Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Small animal clinic'

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária<br>Nos últimos tempos, com a domesticação animal, tem-se verificado uma crescente preocupação e consciencialização por parte dos proprietários de pequenos animais com a saúde dos seus, querendo garantir-lhes uma vida saudável e com qualidade. As doenças cardíacas, nomeadamente as arritmias, afetam frequentemente os animais domésticos, podendo culminar na sua morte, não infrequentemente súbita. Estas são muitas vezes intermitentes e os animais podem apresentar-se assintomáticos durante vários anos. Torna-se, assim, necessário e de extrema importância o diagnóstico de arritmias ocultas, que é possível através da metodologia de Holter. O método de Holter, ou monitorização eletrocardiográfica ambulatória contínua, consiste na aplicação de um monitor que permite obter um registo contínuo da atividade elétrica cardíaca durante as atividades diárias normais. Apesar da sua frequente utilização em medicina humana devido à sua mais-valia diagnóstica, ainda é um exame subutilizado na medicina veterinária. Este trabalho tem como objetivos demonstrar a exequibilidade da metodologia de Holter na prática clínica diária da medicina veterinária de animais de companhia, bem como realçar a sua importância no estabelecimento de um diagnóstico definitivo em determinadas doenças cardíacas. Após uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a metodologia de Holter, é apresentada uma descrição e interpretação de sete casos clínicos com diagnóstico ou suspeita de doença cardíaca, nos quais foi realizado o exame de Holter, com qualidade técnica razoável/boa. Em todos os casos clínicos, a realização e interpretação do exame de Holter permitiu o diagnóstico de arritmias cardíacas previamente desconhecidas ou a estratificação de risco de doença cardíaca previamente diagnosticada. Permitiu ainda o reajuste terapêutico para melhoria sintomática ou a instituição de terapêutica dirigida e poupadora de vida. Em suma, conclui-se que o Holter é um exame exequível em animais de companhia e que constitui uma mais-valia na abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica de animais com doença cardíaca.<br>ABSTRACT - Practical use of Holter methodology in small animal clinic - In recent times, due to animal domestication, small animal owners have been more concerned and aware about their pets’ health, wanting to ensure them a good quality, healthy life. Cardiac diseases, namely arrhythmias, often affect domestic animals and may result in significant morbility and sudden death. These arrhythmias are often intermittent and animals may be asymptomatic for several years. It becomes, therefore, necessary and extremely important to diagnose occult arrhythmias, which is possible through the Holter method. The Holter method, or continuous ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, consists of applying a monitor that gives a continuous record of the heart’s electrical activity during normal daily activities. Despite its frequent use in human medicine due to its diagnostic value, it is still an underused exam in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of Holter methodology in daily clinical practice of small animal veterinary medicine as well as to highlight its importance in establishing a definitive diagnosis in certain cardiac diseases. After a literature review on the Holter methodology, a description and interpretation of seven relevant clinical cases with known or suspected heart disease is presented, in which was performed the Holter monitoring with reasonable/good technical quality. In all clinical cases, the execution and interpretation of the Holter monitoring allowed the diagnosis of previously unknown cardiac arrhythmias or the risk stratification of previously diagnosed heart disease. It also allowed the therapeutic readjustment for symptomatic improvement or the directed and sparing of life therapy institution. It is concluded that the Holter is a feasible examination in companion animals and it is an asset in the diagnosis and treatment of animals with heart disease.

O presente relatório integra o Mestrado integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora e, apresenta as atividades desenvolvidas durante o estágio curricular de seis meses no Hospital Veterinário de Leiria, na área de clínica e cirurgia de animais de companhia. Refere a casuística e procedimentos acompanhados e inclui uma monografia com o tema “Ingestão de corpos estranhos: abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica”, ilustrada com três dos casos clínicos seguidos. As únicas espécies observadas foram a canina (65%) e a felina (35%) e, a área com maior representatividade foi a clínica médica, com 42% do total de casos acompanhados. A ingestão de corpos estranhos é relativamente comum, com sinais clínicos inespecíficos como vómito, regurgitação, dor abdominal e inapetência. O diagnóstico pode ser um desafio, e o tratamento passa pela remoção do corpo estranho. O prognóstico é normalmente bom se não ocorrerem complicações, decorrentes principalmente da rotura do órgão; Abstract: Clinic and surgery of small animal The present report integrates the integrated Master in Veterinary Medicine in the University of Évora and, presents the activities developed during the curricular internship, with the duration of six months at the Veterinary Hospital of Leiria, in clinic and surgery in small animals. It refers to the casuistry and followed procedures and includes a monography on the topic "Foreign bodies intake: diagnostic and therapeutic approach", illustrated with three of the clinical cases followed. The only species observed were canine (65%) and feline (35%) and, the most representative area was the internal medicine, with 42% of the cases being followed. The ingestion of foreign bodies is a relatively common situation, with non-specific clinical signs like vomiting, regurgitation, abdominal pain and inappetence. The diagnoses can be challenging, and the treatment involves the removal of the foreign body. The prognosis is usually good if there are no complications, mainly due to organ rupture.

A acupunctura é uma forma de terapia baseada na Medicina Tradicional Chinesa, que consiste na introdução de agulhas finas na pele, desencadeando uma cascata de efeitos fisiológicos locais, regionais ou sistémicos. Apesar de ser amplamente usada no controlo da dor ainda é pouco utilizada como único método de tratamento. A nível científico, atualmente, é possível fazer uma análise mais profunda neurofisiológica da atuação da acupuntura e outras técnicas, amplamente utilizadas da medicina tradicional chinesa (MTC), com o auxílio das mais variadas técnicas de diagnóstico por imagem. Contudo, muitas das desejadas validações científicas de ações mais internas da acupuntura ainda não são possíveis de alcançar, mantendo-se apenas com uma base empírica milenar. Nesta monografia são abordados quatro casos clínicos de cães tratados com acupunctura e outras técnicas de MTC, permitindo demonstrar as variadas aplicações da acupuntura na prática veterinária como em: assistência à anestesia cirúrgica, recuperação de sequelas decorrentes da esgana, paralisia traumática de nervo facial e ainda recuperação de trauma crânio-encefálico severo (TCE). Todos os casos apresentados apresentam uma evolução, sucesso e recuperação positiva garantindo o bem-estar do paciente. Atualmente, a necessidade de melhorar as técnicas e opções de tratamento leva a que sejam recuperadas técnicas associadas a outras medicinas, seguras e efetivas, para tratamento de casos clínicos crónicos, onde a medicina convencional não alcança o sucesso e ainda auxiliar em casos agudos que podem ser geridos de forma a diminuir os malefícios para o paciente; Abstract: “The use of acupuncture in veterinary medicine” Acupuncture is a form of therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which consists of the introduction of fine needles into the skin, triggering a cascade of physiological effects local, regional or systemic. Although it is widely used in pain control, it is still rarely used as a treatment method. However, many of the desired scientific validations of more internal actions of acupuncture are still not possible to achieve, remaining only with an age-old empirical basis. This monograph deals with four clinical cases of dogs treated with acupuncture and other TCM techniques, allowing the demonstration of the varied applications of acupuncture in veterinary practice, such as: assistance to surgical anesthesia, recovery of sequelae resulting from congestion, traumatic facial nerve paralysis, and recovery of severe cranioencephalic trauma (CET). All cases are successful with successful recoveries. Currently, the need to combine different treatment techniques or options leads to the recovery of techniques associated with other medicines, safe and effective, for the treatment of chronic clinical cases, where conventional medicine does not reach success and helping also in acute cases where it can be managed to reduce harm to the patient.

O presente relatório foi realizado no âmbito do estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora, sendo composto por duas partes. A primeira parte é constituída por uma análise da casuística acompanhada no decurso do estágio curricular no Hospital Veterinário das Laranjeiras, em Lisboa. Na segunda parte é realizada uma monografia sobre a dermatofitose felina, acompanhada da apresentação e posterior discussão de um caso clínico referente ao tema. A dermatofitose é uma infeção fúngica superficial, que afeta estruturas queratinizadas da pele. É uma doença altamente infeciosa e apresenta potencial zoonótico. Quando presente, é importante adotar medidas de maneio e tratar a mesma; Abstract: Small Animal Veterinary Surgery and Clinics The present report was performed within the scope of the curricular internship of the Integrated Master of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Évora, being composed of two parts. The first part regards the analysis of the caseload accompanied during the curricular internship at Hospital Veterinário das Laranjeiras, in Lisbon. In the second part, a review of the literature on feline dermatophytosis is presented, followed by the presentation and discussion of a clinical situation related to the topic. Dermatophytosis is a fungal infection that affects keratinized structures of the skin. This disease is highly infectious and potentially zoonotic. At diagnosis, it is important to adopt management measures and treatment.

O presente relatório, reflete a realização do estágio curricular, realizado no Hospital Veterinário do Restelo. O relatório encontra-se dividido em duas partes distintas, com uma apresentação inicial, da estatística da casuística, acompanhada durante o período de estágio, terminando numa segunda parte, referente a uma revisão bibliográfica, do tema sequestro de córnea em felinos. Será, também, descrito um caso clínico diagnosticado com sequestro de córnea, complementando a monografia com a descrição e discussão do mesmo. O sequestro de córnea em felinos, representa uma afeção oftalmológica com envolvimento ulcerativo, caracterizado por um processo degenerativo a nível da córnea, promovendo uma acumulação de pigmento de coloração escura. Dado ser uma afeção refratária ao tratamento médico, o seu tratamento de eleição baseia-se na remoção cirúrgica da área envolvida, por queratectomia, colmatando a carência de tecido através de enxertos conjuntivais, transposições corneoconjuntivais, membranas amnióticas ou outros materiais sintéticos; Abstract: Small animals clinic and surgery This report reflects the completion of the curricular externship, held at the Veterinary Hospital of Restelo. The report is divided into two distinct parts, with an initial presentation of the statistics of the casuistry, followed during the internship period, ending in a second part, referring to a bibliographical review, about corneal sequestration in cats. A clinical case will also be described diagnosed with corneal sequestration, complementing the monograph with a description and discussion of it. Corneal sequestration in felines represents an ophthalmological pathology with ulcerative involvement, which is characterized by a degenerative process at the corneal level, promoting an accumulation of dark-colored pigment. Since it is a pathology refractory to medical treatment, its treatment of choice is based on surgical removal of the area involved by keratectomy, filling the lack of tissue through conjunctive grafts, corneoconjunctival transpositions, amniotic membranes or other synthetic materials.

Ultrasonography (US) is an essential imaging tool for identifying abnormalities of the liver parenchyma, biliary tract and vascular system. US has replaced radiography as the initial imaging procedure in screening for liver disease in small animals. There are few reports of the use of conventional and helical computed tomography (CT) to assess canine or feline parenchymal and neoplastic liver disease and biliary disorders. In human medicine the development of multidetector- row helical computed tomography (MDCT), with its superior spatial and temporal resolution, has resulted in improved detection and characterization of diffuse and focal liver lesions. The increased availability of MDCT in veterinary practice provides incentive to develop MDCT protocols for liver imaging in small animals. The purpose of this study is to assess the rule of MDCT in the characterization of hepatobiliary diseases in small animals; and to compare this method with conventional US. Candidates for this prospective study were 175 consecutive patients (dogs and cats) referred for evaluation of hepatobiliary disease. The patients underwent liver US and MDCT. Percutaneous needle biopsy was performed on all liver lesions or alterations encountered. As for gallbladder, histopatological evaluation was obtained from cholecystectomy specimens. Ultrasonographic findings in this study agreed well with those of previous reports. A protocol for dual-phase liver MDCT in small animals has been described. MDCT findings in parenchymal disorders of the liver, hepatic neoplasia and biliary disorders are here first described in dogs and cats and compared with the corresponding features in human medicine. The ability of MDCT in detection and characterization of hepatobiliary diseases in small animals is overall superior to conventional US. Ultrasonography and MDCT scanning, however, play complementary rules in the evaluation of these diseases. Many conditions have distinctive imaging features that may permit diagnosis. In most instances biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:46:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 2845351 bytes, checksum: 2eb8e1f7e1700a8e8454e0fddcbd1a8e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-12-08<br>The objective of this study was to verify the incidence of infection in the surgical site at the Dog and Cat Surgery Clinic at the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV) and the association of occurrence of infection with the risk factors previously described. Another aim was to attract interest to this issue, since hospital infections very often remain unnoticed or are not duly recorded, to propose measures for their prevention and control. A concurrent prospective cohort study was carried out. The epidemiological surveillance method applied was based on the active search of &#8220;clues&#8221; indicating the occurrence of ICS. All the patients submitted to surgical procedures under the day clinic scheme during the period proposed were analyzed through their clinical, surgical and anesthesic records, as well as through the collection of information from veterinarians, animal caretakers and owners. A total of 307 patients (356 surgical procedures) were analyzed from May 11 to November 11, 2007. Possible cases were evaluated by the researcher and observing veterinarians, with 34 ICS cases being identified among the patients submitted to surgery during the period proposed. Data analysis and hospital documentation provided a precise assessment of all the procedures carried out during the period and the dynamics of filling the hospital forms was also verified. The absence of a standardization of the records and prescribed surgical antibiotic prophylaxy was verified. A global ICS incidence of 9.5% was found, compatible with the rates described in the literature consulted and an incidence of 10.4 % in clean surgeries and 7.4% in potentially contaminated ones, with these indices being higher than those observed in the literature studied. No association among ICS, surgery duration time, orthopedic and non-orthopedic surgeries, with or without use of protheses. However, association between record of patient&#8217;s interference in the surgical wound and ISC occurrence were recorded. The following likely risk factors for ISC were verified: lack of a hospital infection surveillance process, non-standardized use of antibiotic prophylaxy, lack of norms and routine concerning the prevention and control of hospital infections, lack of adequate professional training and guidance, and non compliance to current legislation. Thus, based on the data investigated and observations conducted in this study, the need for actions was verified.<br>O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a incidência de infecção do sítio cirúrgico na Clinica Cirúrgica de Cães e Gatos do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Viçosa e a associação da ocorrência de infecção aos fatores de riscos já descritos. Objetivou-se ainda despertar o interesse para o problema, considerando que as infecções hospitalares muitas vezes passam despercebidas ou não são devidamente registradas, e consequentemente, propor medidas para sua prevenção e seu controle. Foi realizado um estudo de coorte concorrente prospectivo. O método de vigilância epidemiológica empregado foi baseado na busca ativa de &#8220;pistas&#8221; que indicassem a ocorrência de ISC.Todos os pacientes submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos, no esquema de ambulatório dia no período proposto foram analisados através de seus prontuários clínicos, fichas cirúrgicas e anestésicas, além de colheita de informações com veterinários, cuidadores e proprietários. Foram analisados 307 pacientes (356 procedimentos) cirúrgicos, no período de 11 de maio a 11 de novembro de 2007. Os possíveis casos foram avaliados pelo pesquisador e veterinários observadores sendo identificados 34 casos de ISC entre os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia no período proposto. A análise dos dados e documentação hospitalar propiciou um levantamento preciso de todos os procedimentos realizados no período e também foi verificada a dinâmica de preenchimento da documentação hospitalar. Verificou-se a inexistência de uma padronização dos registros realizados nos prontuários e da antibioticoprofilaxia cirúrgica prescrita. Encontrou-se uma incidência global de ISC de 9,5% sendo compatível com as taxas descritas na literatura consultada e uma incidência de 10,4 % em cirurgias limpas e 7,4% em potencialmente contaminadas, sendo estes índices maiores que os observados na literatura estudada. Não foi verificado a associação entre ISC, tempo de duração da cirurgia, cirurgias ortopédicas e não ortopédicas com ou sem utilização de próteses. Entretanto, registrou-se a associação entre o registro de interferência do paciente na ferida cirúrgica e a ocorrência de ISC. Verificou-se como possíveis fatores de risco para ISC: a falta de um processo de vigilância das infecções hospitalares, emprego não padronizado de antibioticoprofilaxia, falta de normas e rotinas referentes à prevenção e controle das infecções hospitalares, falta de treinamento e orientação adequada dos profissionais e falta do cumprimento da legislação vigente. Portanto, baseado nos dados apurados e observações realizadas durante o estudo, verificou-se a necessidade de providências no controle e prevenção das ISC.

<p> <b>Purpose:</b> The purpose of this project was two-fold. One, to test the accuracy and usefulness of a clinically unused dose calculation algorithm for the Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion radiosurgery unit that accounts for heterogeneities in the patient volume. This process included designing, fabricating, and testing a novel phantom from idea stage through production and use. Two, to facilitate and provide dosimetry for irradiating a large number of mice and rats to develop a murine model of radiation induced necrosis in the brain.</p><p> <b>Methods/Materials:</b> To test the dose calculation algorithm, we used a commercially available anthropomorphic head phantom and EBT2 radiochromic film to evaluate predicted vs measured dose delivery for the clinically accepted algorithm, which assumes a homogeneous treatment volume, and the convolution algorithm, which takes into account heterogeneities within the treatment volume. In addition, we designed and fabricated a novel phantom that could accommodate various heterogeneities along with EBT2 film and an ion chamber. We again evaluated predicted vs measured dose with varying material configurations for both algorithms. To assist the murine necrosis model, we developed a novel mouse positioning and irradiation system utilizing the Gamma Knife Perfexion that was designed to be accurate, repeatable and efficient. We designed an animal immobilizing planform that could be incorporated into the clinical protocol for acquiring patient image data, image registration, and treatment planning.</p><p> <b>Results:</b> We demonstrated that the convolution algorithm is accurate to within a clinically acceptable three percent in cases of extreme heterogeneities, and it is clinically significantly more accurate than the standard homogeneous algorithm when large heterogeneities are present in the treatment volume. In addition, we were able to facilitate the development of a robust murine radiation necrosis model by irradiating more than 1,000 mice to a spatial accuracy of within 0.5 millimeters in all directions and to within five percent accuracy of prescription dose.</p><p> <b>Conclusion:</b> During the course of this work we successfully completed two large undertakings that are representative of tasks often asked of a clinical medical physicist. First, to evaluate a treatment delivery option in the radiation oncology clinic and make evidence based recommendations for clinical protocols. And second, to provide a reliable and scientifically sound service to collaborators and outside research groups when physics expertise is required.</p><p>

Submitted by Ubirajara Cruz (ubirajara.cruz@gmail.com) on 2017-05-10T15:44:04Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_Karina_Guterres.pdf: 1168488 bytes, checksum: ee487fb25ae70ca05360b35977d6d470 (MD5)<br>Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2017-05-10T15:51:31Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_Karina_Guterres.pdf: 1168488 bytes, checksum: ee487fb25ae70ca05360b35977d6d470 (MD5)<br>Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-10T15:51:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_Karina_Guterres.pdf: 1168488 bytes, checksum: ee487fb25ae70ca05360b35977d6d470 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-27<br>Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES<br>Esporotricose é uma micose subcutânea que afeta humanos e animais, sendo causada por fungos do complexo Sporothrix, incluindo a espécie S. brasiliensis. O itraconazol é considerado o fármaco de primeira escolha para o tratamento, porém algumas espécies fúngicas têm demonstrado maior resistência a este antifúngico. Neste contexto, tem se buscado novos tratamentos, destacando-se pesquisas com plantas medicinais. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar a atividade antifúngica do extrato hidroalcoólico de Bauhinia forficata frente a isolados de Sporothrix brasiliensis. A técnica de microdiluição em caldo foi utilizada para avaliar sensibilidade de sete isolados fúngicos (n=1 canino e n=6 felinos) frente a dez concentrações do extrato (100 a 0,19mg/mL), utilizando-se como controle positivo itraconazol (0,5-64 μg/ml). Nas concentrações estudadas foi evidenciada CIM de 100 mg/mL do extrato hidroalcoólico de B. forficata frente ao S. brasiliensis, porém os valores de CFM foram superiores a 100 mg/mL para todos isolados. Em relação ao itraconazol, cinco dos isolados (71,4%) apresentaram CFM de 64 μg/ml. Maiores estudos acerca da atividade da planta, utilizando outras formas de extratos, diferentes concentrações e outras partes vegetais devem ser realizados, visto que esta apresenta atividade frente a outros microrganismos, incluindo fungos, podendo vir a ser um bom alvo para estudo no tratamento da esporotricose.<br>Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis affecting humans and animals and is caused by Sporothrix complex of fungi, including species S. brasiliensis. Itraconazoleis considered the drug of choice for treatment, but some fungal species have shown greater resistance to this antifungal. In this context, has sought new treatments, especially research on medicinal plants. This work aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Bauhinia forficata against isolates of Sporothrix brasiliensis. The broth microdilution technique was used to evaluate sensitivity seven fungal isolates (n = 1 canine and n = 6 feline) against ten extract concentrations (100 to 0,19 mg/mL) , using as a positive control itraconazole (0,5 - 64 mg/mL). The concentrations studied was observed MIC of 100 mg / mL of alcoholic extract of B. forficata against S. brasiliensis, but the CFM values were greater than 100 mg / mL for all isolates. Regarding itraconazole, five isolates (71,4 %) showed 64 CFM/mL. Further studies on the plant activity using other forms of extracts, different concentrations and other plant parts must be carried out, as it has activity against other microorganisms, including fungi and could be a good target for study in the treatment of sporotrichosis.

Small-animal imaging has been widely implemented to study succession of disease, therapeutic treatments and the effects of environmental insults. The gold standard noninvasive technique for following progression of heart failure in small-animal models is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this project was to adapt a clinical MRI system to perform small-animal cardiac MRI. The first part of the thesis describes the adaptations required, which included design and construction of a small-animal radiofrequency (RF) coil, physical support (cradle), a core body temperature regulation system, and optimization of pulse sequences. The system was validated using a phantom and in-vivo in 5 healthy rats. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the phantom was 91% higher using the small-animal coil compared to the standard head coil. SNRs of 7 ± 2 and 18.9 ± 0.6 were achieved in myocardium and blood, respectively, in healthy rats and MR left ventricular mass (LVM) was highly correlated with (r=0.87) with post-mortem mass. In the second part of the study, left ventricular remodeling (LVR) was investigated in a nonreperfused model of myocardial infarction (MI) in 5 sham and 7 infarcted rats. Rats were scanned at 2 and 4 weeks post surgery to allow for global and regional functional and structural analyses of the heart. Images were of sufficient quality to enable semi-automatic segmentation using Segment. Significant increase in end-systolic volume (ESV) was observed in MI rats at 2 weeks post surgery. At 4 weeks post surgery, end-diastolic volume (EDV) and ESV of MI rats were significantly higher than in sham rats. Ejection fraction (EF) of MI rats dropped significantly at 2 weeks and a further significant drop was observed at 4 weeks indicating contractile dysfunction. Wall thickness (WTh) analyses in MI rats at 4 weeks revealed significant reduction in end-diastolic (ED) wall thickness in the anterior region due to necrosis of myocytes. In the posterior region, WTh was significantly higher due to LV hypertrophy. At end-systole (ES), the MI rats revealed significant decrease in WTh in the anterior and lateral regions. MI rats suffered reduction in systolic wall thickening in all regions of the heart, indicating global contractile dysfunction.

O presente relatório foi elaborado no âmbito do estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora, realizado entre 1 de Outubro e 30 de Dezembro de 2019 na Clínica Veterinária do Paim e entre 5 de Janeiro e 31 de Março de 2020 no Hospital Veterinário Berna. Encontra-se subdividido em duas partes, a primeira abordando a casuística observada ao longo de todo o estágio e a segunda consistindo numa monografia sobre o tema «Síndrome Atópica Felina», acompanhada de 3 casos clínicos assistidos durante o estágio. A síndrome atópica felina é uma doença crónica, em que a cura raramente é possível. O seu diagnóstico é obtido por exclusão doutros diagnósticos diferenciais, conjugada com a história pregressa do paciente e as lesões que apresenta. A escolha do plano terapêutico depende de cada caso individual e requere muita dedicação por parte do clínico e tutor; Abstract: Small Animal Medicine and Surgery – Feline Atopic Syndrome This report was prepared as part of the curricular internship of the Integrated Master’s in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Évora, held between October 1st and December 30th, 2019 at Clínica Veterinária do Paim and between January 5th and March 31st, 2020 at the Hospital Veterinário Berna. It is divided into two parts, the first addressing the case series observed throughout the internship and the second consisting of a monograph on the topic «Feline Atopic Syndrome», accompanied by 3 clinical cases observed during the internship. Feline atopic syndrome is a chronic disease, in which the cure is rarely possible. Its diagnosis is obtained by excluding other differential diagnoses, combined with the patient's past history and the lesions the animal presents. The choice of the therapeutic plan depends on each individual case and requires a lot of dedication on the part of the clinician and tutor.

Gathering data on the veterinary caseload will be useful in directing both future research and the veterinary curriculum. Previous studies have used clinical records to gather this data, but the validity of these methods remains unclear. Direct observation has been used to collect similar data in medicine and may be better able to capture the complexities of the consultation. The aim of the study was to determine the common patients, presentations, diagnoses and interventions during small animal veterinary consultations using direct observation. A network of 8 sentinel practices in England and Scotland was recruited. A tool allowing collection of data during direct observation of consultations was developed and piloted. The tool was used to gather data on patient characteristics, problems discussed, diagnoses made and outcomes selected. Practice visits were conducted to feedback results and stimulate discussion. Consultations were highly complex, with discussion of multiple problems, leading to a wide range of diagnoses and outcomes. Discussion of several problems appeared to be associated with increased consultation length. Preventive medicine was a common reason for presentation, and these consultations were amongst the most complex. A definitive diagnosis was not reached for most problems, yet actions were frequently taken. Feedback from the practices involved was positive, and discussions surrounding priorities for future research echoed the findings of the study. Direct observation of consultations allows caseload to be recorded in great detail, which may not be possible with other collection methods. The results are the first step in directing future research towards areas relevant to practitioners and will also be useful in guiding the veterinary curriculum. The way in which future research is conducted should take into account the realities of first opinion practice, such as the high frequency of comorbidity and polypharmacy, and low frequency of definitive diagnosis.

O presente relatório surge na sequência do estágio curricular, realizado no Hospital veterinário da Associação Zoófila Portuguesa, entre 17 de setembro de 2018 e 31 de janeiro de 2019, sendo este necessário ao término do curso no Mestrado Integrado de Medicina Veterinária na Universidade de Évora. O relatório encontra-se dividido em duas partes, a primeira refere-se às atividades desenvolvidas na área de clínica e cirurgia de animais de companhia e à casuísta a que a autora teve oportunidade de acompanhar. A segunda inclui uma monografia onde é abordado o tema “Linfoma multicêntrico canino”, com apresentação de dois casos clínicos. O linfoma multicêntrico é o tipo de linfoma mais comum em cães, a sua classificação de Linfoma de células tipo B ou Linfoma de células do tipo T é feita principalmente através de imunofenotipagem e o prognóstico varia segundo a classificação histológica do tumor, sendo que os linfomas das células T são, normalmente, mais raros e de pior prognóstico. O tratamento baseia-se na utilização de quimioterápicos em diferentes protocolos; SMALL ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SURGERY- CANINE MULTICENTRIC LYMPHOMA ABSTRACT: The present report follows the externship performed at Hospital Veterinário da Associação Zoófila Portuguesa, between the period September 17th of 2018 and January 31st of 2019, this being necessary to conclude the master’s degree in veterinary medicine at Universidade de Évora. This report is mainly divided into two parts. The first part refers to the developed activities in small animal practice and to the cases that the author had the opportunity to follow. The second includes a monography about “Canine multicentric lymphoma”, with the presentation of two clinical cases. The multicentric lymphoma is the most frequent in dogs, the classification between B-cell lymphoma or T-cell lymphoma is made mainly through immunophenotyping and the prognosis is variable according to the histological grade of the tumor, being that the t-cell lymphoma are usually rarer and of worse prognosis. The treatment is based on the use of chemotherapeutics in different protocols.

O presente relatório foi realizado no âmbito do estágio curricular do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária na Universidade de Évora, no Hospital VetSet de 2 de outubro de 2017 a 2 de março de 2018. É constituído por duas componentes. A primeira trata da casuística acompanhada ao longo do estágio. A segunda consiste numa monografia sobre a polirradiculoneurite aguda canina com a descrição de um caso clínico. A polirradiculoneurite aguda canina é a neuropatia periférica adquirida mais comum nos cães e é semelhante à síndrome Guillain-Barré em humanos. Normalmente apresenta-se sob a forma de uma tetraparesia difusa e aguda de nervo motor inferior. O seu diagnóstico é feito através da exclusão dos diagnósticos diferenciais, implica um exame neurológico minucioso e exames eletrofisiológicos, que suportem o diagnóstico clinico. O tratamento base consiste em cuidados de suporte; Abstract: Small Animal Medicine The present report regards to the externship of the master’s degree in veterinary medicine of the Universidade de Évora, at Hospital VetSet from october 2nd, 2017 to march 2nd, 2018. The first part covers the activities and followed cases during the externship. The second consists of a monography on “Acute canine polyradiculoneuritis” with a case report. Acute canine polyradiculoneuritis is the most common acquired polyneuropathy in dogs and it’s similar to the human Guillain-Barré syndrome. It usually presents under the form of an acute tetraparesis with signs of the lower motor neuron. The diagnosis of this disease is made by differential diagnosis and implies a thorough neulorogic exam and eletrophysiological studies, which support the clínical diagnosis. The base treatment involves support care.

Este relatório apresenta a casuística observada durante o estágio curricular em clínica de animais de companhia decorrido no Hospital Veterinário da Marinha Grande (HVMG) e, ainda, uma revisão acerca de um tema que despertou interesse para o seu estudo em particular, o das doenças prostáticas em canídeos. O relatório encontra-se dividido em três partes distintas, sendo que a primeira é referente à casuística acompanhada durante o período de estágio, a segunda refere-se à monografia e, por fim, a parte referente a um caso clínico ilustrativo de doença prostática em canídeo. Na casuística contabilizaram-se os casos clínicos assistidos e elaborou-se uma descrição sucinta. A monografia inclui uma breve revisão bibliográfica sobre as principais doenças prostáticas que afetam o cão, tendo em conta a sua prevalência, sintomatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento. Por fim, é apresentado um caso clínico, que suscitou particular interesse, ilustrativo de doença prostática em canídeo; Abstract: “Internship report in clinic of small animals – Prostatic diseases in dogs” This report presents the case series observed during the course of the internship in companion animals at the Hospital Veterinário da Marinha Grande (HVMG) and includes a review of a topic that raised special interest for this particular study - prostatic diseases in dogs. The report is divided into three distinct sections. The first one is related to the case series observed during the course of the internship; second refers to the monograph and finally the last one is related to an illustrative case report of canine prostatic disease. In the case series the observed clinical cases were accounted and a brief description of them was elaborated. The monograph includes a brief literature review about main prostatic diseases affecting the dog, regarding the prevalence, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment. Finally a clinical case that has aroused particular interest is presented, as illustrative of canine prostatic disease.

O presente relatório foi elaborado no âmbito da conclusão do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora, encontrando-se dividido em duas partes. A primeira parte inclui uma descrição de toda a casuística presenciada pela autora ao longo do estágio curricular realizado no Hospital Veterinário do Restelo (HVR), desde 1 de agosto de 2016 a 1 de fevereiro de 2017. A segunda parte inclui uma monografia sobre o tema “luxação de lente ocular em cães” e ainda a descrição de um caso clínico acompanhado no decorrer do estágio. A luxação de lente é cada vez mais frequente em diversas raças, podendo ser primária ou secundária a outra afeção oftalmológica, exigindo uma resolução cirúrgica em ambos os casos. Serão abordados neste relatório os vários aspetos da afeção bem como da sua resolução cirúrgica; Abstract: Small animal clinic and surgery The present report was elaborated to conclude the master’s degree in Veterinary medicine from the University of Évora. The first part includes a full description of all followed clinical cases during the internship on Hospital Veterinário do Restelo, from 1st of August of 2016 to 1st of February of 2017. The second part consist of a monograph about “luxated ocular lens in dogs” with a detailed description of a clinical case that was followed by the author during her internship. The lens luxation is a common problem on many different breeds. It can be of primary origin or secondary to other ocular disease. In both cases it needs a surgical resolution. On this report, several aspects of its pathology will be discussed as well as it’s surgical management.

O presente relatório de estágio elaborado no âmbito da conclusão do ciclo de estudos do Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária da Universidade de Évora encontra-se dividido em duas partes. A primeira secção aborda a casuística acompanhada pela autora ao longo do estágio curricular realizado no Hospital Veterinário do Oeste, entre 10 de setembro de 2018 e 15 de fevereiro de 2019. A segunda parte é constituída pela monografia intitulada insuficiência pancreática exócrina no cão, seguindo-se a descrição de um caso clínico acompanhado durante o estágio num Pastor Alemão com esta doença. A insuficiência pancreática exócrina decorre essencialmente da atrofia acinar pancreática, patologia com caráter hereditário e auto-imune, e da pancreatite crónica. O diagnóstico definitivo consiste em valores da imunoreatividade semelhante à tripsina canina inferiores a 2,5μg/L. O tratamento tem o objetivo de colmatar a deficiência nas enzimas pancreáticas através da sua suplementação; Abstract: Clinic and surgery of small animals This report was written following an internship framed within integrated master’s degree in veterinary medicine. This report is divided into two different parts, the first part includes a description of clinical cases that were accompanied by the author at the Hospital Veterinário do Oeste, from 10th September 2018 to 15th February 2019. The second part englobes a monograph regarding exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, followed by a description of a clinical case in a German Shepherd dog, which was accompanied by the author. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency may be a consequence of pancreatic acinar atrophy, hereditary and autoimmune disease, or chronic pancreatitis. The definitive diagnosis is achieved when values of serum canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity are below 2,5μg/L. The aim of the treatment is to compensate the absence of pancreatic enzymes by administering supplements.

Lung cancer leads in mortality among all types of cancer in the US and Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the major type of lung cancer. Immuno-compromised mice bearing xenografts of human lung cancer cells represent the most common animal models for studying lung cancer biology and for evaluating potential anticancer agents. However, orthotopic lung cancer models based on intrapulmonary injection of suspended cancer cells feature premature leakage of the cancer cells to both sides of the lung within five days, which generates a quick artifact of metastasis and thus belies the development and progression of lung cancer as seen in the clinic. Based on intrapulmonary inoculation of multicellular spheroids (MCS), we have developed the first orthotopic xenograft model of lung cancer that simulates all four clinical stages of NSCLC progression in mice over one month: Stage 1 localized tumor at the inoculation site; Stage 2 multiple tumor nodules or larger tumor nodule on the same side of the lung; Stage 3 cancer growth on heart surface; and Stage 4 metastatic cancer on both sides of the lung. The cancer development was monitored conveniently by in vivo fluorescent imaging and validated by open-chest anatomy, ex vivo fluorescent imaging, and histological studies. The model enjoys high rates of postoperative survival (100%) and parenchymal tumor establishment (88.9%). The roughness of the inoculated MCS is associated negatively with the time needed to develop metastatic cancer (p=0.0299). In addition, we have constructed a co-culture MCS that consisted of A549-iRFP lung cancer cells and WI38 normal human fibroblast cells. The pro-proliferation effect and the high expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) by the co-cultured WI38 cells indicated their transformation from normal fibroblasts to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). The morphology of the co-culture MCS features a round shape, a tight internal structure, and quicker development of roughness. The large roughness value of co-culture MCS suggests that small co-culture MCS could be inoculated into mice lung with a small needle to reduce the surgical trauma. Taken together, a new orthotopic model of NSCLC has been developed, which would facilitate future development of medications against lung cancer.

In this thesis, we describe several imaging techniques specifically designed and developed for the assessment of pulmonary structure, function and pathology. We then describe the application of this technology within appropriate biological systems, including the identification, tracking and assessment of lung tumors in a mouse model of lung cancer. The design and development of a Large Image Microscope Array (LIMA), an integrated whole organ serial sectioning and imaging system, is described with emphasis on whole lung tissue. This system provides a means for acquiring 3D pathology of fixed whole lung specimens with no infiltrative embedment medium using a purpose-built vibratome and imaging system. This system enables spatial correspondence between histology and non-invasive imaging modalities such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), providing precise correlation of the underlying 'ground truth' pathology back to the in vivo imaging data. The LIMA system is evaluated using fixed lung specimens from sheep and mice, resulting in large, high-quality pathology datasets that are accurately registered to their respective CT and H&E histology. The implementation of an in vivo micro-CT imaging system in the context of pulmonary imaging is described. Several techniques are initially developed to reduce artifacts commonly associated with commercial micro-CT systems, including geometric gantry calibration, ring artifact reduction and beam hardening correction. A computer controlled Intermittent Iso-pressure Breath Hold (IIBH) ventilation system is then developed for reduction of respiratory motion artifacts in live, breathing mice. A study validating the repeatability of extracting valuable pulmonary metrics using this technique against standard respiratory gating techniques is then presented. The development of an ex vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and an in vivo catheter based confocal microscopy (CBCM) pulmonary imaging technique is described. Direct high-resolution imaging of sub-pleural alveoli is presented and an alveolar mechanic study is undertaken. Through direct quantitative assessment of alveoli during inflation and deflation, recruitment and de-recruitment of alveoli is quantitatively measured. Based on the empirical data obtained in this study, a new theory on alveolar mechanics is proposed. Finally, a longitudinal mouse lung cancer study utilizing the imaging techniques described and developed throughout this thesis is presented. Lung tumors are identified, tracked and analyzed over a 6-month period using a combination of micro-CT, micro-PET, micro-MRI, LSCM, CBCM, LIMA and H&E histology imaging. The growth rate of individual tumors is measured using the micro-CT data and traced back to the histology using the LIMA system. A significant difference in tumor growth rates within mice is observed, including slow growing, regressive, disappearing and aggressive tumors, while no difference between the phenotype of tumors was found from the H&E histology. Micro-PET and micro-MRI imaging was conducted at the 6-month time point and revealed the limitation of these systems for detection of small lesions ( < 2mm) in this mouse model of lung cancer. The CBCM imaging provided the first high-resolution live pathology of this mouse model of lung cancer and revealed distinct differences between normal, suspicious and tumor regions. In addition, a difference was found between control A/J mice parenchyma and Urethane A/J mice ‘normal’ parenchyma, suggesting a 'field effect' as a result of the Urethane administration and/or tumor burden. In conclusion, a comprehensive murine lung cancer imaging study was undertaken, and new information regarding the progression of tumors over time has been revealed.

Les modifications post-traductionnelles de la tubuline sont des cibles attrayantes pour la thérapie du cancer. TTLL12 est impliqué dans la détyrosination de la tubuline, la triméthylation de l’histone H4K20 et le cancer de la prostate. La thèse porte sur les effets de la surexpression de TTLL12 sur ces modifications à différents stades du cycle cellulaire et sur la sensibilité à des agents ciblant les microtubules. Les résultats montrent que TTLL12 affecte ces modifications indépendant du cycle cellulaire et réduit la sensibilité des cellules à paclitaxel. XRP44X est un nouvel inhibiteur de la signalisation Ras-ERK-Elk3. Ses propriétés antitumorigène ont été montré in vitro et dans certaines études in vivo. Le projet de thèse était une continuation des études pré-cliniques sur XRP44X dans des modèles de cancer de la prostate de souris. Les résultats montrent que XRP44X est un inhibiteur efficace de la tumorigenèse et des métastases, ce qui peut être dû à son effet sur Elk3<br>Tubulin posttranslational modifications are an attractive target for cancer therapy. TTLL12 isinvolved in tubulin detyrosination, histone H4K20 trimethylation and prostate cancer. The thesis addresses the effects of TTLL12 overexpression on these tubulin and histone modifications at different stages of the cell cycle and on sensitivity to microtubule-targeting agents. The results show that TTLL12 over expression affects tubulin detyrosination and H4K20 trimethylation independently of cell cycle phase and reduces cell sensitivity totaxanes.XRP44X is a novel inhibitor of Ras-ERK1/2-Elk3 signalling and tubulin-binding agent. Itsantitumorigenic properties had been shown in vitro and in initial in vivo studies. The thesis project was a continuation of pre-clinical studies on XRP44X in mouse prostate cancer models. The results show that XRP44X is an effective inhibitor of tumorigenesis and metastasis in prostate cancer, which may be due to its effect on Elk3

碩士<br>國立陽明大學<br>放射醫學科學研究所<br>94<br>The feasibility study to the use of clinical positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanner on small animal imaging with [F-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) was evaluated. In this study, we proposed several CT imaging protocols in the PET/CT system to investigate it capacities and also explore the performance differences between the microPET and the clinical PET/CT. Two CT protocols in the PET/CT system, high-resolution mode protocol specialized for single mouse, and high throughput mode protocol for multiple mice imaging, were employed. Finally, the images were evaluated based on resolution, uniformity. In this study, we have found that the overall image quality from the microPET scanner is superior to those from PET/CT scanner but the difference is not quite significant. The image quality under high throughput mode protocol was as well as those under high-resolution mode protocol, suggesting that high-throughput studies may be feasible with the reliability we demand. We also observed that the CT-based attenuation correction can improve the image uniformity characteristics either in single-mouse or multi-mice protocol setting. In summary, although the clinical PET/CT scanner could not compete with the microPET scanner, especially in spatial resolution, the combined CT could bring about several possibilities in research application, such as high-throughput studies. In addition, the precise fusion of PET images with the CT images facilitates anatomic localization of the PET findings, overcoming alignment problems, which is often encountered with techniques that register images obtained from two separate systems. Finally, considering all advantages, the clinical PET/CT imaging might be a potential tool for small animal study.

Echocardiography has become a very important diagnostic exam in veterinary cardiology, being consider as the exam of choice in many of the small animals cardiopathies. Recently, new echocardiographic techniques have been studied with the intent of improving diagnostic accuracy, introducing new parameters on the routine echocardiographic exam. These techniques, namely Tissue Doppler imaging and Specke Tracking, are already well established in human medicine cardiology and many studies have proven their value and effectiveness. During the last decade, these techniques have also been studied in veterinary medicine. Tissue Doppler imaging and Bi-dimensional Speckle Tracking deliver new parameters in evaluating the myocardium performance, as the evaluation of the deformation indices (Strain and Strain Rate), ventricular torsion and synchrony. In this review, relevance will be given to these parameters and how they affect changes on the left ventricle. This will be achieved by gathering studies recently made in various cardiopathies, as well as the normal values for myocardial deformation in healthy animals. This review will also focus on these techniques’ ability to detect early changes, allowing the clinicians to use proper and timely therapeutic decisions. This is a very important factor, since it could have impact on definitive diagnosis and future prognosis of several diseases.<br>Em Medicina Veterinária, a ecocardiografia tornou-se um exame complementar de extrema importância no diagnóstico definitivo de várias cardiopatias, sendo considerada como o método diagnóstico de eleição. Recentemente, novas modalidades ecocardiográficas têm sido estudadas com o intuito de melhorar a capacidade de diagnóstico e introduzir novos parâmetros no exame ecocardiográfico de rotina. Em Medicina Humana, as referidas ténicas de ecocardiografia mais avançadas, como o Doppler tecidular e o Speckle Tracking são já utilizadas na rotina da prática clínica, existindo diversos estudos que comprovam o seu valor e eficácia. Durante a última década estas ténicas têm vindo também a ser estudadas em Medicina Veterinária, sendo o Speckle tracking bi-dimensional considerado o mais recente. Tanto o Doppler Tecidular como o Speckle Tracking fornecem novos parâmetros de avaliação da performance do miocárdio, como a avaliação dos parâmetros de deformação (Strain e Strain Rate), torsão ventricular e sincronia mecânica do miocárdio. Nesta revisão será dada relevância às alterações destes parâmetros no estudo do ventrículo esquerdo. Desta forma, esta revisão tem como objectivo reunir os estudos feitos recentemente em diversas cardiopatias, assim como em animais saudáveis, podendo estes servir como referência na validação futura dos parâmetros de deformação. Será dado maior relevo à capacidade destas técnicas detectarem alterações precocemente, possibilitanto ao clínico uma conduta terapêutica adequada, antes dos parâmetros obtidos na ecocardiografia convencional se apresentarem alterados. Este factor é de extrema importância para o desenvolvimento da abordagem terapêutica quer no prognóstico quer no diagnóstico definitivo das cardiopatias em Medicina Veterinária.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia Física apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia<br>A imagiologia médica é um dos recursos mais utilizados na medicina, sendo as suas principais aplicações no diagnóstico e terapêutica. Imagens obtidas através da fusão de duas modalidades de imagiologia médica apresentam vantagens consideráveis quando comparadas com images provenientes de uma só técnica de imagem, uma vez que combinam informação anatómica com informação funcional.Enquanto a Tomografia por Emissão de Positrões (PET) fornece informações específicas acerca do metabolismo, estudos de Imagiologia por Ressonância Magnética incluem formas anatómicas com elevado contraste, destacando-se o seu desempenho na distinção de tecidos moles. Desta forma, a combinação das duas técnicas fornece parâmetros funcionais combinados com informação espacial adicional. Neste projecto, pretendemos desenvolver uma interface gráfica para a automatização do co-registo de imagens obtidas em estudos de RPC-PET pré-clínico com images de MR animal de forma eficiente. A análise dos pacotes de software disponíveis para este propósito foi feita tendo em conta a amplitude de funcionalidades, a extensibilidade, a portabilidade entre plataformas, o tipo de licença e a possibilidade de aplicação em meio clínico. A plataforma de desenvolvimento do Interactive Data Language (IDL) destacou-se sobre os seus pares cumprindo todos pos requisitos necessários para o desenvolvimento deste projecto. O desenvolvimento do algoritmo de co-registro teve por base o método de medição de pontos de referência, usando a intensidade e a posição dos centroides dos cinco marcadores fiduciais colocados na cama usada em ambos os equipamentos de aquisição de imagem. A matriz da transformação de registo é determinada pela minimização da métrica de semelhança através de um processo de optimização, e aplicada ao volume de RCP-PET. Uma interface gráfica interactiva permite a visualização e manipulação dos volumes co-registados. O algoritmo de fusão foi aplicado a diferentes casos clínicos de imagiologia animal, adquiridos com e sem ratinhos marcados com diferentes radionuclídeos. O desemplenho do programa foi validado qualitativa e quantitativamente, tendo-se obtido um valor médio de TRE (Erro de registo relativamente ao volume alvo) de 1.906 mm. A avaliação das volumes resultantes do processo indica como principal fonte de erro o método de identificação do limiar de intensidade. Por último, foram feitas algumas considerações relativas a potencias melhorias do método desenvolvido.<br>Medical imaging is one of the most common resources in medicine, where the main applications are within disease diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. Images obtained resorting to two different procedures of medical imaging show considerable advantages when compared with single methods, as both anatomical and functional information are provided with more accuracy. While positron emission tomography (PET) provides a specific metabolic signal, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes anatomical information with superior soft-tissue contrast: the combination of the two methods provides functional parameters and additional spatial information. In this work, we aim at developing a graphical interface for automating the co-registration of images obtained through a pre-clinical RPC-PET system and its image fusion with an animal magnetic resonance system efficiently. Software comparisons were performed considering the breadth of functionality, extensibility, cross-platform portability, and non-restrictive software license, as well as future applicability in clinical settings. It was considered that the Interactive Data Language (IDL) software development package is the one that best fits the current project. The co-registration algorithm is based on the landmarks measurements method grounded on the pixel intensity and the location of the centroids of the five artificial fiducial markers placed on the examination bed used on the two acquisition equipment. The registration transformation is determined by the minimization of the feature-based metrics. After this optimization process, the source image (RCP-PET) is transformed and interpolated. The merged volumes are displayed in a GUI that allows basic volume manipulation steps. The performance of the co-registration was evaluated by testing the algorithm in different datasets acquired with and without small animals (mice) labeled with several radionuclides. The registration results were qualitative and quantitative validated and for the 19 studies successfully merged the mean value for TRE (Target Registration Error) was 1.906 mm. The results obtained suggest that the major error source is related to the fiducial markers and the routine for threshold identification. Finally, considerations on potential improvements to the method are made.

博士<br>國立陽明大學<br>生物醫學影像暨放射科學系<br>100<br>Objectives: A portable system collocating with various clinical gamma cameras to perform 3D small-animal molecular imaging was developed. This system is able to collocate well with various clinical gamma cameras and its spatial resolution is close to the commercial animal imaging systems. Methods: The portable system consists of a rotating stage, a leveling plate, a line-source phantom and a calibration phantom. To obtain high resolution SPECT images, Several methods were developed to align and calibrate the geometries of portable devices to various clinical gamma camera system. The projected images of the subject were reimaged according to the calibration parameters, and reconstructed by 3D OS-EM iterative reconstruction algorithm. Results: The resulting images of the micro deluxe phantom showed the 2.4 mm cold rods. The image quality of phantom scanning was stable when applied to various gamma cameras from different manufacturers. The resulting images of 99mTc-MDP bone scan of a normal mouse showed the details of spine, femur, pelvis and tail. Moreover, a valid radiopharmaceutical study of 99mTc -HYNIC-Annexin V on a liver inflammation induced mouse was carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of this system for small-animal molecular imaging. Conclusions: The newly developed portable system collocated well with various gamma cameras and was able to perform small-animal molecular imaging successfully.

Trabalho de Projeto do Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia Biomédica apresentado à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia<br>Cancer is one of the biggest public health issues, being the second leading cause of death worldwide. More than 100 different types of cancer have been reported until the present day, and there are several approaches to combat them. One of them, a type of radiation therapy, is proton therapy. Image-guidance is crucial for improving the precision of experiments such as small-animal proton irradiation. This project investigated the feasibility of a novel small-animal proton radiographic imaging setup based on a pixelated silicon detector and the concept of energy stacking. The method for position verification, and direct measurement of the two-dimensional Water Equivalent Thickness (WET) distribution of a small-animal sized object, consisted of scanning a 2 x 2 x 2 cubic centimeter water phantom, including four different material inserts (0.3 x 0.3 x 2 cubic centimeter each), with 61 proton energies ranging from 45 to 75 MeV. Different beam shapes were tested. Energy deposition was scored in a simplified model of a commercially available pixelated CMOS detector (1024 x 512 pixels with 48 μm pixel pitch, 2 μm sensitive thickness), placed at varying distances downstream of the phantom. For each detector pixel, the energy deposition versus initial proton beam energy was recorded and converted to WET values by a signal decomposition using a Monte Carlo-based lookup-table (LUT) matrix. For a set of Monte Carlo simulation parameters, including the use of a combination of two perpendicular rectangular proton beams, WET values were obtained with an accuracy of about 96.1%. Sub-millimeter spatial resolutions of (0.59 ± 0.02) mm and (0.67 ± 0.01) mm were obtained in both dimensions. With a total dose to the object of 69.7 mGy, the entire radiographic acquisition time for this approach was estimated to range from 14 to 33 minutes, depending on the used accelerator.<br>O cancro é um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública, sendo a segunda maior causa de morte no mundo. Mais de 100 tipos diferentes de cancro foram reportados até ao presente, existindo diversas abordagens para os combater. Uma delas, um tipo de radioterapia, é a terapia com protões. O conceito de image-guidance é crucial para melhorar a precisão de estudos como a irradiação protónica de pequenos animais. Este projeto investigou a viabilidade de uma nova configuração para imagiologia de radiografias protónicas de pequenos animais baseada num detetor de silício pixelizado e na noção de empilhamento de energias. O método para verificação de posição, e medição direta da distribuição bidimensional da Espessura Equivalente a Água (WET) de um objeto com o tamanho de um pequeno animal, consistiu no varrimento de um fantoma com 2 x 2 x 2 centímetros cúbicos de água, includindo quatro inserções de diferentes materiais (0,3 x 0,3 x 2 centímetros cúbicos cada), com 61 feixes de protões com energias entre 45 e 75 MeV. A deposição de energia foi registada num modelo simplificado de um detetor CMOS pixelizado comercialmente disponível (1024 x 512 pixels com 48 μm de lado e uma espessura sensível de 2 μm), colocado em diferentes distâncias a jusante do fantoma. Para cada pixel do detector, a deposição de energia versus a energia inicial do feixe de protões foi registada e convertida em valores de WET através de uma decomposição de sinal, usando uma matriz de consulta baseada em Monte Carlo (LUT). Para um conjunto de parâmetros de simulação de Monte Carlo, os valores de WET foram obtidos com uma precisão de cerca de 96,1%. Resoluções espaciais sub-milimétricas de (0,59 ± 0,02) mm e (0,67 ± 0,01) mm foram obtidas em ambas as dimensões. Com uma dose total para o objeto de 69,7 mGy, o tempo total de aquisição radiográfica para esta abordagem foi estimado em 14 a 33 minutos, dependendo do acelerador utilizado.