Changes In Blood Flow Volume Research Articles

Flow volume mismatch dramatically affects transient neurologic symptoms after direct bypass in Moyamoya disease.

Transient neurological events (TNEs) occur after bypass surgery in Moyamoya disease (MMD); however, their pathology remains unknown. To elucidate the pathophysiology of TNEs, we investigated their relationship with perioperative superficial temporal artery (STA) blood flow volume, which was evaluated using ultrasonography. Forty-nine patients with MMD, who underwent direct bypass surgery, were included and stratified into TNE and non-TNE groups, respectively. The STA blood flow volume was evaluated at four time points (preoperatively and 2-4, 7, and 10-14days postoperatively), and a change in volume during the postoperative period was defined as a flow volume mismatch. We investigated the association between ultrasonographic findings of flow volume mismatch and TNEs and magnetic resonance imaging findings, such as the cortical hyperintensity belt (CHB) sign, using univariate and path analyses. The STA blood flow volume increased immediately postoperatively, gradually decreasing over time, in both groups. The TNE group showed a significant increase in blood flow volume 2-4days postoperatively (P = 0.042). Flow volume mismatch was significantly larger in the TNE group than in the non-TNE group (P = 0.020). In the path analysis, STA flow volume mismatch showed a positive association with the CHB sign (P = 0.023) and TNEs (P = 0.000). Additionally, the CHB sign partially mediated the association between STA flow volume mismatch and TNEs. These results suggest that significantly high STA blood flow volume changes occurring during the acute postoperative period after direct bypass surgery in MMD are correlated with TNEs and the CHB sign, suggesting involvement in the pathophysiology of TNEs.

Peripheral Heating With Negative Pressure at the Feet Increases Blood Flow at the Popliteal, Brachial, and Carotid Arteries

The prevalence of diabetes continues to increase with half (53%) of American adults having some form of diabetes mellitus as of 2020. Novel therapies could help prevent and manage diabetes and its complications. Applying heat with negative pressure (HNP) to the extremities decreases postprandial blood glucose through unknown mechanisms. Increased blood flow to peripheral tissues during HNP may facilitate greater disposal of blood glucose. Objective: Examine the effects of HNP on arterial blood flow in the popliteal, brachial, and carotid arteries. Hypothesis: HNP will increase popliteal but not brachial or carotid blood flow. Methods: Heat (42°C) and negative pressure (-75mmHg) were applied to the soles of both feet and from the feet to calves, respectively. An ultrasound doppler (Philips CX50, USA) was used to measure time-averaged mean velocity (TAMV) and vessel cross-sectional area (CSA) in the left or right popliteal, brachial, and carotid arteries before and during HNP. Body composition was determined via bioelectrical impedance analysis (Inbody 770, Korea). Blood volume flow (BF) was calculated as the product of TAMV and CSA (BF = TAMV✕CSA). Data are presented as mean (SD) and analyzed with a 2(time) by 3(site) repeated measures ANOVA and follow-up paired t-tests. Results: Participants (N=7; 5 males) demographics are as follows: age: 25(7) years; height: 179(7) cm; BMI: 25.0 (3.4) kg/m2; body fat: 19 (7) %. There was no interaction [F(2,17)=0.56, p=.58] but were significant main effects for both time [F(1,17)=14.05, p=.002] and site [F(2,17)=33.99, p<.001]. During HNP, popliteal BF increased by 41% [3.4(1.9) to 4.8(2.6) ml/min, p=.008] with a 12% increase [0.36(.15) to 0.41(.16) cm 2 , p=.009] in CSA and 22% increase [9.4(4.5) to 11.5(4.3) cm/s, p=.015] in TAMV; brachial BF increased by 24% [3.1(1.2) to 3.9(1.3), p=.007] with a 4% increase [0.20(0.04) to 0.21(0.04) cm 2 , p=.008] in CSA and 19% increase [15.4(4.9) to 18.3(5.0) cm/s, p=.008] in TAMV; and carotid BF increased by 14% [11.8(3.1) to 13.4(3.1) ml/min, p=.11] with a 6% increase [0.37(.06) to 0.39(0.08) cm 2 , p=.14] in CSA and 8% increase [32.6(10.2) to 35.4(11.1) cm/s, p=.13] in TAMV. Percent changes in BF, CSA, and TAMV were often greater at the popliteal than the brachial (p=.14; p=.069; p=.57) and carotid (p=.11; p=.11; p=.18) arteries with smaller differences between brachial and carotid arteries (p=.56; p=.33; p=.25). Conclusions: HNP applied to the feet and calves increased BF in the popliteal, brachial, and carotid arteries through changes in both TAMV and CSA. Increases in BF were greatest at the popliteal artery. Whether increases in blood flow are a result of increased cardiac output or at the expense of blood flow elsewhere is unknown. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Comparing The Resting Cardiovascular Response To Commonly Used Blood Flow Restriction Devices

Alone, blood flow restriction is used to decrease muscle atrophy or recovery time. However, it is unknown whetherdevices used in clinical or research settings elicit a similar stimulus when using similar protocols. PURPOSE: To compare cardiovascular responses between a commonly used research device (RES) and clinical device (CLIN). METHODS: Over one visit, 24 individuals’ cardiovascular response to blood flow restriction using CLIN and RES devices were measured on the right arm in a randomized and counterbalanced order. After 5 min of supine rest, arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) was measured, then during a second 5 min rest, a near-infrared spectroscopy device was placed at the muscle belly of the forearm to measure tissue deoxygenation (HHb, μm) and tissue saturation index (TSI, %). A pulse oximeter on the index finger measured heart rate (bpm) and % oxygen saturation. 0-10 scale ratings of perceived discomfort (RPE-D, AU) were also assessed. Blood flow (ml/min) was measured using pulsed wave Doppler ultrasonography at the brachial artery proximal to the antecubital space. All variables were assessed twice at 0% AOP and once at 50% AOP. Measures were spaced 1 min apart. Change scores (50% AOP - 0% AOP) and AOP presented as mean ± SD, were compared using Bayesian paired samples t-tests (JASP). RESULTS: AOP differed between RES (157.13 ± 19.54) and CLIN (143.17 ± 16.92; BF10 = 156.75). However, weak to moderate evidence suggested that changes in blood flow volume (RES: -33.13 ± 30.64; CLIN: -28.71 ± 28.75; BF10 = .41), TSI (RES: -4.68 ± 5.17; CLIN: -4.92 ± 5.50; BF10 = 0.23), heart rate (RES: 0 ± 3; CLIN: 0 ± 7; BF10 = 0.22), and oxygen saturation (RES: -1 ± 1; CLIN: -1 ± 1; BF10 = 0.25) did not differ between the devices. Moderate evidence suggested HHb for channel 1 (RES: 16.48 ± 5.50; CLIN: 16.41 ± 6.69; BF10 = 0.22), channel 2 (RES: 16.12 ± 4.84; CLIN: 15.89 ± 6.21; BF10 = 0.22), and channel 3 did not differ (RES: 15.44 ± 4.53; CLIN: 15.13 ± 5.78; BF10 = 0.23) between devices. Moderate evidence also suggested RPE-D did not differ (RES: 1.06 ± 1.29; CLIN: 1.10 ± 1.30; BF10 = 0.22). CONCLUSION: AOP measurements differed between devices, possibly due to cuff width, material, and/or assessment method. However, this did not lead to a difference in cardiovascular responses when applying a relative pressure of 50% AOP for each device.

Doppler Imaging Assessment of Changes of Blood Flow in Adenomyosis After Higher-Dose Oxytocin: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To assess the changes of blood flow in adenomyosis (AM) after higher-dose oxytocin (OT) in different doses, and to evaluate the safety for patients. A total of 124 patients with AM were randomly divided into 4 groups with continuous intravenous infusion of OT as 0.06, 0.12, 0.24 and 0.36 U/min, respectively. The changes of arteries of AM before and after intravenous infusion of OT were observed by color Doppler ultrasound. The changes of blood flow volume of the artery of AM before and after intravenous infusion of OT were compared among the 4 groups, and the vital signs and adverse drug reactions were monitored during intravenous drip. During the trial, no severe adverse reactions occurred and the vital signs of all the patients were stable. Among the 4 groups, it was found that there was a significant difference in the change of blood flow volume of blood artery in AM lesions between 0.06 U/min OT group and the other three groups after intravenous drip of OT (P < .05), but there was no significant difference in blood flow volume among the three groups (P > .05), and the difference of adverse drug reactions was statistically significant with the increase of OT dose (P < .05). OT can effectively reduce the blood flow volume of AM lesions, and continuous intravenous infusion of 0.12 U/min OT is an appropriate dose that can not only minimize the blood flow volume but also reduce the incidence of adverse drug reactions.

The immediate effect of harmonic therapy on peripheral blood flow in young males: A cross-over pilot study

BackgroundThere is limited evidence in the literature regarding the effects of harmonic therapy on peripheral blood circulation. ObjectiveThis pilot study aims to examine the immediate effect of passive and active assistive harmonic therapy on peripheral blood flow volume in healthy young males. DesignCross-over pilot study using quantitative data. SettingThis study was conducted in a university hospital. MethodsThree different interventions (passive range of motion exercise, active assistive harmonic therapy, and passive harmonic therapy) were applied to participants' dominant upper extremity shoulder joint. Interventions were performed only 1 session and 10 min at one-week intervals. Primary outcome measuresSuperficial palmar branch of the radial artery blood flow volume was evaluated with color Doppler ultrasound before and immediately after the intervention. ParticipantsFifteen young males (mean age:22.13 ± 1.68 years, range:20–25) participated in the study. ResultsBlood flow volume significantly increased with active assistive harmonic therapy (p = 0.001, d = 1.10) and passive harmonic therapy (p < 0.001, d = 1.44)) interventions. There was no change in blood flow volume with passive range of motion intervention (p = 0.28, d = 0.29). Active assistive harmonic therapy and passive harmonic therapy intervention significantly increased blood flow volume compared to passive range of motion intervention (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.28). ConclusionsBoth active assistive and passive harmonic therapy interventions produced an immediate increase in blood flow volume however, the clinical importance of these findings requires further investigation.

Four-Dimensional Flow MRI Analysis of Cerebral Blood Flow Before and After High-Flow Extracranial–Intracranial Bypass Surgery With Internal Carotid Artery Ligation

The hemodynamic changes that occur after high-flow (extracranial-intracranial) EC-IC bypass surgery with internal carotid artery (ICA) ligation are not well known. To assess blood flow changes after high-flow EC-IC bypass with ICA ligation by time-resolved 3-dimensional phase-contrast (4D Flow) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We enrolled 11 patients who underwent high-flow EC-IC bypass. 4D Flow MRI was performed before and after surgery to quantify the blood flow volume (BFV) of the ipsilateral ICA (BFViICA), bypass artery (BFVbypass), contralateral ICA (BFVcICA), and basilar artery (BFVBA). Subsequently, we calculated the total BFV (BFVtotal=BFViICA+BFVcICA+BFVBA [before surgery], BFVcICA+BFVBA+BFVbypass [after surgery]). The BFV changes after bypass was statistically analyzed. BFVbypass was slightly lower than BFViICA, but the difference was not statistically significant (3.84±0.94 vs 4.42±1.38 mL/s). The BFVcICA and BFVBA significantly increased after bypass surgery (BFVcICA 5.89±1.44 vs 7.22±1.37 mL/s [P=.0018], BFVBA 3.06±0.41 vs 4.12±0.38 mL/s [P<.001]). The BFVtotal significantly increased after surgery (13.37±2.58 vs 15.18±1.77 mL/s [P=.015]). There was no evidence of hyperperfusion syndrome in any cases. After high-flow EC-IC bypass with permanent ICA ligation, the bypass artery could partially compensate for the loss of BFV of the sacrificed ICA. The increased flow of the contralateral ICA and BA supply collateral blood flow. Clinically irrelevant hyperperfusion was observed.

Splanchnic, Thoracoabdominal, and Cerebral Blood Flow Volumes in Healthy Children and Young Adults in Fasting and Postprandial States: Determining Reference Ranges by Using Phase-Contrast MR Imaging.

Purpose To estimate reference ranges for blood flow volume (BFV) in major splanchnic, thoracoabdominal, and neck vessels by using phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in children and young adults in fasting and postprandial states. Materials and Methods In this institutional research ethics board-approved prospective study, healthy volunteers underwent phase-contrast MR imaging in a fasting state and again after a standardized meal. BFV values were reported as medians and ranges, and postmeal to premeal BFV ratios were calculated. BFVs in volunteers divided into two groups according to age (≤18 years old and >18 years old) were compared by using the Mann-Whitney test adjusted for multiple comparisons. Linear regression for internal validation of BFV and Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analysis for interobserver agreement were used. Results Reference ranges for BFVs were estimated in 39 volunteers (23 male and 16 female; mean age, 21.2 years ± 8.5; range, 9-40 years) and were indexed according to body surface area, with internal validation (R2 = 0.84-0.92) and excellent interobserver agreement (R2 = 0.9928). There was an almost 30% increase in total abdominal BFV (P < .0001) in response to a meal, which was the result of a threefold increase in superior mesenteric artery BFV (P < .0001). BFV after the meal remained unaffected in the celiac artery and cerebral circulation. Significantly higher normalized BFVs in the cerebral circulation were measured in children with both preprandial (P = .039) and postprandial (P = .008) status than those in adults. Conclusion Reference ranges for BFVs and changes in BFVs in response to a meal in major splanchnic, thoracoabdominal, and neck vessels were estimated by using phase-contrast MR imaging in healthy volunteers to allow hemodynamic assessment of children and young adults with various diseases. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Electro- Or Traditional-acupuncture Immediately Increases Flexibility, But Does Not Affect Kinesthesia And Muscle Activation

Although acupuncture is a common pain relief treatment, it may also be effective in range of motion, joint position sense, and muscle function. PURPOSE: To examine the immediate effects of electro- and traditional-acupuncture on hip flexion range of motion (HROM), knee joint position sense (KJPS), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and central activation ratio (CAR) in quadriceps. METHODS: Fifty healthy adults participated in this randomized controlled laboratory study. Baseline measurements (HROM, KJPS, MVIC, and CAR) were obtained before a treatment. An acupuncturist performed three physical examinations (SLR test, Thomas test, and hip abduction manual muscle test) to determine one of three acupuncture options (option A: SP9, SP10, and SP11; option B: ST34, ST36, and GB 42; option C: GB33, GB34, and GB27). Afterwards, one of three treatments (control: no treatment, n=16; electro-acupuncture, n=19, and traditional-acupuncture, n=15) was randomly assigned to each participant for 15-min. Measurements were assessed at baseline, 0-, 20-, and 40-min post treatment. At each time point, HROM was measured using a goniometer on a supine position. KJPS on two knee flexion angles (15° and 45°) were randomly assessed. Quadriceps MVIC and CAR were measured on a dynamometer with superimposed bursts (knee locked at 90°). To test treatment effect over time, 3 × 4 mixed model ANOVAs and Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests were performed (p<0.05). RESULTS: Either electro- (4.2°, p<0.0001) or traditional-acupuncture (5.8°, p<0.0001 immediately increased HROM (F6,141=4.27, p<0.001) at 0-min post treatment. There was no difference between acupuncture types (p=0.41). Regardless of treatments (time main effect: F3,141=12.57, p<0.0001), quadriceps MVIC was reduced at 0- (5.2 %, p<0.001), 20- (5.0 %, p<0.001), and 40-min post treatment (7.1 %, p<0.0001), compared to the baseline values. KJPS (F6,141=1.81, p=0.10) and CAR (F6,141=0.42, p=0.87) did not change at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: A single session of electro- or traditional-acupuncture treatment is beneficial for flexibility but not for kinesthesia and muscle activation. Changes in blood flow volume, overlap between actin and myosin filaments, and viscoelastic properties of muscle-tendon units may explain an increase in flexibility.

Usefulness of the second derivative of the finger photoplethysmogram for assessment of end-organ damage: the J-SHIPP study.

Early detection of pathological changes in the vasculature is required to identify individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases. Noninvasive measurement of the second derivative of photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) might aid in evaluating vascular aging. Here we clarified the diagnostic significance of four SDPTG indices for end-organ damage. A total of 1613 community residents (65±10 years) were enrolled. Changes in blood flow volume at the forefinger were measured by photoplethysmography. SDPTG was computationally calculated from the plethysmogram, and the height of five peaks (a-e) on the SDPTG was measured. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), brachial-to-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and silent cerebral lesions were used as indices of end-organ damage. Multivariate analysis identified age, sex, systolic blood pressure and heart rate as strong determinants for the evaluated SDPTG indices, namely b/a, d/a and aging index ([b-d-c-e]/a). In addition, poor glycemic control and carotid IMT were also weakly associated with the SDPTG indices. Compared with other established risk factors, however, the association between the SDPTG indices and carotid IMT was weak or insignificant (b/a: β=0.069, P=0.002; d/a: β=-0.009, P=0.669; and aging index: β=0.047, P=0.037). Further, no significant association was noted between the SDPTG indices and silent lacunar infarction (b/a: P=0.111; d/a: P=0.263; and aging index: P=0.167) and periventricular hyperintensity (b/a: P=0.587; d/a: P=0.254; and aging index: P=0.429). Although the SDPTG indices evaluated here might represent structural and functional changes in arteries, they exhibited limited diagnostic significance for pathophysiological changes in large arteries, as well as small vessel diseases of the brain.

Assessment of flow instabilities in in‐vitro stenotic arteriovenous grafts using an equivalent astable multivibrator

In clinical examinations, narrowed vessel accesses will produce unsteady flow and cause changes in blood flow volume. These phenomena result in pressure, velocity and flow resistance increases and induce stress on vessel walls. The vessel wall vibrates and squeezes the low axial blood flow, a lumped resistor (R) representing resistance to blood flow. The compliance is a pressure against blood volume relationship, a lumped capacitor (C) representing the compliance capacity of the blood vessel. Vibration phenomena results on the elastic vessel wall because of transverse vibration pressure. Turbulent and instability flow will induce simple harmonic motions, and the rise time, amplitude and pulse duration of transverse vibrations are determined by the flow resistances and vessel compliances. Hence, an astable multivibrator as detection model employs time constant, τ = (R × C), to evaluate the flow instability and the dysfunction risk in in-vitro arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). Experimental results show the time constants have linear regression with a positive correlation as the degree of stenosis increases. Positive pole values, s = (−1/τ), are used to validate that the AVG be unstable because the force responses will continuously grow with time because of vibration increases. For comparison with the computerised analysis and auscultation method, in-vivo examinations of the proposed equivalent model can be further carried out for screening of AVG dysfunction.

Quantitative analysis of ovarian artery blood flow volume during whole pulsation cycle in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective To quantitatively analyze the changes of ovarian artery blood flow volume during whole pulsation cycle in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)by pulsed Doppler.Methods The ovarian arteries of 80PCOS patients were examined by transvaginal color Doppler flow image(TV-CDFI).After examination of the parameters of pulsed Doppler,the ovarian artery blood flow volume in whole pulsation cycle was calculated with velocity-time integral while considering the internal diameter of the blood vessels.The results were compared with those of 80 healthy women of childbearing age in the control group.Results The typical spectrum of ovarian artery blood flow in PCOS patients was highspeed low-resistance waveform.The changes of blood flow volume and resistance index(RI)value were not significantly different at different times of the menstrual cycle(P0.05).However,the changes of blood flow volume and RI value in the control group were significanly different at different times of the menstrual cycle(P0.05).The blood flow volume of PCOS patients was significantly increased compared with those of the control group at different times of menstrual cycle(P0.05). The RI value of ovarian artery in PCOS patients was significantly lower than those in the control group during menstrual cycle 3-9days and 26-32days(P0.05),but showing no significant difference during menstrual cycle 11-15days and 18-23 days(P0.05).Conclusion Quantitative determination of ovarian blood flow volume using blood flow whole pulsation period method can provide a relatively accurate and reliable quantitative assessment of the ovarian perfusion in PCOS patients.

Hemodynamic Changes in the Brachial Artery Induced by Acupuncture Stimulation on the Lower Limbs: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Acupuncture is commonly performed at acupoints. No comparisons of quantitative physiological alterations in the brachial artery (BA) induced by the stimulation of different acupoints in the lower limbs have been performed in humans. Therefore, we investigated changes in blood flow volume (BFV) in the BA as an indicator of the physiological effects induced by stimulation at 3 points. Seventy-five healthy participants aged 33 ± 9 years (mean ± SD) were enrolled and randomly assigned to 3 groups; they received stimulation at 3 different points located on the lower limbs: ST36, LR3, and a non-acupoint. Stimulation was performed bilaterally with manual rotation of the needles. Using ultrasonography, BFV was measured continuously from rest to 180 seconds after stimulation. LR3 stimulation significantly increased BFV compared to that before needle insertion. Meanwhile, stimulation at ST36 and the non-acupoint significantly decreased BFV compared to that before needle insertion. Stimulation at LR3 elicited a significant increase in BFV compared to that at ST36 and the non-acupoint. The results suggest that the stimulation of different points on the lower limbs causes distinct physiological effects on BFV in the BA.

Haemodynamic Changes in the Superior Mesenteric Artery Induced by Acupuncture Stimulation on the Lower Limbs

Acupuncture is commonly performed on acupoints. A comparison of quantitative physiological alterations induced by stimulation on different acupoints has never been performed in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in humans. Therefore, we investigated changes in blood flow volume (BFV) in the SMA as an indicator of physiological effects induced by stimulation on 3 points. Thirty healthy participants aged 29 ± 10 years (mean ± SD) were enrolled. All participants underwent stimulations on 3 points located in the lower legs: ST36, LR3, and a non-acupoint. Control pertains to a condition with no-stimulation. Stimulation was performed bilaterally with manual rotation of the needles. BFV was measured by ultrasonography before insertion and 10, 20, 30, and 60 minutes after stimulation. Following acupuncture on ST36, BFV increased significantly 20 and 30 minutes after stimulation, compared to BFV before insertion (P < 0.05). Following stimulation on LR3 and the non-acupoint, no significant differences in BFV could be found. Relative to the no-stimulation group, stimulation on LR3, and the non-acupoint, stimulation on ST36 elicited a significant increase in BFV (P < 0.05). The results suggest that stimulation on the different points causes distinct physiological effects in BFV in the SMA.

Changes of Blood Flow Volume in the Superior Mesenteric Artery and Brachial Artery with Abdominal Thermal Stimulation

In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is a local thermal therapy that is used for several conditions. Quantifying the effects of moxibustion therapy has been difficult because the treatment temperature depends on the physician's experience, and the temperature distribution in the target area is not uniform. This prospective observational study aims to quantify the effect of local thermal stimulation to the abdomen. We developed a heat transfer control device (HTCD) for local thermal stimulation. Twenty-four healthy subjects were enrolled and they underwent abdominal thermal stimulation to the para-umbilical region with the device for 20 min. Blood flow volume in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and brachial artery (BA), the heart rate and the blood pressure were measured at rest, 15 min after starting thermal stimulation and 10, 20, 30 and 40 min after completing thermal stimulation. Blood flow parameters were measured by high-resolution ultrasound. In the SMA, blood flow volume was significantly increased during thermal stimulation (P < .01), as well as at 10 min (P < .01) and 20 min (P < .05) after stimulation. In the BA, blood flow volume decreased at 40 min after stimulation (P < .01). In conclusion we could quantify the effect of local thermal stimulation with an HTCD and high-resolution ultrasound. Thermal stimulation of the para-umbilical region increased blood flow in the SMA 20 min after stimulation in healthy subjects.

T5.4 Blood flow volume changes in the fetoplacental circulation during normal pregnancy

T5.4 Blood flow volume changes in the fetoplacental circulation during normal pregnancy

Radial Artery Hemodynamic Changes Related to Acupuncture

Assessment of the radial pulse by palpation (pulse diagnosis) is an important diagnostic technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), but the changes of blood flow volume in the radial artery during and after acupuncture are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the changes of radial artery blood flow volume during and after acupuncture in healthy subjects. This study was conducted as a pilot study utilizing a one-group intervention design. The study was conducted at a TCM outpatient clinic of Tohoku University Hospital. Twenty-six healthy volunteers participated in the study. Acupuncture was performed at LR-3 bilaterally with manual rotation of the needles. Blood pressure was measured at rest and 180 seconds after acupuncture. Radial artery hemodynamics were monitored continuously with a high-resolution ultrasound echo-tracking system. The vessel diameter and blood flow volume of the right radial artery and heart rate were measured at rest, before acupuncture, during acupuncture, and 30, 60, and 180 seconds after acupuncture. The systolic and diastolic diameter of the radial artery did not significantly change. Radial artery blood flow volume decreased significantly during acupuncture (mean +/- SD, 0.16 +/- 0.11 mL/sec per m(2); P < .01) compared with baseline (0.43 +/- 0.27 mL/sec per m(2)), but was increased at 180 seconds after acupuncture (0.54 +/- 0.28 mL/sec per m(2); P < .01). The present study showed that radial artery blood flow volume decreased immediately during acupuncture at the LR-3 acupoint, but was increased at 180 seconds after acupuncture.

Changes of blood flow volume in the superior mesenteric artery and brachial artery with abdominal thermal stimulation

Background In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is a local thermal therapy that is used for several conditions. Quantifying the effects of moxibustion therapy has been difficult because the treatment temperature depends on the physician's experience, and the temperature distribution in the target area is not uniform. Aims This prospective observational study aims to quantify the effect of local thermal stimulation to the abdomen. Methods We developed a heat transfer control device (HTCD) for local thermal stimulation. Twenty-four healthy subjects were enrolled and they underwent abdominal thermal stimulation to the para-umbilical region with the device for 20 min. Blood flow volume in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and brachial artery, the heart rate, and the blood pressure were measured at rest, 15 min after starting thermal stimulation, and 10, 20, 30, and 40 min after completing thermal stimulation. Blood flow parameters were measured by high-resolution ultrasound. Results In the SMA, blood flow volume was significantly increased during thermal stimulation ( p p p p Conclusions We could quantify the effect of local thermal stimulation with an HTCD and high-resolution ultrasound. Thermal stimulation of the para-umbilical region increased blood flow in the SMA 20 min after stimulation in healthy subjects.

Transrectal Doppler sonography of uterine blood flow during the first 12 weeks after parturition in healthy dairy cows

The aim of this study was to determine if transrectal colour Doppler sonography of uterine arteries is a useful method to quantify uterine changes during the first 12 weeks after parturition in cows. Examinations were carried out on days 1, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 86 after parturition (day 0) in 42 Holstein–Friesian multiparous dairy cows (mean lactation number: 2.63 ± 0.73). Findings obtained by transrectal manual palpation were quantified using scores for uterine size (SUS) graded from 1 to 6. The mean diameter of intrauterine fluid accumulation within the uterine body and the presence of a dominant follicle and/or a corpus luteum were examined using B-mode sonography. Blood flow was measured by determining blood flow volume (BFV) and pulsatility index (PI) of the uterine arteries. Clinical uterine involution was complete on day 28 as demonstrated by transrectal palpation and B-mode sonography. BFV declined ( P < 0.05) steeply between days 1 and 7 from 4312 ml/min to 1443 ml/min and moderately ( P < 0.05) to 230 ml/min on day 28. From this time on there were no significant changes ( P > 0.05) of BFV until the end of the study. The pulsatility index rose from 1.54 on day 1 reaching a peak value of 5.56 on day 28 and decreased ( P < 0.05) linearly to 3.13 on day 86. The results show that transrectal colour Doppler sonography is an additional tool for examining uterine changes during the first 12 weeks after parturition in cows. While uterine blood flow changes were only demonstrated during the first 4 weeks of the puerperium, the pulsatility index was also suitable to investigate alterations in uterine perfusion during the next 8 weeks after parturition.

Korrelation von duplexsonographischer Stenosegraduierung mittels Querschnittsflächenbestimmung und MR-tomographischer Blutvolumenflussquantifizierung bei unilateraler Stenose der Arteria carotis interna

Correlation of duplex ultrasonographic grading of unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis and ICA blood volume flow (BVF) quantification. Using a 2D cine phase-contrast MR technique, 62 patients with unilateral ICA stenosis at the level of the bifurcation between 50 % and 98 % and 20 age-matched normal controls were examined. BVF was measured in the stenosed ICA. Ultrasonographic grading of stenoses was based on cross-sectional duplex sonography (color Doppler flow imaging [CDFI], real-time compound imaging) and compared to the changes in BVF in the stenosed ICA. There was no statistically significant difference in BVF in stenoses of the ICA up to 70 % and in normal controls. ICA stenoses greater 70 % began to be hemodynamically relevant. With increasing stenosis, a decrease in BVF in the ipsilateral ICA was determined with a high and linear correlation of r = - 0.83. Normal controls showed a BVF in an ICA of 247.0 +/- 32.0 ml/min, patients with 70 % stenosis a mean BVF of 225.3 +/- 32.2 ml/min (P = 0.4) without significant reduction, patients with 80 % stenosis a significant reduction of BVF to a mean flow of 184.0 +/- 53.8 ml/min (P < 0.005), patients with 90 % stenosis a reduction of the mean BVF in the stenosed ICA to 84.6 +/- 41.9 ml/min (P < 0.0005) and patients with stenoses > 95 % a mean BVF of only 26.0 +/- 4.0 ml/min (P < 0.0005). In patients with unilateral ICA stenosis greater than 81 %, a significant decrease of BVF in the stenosed ICA was documented. Comparison of ultrasonographic grading of unilateral ICA stenosis and BVF determination in patients with ICA stenoses demonstrate a high correlation between increase in the stenosis and decrease in the ipsilateral blood flow beginning at 70 % stenosis. ICA stenoses greater than 80 % are significantly hemodynamically relevant.

The Influence of Tissue Blood Flow Volume on Energy Metabolism in Masseter Muscles

This study investigated the energy metabolism of masseter muscles by 31P-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) during increased blood flow induced by hot pack application to clarify the influence of changes in blood flow on muscle fatigue. Twelve healthy subjects with no history of muscle pain in the masticatory system participated in this study. The 31P-MRS measurements were performed before and after hot pack application and the ratio of phosphocreatine (PCr) acting as the energy source to reproduce ATP to ß-ATP, the PCr/ß-ATP ratio, was analyzed. Results showed that PCr/ß-ATP ratios increased significantly by an average of 22.4% after the hot pack application. The results suggest that changes in blood flow volume influence the energy metabolism in masseter muscles and that blood flow increases due to the hot pack cause higher energy levels in masseter muscles and offer an advantageous condition for preventing and relieving muscle fatigue.