Bodies Of Lumbar Vertebrae Research Articles

Pharmacodynamic Activity of [18F]-Fluorthanatrace Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Positron Emission Tomography in Patients With BRCA1/2-Mutated Breast Cancer Receiving Talazoparib.

We tested the ability of [18F] fluorthanatrace (FTT), a radiolabeled analog of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 inhibitors, to demonstrate target engagement on positron emission tomography (PET) scans from patients with newly diagnosed primary breast cancer receiving the PARP inhibitor (PARPi) talazoparib. Seven patients with germline BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants underwent [18F]FTT PET-computed tomography scanning at baseline, and five underwent repeat scanning 14 days after talazoparib initiation. Maximum uptake on PET was quantified in the primary tumor, involved nodes, contralateral pectoralis muscle, and lumbar vertebra body level 3, and compared between the two time points. Blocking of [18F]FTT was observed on the second scan. Potentially strong but nonsignificant correlations were found between changes in tumor volume (on ultrasound at 1 month v baseline) and percentage changes in tumor-to-muscle uptake ratio at 14 days from baseline (Spearman rank correlation coefficient r = 1; P = .083); and between the highest-grade hematologic toxicity and baseline bone marrow-to-muscle (B/M) uptake ratio (r = 0.72; P = .068) and percentage change in B/M ratio at 14 days from baseline (r = 0.87; P = .058). We conclude that [18F]FTT can image target engagement by PARPi, but larger studies are needed to determine whether [18F]FTT uptake can predict response to PARPi and whether uptake of [18F]FTT in bone marrow may be an early predictor of hematologic toxicity.

Dose Reduction in Pediatric Oncology Patients with Delayed Total-Body [18F]FDG PET/CT.

Our aim was to define a lower limit of reduced injected activity in delayed [18F]FDG total-body (TB) PET/CT in pediatric oncology patients. Methods: In this single-center prospective study, children were scanned for 20 min with TB PET/CT, 120 min after intravenous administration of a 4.07 ± 0.49 MBq/kg dose of [18F]FDG. Five randomly subsampled low-count reconstructions were generated using ¼, ⅛, [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] of the counts in the full-dose list-mode reference standard acquisition (20 min), to simulate dose reduction. For the 2 lowest-count reconstructions, smoothing was applied. Background uptake was measured with volumes of interest placed on the ascending aorta, right liver lobe, and third lumbar vertebra body (L3). Tumor lesions were segmented using a 40% isocontour volume-of-interest approach. Signal-to-noise ratio, tumor-to-background ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio were calculated. Three physicians identified malignant lesions independently and assessed the image quality using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: In total, 113 malignant lesions were identified in 18 patients, who met the inclusion criteria. Of these lesions, 87.6% were quantifiable. Liver SUVmean did not change significantly, whereas a lower signal-to-noise ratio was observed in all low-count reconstructions compared with the reference standard (P < 0.0001) because of higher noise rates. Tumor uptake (SUVmax), tumor-to-background ratio, and total lesion count were significantly lower in the reconstructions with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of the counts of the reference standard (P < 0.001). Contrast-to-noise ratio and clinical image quality were significantly lower in all low-count reconstructions than with the reference standard. Conclusion: Dose reduction for delayed [18F]FDG TB PET/CT imaging in children is possible without loss of image quality or lesion conspicuity. However, our results indicate that to maintain comparable tumor uptake and lesion conspicuity, PET centers should not reduce the injected [18F]FDG activity below 0.5 MBq/kg when using TB PET/CT in pediatric imaging at 120 min after injection.

An Up-Date of the Muscle Strengthening Exercise Effectiveness in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic disease that is characterized by decreased bone density and quality. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effects of muscle strengthening exercise in postmenopausal women with OP. Methods: A literature search was conducted systematically in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE databases for human studies up to 31 March 2021. Two researchers screened the articles against predefined inclusion criteria; a third resolved discrepancies. Articles were included if they assessed the effects of muscle strengthening exercise in postmenopausal women with OP. The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021207917) and a qualitative systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA statement. Methodological quality was evaluated through the scientific validity scales PEDro. Finally, RTCs and NRCTs risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool (Risk of Bias-ROB 2.0) and ROBINS-1, respectively. Results: A total of 16 studies (1028 subjects) that met the different eligibility criteria previously established were selected. There is evidence of good methodological quality and a low to moderate risk of bias that supports that muscle strengthening exercise alone or in combination with other therapeutic modalities improves BMD (9, n = 401) in proximal femur and lumbar vertebra body, muscle strength (10, n = 558), balance (4, n = 159), functionality (7, n = 617), and quality of life (5, n = 291). Conclusions: Exercise programs focused on muscle strengthening have benefits for all variables studied in postmenopausal women with OP.

Geometric Mapping of the Lumbar Vertebral Column in the United Arab Emirates

Lower back pain, originating in the lumbar vertebral region, is often overlooked in the public healthcare system as it is deemed to be an undramatic problem. While treating it poses a challenge for orthopaedicians, lumbar spine disorders are also considered to be one of the most expensive ailments from a socio-economic perspective. Since eighty percent of the adult population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reported to present with lumbar spine disorders, often attributed to ageing, fall from a height, and traffic-related injuries; this study developed a reproducible computational model of the lumbar vertebral column that was representative of the local and expatriate populations of the UAE. Serial 2D MRI scan slices of lumbar vertebral columns were extracted from an existing image database and were reconstructed into fifty 3D MRI models (n = 50). Morphometric evaluation and classification of morphological features of the lumbar vertebrae were then conducted. Although the first lumbar vertebral body appeared to be oval in shape (58%), the bodies of lumbar vertebrae (L) 2-5 were predominantly kidney-shaped. The presence of osteophytes was noted between L3-L4 (16%) and L4-L5 (16%), suggesting underlying degenerative changes. Mean values were also established for the anterior vertebral height (27.84±4.58mm), posterior vertebral height (25.42±2.64mm), superior vertebral width (43.93±10.84mm) and L1/L2 intervertebral disc height (15.34±8.27mm). As this study incorporated reference planes, a global coordinate system and geometric base shapes into the simulation process, the 3D MRI models may act as a reference against which normal and degenerative lumbar vertebral columns are assessed in clinical practice. It may also contribute to advances in diagnostic approaches, pre-operative planning, physical therapy and positive patient outcomes in the UAE healthcare system.

Effects of lumbar sympathetic nerve modulation guided by computed tomography for treating female pelvic limb hyperhidrosis

A total of 17 cases with pelvic limb hyperhidrosis were selected for lumbar sympathetic nerve modulation. The puncture of lumbar sympathetic nerve was guided by computed tomography (CT) through the gap of L2-3 until the needle tip reached the lateral of the second or third lumbar vertebra body and outside of psoas major. A mixture of 1% lidocaine 3 ml and 30% Iohexol injection 0.3 ml was injected. If the diffusion of lidocaine was observed between lumbar vertebra body and psoas major. After 15 min, 5 ml of absolute alcohol was injected to modulate the lumbar sympathetic nerve. After 5 min, oximetry-derived perfusion index of toe and sole temperature increased (5.9±1.4) folds and (4.16±0.89)℃ on average respectively. Pelvic limb hyperhidrosis was all cured within 6 months and one case recurred after a year. There were no occurrences of complications. Lumbar sympathetic nerve modulation guided by CT may be used for treating female pelvic limbs hyperhidrosis. Key words: Hyperhidrosis; Sympathectomy, chemical

Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor vector on vascular buds of vertebral cartilaginous endplate in rabbits

To directly inject recombinant pcDNA3.1-VEGF165 plasmid into degeneration intervertebral disc and explore its effects on vascular buds of vertebral cartilage endplate and intervertebral disc in rabbits. Rabbits were randomly assigned into the experimental and control groups (n = 10 each). For the experimental group, the animals were anesthetized and the front vertebral body exposed. With the longitudinal ossature of front vertebral body of lumbar vertebrae as a mark, a needle was inserted at the central point of the front fourth and fifth lumbar intervertebral disc and 20 µl pcDNA3.1-VEGF165 injected. For the control group, 20 µl pcDNA3.1 was injected. At Weeks 4 and 8 post-injection, the changes of vertebral cartilage endplate were monitored by radiograph, histology and scanning electron microscopy. The vertebral cartilage endplate calcification and degeneration in the experimental group were less pronounced than that in the control group at Week 8 post-operation. The average number and diameter of vascular buds obviously increased in the experimental group at Weeks 4 and 8 post-operation. The number and diameter of vascular buds in the region of inner annulus increased compared with those in the area near nucleus pulposus. The pcDNA3.1-VEGF165 plasmid may promote the vascular buds of vertebral cartilage endplate by increasing their average number and diameter and arresting the intervertebral disc degeneration.

The Change of Adjacent Segment and Sagittal Balance after Thoracolumbar Spine Surgery

To characterize perioperative biomechanical changes after thoracic spine surgery. Fifty-eight patients underwent spinal instrumented fusions and simple laminectomies on the thoracolumbar spine from April 2003 to October 2008. Patients were allocated to three groups; namely, the laminectomy without fusion group (group I, n = 17), the thoracolumbar fusion group (group II, n = 27), and the thoracic spine fusion group (group III, n = 14). Sagittal (ADS) and coronal (ADC) angles for adjacent segments were measured from two disc spaces above lesions at the upper margins, to two disc spaces below lesions at the lower margins. Sagittal (TLS) and coronal (TLC) angles of the thoracolumbar junction were measured from the lower margin of the 11th thoracic vertebra body to the upper margin of the 2nd lumbar vertebra body on plane radiographs. Adjacent segment disc heights and disc signal changes were determined using simple spinal examinations and by magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical outcome indices were determined using a visual analog scale. The three groups demonstrated statistically significant differences in terms of angle changes by ANOVA (p < 0.05). All angles in group I showed significantly smaller angles changes than in groups II and III by Turkey's multiple comparison analysis. Coronal Cobb's angles of the thoracolumbar spine (TLC) were not significantly different in the three groups. Postoperative sagittal balance is expected to change in the adjacent and thoracolumbar areas after thoracic spine fusion. However, its prevalence seems to be higher when the thoracolumbar spine is included in instrumented fusion.

Benign spine tumors in adults

The experience of treatment of 217 patients with primary benign spine tumor (14 nosologic forms) is presented. The importance of axial computer tomography and MRT for diagnosis is outlined. 201 patients have been operated on. In lesion of cervical spine, as rule, the anterior and posterior approaches are used, very seldom combined ones. In operations on thoracic spine the authors prefer the posterolateral extrapleural approach that allows to perform laminectomy, costotransversectomy (sometimes, bilateral) as well as partial or complete spondylectomy. Besides posterolateral approach anterior extraperitoneal one is used for local lesion of lumbar vertebra body. When tumor is localized in the sacrum the posterior approach is used more often, sometimes in combination with uni- or bilateral anterior extraperitoneal ones. Replacement of vertebra body defect is performed by autografts from the upper flaring portion of the ilium, more seldom - by implants. Posterior spondylodesis is carried out using cortical implants with transosseous fixation by metalic wire. In 7 patients, the recurrence has been revealed within 2 years after operation. In the rest of patients there have been no recurrences. The authors make a conclusion that active surgical tactics for primary benign spine tumors is justified and necessary.

Radiographic anatomy of the canine liver: simple measurements determined from the lateral radiograph

ABSTRACTThe literature on plain film evaluation of the canine liver is reviewed and the problems associated with radiographic hepatometry in this species and in man are outlined. Methods used to determine liver size in man are briefly described. Liver measurements obtained from lateral recumbent radiographs of 20 German Shepherd Dogs were examined statistically. The ratio of a measurement of liver length to second lumbar vertebra body length was found to be of statistical value, as was the relative position of the junction separating left medial, right medial and quadrate lobes from a further part of the right medial and left lateral lobes. The extrapolation of these results to other breeds is discussed.

Healing trabecular microfractures in the bodies of lumbar vertebrae.

Healing trabecular microfractures in the bodies of lumbar vertebrae.