Orientation-Independent Human Activity Recognition Using Complementary Radio Frequency Sensing.

RF sensing offers an unobtrusive, user-friendly, and privacy-preserving method for detecting accidental falls and recognizing human activities. Contemporary RF-based HAR systems generally employ a single monostatic radar to recognize human activities. However, a single monostatic radar cannot detect the motion of a target, e.g., a moving person, orthogonal to the boresight axis of the radar. Owing to this inherent physical limitation, a single monostatic radar fails to efficiently recognize orientation-independent human activities. In this work, we present a complementary RF sensing approach that overcomes the limitation of existing single monostatic radar-based HAR systems to robustly recognize orientation-independent human activities and falls. Our approach used a distributed mmWave MIMO radar system that was set up as two separate monostatic radars placed orthogonal to each other in an indoor environment. These two radars illuminated the moving person from two different aspect angles and consequently produced two time-variant micro-Doppler signatures. We first computed the mean Doppler shifts (MDSs) from the micro-Doppler signatures and then extracted statistical and time- and frequency-domain features. We adopted feature-level fusion techniques to fuse the extracted features and a support vector machine to classify orientation-independent human activities. To evaluate our approach, we used an orientation-independent human activity dataset, which was collected from six volunteers. The dataset consisted of more than 1350 activity trials of five different activities that were performed in different orientations. The proposed complementary RF sensing approach achieved an overall classification accuracy ranging from 98.31 to 98.54%. It overcame the inherent limitations of a conventional single monostatic radar-based HAR and outperformed it by 6%.

Doppler imaging detects bacterial infection of living tissue.

Living 3D in vitro tissue cultures, grown from immortalized cell lines, act as living sentinels as pathogenic bacteria invade the tissue. The infection is reported through changes in the intracellular dynamics of the sentinel cells caused by the disruption of normal cellular function by the infecting bacteria. Here, the Doppler imaging of infected sentinels shows the dynamic characteristics of infections. Invasive Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and Listeria monocytogenes penetrate through multicellular tumor spheroids, while non-invasive strains of Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua remain isolated outside the cells, generating different Doppler signatures. Phase distributions caused by intracellular transport display Lévy statistics, introducing a Lévy-alpha spectroscopy of bacterial invasion. Antibiotic treatment of infected spheroids, monitored through time-dependent Doppler shifts, can distinguish drug-resistant relative to non-resistant strains. This use of intracellular Doppler spectroscopy of living tissue sentinels opens a new class of microbial assay with potential importance for studying the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Índice de pulsatilidad de la arteria uterina entre las 11 y 14 semanas de gestación, como predictor de preeclampsia / Pulsatility index of the uterine artery between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation, as a predicator of preeclampsia

Introducción: El índice de pulsatilidad de la arteria uterina puede usarse para estimar el riesgo de preeclampsia. En el segundo y tercer trimestre del embarazo. Objetivo: Generar conocimiento sobre el índice de pulsatilidad de las arterias uterinas en la predicción de la preeclampsia en gestantes entre 11 y 14 semanas. Materiales y métodos: Es un estudio descriptivo de búsqueda bibliografía y se ha realizado en Pubmed, Medline, Scielo, bibliotecas de universidades nacionales e internacionales. Resultados: La media del índice de pulsatilidad en las gestantes con preeclampsia encontrado fue variada que va de 1.92 a 2.41, teniendo como puntos de corte de IP > 1.71 (p<0,05), en el doppler color de la arteria uterina a las 11-14 semanas de gestación. La asociación de pre-eclampsia según el índice de pulsatilidad de la arteria uterina entre las 11 y 14 semanas, es un buen método para el cribado de mujeres en riesgo de desarrollar preeclampsia, ya que presenta una sensibilidad, especificidad, VPP y VPN variada, pero suficiente para aceptarlo como método predictor de pre-eclampsia. Conclusiones: Existe suficiente evidencia que concluye que el uso del índice de pulsatilidad por ecografía doppler de la arteria uterina es un método adecuado para la detección a las 11 a 14 semanas de gestación en mujeres para desarrollar pre-eclampsia. (AU)

Introduction: The pulsatility index of the uterine artery can be used to estimate the risk of preeclampsia. In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Objective: To generate knowledge about the pulsatility index of the uterine arteries in the prediction of preeclampsia in pregnant women between 11 and 14 weeks. Materials and methods: It is a descriptive study of literature search and has been carried out in Pubmed, Medline, Scielo, libraries of national and international universities. Results: The average pulsatility index in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia was varied ranging from 1.92 to 2.41, having as cut-off points of IP> 1.71 (p <0.05), in the color doppler of the uterine artery at 11- 14 weeks gestation. The association of pre-eclampsia according to the pulsatility index of the uterine artery between 11 and 14 weeks, is a good method for screening women at risk of developing preeclampsia, since it has a varied sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV, but enough to accept it as a predictive method of pre-eclampsia. Conclusions: There is sufficient evidence to conclude that the use of the pulsatility index by Doppler ultrasound of the uterine artery is a suitable method for detection at 11 to 14 weeks gestation in women to develop pre-eclampsia. (AU)

High-resolution trace gas detection by sub-Doppler noise-immune cavity-enhanced optical heterodyne molecular spectrometry: application to detection of acetylene in human breath.

A sensitive high-resolution sub-Doppler detecting spectrometer, based on noise-immune cavity-enhanced optical heterodyne molecular spectrometry (NICE-OHMS), for trace gas detection of species whose transitions have severe spectral overlap with abundant concomitant species is presented. It is designed around a NICE-OHMS instrumentation utilizing balanced detection that provides shot-noise limited Doppler-broadened (Db) detection. By synchronous dithering the positions of the two cavity mirrors, the effect of residual etalons between the cavity and other surfaces in the system could be reduced. An Allan deviation of the absorption coefficient of 2.2 × 10-13 cm-1 at 60 s, which, for the targeted transition in C2H2, corresponds to a 3σ detection sensitivity of 130 ppt, is demonstrated. It is shown that despite significant spectral interference from CO2 at the targeted transition, which precludes Db detection of C2H2, acetylene could be detected in exhaled breath of healthy smokers.

Análise Dopplerfluxométrica e angiogênica de tumores mamários caninos / Dopplerfluxometric and angiogenic analysis of canine mammary tumors

Foi avaliado o comportamento de índices Doppler e a expressão de genes relacionados à neovascularização tumoral, visando caracterizar a vascularização das massas neoplásicas. Foram utilizadas 27 cadelas, com diagnóstico histopatológico de neoplasia mamária, sendo submetidas à avaliação Dopplerfluxométrica tumoral e à coleta de fragmentos neoplásicos para análise de expressão gênica de VEGF, FLT-1, FLK-1 e ATR1. Foram encontrados 22 tumores de origem epitelial (carcinomas) e cinco de origem mesenquimal (sarcomas). Observou-se correlação positiva entre o FLT-1 e as variáveis PS, PI e RI. O FLK-1 apresentou correlação igualmente positiva com os parâmetros PS e PI e uma tendência para RI, enquanto o VEGF retratou correlação positiva apenas com IP. O VEGF também mostrou correlação positiva com seus receptores, porém não apresentou correlação com o ATR1. O FLT-1 e o FLK-1 apresentaram ainda correlação positiva entre si e com o ATR1. Houve maior expressão média do VEGF nos tumores epiteliais do que nos mesenquimais. As variáveis PS, PI e RI, associadas com a expressão do VEGF e seus receptores, mostraram-se relevantes para caracterizar a neovascularização de tumores malignos, e a expressão diferenciada do VEGF entre os tipos tumorais pode ser um indicador auxiliar na caracterização de neoplasias mamárias malignas em cadelas.(AU)

The behavior of the tumor Doppler indexes and gene expression related to neovascularization was evaluated aiming to improve the characterization of neoplastic masses vascularization. Twenty-seven bitches with histopathological diagnosis of mammary neoplasia were submitted to tumor Dopplerfluxometric evaluation and collection of neoplastic fragments to analyze the gene expression of VEGF, FLT-1, FLK-1 and ATR1. Were found 22 epithelial (carcinomas) and five mesenchymal (sarcomas) tumors. Positive correlation was observed between FLT-1 and PS, PI and RI. FLK-1 presented a similar positive correlation with the PS and PI parameters, and a tendency for RI (r= 0.45, P= 0.07), whereas VEGF showed a positive correlation just with PI. VEGF also showed a positive correlation with its receptors, but did not present a correlation with ATR1. FLT-1 and FLK-1 also showed positive correlation with each other, and with ATR1. There was higher mean expression of VEGF in epithelial tumors than in mesenchymal ones. The PS, PI and RI associated with the expression of VEGF and its receptors have been shown to be relevant to characterize neovascularization of malignant tumors, and the differentiated expression of VEGF between the types of mammary tumors, may be an auxiliary indicator in the characterization of malignant breast cancers in bitches.(AU)

Utilidad y aplicación del ecodoppler en el embarazo de alto riesgo / Utility and application of ecodoppler in high risk pregnancy

Introducción: La detección de alteraciones en la circulación fetal y materna advierte sobre las alteraciones hemodinámicas que comienza a sufrir el feto. Si la edad gestacional garantiza la viabilidad fetal no se requiere prolongar la gestación, evitando complicaciones por hipoxia crónica. Sin embargo, en fetos con inmadurez pulmonar se esperan trastornos más severos por alteraciones en el sistema venoso fetal. En embarazos de alto riesgo, la ecografía fetal con Doppler es el método de elección debido a su alta sensibilidad que, además de ser no invasivo y accesible, permite la identificación de alteraciones que ponen en riesgo la vida del feto, ayudando al diagnóstico y monitoreo de las mismas. Su buen uso reduce el riesgo de muerte fetal en casos de alto riesgo. La evaluación de las arterias uterinas en el tamizaje de patologías del embarazo es de utilidad en preeclampsia, restricción de crecimiento intrauterino, desprendimiento de placenta y muerte fetal. El estudio de la morfología de onda de la arteria umbilical se utiliza ante sospecha de hipoxia, siendo el mejor indicador para interrupción de la gestación ante la presencia de anomalías, mientras que los cambios en la velocimetría de la arteria cerebral media son de utilidad en la evaluación de fetos con insuficiencia placentaria y anemia. El índice cerebro-placentario es el marcador más sensible para diagnosticar la redistribución cerebral como primer fenómeno adaptativo del feto ante la injuria. El estudio del sistema venoso fetal detecta estados más avanzados de hipoxia fetal, acompañados de acidemia e insuficiencia cardíaca. Objetivo: Describir aspectos a evaluar con EcoDoppler fetal para identificar alteraciones sugerentes de patología materno-fetal. Destacar su utilidad en embarazos de alto riesgo. Revisión de bibliografía actualizada. Materiales y Método: Para la localización de la bibliografía se utilizaron varias fuentes documentales, abarcando una búsqueda crítica en internet desde Google Académico, incluyendo artículos publicados a partir del año 2002, utilizando los descriptores: ecografía, ecoDoppler, embarazo, control prenatal, preeclampsia, restricción del crecimiento intrauterino. Se seleccionaron aquellos documentos que informasen sobre los aspectos físicos del ecoDoppler, aplicación del ecoDoppler en embarazos de alto riesgo y metodología del estudio

Introduction: The detection of alterations in the fetal and maternal circulation warns about the hemodynamic alterations that the fetus begins to suffer. If gestational age guarantees fetal viability, it is not necessary to prolong gestation, avoiding complications due to chronic hypoxia. However, in fetuses with pulmonary immaturity more severe disorders are expected due to alterations in the fetal venous system. In high-risk pregnancies, fetal ultrasound with Doppler is the method of choice due to its high sensitivity that, in addition to being non-invasive and accessible, allows the identification of alterations that put the life of the fetus at risk, aiding diagnosis and monitoring from the same. Its good use reduces the risk of fetal death in high-risk cases. The evaluation of the uterine arteries in the screening of pathologies of pregnancy is useful in preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, placental abruption and fetal death. The study of the wave morphology of the umbilical artery is used when hypoxia is suspected, being the best indicator for interruption of gestation in the presence of anomalies, while changes in the velocimetry of the middle cerebral artery are useful in the evaluation of fetuses with placental insufficiency and anemia. The brain-placental index is the most sensitive marker to diagnose cerebral redistribution as the first adaptive phenomenon of the fetus before injury. The study of the fetal venous system detects more advanced stages of fetal hypoxia, accompanied by acidemia and heart failure. Objective: Describe aspects to be evaluated with Fetal EcoDoppler to identify alterations suggestive of maternal-fetal pathology. Highlight its usefulness in high risk pregnancies. Review of updated bibliography. Materials and Method:Several documentary sources were used to locate the bibliography, covering a critical search on the Internet from Google Scholar, including articles published since 2002, using the descriptors: ultrasound, ecoDoppler, pregnancy, prenatal control, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction . We selected those documents that reported on the physical aspects of ecoDoppler, application of ecoDoppler in high-risk pregnancies and study methodology.

Current Techniques for Postoperative Monitoring of Microvascular Free Flaps.

Free tissue transfer (FTT) is used in patients with complicated reconstructive needs; it can provide stable wound coverage, improved aesthetic appearance, and restore functional deficits. Despite the high success rates of free flaps, vascular occlusion is a significant risk leading to flap failure. Many studies have demonstrated that the salvage rate for flaps is inversely related to the time between onset of a vascular problem and its surgical correction. As a result, ongoing postoperative monitoring of free flaps for adequate perfusion is imperative to allow timely and accurate diagnosis of vascular compromise. Close monitoring and prompt notification of the physician if vascular compromise occurs are typically undertaken by first-line nurses. We conducted an integrative literature to identify and evaluate commonly used techniques for monitoring vascular free flaps during the postoperative period. We searched PubMed and Science Direct electronic databases, using the key words: "free-flap" and "monitoring." This article discusses commonly monitoring modalities, along with their advantages and limitations. Whereas large academic institutions may have an experienced nursing staff specifically trained in effective methods for monitoring free flap patients, this situation may not exist in all hospitals where free flap surgeries are performed. We describe techniques that allow easy and timely detection of flap compromise by nursing staff while reducing interuser variability.

En Face Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography Measurement of Total Retinal Blood Flow in Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema.

IMPORTANCE: Alterations in ocular blood flow play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, the measurement of retinal blood flow in clinical studies has been challenging. En face Doppler optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides an effective method for measuring total retinal blood flow (TRBF) in the clinic. OBJECTIVE: To investigate TRBF in eyes with DR of varying severity, with or without diabetic macular edema (DME), using en face Doppler OCT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from May 23, 2014, to January 11, 2016, which analyzed 41 eyes with DR from 31 diabetic patients, 20 eyes without DR from 11 diabetic patients, and 16 eyes from 12 healthy age-matched controls, all at the New England Eye Center in Boston, Massachusetts. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Participants were imaged with a high-speed, swept-source OCT prototype at 1050-nm wavelength using repeated en face Doppler OCT raster scans, comprising 600 × 80 axial scans and covering a 1.5 × 2-mm2 area centered at the optic disc. The TRBF was automatically calculated using custom Matlab software. RESULTS: This study included 41 eyes with DR from 31 diabetic patients (mean [SD] age, 62.8 [13.4] years; 12 were female patients), 20 eyes without DR from 11 diabetic patients (mean [SD] age, 58.8 [10.1] years; 5 were female patients), and 16 eyes from 12 healthy age-matched controls (mean [SD] age, 57.9 [8.1] years; 8 were female participants). The mean (SD) TRBF was 28.0 (8.5) µL/min in the eyes with DME, 48.8 (13.4) µL/min in the eyes with DR but without DME, 40.1 (7.7) µL/min in the diabetic eyes without retinopathy, and 44.4 (8.3) µL/min in age-matched healthy eyes. A difference in TRBF between the eyes with DME that were treated and the eyes with DME that were not treated was not identified. The TRBF was consistently low in the eyes with DME regardless of DR severity. The eyes with moderate nonproliferative DR but without DME exhibited a wide range of TRBF from 31.1 to 75.0 µL/min, with the distribution being highly skewed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: High-speed en face Doppler OCT can measure TRBF in healthy and diabetic eyes. Diabetic eyes with DME exhibited lower TRBF than healthy eyes (P ≤ .001). Further longitudinal studies of TRBF in eyes with DR would be helpful to determine whether reduced TRBF is a risk factor for DME.

Two-dimensional multi-frequency imaging of a tumor inclusion in a homogeneous breast phantom using the harmonic motion Doppler imaging method.

Harmonic motion microwave Doppler imaging (HMMDI) is a novel imaging modality for imaging the coupled electrical and mechanical properties of body tissues. In this paper, we used two experimental systems with different receiver configurations to obtain HMMDI images from tissue-mimicking phantoms at multiple vibration frequencies between 15 Hz and 35 Hz. In the first system, we used a spectrum analyzer to obtain the Doppler data in the frequency domain, while in the second one, we used a homodyne receiver that was designed to acquire time-domain data. The developed phantoms mimicked the elastic and dielectric properties of breast fat tissue, and included a [Formula: see text] mm cylindrical inclusion representing the tumor. A focused ultrasound probe was mechanically scanned in two lateral dimensions to obtain two-dimensional HMMDI images of the phantoms. The inclusions were resolved inside the fat phantom using both experimental setups. The image resolution increased with increasing vibration frequency. The designed receiver showed higher sensitivity than the spectrum analyzer measurements. The results also showed that time-domain data acquisition should be used to fully exploit the potential of the HMMDI method.

A new malleostapedotomy prosthesis. Experimental analysis by laser doppler vibrometer in fresh cadaver temporal bones. / Análisis experimental mediante vibrometría láser doppler en huesos temporales de cadáver fresco de una nueva prótesis de maleovestibulopexia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: One of the problems with total ossicular replacement prostheses is their stability. Prosthesis dislocations and extrusions are common in middle ear surgery. This is due to variations in endo-tympanic pressure as well as design defects. The design of this new prosthesis reduces this problem by being joined directly to the malleus handle. The aim of this study is to confirm adequate acoustic-mechanical behaviour in fresh cadaver middle ear of a new total ossicular replacement prosthesis, designed using the finite elements method. METHODS: Using the doppler vibrometer laser, we analysed the acoustic-mechanical behaviour of a new total ossicular replacement prosthesis in the human middle ear using 10 temporal bones from fresh cadavers. RESULTS: The transfer function of the ears in which we implanted the new prosthesis was superimposed over the non-manipulated ear. This suggests optimum acoustic-mechanical behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: The titanium prosthesis analysed in this study demonstrated optimum acoustic-mechanical behaviour. Together with its ease of implantation and post-surgical stability, these factors make it a prosthesis to be kept in mind in ossicular reconstruction.

Superharmonic microbubble Doppler effect in ultrasound therapy.

The introduction of microbubbles in focused ultrasound therapies has enabled a diverse range of non-invasive technologies: sonoporation to deliver drugs into cells, sonothrombolysis to dissolve blood clots, and blood-brain barrier opening to deliver drugs into the brain. Current methods for passively monitoring the microbubble dynamics responsible for these therapeutic effects can identify the cavitation position by passive acoustic mapping and cavitation mode by spectral analysis. Here, we introduce a new feature that can be monitored: microbubble effective velocity. Previous studies have shown that echoes from short imaging pulses had a Doppler shift that was produced by the movement of microbubbles. Therapeutic pulses are longer (>1 000 cycles) and thus produce a larger alteration of microbubble distribution due to primary and secondary acoustic radiation force effects which cannot be monitored using pulse-echo techniques. In our experiments, we captured and analyzed the Doppler shift during long therapeutic pulses using a passive cavitation detector. A population of microbubbles (5 × 10(4)-5 × 10(7) microbubbles ml(-1)) was embedded in a vessel (inner diameter: 4 mm) and sonicated using a 0.5 MHz focused ultrasound transducer (peak-rarefactional pressure: 75-366 kPa, pulse length: 50 000 cycles or 100 ms) within a water tank. Microbubble acoustic emissions were captured with a coaxially aligned 7.5 MHz passive cavitation detector and spectrally analyzed to measure the Doppler shift for multiple harmonics above the 10th harmonic (i.e. superharmonics). A Doppler shift was observed on the order of tens of kHz with respect to the primary superharmonic peak and is due to the axial movement of the microbubbles. The position, amplitude and width of the Doppler peaks depended on the acoustic pressure and the microbubble concentration. Higher pressures increased the effective velocity of the microbubbles up to 3 m s(-1), prior to the onset of broadband emissions, which is an indicator for high magnitude inertial cavitation. Although the microbubble redistribution was shown to persist for the entire sonication period in dense populations, it was constrained to the first few milliseconds in lower concentrations. In conclusion, superharmonic microbubble Doppler effects can provide a quantitative measure of effective velocities of a sonicated microbubble population and could be used for monitoring ultrasound therapy in real-time.

Acoustic analysis of oropharyngeal swallowing using Sonar Doppler / Análise acústica da deglutição orofaríngea utilizando Sonar Doppler

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: During the aging process, one of the functions that changes is swallowing. These alterations in oropharyngeal swallowing may be diagnosed by methods that allow both the diagnosis and biofeedback monitoring by the patient. One of the methods recently described in the literature for the evaluation of swallowing is the Sonar Doppler. OBJECTIVE: To compare the acoustic parameters of oropharyngeal swallowing between different age groups. METHODS: This was a field, quantitative, study. Examination with Sonar Doppler was performed in 75 elderly and 72 non-elderly adult subjects. The following acoustic parameters were established: initial frequency, first peak frequency, second peak frequency; initial intensity, final intensity; and time for the swallowing of saliva, liquid, nectar, honey, and pudding, with 5- and 10-mL free drinks. RESULTS: Objective, measurable data were obtained; most acoustic parameters studied between adult and elderly groups with respect to consistency and volume were significant. CONCLUSION: When comparing elderly with non-elderly adult subjects, there is a modification of the acoustic pattern of swallowing, regarding both consistency and food bolus volume.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: Durante o processo de envelhecimento, uma das funções que sofre modificação é a deglutição. Estas alterações na deglutição orofaríngea podem ser diagnosticadas por métodos que permitem tanto o diagnóstico quanto o monitoramento e biofeedback ao indivíduo. Um dos métodos descrito na literatura recentemente para a avaliação da deglutição é o Sonar Doppler. OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse estudo foi comparar os parâmetros acústicos da deglutição orofaríngea entre faixas etárias distintas. MÉTODO: Estudo de campo, quantitativo. O exame com o Sonar Doppler foi aplicado em 75 idosos e 72 adultos. Estabeleceram-se os parâmetros acústicos: frequência inicial, frequência do primeiro pico, frequência do segundo pico, intensidade inicial, intensidade final e tempo, para as deglutições de saliva, liquido, néctar, mel e pudim, com gole livre, 5 mL e 10 mL. RESULTADOS: Obtiveram-se dados objetivos e mensuráveis, apresentando significância para a maioria dos parâmetros acústicos estudados entre o grupo de idosos e adultos em relação à consistência e volume. CONCLUSÃO: Verificamos que há modificação do padrão acústico da deglutição, tanto em relação à consistência quanto a volume do bolo alimentar, quando comparados adultos idosos e não idosos.

Avaliação farmacológica da detomidina no trato reprodutivo de éguas (Equus caballus)

A Detomidina é um agonista de receptores α2-adrenérgico, derivado imidazólico alcalóide, disponível sobre a fórmula de cloridrato, apresentarelação de seletividade entre receptor α2/α1de 260/1. O experimento foi conduzido para investigar a interferência da detomidina sobre o trato reprodutivo equino. Foram utilizadas vinte e cinco éguas sem raça definida (SRD), não prenhes, com idade entre 4 a 10 anos e peso de 350 a 450 Kg. As 25 éguas foram divididas de forma aleatória em 5 grupos, sendo que 3 grupos foram submetidos respectivamente a doses de 6, 9 e 12μg/kgde detomidina.Nos outros dois grupos, um deles foi aplicado Ioimbina em dose 0,10mg/Kg com antecedência de 20 minutos da aplicação de 6μg/kg de detomidina e o outro grupocontrole. Foram realizadas ultrassonográfias no modo B e Doppler do trato reprodutivo de éguas. O índice de pulsatilidade(IP), resistência (IR) e pulso arterial uterino direito (PAUD), bem como a avaliação subjetiva do útero e mesométrio de suprimento sanguíneo, não apresentaram diferençasignificativa(P0,0001) aos 10 minutos e 4,9±0,18mm (P>0,0001) aos 15 minutos, respectivamente...

The Detomidine is an agonist of α2-adrenergic receptors, derived imidazole alkaloid, available on the hydrochloride formula, is related to selectivity between receptor α2/α1of 260/1. The experiment was conducted to investigate the interference of detomidine on equine reproductive tract. Twenty-five mares were used mongrel, not pregnant, aged between 4-10 years old and weighing 350-450kg. The 25 mares were divided randomly into 5 groups, with 3 groups were submitted at doses of the detomidineof 6, 9 and 12μg/kg,respectively. In the other two groups, one applied yohimbine dose of 0.10 mg/kg 20 minutes prior to the application of 6μg/kg detomidine and in control group. All they were made sonographic evaluations in B mode and Doppler of the reproductive tract of mares. The pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and uterine blood right wrist (UBRW) and the subjective evaluation of the uterus and mesometriumblood supply, showed no significant difference (P0.0001) to 5 minutes, 2.7 ± 0.26 (P>0.0001) after 10 minutes and 4.9 ± 0.18 mm (P>0.0001) after 15 minutes, respectively...

Examen Doppler de la insuficiencia venosa de miembros inferiores: consenso entre especialistas / Doppler examination of lower limb venous insufficiency: consensus among specialists

Se logró un consenso entre especialistas del Diagnóstico por Imágenes y cirujanos flebólogos en el protocolo de realización de los estudios Doppler para la insuficiencia venosa de miembros inferiores (MMII), incluyendo un acuerdo sobre la fisiopatología de la enfermedad, la nomenclatura y diámetros de los vasos que componen los distintos sistemas venosos y los parámetros Doppler a utilizar en la confección del informe de los estudios. Se realizó una reunión entre 6 cirujanos vasculares y 10 especialistas en Diagnóstico por Imágenes, donde se discutieron los distintos ítems planteados. Además, durante el encuentro se realizaron dos estudios Doppler de miembros inferiores a manera de ejemplo y se elaboró un documento preliminar con los puntos acordados. El resultado de este encuentro multidisciplinario es el punto de partida para comenzar a manejar una terminología común que permita mejorar el diagnóstico y la conducta terapéutica de esta patología

A consensus among Diagnostic Imaging specialists and vascular surgeons on a protocol for carrying out Doppler studies for lower limb venous insufficiency is presented. This includes an agreement on the pathophysiology of the disease, the nomenclature and vessel diameters that make up the different venous systems, as well as the Doppler parameters to be used in the for reporting the studies. A meeting was held with 6 vascular surgeons and 10 imaging specialists in which these different items were discussed. Two Doppler studies of the lower limbs were performed during this meeting as an example, and a draft document was prepared on the points agreed

Cambios hemodinámicos por doppler en fetos con retardo del crecimiento intrauterino de 26-34 semanas a 24 y 48 horas de la administración materna de betametasona / Hemodynamic changes detected by doppler between 26-34 weeks pregnancies with iugr 24 and 48 hours after betamethasone administration

Identificar cambios en el índice de pulsatilidad (IP) de las arterias umbilical y cerebral media después de aplicar betametasona en pacientes con retardo del crecimiento intrauterino (RCIU) entre 26 y 34 semanas. Métodos: 22 pacientes hospitalizadas con embarazos únicos entre las 26 y 34 semanas asociadas con RCIU, con indicación de maduración pulmonar que no se encontraban en trabajo de parto, recibieron protocolo completo de maduración, toma de doppler fetoplacentario inicial y a las 24 y 48 horas. Resultados: 68,2% presentaron trastorno hipertensivo del embarazo, 81,8% (n:18) negaron enfermedad crónica asociada, no se documentaron anomalías fetales mayores ni se sospechó infección fetal. El promedio del IP de la arteria umbilical al ingreso fue 1,62 (DE 0,41) y de la cerebral media 1,97 (DE 0,61). En el doppler de 48 horas se observaron cambios del IP en la umbilical (p =0.0079) y la cerebral media (p=0.0149), respecto al basal. Conclusiones: en RCIU entre las semanas 26 y 34 hay variaciones con significación estadística del IP en el doppler de las arterias umbilical y cerebral media que no siempre se asociaron con cambios en la estadificación del doppler actual y no tienen importancia clínica. La hipertensión gestacional asociada puede ser un factor de confusión. Palabras clave: cambios hemodinámicos, doppler, retardo del crecimiento intrauterino, betametasona. Abreviaturas: IP, índice de pulsatilidad: RCIU, retardo en el crecimiento intrauterino...

To identify changes in the pulsatility index (PI) of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries after betamethasone administration in pregnancies at 26-34 gestational weeks with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Methods: the study comprised 22 hospitalized women with singleton pregnancies at 26- 34 weeks with IUGR, not in labor, with indication of fetal lung maturity enhancement who received a complete treatment protocol and an initial fetoplacental Doppler repeated after 24 and 48 hours. Results: pregnancy-induced hypertension was present in 68.2%, 81.8% (n: 18) denied having an associated chronic illness, no major fetal anomalies or suspicion of fetal infection were documented. The average PI of the umbilical artery at admission was 1.62 (SD 0.41) and of the middle cerebral artery 1.97 (SD 0.61). PI changes observed in the Doppler performed after 48 hours were (p =0.0079) in the umbilical artery and (p=0.0149) in the middle cerebral artery, compared with baseline PI. Conclusions: there are statistically significant variations of Doppler PI in the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries in IUGR between week 26 and 34 which were not always related with changes of current Doppler stages and have no clinical importance. The associated gestational hypertension may constitute a confounding factor...

Relato de casos: vigilância e salvamento de enxerto na doença arterial obstrutiva periférica / Case report: surveillance and rescue of graft in peripheral obstructive arterial disease

RESUMO A doença arterial obstrutiva crônica acomete predominantemente os membros inferiores, podendo determinar risco de perda do membro. O tratamento envolve medidas clínicas, com o controle dos fatores de risco/comorbidades (DM/HAS/Dislipidemia e interrupção do tabagismo) e procedimentos cirúrgicos de revascularização, seja endovascular através de angioplastias, ou convencional, com enxertos vasculares. Pacientes submetidos à revascularizações estão sujeitos a complicações a longo prazo, como a formação de estenoses em anastomoses ou áreas previamente angioplastadas, evolução da doença aterosclerótica e trombose , comprometendo sua perviedade e consequentemente a perfusão e viabilidade do membro revascularizado. É aconselhável portanto um programa de vigilância e monitorização destas revascularizações afim de reconhecer aquelas que apresentem risco de oclusão ou já tenham ocluído, indicando nova reintervenção para manutenção da perviedade arterial. Apresentaremos relato de três pacientes em acompanhamento regular no serviço de cirurgia vascular do Hospital Servidor Público Municipal inseridos no programa de vigilância(1,3,6,12,18 e 24 meses com USG doppler) e submetidos à procedimentos como trombólise intra-arterial e angioplastia, para salvamento de suas respectivas revascularizações. Uma breve revisão bibliográfica do tema é apresentada, objetivando mostrar a importância do acompanhamento com exames de controle periódicos (avaliação clínica e ultrassom doppler arterial ) para avaliação da perviedade do enxerto, realizando intervenção precoce naqueles casos sob risco de oclusão ou na presença de oclusão aguda. Palavras-chaves: Doença arterial obstrutiva periférica, vigilância e salvamento de enxertos, angioplastia, trombólise, doppler arterial.

A chimaeric-pattern flap design for implantable Doppler surrogate monitoring: a novel placement technique.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Postoperative flap monitoring is a vital aspect of free tissue transfer in order to detect early vascular compromise and to enable early flap salvage. The implantable Doppler monitoring system is one of many monitoring devices used to ensure accuracy and reduce unnecessary flap explorations. However, there are a number of concerns with its use, namely tension on the anastomosis, possible vessel constriction and false-negative detection. This study aimed to alleviate these concerns, by introducing a new method of placing the implantable Doppler probe on the adjacent vessel limb of a chimaeric flap. This is illustrated by a case series of chimaeric free tissue flaps that allow this surrogate placement of the Doppler probe. METHODS: The flap is raised in a chimaeric fashion, with a main perforator pedicle to the skin or muscle paddle for the main reconstructive purpose and a side branch from the main pedicle going to a smaller adipofascial or muscle flap for monitoring. This branch vascular pedicle leading to the chimaeric tissue is kept sufficiently long to enable placement of the Doppler cuff and prevent turbulence. The probe of a Cook-Swartz implantable Doppler system is placed around the branch pedicle, approximately 5 mm from the branching point, and secured with a vessel clip. This is then secured away from the major vessels of the main free flap. Removal of the probe's crystal and wire is easily done with a single gentle traction on postoperative day 7. RESULTS: Five cases of chimaeric free flaps were performed with this manoeuvre: three thoracodorsal perforator chimaeric flaps for head-and-neck or extremity reconstruction, one latissimus dorsi neuromuscular chimaeric flap for facial reanimation and one digastric lymph node transfer for the treatment of lower limb lymphoedema. The Doppler system showed a low but sustained oscillating flow in all cases indicating vascular patency, with minimal flow interference from other large-calibre vessels. There was no discernible kinking on the anastomosis. There were no complications encountered during probe removal. This postoperative monitoring manoeuvre was done successfully with good results. CONCLUSION: The monitoring equipment is very sensitive to any flow disturbance due to positional changes in the head-and-neck region or the extremities and is able to detect flow changes in buried flaps postoperatively. Chimaeric flap composition is easier now than before because of perforator-oriented pedicle dissection, and surrogate Doppler monitoring is one more application of the chimaeric flap. This novel chimaeric fashion of implantable Doppler probe placement is a good surrogate measure of flow in the main pedicle.

Harmonic Motion Microwave Doppler Imaging method for breast tumor detection.

Harmonic Motion Microwave Doppler Imaging (HMMDI) method is recently proposed as a non-invasive hybrid breast imaging technique for tumor detection. The acquired data depend on acoustic, elastic and electromagnetic properties of the tissue. The potential of the method is analyzed with simulation studies and phantom experiments. In this paper, the results of these studies are summarized. It is shown that HMMDI method has a potential to detect malignancies inside fibro-glandular tissue.

Vocal fold vibration measurements using laser Doppler vibrometry.

The objective of this study was to measure the velocity of the superior surface of human vocal folds during phonation using laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV). A custom-made endoscopic laser beam deflection unit was designed and fabricated. An in vivo clinical experimental procedure was developed to simultaneously collect LDV velocity and video from videolaryngoscopy. The velocity along the direction of the laser beam, i.e., the inferior-superior direction, was captured. The velocity was synchronous with electroglottograph and sound level meter data. The vibration energy of the vocal folds was determined to be significant up to a frequency of 3 kHz. Three characteristic vibrational waveforms were identified which may indicate bifurcations between vibrational modes of the mucosal wave. No relationship was found between the velocity amplitude and phonation frequency or sound pressure level. A correlation was found between the peak-to-peak displacement amplitude and phonation frequency. A sparse map of the velocity amplitudes on the vocal fold surface was obtained.

The evaluation of swallowing in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia and oropharyngeal dysphagia: A comparison study of videofluoroscopic and sonar doppler

Introduction: Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a degenerative disease that can cause loss of coordination of voluntary muscle movement such as that required for swallowing. Aims: The purposes of this cross-sectional and comparative case study were: (1) to assess the severity of dysphagia through a videofluoroscopic swallow study, and (2) to compare differences in frequency, intensity, and duration of sound waves produced during swallowing in normal and SCA patients by using sonar Doppler. Method: During swallow evaluation using videofluoroscopy, a sonar Doppler transducer was placed on the right side of the neck, at the lateral edge of the trachea, just below the cricoid cartilage to capture the sounds of swallowing in 30 SCA patients and 30 controls. Result: The prevalence in the dynamic evaluation of swallowing videofluoroscopy was by changes in the oral phase of swallowing. The analysis of variance of the averages found in each variable - frequency, intensity and duration of swallowing - shows there was a significant correlation when compared to the healthy individual curve. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the prevalence of oral dysphagia observed in dynamic videofluoroscopic swallow evaluation. In patients with SCA, the mean initial frequency (IF), initial intensity (II), and final intensity (FI) were higher and the time (T) and peak frequency (PF) were lower, demonstrating a pattern of cricopharyngeal opening very close to that found in normal populations...