The use of high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) for the assessment of vocal-fold vibrations dictates the development of efficient techniques for glottal image segmentation. We present a new glottal segmentation method using a local-based active contour framework. The use of local-based features and the exploitation of the vibratory pattern allows for dealing effectively with image noise and cases wh...

For in-vivo diagnostics of cancer and pre-cancer in the stomach, there is no endoscopic procedure offering both high sensitivity and high specificity. Our data suggest that multispectral or hyperspectral imaging may be helpful to solve this problem. It is successfully applied to the detection and analysis of easily reachable carcinomas, ex-vivo samples of hollow organ mucosal carcinomas and als...

Because voice signals result from vocal fold vibration, perceptually meaningful vibratory measures should quantify those aspects of vibration that correspond to differences in voice quality. In this study, glottal area waveforms were extracted from high-speed videoendoscopy of the vocal folds. Principal component analysis was applied to these waveforms to investigate the factors that vary with ...

For many years, videofluoroscopy was considered the gold standard for studies on swallowing disorders, and only recently has its role been challenged, due primarily to the widespread use of videoendoscopy in the evaluation of dysphagia. Albeit, videofluoroscopy still maintains its key role in this area and, in particular, in studies on dysphagia of neurological origin, on account not only of th...

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) is associated with changes in acoustic and aerodynamic voice measurements and can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Few objective data regarding the efficacy of voice therapy for UVFP exist. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze voice modifications in a group of patients with UVFP before and after voice therapy. Forty...

Vocal fold vibratory asymmetry is often associated with inefficient sound production through its impact on source spectral tilt. This association is investigated in both a computational voice production model and a group of 47 human subjects. The model provides indirect control over the degree of left-right phase asymmetry within a nonlinear source-filter framework, and high-speed videoendoscop...

Objective The aim of this study was to assess whether aural stimulation with ointment containing capsaicin improves swallowing function in elderly patients with dysphagia. Study design A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, comparative study. Settings Secondary hospital. Patients and methods Twenty elderly dysphagic patients with a history of cerebrovascular disorder or Parkinson...

Statement of Interest: Statements of interest for E.J. Cetti, A.U. Wells and P.L. Shah can be found at www.erj.ersjournals. com/misc/statements.dtl REFERENCES 1 Lam S, Kennedy T, Unger M, et al. Localization of bronchial intraepithelial neoplastic lesions by fluorescence bronchoscopy. Chest 1998; 113: 696–702. 2 Ikeda N, Honda H, Hayashi A, et al. Early detection of bronchial lesions using newl...

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY Diagnostic techniques for oviductal obstruction in the mare are limited and development of a more reliable and direct method to assess oviductal patency is needed. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility of hysteroscopic selective hydrotubation of the equine oviduct via videoendoscopy in standing mares. METHODS Using a catheter inserted under endoscopic guidance in...