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ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of the study was to develop the Tamil Matrix Sentence Test (TMST) and evaluate the performance of a group of young adults with normal hearing on the developed test. The developed sentences were also administered at varying intensities to obtain a performance-intensity (PI) function. Methods A base matrix with 10 sentences containing 5 words each with a total of 50 words was used to develop the TMST. The sentences had a fixed semantic sentence structure of Tamil language in the order of noun, number, adjective, object and verb. The developed test consisted of 30 lists with 10 sentences in each list. The performance of 60 young adults with normal hearing aged 18 to 24 years across the 30 lists were compared for list equivalency. To obtain the PI function the sentences were administered on 20 young adults with normal hearing at intensities from 20 dB HL to 100 dB HL in 10 dB increments. The performance across the intensity levels were compared. Results The 30 lists of TMST were found to be acoustically equivalent. However, few lists showed significant difference in the scores obtained on them compared to the rest of the lists. The PI function revealed a saturation in performance beyond 40 dB HL. Conclusion From the results it was construed that TMST can be used to evaluate the speech identification abilities of Tamil speaking listeners. Multiple lists offer the advantage of retesting without the influence of practice or listeners memorizing the test material.

Abstract Background: Tranexamic acid was studied in four different dosage regimens and their efficacy was compared for perioperative blood loss reduction, blood transfusion requirements and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) complication. Methods: Two hundred patients undergoing major orthopedic procedures were divided into five groups containing 40 patients each: Placebo, low dose (bolus 10 mg kg-1), low dose + maintenance (bolus 10 mg kg-1 + maintenance 1 mg kg-1 hr-1), high dose (bolus 30 mg kg-1) and high dose + maintenance (bolus 30 mg kg-1 + maintenance 3 mg kg-1 hr-1). Surgical blood loss was measured intraoperatively and drains collection in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Blood transfusion was done when hematocrit falls less than 25%. DVT screening was done in the postoperative period. Results: The intraoperative blood loss was 440 ± 207.54 mL in the placebo group, 412.5 ± 208.21 mL in the low dose group, 290 ± 149.6 ml in the low dose plus maintenance group, 332.5 ± 162.33 mL in the high dose group and 240.7 ± 88.15 mL in the high dose maintenance group (p < 0.001). The reduction in postoperative blood loss in the drain for first 24 hours was 80 ± 44.44 mL in the placebo group, 89.88 ± 44.87 mL in the low dose group, 56.7 ± 29.12 mL in the low dose plus maintenance group, 77.9 ± 35.74 mL in the high dose group and 46.7 ± 19.9 mL in the high dose maintenance group (p < 0.001). DVT was not encountered in any patient. Conclusion: Tranexamic acid was most effective in reducing surgical blood loss and blood transfusion requirements in a low dose + maintenance group.

Abstract Glass fibre reinforced composite pipes were fabricated by using an IPN blend of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% PU prepolymer (Polyurethane) with VER(Vinylester) resin. The prepared IPN (Interpenetrating polymer networks) composite pipes were subjected to boiling water immersion tests in order to study the effect of moisture absorption characteristics. The Burst strength and Hoop strength of water immersed specimens were evaluated (3, 6, 9, 12 months) and compared along with dry composite specimens. It was found that, percentage of moisture uptake was significantly reduced with increase in PU loading into the IPN system as well the Burst strength and Hoop strength of the specimens were found to be diminishing with raise in percentage of moisture uptake and raise in temperature; contrarily, the addition of PU significantly reduced the moisture intake, in addition to that the PU added IPN pipe offers better mechanical strength while compared with neat Vinylester pipes.

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) with direct connection of the pulmonary veins to the morphologically right atrium is exceedingly rare other than in the setting of isomerism of the right atrial appendages. We present an interesting case of TAPVC in a patient with situs solitus that connected to the right atrium via a broad-mouthed common chamber. Resumo: As variantes de retorno venoso pulmonar anómalo total (RVPAT) que resultam de conexão e de drenagem direta das veias pulmonares à aurícula morfologicamente direita são extremamente raras, exceto no caso de presença de isomerismo direito. Apresentamos um caso de RVPAT, com drenagem à aurícula direita através de um coletor comum, num doente com situs solitus. Keywords: Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, Cardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, Supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, Palavras-chave: Conexão anómala total das veias pulmonares, Conexão anómala total de veias pulmonares cardíaca, Conexão anómala total de veias pulmonares supracardíaca

Scholarship utilizing the Generative Justice framework has focused primarily on qualitative data collection and analysis for its insights. This paper introduces a quantitative data measurement, contributory diversity, which can be used to enhance the analysis of ethical dimensions of value production under the Generative Justice lens. It is well known that the identity of contributors—gender, ethnicity, and other categories—is a key issue for social justice in general. Using the example of Open Source Software communities, we note that that typical diversity measures, focusing exclusively on workforce demographics, can fail to fully illuminate issues in value generation. Using Shannon’s entropy measure, we offer an alternative metric which combines the traditional assessment of demographics with a measure of value generation. This mapping allows for previously unacknowledged contributions to be recognized, and can avoid some of the ways in which exclusionary practices are obscured. We offer contributory diversity not as the single optimal metric, but rather as a call for others to begin investigating the possibilities for quantitative measurements of the communities and value flows that are studied using the Generative Justice framework.

Abstract Introduction Shivering, a common intraoperative problem under spinal anesthesia increases the oxygen consumption considerably and is uncomfortable and distressing to the patient, anesthesiologist as well as surgeon. The present study was designed to explore the effectiveness of tramadol, clonidine and dexmedetomidine in the treatment of post spinal anesthesia shivering and to look for their adverse effects. Methods This prospective, randomized, double blinded control study was done on 90 patients who developed shivering under spinal anesthesia. They were randomly allocated into three groups with Group T receiving tramadol 1 mg.kg-1, Group C getting clonidine 1 mcg.kg-1 and Group D patients receiving dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg.kg-1. The time taken to control shivering, recurrence rate, hemodynamic variables, sedation score and adverse effects were observed. Results Dexmedetomidine was faster in the control of shivering in 5.7 ± 0.79 minutes (min) whereas tramadol took 6.76 ± 0.93 min and clonidine was slower with 9.43 ± 0.93 min. The recurrence rate was much lower in the dexmedetomidine group with 3.3% than for clonidine (10%) and tramadol (23.3%) group. The sedation achieved with dexmedetomidine was better than clonidine and tramadol. The tramadol group had more cases of vomiting (four) and dexmedetomidine group had six cases of hypotension and two cases of bradycardia. Two of the clonidine patients encountered bradycardia and hypotension. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine is better than tramadol and clonidine in the control of shivering because of its faster onset and less recurrence rate. Though complications are encountered in the dexmedetomidine group, they are treatable.

Resumo Introdução O tremor, problema comum no período intraoperatório sob raquianestesia, aumenta consideravelmente o consumo de oxigênio, além de ser desconfortável e angustiante para o paciente, o anestesiologista e o cirurgião. O presente estudo foi concebido para explorar a eficácia de tramadol, clonidina e dexmedetomidina no tratamento de tremores pós‐raquianestesia e observar seus efeitos adversos. Métodos Este estudo prospectivo, randômico, controlado e duplo‐cego foi feito com 90 pacientes que desenvolveram tremores sob raquianestesia. Os pacientes foram randomicamente alocados em três grupos para receber 1 mg.kg −1 de tramadol (Grupo T), 1 mcg.kg −1 de clonidina (Grupo C ) e 0,5 mcg.kg −1 de dexmedetomidina (Grupo D). O tempo necessário para controlar os tremores, a taxa de recorrência, as variáveis hemodinâmicas, os níveis de sedação e os efeitos adversos foram registrados. Resultados Dexmedetomidina foi mais rápida para controlar os tremores, com tempo de 5,7 ± 0,79 minutos (min); o tempo de tramadol foi de 6,76 ± 0,93 min; clonidina foi mais lenta, com tempo de 9,43 ± 0,93 min. A taxa de recorrência foi muito menor no grupo dexmedetomidina (3,3%) do que nos grupos clonidina (10%) e tramadol (23,3%). A sedação obtida com dexmedetomidina foi melhor do que a obtida com clonidina e tramadol. O grupo tramadol teve mais casos de vômito (quatro); o grupo dexmedetomidina teve seis casos de hipotensão e dois casos de bradicardia. Dois pacientes do grupo clonidina apresentaram bradicardia e hipotensão. Conclusão Dexmedetomidina foi melhor do que tramadol e clonidina para o controle de tremores devido ao seu início de ação mais rápido e à taxa de recorrência mais baixa. Embora complicações tenham sido observadas no grupo dexmedetomidina, elas foram tratáveis. Introduction Shivering, a common intraoperative problem under spinal anesthesia increases the oxygen consumption considerably and is uncomfortable and distressing to the patient, anesthesiologist as well as surgeon. The present study was designed to explore the effectiveness of tramadol, clonidine and dexmedetomidine in the treatment of post spinal anesthesia shivering and to look for their adverse effects. Methods This prospective, randomized, double blinded control study was done on 90 patients who developed shivering under spinal anesthesia. They were randomly allocated into three groups with Group T receiving tramadol 1 mg.kg −1 , Group C getting clonidine 1 mcg.kg −1 and Group D patients receiving dexmedetomidine 0.5 mcg.kg −1 . The time taken to control shivering, recurrence rate, hemodynamic variables, sedation score and adverse effects were observed. Results Dexmedetomidine was faster in the control of shivering in 5.7 ± 0.79 minutes (min) whereas tramadol took 6.76 ± 0.93 min and clonidine was slower with 9.43 ± 0.93 min. The recurrence rate was much lower in the dexmedetomidine group with 3.3% than for clonidine (10%) and tramadol (23.3%) group. The sedation achieved with dexmedetomidine was better than clonidine and tramadol. The tramadol group had more cases of vomiting (four) and dexmedetomidine group had six cases of hypotension and two cases of bradycardia. Two of the clonidine patients encountered bradycardia and hypotension. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine is better than tramadol and clonidine in the control of shivering because of its faster onset and less recurrence rate. Though complications are encountered in the dexmedetomidine group, they are treatable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]