Objetivo: Comparar as imagens obtidas por meio da sinuscopia virtual com aquelas adquiridas por meio da tomografia computadorizada helicoidal, quando da interpretação dos comprometimentos sinusais, considerando as opiniões dos médicos otorrinolaringologistas e radiologistas odontológicos, com a finalidade de validação do método da sinuscopia virtual. Métodos: Foram utilizadas informações obtidas por meio da observação de imagens de 20 casos pertencentes ao arquivo docente, da Unidade de Imagens Dento-Maxilo-Facial da Clínica Felix Boada, em Caracas-Venezuela. Os referidos casos apresentaram imagens adquiridas por meio da tomografia computadorizada helicoidal e imagens obtidas por meio da sinuscopia virtual. As imagens foram analisadas por 2 grupos de observadores, 10 médicos otorrinolaringologistas e 10 radiologistas odontológicos, que responderam a um questionário previamente elaborado. Resultados: Os resultados foram avaliados pelos testes estatísticos de média aritmética, mediana, desvio padrão, análise de médias, percentuais globais, teste não–paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis e teste não-paramétrico de Wilcoxon. Conclusões: Para os médicos otorrinolaringologistas e radiologistas odontológicos faz-se importante, a associação das imagens obtidas por meio da sinuscopia virtual com as imagens axiais obtidas por meio da tomografia computadorizada helicoidal na interpretação de um comprometimento sinusal. Os radiologistas odontológicos acharam que as imagens axiais obtidas por meio da tomografia computadorizada helicoidal já eram esclarecedoras, na avaliação dos casos, embora também recomendassem a sinuscopia virtual. Nos casos considerados fáceis, a aplicação da sinuscopia virtual foi evidente, porém nos casos difíceis não contribuiu. A sinuscopia virtual isoladamente não oferece condições para a conclusão do diagnóstico de uma afecção sinusal. / Purpose: To compare the images obtained by means of virtual sinuscopy with those formed by means of helical computerized tomography during the interpretation of sinusal compromise taking into consideration the opinions of otorhinolaryngologists and odontological radiologists aiming to validate the method of virtual sinuscopy. Methods: Information obtained through the observation of images of 20 cases belonging to the professorial file, of the Dental – Maxillo - Facial Unit of Images of Félix Boada Clinic in Caracas–Venezuela were used. The cases mentioned above showed images formed by means of the helical computerized tomography and images formed by means of the virtual sinuscopy. The images were analysed by 2 groups of observers, 10 otorhinolaryngologists and 10 odontological radiologists who answered a questionnaire previously prepared. Results: The results were appraised through statistical tests of arithmetic average, median, standard deviation, average analysis, global percentile, Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test and Wilcoxon non-parametric test. Conclusions: To the otorhinolaryngologists and odontological radiologists it is important, the association of the images obtained by means of the virtual sinuscopy with the axial images formed by means of helical computerized tomography in the interpretation of a sinusal compromise. The odontological radiologists thought the axial images formed by means of the helical computerized tomography were already elucidatory, for the evaluation of the cases although they also recommended the virtual sinuscopy. In the cases regarded as easy ones, the application of the virtual sinuscopy was evident, but in the difficult cases it didn’t contribute. The virtual sinuscopy used singly doesn’t offer conditions for a diagnostic conclusion of the sinusal affection.

Orientadora: Daniele Botticelli / Banca: Idelmo Rangel Garcia Junior / Banca: Francisley Ávila Souza / Banca: Ronaldo Célio Mariano / Banca: Adolfo Embacher Filho / Resumo: Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o tecido ósseo periimplantar formado após o enxerto sinusal com hidroxiapatita e beta-tricálcio fosfato (HA + -TCP), nas apresentações em grânulos e em pasta, concomitante à instalação de implantes em coelhos. Trinta e quatro seios maxilares de coelhos foram enxertados com HA + -TCP, sendo metade do grupo grânulos e metade do grupo pasta. Concomitantemente, foi realizada a instalação de implantes. Aos 7 e 40 dias pós-operatórios, realizou-se a eutanásia dos animais, e as amostras foram preparadas para as análises tomográfica, microtomográfica, histológica (coloração por hematoxilina e eosina - HE), imunoistoquímica (marcação de fator de transcrição Runt-2 - RUNX2 -, fator de crescimento endotelial vascular - VEGF -, osteocalcina - OCN - e fosfatase ácida resistente ao tartarato - TRAP) e de torque de remoção dos implantes. Na tomografia, foi observada a manutenção da integridade da membrana sinusal, sem extravasamento de material, nos dois grupos e períodos. Parâmetros morfométricos de volume ósseo, porcentagem do volume ósseo e número de trabéculas foram significativamente superiores para o grupo pasta do que para o grupo grânulos aos 7 dias, enquanto que a porosidade foi maior para o grupo grânulos nesse mesmo período. Aos 40 dias, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos para a maioria dos parâmetros microtomográficos estudados. Nos cortes histológicos corados por HE, observou-se que em ambos os grupos ocorreu a formação d... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: This work aimed to evaluate the peri-implant bone tissue after maxillary sinus grafting with hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate (HA + -TCP), in granular and paste formulations, concomitant with implant placement in rabbits. Thirty four rabbit maxillary sinuses were grafted with HA + -TCP, being half of the granular group and half of the paste group. Concomitantly, the implant placement was performed. At 7 and 40 postoperative days, animals were euthanized, and the samples were prepared for tomographic, microtomographic, histological (hematoxylin and eosin staining), immunohistochemical (Runt-related transcription factor 2 - RUNX2, vascular endothelial growth factor - VEGF -, osteocalcin - OCN - and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase - TRAP - staining) and implant torque removal analyses. In computed tomography, the maintenance of sinus membrane integrity, with no material extravasation, was observed in both groups and periods. Morphometric parameters of bone volume, percentage of bone volume and trabecular number were significantly higher for paste than granular group at day 7, while the porosity was higher for granular group in this period. At day 40, there were no significant differences between both groups for the majority of the microtomographic parameters studied. In the HE-stained histological sections, it was observed that bone healing around implant threads occurred for both groups at day 40, enhancing osseointegration. Similar positive immunostainings we... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

O barorreflexo arterial é o principal mecanismo de regulação a curto prazo da pressão arterial (PA), mantendo-a dentro de um estreito limite de variação. A elevação da PA estimula sensores mecânicos (barorreceptores), que levam a uma inibição simpática e aumento da atividade vagal cardíaca, provocando queda (normalização) da PA. A estimulação elétrica de aferências dos barorreceptores é uma técnica que surgiu na década de 60 e, atualmente, vem sendo utilizada em pacientes com hipertensão refratária. Hipotetizamos que a estimulação elétrica do SC seria capaz de promover alterações hemodinâmicas e na modulação autonômica cardiovascular de ratos normotensos e SHR. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar respostas hemodinâmicas, variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (FC) e PA, e avaliar alterações vasculares à estimulação elétrica do seio carotídeo (SC) em ratos normotensos ou espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR). Ratos Wistar ou SHR, com 300g (15 a 18 semanas) foram anestesiados (ketamina e xilazina) e implantados com eletrodos ao redor do SC e cânula na artéria femoral. No dia seguinte, após registro basal da PA, o SC dos ratos foi estimulado com pulsos de 1 mA, 1 ms e 15, 30, 45 ou 60 Hz durante 20 s. A seguir, um estímulo prolongado (60 min) com pulsos de 1 mA, 1 ms e 30 Hz foi aplicado ao SC dos ratos de forma contínua ou intermitente (20/20s ON/OFF). Um grupo distinto de SHR foi implantado (SC) com um estimulador miniaturizado capaz de gerar, ininterruptamente, pulsos de 3 V, 1 ms, e 30 Hz, de modo intermitente (20/20s ON/OFF). Nesses animais, no dia seguinte ao implante dos eletrodos, foi realizado um registro basal da PA e o estimulador foi ligado, estimulado o SC durante 48 h. Após o termino da estimulação, um novo registro da PA foi realizado e, ao final, o leito mesentérico dos ratos foi removido para análise de reatividade vascular. A estimulação elétrica de curta duração (20 s) provocou uma resposta hipotensora, que foi maior em SHR (?= -16 a -48 mmHg, n=14) do que em ratos normotensos (?= -19 a -28 mmHg, n=10). A hipotensão causada pela estimulação do SC foi frequência dependente apenas nos SHR. Uma bradicardia, semelhante em ambos os grupos (Wistar e SHR), e não dependente da frequência de estimulação, também foi observada com a estimulação do SC. Na estimulação prolongada (60 min), realizada de forma contínua ou intermitente, também houve hipotensão e bradicardia que se mantiveram durante todo o período de estímulo. A hipotensão durante o estímulo de 60 min do SC também foi maior em SHR (?-38 ± 9 mmHg) do que em ratos Wistar (-15 ± 5 mmHg). A análise simbólica, antes e durante a estimulação do SC, no grupo que recebeu estimulação contínua, revelou um aumento na porcentagem de sequências tipo 2UV da FC (relacionadas à modulação vagal cardíaca) de 37 ± 3 para 45 ± 4 %. A análise espectral mostrou diminuição na potência do espectro da PA na banda de LF (relacionada à modulação simpática cardíaca e vascular) de 3.6 ± 0.3 para 0.7 ± 0.1 mmHg2 apenas em animais normotensos. Os SHR estimulados cronicamente (48 h) tiveram uma PA menor após o final do estímulo (173 ± 5 vs 150 ± 5 mmHg). Entretanto, a variabilidade da FC e da PA não foi alterada pela estimulação crônica do SC. Adicionalmente, o estímulo elétrico crônico do SC promoveu aumento na reatividade das artérias mesentéricas à Acetilcolina, e à fenilefrina, tanto na presença como na ausência do endotélio. A resposta hipotensora perdurou até 60 minutos após o desligamento do dispositivo de estimulação. Concluindo, a estimulação elétrica do SC de ratos acordados, normotensos ou SHR é efetiva em diminuir a PA e FC além de promover alterações na variabilidade da FC e da PA condizentes à redução da modulação simpática em animais normotensos. Adicionalmente, a estimulação crônica do SC promoveu alterações em vasos de resistência. / Arterial baroreflex is the main short-term regulation mechanism of blood pressure (BP), keeping it under narrow limits of variation. The increasing of BP stimulates mechanical sensors (baroreceptors), which lead to inhibition of sympathetic drive and increasing cardiac activity of vagus nerve, resulting in decrease (normalization) of the BP. Electrical stimulation of afferent baroreceptor is an approach that emerged in the 60s and is now being used in patients with resistant hypertension. We hypothesized that electrical stimulation of CS promote hemodynamic and autonomic responses in normotensive and SHR. The aim of this study was to characterize hemodynamic responses, heart rate (HR) and BP variability, and evaluate vascular changes to electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus (CS) in normotensive or spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR and Wistar rats with 300g (15 to 18 wk) were anesthetized (ketamine and xylazine) and implanted with electrodes in CS and a catheter into femoral artery. On the next day, after baseline recording of the BP, animals were subjected to electrical stimulation of CS with pulses of 1 mA, 1 ms and 15, 30, 45 or 60 Hz during 20 s. Following, a continuously or intermittently (20 / 20s ON / OFF) prolonged stimulation (60 min) with pulses of 1 mA, 1 ms and 30 Hz was applied to CS of rats. Another SHR group was implanted with a miniaturized stimulator connected to CS electrodes, capable of generating uninterruptedly pulses of 3 V, 1 ms, and 30 Hz, intermittently (20/20s ON/OFF). On the next day, after baseline recording of BP, the stimulator was turned on, and CS was stimulated during 48 h. After the end of stimulation, another BP recording was performed and the mesenteric bed of rats was removed for analysis of vascular reactivity. Short-term (20 s) electrical stimulation of CS induced a hypotensive response that was greater in SHR (??= -16 to -48 mmHg, n = 14) than in normotensive rats (? = -19 to -28 mmHg, n = 10). Hypotensive response was dependent on stimulation frequency only in SHR. A bradycardic response, similar in both groups (Wistar and SHR) and not dependent of the frequency of stimulation was also observed. In prolonged stimulation (60 min), performed continuously or intermittently, hypotension and bradycardia were observed during whole stimulation period. Hypotensive effect observed during 60 min stimulation of the CS was greater in SHR (-38 ± 9 mmHg) than in Wistar rats (-15 ± 5 mmHg). The symbolic analysis, before and during the stimulation of the CS revealed an increase in the percentage of 2UV type sequences of HR (related to cardiac vagal modulation) from 37 ± 3 to 45 ± 4 %. Spectral analysis showed in the decrease power of BP spectrum in LF band (related to heart and vascular sympathetic modulation) from 3.6 ± 0.3 to 0.7 ± 0.1 mmHg2 only in normotensive animals. SHR chronically stimulated group (48 h) showed lower BP after the end of the stimulus (173 ± 5 vs 150 ± 5 mmHg). However, the variability of HR and BP was not changed by chronic stimulation of the CS. Moreover, chronic electrical stimulation of the CS increased the reactivity of mesenteric arteries to acetylcholine and phenylephrine, both in the presence or absence of the endothelium. The hypotensive response lasted after 60 minutes after the shutdown of the stimulation device. In conclusion, the electrical stimulation of CS in normotensive or SHR conscious rats is effective in decreasing BP and HR and promotes changes in the variability of HR and BP, consistent with reduction of sympathetic modulation in normotensive animals. Additionally, the chronic stimulation of the CS induced changes in resistance vessels.

A detecção de periapicopatias comprometendo a cortical sinusal pode ser subestimada em radiografias periapicais, que é o exame de rotina, pela sobreposição de estruturas. Neste estudo, a sensibilidade, especificidade e reprodutibilidade da TCFC para a avaliação da integridade da cortical sinusal próxima de lesões periapicais (com e sem comunicação oroantral) foram avaliadas em relação a um padrão-ouro (erosões na região periapical de molares superiores em 20 maxilas suínas maceradas). Foi realizada a primeira etapa de aquisições com as maxilas íntegras, visando familiarizar os observadores com a anatomia da maxila suína e excluir da amostra os sítios com defeitos ósseos pré-existentes. Após isso, foram extraídos os primeiros-molares e lesões periapicais foram simuladas com ácido perclórico. A duração da exposição ao ácido foi controlada em dois tempos: T1 que gerou lesões incipientes e T2 que gerou lesões maiores. O estabelecimento de comunicação oroantral deu-se em 22 sítios. Em seguida, os dentes foram reimplantados nos devidos alvéolos. Realizou-se a segunda etapa de aquisições. Dois observadores, devidamente familiarizados com lesões simuladas na maxila suína com e sem comunicação, avaliaram os exames duas vezes, com intervalo de tempo de uma semana. Todos os exames estavam em ordem aleatória em uma estação de trabalho independente contendo o software OsiriX MD. Os resultados demonstraram uma boa acurácia (66 a 78%) e alta especificidade (70 a 98%) com índices moderados de concordância intraobservadores (0,49 e 0,56), porém gerou resultados distintos de sensibilidade (41%, 55%, 78% e 60%) que culminou em um baixo índice de concordância interexaminadores (0,21 e 0,35). A maior dificuldade relatada pelos observadores foi a alta presença de ruído na imagem, influenciada principalmente pela relação do FOV e voxel que acabou afetando a resolução da imagem do exame. / The detection of periapical diseases affecting the cortical sinus may be underestimated in periapical radiographs, which is the method of choice, by overlapping structures. In this study, the sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of CBCT to assessing the integrity of the cortical sinus near periapical lesions (with and without communication oroantral) were evaluated by comparing with a gold standard (erosions in the periapical region of maxillary molars in 20 maxillae swine macerated). We performed the first step of acquisitions with intact maxillae in order to acquaint the observers with the swine anatomy and delete the sample sites with pre - existing bone defects. After this, we extracted the first premolar and simulated periapical lesions with perchloric acid . The duration of acid exposure was controlled in two stages: generating incipient lesions T1 and T2 which generated larger lesions. Establishing oroantral communication was more related to the proximity with the alveolus then the periapical periodontitis size, generating 22 sites with communication. Then the teeth were reimplanted in the appropriate dental alveoli to the next tomographic acquisitions. Two trained observers evaluated the tests twice, with an interval of a week\'s time. All tests were in random order on a standalone workstation with software OsiriX MD. The results demonstrated good accuracy (66 to 78%) and high specificity (70% to 98%) and moderate rate of intraobserver concordance (0,49 and 0,56)trai, but generated different results of sensitivity (41%, 55%, 78% and 60%) which culminated in a low rate of interobserver concordance (0,35 and 0,21). The main difficulty reported by the observers was the high presence of image noise, mainly influenced by the ratio of the FOV and voxel that ended up affecting the reliability of the examination.

A perda dentária tem como consequência a atrofia óssea. Além disso, em regiões posteriores da maxila, a pneumatização do assoalho do seio maxilar (ASM) pode comprometer a instalação de implantes dentários em uma posição protética ideal. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar em imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) a estimativa da pneumatização (EP) do ASM após perda dentária unitária em região posterior da maxila. 183 imagens de TCFC foram analisadas bilateralmente e divididas em 2 grupos: lado edêntulo (LE) - região edêntula unitária em segundo pré-molar, primeiro ou segundo molares superiores; lado dentado (LD) - região contralateral homóloga à região do LE, com dente presente. Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados para comparação LE versus LD: altura do seio (AS), desfecho primário, e área do seio maxilar (SM). A EP (diferença de AS do LE menos LD) e a altura do rebordo (AR - analisada apenas no LE) foram comparadas de acordo com tipo de dente e presença de pneumatização entre as raízes (PR) do LD. Além disso, o rebordo cicatrizado foi categorizado de acordo com a opção terapêutica para maxilar posterior. Os resultados mostraram que o LE apresentou a AS maior que o LD (p<0,05) (6,90 ± 3,15 mm e 6,0 ± 3,01 mm, para LE e LD respectivamente e a EP de 0,9 ± 2,93 mm). Ao separar EP por tipo de dente observou-se que os segundos pré-molares e segundos molares apresentaram valores próximos (1,36 ± 2,43 e 1,21 ± 2,98 mm, respectivamente), enquanto que os primeiros molares apresentaram valores menores (0,55 ± 3,03 mm) (p>0,05). Ao separar os dados de EP de acordo com a presença da pneumatização no LD, observou-se que a maioria dos dentes com esta condição foram os primeiros molares (36 em 43). A EP na presença dessa condição foi de -0,26 ± 2,82 mm, enquanto que na ausência de PR, a EP foi de 1,22 ± 2,99 (p<0,05). Em relação aos parâmetros da crista alveolar, o rebordo cicatrizado apresentou menor altura que às cristas alveolares palatina e vestibular. 54% dos casos de molares que apresentaram pneumatização entre as raízes obtiveram AR < 5mm, sugerindo necessidade de enxerto para uma futura instalação de implante dentário. Portanto, podemos concluir que perdas dentárias em região posterior de maxila favorecem a pneumatização do ASM e que esta varia de acordo com o tipo de dente. Além disso, a identificação de pneumatização entre as raízes parece indicar uma maior tendência à necessidade de cirurgias de levantamento de seio. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the estimation of MSF pneumatization (EP) after single tooth loss in the posterior maxilla region in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. 183 CBCT images were analyzed bilaterally and divided into 2 groups: edentulous side (ES) - edentulous single region in the maxillary second premolar, first or second molars; Tooth side (TS) - contralateral region homologous to the ES region, with tooth present. The following parameters were evaluated for ES vs TS: sinus height (SH), primary outcome, and maxillary sinus area (MSA). The EP (SH difference between ES and TS) and ridge height (RH - analyzed only in ES) were compared according to tooth type and the presence of pneumatization between roots (PR) in TS. In addition, the healed ridge was categorized according to the therapeutic option for posterior maxilla. The results showed that the ES presented a higher SH than the TS (p <0.001) (6.90 ± 3.15 mm and 6.0 ± 3.01 mm for ES and TS respectively, and the EP of 0.9 ± 2.93 mm). When separating EP by tooth type, it was observed that the second premolars and second molars presented close values (1.36 ± 2.43 and 1.21 ± 2.98 mm, respectively), whereas the first molars presented minor values (0.55 ± 3.03 mm) (p>0.001). When separating the PR data according to the presence of pneumatization in the TS, it was observed that the majority of the teeth with this condition were the first molars (36 in 43). PE in the presence of this condition was -0.26 ± 2.82 mm, whereas in the absence of PR, the PE was 1.22 ± 2.99 (p <0.001). Regarding the parameters of the alveolar ridge, the healed ridge presented lower height than the palatal and vestibular alveolar ridges. 54% of the cases of molars that presented pneumatization between the roots obtained RH < 5mm, suggesting the need of grafting for a future installation of dental implant. Therefore, we can conclude that tooth loss in the maxillary posterior region favors the pneumatization of the MSF and it varies according to the type of tooth. In addition, the identification of pneumatization between the roots seems to indicate a greater tendency to the need for sinus lift surgeries.

Orientador: Marisa Aparecida Cabrini Gabrielli / Resumo: Complicações precoces e tardias de fraturas do seio frontal não são infrequentes, independentemente da técnica utilizada para tratamento. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o resultado do tratamento de fraturas da região frontal. Ao todo, 155 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo e avaliados por meio clinicamente e por meio de imagens de tomografia computadorizada. A média de idade foi de 32,86 anos e 88,30% eram do sexo masculino. As três principais etiologias do trauma foram acidente motorciclístico (23,87%), agressão física (20%) e acidente automobilístico (18,70%). O tempo de pós-operatório avaliado variou entre 6 meses a 27 anos (média: 7 anos e meio). Foram tratados por meio de reconstrução do seio frontal, 61,29%; obliteração, 6,45%; cranialização, 21,93% e tratamento não cirúrgico, 10,32%. Vinte e quatro por cento dos pacientes desenvolveram complicações pós-operatórias, tais como sinusite frontal, infecção do tecido mole, osteomielite, dor, mucocele, pneumoencéfalo e irregularidade óssea. As complicações diretamente relacionadas ao tipo de tratamento instituído foi a seguinte: reconstrução do seio frontal 6,3%; obliteração do seio frontal, 75%; cranialização: 2,94% e o tratamento não cirúrgico: 6,25%. Por meio dessa avaliação pode-se concluir que: (1) todas as técnicas de tratamento para fratura do seio frontal desenvolveram complicações pós-operatórias; (2) a obliteração do seio frontal apresentou prevalência para o desenvolvimento de complicações, devendo ser ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Doutor

Introduction: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is at present the gold standard therapeutic modality for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) resistant to medical therapy. Whilst results from ESS for CRS are generally good, postoperative bleeding and impaired wound healing with adhesion formation remains a concern. Due to patient discomfort and the detrimental effects on wound healing caused by most packing materials, many surgeons no longer routinely use nasal packing. Surgeons have in the past sought agents which would provide post-operative haemostasis without detrimentally affecting wound healing. Antifibrinolytics have been available for many years, however, their topical application has only been explored in the last few years. Recently different forms of chitosan have separately shown significant promise as powerful haemostatic and anti-adhesion agents. The aim of this thesis was to explore the progressive understanding of the interaction between haemostasis and wound healing with possible development of a novel agent. Methods: The first step to scientifically assess bleeding after sinus surgery was to develop a standardised method of video endoscopy and grading the surgical field during ESS. This was done as a multinational collaborative trial. Once this assessment tool was validated a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of two antifibrinolytics (epsilon aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid) was conducted. Further evaluation was then conducted on other possible hemostatic and antiadhesion substances. This included various combinations of a novel chitosan gel. These gels were trialled in vitro to determine their effect on human nasal fibroblasts derived from CRS patients. Fibroblast adhesion and proliferation as well as closure of standardised wounds were studied. The most promising of these gels was then used in an in vivo sheep model. Once effectiveness of the chitosan-dextran gel was shown in the laboratory, this was evaluated against a number of currently available hemostatic and anti-adhesion substances in a standardised model of wound healing in sheep with CRS. This model had been previously extensively validated in our department. Full thickness mucosal injuries were created on the lateral nasal wall and ethmoids of twenty sheep and recombinant tissue factor (rTF), SprayGel or Chitosan-Dextran derivative gel applied topically in a randomized fashion. Adhesion formation and severity as well as microscopic wound healing and ciliary function were analysed at day 28, 56, 84 and 112 post initial surgery. A further sheep study was conducted applying chitosan dextran gel to standardised mucosal injuries and comparing its effect on the control of bleeding to control. Bleeding time and grade were recorded and wound healing monitored via serial videoendoscopy over two weeks and objectively measured. Results: a) Assessment of the bleeding scales showed that inter and intra observer reliability for both scales tested were significantly improved by employing a standardized video-endoscopy technique. The Wormald scale proved to be more reliable and sensitive to changes in the most common surgical fields encountered in ESS. b) Tranexamic acid showed a modest but clinically significant improvement in the surgical field at 2, 4 and 6 minutes after application. Epsilon aminocaproic acid did not effectively improve the surgical field. c) Nasal fibroblast adhesion and proliferation were significantly impaired with dextran and chitosan. The most effective ratio that delayed but did not prevent wound closure were 5 % chitosan: 5 % dextran gel. d) In a standardised sheep model of mucosal wound healing the chitosan gel significantly decreased lateral nasal wall and ethmoidal adhesions at all time points. The chitosan group had a significantly greater percentage of re-epithelialisation and reciliation than control and rTF. In addition the mean cilial grade in the chitosan group was significantly better than control. e) The chitosan dextran gel was significantly more haemostatic at 2,4, and 6 minutes after injury with no significant difference noted in wound healing. Conclusions: Standardised methods of videoendoscopy and grading the surgical field in ESS are valuable tools for further research. Tranexamic acid significantly improved the surgical field to a moderate degree in ESS compared to control. Chitosan gel is a promising new powerful haemostatic bio-polymer which has a mild inhibitory effect on fibroblast attachment and proliferation. This may partially explain the significant improvement in microscopic wound healing and reduction in adhesion formation seen in a sheep model of chronic sinusitis. Future work evaluating this gel in the setting of a human trial is currently underway. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1375402 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Medicine, 2009

In dieser Arbeit wurde der Einsatz eines miniaturisierten Endoskop-Manipulator-Systems (EMS [TUM, MiMed, München]) in der endo- und transnasalen Chirurgie untersucht. In einem Modellversuch wurden an einem Nasennebenhöhlenmodell drei typische anatomische Landmarken je einmal manuell und zum Vergleich mit dem Endoskopmanipulator aufgesucht. Insgesamt wurden 240 Messwerte aufgenommen. Es wurden die benötigten Zeiten und die Genauigkeit der Endoskopposition gemessen. Grundlage des klinischen Versuchsteils war es, 31 funktionelle Nasennebenhöhleneingriffe durchzuführen. Dabei wurden die gewählten Endoskoppositionen, die Wechsel der Endoskoppositionen und die konzeptionsbedingten Unterbrechungen erfasst. Als Ausblick für eine Anwendung des EMS bei Operationen erhöhten Schwierigkeitsgrades wurde im Rahmen eines Kadaver-Versuches ein endoskopischer Zugang zur Hypophyse mit dem EMS erprobt. Es konnte weder im Laborversuch noch im klinischen Versuchsteil eine Unterlegenheit beim Einsatz des EMS bezüglich der Dauer und der Genauigkeit der assistierten Endoskopführung festgestellt werden. Die Anzahl der Positionswechsel lag durchschnittlich bei 6,4 pro Seite. Eine beidhändige Instrumentation war in allen untersuchten Fällen möglich, mit Ausnahme von Bereichen mit Hochrisikostruktu-ren (Lamina papyracea, Recessus frontalis), in welchen der Operateur aus Sicherheitsgründen auf eine manuelle Endoskopführung umstellte. Das untersuchte EMS wurde erfolgreich in den chirurgischen Workflow der endo- und transnasalen Chirurgie integriert, wobei die geringe Anzahl der Endoskoppositionswechsel eine beidhändige Instrumentation ermöglichte. Als Entwicklungspotenzial kann die Ergänzung der Joystickkonsole um eine Force-Feedback-Funktion bzw. die Möglichkeit einer rein navigiert-kontrollierten Steuerung hervorgehoben werden. Damit wird die Häufigkeit einer Unterbrechung des Workflows für die händische Steuerung über die Joystickkonsole minimiert.

The growth of the Penaeus monodon prawn aquaculture industry in Australia is hampered by a reliance on wild-caught broodstock. This species has proven difficult to breed from if broodstock are reared in captivity. Studies were therefore carried out to investigate factors controlling reproduction and influencing egg quality. Results of the studies revealed that patterns of nutrient accumulation during early ovary development are altered by captive conditions, possibly contributing to reduce larval quality. The sinus gland hormones were shown, together with the environment, to regulate two stages of ovary development. In a separate study it was further revealed that the hormone methyl farnesoate (MF) could negatively regulate the final stages of ovary development. Lastly it was shown that broodstock reared in captivity are less likely to mate and that this is due to inherent problems in both the male and the female prawns.

Introduction: Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is at present the gold standard therapeutic modality for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) resistant to medical therapy. Whilst results from ESS for CRS are generally good, postoperative bleeding and impaired wound healing with adhesion formation remains a concern. Due to patient discomfort and the detrimental effects on wound healing caused by most packing materials, many surgeons no longer routinely use nasal packing. Surgeons have in the past sought agents which would provide post-operative haemostasis without detrimentally affecting wound healing. Antifibrinolytics have been available for many years, however, their topical application has only been explored in the last few years. Recently different forms of chitosan have separately shown significant promise as powerful haemostatic and anti-adhesion agents. The aim of this thesis was to explore the progressive understanding of the interaction between haemostasis and wound healing with possible development of a novel agent. Methods: The first step to scientifically assess bleeding after sinus surgery was to develop a standardised method of video endoscopy and grading the surgical field during ESS. This was done as a multinational collaborative trial. Once this assessment tool was validated a randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of two antifibrinolytics (epsilon aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid) was conducted. Further evaluation was then conducted on other possible hemostatic and antiadhesion substances. This included various combinations of a novel chitosan gel. These gels were trialled in vitro to determine their effect on human nasal fibroblasts derived from CRS patients. Fibroblast adhesion and proliferation as well as closure of standardised wounds were studied. The most promising of these gels was then used in an in vivo sheep model. Once effectiveness of the chitosan-dextran gel was shown in the laboratory, this was evaluated against a number of currently available hemostatic and anti-adhesion substances in a standardised model of wound healing in sheep with CRS. This model had been previously extensively validated in our department. Full thickness mucosal injuries were created on the lateral nasal wall and ethmoids of twenty sheep and recombinant tissue factor (rTF), SprayGel or Chitosan-Dextran derivative gel applied topically in a randomized fashion. Adhesion formation and severity as well as microscopic wound healing and ciliary function were analysed at day 28, 56, 84 and 112 post initial surgery. A further sheep study was conducted applying chitosan dextran gel to standardised mucosal injuries and comparing its effect on the control of bleeding to control. Bleeding time and grade were recorded and wound healing monitored via serial videoendoscopy over two weeks and objectively measured. Results: a) Assessment of the bleeding scales showed that inter and intra observer reliability for both scales tested were significantly improved by employing a standardized video-endoscopy technique. The Wormald scale proved to be more reliable and sensitive to changes in the most common surgical fields encountered in ESS. b) Tranexamic acid showed a modest but clinically significant improvement in the surgical field at 2, 4 and 6 minutes after application. Epsilon aminocaproic acid did not effectively improve the surgical field. c) Nasal fibroblast adhesion and proliferation were significantly impaired with dextran and chitosan. The most effective ratio that delayed but did not prevent wound closure were 5 % chitosan: 5 % dextran gel. d) In a standardised sheep model of mucosal wound healing the chitosan gel significantly decreased lateral nasal wall and ethmoidal adhesions at all time points. The chitosan group had a significantly greater percentage of re-epithelialisation and reciliation than control and rTF. In addition the mean cilial grade in the chitosan group was significantly better than control. e) The chitosan dextran gel was significantly more haemostatic at 2,4, and 6 minutes after injury with no significant difference noted in wound healing. Conclusions: Standardised methods of videoendoscopy and grading the surgical field in ESS are valuable tools for further research. Tranexamic acid significantly improved the surgical field to a moderate degree in ESS compared to control. Chitosan gel is a promising new powerful haemostatic bio-polymer which has a mild inhibitory effect on fibroblast attachment and proliferation. This may partially explain the significant improvement in microscopic wound healing and reduction in adhesion formation seen in a sheep model of chronic sinusitis. Future work evaluating this gel in the setting of a human trial is currently underway. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1375402 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Medicine, 2009