A procedure is presented to analyze select geometric and effective properties of the porous transport layer (PTL) of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in com- pressed and uncompressed states using micro-computed X-ray tomography (Micro CT). A method of compression using a novel device design was employed to mimic the non-homogeneous compression conditions found in functioning fuel cells. The process also features open source image processing and CFD analysis through the use of software packages Fiji and OpenFOAM (proprietary software is also used such as Matlab). Tomographic images of a PTL sample in different compressive states are first analyzed by measuring local porosity values in the through-plane and both in- plane directions. The objective of this study was to develop a method for imaging the PTL structure to show directionality within its properties using relatively inexpensive and non-destructional means. Three different PTL types were tested, one without any additives, one with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and one with PTFE and a microporous layer (MPL). Non-homogeneous porosity was shown to exist with the highest and least variable porosity values obtained from the in-plane direction that was in-line with the direction of fibres. Porosity values compared well with values obtained from the literature. The profile of the PTL with MPL added was unattainable using this procedure as the resolution of the Micro CT was too low to resolve its pore space. The next stage involved the effective properties analysis which included effective electronic conductivity and effective diffusivity. It was found that the through-plane values for the effective electronic conductivity study were higher than expected. The ratio between through-plane and in-plane was found to be much higher than expected from literature. Lack of sufficient resolution of fibre contacts has been shown to play a role in this discrepancy. These contact problems were shown not too affect measurements of diffusivity in the pore phase. The in-plane direction parallel to the direction of fibres was found to have the highest values of effective transport properties. Effective diffusivity ratios of between 0.1 and 0.37 were found to be reasonable with the limited experimental evidence found in literature. The it was found that the Bruggeman relation for calculating diffusivity and percolation theory by Tomadakis and Sotirchos over predicted the values for diffusion within the PTL and it is suggested that these theories are not suitable for predicting diffusivity for this material. / Thesis (Master, Mechanical and Materials Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2012-02-02 15:46:29.395

Microvascular lesions of the brain are observed in numerous pathological conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Regional patterns of microvascular abnormality can be characterized using current neuroimaging technologies. When applied to mouse models of human disease, these technologies reveal cerebral vascular patterns and help uncover genotype-to-phenotype relationships. This thesis focuses on the development and testing of techniques for measuring two perfusion-related metrics in mouse brain regions, namely, cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and arterial spin labeling (ASL), respectively. The main developments for measurement of CBV have included: refinements to micro-CT specimen preparation; registration of micro-CT images to an MRI anatomical brain atlas; and masking of major vessels to calculate small-vessel CBV (sv-CBV). The development of this micro-CT technique provided reference values of CBV over neuroanatomical brain regions in wildtype mice. A separate study was conducted to assess regional sv-CBV in a mouse model of AD; this study was motivated by the prevalence of microvascular lesions in patients who suffer from AD. Significant regional differences in sv-CBV were found between AD-afflicted mice and controls. The main developments for measurement of CBF have included: design and implementation of accurate ASL slice positioning and optimization of inversion efficiency parameters. The development of this ASL technique provided reference values of CBF over neuroanatomical brain regions in wildtype mice. These techniques for measuring CBV and CBF over mouse brain regions could lead to improved characterization of vascularity in models of neurological diseases.

Microvascular lesions of the brain are observed in numerous pathological conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Regional patterns of microvascular abnormality can be characterized using current neuroimaging technologies. When applied to mouse models of human disease, these technologies reveal cerebral vascular patterns and help uncover genotype-to-phenotype relationships. This thesis focuses on the development and testing of techniques for measuring two perfusion-related metrics in mouse brain regions, namely, cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and arterial spin labeling (ASL), respectively. The main developments for measurement of CBV have included: refinements to micro-CT specimen preparation; registration of micro-CT images to an MRI anatomical brain atlas; and masking of major vessels to calculate small-vessel CBV (sv-CBV). The development of this micro-CT technique provided reference values of CBV over neuroanatomical brain regions in wildtype mice. A separate study was conducted to assess regional sv-CBV in a mouse model of AD; this study was motivated by the prevalence of microvascular lesions in patients who suffer from AD. Significant regional differences in sv-CBV were found between AD-afflicted mice and controls. The main developments for measurement of CBF have included: design and implementation of accurate ASL slice positioning and optimization of inversion efficiency parameters. The development of this ASL technique provided reference values of CBF over neuroanatomical brain regions in wildtype mice. These techniques for measuring CBV and CBF over mouse brain regions could lead to improved characterization of vascularity in models of neurological diseases.

The understanding of multiphase flow properties is essential for the exploitation of hydrocarbon reserves in a reservoir; these properties in turn are dependent on the geometric properties and connectivity of the pore space. The determination of the pore size distribution in carbonate reservoirs remains challenging; carbonates exhibit complex pore structures comprising length scales from nanometers to several centimeters. A major challenge to the accurate evaluation of these reservoirs is accounting for pore scale heterogeneity on multiple scales. This is the topic of this thesis. Conventionally, this micron scale information is achieved either by building stochastic models using 2D images or by combining log and laboratory data to classify pore types and their behaviour. None of these capture the true 3D connectivity vital for flow characterisation. We present here an approach to build realistic 3D network models across a range of scales to improve property estimation through employment of X-ray micro-Computed Tomography (μCT) and Focussed Ion Beam Tomography (FIBT). The submicron, or microporous, regions are delineated through a differential imaging technique undertaken on x-ray CT providing a qualitative description of microporosity. Various 3-Phase segmentation methods are then applied for quantitative characterisation of those regions utilising the attenuation coefficient values from the 3D tomographic images. X-ray micro-CT is resolution limited and can not resolve the detailed geometrical features of the submicron pores. FIB tomography is used to image the 3D pore structure of submicron pores down to a scale of tens of nanometers. We describe the experimental development and subsequent image processing including issues and difficulties resolved at various stages. The developed methodology is implemented on cores from producing wackstone and grainstone reservoirs. Pore network models are generated to characterise the 3D interconnectivity of pores. We perform the simulations of petrophysical properties (permeability and formation resistivity) directly on the submicron scale image data. Simulated drainage capillary pressure curves are matched with the experimental data. We also present some preliminary results for the integration of multiscale pore information to build dual-scale network models. The integration of multiscale data allows one to select appropriate effective medium theories to incorporate sub-micron structure into property calculations at macro scale giving a more realistic estimation of properties.

No description available.

No description available.

The achievement of predictable and long lasting adhesive restorations in posterior teeth have always been a major objective of studies in the context of materials and techniques development. The use of bulk fill composites could provide better outcomes, but it is important to assess their physico-mechanical properties, responsible for their clinical behavior. The purpose of the present study was to assess the mechanical and physical properties of bulk fill composites. The composites were divided into 2 groups according to their viscosity. For low viscosity composites, the present study assessed: Surefill SDR flow (SDR), X-tra Base (XB), Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable (FBF), and Filtek Z350XT Flow (Z3F- control); and for high viscosity composites: Tetric Evo Ceram Bulk Fill (TBF), X-tra Fil (XF), Filtek Bulk Fill (FBP), Admira Fusion x-tra (ADM) and Filtek Z350 XT (Z3XT- control). Composites were assessed through shrinkage stress test (using 12 and 24mm3 of composite in a custom device adapted in an Universal Testing Machine); volumetric shrinkage (using 64mm3 of composite placed on a Teflon mold and scanned in a micro computed tomography/CT); Youngs modulus (through a 3-point bending test device adapted in an Universal Testing Machine); microhardness and depth of cure tests (using longitudinal Knoop microhardness). All data was evaluated regarding their homogeneity using Shapiro-Wilk test. For polymerization stress, 3-way Variance Analysis (ANOVA) was used. Considering Volumetric Shrinkage, Youngs Modulus, Microhardness and Depth of Cure, one-way ANOVA was used. All ANOVA tests were followed by Tukeys test and 5% was adopted as significance level. Shrinkage stress test with 12mm3 showed SDR, TBF and XF generating the lowest stress after 300s, followed by other high viscosity composites (ADM, FBF, XB and FBP/Z3XT). The regular low viscosity composite (Z3F) generated the highest stress for all assessed times. Considering the same test, with 24mm3, after 300s, SDR, FBP and ADM generated similar stress, followed by TBF and XF. Low viscosity bulk fill composites generated lower stress than Z3F. Considering Youngs modulus, low viscosity composites (SDR, FBF, XB and Z3F) showed the lowest values, followed by ADM and TBF. The other high viscosity composites (Z3XT, FBP and XF) showed the highest values. For microhardness test, all low viscosity composites showed lower values (FBF being the lowest). For high viscosity composites, Z3XT showed the highest values, followed by XF, FBP/TBF and ADM. Assessing depth of cure, regular composites showed lower values when compared with bulk fill composites. All bulk fill composites showed adequate depth of cure over 4.5mm (microhardness 80% of initial reading). SDR and XB showed the highest depth of cure. All high viscosity bulk fill composites generated lower volumetric shrinkage than regular composites. All low viscosity bulk fill composites showed similar volumetric shrinkage when compared to the regular composites (Z3F and Z3XT). Bulk fill composites show characteristics that allow their use in larger increments (i.e. volumetric shrinkage and polymerization stress similar or lower when compared with regular composites). Nonetheless, the mechanical properties of bulk fill composites were widely variable, being important to individually assess each material previously to its clinical application. / A obtenção de restaurações adesivas previsíveis e duradouras em dentes posteriores sempre foi objetivo de estudos na área de desenvolvimento de materiais e técnicas. O uso de resinas compostas do tipo bulk fill pode possibilitar melhores resultados, porém é importante o estudo de suas propriedades físico-mecânicas, responsáveis por seus comportamentos clínicos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de avaliar as propriedades físicas e mecânicas das resinas bulk fill. As resinas foram divididas em 2 grupos de acordo com sua viscosidade. Para resinas de baixa viscosidade, o presente estudo avaliou: Surefill SDR flow (SDR), X-tra Base (XB), Filtek Bulk Fill Flowable (FBF) e Filtek Z350XT Flow (Z3F-controle); e, para alta viscosidade: Tetric Evo Ceram Bulk Fill (TBF), X-tra Fil (XF), Filtek Bulk Fill (FBP), Admira Fusion x-tra (ADM) e Filtek Z350 XT (Z3XT-controle). As resinas foram avaliadas em relação à tensão de polimerização (utilizando 12 e 24mm3 de resina adaptadas em um dispositivo adaptado a uma máquina de testes universal); contração volumétrica (utilizando 64mm3 de resina composta inserida em um molde de Teflon e escaneada em um micro-tomógrafo/CT), modulo de Young (através de um dispositivo de flexão em 3 pontos adaptado a uma máquina de testes universal), microdureza e profundidade de polimerização (utilizando microdureza Knoop). Todos os resultados foram avaliados em relação à homogeneidade utilizando o teste de Shapiro-Wilk. Para avaliação da tensão de polimerização, foi empregada a Análise de Variância (ANOVA) a 3 critérios. Para as analyses de contração volumétrica, Módulo de Young, microdureza e profundidade de polimerizaçao, ANOVA a um critério foi empregada. Todas as Análises de Variância foram seguidas pelo teste de Tukey e 5% foi adotado como nível de significância. A tensão de polimerização com 12mm3 demonstrou que SDR, TBF e XF geraram valores significantemente mais baixos após 300s, seguidas por outras resinas de alta viscosidade (ADM, FBF, XB e FBP/Z3XT). A resina convencional de baixa viscosidade (Z3F) gerou valores de tensão significantemente mais elevados para todos os tempos avaliados. Considerando o mesmo teste, com 24mm3, após 300s, SDR, FBP e ADM geraram valores estatisticamente inferiores, seguidas por TBF e XF. As resinas bulk fill de baixa visocidade geraram menor tensão de polimerização que a Z3F. Considerando o modulo de Young, resinas de baixa viscosidade (SDR, FBF, XB e Z3F) apresentaram valores significantemente inferiores, seguidas por ADM e TBF. As outras resinas de alta viscosidade (Z3XT, FBP e XF) apresentaram valores significantemente mais elevados. Para o teste de microdureza, todas as resinas de baixa viscosidade apresentaram valores inferiores (FBF apresentou o menor). Para as resinas de alta viscosidade, Z3XT apresentou os valores mais elevados, seguida por XF, FBP/TBF e ADM. Para profundidade de polimerização, resinas compostas convencionais apresentaram valores signifixantemente mais baixos quando comparadas com resinas bulk fill. Todas as resinas bulk fill apresentaram profundidade de polimerização adequada até pelo menos 4,5mm (microdureza 80% da leitura inicial/superfície). SDR e XB apresentaram os valores mais altos de profundidade de polimerização. Todas as resinas bulk fill de alta viscosidade geraram menor contração volumétrica que resinas compostas convencionais. Todas as resinas bulk fill de baixa viscosidade apresentaram contração volumétrica similar às resinas convencionais (Z3F e Z3XT). Resinas compostas bulk fill apresentaram características que possibilitam sua indicação para serem empregadas em grandes incrementos (contração volumétrica e tensão de polimerização similar ou inferiores às resinas convencionais, além de maior profundidade de polimerização). No entanto, as propriedades mecânicas variaram grandemente entre as resinas estudadas sendo importante uma avaliação individual de cada material previamente ao seu uso clínico.

Os dentes incisivos inferiores apresentam, em sua maioria, canal radicular único, que pode ter conformações distintas. De acordo com a literatura científica, a presença de um segundo canal radicular pode ser constatada em 10 a 40% dos casos. A não-detecção do segundo canal é um importante fator para o insucesso do tratamento endodôntico. Esta pesquisa foi realizada com os seguintes objetivos: 1) comparar a eficácia na identificação de padrões anatômicos internos em incisivos inferiores permanentes extraídos com uso de imagem radiográfica periapical digital e de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC); e 2) determinar a prevalência de 2 canais radiculares em incisivos inferiores em imagens de TCFC de um banco de dados de exames previamente realizados, associando com localização do dente, gênero e idade do paciente. Na primeira etapa da pesquisa, 40 dentes incisivos inferiores foram submetidos a escaneamento em microtomógrafo computadorizado da FOB-USP (Skyscan 1074) para estabelecer o padrão ouro do tipo anatômico interno de cada dente. Os dentes foram então classificados em: Tipo I (1 canal radicular regular, n=12), Tipo Ia (1 canal radicular oval, n=12) e Tipo III (2 canais radiculares, n=16). Em seguida, os dentes foram divididos em 10 grupos de 4 dentes e posicionados em alvéolos de uma mandíbula humana para exposição radiográfica periapical digital direta com duas tomadas variando o ângulo horizontal de incidência (Schick CDR) e para escaneamento em 3 tomógrafos (Kodak 9000 3D, Veraviewepocs 3De e NewTom 5G) da Universidade de Loma Linda, CA, EUA. Dois examinadores treinados classificaram o tipo anatômico de cada dente e suas respostas foram comparadas ao padrão ouro estabelecido por microtomografia. Para descrição dos resultados, utilizou-se a porcentagem (%) de respostas certas / erradas. Aplicou-se o teste do qui-quadrado (X2), com nível de significância estatística de 5%, para verificação da associação entre variáveis. As concordâncias inter e intraexaminador foram determinadas por teste de kappa. Na segunda etapa da pesquisa, foram interpretadas imagens de incisivos inferiores de 100 pacientes, cujos exames estavam disponíveis no banco de dados do tomógrafo i-CAT Classic da FOB-USP. Dois examinadores avaliaram a anatomia interna de incisivos inferiores, em reconstruções axiais, sagitais e coronais, classificando-a de acordo com o número de canais radiculares. A prevalência de 2 canais radiculares foi relacionada à localização do dente e ao gênero e idade do paciente. Para descrição dos dados coletados, utilizou-se a porcentagem (%). Para verificar a associação entre variáveis, utilizou-se o teste do qui-quadrado (X2), com nível de significância estatística de 5%. Para a concordância intra e interexaminador, utilizou-se o teste de kappa. Como resultado da primeira etapa da pesquisa, obteve-se alto índice de detecção de tipos anatômicos para todos os métodos avaliados (p <0,05). Para dentes com Tipo I (1 canal radicular regular), as imagens de TCFC foram superiores em comparação à radiografia periapical digital com dupla exposição (RP= 67% de acerto; TCFC= 98% de acerto, p <0,05). Considerando os 3 aparelhos de TCFC, não houve diferença estatística significante entre eles para identificação do Tipo I. Já para dentes com Tipo Ia (1 canal radicular oval), houve diferença estatística significante somente entre radiografia periapical digital com dupla exposição e o tomógrafo NewTom (RP= 44% de acerto; TCFC NewTom= 88% de acerto). Não houve diferença significante entre os outros 2 tomógrafos e radiografia periapical ou entre os 3 tomógrafos. Considerando dentes com Tipo III (2 canais radiculares), não houve diferença estatística significante entre nenhum dos métodos. Todos os métodos apresentaram números de respostas certas semelhantes para o Tipo III, sugerindo que a radiografia periapical com dupla angulação é suficiente para identificação de 2 canais radiculares em incisivos inferiores. A concordância intraexaminador para radiografia periapical foi regular (kappa=0,40 a 0,66) e de boa a excelente para os aparelhos de TCFC (kappa=0,62 a 0,85). A concordância interexaminador para radiografia periapical foi de ruim a regular (kappa=0,25 a 0,32) e de boa a excelente para os aparelhos de TCFC (kappa=0,62 a 0,92). Na segunda etapa da pesquisa, o total de 386 incisivos inferiores foi avaliado, sendo 192 incisivos centrais e 194 incisivos laterais. A prevalência de 2 canais radiculares constatada no total de dentes foi de 16,5%, sendo de 13% em incisivos centrais e de 20% nos incisivos laterais (p >0,05). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre gêneros e idades. A concordância intra e interexaminador foi regular (kappa intra=0,60; kappa inter=0,57). Como conclusão da primeira etapa da pesquisa, observou-se que a identificação do número de canais radiculares foi efetiva em todos os métodos. No entanto, limitações foram encontradas para a diferenciação da forma do canal radicular. Na segunda etapa da pesquisa, concluiuse que a presença de 2 canais radiculares em incisivos inferiores de pacientes da região de Bauru é de aproximadamente 20% e não depende da localização do dente ou de gênero e idade do paciente. / Mandibular incisors most commonly have a single root canal, which can present with different anatomic configurations. According to the literature, the presence of a second root canal can be observed in 10 - 40% of the teeth. Difficulty in detecting the second root canal is an important factor for the endodontic treatment failure. The aim of this research was: 1) to compare the efficacy of digital periapical radiography (PA) with double exposure and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the identification of internal anatomic patterns in mandibular incisors, and 2) to determine the prevalence of 2 root canals in mandibular incisors using cone beam computed tomographic images of a patient database, comparing to tooth position and patients gender and age. In the first part of this research, 40 extracted mandibular incisors underwent microcomputed tomographic (micro-CT) scanning (Skyscan 1074) in order to establish the gold standard for internal anatomic pattern. The teeth were classified according to: Type I (1 regular root canal, n=12), Type Ia (1 oval root canal, n=12), and Type III (2 root canals, n=16). Then, the teeth were divided into 10 groups of 4 teeth and placed in a preserved human mandible for direct digital periapical radiographic double exposure (Schick CDR) and CBCT scans using Kodak 9000 3D, Veraviewepocs 3De and NewTom 5G. Two blinded examiners classified the anatomic pattern of each tooth and their answers were compared to the gold standard (microtomographic images). Percentage (%) of right / wrong answers was used for the statistical analysis of the results. Chi-square test (X2) was used to verify the association between variables (p <.05). Inter and intraexaminer agreements were determined using kappa values. In the second part of this research, CBCT images of a 100 patients database from FOB-USP were examined. Two examiners assessed the internal anatomy of mandibular incisors in axial, sagittal and coronal reconstructions and classified the teeth according to the number of root canals. The prevalence of 2 root canals was related to the tooth location and patients gender and age. Percentage (%) was used to describe the collected data. Chi-square test (X2) was used to verify the association between variables (p <.05). Inter and intraexaminer agreements were determined using kappa values. The results of the first part of the research showed a high level of identification of anatomic patterns for all the methods (p <0.05). Considering Type I (1 regular root canal), CBCT images were better in comparison to PA (PA= 67%; CBCT= 98%, p <0.05). There was no significant difference between the 3 CBCT scanners. For Type Ia (1 oval root canal), there was a significant difference between PA and CBCT imaging using the NewTom unit only (PA= 44%, NewTom CBCT= 88%). No significant differences were found between the other 2 CBCT units and PA or between the 3 CBCT units. Considering Type III (2 root canals), there was no significant difference between the various methods. All the methods presented similar corrected answers index for Type III, which may suggest that PA with double exposure is sufficient for the identification of 2 root canals in mandibular incisors. The intraexaminer agreement was fair for PA (kappa=0.40 to 0.66) and good to very good for the CBCT units (kappa=0.62 to 0.85). The interexaminer agreement was poor to fair for PA (kappa=0.25 to 0.32) and good to very good for CBCT units (kappa=0.62 to 0.92). In the second part of this research, the total amount of 386 mandibular incisors was assessed in CBCT images (192 mandibular central incisors and 194 mandibular lateral incisors). The overall prevalence of 2 root canals was 16.5%, and 13% in mandibular central incisors and 20% in mandibular lateral incisors (p >0.05). There was no significant difference between gender and age. The intra and interexaminer agreement was fair (kappa intra=0.60; kappa inter=0.57). For the first part of this research, it is possible to conclude that the identification of the number of root canals was effective using all the methods. However, limitations were found in differentiating the shape of the root canal. As a conclusion of the second part of this research, the presence of 2 root canals in mandibular incisors of Bauru region patients is approximately 20% and it does not depend on tooth location or patients gender and age.

O elevado número de cirurgias de enxertia óssea impulsiona o desenvolvimento de novos biomateriais de preenchimento. Materiais a base de hidroxiapatita sintética e tendão bovino mineralizado foram preparados para servirem de arcabouço para regeneração óssea. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a osteocondutibilidade desses materiais, comparando-os ao Bio-Oss/Geistlich. Foram criados defeitos de tamanho crítico (circular / 8 mm) na calvária de ratos Wistar, preenchidos com os biomateriais e, após 30 dias, ocorreu o sacrifício, análise não invasiva por microtomografia computadorizada (micro-CT/ microtomógrafo SkyScan 100kV - 100\'mü\'A) com reconstituição de imagem em três dimensões (3D) e análise histológica convencional para avaliar a neoformação óssea e comparar os métodos. Os resultados da micro-CT mostraram que o Bio-Oss apresentou maior volume, densidade e porcentagem de tecido ósseo que os demais grupos. Nas imagens reconstituídas em 3D notou-se no grupo Bio-Oss as menores taxas de reabsorção, permanecendo em maior quantidade no interior do defeito aos trinta dias. No grupo da hidroxiapatita sintética notou-se uma intensa reabsorção do material e uma leve neoformação óssea nas margens do defeito, deixando-o com um contorno irregular. O grupo do tendão bovino mineralizado apresentou discretíssima neoformação óssea e o material foi totalmente reabsorvido. Já na avaliação da presença do material, de vasos sanguíneos e das células osteoblásticas no interior do defeito obtidos através da análise histológica, os grupos Bio-Oss e hidroxiapatita sintética obtiveram resultados semelhantes e maiores que o tendão bovino mineralizado. Constatou-se através da análise histológica que a hidroxiapatita sintética mostrou-se presente no interior do defeito exibindo propriedades osteocondutoras semelhantes a marca comercial Bio-Oss. Já o tendão bovino mineralizado não teve boa osteocondução, sendo contra-indicado na manutenção do espaço ósseo. Na comparação dos dois métodos, constatou-se que a micro-CT apresenta baixa especificidade, ou seja, não foi capaz de distinguir o tecido ósseo do Bio-Oss e alta sensibilidade, pois quantifica de uma forma muito precisa os valores com alta resolução. Já a análise histológica consegue distinguir com precisão os materiais e o tecido adjacente, porém não consegue quantificá-los de maneira fácil e precisa. Portanto, conclui-se que a hidroxiapatita sintética tem grande potencial de ser utilizada no preenchimento de defeitos ósseos, diferentemente do tendão bovino mineralizado. Quanto aos métodos de avaliação, eles são complementares e novos aprimoramentos devem ser feitos na técnica de micro-CT para melhorar sua capacidade de distinguir diferentes materiais. / Biodegradable bone grafts have been widely employed on bone regeneration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the osteoconductive potential of hydroxyapatite, mineralized bovine tendon and Bio-Oss/Geistlich in a rat critical-size calvaria defect model through non-destructive three-dimensional (3D) micro-tomographic (\'mü\'CT) imaging and histological evaluation. Two experimental biomaterials were developed: synthetic hydroxyapatite (particles size < 0,2 mm) and mineralized bovine tendon. Bio-Oss/Geistlich was employed as a control group. A critical size defect (8 mm) was created in the skull of Wistar rats (weight 200 - 300 g) and treated with the biomaterials and one group was left untreated in the control group (n = 5). After 30 days, the animals were killed and the calvaria removed for \'mü\'CT and histological analysis. No adverse reactions were noted. No bone repair was observed in untreated surgical defects. The results of micro-CT showed that BioOss showed higher volume, density and percentage of bone tissue than the other groups. In the images reconstructed in 3-D was noted in the group Bio-Oss the lowest rates of resorption, staying in larger quantities within thirty days of the defect. In the group of synthetic hydroxyapatite noticed an intense resorption of the material and a slight bone formation at the margins of the defect, leaving him with an irregular contour. The bovine tendon mineralized group presented discreet bone formation and the material was completely resorbed. In the evaluation of the presence of the material, blood vessels and osteoblastic cells within the defect obtained by histological analysis, the groups Bio-Oss and synthetic hydroxyapatite showed similar results and larger than the mineralized bovine tendon. We verified by histological analysis that the synthetic hydroxyapatite is present within the defect displaying osteoconductive properties similar to trademark BioOss. Already the mineralized bovine tendon, again, did not have good osteoconduction and is contraindicated in maintaining the bone. When comparing the two methods observed that the micro-CT has low specificity, ie, was not able to distinguish the bone tissue to Bio-Oss and high sensitivity, as quantified in a very accurate values with high resolution. Already histological analysis can accurately distinguish materials and tissues, but can not quantify them easily and accurately. Therefore, we conclude that the synthetic hydroxyapatite has great potential to be used to fill bone defects, unlike mineralized bovine tendon. When comparing the methods, we found that still are complementary and new enhancements must be made in micro-CT technique to improve their ability to distinguish different materials.

The geometry of an organ’s vascular system determines the blood flow distribution to tissues for exchange of gas and nutrients by determining its vascular resistance. The importance of vascular geometry is evident in the placenta, where insufficient fetoplacental vascularity elevates vascular resistance thereby impairing perfusion, leading to one of the most common and severe pregnancy complications, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The mouse is becoming a widely used model for human placental development due to the increasing availability of mouse models thought to have a placental defect. Vascular geometry can now be imaged and quantified using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and results used to estimate resistance to blood flow. This thesis first describes the implementation of contrast agent perfusion and micro-CT imaging of the mouse fetoplacental vasculature throughout late gestation. Application of a vascular segmentation technique is then described and evaluated for quantification of the arterial fetoplacental tree. Normal fetoplacental vascular development in late gestation is described for two common mouse strains, CD1 and C57Bl6 (B6). In B6 placentas, both late gestational capillary growth and thinning of the interhaemal membrane were blunted relative to CD1. Analysis of CD1 and B6 tree geometry revealed a constant number of arterial segments throughout late gestation in both strains but expansion of arterial diameters in B6 only, resulting in decreased B6 arterial resistance and shear stress in late gestation. Strain dependence shows the importance of genetics in fetoplacental vascular development. Quantification of the arterial tree in a mouse model of maternal pre-pregnancy exposure to chemicals commonly found in cigarettes revealed an increase in vascular tortuousity and a reduced number of arteriole sized vessels. This led to an increase in vascular resistance and a predicted decrease in blood flow, which could contribute to the observed reduction in fetal weights. In future studies, the methods described herein can be used in phenotyping numerous mouse models which currently are suspected to have a placental vascular defect.