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Although accurate measurement of velocity profiles, multiple velocity vectors, and shear stress in arteries is important, there is still no easy method to obtain such information in vivo. We report on the utility of combining ultrasound contrast imaging with particle image velocimetry (PIV) for noninvasive measurement of velocity vectors. This method (echo PIV) takes advantage of the strong backscatter characteristics of small gas-filled microbubbles (contrast) seeded into the flow. The method was tested in vitro. The steady flow analytical solution and optical PIV measurements (for pulsatile flow) were used for comparison. When compared to the analytical solution, both echo PIV and optical PIV resolved the steady velocity profile well. Error in shear rate as measured by echo PIV (8%) was comparable to the error of optical PIV (6.5%). In pulsatile flow, echo PIV velocity profiles agreed well with optical PIV profiles. Echo PIV followed the general profile of pulsatile shear stress across the artery but underestimated wall shear at certain time points. However, error in shear from echo PIV was an order of magnitude less than error from current shear measurement methods. These studies indicate that echo PIV is a promising technique for noninvasive measurement of velocity profiles and shear stress.

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Identification of the causative microorganism is important in the management of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO). The aim of this study was to investigate whether culture positive rates differ between needle biopsy sites in patients with PVO, and which tissues are best for microbiological diagnosis. Between January 2005 and December 2013, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of PVO patients who had soft-tissue abscesses (paraspinal or psoas abscesses) and who received needle biopsy for microbiological diagnosis. Needle biopsy sites were classified into two anatomical categories: vertebral bodies, or soft tissues (intervertebral discs, paraspinal abscesses, or psoas abscesses). A generalized estimating equation model was developed to identify factors associated with tissue-culture positivity. During the study period a total of 136 tissues were obtained by needle biopsy from 128 PVO patients with soft-tissue abscesses. The culture positive rates of vertebral bodies and soft tissues were 39.7% (29/73), and 63.5% (40/63), respectively (p< 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, male gender (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.24, 95% CI 1.00-5.02), higher C-reactive protein (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.15), positive blood culture (aOR 2.57, 95% CI 1.01-6.59), and soft tissues as biopsy site compared with vertebral bodies (aOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.08-4.78) were independent factors associated with tissue culture positivity. Soft tissues were the best sites for microbiological diagnosis in PVO patients undergoing needle biopsy.

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