Anatomical study of minor alterations in neonate vocal folds

IntroductionMinor structural alterations of the vocal fold cover are frequent causes of voice abnormalities. They may be difficult to diagnose, and are expressed in different manners. Cases of intracordal cysts, sulcus vocalis, mucosal bridge, and laryngeal micro-diaphragm form the group of minor structural alterations of the vocal fold cover investigated in the present study. The etiopathogenesis and epidemiology of these alterations are poorly known.ObjectiveTo evaluate the existence and anatomical characterization of minor structural alterations in the vocal folds of newborns.Methods56 larynxes excised from neonates of both genders were studied. They were examined fresh, or defrosted after conservation via freezing, under a microscope at magnifications of 25× and 40×. The vocal folds were inspected and palpated by two examiners, with the aim of finding minor structural alterations similar to those described classically, and other undetermined minor structural alterations. Larynges presenting abnormalities were submitted to histological examination.ResultsSix cases of abnormalities were found in different larynges: one (1.79%) compatible with a sulcus vocalis and five (8.93%) compatible with a laryngeal micro-diaphragm. No cases of cysts or mucosal bridges were found. The observed abnormalities had characteristics similar to those described in other age groups.ConclusionAbnormalities similar to sulcus vocalis or micro-diaphragm may be present at birth.     

Evaluation of postural control in unilateral vestibular hypofunction

IntroductionPatients with vestibular hypofunction, a typical finding in peripheral vestibular disorders, show body balance alterations.ObjectiveTo evaluate the postural control of patients with vertigo and unilateral vestibular hypofunction.MethodThis is a clinical cross-sectional study. Twenty-five patients with vertigo and unilateral vestibular hypofunction and a homogeneous control group consisting of 32 healthy individuals were submitted to a neurotological evaluation including the Tetrax Interactive Balance System posturography in eight different sensory conditions.ResultsFor different positions, vertiginous patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction showed significantly higher values of general stability index, weight distribution index, right/left and tool/heel synchronizations, Fourier transformation index and fall index than controls.ConclusionIncreased values in the indices of weight distribution, right/left and tool/heel synchronizations, Fourier transformation and fall risk characterize the impairment of postural control in patients with vertigo and unilateral vestibular hypofunction.     

Alcoholics Anonymous

This article explores some of the philosophical roots of Alcoholics Anonymous. Parallels between AA, existentialism and phenomenology are outlined. The success of AA is related to its ability to place the alcoholic's suffering within a meaningful paradigm and to require the alcoholic to accept responsibility and limitations while breaking the pattern of isolation and alienation.     

Retour au travail après un accident coronarien aigu

BackgroundReturn to work (RTW) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an important issue for the patient's future.AimsThe study aim was to determine whether RTW practice complies with guidelines or is delayed by failure in patient management. We analysed the factors influencing RTW beyond the 90-day period recommended by guidelines.MethodsWe conducted a survey of 216 self-employed workers admitted to the hospital for ACS using self-report questionnaires and medical examination. Factors influencing RTW, occupational and cardiac features, and recall and source of medical information were investigated.ResultsNinety-three of 216 patients did not return to work by 90 days, despite good cardiac performance in 30 cases (32 %). The mean sick leave duration was 93.3 ± 103.7 days. Advice concerning return to work was completely missing for 44 % of patients. Cardiac performance was independent of sick leave duration, but was correlated with the likelihood of RTW (P < 0.001). Patients assimilated about 70 % of the medical information they were provided, but only 53 % of work-related information. Recall of work-related information was better among patients admitted to a rehabilitation facility (65 %) compared to those who did not receive rehabilitation (P < 0.05).ConclusionCardiologists should assess the patient's cardiac performance within 2 months after ACS. Patient management should also include cardiac rehabilitation or therapeutic education toward improving information recall.     

《中国脑血管病杂志》2004-2007年文献引用情况分析

目的分析《中国脑血管病杂志》杂志情报吸收和利用情况，客观地反映文献的引用规律及特征。方法采用文献计量分析法，统计《中国脑血管病杂志》2004-2007年间刊载的651篇论文所用的参考文献（引文），以此作为数据源，利用Excel软件对全部引文数据进行分析处理，分别对引文数量、引文类型、普赖斯指数、文献自引构成比及主要被引期刊等指标，进行文献计量学统计分析。结果651篇论文中共有引文7680条，有引文的论文为596篇，引文率占91．6％，篇均引文11．8条。引文总量中期刊占95．5％，图书占4．3％，其他占0．2％。普赖斯指数为54．0％。651篇论文中有61篇论文出现期刊自引文献79条，占论文总数的9．4％，文献自引构成比为0．010（79／7680）。被引用频次居前20位的期刊占引文总量的47．4％。结论《中国脑血管病杂志》涉猎文献范围广，栏目丰富，引文率呈逐年上升趋势。引文类型以期刊为主，自引率在适中范围内。     

山茱萸“合核”入药的本草考证及现代研究

关于山茱萸应该"去核"还是"合核"入药的争论由来已久,作者经过本草考证,结合山茱萸的现代研究,认为山茱萸果肉及果核具有非常类似的化学成分和药理作用,毒性方面果核比果肉更低,且山茱萸采收加工过程中"去核"需消耗大量劳动力和时间,因此,建议山茱萸"合核"入药。     

红树植物老鼠簕总三萜含量的测定

老鼠簕是一种重要的具海洋药用价值的红树林植物。以分光光度法(齐墩果酸为对照品,5%香草醛-冰醋酸和高氯酸为显色剂)测定红树植物老鼠簕中总三萜的含量。实验结果表明:在500nm波长条件下,齐墩果酸在0.04~0.20mg·mL-1范围内,0~60min间,吸光度与含量线性关系良好;首次测定得到,红树植物老鼠簕根的总三萜含量为0.62%,(RSD=0.91%,n=3);茎的总三萜含量为2.20%(RSD=3.94%,n=3);叶的总三萜含量为1.59%(RSD=5.04%,n=3)。     

Avaliação de Padrões Pressóricos Dipper e Não-Dipper e Qualidade de Vida entre Pacientes com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica

BackgroundNon-dipper blood pressure is defined by less than a 10% reduction in nighttime blood pressure, and it is associated with cardiovascular disease. Inflammation is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-dipper blood pressure pattern, and both diseases are associated with lower quality of life.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of non-dipper blood pressure pattern in patients with COPD.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with 142 patients with COPD. The Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire and the Euro Quality of Life Scale were used to collect data. To understand arterial stiffness, the augmentation index and pulse wave velocity were measured, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was subsequently performed. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to understand the relationship between different independent variables and blood pressure pattern. P values lower than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsAs a result, 76.1% (n = 108) of the patients had non-dipper blood pressure pattern. Non-dipper patients had higher C-reactive protein (OR:1.123; 95% CI:1.016;1.242), augmentation index (OR: 1.057; 95% CI: 1.011;1.105) and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire total score (OR: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.001;1.042) than dipper patients. Also, as the number of people living at home increased, non-dipper blood pressure pattern was found to be more frequent (OR: 1.339; 95% CI: 1.009;1.777).ConclusionNon-dipper blood pressure pattern may increase cardiovascular risk by triggering inflammation and may adversely affect the prognosis of COPD by lowering the disease-related quality of life. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)