OBJECT Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can result in significant myelopathy. Surgical treatment for OPLL has been extensively documented in the literature, but less data exist on conservative management of this condition. METHODS The authors conducted a systematic review to identify all reported cases of OPLL that were conservatively managed without surgery. RESUL...

The present study describes the structural performance of a soft-first-story column-beam joint with mechanical anchorage column longitudinal rebar. A new strengthening method using reinforcement is presented to prevent brittle failure in this type structure. series static loading tests was conducted two scaled models representing above verify effectiveness proposed strengthening. test results c...

PURPOSE The Mechanical properties of the ureteral wall may be altered by certain diseases such as megaureter. Ureter compliance and wall tension alterations can occur, leading to some abnormalities such as reflex mechanisms. Familiarizing with the mechanical properties of the ureter can help us advance in the understanding of urinary tract diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS A constitutive model ...

PURPOSE The purpose of this 1-year longitudinal study is to investigate the change in flow experience among occupational therapy students (OTS). METHODS In December 2012, we prospectively recruited 97 OTS from the Department of Occupational Therapy, Kibi International University. To assess flow experience in daily life, we used the Flow Experience Checklist. RESULTS The dataset included 87 ...

BACKGROUND The sex composition of existing children has been shown to influence childbearing decision-making and behaviors of women and couples. One aspect of this influence is the preference for sons. In India, where son preference is deeply entrenched, research has normally focused on rural areas using cross-sectional data. However, urban areas in India are rapidly changing, with profound imp...

Background The traction bed is a noninvasive device for treating lower back pain caused by herniated intervertebral discs. In this study, we investigated the impact of the traction bed on the lower back as a means of increasing the disc height and creating a gap between facet joints. Methods Computed tomography (CT) images were obtained from a female volunteer and a three-dimensional (3D) mod...

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to compare the impact of two different loading conditions on myocardial contractility in asymptomatic patients with normal EF by using stain rate imaging (SRI). METHODS A total of 27 patients with severe aortic regurgitation (mean age 50 ± 11 years) and 25 patients with severe aortic stenosis (mean age 53 ± 15 years) were prospectively recruited. Fifteen hea...

Several studies have shown that large wood has a prominent role in habitat quality, however there is little research on the role of wood on pool characteristics and other habitat components in low gradient streams (channel slopes less than one percent). Longitudinal profiles are used to analyze general residual pool characteristics of three approximately 1000meter stream reaches with similar st...

Conservative treatment is ineffective for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the thoracic spine, and surgical treatment is indicated for most cases, while such cases are not often experienced. In the present study, the results of surgical management involving mainly posterior decompression for this disease were evaluated clinically. The study included 9 patients (1 ma...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of segmental anterior decompression and fusion for multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Data were collected from 23 patients with multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. Average operative time and blood loss were 121 minutes and 201.6 mL, respectively. The Nurick score significantly decrease...