjects walking trails on a flat surface have been recorded throughout the course of this study. Comparison of results indicates a mean correlation of 99.542% with a standard deviation of 0.834%. The maximum root mean square error of the foot pitch angle measured by the IMU compared with the Vicon Optical Motion Capture System was 3.738° and the maximum error in the same walking trail between two measurements was 9.927°. These results indicate the level of correlation between the two systems.

Influência da retroalimentação auditiva nos parâmetros acústicos vocais de indivíduos sem queixas vocais / Influence of auditory feedback in the vocal acoustic parameters of individuals without vocal complaints

RESUMO Introdução: A qualidade da emissão vocal é dependente da integridade do mecanismo de retroalimentação auditiva. A presença de eventuais falhas nesse mecanismo está relacionada à indução do abuso e/ ou mau uso vocal e, por conseguinte, do surgimento de quadros de disfonia. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da retroalimentação auditiva na intensidade e na frequência da voz, em indivíduos sem queixas vocais. Métodos: Participaram da pesquisa 40 sujeitos do gênero feminino, sem queixas vocais e com limiares auditivos dentro dos padrões de normalidade. As participantes foram submetidas a uma avaliação auditiva, composta por audiometria tonal liminar, imitanciometria e por uma avaliação acústica vocal dos parâmetros de intensidade e frequência, realizada em três momentos: antes, durante e após a exposição ao ruído branco. Resultados: Houve diferença significativa na relação das médias obtidas na intensidade e entre o limiar dos reflexos acústicos contralaterais e as frequências vocais, nos três momentos da avaliação acústica. Conclusão: Os achados sugerem que a retroalimentação auditiva interfere no controle da intensidade e frequência vocal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The quality of the vocal emission is dependent on the integrity of the auditory feedback mechanism of the presence of eventual failures is related to the induction of abuse and / or vocal misuse, and therefore of the surgeon of dysphonia. Purpose: To evaluate the influence of auditory feedback in voice intensity and frequency in individuals with no vocal complaints. Methods: Participants were 40 female subjects without vocal and auditory thresholds within normal standards complaints. Participants underwent an auditory evaluation composed of pure tone audiometry, tympanometry and a vocal acoustic assessment of intensity and frequency parameters, carried out in three stages: before, during and after exposure to white noise. Results: There was significant difference in the average of the ratio obtained in intensity and between the threshold of contralateral acoustic reflexes and vocal frequencies in the three moments of acoustic evaluation. Conclusion: Thus, the findings suggest that auditory feedback interferes with the control of the intensity and vocal frequency.

Effect of helical tomotherapy megavoltage CT under different acquisition pitch and registration conditions on the accuracy of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of helical tomotherapy (HT) megavoltage CT (MVCT) under different acquisition pitch and registration conditions upon the accuracy of radiotherapy for used nasopharyngeal carcinoma,aiming to provide reference for image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Methods MVCT scans were performed on an anthropomorphic head& neck phantom which was simulated the positioning errors in the x,y and z direction.The obtained images were registered with the planning CT images.Acquisition pitch was set as the coarse,normal and fine modes.Registration conditions were set as bone registration,bone and soft tissue registration and full-image registration.Registration accuracy was determined by comparing the measured value with the preset value.The accuracy of radiotherapy under different acquisition pitch and registration conditions was statistically compared.Results The 3D errors of bone,bone and soft tissue and full-image registration under different acquisition pitch (coarse,normal and fine) were (1.51±0.47,1.54±0.35,1.81±0.53) mm and (1.41± 0.37,1.53±0.36,1.56±0.39) mm and (1.51±0.27,1.57±0.32,1.73±0.33) mm,respectively.The bone registration yielded the highest accuracy (P＜0.05).When the registration condition was set as bone registration,the accuracy of three acquisition pitch did not significantly differ (all P＞0.05).The fine mode of acquisition pitch possessed the highest stability,whereas required the longest time.Conclusion The acquisition pitch and registration conditions should be selected during HT MVCT based on the clinical requirement of each patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Impact factors of dose distribution in the abutment area duing total body irradiation with helical tomotherapy / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To investigate the optimal distance between upper and lower target volumes and their correlated planning parameters by analyzing the dose distribution in the abutment regions during total body irradiation ( TBI) using helical tomotherapy. Methods A total of 10 patients with acute leukemia and with a height around 120 cm were enrolled. All patients were scanned by a Siemens simulation computerized tomography (CT) at a slice thickness of 5 mm. A lead wire was placed 10. 0 cm above the patella as a marker of the separation boundary for the upper and lower target volumes. The delineations of target volumes and organs at risk ( OARs ) were performed in the Varian Eclipse 13. 5 workstation with targets shrunk beyond the separation boundary at different distances. After contours and CT images were transferred to HT workstation, treatment plans were designed with different field width (FW, 5. 0 cm/2. 5 cm/1. 0 cm) and pitch values (0. 430/0. 287) at a modulation factor of 1. 8. All the plans were optimized with a dose calculation grid of 0. 195 cm × 0. 195 cm and identical planning parameters. The correlation between treatment planning parameters and targets shrunk distances were investigated by analyzing the dose distributions in the abutment area. Results The study demonstrated that the dose distributions in the abutment area were influenced only by the field width parameters: when the gap distance between the upper and lower targets was 5. 0 cm, the optimal FW is 5. 0 cm;Similarly when the gap distances were 2. 0 cm and 1. 0 cm, and the optimal FW 2. 5 cm and 1. 0 cm, respectively. In another words, the dose distribution of the abutment region was optimal when the target gap distance was equal to FW. Pitch values did not affect the quality of dose distribution in the abutment region and the overall treatment time ratio. Overall treatment time was inversely related to the FW. Conclusions Consistent target distance and FW is helpful to improve the dose homogeneity in the abutment area during TBI with HT. Appropriate planning parameters is critical to balance the treatment efficacy and efficiency.

The application value of high pitch scanning technique of dual source CT combined with Iomeprol 400 in aortic angiography / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of a combination of second generation high pitch scanning technique of dual source CT and Iomeprol 400 on image quality,total iodine dose and injection speed.Methods Eighty-four patients with clinically suspected aortic disease underwent aorta CT angiography (CTA)were randomly divided into two groups (42 cases in each group).The experimental group used high pitch dual source CTA acquisition mode (pitch 3.2)combined with Iomeprol 400 contrast agent.The control group used conventional CTA scan mode combined with Iopamidol 370 contrast agent.The differences in image quality,effective radiation dose, total iodine dose and injection speed between two groups were compared.Results There were no statistical differences in CT value, signal-to-noise ratio,contrast-to-noise ratio and subjective image quality score between two groups (P>0.05).There were significant statistical differences in CTDIvol,DLP and CT value of the superior vena cava between two groups (P<0.01).The total iodine dose and injection speed were reduced in experimental group.Conclusion The combination of a high pitch scanning technique of aorta CTA with Iomeprol 400 contrast agent can reduce radiation dose and potential hazards of contrast agents on the premise of guaranteeing the image quality.

Brain Activation Display Functional Asymmetry in Response to Action, Background and Tonal Frequency During a Pitch Memory Processing: An fMRI Study / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#In this study, the asymmetry of the main effects of action, background and tonal frequency during a pitch memory processingwere investigated by means of brain activation. Eighteen participants (mean age 27.6 years) were presented with low andhigh frequency tones in quiet and in noise. They listen, discriminate and recognize the target tone against the final tonein a series of four distracting tones. The main effects were studied using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with action (towring (rubber bulb) vs. not to wring), background (in quiet vs. in noise) and frequency (low vs. high) as the factors (andlevels respectively). The main effect of action is in the right pre-central gyrus (PCG), in conformation with its contralateralbehavior. The main effect of background indicated the bilateral primary auditory cortices (PAC) and is right lateralized,attributable to white noise. The main effect of frequency is also observed in PAC but bilaterally equal and attributable tolow frequency tones. Despite the argument that the temporo-spectral lateralization dichotomy is not especially rigid asrevealed by the main effect of frequency, right lateralization of PAC for the respective main effect of background clearlydemonstrates its functional asymmetry suggesting different perceptual functionality of the right and left PAC.

Does stapes surgery improve tinnitus in patients with otosclerosis? / A estapedotomia melhora o zumbido em pacientes com otosclerose?

Abstract Introduction: Otosclerosis (OS) is the primary disease of the human temporal bone characterized by conductive hearing loss and tinnitus. The exact pathogenesis of tinnitus in otosclerosis patients is not known and factors affecting the tinnitus outcome in otosclerosis patients are still controversial. Objectives: To find the effect of stapedotomy on tinnitus for otosclerosis patients. Methods: Fifty-six otosclerosis patients with preoperative tinnitus were enrolled to the study. Pure tone average Air-Bone Gap values, preoperative tinnitus pitch, Air-Bone Gap closure at tinnitus frequencies were evaluated for their effect on the postoperative outcome. Results: Low pitch tinnitus had more favorable outcome compared to high pitch tinnitus (p = 0.002). Postoperative average pure tone thresholds Air-Bone Gap values were not related to the postoperative tinnitus (p = 0.213). There was no statistically significant difference between postoperative Air-Bone Gap closure at tinnitus frequency and improvement of high pitch tinnitus (p = 0.427). There was a statistically significant difference between Air-Bone Gap improvement in tinnitus frequency and low pitch tinnitus recovery (p = 0.026). Conclusion: Low pitch tinnitus is more likely to be resolved after stapedotomy for patients with otosclerosis. High pitch tinnitus may not resolve even after closure of the Air-Bone Gap at tinnitus frequencies.

Resumo Introdução: Otosclerose (OS) é a principal doença do osso temporal humano caracterizada por perda auditiva condutiva e zumbido. A patogenia exata do zumbido em pacientes com otosclerose não é conhecida e fatores que afetam o desfecho de zumbido em pacientes com otosclerose ainda são controversos. Objetivos: Encontrar o efeito da estapedotomia sobre o zumbido em pacientes com otosclerose. Método: Foram incluídos no estudo 56 pacientes com otosclerose com zumbido pré-operatório. Os valores médios tonais do gap aero-ósseo, o tom de zumbido no pré-operatório, o fechamento do gap nas frequências dos zumbidos foram avaliados quanto ao seu efeito sobre o desfecho pós-operatório. Resultados: O zumbido em tom grave teve desfecho mais favorável em comparação com o zumbido agudo (p = 0,002). Os valores médios dos gaps pós-operatórios não foram relacionados com o zumbido pós-operatório (p = 0,213). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o fechamento pós-operatório do gap na frequência do zumbido e melhoria do zumbido de tom agudo (p = 0,427). Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre a melhoria no gap nas frequências do zumbido e recuperação do zumbido de tom mais grave (p = 0,026). Conclusão: O zumbido de tom mais grave parece ser mais bem resolvido depois de estapedotomia em pacientes com otosclerose. O zumbido de tom agudo pode não desaparecer, mesmo após o fechamento do gap nas frequências do zumbido.

Effect of CT pitch on the GTV delineation of solitary pulmonary lesion / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of pitch in three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT)on the gross tumor volume(GTV)and spatial position of solitary pulmonary lesion(SPL), and to evaluate the feasibility of high-pitch 3DCT simulation for SPL. Methods Twenty-two patients with peripheral lung cancer or metastatic SPL were divided into groups A and B according to the tumor location. All patients underwent spiral CT scans at different pitches(pitchCON=0.938, pitchS=0.438, and pitchB=1.188)during free breathing. All GTVSwere delineated by the same radiation oncologist using the same contouring protocol. GTVCONgenerated at pitchCON, GTVSgenerated at pitches, and GTVBgenerated at pitchB were compared in terms of volume and geometric position, and GTVSand GTVBwere registered to GTVCONgained at the conventional pitch. The Friedman M and Wilcoxon rank-rum test were used for comparison. Results The volumes of GTVCON, GTVS, and GTVBwere 11.58± 16.42 cm3, 11.63± 17.73 cm3, and 12.09± 17.46 cm3, respectively(P=0.11). There were no significant differences in the centroid position in x,y,and z directions between GTVCON,GTVS,and GTVB(Px=0.33,Py=0.81, Pz=0.39). The same result was found in group B (Px=0.92,Py=0.05, Pz=0.37). The matching index(MI)between GTVSand GTVCONwas related to the tumor location,so was the MI between GTVBand GTVCON. Conclusions The pitch in 3DCT simulation has no significant effect on the GTV and spatial position of SPL. Increasing CT pitch appropriately can improve the scanning speed and shorten the duration of 3DCT simulation,so high-pitch 3DCT simulation is feasible for SPL.

Feasibility of ultra-large pitch Turbo Flash scan mode in chest scan in preschool children without sedatives / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To investigate the feasibility of chest examination using ultra-large pitch Turbo Flash in Force CT in preschool children without sedative.Methods A total of 90 preschool children evaluated as nervous or frightened were equally divided into 3 groups according to the scanning time.For group A,the routine scan with the mode of CARE Dose 4D/CARE kV was performed,and the sedative was used.For group B,the scan with ultra-large pitch Turbo Flash model and pitch as 3.0 was performed,and the sedative was used.For group C,the same scan mode as group B was performed but without sedative.The scanning time,radiation dose,image quality and the diagnostic efficiency were compared among 3 groups.Results There were no significant differences of the CT values of the aorta root,spinal posterior muscles and subcutaneous fat,the noise of the aorta root,SNR and CNR among 3 groups (all P＞0.05).Moreover,no significant differences of the subjective score of image quality in pulmonary window and mediastinum window images were found among 3 groups (both P＞0.05).The scanning time and radiation dose indexes (CT dose index volume [CTDIvo1],doselength product [DLP],effective dose [ED]) of group A were significantly higher than those of group B and group C (all P ＜0.05),while there were no significant differences between group B and group C (all P＞0.05).There were no significant differences between the CT diagnosis and clinical diagnosis results in all 3 groups (all P＞0.05).Conclusion It can shorten the scanning time and decrease the radiation dose by using the mode of ultra-large pitch Turbo Flash.And the satisfactory image quality can be obtained without sedative for nervous or frightened preschool children.