Lumbo-pelvic stability and electromyography of abdominal muscles in ballet dancers

Evaluating the ability to rectify and maintain lumbar adjustment can contribute toward the understanding of the behavior of abdominal muscles and their participation in the stability of pelvic muscles in dancers during the posterior pelvic tilt and double straight leg lowering tests. Nine healthy volunteers (male and female ballet dancers; age mean: 25.9 ±7.37 years) underwent maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC), isometric voluntary contraction at 50% of MIVC, posterior pelvic tilt (PPT) and double straight leg lowering (DSLL) tests. The tests were carried out in a single day, with 3 repetitions each. During the tests, electromygraphic signals of the rectus abdominis, obliquus internus and obliquus externus were recorded. The signal acquisition system was made up of bipolar surface electrodes, electrogoniometer and an electromechanic device (pressure sensor), which were connected to a signal conditioner module. Root mean square values of each muscle during the DSLL and PPT were converted into percentage of activation of 50% MIVC. Lower back pressure was submitted to the same process. ANOVA with repeated measures was performed, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. The results revealed that all dancers were able to maintain posterior pelvic tilt and there was trend toward greater activation of the bilateral obliquus internus muscle. In an attempt to keep the pelvic region stabilized during DSLL, there was a greater contribution from the obliquus externus muscle in relation to other abdominal muscles.

Histological outcomes on the development of new space-making devices for maxillary sinus floor augmentation

Background: Previous studies have pointed out that the mere elevation of the maxillary sinus membrane promotes bone formation without the use of augmentation materials. Purpose: This experimental study aimed at evaluating if the two-stage procedure for sinus floor augmentation could benefit from the use of a space-making device in order to increase the bone volume to enable later implant installation with good primary stability. Materials and Methods: Six male tufted capuchin primates (Cebus apella) were subjected to extraction of the three premolars and the first molar on both sides of the maxilla to create an edentulous area. The sinuses were opened using the lateral bone-wall window technique, and the membrane was elevated. One resorbable space-making device was inserted in each maxillary sinus, and the bone window was returned in place. The animals were euthanatized after 6 months, and biopsy blocks containing the whole maxillary sinus and surrounding soft tissues were prepared for ground sections. Results: The histological examination of the specimens showed bone formation in contact with both the schneiderian membrane and the device in most cases even when the device was displaced. The process of bone formation indicates that this technique is potentially useful for two-stage sinus floor augmentation. The lack of stabilization of the device within the sinus demands further improvement of space-makers for predictable bone augmentation. Conclusions: It is concluded that (1) the device used in this study did not trigger any important inflammatory reaction; (2) when the sinus membrane was elevated, bone formation was a constant finding; and (3) an ideal space-making device should be stable and elevate the membrane to ensure a maintained connection between the membrane and the secluded space. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mare's folliculogenesis: Assessment of ovarian and perifollicular vascular perfusion by doppler ultrasound

Background: Ultrasound Doppler is a new technology that has recently been used in large animal reproduction. As the conventional ultrasound (B-mode) it is a noninvasive technique, but with the advantage of allows the assessment of the hemodynamic of reproductive tract in real time. The observation of important features of the vascularization and changes that occur during physiological processes that were not previously seen on B-mode encourage a reassessment of the concepts already established on the events of the reproductive physiology of animals and their applications. Review: In attempt to re-understand the equine reproductive physiology and finding practical uses to this new technique, authors showed that, during the follicular deviation, features are observed by Doppler before being observed under B-mode ultrasound like changes in the speed of the blood flow two days before deviation of the follicle size and one day before the increase in blood flow area of the follicular wall. According to another study ovulation is characterized by a decreased blood flow of the follicular wall in the last four hours preceding it, as well as the serration of the granulosa layer and formation of a non vascularized apex, but in our ongoing study, the ability to decrease the vascularity was not found. Very vascularized follicles are associated with higher rates of oocyte maturation and pregnant that does less vascularized follicles in the preovulatory phase. Those follicles that have septated evacuation (or prolonged) showed more vascularization and serration of the granulosa one hour before ovulation than follicles that ovulate normally, and this vascularization includes the apex of the follicle, the follicular wall portion that is not vascularized in normal ovulation. Another study reported that hemorrhagic follicles have better vascularization of the follicular wall on the days preceding ovulation than follicles destined to ovulate. Some authors also showed that anovulatory follicles grow in size at the same rate as ovulatory follicles, but the percentage of vascularization of its wall is much smaller at 35 mm. Another study characterized that the vascular wall of the follicle that results in the first ovulation of the year is much smaller on the day before ovulation than the number of vessels present in a follicle that will ovulate in the middle of the breeding season. In these cases, the use of Doppler ultrasound can help to prevent economic losses as insemination of mares in cycles that are not able of resulting in pregnancy. This review aims to gather the information found in the literature about the characteristics of follicular hemodynamic of mares taking into account moments of deviation in follicle size, ovulation, ovulation failure and follicular viability. Conclusion: The Doppler technology has the potential to provide important information about the follicular environment and thus be used in practice in search of the perfect equine reproductive management, achieving better utilization of genetic material and increasing the financial return. The use of this new tool opens a large area for several interesting studies that will contribute to the knowledge of the physiological events of the mare for that this technique can soon be effectively applied.

Hydatidiform mole resulting from sexual violence

Background. Hydatidiform mole (HM) is characterized by abnormal proliferation of human trophoblast with producers functioning tissues of human chorionic gonadotropin. It can evolve with ovarian cysts tecaluteínicos, hypertension of pregnancy or hyperthyroidism. The incidence of HM is variable and its etiology poorly known, associated with nutritional factors, environmental, age, parity, history of HM, oral contraceptives, smoking, consanguinity or defects in germ cells. There is no reference in literature on HM resulting from sexual violence, objective of this report. Method. Description of two cases of HM among 1146 patients with pregnancy resulting from sexual violence treated at Hospital Pérola Byington, São Paulo, from July 1994 to August 2011. Results. The cases affected young, white, unmarried, low educated and low parity women. Sexual violence was perpetrated by known offenders unrelated to the victims, under death threat. Ultrasound and CT of the pelvis showed bulky uterus compatible with HM without myometrial invasion. One case was associated with theca lutein cysts. The two cases were diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy and evolved with hyperthyroidism. There was no hypertension, disease recurrence, metastasis or sexually transmitted infection. Conclusion. The incidence of HM was 1:573 pregnancies resulting from rape, within the range estimated for Latin American countries. Trophoblastic material can be preserved to identify the violence perpetrator, considering only the paternal HM chromosomes. History of sexual violence should be investigated in cases of HM in the first half of adolescence and women in a vulnerable condition. © 2012 Drezzet et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of parotid abscess

Ultrasound (US) has been used as a tool for parotid abscess diagnosis and treatment. The present article aimed to report a case of 72-year-old woman with parotid abscess treated by US-guided needle aspiration and conventional surgical drainage. Along with the clinical report, indications, advantages, and limitations of the method are discussed.

Engaging environments: Tacit knowledge sharing on the shop floor

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that facilitate tacit knowledge sharing in unstructured work environments, such as those found in automated production lines. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on a qualitative approach, and it draws data from a four-month field study at a blown-molded glass factory. Data collection techniques included interviews, informal conversations and on-site observations, and data were interpreted using content analysis. Findings: The results indicated that sharing of tacit knowledge is facilitated by an engaging environment. An engaging environment is supported by shared language and knowledge, which are developed through intense communication and a strong sense of collegiality and a social climate that is dominated by openness and trust. Other factors that contribute to the creation of an engaging environment include managerial efforts to provide appropriate work conditions and to communicate company goals, and HRM practices such as the provision of formal training, on-the-job training and incentives. Practical implications: This paper clarifies the scope of managerial actions that impact knowledge creation and sharing among blue-collar workers. Originality/value: Despite the acknowledgement of the importance of blue-collar workers' knowledge, both the knowledge management and operations management literatures have devoted limited attention to it. Studies related to knowledge management in unstructured working environments are also not abundant. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Ultrassonografia Doppler na avaliação renal de cadelas diagnosticadas com piometra antes e após tratamento com ovariosalpingohisterectomia

The aim of this study was evaluate the renal hemodynamics of bitches with pyometra by means of laboratory tests, ultrasound B mode and Doppler, before and after treatment with ovariohysterectomy (OSH). This study evaluated 30 bitches with pyometra, all were subjected to OSH (moment 1) and 20 were evaluated after 7 days (moment 2). The renal perfusion, the resistivity index (RI) of the main renal artery and the interlobar arteries (cranial, middle and caudal) were statistically different between times 1 and 2 (p<0,05). There was no statistical difference for renal perfusion between the left and the right kidney at the time 1 and 2. The correlations between the IR of the main artery and the variables used to determine renal function were stablished at the time 1. For the correlated variables: urea, creatinine, proteinuria, ratio GGT/creatinine and protein/creatinine were curvilinear and positive associations with the resistivity index of the main renal artery (p<0,05), however these correlations were considered medium and weak. Comparing the RI of the main renal artery with different scores of dehydration and renal perfusion, there was statistical difference, and show increased of resistance renal in bitches with moderate reduction in renal perfusion as well as in dehydrated bitches. Were evaluated several features of renal morphology in ultrasound B mode, however, only the presence of pelvic dilatation, medullary signal and other changes as infarcts areas and diffuse hyperechoic spots in the renal cortical and medullary were statistically different from one moment to the other, most frequently at the time 2. The results of this study show that the Doppler ultrasound can identify changes of reduction in renal perfusion by color Doppler and the increasing of the resistivity index of the renal arteries in some bitches with pyometra. As well as, the ultrasound B mode, although has non-specific changes, can detect progressive renal disorders in bitches with pyometra.

Nodular dermatofibrosis in a gentian shepherd dog: case report

An 7-year-old male German shepherd dog not neutered was attended presenting several cutaneous nodules ranging from 0.5-3 cm in diameter at least a one year history, located mainly in thoracic and pelvic limbs, with progressive weight loss over two months. Fine needle aspiration biopsy and pelvic and thoracic limbs nodules excision biopsy were performed. After histopathological diagnosis, nodular dermatofibrosis diagnosis was determined and abdominal ultrasound was performed for possible renal cysts evaluation. The animal received treatment to control secondary bacterial infection. It is necessary to carry out histopathological examination and ultraosund to identify possible renal cysts and for definitive diagnosis. There is no specific treatment for nodular dermatofibrosis. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information.

Automatic microstructural characterization and classification using artificial intelligence techniques on ultrasound signals

Secondary phases such as Laves and carbides are formed during the final solidification stages of nickel based superalloy coatings deposited during the gas tungsten arc welding cold wire process. However, when aged at high temperatures, other phases can precipitate in the microstructure, like the γ″ and δ phases. This work presents a new application and evaluation of artificial intelligent techniques to classify (the background echo and backscattered) ultrasound signals in order to characterize the microstructure of a Ni-based alloy thermally aged at 650 and 950 °C for 10, 100 and 200 h. The background echo and backscattered ultrasound signals were acquired using transducers with frequencies of 4 and 5 MHz. Thus with the use of features extraction techniques, i.e.; detrended fluctuation analysis and the Hurst method, the accuracy and speed in the classification of the secondary phases from ultrasound signals could be studied. The classifiers under study were the recent optimum-path forest (OPF) and the more traditional support vector machines and Bayesian. The experimental results revealed that the OPF classifier was the fastest and most reliable. In addition, the OPF classifier revealed to be a valid and adequate tool for microstructure characterization through ultrasound signals classification due to its speed, sensitivity, accuracy and reliability. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of follicular events in owl monkeys (Aotus azarai infulatus) using B-mode and Doppler ultrasound

Ultrasound (B-mode) was used to analyze follicular events in 12 trained female owl monkeys (Aotus azarai infulatus). The animals were examined every 48 hours for over 90days to measure and map follicular growth in both ovaries and to measure (using Doppler velocimetry) local hemodynamic changes during the peri-ovulatory stage. There were 44 follicular growth events, each with two or three follicular waves, and a mean ± SEM interval between events of 17 ± 1.13 days. There were various hemodynamic changes during follicular growth; both vascular resistance index and pulsatility index decreased during the time when the follicle diameter peaked. Thus, both B-mode and Doppler ultrasound were useful for monitoring ovarian follicular events in owl monkeys. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Ultrasound evaluation of common carotid artery blood flow in the Labrador retriever

Background: Doppler ultrasound (DUS) examination provides quantitative and qualitative information concerning the blood flow in veins and arteries, enabling their morphological evaluation and the collection of hemodynamic data. Dogs and cats as well as humans may display neurological signs of brain hypoperfusion secondary to common carotid alterations. Hence, DUS examination might aid in the differential diagnosis of neurological disorders of ischemic origin, among other causes. The objective of this study was to register normal values for systolic peak velocity, minimum diastolic velocity, diameter and resistance index of both common carotid arteries of 12 healthy Labrador retriever dogs between 2 and 5 years of age. By gathering these values, we might be able to improve the sensitivity of hemodynamic studies in clinically important brain disorders. Results: There were no statistical differences between the values for the right and left vessels: the systolic peak velocity was 75.8 ± 16 cm/s, minimum diastolic velocity was 12.2 ± 4 cm/s, common carotid diameter was 0.545 ± 0.063 cm, and resistance index was 0.83 ± 0.07. Conclusions: The results of this study might be used to establish normal parameters for Labrador retriever dogs and thus help in the diagnosis of neurological disorders associated with alterations of the carotid arteries. Similar studies must be performed to evaluate the same parameters in other dog breeds of different sizes and skull conformations. © 2013 Svicero et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of Na and K from swine feed and its application in a digestibility assay: A green analytical procedure

The study is aimed to evaluate the efficiency of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) as a simple strategy focused on sample preparation for metal determination in biological samples. The extraction of sodium and potassium extraction was carried out from swine feed followed by determination of the concentration of these metals by flame atomic emission spectrometry (FAES). The experiment was performed to cover the study of the variables influencing the extraction process and its optimal conditions (sample mass, particle size, acid concentration, sonication time and ultrasound power); the determination of these analytical characteristics and method validation using certified reference material; and the analysis of pre-starter diets. The optimal conditions established conditions were as follows: mass: 100 mg, particle size:<60 μm, acid concentration: 0.10 mol L-1 HCl, sonication time: 50 s and ultrasound power: 102 W. The proposed method (UAE) was applied in digestibility assays of those nutrients present in different piglet pre-starter feeds and their results proved to be compatible with those obtained from mineralized samples (P < 0.05). The ultrasound extraction method was demonstrated to be an excellent alternative for handless sampling and operational costs and the method also has the advantage of does not generating toxic residues that may negatively affect human health and contaminate the environment. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Caracterização ultrassonográfica das estruturas flexoras músculo-tendíneas e ligamentares da porção distal dos membros de bovinos

Pós-graduação em Cirurgia Veterinária - FCAV