BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We present a fully automatic system based on learning approaches, which aims to localization and identification (labeling) of vertebrae in 3D computed tomography (CT) scans of possibly incomplete spines in patients with bone metastases and vertebral compressions. METHODS: The framework combines a set of 3D algorithms for i) spine detection using a convolution neural network (CNN) ii) spinal cord tracking based on combination of a CNN and a novel growing sphere method with a population optimization, iii) intervertebral discs localization using a novel approach of spatially variant filtering of intensity profiles and iv) vertebra labeling using a CNN-based classification combined with global dynamic optimization. RESULTS: The proposed algorithm has been validated in testing databases, including also a publicly available dataset. The mean error of intervertebral discs localization is 4.4 mm, and for vertebra labeling, the average rate of correctly identified vertebrae is 87.1%, which can be considered a good result with respect to the large share of highly distorted spines and incomplete spine scans. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed framework, which combines several advanced methods including also three CNNs, works fully automatically even with incomplete spine scans and with distorted pathological cases. The achieved results allow including the presented algorithms as the first phase to the fully automated computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system for automatic spine-bone lesion analysis in oncological patients.

• Klíčová slova
• Convolution neural network, Learning-based approach, Pathological vertebrae, Vertebra detection,
• MeSH
• algoritmy MeSH
• databáze faktografické MeSH
• diagnóza počítačová MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metastázy nádorů MeSH
• meziobratlová ploténka diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• nádory kostí diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• nemoci páteře diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• neuronové sítě MeSH
• páteř diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• počítačová rentgenová tomografie * MeSH
• počítačové zpracování obrazu MeSH
• reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
• rozpoznávání automatizované MeSH
• software MeSH
• zobrazování trojrozměrné metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

A prospective study to create radiographic classification of caudal vertebral anomalies in dogs was performed and the prevalence of the disorders estimated. Radiographic examination of the caudal vertebrae was performed in 595 client-owned dogs undergoing routine radiological examination of the hip joints. Anomalies of the caudal vertebrae were divided into four groups: (1) congenital anomalies with aberrant fusion of the vertebral epiphysis, like hemivertebra, block or transitional vertebra; (2) morphological anomalies like vertebra curva and dysplastic vertebral epiphysis; (3) post-traumatic changes, represented by fracture or luxation; and (4) degenerative changes, represented by spondylosis, osteophyte formation and mineralisation of intervertebral spaces. A total of 303 caudal vertebral anomalies were detected in 259 dogs (43.53% of all dogs examined). A single type of vertebral anomaly was present in 215 dogs and a combination of two pathologies was recorded in 44 dogs, which represents 83.01% and 16.99%, respectively, of the affected dogs. Congenital anomaly was present in 11.09% of the dogs examined. Sacrocaudal transitional vertebra was the most common congenital anomaly, present in 12.74% of the affected dogs. Radiographic examination of the caudal vertebrae is recommended as an essential part of any screening process to confirm the presence of congenital anomaly as a cause of kinked tail.

• Klíčová slova
• Tail, block vertebra, caudal vertebra, hemivertebra, kink tail,
• MeSH
• nemoci psů diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• ocas patologie   MeSH
• páteř abnormality   anatomie a histologie   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• prospektivní studie MeSH
• psi MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• psi MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Vertebral column pathologies requiring surgical intervention have been described in pet ferrets, however little information is available on the normal vertebral formula and congenital variants in this species. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe vertebral formulas and prevalence of congenital vertebral anomalies in a sample of pet ferrets. Radiographs of 172 pet ferrets (96 males and 76 females) were included in this retrospective study. In 143 ferrets (83.14%), five different formulas of the vertebral column were recorded with normal morphology of vertebrae (rib attachment included) but with a variable number of thoracic (Th), lumbar (L), and sacral (S) vertebrae. The number of cervical (C) vertebrae was constant in all examined animals. Observed vertebral formulas were C7/Th14/L6/S3 (51.74%), C7/Th14/L6/S4 (22.10%), C7/Th14/L7/S3 (6.98%), C7/Th15/L6/S3 (1.74%), and C7/Th15/L6/S4 (0.58%). Formula C7/Th14/L6/S4 was significantly more common in males than in females (P < 0.05). Congenital spinal abnormalities were found in 29 ferrets (16.86%), mostly localized in the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral regions. The cervical region was affected in only one case. Transitional vertebrae represented the most common congenital abnormalities (26 ferrets) in the thoracolumbar (13 ferrets) and lumbosacral regions (10 ferrets) or simultaneously in both regions (three ferrets). Other vertebral anomalies included block (two ferrets) and wedge vertebra (one ferret). Spina bifida was not detected. Findings from the current study indicated that vertebral formulas may vary in ferrets and congenital abnormalities are common. This should be taken into consideration for surgical planning.

• Klíčová slova
• Mustelidae, congenital anomaly, radiograph, spine, transitional vertebra,
• MeSH
• bederní obratle abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• fretky abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• hrudní obratle abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• krční obratle abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• křížová kost abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• páteř abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• sexuální faktory MeSH
• žebra abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The aim of this retrospective study of 330 rabbits (164 males, 166 females) was to determine different vertebral formulas and prevalence of congenital vertebral anomalies in rabbits from radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (Th), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) segments of the vertebral column. The number of vertebrae in each segment of vertebral column, position of anticlinal vertebra and localisation and type of congenital abnormalities were recorded. In 280/330 rabbits (84.8%) with normal vertebral morphology, seven vertebral formulas were identified: C7/Th12/L7/S4 (252/330, 76.4%), C7/Th12/L6/S4 (11/330, 3.3%), C7/Th13/L7/S4 (8/330, 2.4%), C7/Th12/L7/S5 (4/330, 1.2%), C7/Th12/L8/S4 (3/330, 0.9%), C7/Th12/L7/S6 (1/330, 0.3%) and C7/Th11/L7/S4 (1/330, 0.3%). The anticlinal vertebra was identified as Th10 in 56.4% of rabbits and Th11 in 42.4% of rabbits. Congenital spinal abnormalities were identified in 50/330 (15.2%) rabbits, predominantly as a single pathology (n=44). Transitional vertebrae represented the most common abnormalities (n=41 rabbits) in the thoracolumbar (n=35) and lumbosacral segments (n=6). Five variants of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae were identified. Cervical butterfly vertebrae were detected in three rabbits. One rabbit exhibited three congenital vertebral anomalies: cervical block vertebra, thoracic hemivertebra and thoracolumbar transitional vertebra. Five rabbits exhibited congenital vertebral abnormalities with concurrent malalignment, specifically cervical kyphosis/short vertebra (n=1), thoracic lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (n=1), thoracic kyphoscoliosis/wedge vertebrae (n=2) and thoracolumbar lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae/lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (n=1). These findings suggest that vertebral columns in rabbits display a wide range of morphologies, with occasional congenital malformations.

• Klíčová slova
• Congenital anomaly, Rabbit, Radiography, Spine, Transitional vertebra,
• MeSH
• bederní obratle abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• hrudní obratle abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• králíci * abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• krční obratle abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• křížová kost MeSH
• kyfóza diagnostické zobrazování   veterinární   MeSH
• radiografie metody   veterinární   MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• skolióza diagnostické zobrazování   veterinární   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• králíci * abnormality   anatomie a histologie   MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

• MeSH
• apoptóza * MeSH
• imunohistochemie MeSH
• končetiny embryologie   MeSH
• koncové značení zlomů DNA in situ MeSH
• ledviny embryologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• páteř embryologie   MeSH
• srdce embryologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

OBJECTIVES: During a longer car drive there are changes in rheological properties of driver's or passenger's connective tissues taking place as a consequence of monotonous and vibration load. These changes show more among the pregnant drivers, whose motion system is under heavier demands due to pregnancy. To asses these changes we have used the TVS (transfer vibration through the spine) method. METHODS: The TVS is based on application of γ excitation pulses with half-length 5 ms and then harmonic excitation continuously periodically changing from 5 Hz to 160 Hz on C7 and L5 vertebrae. This wave is transferred along the axial system and the acceleration of all the spinous tips of the vertebrae, along which the waves spread between C7 and S1, is detected by accelerometric sensors. The measurement was carried out on three drivers before and after a 4-hours driving. The same measurements of wave transfer along the spine with just one pregnant woman were carried out in th 16th, 26th and 32nd week of pregnancy. Consequently we constructed a simplified model of the spine in order to analyze gathered data by discovering elementary properties of the measured system. RESULTS: After both vibration and physical load there is a more significant dampening of the spinal tissues apparent, i.e. lower acceleration amplitude and the tissues resonance frequency also shifts towards the lower frequencies. On the other hand after long lasting relaxation on a bed an opposite tendency showed, the acceleration amplitude was higher, tissues were relaxed and dampening was lower. The same tendency manifested among the pregnant women. The influence of progressing pregnancy on the spinal segment transfer function showed through a shifting of peaks above 20Hz. Their size also changes monotonously. An absorption area moves towards higher frequencies, rigidity of axial system connections grows. CONCLUSION: The results say that drivers, including pregnant women, show changes in mechanical properties of examined tissues before and after vibration or other type of load. Or conversely before and after relaxation on a bed. Results of this work will be further analyzed, verified and evaluation procedures will be improved. We expect to find dependencies between excitation and resonance frequencies during the transfer via the axial system, the rheological properties of the axial system components and the physical nature of the load of the axial system. They are then going to be applicable for the prevention of injuries of the axial system, physiotherapy practices in the rehabilitation of post-operative conditions, the dosage of training loads of athletes, in determining the effects of job stress regimes and their prevention.

• MeSH
• biomechanika MeSH
• fyziologická adaptace MeSH
• fyziologický stres fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• páteř fyziologie   MeSH
• referenční hodnoty MeSH
• řízení motorových vozidel * MeSH
• studie případů a kontrol MeSH
• těhotenství fyziologie   MeSH
• vibrace * MeSH
• zatížení muskuloskeletálního systému fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• těhotenství fyziologie   MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

PURPOSE: To evaluate benefits of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for staging accuracy in prostate cancer. Extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) is a preferred staging tool; however, it may underestimate the incidence of nodal involvement. METHODS: Eighty patients with estimated risk of lymphadenopathy above 5 % based on Briganti nomogram had Tc-99m-labeled nanocolloid injected into the prostate. Planar lymphoscintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography/CT were performed to localize SLNs. Radioguided SLN dissection was followed by backup ePLND comprising external iliac, obturator and internal iliac regions. All SLNs were serially sectioned every 150 μm and examined using hematoxylin and eosin; immunohistochemical staining was applied every 300 μm. RESULTS: A total of 335 SLNs were detected, and 17 % were located outside ePLND template. Nodal metastases were diagnosed in 32 patients (40 %). Without radioguided SLN localization, solitary metastases posteriorly to the branches of the internal ilaic vessels, in pararectal and common iliac regions would not have been removed in five of 32 patients (16 %). Using standard histology protocol, we would have diagnosed metastases in 23 patients with median size of 2.8 mm. Serial sectioning of SLN and immunohistochemistry led to the detection of metastases in additional nine patients (28 %) with median size of 0.2 mm. CONCLUSION: ePLND comprised 83 % of SLNs, at least one SLN laid outside its template in 28 % of patients. ePLND and SLN dissection combined with nodal serial sectioning and immunohistochemistry increased the detection rate of nodal metastases by 68 % in comparison with ePLND alone and standard histology protocol.

• MeSH
• aorta MeSH
• arteria iliaca MeSH
• biopsie sentinelové lymfatické uzliny * MeSH
• falešně negativní reakce MeSH
• imunohistochemie MeSH
• inguinální kanál MeSH
• křížová kost MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lymfadenektomie * MeSH
• lymfatické metastázy MeSH
• lymfatické uzliny chemie   patologie   MeSH
• lymfoscintigrafie MeSH
• nádory prostaty patologie   chirurgie   MeSH
• nomogramy MeSH
• počítačová rentgenová tomografie MeSH
• pozitronová emisní tomografie MeSH
• rektum MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• staging nádorů metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

OBJECTIVE: The human motion system reacts to both hypo and hyperactivity loads by changes to the rheological properties of tissues. This study deals with changes to the axial system (AS) compartment. Using the appropriate methodologies and mathematical-physical methods, these changes can be identified and quantified. METHODS: This study describes the noninvasive TVS (Transfer Vibration through Spine) method, which was applied to assess the AS selected mechanical properties in various modes. A pilot study was conducted on a top-level twelve-year-old girl-gymnast. The data detection was carried out in three cycles, before and after a peak 3.5 hour training session and the next day, after resting, just before the next training. RESULTS: Specifically, the values of selected rheological parameters, the AS damping coefficient b and viscosity μ, were obtained. The dynamics of their changes, in the stated load cycles, has also been shown. The damping coefficient b fell from the value of 0.626 to 0.324 before training and increased to 0.394 after resting. The viscosity coefficient μ showed a similar trend, namely falling from the value of 9.85 [Pa.s] to 2.15 [Pa.s] and then increasing to 3.8 [Pa.s] . CONCLUSIONS: With its computational solution, the TVS method,is a diagnostic apparatus making it possible to classify AS properties, both quantitatively and qualitatively, or its chosen segments and their changes, respectively. It can be used in classifying, preventing and treating the consequences of extreme motion and relaxing modes. The TVS application also makes it possible to control AS states over therapeutic, recovery, ergonomic and other loading modes of the human locomotion system.

• MeSH
• biomechanika MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• gymnastika * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• páteř fyziologie   MeSH
• pilotní projekty MeSH
• reologie * MeSH
• vibrace * MeSH
• viskozita MeSH
• zatížení muskuloskeletálního systému fyziologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the differences in plantar pressure distribution and in posture during slow and very slow walking on the treadmill in flat and high-heeled shoes. METHODS: The Pedar-X® (Novel, Munich, Germany) measuring insoles were used to measure the plantar pressure distribution and to assess temporal parameters during walking on the treadmill with the speed v1 = 0.97 ms-1 and v2 = 0.56 ms-1 in flat shoes (FS) and HH. For postural measurement, the SonoSens Monitor Analyzer (Gefremed, Chemnitz, Germany) was used. Thirty healthy females who only occasionally wear HH volunteered to participate in the study (age: 21.8 ± 2.09 years, weight: 55.7 ± 4.05 kg, height: 1.66 ± 0.03 m). For statistical analysis the ANOVA, and paired t-test were used. RESULTS: Significant differences in walking in HH were detected in temporal and plantar pressure variables, compared to FS. The walking speed influenced the temporal variables, but not the measured dynamic parameters, in either shoes. In the sagittal plane, significant differences in all sections of the spine were identified for v1 and v2. While walking in HH, lordosis at lumbar spine decreased significantly as well as at cervical spine, and kyphosis increased in the thoracic spine. In HH statistically significant differences between the walking speeds were observed particularly in the thoracic spine. CONCLUSIONS: Walking in high heels caused a plantar pressure changes and curvature of the spine, and the slowing of walking speed did not prevent these changes.

• MeSH
• biomechanika MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• chůze (způsob) fyziologie   MeSH
• chůze MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• obuv * MeSH
• pata fyziologie   MeSH
• páteř fyziologie   MeSH
• postura těla fyziologie   MeSH
• tlak * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

On the basis of the author's own experiences and drawing on data available in the literature, present possibilities of neuroradiological diagnosis of developmental disorders of the spine and skull, developmental anomalies of meninges of the brain and the spinal cord and of the central nervous system, the brain and the spinal cord are discussed. The rapid development of investigative methods in the past decades has brought about an immense amount of new information gained in the diagnosis of these anomalies and has facilitated their early detection and a more accurate evaluation. The morphological aspect is not, however, the only factor in the estimation of the clinical relevance of these disorders. For this reason not only the morphological, but also the functional relationship of developmental disorders of the nervous system to the adjacent structures is emphasized and, on the other hand, the influence of these anomalies on the nervous system is discussed. Many years' experiences in clinical neurology and problems of manual medicine indicate that these relations may be the cause of the various clinical symptoms. In this respect the presented findings mean a contribution to the treatment of the clinical complaints that are pathogenetically related to developmental disorders.

• MeSH
• diferenciální diagnóza MeSH
• lebka abnormality   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mícha abnormality   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• mozek abnormality   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• páteř abnormality   MeSH
• radiografie MeSH
• vývojové onemocnění kostí diagnóza   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH