Herein,
we present a framework to automatically co-register longitudinal (in-time) virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) imaging data in the circumferential direction (i.e., rotate follow-up image so circumferential basis coincides with corresponding baseline image). Nutlin3 Multivariate normalized cross correlation was performed on paired images (n = 636) from five patients using three independent VH-IVUS defined parameters: artery thickness, VH-IVUS defined plaque constituents, and VH-IVUS perivascular imaging data. Results exhibited high correlation between co-registration rotation angles determined automatically versus manually by an expert reader (r(2) = 0.90). Furthermore, no significant difference between automatic and manual co-registration angles was observed (91.31 +/- 1.04 degrees and 91.07 +/- 1.04 degrees, respectively;) p = 0.48 and Bland-Altman analysis yielded excellent agreement (bias = 0.24 degrees, 95% CI +/ – 16.33 degrees). In conclusion, we have developed, verified, and validated an algorithm that automatically co-registers VH-IVUS imaging data that will allow for the focal examination of CAD progression.”
“Objective: Prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke is associated with an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome and possible rate increase
of obstructive apnea in full-term infants but unknown in premature infants. Therefore, the objective was to study the effect of prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke Apoptosis inhibitor on the use of methylxanthines and discharge pneumograms in premature infants. Methods: Preterm infants [gestational age (GA) <= 34 weeks] born between January 1997 and September 2007 were studied. A four-channel pneumogram was performed at discharge. Relevant clinical data were collected from the infant’s records. Infants with prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke were compared with infants not exposed (controls). Results: A total of 1656 infants were studied: 263 infants ]# 2.8 weeks exposed
to prenatal cigarette smoke and 1393 infants (BW 1638 +/- 575 g, GA 31.1 +/- 2.7 weeks) not exposed. Baseline patient characteristics were similar between the two groups. When comparing the smoking versus control groups, there was no significant difference in the infants for the following: xanthine therapy and abnormal pneumograms; presence of central, obstructed or mixed apnea and home discharge on monitors, oxygen and xanthines. Conclusions: Prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke was not associated with increased use of xanthines or abnormal pneumogram in premature infants.”
“Purpose: To evaluate knowledge and perceptions of osteoporosis among university students in Malaysia belonging to different age groups, gender and ethnicity.