Abstract The aim of the present work was to elucidate the incidence, associated risk factors and natural course of nephrocalcinosis (NC) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, and to evaluate renal function in affected infants during early childhood. The occurrence and course of NC in full-term infants receiving furosemide and in infants with congenital lactase deficiency were also studied. A total of 129 VLBW infants were screened for NC by renal ultrasonography (US) at 2 and 6 weeks and 3 months, and ultrasonic follow-up was performed on the infants with NC at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, and thereafter annually up to age 5-6 years or until ultrasonic resolution. NC was classified according to its pyramidal localisation and extent. Twenty VLBW children with neonatal NC and 20 control pairs without the condition were examined for renal function at 4.7 (SD 1.1) vs. 4.6 (0.9) years of age. Thirty-six full-term infants who had received furosemide treatment for congestive heart failure for at least 4 weeks and 36 control infants without any diuretic therapy were examined by renal US and by means of a random urine sample taken at a median age of 2.9 vs. 3.4 months. The case records of the 11 infants with congenital lactase deficiency were analysed for NC, and these children were re-evaluated at 2 to 10 years of age. NC was detected in 26 out of the 129 VLBW infants (20%). The infants with NC were sicker and smaller than the unaffected ones and had more often received furosemide, dexamethasone and theophylline treatment. NC was peripheral in 14 cases (54%), scattered in 7 (27%) and extensive in 5 (19%). All the casesof peripheral NC showed resolution at 12 months, but abnormal renal findings were seen in 3 out of the 7 with scattered NC and 3 out of the 4 surviving children with extensive NC at 24 months, in 2 of whom the condition persisted at age 5-6 years. The children with neonatal NC showed increased urinary calcium and μ2-microglobulin excretion as compared with the controls in early childhood, but there was no significant difference in distal tubular acidification capacity, nor in estimated creatinine clearance. Five out of the 36 full-term infants receiving long-term furosemide had NC, but none of the controls. The daily dose of furosemide and the urinary calcium concentration were both higher in the infants with NC. Abnormal renal findings were still visible in two of the cases at 24 months of age. Hypercalcaemia was found in 7 out of 10 infants with congenital lactase deficiency tested at the time of diagnosis, and NC was seen in 5 of the 7 cases examined by renal ultrasonography. No constant dysfunction in calcium homeostasis was seen at re-evaluation, but nephrocalcinotic changes were observable in 3 out of the 11 children. NC may complicate not only the course of VLBW infants, but also that of full-term infants with calciuric medication and diseases that involve hypercalcaemia. Some renal tubular dysfunction may result from NC in former preterm infants, but overall kidney function seems not to be seriously compromised in early childhood.

In sea turtles, body condition can be evaluated through subjective body condition scoring (BCS), calculating body condition index (BCI), and clinical blood parameters. The goal of this study was to analyze ultrasonography of subcutaneous fat depth as a method to estimate body condition in 10 green and 8 loggerhead sea turtle carcasses using two types of portable ultrasound technologies, the Ibex Evo® and the Renco Lean-Meater®. Despite the general lack of significant correlations between ultrasound-assisted, gross, and histological measurements, the dorsal shoulder and lateral neck were determined to provide the most consistent images of subcutaneous fat. Florida live-captured green turtles were sampled and ultrasound-assisted fat depth measurements were taken at the dorsal shoulder region; however, there were no significant correlations found between fat depth and BCI or blood analytes (PCV, total protein). BCI reference quartiles were created using associations between BCI and BCS to help provide biological context to BCI data and allow for rapid categorization of sea turtle body condition. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (MS)--Florida Atlantic University, 2021. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a knee injury resulting in pain localized to the patellar tendon. One main factor that causes PT is repetitive overloading of the tendon. Because of this mechanism, PT is commonly seen in "jumping sports" like basketball. This injury can severely impact a player's performance, and in order for a timely return to preinjury activity levels early diagnosis and treatment is important. The standard for the diagnosis of PT is a clinical examination, including a patient history and a physical assessment. Because PT has similar symptoms to injuries of other knee structures like the bursae, fat pad, and patellofemoral joint, imaging is regularly performed to aid in determining the correct diagnosis. One common imaging modality for the patellar tendon is gray-scale ultrasonography (GS-US). However, the accurate detection of PT in GS-US images is grader dependent and requires a high level of expertise. Machine learning (ML) models, which can accurately and objectively perform image classification tasks, could be used as a reliable automated tool to aid clinicians in assessing PT in GS-US images. ML models, like support vector machines (SVMs) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs), use features learned from labelled images, to predict the class of an unlabelled image. SVMs work by creating an optimal hyperplane between classes of labelled data points, and then classifies an unlabelled datapoint depending on which side of the hyperplane it falls. CNNs work by learning the set of features and recognizing what pattern of features describes each class. The objective of this study was to develop a SVM model and a CNN model to classify GS-US images of the patellar tendon as either normal or diseased (PT present), with an accuracy around 83%, the accuracy that experienced clinicians achieved when diagnosing PT in GS-US images that were already clinically diagnosed as either diseased or normal. We will also compare different test designs for each model to determine which achieved the highest accuracy. GS-US images of the patellar tendon were obtained from male and female Virginia Tech collegiate basketball athletes. Each image was labelled by an experienced clinician as either diseased or normal. These images were split into training and testing sets. The SVM and the CNN models were created using Python. For the SVM model, features were extracted from the training set using speeded up robust features (SURF). These features were then used to train the SVM model by calculating the optimal weights for the hyperplane. For the CNN model, the features were learned by layers within the CNN as were the optimal weights for classification. Both of these models were then used to predict the class of the images within the testing set, and the accuracy, sensitivity and precision of the models were calculated. For each model we looked at different test designs. The balanced designs had the same amount of diseased and normal images. The designs with Long images had only images taken in the longitudinal orientation, unlike Long+Trans, which had both longitudinal and transverse images. The designs with Full images contained the patellar tendon and surrounding tissue, whereas the ROI images removed the surrounding tissue. The best designs for the SVM model were the Unbalanced Long designs for both the Full and ROI images. Both designs had an accuracy of 77.5%. The best design for the CNN model was the Balanced Long+Trans Full design, with an accuracy of 80.3%. Both of the models had more difficulty classifying normal images than diseased images. This may be because the diseased images had a well defined feature pattern, while the normal images did not. Overall, the CNN features and classifier achieved a higher accuracy than the SURF features and SVM classifier. The CNN model is only slightly below 83%, the accuracy of an experienced clinician. These are promising results, and as the data set size increases and the models are fine tuned, the accuracy of the model will only continue to increase. / Master of Science / Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a common knee injury. This injury is frequently seen in sports like basketball, where athletes are regularly jumping and landing, and ultimately applying a lot of force onto the patellar tendon. This injury can severely impact a player's performance, and in order for a timely return to preinjury activity levels early diagnosis and treatment is important. Currently, diagnosis of PT involves a patient history and a physical assessment, and is commonly supplemented by ultrasound imaging. However, clinicians need to have a high level of expertise in order to accurately assess these images for PT. In order to aid in this assessment, a tool like Machine learning (ML) models could be used. ML is becoming more and more prevalent in our every day lives. These models are everywhere, from the facial recognition tool on your phone to the list of recommended items on your Amazon account. ML models can use features learned from labelled images, to predict the class of an unlabeled image. The objective of this study was to develop ML models to classify ultrasound images of the patellar tendon as either normal or diseased (PT present).

INTRODUÇÃO: A função renal fetal é avaliada tradicionalmente pelo aspecto ultrassonográfico, pela análise bioquímica da urina fetal, somada com o diagnóstico exato da natureza da lesão. A análise bioquímica da urina é uma avaliação invasiva e apresenta riscos maternos e fetais. A avaliação por meio da ultrassonografia é método não invasivo e a presença de oligoâmnio é indicativo de displasia renal grave, contudo, de diagnóstico tardio nos casos de patologia renal fetal. O volume renal fetal pode correlacionar-se com a sua função e pode ser avaliado por meio da ultrassonografia bidimensional. Entretanto, esse método apresenta subestimação no cálculo de volume, enquanto por meio da ultrassonografia tridimensional há maior precisão e acurácia em avaliar o volume renal fetal. A ultrassonografia Power Doppler tridimensional é o exame ideal para avaliar a vascularização de parênquima de órgãos fetais e pode ser útil na avaliação da função do rim fetal. OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo tem por objetivos utilizar a ultrassonografia tridimensional acoplado ao Power Doppler e elaborar curvas com valores de referência do volume e dos índices de vascularização dos rins fetais segundo a idade gestacional. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo prospectivo e transversal em gestantes sem patologia, com fetos únicos normais, entre 20 semanas completas a 39 semanas e 6 dias, que foram avaliados por meio da ultrassonografia tridimensional acoplada ao Power Doppler. Foram calculados o volume e os índices de vascularização dos rins fetais, construindo-se as curvas de normalidade. Os testes foram realizados com nível de significância de 5%. A variação intra e interobservador também foi analisada. RESULTADOS: Duzentos e treze fetos foram analisados, sendo que, em 211 casos, analisou-se o rim direito; em 209 o rim esquerdo e, em 204, os índices de vascularização. Os resultados foram ilustrados em gráficos de dispersão com os respectivos intervalos de normalidade com os percentis 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90 e 95 e criou-se uma tabela com as equações para estimar as medidas dos volumes renais e dos índices de vascularização pelos modelos de regressão. A avaliação intra e interobservador das mensurações do volume e dos índices de vascularização dos rins fetais apresentou boa reprodutibilidade. CONCLUSÃO: As medidas dos volumes renais fetais variam de forma exponencial, ao longo da idade gestacional, de acordo com os valores de referência propostos e as medidas dos índices de vascularização renais fetais, exceto o índice de fluxo, variam também de forma exponencial, ao longo da idade gestacional, de acordo com os valores de referência apresentados / INTRODUCTION: The fetal renal function is traditionally evaluated by ultrasound aspect, by biochemical analysis of fetal urine together with an accurate diagnosis of the nature of the lesion. Biochemical analysis of the urine is a invasive evaluation and presents risks maternal and fetal. The evaluation by means of ultrasound is noninvasive method and the presence of oligohydramnios is indicative of renal dysplasia serious, however of late diagnosis in cases of renal pathology fetal. The volume fetal renal can correlate with its function and may be assessed by means of twodimensional ultrasound. However, this method presents an underestimation in the calculation of volume, already by means of three-dimensional ultrasonography shows greater precision and accuracy in assessing the volume fetal renal. The threedimensional Power Doppler ultrasonography is the ideal examination to evaluate the vascularization of the parenchyma of fetal organs and may be useful in the evaluation of the function of the fetal kidney. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to use threedimensional ultrasonography coupled to Power Doppler and elaborate curves with reference values of the volume and indices of vascularization of fetal kidneys according to the gestational age. METHODS: A prospective study was performed and cross-sectional in pregnant women without pathology with fetuses only normal between 20 full weeks to 39 weeks and 6 days that were evaluated by means of three-dimensional ultrasonography coupled to Power Doppler. We calculated the volume and the index of vascularization of fetal kidneys, built to the curves of normality. The tests were performed with significance level of 5 %. The variation intra and interobserver were also analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirteen fetuses were analyzed, in 211 cases examined whether the right kidney; in 209, the left kidney and in 204 the indexes of vascularization. The results were illustrated in dispersion graphs with their normal ranges with percentiles 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90 and 95 and created a table with the equations to estimate measures of renal volume and indices of vascularization by the regression models. To assess intra and interobserver measurements of volume and indices of vascularization of fetal kidneys showed good reproducibility. CONCLUSION: The measures of renal volume fetal vary exponentially, along the gestational age, of agreement with the values of reference proposed and the measures of the indices of vascularization fetal renal, except the flow index, also vary exponentially, along the gestational age, of agreement with the reference values presented

INTRODUÇÃO: A função renal fetal é avaliada tradicionalmente pelo aspecto ultrassonográfico, pela análise bioquímica da urina fetal, somada com o diagnóstico exato da natureza da lesão. A análise bioquímica da urina é uma avaliação invasiva e apresenta riscos maternos e fetais. A avaliação por meio da ultrassonografia é método não invasivo e a presença de oligoâmnio é indicativo de displasia renal grave, contudo, de diagnóstico tardio nos casos de patologia renal fetal. O volume renal fetal pode correlacionar-se com a sua função e pode ser avaliado por meio da ultrassonografia bidimensional. Entretanto, esse método apresenta subestimação no cálculo de volume, enquanto por meio da ultrassonografia tridimensional há maior precisão e acurácia em avaliar o volume renal fetal. A ultrassonografia Power Doppler tridimensional é o exame ideal para avaliar a vascularização de parênquima de órgãos fetais e pode ser útil na avaliação da função do rim fetal. OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo tem por objetivos utilizar a ultrassonografia tridimensional acoplado ao Power Doppler e elaborar curvas com valores de referência do volume e dos índices de vascularização dos rins fetais segundo a idade gestacional. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo prospectivo e transversal em gestantes sem patologia, com fetos únicos normais, entre 20 semanas completas a 39 semanas e 6 dias, que foram avaliados por meio da ultrassonografia tridimensional acoplada ao Power Doppler. Foram calculados o volume e os índices de vascularização dos rins fetais, construindo-se as curvas de normalidade. Os testes foram realizados com nível de significância de 5%. A variação intra e interobservador também foi analisada. RESULTADOS: Duzentos e treze fetos foram analisados, sendo que, em 211 casos, analisou-se o rim direito; em 209 o rim esquerdo e, em 204, os índices de vascularização. Os resultados foram ilustrados em gráficos de dispersão com os respectivos intervalos de normalidade com os percentis 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90 e 95 e criou-se uma tabela com as equações para estimar as medidas dos volumes renais e dos índices de vascularização pelos modelos de regressão. A avaliação intra e interobservador das mensurações do volume e dos índices de vascularização dos rins fetais apresentou boa reprodutibilidade. CONCLUSÃO: As medidas dos volumes renais fetais variam de forma exponencial, ao longo da idade gestacional, de acordo com os valores de referência propostos e as medidas dos índices de vascularização renais fetais, exceto o índice de fluxo, variam também de forma exponencial, ao longo da idade gestacional, de acordo com os valores de referência apresentados / INTRODUCTION: The fetal renal function is traditionally evaluated by ultrasound aspect, by biochemical analysis of fetal urine together with an accurate diagnosis of the nature of the lesion. Biochemical analysis of the urine is a invasive evaluation and presents risks maternal and fetal. The evaluation by means of ultrasound is noninvasive method and the presence of oligohydramnios is indicative of renal dysplasia serious, however of late diagnosis in cases of renal pathology fetal. The volume fetal renal can correlate with its function and may be assessed by means of twodimensional ultrasound. However, this method presents an underestimation in the calculation of volume, already by means of three-dimensional ultrasonography shows greater precision and accuracy in assessing the volume fetal renal. The threedimensional Power Doppler ultrasonography is the ideal examination to evaluate the vascularization of the parenchyma of fetal organs and may be useful in the evaluation of the function of the fetal kidney. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to use threedimensional ultrasonography coupled to Power Doppler and elaborate curves with reference values of the volume and indices of vascularization of fetal kidneys according to the gestational age. METHODS: A prospective study was performed and cross-sectional in pregnant women without pathology with fetuses only normal between 20 full weeks to 39 weeks and 6 days that were evaluated by means of three-dimensional ultrasonography coupled to Power Doppler. We calculated the volume and the index of vascularization of fetal kidneys, built to the curves of normality. The tests were performed with significance level of 5 %. The variation intra and interobserver were also analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirteen fetuses were analyzed, in 211 cases examined whether the right kidney; in 209, the left kidney and in 204 the indexes of vascularization. The results were illustrated in dispersion graphs with their normal ranges with percentiles 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 90 and 95 and created a table with the equations to estimate measures of renal volume and indices of vascularization by the regression models. To assess intra and interobserver measurements of volume and indices of vascularization of fetal kidneys showed good reproducibility. CONCLUSION: The measures of renal volume fetal vary exponentially, along the gestational age, of agreement with the values of reference proposed and the measures of the indices of vascularization fetal renal, except the flow index, also vary exponentially, along the gestational age, of agreement with the reference values presented

The technique of transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) was used to assess cerebral blood flow (CBF) in humans. Studies were performed at rest and during dynamic submaximal exercise. In the resting experiments, TCD was combined with the technique of dynamic end-tidal forcing to study the dynamics of the CBF response to step changes in end-tidal (i.e. arterial) PC02 and PO2 In the resting and exercise experiments, the degree of consistency was examined between three indices of CBF that can be extracted from the TCD spectrum. Finally, the ventilatory and the CBF responses to acute isocapnic hypoxia were examined to try to quantify the possible reduction in ventilation that could be attributed to changes in CBF with hypoxia. In the studies performed at rest, during either hypoxia and/or hypercapnia (Chapter 2), the three indices of CBF extracted from the TCD spectrum were all consistent. However, during submaximal exercise (Chapter 5), the indices were less consistent and results suggest that the increase in CBF with exercise that has been reported with TCD needs to be treated with caution. The dynamic studies of the CBF response to step changes in end-tidal PC02 and PO2 in humans revealed that the CBF response to hypercapnia (Chapter 3) is characterised by a significant asymmetry, with a slower on-transient than off-transient, and also by a degree of undershoot following the relief of hypercapnia. The CBF response to hypocapnia (Chapter 4) is also characterised by a significant asymmetry, with a faster on-transient than off-transient. Furthermore, there is a slow progressive adaptation throughout the hypocapnic period. These studies show that the CBF responses to hypercapnia and hypocapnia are much faster than previously been thought. Finally, the work described in Chapter 6 attempts to quantify the possible reduction in ventilation that could be attributed to changes in CBF with hypoxia to determine whether it could be of sufficient magnitude to underlie hypoxic ventilatory decline (HVD). The results suggest that, in awake humans, changes in CBF during acute isocapnic hypoxia are quantitatively insufficient to underlie HVD.

O sucesso no emprego da inseminação artificial em suínos depende de inúmeros fatores, sendo o momento ideal de sua realização, um dos que mais influencia, o qual compreende um intervalo entre 0 e 24 horas antes da ovulação. Estudou-se as relações entre o intervalo desmame-cio (IDC), a duração do cio (DC) e o momento da ovulação (MO) e a influência da raça, ordem de parto e estação do ano sobre estas características e suas relações. Um total de 236 fêmeas, de uma unidade de produção de suínos no oeste Santa Catarina, foram observadas para a obtenção dos dados de IDC e DC, as quais eram testadas para o diagnóstico de cio 4 vezes ao dia, na presença do macho. A ovulação foi diagnosticada em 77 fêmeas, pela ultra-sonografia, por via trans-cutânea, em 3 exames diários com 8 horas de intervalo. As amostras de sangue para análise de progesterona, foram coletadas de 74 fêmeas, com 24 horas de intervalo, em 4 ocasiões para a determinação dos níveis: basal, 24, 48 e 72 horas após o início do cio, respectivamente, e submetidas a técnica de radioimunoensaio. A raça Landrace mostrou um IDC mais longo (113,62 horas) em comparação à Large White (linhagem 1) (102,45 horas) (P<0,05), mas não houveram diferenças significativas destas em relação à Large White (linhagem 2). Fêmeas de 1º parto apresentaram um IDC mais longo (117,44 horas) que às de 2º parto (100,47 horas) e acima deste (104,78 horas) (P<0,05). Não houve influência da estação do ano sobre nenhuma das características. Houve interação entre estação do ano e ordem de parto sobre o MO, sendo que, nas fêmeas acima de 2º parto, o MO médio estimado foi de 51,76 horas na estação 1 e de 36,56 horas na estação 2 (P<0,05). Houve correlação negativa entre intervalo desmame-cio e duração do cio (r=-0,4657; P=0,0001) e entre intervalo desmame-cio e momento da ovulação (r=-0,3955; P=0,0004), no entanto, não houve correlação entre duração do cio e momento da ovulação (r=0,2201; P=0,0578). Não foi possível mostrar influências de raça, ordem de parto e estação de ano sobre as relações entre IDC, DC e MO através da análise de regressão com comparação de retas. Houve baixa correlação entre a ultra-sonografia e a análise de progesterona (MOP), para o diagnóstico da ovulação (r=0,3396;P=0.0209), sem correlação quando a ocorrência da ovulação foi considerada em intervalos de 24 horas a partir do início do cio (r=0,2637;P=0,0766). A porcentagem de fêmeas que, pela ultra-sonografia, ovularam entre 0 e 24, 24 e 48, 48 e 72 e acima de 72 horas após o início do cio foi de, respectivamente, 0%, 58,4%, 37,5% e 4,2% para o IDC de 3 dias, 3,2%, 67,7%, 29,2% e 0% para o IDC de 4 dias, 0%, 91,6%, 8,3% e 0% para o IDC de 5 dias e 10%, 90%, 0% e 0% para o IDC de 6 e 7 dias. Pela análise de progesterona, para os mesmos intervalos, respectivamente, a porcentagem fêmeas foi de 4,5%, 36,3%, 50% e 9,1% para o IDC de 3 dias, 3,6%, 32,2%, 60,7% e 3,6% para o IDC de 4 dias, 5,9%, 35,3%, 52,9% e 5,9% para o IDC de 5 dias e 14,3%, 57,1%, 28,6% e 0% para o IDC de 6 e 7 dias. Nestas condições, o I DC não se mostrou uma referência confiável para ser utilizado como um preditor do momento ideal da inseminação. No entanto, conhecimento das características IDC, DC e MO dentro de cada rebanho ajudam a apontar falhas e elaborar programas eficientes de IA. / The success of artificial insemination (AI) depends on several factors. The ideal moment to realize the AI is a limiting factor and it is defined as O to 24 hours before ovulation. Relationships between weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI), duration of estrus (DE) and moment of ovulation (MO) and the influence of breed, parity and season over these characteristics and the relationships with each other were studied. In a total of 236 sows, of a farm in the west of Santa Catarina, were observed to record the data of WEI and DE, which were tested by back pressure 4 times a day, in presence of a boar. The ovulation was diagnosed in 77 sows, by transcutaneous ultrasonography, 3 times a day at intervals of 8 hours. The blood samples to progesterone analyze were collected of 74 SOWS, at 24 hours intervals, at 4 occasions to determine basal, 24, 48, 72 hours levels after estrus onset, respectively, and submitted to radioimunoassay. The breed Landrace showed a WEI longer (113,62 hours) than Large White (Iine 1) (102,45 hours) (P<0,05), but there were no differences in relation to Large White (Iine 2). First parity sows presented a WEI longer (117,44 hours) than second parity sows (100,47 hours) and over second parity (104,78 hours) (P<O,05). There was no influence of season over ali the studied characteristics. There was interaction between season and parity over MO because females over second parity showed an average MO of 51,76 hours in season 1 and 36,56 hours in season 2 (P<0,05). There was negative correlation between WEI and DE (r=-O,4657; P=O,0001) and between WEI and MO (r=-O, 3955; P=O,0004), however, there was no correlation between DE and MO (r=0,2201; P=0,0578). It was not possible to show influence of breed, parity and season over the relationships between WEI, DE and MO by analyze of regression with line comparison. There was low correlation between ultrasonography and analyze of progesterone (MOP), to diagnose ovulation (r=O,3396;P=0.0209) and no correlation when the occurrence of ovulation was considered at intervals of 24 hours since onset of estrus (r=O,2637;P=O,0766). The percentage of females that ovulated (detected by ultrasonography), between O to 24, 24 to 48,48 to 72 and over 72 hours after the onset of estrus was, respectively, 0%, 58,4%, 37,5% and 4,2% to WEI of 3 days, 3,2%, 67,7%, 29,2% and 0% to WEI of 4 days, 0%, 91,6%, 8,3% e 0% to WEI of 5 days and 10%, 90%, 0% and 0% to WEI of 6 and 7 days. By progesterone levels, for the same intervals, respectively, the percentage was 4,5%, 36,3%, 50% and 9,1% to WEI of 3 days, 3,6%, 32,2%, 60,7% and 3,6% to WEI of 4 days, 5,9%, 35,3%, 52,9% and 5,9% to WEI of 5 days and 14,3%, 57,1%, 28,6% and 0% to IDe of 6 and 7 days. In these conditions, the WEI was not a good reference to be utilized as a predictor of ideal moment of insemination. However, the information about the characteristics WEI, DE and MO within each herd help to point the mistakes and to develop AI programs.

Warm-up routines commonly include stretching to increase flexibility (joint range of motion - ROM), optimise performance, and reduce the risk of injury. Literature suggests that static stretching as part of the warm-up routines decreases force and power production compared to an active warm-up or a warm-up including dynamic stretching, and therefore could be detrimental to performance. This has led to an increased interest in the use of dynamic stretching by many athletes while the benefits of such interventions and their potential mechanisms of action are not well understood. Studies presented in this thesis were conducted to examine the effects of acute dynamic stretching on aspects of performance (e.g. torque production capacity of the plantarflexors and running economy) and to identify possible neuromechanical mechanisms underpinning any potential changes. Furthermore, we attempted to examine whether altered pain tolerance/perception to stretch may be a contributing factor to the increased ROM using adaptations in the neural substrates involved by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique. In the first study, both slow dynamic stretching and fast dynamic stretching increased ROM, and this was due to an increased tendon elongation. Importantly, dynamic stretching was not detrimental to the torque producing capacity of the ankle plantarflexors. Effects of dynamic stretching on the sensorimotor performance remained mainly unclear. Employment of shear wave elastography technique in the second study suggested an increase in muscle stiffness, a decrease in fascicle strain, and showed an increase in muscle thickness after dynamic stretching, supporting an increase in tendon compliance as a contributing factor to increased flexibility after dynamic stretching. In the third study, the improved running economy by dynamic stretching may be attributable to the decreased dynamic joint ankle and vertical stiffness. The fMRI study was not conclusive due to methodological issues. Present findings have practical implications for the use of dynamic stretching in sporting contexts.

Orientador: Ilza Maria Urbano Monteiro / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-07T13:24:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Gomes_DanielaAngerameYela_D.pdf: 1084078 bytes, checksum: 7a9455d9433e04415da9abe38a3a7a0f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008 / Resumo: Introdução: As doenças intra-uterinas são freqüentes entre as mulheres. Entre estas doenças podemos citar os pólipos endometriais, miomas, sinéquias intrauterinas, malformações uterinas, hiperplasias endometriais e câncer de endométrio. Para seu diagnóstico dispõe-se de métodos como o ultra-som e a histeroscopia diagnóstica, considerada padrão-ouro. O ultra-som, que surgiu na ginecologia na década de 70, avalia a espessura do endométrio, sua alteração de ecogenecidade e seus limites. Através destas características pode sugerir a doença, mas muitas vezes deixa dúvidas sobre o diagnóstico definitivo presente no útero. Apesar disso, é um método de fácil realização e com alta sensibilidade para alterações uterinas. A histeroscopia, por sua vez, é um exame mais preciso, pois permite uma melhor identificação das tumorações intracavitárias, embora para o diagnóstico definitivo seja freqüentemente necessário que se lance mão de biópsias. A dificuldade de aprendizado desta técnica tem atrapalhado a difusão da técnica. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do ultra-som transvaginal e da histeroscopia ambulatorial no diagnóstico das alterações intra-uterinas. Sujeitos e Métodos: Foram realizados dois estudos, um deles com mulheres após a menopausa e outro na menacme. Os estudos foram retrospectivos, tipo teste diagnóstico. Dentre as 469 mulheres submetidas à histeroscopia ambulatorial diagnóstica no ano de 2006 no Centro de Atenção à Saúde da Mulher - Caism/Unicamp, foram excluídas 79 por não possuírem ultra-sonografia. Cento e quarenta e sete não estavam menopausadas e 243 já tinham apresentado menopausa. Foram calculados a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo, valor preditivo negativo e a acurácia. O padrão-ouro para a ultra-sonografia foi à histeroscopia diagnóstica e para a histeroscopia diagnóstica foi o anatomopatológico. As fichas do estudo foram preenchidas através da análise de seus prontuários. Análise dos dados: Os dados coletados foram registrados em uma Planilha Excel e transferidos para o software SAS versão 9.1.3, considerando um nível de significância (a) de 0,05 e um poder (1-ß) de 0,80. Resultados: O grupo das mulheres na menopausa teve média de idade de 61± 9,4 anos. Observamos 6,6% de casos de hiperplasia endometrial e câncer de endométrio e o diagnóstico mais freqüente foi de pólipo endometrial (54%). O ultra-som apresentou sensibilidade de 95,6%, especificidade de 7,4% e acurácia de 53,7%, enquanto que a histeroscopia apresentou sensibilidade de 95,7%, especificidade de 83% e acurácia de 88,7%. No outro grupo, a média de idade foi de 40±8,2 anos. Não encontramos nenhum caso de câncer endometrial, mas houve três casos de hiperplasia de endométrio. A histeroscopia foi normal em 44% dos casos e observamos 34% de pólipos endometriais. A sensibilidade do ultra-som no diagnóstico de pólipo foi de 52,9% e a especificidade de 68,4%, com acurácia de 61,2%, enquanto que na histeroscopia a sensibilidade foi de 78,8%, a especificidade de 67,6% e a acurácia de 73,1%. No diagnóstico de mioma temos 70,6% e 64,3% de sensibilidade, 44,3% e 98,1% de especificidade e 63,3% e 91,2% de acurácia, respectivamente, para o ultra-som e para a histeroscopia. Conclusão: A histeroscopia apresentou maior acurácia que o ultra-som no diagnóstico das patologias intra-uterinas em ambos os grupos / Abstract: Introduction: Intrauterine diseases are common morbid disorders. Endometrial polyps, myomas, synechiae, uterine malformations, endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer are cited among intrauterine pathology. The investigations using ultrasonography and outpatient hysteroscopy had been a gold standard. Ultrasonography has been utilized for pelvic examination in the early 1970's. It shows endometrial thickness and heterogeneous variations within the echogenecity of the endometrium uterine pathology. Ultrasonography is easy to apply for evaluation of intrauterine pathology and it has high sensitivy to diagnostic for intrauterine disorders. Hysteroscopy was used the gold standard control. It permited the better identification of intrauterine pathology but the histologic examination has been used for definitive diagnostic. Difficulty apprenticeship this technique had been perturbed technique diffusion. Objectives: To evaluate the efficiency of transvaginal ultrasonography and outpatient hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of intrauterine pathology. Subjects and methods: Two studies were done, one with postmenopausal women and another with premenopausal women. The studies conducted were a retrospective diagnostic-type test. They involved a total of 469 women underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy in 2006 in Women's Integral Healthcare Center - CAISM/Unicamp. Seventy-nine women were excluded due to lack of ultrasound results in their medical charts. One-hundred and forty-seven premenopausal women and two-hundred and forty-three postmrnopausal women. For statistical analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy. The gold standard of the ultrasonography was the hysteroscopy and the gold standard of the hysteroscopy was the endometrium biopsy. The study chips were performed after analysis medical charts. Data analysis: The collected data were registered by means of the Microsoft Excel and transferred to SAS version 9.1.3 statistics program, considering a significance level (a) of 0.05 and 0.80 power (1-ß). Results: The mean age of postmenopausal women was 61±9.4 yaers. We observed 6.6% of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer and 54% of endometrial polyps. Ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 95.6%, a specificity of 7.4% and an accuracy of 53.7%, while hysteroscopy had a sensitivity of 95.7%, a specificity of 83% and an accuracy of 88.7%. The mean age of premenopausal women was 40±8.2 years. Endometrial cancer was not observed and two cases of endometrial hyperplasia were found. Hysteroscopy was normal in 44% and we observed 34% of endometrial polyps. Sensibility was 52.9%, specificity was 68.4% and the accuracy was 61.2% for polyps on ultrasonography while in hysteroscopy was 78.8%, 67.6% and 73.1% respectively. For myoma, sensitivily was 70.6% and 64.3%, specificity was 44.3% and 98.1% and accuracy was 63.3% and 91.2% in ultrasonography and hysteroscopy respectively. Conclusion: Hysteroscopy had better diagnostic accuracy than ultrasonography for the detection of intrauterine pathology. / Doutorado / Tocoginecologia / Doutor em Tocoginecologia

Fong Siu Lai. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 187-196). / Acknowledgement --- p.v / Abstract --- p.vii / Chapter Chapter One --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter Chapter Two --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.4 / Chapter 1 --- STRUCTURE OF SKIN --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1 --- epidermis / Chapter 1.1.1 --- stratum corneum / Chapter 1.1.2 --- stratum lucidum / Chapter 1.1.3 --- stratum granulosum / Chapter 1.1.4 --- stratum spinosum / Chapter 1.1.5 --- stratum germinativum / Chapter 1.2 --- dermis / Chapter 1.2.1 --- collagen / Chapter 1.2.2 --- elastin / Chapter 1.2.3 --- reticulin / Chapter 1.2.4 --- fibroblasts / Chapter 1.2.5 --- ground subsatnce / Chapter 1.3 --- dermo-epidermal junction / Chapter 1.4 --- skin appendages / Chapter 1.4.1 --- hair / Chapter 1.4.2 --- nails / Chapter 1.4.3 --- glands / Chapter 1.5 --- cutaneous vascular system / Chapter 1.5.1 --- cutaneous blood flow and its significance / Chapter 1.5.2 --- cutaneous lymphatic flow / Chapter 2 --- FUNCTIONS OF SKIN --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1 --- protection / Chapter 2.2 --- sensation / Chapter 2.3 --- thermal regulation / Chapter 2.4 --- absorption / Chapter 2.5 --- protection against ultraviolet radiation / Chapter 2.6 --- storage / Chapter 3 --- BIOMECHANICS OF SKIN --- p.28 / Chapter 3.1 --- skin elasticity and the physical variation / Chapter 3.2 --- mechanical properties / Chapter 3.2.1 --- tensile strength / Chapter 3.2.2 --- distensibility / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Young's modulus / Chapter 3.2.4 --- visco-elastic character / Chapter 3.2.5 --- hysteresis / Chapter 3.3 --- fibre orientation / Chapter 3.4 --- mechanical considerations / Chapter 3.5 --- physiological factors / Chapter 3.6 --- clinical application / Chapter 4 --- PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF HUMAN SKIN --- p.47 / Chapter 4.1 --- response to mechanical loading / Chapter 4.1.1 --- triple response / Chapter 4.1.2 --- reactive hyperaemia / Chapter 4.2 --- thermal response / Chapter 4.2.1 --- skin temperature / Chapter 4.2.2 --- response to heat / Chapter 4.2.3 --- response to cold / Chapter 4.3 --- local tissue response to burn / Chapter Chapter Three --- BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT STUDY --- p.55 / Chapter 1 --- BURN INJURIES --- p.55 / Chapter 1.1 --- nature / Chapter 1.2 --- depth / Chapter 1.3 --- extent / Chapter 1.4 --- location of burn / Chapter 1.5 --- age / Chapter 1.6 --- "associated major trauma, inhalation injury" / Chapter 1.7 --- general health status / Chapter 2 --- WOUND HEALING PROCESS --- p.65 / Chapter 2.1 --- role of collagen in wound healing / Chapter 2.2 --- role of oxygen in wound healing / Chapter 2.3 --- role of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in wound healing / Chapter 2.4 --- role of mast cells in wound healing / Chapter 3 --- HYPERTROPHIC SCAR --- p.71 / Chapter 3.1 --- aetiological factors / Chapter 3.1.1 --- age / Chapter 3.1.2 --- time for wound healing / Chapter 3.1.3 --- racial factor / Chapter 3.1.4 --- depth of injury / Chapter 3.1.5 --- location / Chapter 3.1.6 --- tension / Chapter 3.2 --- characteristics / Chapter 3.3 --- pathogenesis of hypertrophic scar / Chapter 3.3.1 --- blood flow / Chapter 3.3.2 --- tissue gas / Chapter 3.3.3 --- filamentous material / Chapter 3.3.4 --- mast cells / Chapter 3.3.5 --- chondroitin sulfate / Chapter 3.3.6 --- enzyme proline hydroxylase / Chapter 3.4 --- histopathology / Chapter 3.5 --- response towards pressure / Chapter 4 --- TREATMENT OF POST-BURN HYPERTROPHIC SCAR AND THEIR RESPONSE --- p.92 / Chapter 4.1 --- surgery / Chapter 4.2 --- radiotherapy / Chapter 4.3 --- ultrasonics / Chapter 4.4 --- chemotherapy/ intralesional injection of steroid / Chapter 4.5 --- pressure therapy / Chapter 4.6 --- topical silicone gel / Chapter 4.6.1 --- mechanics / Chapter 4.6.2 --- bacteriology / Chapter 4.6.3 --- water-vapour transmission rate / Chapter 4.6.4 --- appearance in the Scanning Electronic Microscope / Chapter 4.7 --- prevention of hypertrophic scar and scar contracture / Chapter 5 --- ASSESSMENT TOOLS FOR HYPERTROPHIC SCAR AND THE CLINICAL APPLICATION --- p.105 / Chapter 5.1 --- clinical observation of the appearance / Chapter 5.2 --- ultrasonography and thickness / Chapter 5.2.1 --- ultrasound / Chapter 5.2.2 --- pulse-echo distance measurement / Chapter 5.2.3 --- echo generation / Chapter 5.2.4 --- transducer beam pattern / Chapter 5.2.5 --- ultrasound instrumentation / Chapter 5.2.6 --- application of ultrasound in the study of hypertrophic scar thickness / Chapter 5.3 --- elastometry (Cutometer) and elasticity / Chapter 5.4 --- application of elastometry / Chapter Chapter Four --- OBJECTIVES & METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY --- p.123 / Chapter 1 --- Objectives of the study --- p.123 / Chapter 2 --- Study subjects --- p.123 / Chapter 3 --- Methodology --- p.125 / Chapter 4 --- Assessment of thickness of hypertrophic scar --- p.128 / Chapter 5 --- Assessment of visco-elasticity of hypertrophic scar --- p.130 / Chapter 6 --- Clinical rating scale --- p.133 / Chapter 7 --- Study of normal skin as control --- p.133 / Chapter 8 --- Reliability of the ultrasound and cutometer measurement --- p.134 / Chapter Chapter Five --- RESULTS --- p.136 / Chapter 1 --- Inter- and intra- examiner variations of the ultrasound and cutometer measurement --- p.136 / Chapter 2 --- Comparison with normal skin control --- p.138 / Chapter 3 --- Results of ultrasonographic measurements of thickness of hypertrophic scar and its correlation with the clinical grading --- p.139 / Chapter 4 --- Results of Cutometer reading (visco-elastic properties) and the correlation with clinical grading --- p.142 / Chapter 5 --- Observation from raw data --- p.152 / Chapter Chapter Six --- DISCUSSION --- p.154 / Chapter 1 --- Measuring thickness with ultrasonography and clinical grading --- p.157 / Chapter 2 --- Elastic properties of hypertrophic scar and clinical grading --- p.158 / Chapter 3 --- The predictive value of the ultrasonography and elastometry through monthly longitudinal measurement --- p.161 / Chapter 4 --- Inter- and intra- examinar reliability of the ultrasonography and elastometry in the assessmetn of post-burn hypertrophic scar --- p.164 / Chapter 5 --- "The use of a composite ""Visco-elasticity-Thickness Chart"" and case studies" --- p.165 / Chapter 6 --- Limitations of the study --- p.182 / Chapter Chapter Seven --- CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION FOR FURTHER STUDY --- p.184 / REFERENCES --- p.187 / APPENDICES --- p.197 / Appendix 1 Patients' record --- p.197 / Appendix 2 Record of the scars --- p.200 / Appendix 3 Clinical Grading of the hypertrophic scar --- p.202 / Appendix 4 Measurement of the visco-elastic properties --- p.204 / Appendix 5 Ultrasonic measurements of the hypertrophic scars --- p.235 / Appendix 6 List of graphs --- p.237 / Appendix 7 List of figures --- p.238 / Appendix 8 List of tables --- p.240