High speed digital videolaringoscopy: evaluation of vocal nodules and cysts in women / Videolaringoscopia digital de alta velocidade: avaliação de nódulos e cistos de pregas vocais de mulheres

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate and compare the parameters of Digital kymography obtained through the High-speed Videolaryngoscopy of women without laryngeal disorders, of women with vocal fold nodules and of women with vocal cysts. Methods A cross-sectional observational study in which 60 women aged 18 years and 45 years were selected. Three study groups were formed: 20 women without laryngeal disorder forming the control group (Group 1), 20 women with diagnosis of vocal fold nodules forming Group 2 and 20 women with diagnosis of vocal cysts forming Group 3. Subsequently the participants were evaluated by High-speed Videolaryngoscopy for analysis and comparison of laryngeal images using Digital kymography. The laryngeal parameters processed by the program KIPS® were: minimum, maximum and mean opening; dominant amplitude of the left and right vocal folds; dominant frequency of the right and left vocal folds; and close. Results The analysis of Digital kymography suggests that the presence of the vocal fold nodules and the vocal cysts tend to restrict more to the maximum and minimum opening of the vocal fold and the dominant amplitude of the opening variation in the middle region of the glottis. Conclusion Digital kymography parameters were similar in the presence of vocal fold nodules and vocal cysts lesions.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar e comparar os parâmetros da videoquimografia digital obtidos pela videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade de mulheres sem alterações laríngeas, de mulheres com nódulos de prega vocal e de mulheres com cistos vocais. Método Estudo observacional transversal, no qual foram selecionadas 60 mulheres com idade entre 18 e 45 anos. Três grupos foram formados: 20 mulheres sem alterações laríngeas formando o grupo controle (Grupo 1), 20 mulheres com diagnóstico de nódulos nas pregas vocais formando o Grupo 2 e 20 mulheres com diagnóstico de cistos vocais formando o Grupo 3. Posteriormente, os participantes foram avaliados por Videolaringoscopia de alta velocidade para análise e comparação de imagens da laringe usando videoquimografia digital. Os parâmetros videoquimográficos avaliados pelo programa KIPS® foram: aberturas mínima, máxima e média; amplitudes da prega vocal direita e esquerda; frequências da abertura da prega vocal direita e esquerda; e fechamento. Resultados A análise da videoquimografia digital sugere que a presença dos nódulos e dos cistos de pregas vocais tendem a restringir a abertura máxima e média da prega vocal e a amplitude dominante da variação de abertura na região média da glote. Conclusão Os parâmetros da videoquimografia digital foram semelhantes na presença de nódulos nas pregas vocais e lesões de cistos vocais.

Kymographic characteristics of voice in women with Polycystic ovary syndrome

ABSTRACT Purpose Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is heterogenous condition with commonly associated symptoms include irregular menstrual cycle, hirsutism, baldness, adult acne, and weight gain There have been few attempts at profiling the voice characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Videokymography enables to detect even subtle variations in vocal fold vibrations. The aim of the present study was to study the videokymographic characteristics among women with PCOS. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 50 women with and without PCOS diagnosed on ultrasonography. Videokymography was carried out and the characteristics were perceptually analyzed using a vocal fold kymographic rating scale. The analysis of the kymogram was done for the following characteristics; presence of vocal fold vibration,interference of surroundings, Cycle to cycle variability, left-right asymmetry,cycle aberrations and shape of lateral peaks. The kymographic images were obtained for all the participants of both the groups and a subjective consensus evaluation was done by two clinicians. The percentage of participants with the listed kymographic characteristics were tabulated. Chi Square test was also done to decide if there was a significant difference between the two groups for different kymographic features of vocal fold vibration. Results Six of the 25 women with PCOS were found to have abnormal kymographic features such as surrounding structural interference, presence of cycle to cycle variability and the shape of lateral peaks. Conclusion Early detection of the vocal abnormalities in individuals with PCOS would help in the vocal rehabilitation especially for professional voice users.

Post-Processing of High-Speed Video-Laryngoscopic Images to Two-Dimensional Scanning Digital Kymographic Images

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: High-speed videolaryngoscopy (HSV) is the only technique that captures the true intra-cycle vibratory behavior of the vocal folds by capturing full images of the vocal folds. However, it has problems of no immediate feedback during examination, considerable waiting time for digital kymography (DKG), recording duration limited to a few seconds, and extreme demands for storage space. Herein, we demonstrate a new post-processing method that converts HSV images to two-dimensional digital kymography (2D-DKG) images, which adopts the algorithm of 2D videokymography (2D VKG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: HSV system was used to capture images of vocal folds. HSV images were post-processed in Kay image-process software (KIPS), and conventional DKG images were retrieved. Custom-made post-processing system was used to convert HSV images to 2D-DKG images. The quantitative parameters of the post-processed 2D-DKG images was validated by comparing these parameters with those of the DKG images. RESULTS: Serial HSV images for all phases of vocal fold vibratory movement are included. The images were converted by the scanning method using U-medical image-process software. Similar to conventional DKG, post-processed 2D DKG image from the HSV image can provide quantitative information on vocal fold mucosa vibration, including the various vibratory phases. Differences in amplitude symmetry index, phase symmetry index, open quotient, and close quotient between 2D-DKG and DKG were analyzed. There were no statistical differences between the quantitative parameters of vocal fold vibratory movement in 2D-DKG and DKG. CONCLUSION: The post-processing method of converting HSV images to 2D DKG images could provide clinical information and storage economy.

Parameters Acoustic and High-speed kymography identified effects of voiced vibration and vocal fry exercises / Parametros acusticos e quimografia de alta velocidade identificam efeitos imediatos dos exercicios de vibracao sonorizada e som basal

Purpose: To identify the immediate effects of voiced vibration and vocal fry exercises on healthy subjects by means of acoustic parameters and high-speed kymography. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects (18 women and 12 men, aged from 19 to 45 years old) participated in this study. The voices were recorded at the range of 44.100 samples/second, before and after of the vocal exercises. We developed a computational routine to extract jitter and shimmer. High-speed kymography was generated from laryngeal images for the analysis of the phase times: closed (CPh), open (OPh), of closing (cPh) and of opening (oPh) and used the paired t-Student test and the Mann-Whitney test, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: After voiced vibrations, acoustic parameters showed reduced jitter for both genders (p=0.018 for men and p<0.01 for women) and reduced shimmer for female voices (p<0.01). There was a decrease in CPh (p=0.046) and cPh (p=0.026) and an increase in OPh (p=0.05) in female vocal folds. After vocal fry, we identified decreased jitter (p<0.01) in female voices and cPh (p=0.026) in male vocal folds. Conclusion: We observed more positive immediate effects of the voiced vibrations, mainly in voice quality and vocal folds among females. Nevertheless, studies with larger male sample and investigation of the appropriate time of vocal fry are necessary to confirm the results of this search. .

OBJETIVO: Identificar efeitos imediatos das vibrações sonorizadas e do som basal em indivíduos saudáveis por meio de parâmetros acústicos e quimografia de alta velocidade. MÉTODOS: Participaram 30 sujeitos, 12 homens e 18 mulheres (19 a 45 anos) sem alterações laríngeas. As vozes foram gravadas à taxa de 44.100 amostras/segundo e as videolaringoscopias de 4.000 quadros/segundo, antes e depois dos exercícios vocais. Foi desenvolvida uma rotina computacional para extrair Jitter e Shimmer. Foram geradas quimografias de alta velocidade a partir das imagens laríngeas para a análise dos tempos de fase: fechada (FF); aberta (FA); de fechamento (Ff) e de abertura (Fa), e usados o Teste t de Student pareado e o teste Mann-Whitney, com nível de significância de 0,05. RESULTADOS: Após as vibrações sonorizadas, houve diminuição de Jitter (0,018 para homens e p<0,01para mulheres) para ambos os gêneros e diminuição de Shimmer (p<0,01) ao gênero feminino. Houve diminuição de FF (p=0,046) e de Ff (p=0,026) e aumento de FA (p=0,05) em pregas vocais femininas. Após o som basal, foram identificados diminuição de Jitter (p<0,01) em vozes femininas e da Ff (p=0,026) em pregas vocais masculinas. CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível verificar mais efeitos imediatos positivos após as vibrações sonorizadas principalmente em qualidade vocal e pregas vocais de mulheres. No entanto, são necessárias pesquisas com maior número de amostras masculinas e investigação sobre o tempo adequado do som basal para corroboração dos resultados desta pesquisa. .

High-speed kymography identifies the immediate effects of voiced vibration in healthy vocal folds

Introduction: The effects of voiced vibration technique can be assessed by laryngeal imaging. Kymographic images derived from high-speed videoendoscopy allow actual visualization of vocal folds vibration. Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify the immediate effects of the voiced vibration technique in healthy vocal folds using high-speed digital laryngeal imaging. Methods: Samples were obtained from 15 healthy subjects with no history of voice disorders (6 men and 9 women aged 21 to 43 years). High-speed videoendoscopy recordings were performed before and after the voiced vibration technique. Kymographic images were obtained using high-speed videoendoscopy. The vocal folds were examined in their open and closed positions and the characteristics of the opening and closing phases were determined. A customize computational routine was used quantify these parameters. The closing, opening, and speed quotients were also calculated. Results: In this study, women displayed statistically significant differences in opened phase (P= 0.05*), closed phase (P= 0.046*), and closing phase (P= 0.026*) phase characteristics. Men displayed the highest difference rate in opening time characteristics (P= 0.06). The closing and opening quotients for the female group showed significant differences (P= 0.029* and P= 0.049*, respectively). The speed quotient exhibited statistically significant differences in the male group (P= 0.048*). Conclusion: The kymographic images indicated that the immediate effect of the voiced vibration technique was smooth contact in healthy vocal fold vibration...

Avances tecnolóiicos recientes en el diagnóstic y tratamiento de las enfermedaades de la laringe y el tracto aerodigestivo superior / Recent technlogiical advance in diagnosis and treatment of the larynx and uupper aerodigestive trcct / Avanços ecnológiicos recentes no diagnósico e tratamento das doenças daa laringe e do trato aerodigestivo superior

Los continuos desarrollos tecnológicos, en los años recientes, han permitido un mejor entendimiento de la anatomía y fisiología de los pliegues vocales y del tracto digestivo superior. Técnicas de diagnóstico como la laringoscopia de alta velocidad, la videoquimografía, la laringoscopia de acercamiento de alta resolución en la oficina y la impedanciometría esofágica con manometría, son herramientas muy importantes en la práctica clínica moderna. En lo que respecta a tratamiento, el desarrollo de equipos de láser acoplados a sistemas robóticos, fibras para la aplicación de rayos láser de diferentes longitudes de onda a sitios específicos, e instrumentos para ser usados a través de endoscopios flexibles, ampliaron las posibilidades terapéuticas, y, en casos seleccionados, las perspectivas para la ejecución de procedimientos mínimamente invasivos sin necesidad de hospitalización. El proposito de este estudio es realizar una revision y un análisis de los avances tecnológicos dirigidos al diagnóstico y tratamiento de las enfermedades del tracto aerodigestivo superior, sus posibles aplicaciones y limitaciones. Es un estudio descriptivo de una revisión de la literatura concerniente al tema. Se presenta una monografía y una revisión de la literatura relevante, disponible en publicaciones indexadas, con respecto a los diferentes métodos actualmente disponibles para el estudio de las enfermedades del tracto aerodigestivo superior, así como de las nuevas alternativas desde el punto de vista de posibilidades terapéuticas. Se hace un análisis de los aspectos técnicos importantes de cada una de las opciones, tanto diagnósticas como terapéuticas, con el fin de tener claridad sobre sus posibles aplicaciones clínicas, ventajas, desventajas y contraindicaciones.

Continuous technological developments in recent years have allowed a better understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal folds and the upper digestive tract. Diagnostic techniques such as high speed laryngoscopy, videokymography, in office high resolution close up laryngoscopy and esophageal impedance with manometry are very important tools in modern day clinical practice. As far as treatment is concerned, development of laser equipments coupled to robotic systems, fibers to deliver different laser wavelengths to specific places, and instruments to be used through flexible scopes, broadened therapeutic possibilities and, in selected cases, have made it possible to perform minimally invasive procedures with no need for hospitalization. The purpose of this study is to review and analyze technological advancements for diagnosis and treatment of the diseases of the upper aerodigestive tract, their feasible applications and limitations. It is a descriptive study of literature review regarding the topic. A monograph and a revision of relevant literature accessible on indexed publications related to different currently available methods for studying the upper aerodigestive tract diseases, as well as new alternatives from the therapeutic point of view are presented. An analysis of important technical aspects of each option, either diagnostic or therapeutic is performed with the aim of elucidating their possible clinical applications, advantages, disadvantages and contraindications.

Os contínuos desenvolvimentos tecnológicos, nos anos recentes, permitiram um melhor entendimento da anatomia fisiologia das pregas vocais e do trato digestivo superior. Técnicas de diagnóstico como a laringoscopia de alta velocidade, a vídeoquimografia, a laringoscopia de aproximação de alta resolução e a impedânciometria esofágica com manometria, são ferramentas muito importantes na prática clínica moderna. No que diz respeito ao tratamento, o desenvolvimento de equipamentos de laser acoplados a sistemas robóticos, fibras para a aplicação de raios laser de diferentes longitudes de onda em locais específicos, e instrumentos para ser usados através de endoscópios flexíveis, ampliaram as possibilidades terapêuticas, e, em casos selecionados, as perspectivas para a execução de procedimentos minimamente invasivos sem a necessidade de hospitalização. O propósito deste estudo é realizar uma revisão e uma análise dos avanços tecnológicos dirigidos ao diagnóstico e tratamento das doenças do trato aerodigestivo superior, suas possíveis aplicações e limitações. É um estudo descritivo de uma revisão da literatura concernente ao tema. Apresenta-se uma monografia e una revisão da literatura relevante, disponível em publicações indexadas, com respeito aos diferentes métodos disponíveis atualmente para o estudo das doenças do trato aerodigestivo superior, bem como das novas alternativas desde o ponto de vista de possibilidades terapêuticas. É feita uma análise dos aspectos técnicos importantes de cada uma das opções, tanto diagnósticas como terapêuticas, com o fim de ter claridade sobre suas possíveis aplicações clínicas, vantagens, desvantagens e contraindicações.

Cirurgia para aumento da frequência fundamental da voz: deslocamento superior da comissura anterior: estudo experimental com laringes humanas excisadas por videoquimografia / Upper displacement of anterior commissure: experimental study of a new phonosurgical approach to raising vocal pitch

A técnica cirúrgica mais aplicada para se agudizar a voz é a aproximação cricotireóidea. Como alternativa, desenvolvemos uma técnica que consiste em incisar as lâminas da cartilagem tireóidea para permitir o deslocamento superior da porção anterior. Realizamos o estudo em 20 laringes de cadáveres humanos, através da videoestroboscopia e videoquimografia, e comparamos com a aproximação cricotireóidea. A técnica em estudo gerou aumento da freqüência fundamental da voz e do comprimento médio das pregas vocais sem alteração do padrão de vibração cordal / The most frequently used technique for pitch rising is cricothyroid approximation. As an alternative, we developed a technique that consists of incisions of thyroid cartilage laminae to allow upper displacement of the anterior portion. We carried out a study with 20 larynges of human cadavers using videostroboscopy and videokymography and compared the results with cricothyroid approximation. The studied technique generated increase in fundamental frequency and mean length of vocal folds without affecting cord vibration pattern...

A influência da angulação na posição do telescópio na videoquimografia laríngea / The influence of the position of the laryngeal endoscope laryngeal on videokymography

A videoquimografia é considerada a mais recente tecnologia na semiologia avançada da laringe. A videoquimografia utiliza-se de tecnologia digital para a análise ultra-rápida da vibração das pregas vocais. A imagem apresentada é a referência de uma única linha, representando um estreito segmento horizontal da imagem laríngea. A videoquimografia avalia todos os tipos de irregularidades de vibração, identifica pequenas assimetrias esquerda-direita, diferenças no quociente de abertura ao longo das pregas vocais, propagação lateral da onda mucosa e movimentação das margens superior e inferior da onda de mucosa das pregas vocais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a correspondência das imagens obtidas na videoquimografia, com variação do ângulo de exposição da laringe em relação ao telescópio. Foram analisados três indivíduos do sexo feminino, sem queixa vocal. As imagens videoquimográficas foram registradas com o telescópio laríngeo de 90o posicionado na linha média, perpendicular à glote - zero grau, durante a emissão de uma vogal sustentada "é", em freqüência e intensidade habituais. O procedimento foi repetido mais duas vezes, porém com rotação de quinze graus do telescópio, no sentido horário, deslocando-se o laringoscópio à direita da linha média do paciente e, no sentido anti-horário, à esquerda. Os resultados obtidos indicaram diferenças evidentes nas imagens obtidas, o que demanda uma padronização da exposição laríngea para a interpretação da videoquimografia.

Videokymography is a new high-speed imaging technique to investigate vocal fold vibration. The system has been considered useful in the analysis of irregular signals, making it possible to observe left-right asymmetries, open quotient, propagation of mucosal waves, and movement of the upper and lower margins. The aim of the present study was to verify the correspondence of the videokymographic images with larynx exposition angle variation. Three Brazilian adult female subjects, with no vocal complains, were evaluated. Videokymographic images were obtained with the laryngeal endoscope 90o positioned on the measuring line, perpendicular to the glottal axis - zero degree, during a sustained "ae" vowel, using habitual frequency and intensity. The procedure was repeated twice and adjusted by rotating the camera in fifteen degrees from the perpendicular line to the right and to the left. The results showed clear differences depending on the position of the endoscope, suggesting the standardization of laryngeal exposition to interpretate videokymographic images correctly.

Blepharokymography: A New Tool for Dynamic Eyelid Motion Analysis Using Image Processing / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of facial movements, especially eyelid movements, per se, depends largely on subjective judgments of trained clinicians. Recently, however, a few objective methods were reported although they required bothersome markers attached on the eyelids and a special-purpose high-speed video camera. This study aimed to develop a new dynamic and quantitative analysis system for eyelid motion using an image processing method without markers or a high-speed camera, and to evaluate parameters that could properly differentiate normal and abnormal states. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The system was consisted of a personal computer with a general-purpose frame grabber and a specially developed software which was named, Blepharokymography. Displacement of upper eyelids, duration of closing and opening segments, and closing and opening velocity were measured in 12 normal subjects and 5 facial nerve palsy patients of variable causes. Mean values of each parameter and the ratio of a palsy or slower side to a normal or faster side in normal and facial palsy groups were compared. RESULTS: In the normal group, the mean displacement of upper eyelids, mean closing time, mean and peak closing velocity were 8.3mm, 161 msec. 61.6 mm/sec and 146.2 mm/sec respectively. Among parameters, displacement, the closing time, mean closing velocity and peak closing velocity were significantly different between normal and facial palsy groups. CONCLUSION: By using blepharokymography system, it was possible to measure the eyelid motion objectively. Displacement, closing time, average and peak closing velocity were useful in differentiating the normal state as well as the facial nerve palsy state.

Videokymographic Findings of Non-Organic Voice Disorders / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Non-organic voice disorders are very difficult to diagnose. The authors attempted to find out the efficiency of videokymography (VKG) which has been newly developed to evaluate the vibratory characteristics of the vocal folds in non-organic voice disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven patients who had voice changes without organic laryngeal pathology were evaluated. We ascertained the larynx to be free of organic disorders using the stroboscopy, following which the VKG examination was performed. The results of VKG were classified according to the common features. RESULTS: Type I showed the normal findings. Asymmetry in the amplitude of upper lips was seen in the type II. Type III showed thick glottal contact. Type IV showed level difference, thick glottal contact and asymmetry in the amplitude of upper lips. Type V had several different amplitudes of the upper lip seen in one cycle of the mucosal wave. Type VI had level difference with thin glottal contact and asymmetry in the amplitude of upper. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we were able to see the different types of VKG and that VKG could be used as a supplementary diagnostic tool in the non-organic voice disorders.

The Useful Parameters of Videokymography / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Voice quality is determined by the vibration of the vocal cord. Therefore, visualization of the vibratory characteristics of the vocal cord is very important in patients with voice changes. Several methods for directly visualizing the vibrations of the vocal cord have been developed, although none have been commercially available or widely used. Recently, videokymography (VKG) has been developed for direct observation of vibratory characteristics in the vocal cord. VKG achieves a frequency of 7812.5 Hz, which is enough to cover the whole frequency range of the human vocal cord. However, there have been no useful parameters for interpretation of the VKG findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the vocal cord vibration of 92 subjects (23 of normal, 69 of benign laryngeal lesion) and suggested 9 parameters. We analyzed VKG recordings of subjects using these parameters and interpreted the typical and common VKG findings in each case. RESULTS: There were typical differences in glottal contact, site of glottal contact, shape of glottal contact, mucosal wave, periodicity and symmetry between two groups. Amplitude of upper lip and contact quotient had a highly significant correlation between them. CONCLUSIONS: The authors suggest that these parameters would be useful to quantify the VKG findings.

Vibração das pregas vocais pré e pós aproximação cricotireóidea: estudo experimental em laringes humanas por videoquimografia / Vibratory pattern of the vocal folds pre and post cricothyroid approximation: experimental study in human larynges by videokymography

A aproximação cricotireóidea simula a contração do músculo cricotireóideo, aproximando as cartilagens cricóidea e tireóidea anteriormente. Distende e tensiona as pregas vocais, elevando a freqüência fundamental da voz. É indicada em pacientes que apresentam voz grave em conseqüência da paralisia do nervo laríngeo superior ou por doenças endócrinas e reumatológicas no sexo feminino. Com o objetivo de estudar os efeitos da aproximação cricotireóidea sobre a vibração das pregas vocais em ambos sexos, foram avaliadas 30 laringes excisadas de cadáveres humanos frescos pré e pós aproximação cricotireóidea. Esse trabalho experimental permitiu excluir as interferências dos mecanismos compensatórios da fonação presentes em um estudo 'in vivo'. As cartilagens aritenóideas foram aproximadas por sutura, fechando a glote. Um fluxo de ar comprimido umedecido foi injetado no interior da traquéia, e ao passar pela glote promoveu a vibração das pregas vocais. Foi então realizada a aproximação cricotireóidea através de suturas, aproximando as cartilagens tireóidea e cricóidea. O comprimento da porção membranosa das pregas vocais foi obtido através de um paquímetro. A vibração das pregas vocais foi gravada pré e pós a aproximação cricotireóidea utilizando-se uma câmera de videoquimografia. Após digitalização e análise quadro a quadro das imagens documentadas, foram realizadas medidas da freqüência fundamental, da amplitude de vibração das pregas vocais, do ciclo vibratório e suas fases (aberta, fechada, de abertura e fechamento) pré e pós aproximação cricotireóidea. Foram também calculados e analisados índices que correlacionam a duração das diferentes fases do ciclo vibratório, como o quociente de abertura, de fechamento e o quociente de velocidade. Estas variáveis foram analisadas estatisticamente pela técnica multivariada de análise de perfil e correlacionadas entre si...

The cricothyroid approximation simulates the cricothyroid muscle contraction by approximating the cricoid and thyroid cartilage’s. By this surgery, the vocal folds are lengthened. Consequently, the fundamental frequency of the voice is increased. The main indications for this procedure are patients presenting voice hoarseness due to superior laryngeal nerve palsy or to rheumatoid and endocrinological diseases in women. Thirty fresh cadaver’s larynges were used for the purpose of studying the effects of the cricothyroid approximation on the vocal folds vibration in both genders. Ideally, this experiment would allow exclusion of the diverse phonation compensatory factors that can possible compromise the accuracy of an “in vivo” study. The surgical procedure was performed in the excised larynges. Initially, the arytenoids cartilages were approximated by suturing both together, closing the glottis. Humidified compressed air was injected inside of the tracheal tube, causing vocal folds vibration. The cricothyroid approximation was performed by sutures placed in the cricoid and thyroid cartilages. Calipers were used to measure the length of the membranous portion of the vocal folds. Pre and post cricothyroid approximation. Vocal folds vibration was recorded by a portable camera specific for videokymographic studies. After digitalizing the recorded images, each one of them was carefully evaluated. The fundamental voice frequency, the vocal folds vibratory amplitude, and the vibratory cycle with its phases (opened, closed, opening and closing phases) were measured pre and post operatively. Indexes related to the duration of the different phases of the vibratory cycle, such as open quotient, closed quotient and speed quotient were then calculated and analyzed. Multivariate statistical analysis and profile analysis were used for correlation and understanding of the results...

New simple ink writing pen system for kymograph recording.

Extraordinarily simple, inexpensive and easily available kymograph ink writing pen system for physiological and pharmacological recordings has been described. The writing part of the pen, consisting of a small porous fibrous writing rod to which a small spongy absorbing cylinder (as an ink container) is added, is attached to one end of a very light plastic strip of which opposite end is connected to a common mechanical lever. The function of the pen was investigated by recording spontaneous frog heart contractions in situ. The pen worked quite well and the recordings were reproducible. The pen can be interesting for researchers working in those physiology and pharmacology laboratories where more sophisticated recorders are not available, and is especially convenient for mass use in students' physiology and pharmacology labs, as alternative for smoked-drum kymograph method.

Cistometria en la incontinencia urinaria femenina / Cystometrics in the female urinary incontinence

Se realizo una adaptacion a un quimografo de CO2 (aparato de Rubin) para realizar cistometrias con gas. Durante 12 anos hemos utilizado este equipo en el diagnostico y seguimiento de pacientes con incontinencia urinaria, y asi hemos comparado su utilidad. La disinergia del detrusor y la vejiga inestable son alteraciones que acompanan con frecuencia a la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo y en nuestra serie concomitaron en el 66,4 por ciento de los casos. Estas alteraciones tambien estan presentes en el posoperatorio inmediato de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo y pueden persistir a largo plazo, requiriendo de un diagnostico y tratamiento adecuado

El registrador tricanal de Salvador Argentino Agliano / The trichannel register of Salvador Argentino Agliano

Salvador Argentino Agliano es un médico tucumano que, hace algo más de treinta años, diseño, hizo construir y usó regularmente un ingenioso y simple sistema tricanal para registro no invasivo de señales cardiológicas (ECG,FCG, pulso arterial o cardiograma apical). Se describe tal sistema y se ofrecen algunos ejemplos de los múltiples, resultados obtenidos por Agliano, desordenadamente guardados en su archivo personal. Aún conserva las distintas partes del equipo. Al mismo tiempo se establece el marco histórico de referencia así como algunas particularidades de nuestro medio, lo cual lleva a concluir que la figura de Agliano, en 1955-1970 en Tucumán, Argentina, es comparable, por su actitud y realizaciones, a la del primer médico cardiólogo, James Mackenzie, en 1895-1910 en Londres, Inglaterra. El objetivo del artículo es dar a conocer su olvidada contribución-alcanzada dentro de un aislamiento relativo y rescatar su figura, como acto de justicia y simple homenaje

Estudo dos movimentos espontâneos e sob efeitos farmacológicos de segmentos isolados da junçäo duodeno-jejunal de rato / Spontaneous and drug-induced movements of isolated segments of the duodenojejunal junction of rat

Estudou-se, "in vitro", a motilidade espontânea e sob efeito farmacológico da junçäo duodenojejunal de ratos. Tomou-se três segmentos: pré, no nível e após a junçäo. Os registros foram feitos em quimógrafo com papel enfumaçado. A acetilcolina e fisostigmina diminuíram as amplitudes de contraçöes nos três segmentos, bem como a noradrenalina e procaína. A freqüência das contraçöes espontâneas apresentou um gradiente decrescente no sentido crânio-caudal, observado tambem sob o efeito da noradrenalina. Sob o efeito acetilcolina e fisostigmina elas se igualaram. Näo houve diferença quanto ao tipo de ondas (I, II e III), sendo mais frequüente a onda I. Elas näo se alteraram sob a açäo da acetilcolina e noradrenalina, e a fisostigmina alterou as características das ondas. O efeito da procaína sobre as ondas foi marcante, diferenciando, nitidamente, o segmento pré da transiçäo duodenojejunal. O tono foi igual nos três segmentos. A acetilcolina diferenciou o segmento pré do pós-junçäo duodenopejunal. A noradrenalina e a procaina diminuiram o tono e a fisostigmina aumentou-o igualmente nos três segmentos

A simple method for continuous recording of perfusion rate of blood vessels of frog.

A method for continuous registration of perfusion rate of frog blood vessels has been developed utilizing a modified Marey's tambour with lever system, connected to the perfusion bottle. The responses of frong blood vessels to some autonomic drugs have been studied using this method.