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Threshold Pressure (threshold + pressure)
Selected AbstractsAerodynamics of the Human Larynx During Vocal Fold Vibration,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2005Randall L. Plant MD Abstract Objectives: The goal of this study was to comprehensively analyze the influence of aerodynamics on laryngeal function. Three specific aspects were considered: 1) a multidimensional comparison of the interaction of subglottic pressure, sound intensity, and fundamental frequency; 2) examination of instantaneous changes in subglottic pressure during each glottic cycle; and 3) determination of the threshold subglottic pressure for vocal fold vibration and its dependence on other aerodynamic factors. Study Design: Prospective study with six healthy individuals without history of voice disorders. Methods: The subjects vocalized the vowel sound /i/ with a variety of different intensities, pitch, and sound intensity. Subglottic air pressure, fundamental frequency, sound intensity, and the electroglottography signal were simultaneously measured. Results: Linear relationships were seen in all subjects between subglottic air pressure and sound intensity, although there were large variations in the slopes of these relationships. Rapid variations in subglottic pressure during each glottic cycle were detected, corresponding to the opening of the vocal folds with each individual vibration. Threshold pressures for vocal fold vibration were dependent primarily on sound intensity and fundamental frequency and tended to be higher at vibration onset than at offset. Conclusion: The larynx responded in a predictable pattern to general aerodynamic forces, but there was tremendous variability in its specific behavior. Fundamental frequency and sound intensity tended to increase with subglottic air pressure, but that relationship was not seen consistently in all subjects. The relationship between subglottic air pressure and sound intensity was usually linear, unlike the exponential relationship seen in previous studies. Subglottic pressure was noted to undergo rapid change with each glottic cycle in some, but not all, subjects and was most strongly affected by average subglottic pressure. Phonation threshold air pressure was influenced by the sound intensity and, to a smaller extent, by the fundamental frequency of the voiced sound. [source] Lactobacillus reuteri ingestion and IKCa channel blockade have similar effects on rat colon motility and myenteric neuronesNEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 1 2010B. Wang Abstract, Background, We have previously shown that ingestion of Lactobacillus reuteri may modulate colonic enteric neuron activity but with unknown effects on colon motility. The aim of the present report was to elucidate the neuronal mechanisms of action of the probiotic by comparing the effects on motility of L. reuteri ingestion with blockade of a specific ionic current in enteric neurons. Methods, We have used intraluminal pressure recordings from ex vivo rat colon segments and whole cell patch clamp recordings from neurons of rat longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus preparations to investigate the effects of L. reuteri and TRAM-34 on colon motility and neurophysiology. The effects of daily feeding of 109L. reuteri bacteria or acute application of TRAM-34 on threshold fluid filling pressure or pulse pressure was measured. Key Results,Lactobacillus reuteri increased intraluminal fluid filling pressure thresholds for evoking pressure pulses by 51% from 0.47 ± 0.17 hPa; the probiotic also decreased the pulse pressure amplitudes, but not frequency, by 18% from 3.91 ± 0.52 hPa. The intermediate conductance calcium-dependent potassium (IKCa) channel blocker TRAM-34 (3 ,mol L,1) increased filling threshold pressure by 43% from 0.52 ± 0.22 hPa and reduced pulse pressure amplitude by 40% from 2.63 ± 1.11 hPa; contraction frequency was unaltered. TRAM-34 (3 ,mol L,1) reduced membrane polarization, leak conductance and the slow afterhyperpolarization current in 16/16 myenteric rat colon AH cells but 19/19 S cells were unaffected. Conclusions & Inferences, The present results are consistent with L. reuteri enhancing tonic inhibition of colon contractile activity by acting via the IKCa channel current in AH cells. [source] Simulation of the percolation of water into rigid polyurethane foams at applied hydraulic pressuresPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 7 2006Pravakar Mondal The hydraulic resistance of polyurethane foams is studied by means of simulations of water penetration into model foams. The model foams of cubical shape are constructed by generating the centers of the cells randomly. The strength of the window separating two cells is assumed to be a function of the distance between the centers of the cells in one set of computations. In another set of computations the strengths of the windows are assigned randomly from a specified distribution. The foam is exposed to an elevated pressure at its boundaries and water penetrates into the foam by rupturing the windows with strengths lesser than the applied pressure. The variation of equilibrium volume fraction of the foam filled with water for increasing hydraulic pressures shows typical percolation behavior: there is a sharp increase in the volume filled beyond a threshold pressure. Simulations show that beyond a certain sample size there is no change in the percolation curve with sample size, and indicate that it is mainly the weaker windows that control the hydraulic resistance of the foam. The simulation results are compared with experimental data. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:970,983, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers [source] Inspiratory muscle performance in endurance athletes and sedentary subjectsRESPIROLOGY, Issue 2 2001Peter R. Eastwood Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether whole-body endurance training is associated with increased respiratory muscle strength and endurance. Methodology: Respiratory muscle strength (maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax)) and endurance (progressive threshold loading of the inspiratory muscles) were measured in six marathon runners and six sedentary subjects. Results: PImax was similar between the two groups of subjects but the maximum threshold pressure achieved was greater in marathon runners (90 ± 8 vs 78 ± 10% of PImax, respectively, mean ± SD, P < 0.05). During progressive threshold loading, marathon runners breathed with lower frequency, higher tidal volume, and longer inspiratory and expiratory time. At maximum threshold pressure, marathon runners had lower arterial O2 saturation, but perceived effort (Borg scale) was maximal in both groups. Efficiency of the respiratory muscles was similar in both groups being 2.0 ± 1.7% and 2.3 ± 1.8% for marathon runners and sedentary subjects, respectively. Conclusions: The apparent increase in respiratory muscle endurance of athletes was a consequence of a difference in the breathing pattern adopted during loaded breathing rather than respiratory muscle strength or efficiency. This implies that sensory rather than respiratory muscle conditioning may be an important mechanism by which whole-body endurance is increased. [source] Phonation threshold pressure estimation using electroglottography in an airflow redirection systemTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 12 2009Adam L. Rieves BS Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: The present study proposed to estimate phonation threshold pressure (PTP) noninvasively using airflow redirection into a pneumatic capacitance system. Study Design: Prospective study. Methods: Subjects phonated into the device, which interrupts airflow mechanically and redirects the flow into a pneumatic capacitor. Five interruptions were effected per trial. PTP was estimated as the difference between subglottal pressure (SGP) and transglottal pressure at phonation offset. The novel method was tested for consistency in 20 normal human subjects at low (75 dB) and high (85 dB) sound pressure levels. The device was tested for validity on a tracheotomy patient. Results: Mean SGP was 9.02 ± 3.27 cm H2O, and mean PTP was 3.68 ± 1.41 cm H2O. Intrasubject coefficient of variation, a measure of intrasubject consistency, was 0.33 ± 0.23. Statistically significant differences existed between the means of SGP but not PTP at 75 dB and 85 dB. The correlation coefficient between accepted and experimental SGP in a tracheotomy patient was 0.947 (P < .001). Conclusions: Measurements corresponded well to previously reported values, and intrasubject variability was low, indicating the device was consistent. Testing on a tracheotomy patient demonstrated validity. More research is needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the device in differentiating between normal and pathological voices. This device may have clinical application as a noninvasive and reliable method of estimating PTP and indicating that laryngeal health is likely abnormal. Laryngoscope, 2009 [source] Onset and Offset Phonation Threshold Flow in Excised Canine Larynges,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 7 2008Michael F. Regner Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: In this study, we examined the hypothesis that the minimum flow required for phonation onset, the onset phonation threshold flow (PTF), is greater than the minimum flow to sustain phonation, the offset PTF. We also explored the hypothesis that the ratio of these two (PTF offset divided by PTF onset) falls within [0.707, 1.0]. Study Design: This was a methodology study to measure onset and offset PTFs in 10 excised canine larynges; their ratio (PTF offset divided by PTF onset) was predicted to fall in a specific domain. Methods: The onset and offset PTF and phonation threshold pressure (PTP) values were observed using 10 excised canine larynges mounted on a bench apparatus. The subglottal flow was increased until phonation was observed, and then decreased until phonation ceased; airflow and pressure measurements at critical conditions of phonation were observed as the PTF and PTP. Larynges with elongated vocal folds were then tested to observe PTF and determine if the hypothesis was observed in pathologic-like larynges. Results: The offset PTF was always less than the onset PTF (P , .0001) and 80.0% of the observed onset-offset PTF ratios were bound by [0.707, 1.0]. Conclusions: PTF onset or offset could be a useful diagnostic parameter of the voice, particularly when used in conjunction with PTP to describe laryngeal resistance and aerodynamic power. Further exploration of the relationship between onset and offset PTF values could augment clinical diagnostic ability and advance current theories on the physics of phonation. [source] Urodynamic evaluation of fesoterodine metabolite, doxazosin and their combination in a rat model of partial urethral obstructionBJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2010Claudius Füllhase OBJECTIVE To evaluate the urodynamic effects of fesoterodine, a new antimuscarinic agent, alone and combined with doxazosin, in a rat model of partial urethral obstruction (PUO), as 35,83% of men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome, and as the combination of ,1 -adrenoceptor- and muscarinic-receptor antagonists has been proposed to be beneficial for these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats (250 g) had surgically induced PUO; 2 weeks later they were evaluated by cystometry with no anaesthesia or any restraint. After a 1-h period either 5-hydroxymethyl tolterodine (5-HMT, the active metabolite of fesoterodine, previously known as SPM 7605), doxazosin or a combination of both, was given intravenously (0.1 mg/kg body weight), and cystometry was continued for another 45 min. Fifteen healthy, age-matched rats served as a control. RESULTS At 2 weeks after surgery the obstructed rats had an greater bladder weight, threshold pressure (TP) and micturition frequency (MF), and lower bladder capacity (BCap) and micturition volume (MV) than the controls. 5-HMT did not cause urinary retention in obstructed rats, but decreased TP, maximum pressure (MP), spontaneous bladder activity (SA) and, paradoxically, increased MF. Doxazosin alone decreased TP, MP, MF and increased BCap and MV. 5-HMT and doxazosin together did not depress the ability to empty the bladder, and showed decreased TP, MP and SA. CONCLUSIONS 5-HMT, alone and in combination, did not impair the voiding ability in obstructed rats. Doxazosin counteracted some of the ,negative' effects of 5-HMT in this model (increase of MF) and did not attenuate the ,positive' effects (decrease of bladder SA). In this model, the combination of 5-HMT and doxazosin appeared to be urodynamically safe and well tolerated. [source] Phonation threshold pressure predictions using viscoelastic properties up to 1,400 Hz of injectables intended for Reinke's space,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 5 2010Sarah A. Klemuk PhD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: Viscoelastic properties of numerous vocal fold injectables have been reported but not at speaking frequencies. For materials intended for Reinke's space, ramifications of property values are of great concern because of their impact on ease of voice onset. Our objectives were: 1) to measure viscoelastic properties of a new nonresorbing carbomer and well-known vocal fold injectables at vocalization frequencies using established and new instrumentation, and 2) to predict phonation threshold pressures using a computer model with intended placement in Reinke's space. Study Design: Rheology and phonation threshold pressure calculations. Methods: Injectables were evaluated with a traditional rotational rheometer and a new piezo-rotary vibrator. Using these data at vocalization frequencies, phonation threshold pressures (PTP) were calculated for each biomaterial, assuming a low dimensional model with supraglottic coupling and adjusted vocal fold length and thickness at each frequency. Results were normalized to a nominal PTP value. Results: Viscoelastic data were acquired at vocalization frequencies as high as 363 to 1,400 Hz for six new carbomer hydrogels, Hylan B, and Extracel intended for vocal fold Reinke's space injection and for Cymetra (lateral injection). Reliability was confirmed with good data overlap when measuring with either rheometer. PTP predictions ranged from 0.001 to 16 times the nominal PTP value of 0.283 kPa. Conclusions: Accurate viscoelastic measurements of vocal fold injectables are now possible at physiologic frequencies. Hylan B, Extracel, and the new carbomer hydrogels should generate easy vocal onset and sustainable vocalization based on their rheologic properties if injected into Reinke's space. Applications may vary depending on desired longevity of implant. Laryngoscope, 2010 [source] | ||||||||||