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Objective: The ABC/2 equation is commonly applied to measure the volume of intracranial hematoma. However, the precision of ABC/2 equation in estimating the tumor volume of acoustic neuromas is less addressed. The study is to evaluate the accuracy of the ABC/2 formula by comparing with planimetry method for estimating the tumor volumes. Methods: Thirty-two patients diagnosed with acoustic neuroma received contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of brain were recruited. The volume was calculated by the ABC/2 equation and planimetry method (defined as exact volume) at the same time. The 32 patients were divided into three groups by tumor volume to avoid volume-dependent overestimation (<3 ml, 3-6 ml and >6 ml). Results: The tumor volume by ABC/2 method was highly correlated to that calculated by planimetry method using linear regression analysis (R2 = 0.985). Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.993, p < 0.001) demonstrates nearly perfect association between two methods. Conclusions: The ABC/2 formula is an easy method in estimating the tumor volume of acoustic neuromas that is not inferior to planimetry method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vena contracta width (VCW) and effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) are well established methods for evaluating mitral regurgitation using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). For color-flow Doppler (CF) measurements Nyquist limit of 50-60 cm/s is recommended. Aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of a baseline shift of the Nyquist limit for these measurements. After a comprehensive 2-dimensional (2D) TEE examination, the mitral regurgitation jet was acquired with a Nyquist limit of 50 cm/s (NL50) along with a baseline shift to 37.5 cm/s (NL37.5) using CF. Moreover a real time 3-dimensional (RT 3D) color complete volume dataset was stored with a Nyquist limit of 50 cm/s (NL50) and 37.5 cm/s (NL37.5). Vena contracta width (VCW) as well as Proximal Isovelocity Surface Area (PISA) derived EROA were measured based on 2D TEE and compared to RT 3D echo measurements for vena contracta area (VCA) using planimetry method. Correlation between VCA 3D NL50 and VCW NL50 was 0.29 ( p < 0.05) compared to 0.6 ( p < 0.05) using NL37.5. Correlation between VCA 3D NL50 and EROA 2D NL50 was 0.46 ( p < 0.05) vs. 0.6 ( p < 0.05) EROA 2D NL37.5. Correlation between VCA 3D NL37.5 and VCW NL50 was 0.45 ( p < 0.05) compared to 0.65 ( p < 0.05) using VCW NL37.5. Correlation between VCA 3D NL37.5 and EROA 2D NL50 was 0.41 ( p < 0.05) vs. 0.53 ( p < 0.05) using EROA 2D NL37.5. Baseline shift of the NL to 37.5 cm/s improves the correlation for VCW and EROA when compared to RT 3D NL50 planimetry of the vena contracta area. Baseline shift in RT 3D to a NL of 37.5 cm/s shows similar results like NL50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks the stability of concrete or rockfill dams located on Someşul Cald river through geodetic and topographic measurements. Tracking the dam stability is achieved in terms of planimetry and altimetry. . For the planimetry tracking can be used micro-triangulation method, trilateration method or combined methods. In terms of altimetry can be used the geometric geodetic leveling method. For the case study was chosen Tarnita dam which was monitored in terms of planimetry and altimetry. In determining the azimuth and zenith observations we used a precision total station (2∞), and to make the altimetry observations we used a high precision digital level and measuring staff with bar code. Processing of geodetic observations was achieved by conditional measurement method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: All optic nerve pathologies, including the glaucomas and disorders such as non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, affect the appearance of the optic nerve head. Morphological examination of the optic nerve head in a qualitative and quantitative manner is therefore clinically mandatory. With the advent of modern imaging modalities such as confocal scanning laser tomography and optical coherence tomography, new diagnostic avenues have opened up to further refine the examination. The new imaging devices are now becoming a major adjunct to the diagnosis and long-term management of optic nerve head pathology; before it is possible to identify an abnormal optic disk, however, it is essential to understand the morphology and measurement of the normal disk. We summarize recent data on the normal morphology and measurement of optic nerve head parameters as assessed by the major imaging modalities now available. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Numerous publications have documented that the immortal cells grown in three-dimensional (3D) cultures possess physiological behavior, which is more reminiscent of their parental organ than when the same cells are cultivated using classical two-dimensional (2D) culture techniques. The goal of this study was to investigate whether this observation could be extended to the determination of LD50 values and whether 3D data could be correlated to in vivo observations. We developed a noninvasive means to estimate the amount of protein present in a 3D spheroid from it is planar area (± 21%) so that a precise dose can be provided in a manner similar to in vivo studies. This avoided correction of the actual dose given based on a protein determination after treatment (when some cells may have lysed). Conversion of published in vitro LC50 data (mM) for six common drugs (acetaminophen, amiodarone, diclofenac, metformin, phenformin, and valproic acid) to LD50 data (mg compound/mg cellular protein) showed that the variation in LD50 values was generally less than that suggested by the original LC50 data. Toxicological analysis of these six compounds in 3D spheroid culture (either published or presented here) demonstrated similar LD50 values. Although in vitro 2D HepG2 data showed a poor correlation, the primary hepatocyte and 3D spheroid data resulted in a much higher degree of correlation with in vivo lethal blood plasma levels. These results corroborate that 3D hepatocyte cultures are significantly different from 2D cultures and are more representative of the liver in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The current professional architectural mapping is sometimes determined by default options provided by the traditional drawing software. We must set references for the students, such as notable cases in which the asepsis, usually associated with the planimetric representation, is replaced by a deliberate way of developing architectural blueprints. Two architectural productions distant in time and methods, Miralles and Kahn, share that quality: to generate a suggestive reading of their plans. Their projects there represented differ, but both of them have the capacity of containing sounds that are perceived when viewing the graphic document. The sound planimetry in some plants and sections is a common quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare planimetric aortic valve area (AVA) measurements from 256-slice CT to those derived from transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac catheterization in high-risk subjects with known high-grade calcified aortic stenosis. Methods and materials: The study included 26 subjects (10 males, mean age: 79±6; range, 61–88 years). All subjects were clinically referred for aortic valve imaging prior to percutaneous aortic valve replacement from April 2008 to March 2009. Two radiologists, blinded to the results of TEE and cardiac catheterization, independently selected the systolic cardiac phase of maximum aortic valve area and independently performed manual CT AVA planimetry for all subjects. Repeated AVA measurements were made to establish CT intra- and interobserver repeatability. In addition, the image quality of the aortic valve was rated by both observers. Aortic valve calcification was also quantified. Results: All 26 subjects had a high-grade aortic valve stenosis (systolic opening area <1.0cm2) via CT-based planimetry, with a mean AVA of 0.62±0.18. In four subjects, TEE planimetry was precluded due to severe aortic valve calcification, but CT-planimetry was successfully performed with a mean AVA of 0.46±0.23cm2. Mean aortic valve calcium mass score was 563.8±526.2mg. Aortic valve area by CT was not correlated with aortic valve calcium mass score. A bias and limits of agreement among CT and TEE, CT and cardiac catheterization, and TEE and cardiac catheterization were −0.07 [–0.37 to 0.24], 0.03 [−0.49 to 0.55], 0.12 [−0.39 to 0.63]cm2, respectively. Differences in AVA among CT and TEE or cardiac catheterization did not differ systematically over the range of measurements and were not correlated with aortic valve calcium mass score. Conclusion: Planimetric aortic valve area measurements from 256-slice CT agree well with those derived from TEE and cardiac catheterization in high-risk subjects with known high-grade calcified aortic stenosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Large woody debris (LWD) reduces the flow area, deviate the flow and increases the velocity in correspondence of the bridge pier, therefore increases the maximum scour hole depth and accelerates sediment removal. Logs and drifts accumulated on bridge piers are of different dimensions. According to logs characteristics and river morphology, drift accumulations can either extend downstream the bridge pier or they can accumulate totally upstream. This paper aims to analyze the effect of drift accumulation planimetry on bridge pier scour. The experimental investigation has been carried out at the PITLAB hydraulic centre of Civil Engineering Department, University of Pisa, Italy. Drift accumulation was characterized by different relative longitudinal lengths, flow area occlusions, length of longitudinal drift and downstream planimetrical positions relative to the pier center. The experimental investigation has been carried out in clear-water conditions. Several pier sizes, channel widths and sediment materials have been tested. Maximum scour hole in presence of drift accumulation have been compared to the maximum scour hole for an isolated pier. Finally, data were compared with previous literature findings, which highlight the effect of the downstream extension of drift accumulation on bridge pier scour. New relationships have been proposed to predict the effect of drift accumulation on bridge pier scour, both in terms of relative maximum scour and temporal scour evolution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: In the present study, 3 different methods to measure the mitral valve area (MVA) after mitral valve repair (MVRep) were studied. Data obtained immediately after repair were compared with postoperative data. The objective was to determine the feasibility and correlation between intraoperative and postoperative MVA data. Design: A prospective study. Setting: A tertiary care medical center. Participants: Twenty-five elective adult surgical patients scheduled for MVRep. Methods: Echocardiographic data included MVAs obtained using the pressure half-time (PHT), 2-dimensional planimetry (2D-PLAN), and the continuity equation (CE). These data were obtained immediately after cardiopulmonary bypass and were compared with data obtained before hospital discharge (transthoracic echocardiogram 1) and 6 to 12 months after surgery (transthoracic echocardiogram 2). Intraoperative care was guided by hemodynamic goals designed to optimize cardiac function. Results: The data show good agreement and correlation between MVA obtained with PHT and 2D-PLAN within and between each time period. MVA data obtained with the CE in the postoperative period were lower than and did not correlate or agree as well with other MVA data. Conclusion: The MVA recorded immediately after valve repair, using PHT, correlated and agreed with MVA data obtained in the postoperative period. These results contrast with previously published data and could highlight the impact of hemodynamic function during the assessment of MVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereological techniques using point counting and planimetry have been used to estimate pituitary gland volume. However, many studies have estimated pituitary gland volume by the mathematical approach the elliptic formula. The objective of the current study was to determine pituitary gland volume using stereological methods and elliptic formula on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, pituitary gland volumes were estimated in a total of 28 subjects (22 females, 6 males,) who were free of any pituitary or neurological symptoms and signs. The mean ± SD pituitary gland volumes for the point counting, planimetry and elliptic formulae groups were 582.14 ± 140.16 mm, 610.08 ± 133.17 mm, and 432.82 ± 147.38 mm, respectively. The mean CE for the pituitary gland volume estimates derived from the point counting technique was 8.07%. No significant difference was found between point counting and planimetric methods for the pituitary gland volume ( P > 0.05). In addition, there was a 26.14 and 29.71% underestimation of pituitary volume as measured by the elliptic formula compared to the point counting and planimetric techniques, respectively. From these results, it can be concluded that stereological techniques are unbiased, efficient and reliable methods and are ideally suitable for in vivo examination of MRI data for pituitary gland volume estimation. Hence, we suggest that estimating pituitary gland volume using MRI study and stereology may be clinically relevant for pituitary surgeons for the investigation of the structure and function of the pituitary gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size of brain ventricles is especially relevant in some brain diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and other neurodegenerative diseases. Many studies have been conducted to assess the brain ventricles. To the best of our knowledge, however, there is no fourth, third and lateral ventricles volume study evaluating the efficiency and accuracy of point-counting and planimetry methods of the Cavalieri principle in the literature. In the current study, we estimated the volume of intracerebral ventricles in normal subjects using stereological methods. The volumes of fourth, third and lateral ventricle were estimated in 14 young Turkish volunteers (7 males and 7 females), aged between 18 and 36 years and free of any neurological symptoms and signs, using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Volumes of intracerebral ventricles were determined on MRIs using the point-counting and planimetry methods. The mean results of the point-counting method were 14.7 ± 4.2, 8.7 ± 3.0 and 131.8 ± 33.1 mm for the fourth, third and lateral ventricles, respectively. The mean results of the planimetry method were 15.4 ± 3.4, 8.6 ± 3.5 and 153.7 ± 34.6 mm for the fourth, third and lateral ventricles, respectively. Ventricle volumes obtained by the two different methods were not statistically different ( p > 0.05) and they correlated well with each other. Good agreement was found between results obtained with the point-counting and planimetry techniques. The findings of the present study using stereological methods could provide data for the evaluation of normal and pathological volumes of intracerebral ventricles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: assess the complex action of photodynamic therapy and CO2 laser on planimetric figures purulent wounds in the experiment. Materials and methods. purulent wound model reproduced in 80 male rats by MP Thick (2002) with some modification. Animals from the third day were divided into 4 groups: 1) 20 rats with physiological regeneration, 2) 20 rats with standard therapy, and 3) 20 rats PDT 4) rats 20 inclusion complex treatment with conventional methods, the CO2 laser 3-4 times daily until the wound cleansing from necrotic raids and PDT. Studied plane geometry, healing time, peripheral blood counts and morphology of biopsies from the wound bed and the wall on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 10th day of the experiment. Results. Photodynamic therapy in a CO2 laser complex was not sufficiently effective invasive treatment of purulent wounds and allows to recommend its use in clinical practice for the treatment of local purulent-destructive diseases of soft tissues. Complex application of PDT and CO2 laser leads to an earlier cleansing from the pus, the active formation of granulation tissue and shortening deadlines complete epithelialization of the wound surface. Conclusions: Complex treatment with CO2 laser and photodynamic therapy is the most effective, as compared to other methods studied separately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Infarct size (IS) is an important variable to estimate cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury in animal models. Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) stains viable cells red while leaving infarcted cells unstained. To quantify IS, infarcted and non-infarcted tissue is often manually dissected and weighed (IS-DW). An alternative is to measure infarcted areas by cumulative planimetry (IS-CP). Methods: We prospectively compared these two methods in 141 Langendorff-prepared guinea pig hearts (1.44±0.02g) that were part of different studies on mechanisms of cardioprotection. Hearts were perfused with Krebs–Ringer''s and subjected to 30min global ischemia after various cardioprotective treatments. Two hours after reperfusion hearts were cut into 6–7 transverse sections (3mm) and stained for 5min in 1% TTC and 0.1M KH2PO4 buffer (pH 7.4, 38°C). Each slice was first scanned and its infarcted area measured with Image 1.62 software (NIH). Infarctions in individual slices of each heart were averaged (IS-CP) on the basis of their weight. After scanning, IS-DW was determined by careful manual dissection of infarcted from non-infarcted tissue and measuring their respective total weight. Results: We found limited tissue permeation of TTC in relation to the slice thickness leaving tissue in the center unstained, as well as significant cross-contamination of stained vs. unstained tissue after manual dissection. IS-CP and IS-DW ranged from 6.0 to 73.1% and 19.4 to 70.5%, respectively, and correlated as follows: IS-DW=(27.6±1.4)+(0.518±0.038) • IS-CP; r =0.75 (Pearson), p <0.001. In addition, IS-CP correlated better with return of function after reperfusion like developed left ventricular pressure, contractility and relaxation, and myocardial oxygen consumption. Discussion: Despite a good correlation between both methods, limited tissue permeation by TTC diffusion and limited precision in the ability to manually dissect stained from unstained tissue leads to an overestimation of infarct size by dissection and weighing compared to cumulative planimetry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The full-thickness wound in the genetically diabetic (db/db) mouse is a commonly used model of impaired wound healing. We investigated delayed healing of non-occluded, excisional, full-thickness, dermal wounds in db/db mice in comparison to their normal littermate controls and refined methods for monitoring skin wound re-epithelialization, contraction, granulation tissue formation, and inflammation. We have confirmed with a computer-assisted planimetry method the results of previous studies showing that healing of non-occluded full excision wounds in db/db mice does not occur by contraction as much as in healthy mice. In addition, we have developed separate histological methods for the assessment of re-epithelialization, contraction, granulation tissue (mature, immature, fibrosis), and inflammation (lipogranulomas, secondary, nonspecific). Using a new approach to histological assessment, we have shown that wound closure in db/db mice is delayed owing to: (1) delayed granulation tissue maturation; (2) "laced," widely distributed granulation tissue around fat lobules; and (3) obstruction by lipogranulomas, whereas the rate of re-epithelialization seems to be the same as in C57Bl/6 mice. This methodology should permit a more precise differentiation of effects of novel therapeutic agents on the wound healing process in db/db mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of ascorbic acid (AA)-treated fibroblasts transplantation on excisional diabetic wound healing. An excisional wound was created between the shoulders of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. On day three, 1 ml of PBS, ‎1 × 106 ‎intact homologous fibroblasts, and ‎1 × 106 ‎ fibroblasts treated with 50 μM AA were injected subcutaneously around the wound edges in control, treatment-1 and treatment-2 groups, respectively. In the sham group, the wound was left intact. Wound area was measured by planimetry. On day 15, samples were harvested for histopathological examination and hydroxyproline content. Wound area in treatment-1 and − 2 groups was ‎significantly decreased compared to other groups, on days 11 and 15. The hydroxyproline content was significantly lower in the control group compared to the other groups. Histopathology revealed significant increases in the number of neovessels, macrophages, lymphocytes and fibroblasts in the treatment-2 group compared to the other groups. Trichrome staining showed the highest level of collagen deposition and orientation in the treatment-2 group. In conclusion, allotransplantation of ‎50 μM ‎ AA-treated fibroblasts ‎could result in progressive healing and improved reparative indices of excisional dermal wound in diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The exact distribution of periprostatic autonomic nerves is under debate. Objective: To study the topographical anatomy of autonomic nerves of the periprostatic tissue and the capsule of the prostate (CAP). Design, Setting, and Participants: Whole-mount sections of 30 prostates from patients having undergone non–nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy were investigated after immunohistochemical nerve staining. Sections from the base, the middle, and the apex were evaluated. All sections were divided into 12 sectors, which were combined into the following regions: ventral, ventrolateral, dorsolateral, and dorsal. Measurements: Quantification of periprostatic and capsular nerves was performed within the sectors. Computerised planimetry of the total periprostatic nerve surface area of each region was performed (Image-J software, Wayne Rasband, National Institute of Health, USA). Results and Limitations: A total of 3514, 3860, and 3902 periprostatic nerves was counted at the base, the middle, and the apex, respectively (p =0.068). The ratio of periprostatic nerves to capsular nerves was 3.6, 2.1, and 1.9 at the base, the middle, and the apex, respectively (p =0.004). Computerised planimetry revealed a significant decrease in total nerve surface area from the base over the middle towards the apex, with 241.79, 133.64, and 89.50mm2 (p =0.004). The percentage of total nerve surface area was highest dorsolaterally (84.1%, 75.1%, and 74.5% at base, middle, and apex, respectively) but variable: Up to 39.9% of nerve surface area was found ventrolaterally and up to 45.5% in the dorsal position. The study is limited by the fact that autonomic nerve distribution was only investigated from the base to the apex of the prostate. Conclusions: Periprostatic nerve distribution is variable, with a high percentage of nerves in the ventrolateral and dorsal positions. Total periprostatic nerve surface area decreases from the base towards the apex due to nerves leaving the NVB branching into the prostate. This can only be discovered by nerve planimetry, not by quantification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The cerebellum is involved in motor learning and cognitive function in human. Many studies have been conducted to assess the cerebellar volume. To the best of our knowledge, there is no cerebellar volume study evaluating the efficiency and the accuracy of point-counting and planimetry methods of the Cavalieri principle in the literature. In this study, the volume of cerebellum was estimated in 53 Turkish young volunteers (26 males and 27 females), aged between 20 and 25 who are free of any neurological symptoms and signs, using serial magnetic resonance (MR) images. The cerebellar volumes of subjects were determined on MR images using the point-counting and planimetry methods. The mean results of planimetry method were 116.69 ± 10.1 and 114.41 ± 9.3 cm3 in males and females, respectively. The mean results of point-counting method were 116.34 ± 10.6 and 113.48 ± 8.8 cm3 in males and females, respectively. Our results revealed that female subjects had less cerebellar volumes compared with males, although there was no statistical significant difference between genders ( P > 0.05). Total cerebellar volumes obtained by two different methods were not statistically different ( P = 0.189) and they were correlated well to each other ( r = 0.935). We found that the point-counting method takes less time than the planimetric method (mean 8 ± 3.6 vs. 15 ± 5.5 min). Thus, while planimetric and stereological approaches yield very similar results, the stereological method has the advantage of greater speed and, therefore, efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several methods have been described to evaluate the degree of lumbar lordosis. However, suggested methods have used non-standardized terminology and landmarks to measure the degree of lumbar lordosis. In the present study a practical method for evaluating the degree of lumbar lordosis is described and, for this purpose, 24 lateral roentgenograms were obtained retrospectively from the archive of Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey. The length between the superior and inferior angles of the first and fifth lumbar vertebral bodies, and the area behind the lumbar vertebral bodies, were estimated using the point counting and planimetry methods. A new unit, the projection area per length squared (PAL) was described on lateral roentgenograms. The planimetric approach was used as the gold standard in the present study. The point-counting method was also used to estimate the PAL and it was repeated three times to determine the variability of the technique. To evaluate the estimates’ accuracy, the results of point-counting were compared with those of the planimetry methods. The PAL changed by between 3.93 and 13.59% for the examined subjects. A high correlation was also noted between the results of the point-counting and planimetry methods ( r = 0.997). It is concluded that the PAL approach could provide accurate and reproducible data for evaluating the degree of lumbar lordosis and low back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease resulting in surgical intervention. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) utilizing the continuity equation is commonly used to determine aortic valve area (AVA). However, sometimes TTE can be limited by poor acoustic windows, heavy valvular calcification, or eccentric jet morphology. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides an alternative non-invasive method for the evaluation of AVA using direct planimetry. Prior studies have shown good correlation between CMR and other modalities, such as TTE, TEE, and cardiac catheterization. CMR can also assess AVA by using the continuity equation employing velocity-encoded phase contrast (VEPC) imaging. We sought to assess whether velocity-encoded phase-contrast MRI can provide an alternate means of quantifying AVA by CMR. Methods: Twenty-two consecutive AS patients were imaged with CMR. AVA was determined by VEPC imaging and by direct planimetry. Results: Mean AVA by planimetry was 1.05 ± 0.41cm2 and 1.00 ± 0.4 cm2 by VEPC, with a strong correlation (R2 = 0.86, p < 0.0001) between the two methods. The mean difference of AVA was 0.05 ± 0.15 (95% CI = [0.02-0.08]), and the limits of agreement were -0.26 to 0.36 cm2. The mean difference between 2 observers for planimetry was 0.030 ± 0.07 (95% CI = [0.02 - 0.04]) with limits of agreement of -0.11 to 0.16 cm2 and for VEPC was 0.008 ± 0.085 (95% CI = [-0.01 - 0.026]) with limits of agreement of -0.16 to 0.18 cm2. Conclusions: VEPC CMR is an alternative method to direct planimetry for accurately determining AVA. Both techniques can be easily incorporated into a single CMR exam to increase the confidence of AVA determination utilizing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives. A reduction of pressure ulcer wound area is one of the most important indicators of wound healing. A wound measurement system (VISITRAK™), which calculates the area based on simple tracings of wounds, has been developed as a practical tool for assessing wound area at the bedside. However, its accuracy has remained to be clarified in a clinical setting. This study aimed to clarify the clinical accuracy of the VISITRAK system. Design. A descriptive correlational study. Methods. Intra-and inter-rater reliability of wound measuring techniques were calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) from 10 pressure ulcers. Concurrent validity was assessed, using 30 pressure ulcers, by comparing VISITRAK and digital planimetry. Assessment times for VISITRAK and digital planimetry were also compared for clinical practicality. Results. The VISITRAK reliability results showed high (0·99) ICC values. For validity, a correlation coefficient between VISITRAK and digital planimetry was 0·99. The median time to take a measurement with VISITRAK was significantly shorter than that required for digital planimetry. Conclusions. Based on our results, VISITRAK was found to have high intra-and inter-rater reliability and high validity. Relevance to clinical practice. The short measurement time with the VISITRAK system, and the ability to use it at the bedside, make it a useful, convenient device for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives. A reduction of pressure ulcer wound area is one of the most important indicators of wound healing. A wound measurement system (VISITRAK™), which calculates the area based on simple tracings of wounds, has been developed as a practical tool for assessing wound area at the bedside. However, its accuracy has remained to be clarified in a clinical setting. This study aimed to clarify the clinical accuracy of the VISITRAK system. Design. A descriptive correlational study. Methods. Intra-and inter-rater reliability of wound measuring techniques were calculated using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) from 10 pressure ulcers. Concurrent validity was assessed, using 30 pressure ulcers, by comparing VISITRAK and digital planimetry. Assessment times for VISITRAK and digital planimetry were also compared for clinical practicality. Results. The VISITRAK reliability results showed high (0·99) ICC values. For validity, a correlation coefficient between VISITRAK and digital planimetry was 0·99. The median time to take a measurement with VISITRAK was significantly shorter than that required for digital planimetry. Conclusions. Based on our results, VISITRAK was found to have high intra-and inter-rater reliability and high validity. Relevance to clinical practice. The short measurement time with the VISITRAK system, and the ability to use it at the bedside, make it a useful, convenient device for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared two different magnetic resonance (MR) sequences [steady-state free precession (SSFP) and gradient echo fast low-angle shot (FLASH)] for the assessment of aortic valve areas in aortic stenosis using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as the standard of reference. Thirty-two patients with known aortic stenosis underwent MR (1.5 T) using a cine SSFP sequence and a cine FLASH sequence. Planimetry was performed in cross-sectional images and compared to the results of the TEE. In seven patients the grade of stenosis was additionally assessed by invasive cardiac catheterization (ICC). The mean aortic valve area measured by TEE was 0.97+/-0.19 mm(2), 1.00+/-0.25 mm(2) for SSFP and 1.25+/-0.23 mm(2) based on FLASH images. The mean difference between the valve areas assessed based on SSFP and TEE images was 0.15+/-0.13 cm(2) (FLASH vs TEE: 0.29+/-0.17 cm(2)). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated that measurements using FLASH images overestimated the aortic valve area compared to TEE. Comparing ICC with MRI and TEE, only a weak to moderate correlation was found (ICC vs TEE: R=0.52, p=0.22; ICC vs SSFP: R=0.20, p=0.65; ICC vs FLASH: R=0.16, p=0.70). Measurements of the aortic valve area based on SSFP images correlate better with TEE compared to FLASH images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Semiautomatic computer-assisted planimetry is currently the standard morphometric technique in models of intimal thickening. We evaluated stereological point counting as an alternative method for the measurement of cross-sectional vascular areas (lumen, intima, and media) by comparing precision, efficiency, and variance components. Methods: Sections from murine atherosclerotic aorta (n=21), stented rabbit iliac arteries (n=30), and porcine coronary arteries (n=30) were analyzed at two institutes using both techniques. To determine reproducibility, porcine arteries were measured twice. Results: Area measurements showed almost identical means and standard deviations for planimetry and stereology [e.g., intima (mm2): 0.10±0.11 vs. 0.12±0.12 (mouse), 0.60±0.16 vs. 0.60±0.15 (rabbit), and 1.92±1.52 vs. 1.97±1.61 (pig)]. Deming regression and Bland–Altman plots demonstrated a good agreement between both techniques that was not influenced by artery size. Both methods exhibited excellent repeatability, although planimetry (−0.18±0.27) was more precise than stereology (−0.17±0.47; variance, P<.01, Levene test). In addition, intraoperator variance (error inherent to the technique) was greater for stereology (1.6–15.8% vs. 4.8–33.5%), whereas interoperator variance (error between institutes) was very small for both methods (0.1–0.9% vs. 0.1–1.7%). Indeed, biologic variability was, by far, the most important variance component in all measurements (84–98% vs. 65–95%). Finally, stereology required 20% (mouse; P<.05) to 40% (pig; P<.001) less time to complete analysis. Conclusion: The quantification of vascular structures by planimetry and stereology yielded comparable results in all models of intimal thickening, but stereology proved to be less time-consuming. Therefore, study design may dictate the most appropriate choice of technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To assess the efficacy of the novel ultrasonic Vector™-system system for subgingival debridement and to compare the results with conventional periodontal instrumentation in vitro and in vivo. Material and Methods: Forty extracted human teeth were treated in vitro: Vector™-system with polishing (VP) and abrasive fluid (VA), conventional ultrasonic system (U) and hand instrument (H). At intervals of 40 s, calculus removal was assessed using a 3D laser scanning device. Eight single-rooted teeth were treated in vivo with the Vector™-system or hand instruments. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained for microbiological evaluation. After extraction, residual calculus was assessed by means of digitized planimetry. Results: In vitro efficiency of hand instruments was statistically higher compared with the conventional ultrasonic system ( p<0.05) and the Vector™-system with no difference between U and VA ( p>0.05) and VA and VP ( p>0.05). Residual calculus following in vivo instrumentation was not different in the Vector™ and the hand instrument group ( p>0.05) but treatment time with the Vector™-system was statistically higher ( p<0.05). A similar reduction of periopathogenic bacteria could be observed in both groups. Conclusions: Using the Vector™-system, root surfaces can be debrided as thoroughly as with conventional instruments. However, treatment is more time consuming than conventional debridement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate absolute assessment of aortic valve area (AVA), before surgery for aortic stenosis, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in comparison with transœsophageal echocardiography (TEE) and with effective AVA indirectly obtained by routine techniques i.e. transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac catheterisation. Materials and methods: Absolute AVA planimetry was performed by TEE and CMR steady state free precession sequences obtained through the aortic valvular plane. Effective AVA was calculated by the continuity equation in TTE and by cardiac catheterisation (Gorlin formula). Results: Thirty-nine patients with aortic valve stenosis, mean age 71.7±7.6 years, with a mean AVA of 0.93±0.31cm2 as measured by TEE, were enrolled in the study. Mean differences were: between CMR and TEE planimetry: d =0.01±0.14cm2, between CMR and cardiac catheterisation: d =0.05±0.13cm2, between CMR and TTE: d =0.10±0.17cm2, between TTE and TEE: d =0.10±0.18cm2, between TTE and cardiac catheterisation: d =0.06±0.16cm2, and between TEE and cardiac catheterisation: d =0.07±0.13cm2. Mean intraobserver and interobserver differences of CMR planimetry were d =0.02±0.07cm2 and d =0.03±0.14cm2, respectively. Conclusion: CMR planimetry of the AVA is a noninvasive and reproducible technique to evaluate stenotic aortic valves and can be used as an alternative to echocardiography or cardiac catheterisation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using a planimetric method, the size of horizontal wear facets on maxillary anterior teeth was studied longitudinally in the permanent dentition of 35 subjects at ages 14, 18, and 23?years. The study subjects had not previously undergone any orthodontic treatment and had Class I occlusion. We studied the association between the amount of wear and reported parafunctions and maximal bite force. Total wear areas in age groups 14, 18, and 23?years were 29.5?mm 2 (SD 11.4), 39.1?mm 2 (SD 12.7), and 45.0?mm 2 (SD 13.0), respectively. The total wear area increased significantly both from 14 to 18?years of age and from 18 to 23?years of age ( p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognostic significance of the size of mastoid air cell system in the results of myringoplasty has been a matter of debate. Fifty ears with dry central perforation following C.S.O.M. were investigated. The size of mastoid air cell system was determined with planimetry of the X-ray picture and eustachian tube function was assessed using flourescein dye and nasal endoscopy. Myringoplasty was performed in all the 50 ears and postoperative results in terms of graft take up and hearing gain were assessed. The correlation between the size of mastoid air cell system, results of myringoplasty and tubal function has been discussed. The results show no correlation between the size of mastoid air cell system, postoperative results of myringoplasty and eustachian tube function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Liver tumor volume measurements are clinically useful in patients undergoing cancer treatment. The techniques of planimetry and stereology were applied for this purpose on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Fifty-eight malignant liver lesions were depicted on MR images in 20 consecutive patients. The volume of all lesions was estimated using stereology technique, based on point counting. Stereological tumor volume estimations were compared with those determined by manual planimetry. The repeatability of both techniques was assessed. Tumor volumes estimated by the two techniques were highly correlated (r = 0.98, p < 0.0001). The 95% limits of agreement showed that the stereological volume estimations may differ from the planimetric assessments by less than 23%. Both techniques presented comparable intra- and interobserver variability. The planimetry was 1.5 times faster than the stereology. Both volumetric techniques may provide reliable and reproducible liver tumor volume estimations. The planimetry may be the method of choice because of its superior speed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Semi-automatic computer-assisted planimetry is often used for the quantification of restenosis parameters after balloon angioplasty although it is a time-consuming method. Moreover, slicing the artery to enable analysis of two-dimensional (2-D) images leads to a loss of information since the vessel structure is three-dimensional (3-D). Cavalieri’s principle uses systematic random sampling allowing 3-D quantification. This study compares the accuracy and efficiency of planimetry versus point-counting measurements on restenosis parameters after balloon angioplasty and investigates the use of Cavalieri’s principle for 3-D volume quantification. Bland and Altman plots showed good agreement between planimetry and point counting for the 2-D and 3-D quantification of lumen, internal elastic lamina (IEL) and external elastic lamina (EEL), with a slightly smaller agreement for intima and media. Mean values and induced coefficients of variation were similar for both methods for all parameters. Point counting induced a 6% error in its 3-D quantification, which is negligible in view of the biological variation (>90%) among animals. However, point counting was 3 times faster compared to planimetry, improving its efficiency. This study shows that combining Cavalieri’s principle with point counting is a precise and efficient method for the 3-D quantification of restenosis parameters after balloon angioplasty.Copyright © 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resection and end-to-end anastomosis of the trachea represent the preferred treatment for various benign and malignant diseases involving the trachea. Various studies have reported conflicting results with alternative techniques and suture materials for tracheal anastomosis. Our objective was to evaluate three frequently used techniques concerning stenosis rate and histological reaction in a large-animal species. Tracheal resection of 3 cm and end-to-end anastomosis were performed in 15 sheep with the use of three different techniques. In the first group, an interrupted suture with polyglactin, in the second group an interrupted suture with polydioxanone, and in the last group a continuous suture with polypropylene were used. The animals were killed 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 weeks postoperatively. The luminal stenosis was determined by means of computerized planimetry. All three techniques appeared to be appropriate for tracheal anastomosis. The luminal stenosis developed within the first 8 weeks after surgery. A cross-sectional area of approximately 40–70% was finally achieved. Differences dependent on the suture material are less important than the technical details of the operation.Copyright © 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the severity level of diabetic retinopathy obtained when assessed from two versus only one 60° photographic field using colour transparencies and red-free, black-and-white photographs. To compare the areal coverage of these two photographic strategies to that of seven-field 30° photography. Methods: Two ophthalmologists graded photographs of 74 eyes of 74 type I and II diabetes patients. Inter-method agreement was expressed in percentages and using kappa statistics and scatter-diagrams. The comparison of the approximate photographic areal coverage was done from diagrams using planimetry. Results: The severity level of retinopathy when judged from two photographic fields was more severe in 13.5% (Grader 1) and in 16.2% (Grader 2) from colour transparencies and in 13.5% (Grader 1) and in 14.9% (Grader 2) from red-free black-and-white prints, as compared to assessments from only one field. Kappa values (0.84–0.86) for inter-method agreement for five pooled retinopathy levels revealed good agreement. Neither grader missed retinopathy requiring clinical assessment or treatment (levels ≥47) when minimal retinopathy (levels 14–20) was detected using only one 60° colour slide or red-free photograph. A second optic disc-centred field provided valuable additional information when more severe retinopathy lesions (levels ≥30) were detected in the macula-centred field. One macula-centred 60° photograph covered 60% and two 60° photographs 80% of the area covered by seven-field 30° photography. Two-field 60° photography covers areas left outside seven-field 30° photography. Conclusion: We propose the use of one macula-centred 60° photograph when screening for the first lesions of diabetic retinopathy. After they have been found two-field 60° photography is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]