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This paper discusses relative uniform convergence of triple sequence of functions that are defined on a compact domain. Another central idea that is discussed is the regular relative uniform convergence and the Cauchy relative uniform convergence of triple sequence of functions. The idea that a continuous triple sequence defined on a compact domain is relative uniform convergent if and only if it is relative uniform Cauchy has been discussed and established. Subsequently, a glimpse into Cesaro summability of triple sequences and a theorem regarding triple Cesaro summability of bounded relative uniform triple sequence of functions have been introduced.

Abstract Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the reasons of end-stage kidney disease, and elucidating the pathogenesis and offer new treatment options is important. Oxidative stress might trigger pathogenesis systemically or isolated in the kidneys. Octreotide (OCT) has beneficial antioxidant effects. We aimed to investigate the source of oxidative stress and the effect of OCT on experimental NS model. Methods: Twenty-four non-uremic Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups. Control group, 2 mL saline intramuscular (im); NS group, adriamycin 5 mg/kg intravenous (iv); NS treatment group, adriamycin 5 mg/kg (iv) and OCT 200 mcg/kg (im) were administered at baseline (Day 0). At the end of 21 days, creatinine and protein levels were measured in 24-hour urine samples. Erythrocyte and renal catalase (CAT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) were measured. Renal histology was also evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference among the 3 groups in terms of CAT and TBARS in erythrocytes. Renal CAT level was lowest in NS group, and significantly lower than the control group. In treatment group, CAT level significantly increased compared with NS group. In terms of renal histology, tubular and interstitial evaluations were similar in all groups. Glomerular score was significantly higher in NS group compared with control group and it was significantly decreased in treatment group compared to NS group. Conclusions: Oxidative stress in NS might be due to the decrease in antioxidant protection mechanism in kidney. Octreotide improves antioxidant levels and histology in renal tissue and might be a treatment option.

In this paper, we define the concept of (F; h)-alpha-beta-contractive mappings in probabilistic Menger space and prove some fixed point theorems for such mappings. Some examples are given to support the obtained results.

The current article introduces the notion of asymptotically lacunary $(\Delta^n,\mu)$-statistical equivalent sequence in the settings of a probabilistic norm $N$. Furthermore, the article presents the concepts of asymptotically $(\Delta^n,\mu)$-strongly Ces\'{a}ro equivalent sequences and asymptotically $(\Delta^n,\mu)$-strongly Ces\'{a}ro Orlicz equivalent sequences in the theory of probabilistic normed spaces and also investigates their various properties including some inclusion relations as well as some equivalent conditions in this new settings.

ABSTRACT We propose a novel surgical technique in cases of aggressive recurrent pterygium non-subsidiary of treatment with conjunctival autografts or antimetabolites. Two presented cases were treated with surgical excision and a sutured plasma rich in growth factors membrane (mPRGF) followed by rich in growth factors (PRGF) eye drops treatment. After surgery, dexamethasone, tobramycin and PRGF eye drops were prescribed for 6 weeks. After a 12-month and 3-year post-surgical follow-up respectively, treated eyes with mPRGF did not present relapse, and visual acuity improved in both cases. No ocular complications, pain, eye discomfort nor other symptoms were observed. The combined use of PRGF eye drops and mPRGF seems an effective and safe therapy for recurrent pterygium.

Resumo Fundamento A inflamação desempenha um papel fundamental no início e na progressão da doença arterial coronariana (DAC). O Índice Imune-inflamação Sistêmico (SII) é um novo parâmetro inflamatório que demonstrou estar associado à DAC. Objetivos Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre o SII e a circulação colateral coronariana (CCC) em pacientes com DAC estável e oclusão crônica total (OTC). Métodos Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos, com CCC deficiente e CCC boa, de acordo com a Classificação Rentrop. Noventa e quatro pacientes apresentavam CCC deficiente e 81 pacientes CCC boa. Os parâmetros de inflamação foram calculados a partir dos resultados laboratoriais. O nível de significância estatística aplicado foi de 0,05. Resultados Alto nível de SII (OR: 1,003, IC 95%: 1,001-1,004, p

Abstract Objective Primary dysmenorrhea occurs due to abnormal levels of prostanoids, uterine contractions, and uterine blood flow. However, the reasons for pain in primary dysmenorrhea have not yet been clarified. We examined the blood flow alterations in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and determined the relationship between ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels, as an ischemia indicator, and primary dysmenorrhea. Methods In the present study, 37 patients who had primary dysmenorrhea and were in their luteal and menstrual phase of their menstrual cycles were included. Thirty individuals who had similar demographic characteristics, who were between 18 and 30 years old and did not have gynecologic disease were included as control individuals. Their uterine artery Doppler indices and serum IMA levels were measured. Results Menstrual phase plasma IMA levels were significantly higher than luteal phase IMA levels, both in the patient and in the control groups (p < 0.001). Although the menstrual phase IMA levels of patients were significantly higher than those of controls, luteal phase IMA levels were not significantly different between the two groups. Menstrual uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of primary dysmenorrhea patients were significantly different when compared with luteal uterine artery PI and RI levels. There was a positive correlation between menstrual phase IMA and uterine artery PI and RI in the primary dysmenorrhea. Conclusion Ischemia plays an important role in the etiology of the pain, which is frequently observed in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Ischemia-modified albumin levels are considered as an efficient marker to determine the severity of pain and to indicate ischemia in primary dysmenorrhea.

ABSTRACT Objective: Epidural fibrosis is one of the main reasons for requiring repeated surgical intervention. Our objective was to compare the effect of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on the development of epidural fibrosis with collagen dural matrix and free autogenous fat graft. Methods: Male rats were separated into 3 groups. Laminectomy was implemented on the rats and epidural fat pad was placed in the first group (n = 7); equal size of collagen dural matrix was applied in the second group (n = 7); a single dose of PRP was applied in the third group (n = 7). Results: Epidural fibrosis was more common in the group that collagen dural matrix was applied when compared the ones that PRP was applied. PRP group presented better values in preventing epidural fibrosis when compared to the fat pad group, however this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: PRP is a material that can be easily obtained from the very blood of patients and at an extremely low cost; the main clinical relevance of our study is that the PRP might be an efficient material for better clinical results after laminectomy surgery due to its tissue healing and epidural fibroris preventing potentials. Level of Evidence V, Animal research.

Abstract Background and objectives: Inadequate pain relief after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction affects mobility leading to development of adhesions, weakened ligament insertion and muscle atrophy. Adductor canal block for postoperative analgesia preserves quadriceps strength. The present study was conducted to compare pain free period in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, receiving ultrasound-guided adductor canal block with ropivacaine alone and ropivacaine with clonidine. Methods: A prospective randomized double blinded study was conducted including sixty-three adult, ASA class I, II patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. They were randomized into three groups: Group S - control group received adductor canal block with 30 mL saline, Group R - ropivacaine group received adductor canal block with 30 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine and Group RC - clonidine group received adductor canal block with 30 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine with clonidine 1 µg.kg-1. The primary aim was to compare the pain free period in patients receiving adductor canal block with ropivacaine alone or ropivacine with clonidine. The secondary outcomes were pain score at rest and movement, total analgesic requirement, sedation score and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Results: The mean pain free periods were 20 min, 384.76 min and 558.09 min for Group S, Group R and Group RC, respectively and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between Group R and Group RC in terms of pain scores at rest and movement and total analgesic requirement. Conclusion: Addition of clonidine to ropivacaine in USG guided adductor canal block led to significant prolongation of pain free period though pain score at rest and movement, and rescue analgesic requirement, did not differ.

Abstract Background and objectives We compared the efficiency of the King Vision video laryngoscope and the Macintosh laryngoscope, when used by experienced anesthesiologists on adult patients with varying intubating conditions, in a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Methods A total of 388 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of I or II, scheduled for general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Each patient was intubated with both laryngoscopes successively, in a randomized order. Intubation success rate, time to best glottic view, time to intubation, time to ventilation, Cormack–Lehane laryngoscopy grades, and complications related to the laryngoscopy and intubation were analyzed. Results and conclusions First pass intubation success rates were similar for the King Vision and the Macintosh (96.6% vs. 94.3%, respectively, p > 0.05). King Vision resulted in a longer average time to glottic view (95% CI 0.5–1.4 s, p < 0.001), and time to intubation (95% CI 3–4.6 s, p < 0.001). The difference in time to intubation was similar when unsuccessful intubation attempts were excluded (95% CI 2.8–4.4 s, p < 0.001). Based on the modified Mallampati class at the preoperative visit, the King Vision improved the glottic view in significantly more patients (220 patients, 56.7%) compared with the Macintosh (180 patients, 46.4%) (p < 0.001). None of the patients had peripheral oxygen desaturation below 94%. Experienced anesthesiologists may obtain similar rates of first pass intubation success and airway trauma with both laryngoscopes. King Vision requires longer times to visualize the glottis and to intubate the trachea, but does not cause additional desaturation.

Abstract: Background: Psoriasis is a multigenic and multifactorial dermatological disease linked to cardiovascular diseases. Increased levels of homocysteine in patients with psoriasis have been demonstrated in many studies. The most frequently investigated genetic defect that plays a role in homocysteine metabolism is single point substitution (C to T) located on the 677th nucleotide of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR). Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism in psoriasis patients in Turkey. Methods: The study included 96 patients with psoriasis and 77 controls from southern Turkey. Methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism was analysed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism methods. Results: In the psoriasis group, 34 CC (35.4%), 46 CT (47.9%) and 16 TT (16.7%) genotypes were found, respectively; while in the control group, the figures were 39 (50.6%), 35 (45.5%), 3 (3.9%). Homozygote and heterozygote T alleles of methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism were significantly higher in the psoriasis than in the control group (p=0.013). Conclusion: We firstly found a correlation between methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism and psoriasis among the southern Turkish population.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: The local anesthetics may cause neurotoxicity. We aimed to compare the neurotoxic potential of different local anesthetics, local anesthetic induced nerve damage and pathological changes of a peripheral nerve. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats weighing 200-350 g were studied. Rats were assigned into 3 groups and 26-gauge needle was inserted under magnification into the left sciatic nerve and 0.2 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine, 5% levobupivacaine, and 2% lidocaine were injected intraneurally. An individual who was blind to the specifics of the injection monitored the neurologic function on postoperative 1st day, and daily thereafter. Neurologic examination included assessment for the presence and severity of nociception and grasping reflexes. At the 7th day sciatic nerve specimen was taken for evaluation of histopathologic changes. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference detected among groups regarding grasping reflex and histopathologic evaluation. Two cases in bupivacaine group, 1 case in levobupivacaine group and 2 cases in lidocaine group had slight grasping, while 1 case in lidocaine group had no grasping reflex on the seventh day. Severe axonal degeneration was observed in all groups, respectively in bupivacaine group 4 (20%), levobupivacaine group 3 (15%), and lidocaine group 6 (30%). CONCLUSION: In all groups, histopathological damage frequency and severity were more than the motor deficiency.

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to identify the incidence of infiltration and extravasation in newborns using peripheral venous catheter, and affecting factors. Method This observational study examined catheters inserted into newborns who received inpatient care in the neonatal intensive care unit of a state hospital located in the west of Turkey. A total of 452 peripheral venous catheters inserted into 152 newborns were observed. The forms were completed by the researchers based on their observations at each shift. Results The infiltration/extravasation occurred in 45.6% of peripheral venous catheters inserted into newborns; 19.7% were stage I and 11.7% were stage IV. A statistically significant relationship was found between the gestation week as well as the birth weight of newborns and the occurrence of infiltration/extravasation complication. In addition, there were statistically significant relationships between the administration of single or multiple antibiotics, total parenteral nutrition and the incidence of infiltration/extravasation complication. Conclusion It is recommended to use an appropriate scale for the assessment of infiltration/extravasation as well as to implement measures for preventing the occurrence of infiltration/extravasation.

Health sector reforms were introduced in several states of India in 1991. The rationale was to increase choice and competition, to improve quality and access to health care Such demand-led incentives were integral to macro-economic stabilization programs world-wide during the 1990s. For a majority of the population of India, health care costs linked to commercialisation of health services were forcing households into serious debt. Using primary data on patterns of utilisation of health services (2002), this paper reports from a systematically collected empirical evidence base, to explore the preliminary impact of changes to the health sector from 1991 to 2000 in West Bengal (WB), Tamil Nadu (TN), and the hospital sector of Andhra Pradesh (AP). The overall aim is to provide historical context to the experience of reforms for poor and vulnerable groups and to understand current discourses on the health system in India, focused on “managed care” through a universal health insurance programme. We explore linkages between the past and present on disinvestment in public provision and its long-term consequences for equity of access to health care in the three states, and elsewhere in the country.

In this article we introduce the concepts of lacunary statistical convergence and lacunary strongly convergence of generalized difference sequences in intuitionistic fuzzy normed linear spaces and give their characterization. We obtain some inclusion relation relating to these concepts. Further some necessary and sufficient conditions for equality of the sets of statistical convergence and lacunary statistical convergence of generalized difference sequences have been established. The notion of strong Cesaro summability in intuitionistic fuzzy normed linear spaces has been introduced and studied. Also the concept of lacunary generalized difference statistically Cauchy sequence has been introduced and some results are established.

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a very common complication that leads to increased physical disability, poor functional outcome, and higher mortality. Therefore, early detection and treatment are very important. Since there are currently no specific guidelines for this disorder in China, the purpose of this study was to develop PSD guidelines and provide suggestions for clinicians and related workers.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors affecting the smoking habits of high school students, their thoughts about changes resulting from anti-smoking laws, and how they are affected by those laws. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 11th-grade students at eight high schools in Ankara, Turkey, were invited to complete a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 1,199 students completed the questionnaire satisfactorily. The mean age of the respondents was 17.0 0.6 years; 56.1% were female, of whom 15.3% were smokers; and 43.9% were male, of whom 43.7% were smokers (p < 0.001). The independent risk factors for smoking were male gender, attending a vocational school, having a sibling who smokes, having a friend who smokes, and poor academic performance. Of the respondents, 74.7% were aware of the content of anti-smoking laws; 81.8% approved of the restrictions and fines; and 8.1% had quit smoking because of those laws. According to the respondents, the interventions that were most effective were the (television) broadcast of films about the hazards of smoking and the ban on cigarette sales to minors. The prevalence of smoking was highest (31.5%) among students attending vocational high schools but lowest (7.5%) among those attending medical vocational high schools. Although 57.1% of the smokers were aware of the existence of a smoking cessation helpline, only 3.7% had called, none of whom had made any attempt to quit smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Although most of the students evaluated were aware of the harmful effects of smoking and approved of the anti-smoking laws, only a minority of those who smoked sought professional help to quit.

La motivación central del presente trabajo es explorar la emergencia de un fenómeno social que, al menos, se viene consolidando en los últimos catorce años en Latinoamérica en general y en Argentina en particular: el consumo compensatorio. El artículo sintetiza un conjunto de indagaciones que venimos realizando en el cruce entre una sociología de las políticassociales y una manera de entender la sociología de los cuerpos/emociones. La estrategia argumentativa que hemosseleccionado esla siguiente: a)se bosqueja el punto de partida conceptualsobre los cruces entre políticas sociales y sensibilidades, b)se presenta un esquema de las conexiones consumo y disfrute en la actualidad, c)se muestran algunosresultados de lasindagaciones que se han utilizado como base del análisis y d)se conceptualiza de modo sintético una noción de consumo compensatorio como resultado de la argumentación. Se finaliza proponiendo la posibilidad de que el consumo compensatorio es hoy, tal vez, “una política social” retomada desde y para el mercado

With the growth in demand for products and services in the IT area, companies encounter difficulties in establishing a metric or measure of quality of services to address measurably qualitative values in their planning. In this work fuzzy logic, standard SQuaRE (measurement of the quality of software products), Likertscale, GQM method (Goal-Question-Metric -indicator of quality of Software) and the project risk analysis model of Boehm were used to assess the quality of services and decision-making, according to your demand and requests for software development. With the aim of improving the quality in the provision of services, the application is used to integrate the team and follow the life cycle of a project from its initial phase, and to assist in the comparison with the proposed schedule during the requirements elicitation.

The objective of this work was to identify growth-promoting bacteria isolated from Agaricus blazei and to evaluate their effect on mushroom mycelial growth and productivity. A total of 56 A. blazei-associated bacterial isolates were obtained from casing soil and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bacteria were evaluated as to phosphate-solubilization ability, nitrogen-fixation capability, and secretion of cellulase. Superior isolates were tested for their to effect on A. blazei productivity, micelial growth, and on the contents of the polysaccharide-protein complex and of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Bacterial isolates were identified as actinobacteria (60%), firmicutes (20%), and proteobacteria (20%). Among them, ten isolates had phosphate-solubilization ability, eight showed nitrogen-fixation capability, and 12 isolates promoted A. blazei mycelium growth. Bacterial inoculation reduces time till harvest in up to 26 days, increases fresh mushroom yield up to 215%, and increases total polysaccharide-protein complex content twofold when compared to the non-inoculated control. The actinobacteria group is the predominant A. blazei-associated phylum.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize alterations seen on HRCT scans in nonsmoking females with COPD due to wood smoke exposure. METHODS: We evaluated 42 nonsmoking females diagnosed with wood smoke-related COPD and 31 nonsmoking controls with no history of wood smoke exposure or pulmonary disease. The participants completed a questionnaire regarding demographic data, symptoms, and environmental exposure. All of the participants underwent spirometry and HRCT of the chest. The COPD and control groups were adjusted for age (23 patients each). RESULTS: Most of the patients in the study group were diagnosed with mild to moderate COPD (83.3%). The most common findings on HRCT scans in the COPD group were bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis, mosaic perfusion pattern, parenchymal bands, tree-in-bud pattern, and laminar atelectasis (p < 0.001 vs. the control group for all). The alterations were generally mild and not extensive. There was a positive association between bronchial wall thickening and hour-years of wood smoke exposure. Centrilobular emphysema was uncommon, and its occurrence did not differ between the groups (p = 0.232). CONCLUSIONS: Wood smoke exposure causes predominantly bronchial changes, which can be detected by HRCT, even in patients with mild COPD.

OBJETIVO: Identificar e caracterizar alterações na TCAR de tórax em mulheres com DPOC causada por exposiçãoà fumaça da combustão de lenha. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas 42 pacientes com DPOC relacionada à exposição à fumaça de lenha, não fumantes, e 31 mulheres não fumantes e sem história de exposição à fumaça de lenha ou de doença pulmonar. Empregou-se um questionário para a obtenção de dados demográficos e informações sobre sintomas e exposições ambientais. Todas as participantes realizaram espirometria e TCAR de tórax. Os grupos DPOC e controle foram ajustados por idade, com 23 pacientes cada. RESULTADOS: A maioria das pacientes do grupo de estudo apresentava DPOC de leve a moderado (83,3%). Os achados de TCAR mais frequentes no grupo DPOC foram espessamento das paredes brônquicas, bronquiectasias, perfusão em mosaico, bandas parenquimatosas, padrão de árvore em brotamento e atelectasias laminares (p < 0,001 para todos na comparação com o grupo controle). As alterações, em geral, foram leves e de pequena extensão. Houve uma associação positiva entre espessamento das paredes brônquicas e duração da exposição à fumaça de lenha em horas-ano. O achado de enfisema centrolobular foi infrequente e não diferiu entre os grupos (p = 0,232). CONCLUSÕES: A exposição à fumaça de lenha provoca alterações predominantemente brônquicas, que podem ser detectadas por TCAR, mesmo nos casos de DPOC leve.OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize alterations seen on HRCT scans in nonsmoking females with COPD due to wood smoke exposure. METHODS: We evaluated 42 nonsmoking females diagnosed with wood smokerelated COPD and 31 nonsmoking controls with no history of wood smoke exposure or pulmonary disease. The participants completed a questionnaire regarding demographic data, symptoms, and environmental exposure. All of the participants underwent spirometry and HRCT of the chest. The COPD and control groups were adjusted for age (23 patients each). RESULTS: Most of the patients in the study group were diagnosed with mild to moderate COPD (83.3%). The most common findings on HRCT scans in the COPD group were bronchial wall thickening, bronchiectasis, mosaic perfusion pattern, parenchymal bands, tree-in-bud pattern, and laminar atelectasis (p < 0.001 vs. the control group for all). The alterations were generally mild and not extensive. There was a positive association between bronchial wall thickening and hour-years of wood smoke exposure. Centrilobular emphysema was uncommon, and its occurrence did not differ between the groups (p = 0.232). CONCLUSIONS: Wood smoke exposure causes predominantly bronchial changes, which can be detected by HRCT, even in patients with mild COPD.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Este estudo prospectivo e randomizado avaliou o efeito das velocidades da injeção na anestesia peridural unilateral sobre as características do bloqueio, parâmetros hemodinâmicos e critérios de alta hospitalar em 60 pacientes. Levobupivacaína a 5% foi administrada nos pacientes (n = 30) do Grupo F durante 1 minuto (rápido) e durante 3 minutos nos pacientes (n = 30) do Grupo S (lento), com agulha em ângulo de 5º-10º a partir da linha média. O sucesso da anestesia peridural unilateral foi mais significante no Grupo S do que no Grupo F (70,3% vs 16%, p < 0,001). Nos pacientes do Grupo S, o tempo necessário para o nível máximo de bloqueio sensitivo nos lados não operados foi mais curto e o tempo de regressão para dois segmentos, mais longo (p < 0,05). O tempo para walk-out foi mais longo no Grupo F (p < 0,05). Consideramos que a administração lenta de anestésico local em anestesia peridural unilateral é mais eficaz do que a administração rápida.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a unilateralidade do bloqueio subaracnoide obtido com ropivacaína hiperbárica e hipobárica. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo aleatorizado conduzido em centro cirúrgico ortopédico. No total, 60 pacientes (ASA I-III) programados para cirurgia eletiva de artroplastia total do joelho foram incluídos no estudo. O grupo hipo (n = 30) recebeu 11,25 mg de ropivacaína (7,5 mg.mL-1) + 2 mL de água destilada (a densidade em temperatura ambiente foi 0,997) e o grupo hiper (n = 30) recebeu 11,25 mg de ropivacaína + 2 mL (5 mg.mL-1) de dextrose (a densidade em temperatura ambiente foi 1,015). Os pacientes no grupo hiperbárica foram posicionados com o lado operado para baixo e na posição de Fowler a 15º e os pacientes do grupo hipobárica foram posicionados com o lado operado para cima e na posição de Trendelenburg a 15º. O bloqueio combinado de raquianestesia e anestesia peridural (ACRP) foi realizado na linha mediana do interespaço lombar em L3 e L4. Foram avaliados os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e de bloqueio da coluna vertebral, tempo de regressão, sucesso da raquianestesia unilateral, conforto do paciente, do cirurgião e da cirurgia, tempo até a primeira requisição analgésica e efeitos adversos. RESULTADOS: O tempo necessário para atingir o nível de dermátomo T10 no lado operado foi menor no grupo hiper (612,00 ± 163,29 segundos) comparado ao grupo hipo (763,63 ± 208,35 segundos) (p < 0,05). O tempo para a regressão de dois segmentos do nível de bloqueio sensorial nos lados operado e não operado foi menor no grupo hipo do que no grupo hiper. CONCLUSÃO: A ropivacaína tanto hiperbárica quanto hipobárica (11,25 mg) proporcionou anestesia adequada e confiável para artroplastia total do joelho (ATJ), com um alto nível de conforto para o paciente e cirurgião. As soluções anestésicas hipobáricas locais fornecem um alto nível de anestesia unilateral, com rápida recuperação dos bloqueios sensitivo e motor e, portanto, pode ser preferível em regime ambulatorial.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of six bacterial strains isolated from Agaricus blazei (ABM) on its cultivation. The six strains were characterized as to their effects on the productivity, polysaccharide-protein complex (PSPC), and polysaccharide contents of ABM cultured on sterilized casing soils. Three isolates enhanced ABM mycelium growth. Inoculation of Arthrobacter sp. or Exiguobacterium sp. on sterile peat casing soil resulted in 64% increase in ABM mushroom total fresh matter yield compared to the uninoculated control. Inoculation of Exiguobacterium sp., Microbacterium esteraromaticum or Pseudomonas resinovorans on sterilized loamy casing soil resulted in 62, 95, and 59% increase in ABM mushroom total fresh matter yield, respectively. The PSPC content in ABM increased 7 to 10% in casing soil inoculated with five of the six isolates compared to the uninoculated control. Exiguobacterium sp. inoculated on casing soil resulted in a mushroom-polysaccharide content 15% higher than the control. Moreover, inoculation of five of the six isolates on the casing soil reduced the harvesting time from 10 to 27 days. The evaluated beneficial microbes improve the yield, PSPC, and polysaccharide contents, besides reducing the harvesting time in ABM culture.

The objective of this work was to assess the productivity and polysaccharide-protein complex content of Agaricus blazei on rice straw medium, in comparison to conventional sawdust, using four casing soils. The A. blazei strain used was BCRC36814T, purchased from the Food Industry Research and Development Institute, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan. The two media were evaluated as to A. blazei productivity, harvesting time, and production costs. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block, with four replicates. Three local casing soils - Typic Paleudult (CCe), Typic Udorthent (Tq) and Oxyaquic Paleudult (TSp) - were compared to imported peat soil (PS, Saprists, Histosols), used as the control. The productivity of A. blazei using Tq and TSp soil was significantly higher. The TSp casing treatment resulted in earlier harvest by at least 14 to 27 days, when compared to the other treatments. The polysaccharide content in CCe (13.2%) and Tq soils (13.2%) did not differ significantly from the PS (13.4%) and TSp (10.6%) treatments. Local casing soils decreased the production costs of A. blazei cultivation. Composted rice straw can substitute sawdust as the culture medium for A. blazei production with increased yield.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a mortalidade e identificar fatores de riscos associados em pacientes em uma UTI de cirurgia torácica. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 141 pacientes admitidos na UTI de cirurgia torácica do Hospital Estadual de Denizli, localizado na cidade de Denizli, Turquia, entre janeiro de 2006 e agosto de 2008. Foram coletados dados sobre gênero, idade, causa de admissão, intervenções invasivas e operações, status de ventilação mecânica invasiva, infecções e tempo de permanência na UTI. RESULTADOS: Dos 141 pacientes, 103 (73,0%) eram do sexo masculino e 38 (23,0%) do sexo feminino. A média de idade foi de 52,1 anos (variação: 12-92 anos), e a taxa de mortalidade foi de 16,3%. A causa de admissão mais frequente foi trauma. A mortalidade correlacionou-se com idade avançada (p < 0,05), uso de ventilação mecânica invasiva (OR = 42,375; p < 0,05), longa permanência na UTI (p < 0,05) e causas de admissão específicas - trauma, injúria por arma de fogo, injúria por arma branca e malignidade (p < 0,05 para todos). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes em uma UTI de cirurgia torácica têm alta morbidade e mortalidade. Um conhecimento maior dos fatores de risco de mortalidade pode melhorar a eficiência do tratamento, resultando em diminuição da morbidade e mortalidade, o que gerará economia de tempo e reduzirá os custos financeirosOBJECTIVE: To assess mortality and identify mortality risk factors in patients admitted to a thoracic surgery ICU. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 141 patients admitted to the thoracic surgery ICU of the Denizli State Hospital, located in the city of Denizli, Turkey, between January of 2006 and August of 2008. We collected data regarding gender, age, reason for admission, invasive interventions and operations, invasive mechanical ventilation, infections, and length of ICU stay. RESULTS: Of the 141 patients, 103 (73.0%) were male, and 38 (23.0%) were female. The mean age was 52.1 years (range, 12-92 years), and the mortality rate was 16.3%. The most common reason for admission was trauma. Mortality was found to correlate with advanced age (p < 0.05), requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 42.375; p < 0.05), prolonged ICU stay (p < 0.05), and specific reasons for admission-trauma, gunshot wound, stab wound, and malignancy (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients in a thoracic surgery ICU, the rates of morbidity and mortality are high. Increased awareness of mortality risk factors can improve the effectiveness of treatment, which should reduce the rates of morbidity and mortality, thereby providing time savings and minimizing costs

OBJETIVO: Determinar o status de colonização de uma amostra de pacientes que recebeu cateteres torácicos (CTs) e correlacionar esse status a possíveis fatores prognósticos. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo com 48 pacientes (17 mulheres e 31 homens) que receberam CTs no Departamento de Cirurgia Torácica do Hospital Universitário Adnan Menderes, localizado na cidade de Aydin, Turquia, entre dezembro de 2008 e março de 2009. Amostras de sangue para cultura foram coletadas da porção distal dos CTs e de cada um dos 48 pacientes. Procuramos por correlações entre culturas positivas e possíveis fatores prognósticos de infecção. RESULTADOS: Resultados positivos de cultura em amostras de CT ocorreram somente 3 pacientes, em sangue em 2, e nas duas amostras em outros 2. A idade avançada correlacionou-se com culturas positivas das amostras de CT e sangue (r = 0,512 e r = 0,312, respectivamente; p < 0,05), assim como o uso prolongado do CT e com culturas positivas das mesmas amostras (r = 0,347 e r = 0,372, respectivamente; p < 0,05). Houve uma correlação significativa entre o status cirúrgico dos pacientes (aqueles submetidos a cirurgias) e culturas positivas somente das amostras de CT (p < 0,05), mas a presença de malignidade inoperável correlacionou-se com o crescimento bacteriano em ambos os tipos de amostras (p < 0,05 para ambos). CONCLUSÕES: Os fatores de risco acima citados aumentam o risco de infecções. No caso de pacientes com CTs e que apresentam tais fatores de risco, é imperativo que se utilize uma profilaxia com antibióticos de amplo espectro.OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of local and systemic infection in a sample of patients catheterized with thoracic catheters (TCs) and to identify the prognostic factors for catheter-related infection. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 48 patients (17 females and 31 males) catheterized with TCs between December of 2008 and March of 2009 in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Adnan Menderes University Hospital, located in Aydin, Turkey. Blood samples for culture were collected from the distal end of each TC and from each of the 48 patients. We looked for correlations between positive culture and possible prognostic factors for catheter-related infection. RESULTS: Culture results were positive in TC samples only for 3 patients, in blood samples only for 2, and in both types of samples for another 2. Advanced age correlated significantly with positive culture in TC samples and in blood samples (r = 0.512 and r = 0.312, respectively; p < 0.05 for both), as did prolonged catheterization (r = 0.347 and r = 0.372, respectively; p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between having undergone surgery and positive culture in TC samples only (p < 0.05). However, having an inoperable malignancy correlated with bacterial growth in blood and in TC samples alike (p < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors, such as advanced age, prolonged catheterization, comorbidities, and inoperable malignancy, increase the risk of catheter-related infection. It is imperative that prophylaxis with broad-spectrum antibiotics be administered to patients who present with these risk factors and might be catheterized with a TC.

OBJETIVO: avaliar as características epidemiológicas e radiológicas dos casos de fratura diafisárias de fêmur, ocorridos de 1990 a 2005, tratados cirurgicamente no Hospital de Acidentados - Clínica Santa Isabel - de Goiânia, Goiás, com o propósito de contribuir para o melhor planejamento de medidas preventivas e terapêuticas a adotar em relação a essas fraturas. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 200 prontuários e radiografias seriadas de pacientes com fraturas diafisárias do fêmur. Não foram incluídos os pacientes com menos de 10 anos de idade, pois o tratamento para esse grupo foi conservador. Foram descartados 25 prontuários por não fornecer todos os dados necessários ao estudo. Os pacientes foram analisados quanto ao sexo, idade, lado da fratura, exposição óssea, mecanismos de trauma, classificação das fraturas, traumas associados, tempo de consolidação e tipos de fixação cirúrgica. A análise estatística foi feita pelos testes do qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher" e t de Student, considerando significância quando p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram significantes (p < 0,05): em 70% de homens, 80% de fraturas fechadas e 65% de mulheres com mais de 60 anos. As fraturas por quedas da própria altura foram mais freqüentes em mulheres, acima dos 60 anos, com traços mais estáveis e as por projéteis de arma de fogo em homens, dos 20 aos 60 anos, com traços mais instáveis. Os atropelamentos predominaram entre 10 e 19 anos. Os acidentes de trânsito mostraram todos os tipos de fratura, com maior associação com outros traumas, com pico dos 20 aos 30 anos. O tratamento com hastes de Küntsher resultou em tempo de consolidação médio maior quando comparado com o da osteossíntese por haste bloqueada ou placa. CONCLUSÃO: Encontrou-se uma característica bimodal de apresentação das fraturas diafisárias do fêmur, semelhante à da literatura, onde os mecanismos de alta energia (acidentes de trânsito, quedas de alturas e ferimentos por PAF) foram mais frequentes em adultos jovens, sexo masculino, gerando traços instáveis de fratura, com traumas associados mais graves. O outro grupo envolvido com baixa energia (queda de própria altura) foi mais frequente em idosos, no sexo feminino, apresentando traços de fratura menos instáveis e sem traumas associados.OBJECTIVE: to evaluate epidemiological and radiological characteristics of the femoral shaft fractures, surgically treated from 1990 to 2005 at Hospital de Acidentados - Clínica Santa Isabel - in Goiânia, Goiás, aiming to contribute to better preventive and therapeutic measures planning to adopt on those fractures. METHODS: 200 patients' files and x-rays with femoral shaft fractures have been retrospectively evaluated. Patients below the age of 10 years were not included because the treatment for this group was conservative. 25 files have been discarded for not supplying all the necessary data to the study. The patients were assessed for sex, age, side of the fracture, bone exposure, mechanisms of trauma, classification of the fractures, associated trauma, time for bone healing and types of surgical devices. Statistic analyses were made by chi-squared, Fisher and Student's-t tests, adopting as a significance level p

Relatam-se dois casos clínicos de prolapso de gordura orbitária, sendo um associado à oftalmopatia de Graves. Os pacientes apresentavam em comum exame clínico com elevação na região temporal da órbita direita e aumento da gordura intraorbitária na tomografia computadorizada de órbitas. No caso da paciente com oftalmopatia de Graves observou-se também aumento do volume da musculatura orbital no exame de imagem. O trabalho busca incluir a oftalmopatia de Graves, quando nesta ocorre aumento da gordura orbital como diagnóstico diferencial do prolapso de gordura orbitária.We report two cases of orbital fat prolapse. One associated with Graves' ophthalmopathy. Both patients presented similar clinical exams and an increase in intraorbital fat as seen in computerized orbital tomography. The patient with Graves' ophthalmopathy also presented an increased volume in orbital muscles in the tomography. This work seeks to include Graves' ophthalmopathy as differential diagnosys for Orbital fat prolapse.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar os achados na tomografia computadorizada de alta resolução (TCAR) do tórax da microlitíase alveolar pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas, retrospectivamente, as tomografias de dez pacientes adultos, sete mulheres e três homens, com idade média de 38,7 anos. Os exames foram analisados por dois radiologistas, de forma independente, e as decisões finais foram obtidas por consenso. RESULTADOS: Os achados mais freqüentes foram as opacidades em vidro fosco e as calcificações subpleurais, ambas presentes em 90% dos pacientes estudados. Os outros achados de maior relevância foram pequenos nódulos parenquimatosos, calcificação ao longo dos septos interlobulares, cissuras nodulares, nódulos subpleurais, cistos subpleurais, consolidações densas e padrão de pavimentação em mosaico. CONCLUSÕES: A microlitíase alveolar pulmonar apresenta aspectos na TCAR que são altamente sugestivos da doença, na maior parte dos casos dispensando a realização de biópsias pulmonares.OBJECTIVE: To present the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis. METHODS: The HRCT scans of 10 adult patients (seven females and three males; mean age, 38.7 years) were retrospectively analyzed. The films were studied independently by two radiologists. RESULTS: The most common tomographic findings were ground-glass attenuation and linear subpleural calcifications, which were seen in 90% of the patients. Other relevant findings were small parenchymal nodules, calcification along the interlobular septa, nodular cissures, subpleural nodules, subpleural cysts, dense consolidations, and a mosaic pattern of attenuation. CONCLUSIONS: The HRCT findings presented by individuals with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis are distinct. In most cases, such findings can form the basis of the diagnosis, eliminating the need to perform a lung biopsy.

The development of an array of chemically-responsive dyes on a porous membrane and in its use as a general sensor for odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is reviewed. These colorimetric sensor arrays (CSA) act as an "optoelectronic nose" by using an array of multiple dyes whose color changes are based on the full range of intermolecular interactions. The CSA is digitally imaged before and after exposure and the resulting difference map provides a digital fingerprint for any VOC or mixture of odorants. The result is an enormous increase in discriminatory power among odorants compared to prior electronic nose technologies. For the detection of biologically important analytes, including amines, carboxylic acids, and thiols, high sensitivities (ppbv) have been demonstrated. The array is essentially non-responsive to changes in humidity due to the hydrophobicity of the dyes and membrane.

This study aims to reveal the impressions that youth have of bibliotecology as a career, what barriers are presented to those who enter the profession and what attracts them the same. Two questionnaires were used: the first was applied to a sample of young people aged between 18 and 24 years, who were planning to make a decision about your future career, and the second was applied to students of the mastery in bibliotecology from the University of Sheffield,who theirs had already chosen that program as career. The questionnaires inquired by the impressions of people about bibliotecology as a career and realized that presented barriers when entering the profession. The study found that both the lack of knowledge about the implications of the role of the librarian, as the lack of knowledge of the choice of bibliotecology as a career, influence the negative perception of young people to become librarians. Students in the mastery in bibliotecology identified a number of obstacles that interfered with access to the profession and suggested possible solutions to address this situation. The bibliotecology does not appeal to young people because of the impressions they have about it. Therefore, in order to eradicate the misconceptions held about this race, librarians should promote their work as more knowledge of bibliotecology, lead to this becoming a more attractive option for young people.

The recent volatility and uprisings in several countries of the Arab world have been interpreted by the West solely as a popular demand for political voice. However, in all the countries of the region, including those in which there is ongoing violent opposition, the underlying economic dysfunction speaks for itself. The legacy of joblessness, food riots, and hunger is commonplace and is most often related to structural reforms and austerity measures promoted by the IMF and World Bank. These have played a significant role in reinforcing the rich-poor divide over the past three decades, fostering inequality, suffering, social divisions, and discontent, which are often overlooked by Western observers. In Syria, the state introduced policies for the liberalization of the economy as early as 2000; these were formalized into the 10th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010). Economic liberalization has been supported by the European Union with technical support from the German Technical Cooperation agency (GTZ). Changes made to the health sector and the labor market include: the piloting of health insurance schemes to replace universal coverage, the charging of fees for health services in public hospitals, and job losses across the board. While the West views discontent in Syria largely as political, its own role in promoting economic reforms and social hardship has been largely missed. In large part, discontent in Syria and in the region as a whole are a part of a phenomenon that has repeatedly highlighted the failure of policies that aim at rapid commercialization with little consideration for pre-existing disparities in wealth and resources. This paper traces some of the proposed changes to the financing of health care and examines the implications for access and equity. re and examines teh implications for access and equity.