Notice of Removal: Backscattered power anisotropy throughout non-human primate pregnancy

The non-pregnant cervix is composed of layers of pseudo-aligned collagen wrapped circumferentially around the cervical canal. Studies in rodents have shown that this structure disorganizes and breaks down throughout normal pregnancy. There is evidence to suggest that layered, pseudo-aligned collagen fibers in the non-pregnant cervix induce an angle-dependence (anisotropy) in backscattered ultrasound power. We therefore hypothesize that quantification of backscattered power anisotropy can track (ab)normal changes in the cervix collagen structure that precede (pre)term parturition. To test our hypothesis, we longitudinally measured backscattered power anisotropy throughout gestation in the cervix of a non-human primate model.