HeMoLab – Hemodynamics Modelling Laboratory: An application for modelling the human cardiovascular system

In this work we present HeMoLab (Hemodynamics Modeling Laboratory), a computational environment for modeling the Human Cardiovascular System. Its integrates novel computational tools, running from medical image processing to numerical simulation and visualization. As a simulation tool, it allows to accommodate complex physiological and/or pathophysiological (virtual) scenarios aimed to retrieve detailed information from the numerical computations. Such application makes possible to speed up research in the study and analysis of the cardiovascular system and, to provide a virtual laboratory for medical training and education, and specialized Human Resources development. In order to demonstrate the modeling and simulation capabilities of HeMoLab some cases of use are presented.     

Effects of light emitting diode (LED) therapy at 940 nm on inflammatory root resorption in rats

The effects of LED therapy at 940 nm on periodontal healing, inflammatory cell infiltration, and root resorption were analyzed in an experimental model of orthodontic tooth movement in rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were allocated into four experimental groups: Control animals (Co, n?=?5), Controls + LED therapy (CoLED, n?=?6), animals submitted to orthodontic force (RR, n?=?7) and submitted to orthodontic force + LED therapy (RRLED, n?=?7). All procedures were approved by the Committee for Ethics in Animal Experimentation of the Universidade Estadual de Londrina (protocol CEEA 5/2010 37359). A force of 50 g was applied to the right upper molars of RR and RRLED groups. On days 2, 3, and 4 after orthodontic treatment, the CoLED and RRLED groups received LED irradiation (940 nm, 4 J/cm²). The animals were killed on day 7 for histological analysis. An increased number of root resorption lacunae was found only in the RR group (p?<?0.05). The RR group also presented more osteoclasts (p?<?0.005) and inflammatory cell infiltration (p?<?0.005) than the control group. The RRLED group presented fewer osteoclasts (p?<?0.005) and inflammatory cells (p?<?0.005) in the periodontal ligament than the RR group. The CoLED and RRLED groups presented more periodontal fibroblasts (p?<?0.005) than non-irradiated groups. RRLED presented more blood vessels (p?<?0.01) in the periodontal ligament than the RR group. In conclusion, the results suggest that LED therapy improved periodontal tissue repair and decreased inflammation and root resorption after the application of orthodontic force.     

A case-control study of lung cancer in Casablanca,Morocco

Objective: To evaluate etiologic risk factors for lung cancer in Casablanca, Morocco. Methods: We conducted a hospital-based case–control study that included 118 incident lung cancer cases and 235 age-, sex- and residence-matched controls. We analyzed the data using matched univariate and matched and unmatched multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Active tobacco smoking and history of chronic bronchitis were the strongest risk factors for lung cancer in the matched logistic regression model. Multivariate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals varied from 1.79 (0.47–6.79) for former light smokers to 26.07 (6.58–103.27) for current heavy tobacco smokers at the time of disease occurrence. Combined use of hashish/kiff and snuff had an OR of 6.67 (1.65–26.90), whereas the OR for hashish/kiff (without snuff) was 1.93 (0.57–6.58). History of chronic bronchitis had an OR of 4.16 (1.76–9.85). Other slightly increased risks of lung cancer were found for exposure to passive smoking (1.36; 0.71–2.62), occupational exposures (1.75; 0.84–3.63), use of candles for lighting (1.44; 0.42–5.01), and poor ventilation of the kitchen (1.22; 0.57–2.58). Conclusions: This study confirms known risk factors for lung cancer and uncovers potential new etiologic ones such as the role of hashish/kiff.     

Life experiences with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus as reported in outpatients' perspective: A clinical-qualitative study in Brazil

This study aimed to know lupus outpatients' life experiences, in terms of the meanings they attributed to several phenomena associated to the process of becoming ill. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disease, probably caused by a combination of inborn/hereditary predispositions and environmental factors, which leads to an abnormal stimulation of the immune system. Lupus life experience is associated to important psychosocial adaptation mechanisms of affected people. This work had a clinical-qualitative design and was performed in the dermatology service of a Brazilian General Hospital. The method included purposive sample, and a semistructured interview with open-ended questions was applied. After categorizing the interviewees' discourse, the discussion employed psychodynamic theories. The patients' reactions included the attempt to rebuild their relationships with their own strengths. Lupus patients' familiar and interpersonal conflicts seem to be associated with the idea that family and friends do not understand the nature of the disease.     

Effect of concomitant pathology and radiation treatment on the immunity indices of patients with laryngeal cancer

Humoral and cell-mediated immunity in laryngeal cancer patients was evaluated versus presence of concomitant pathology and previous irradiation. The actual T-lymphocyte level in the study group was shown to exceed that measured by reaction of spontaneous rosette formation using sheep erythrocytes. Concomitant pathology appeared to impair immune status. Distant gamma irradiation suppressed cell-mediated immunity boosting the humoral one. In vitro incubation of peripheral blood lymphocytes with levamisole and theophylline proved superior in immune status evaluation.     

Optimum parameters of TLD100 powder used for radiotherapy beams calibration check.

External audit of the absorbed dose determination from radiotherapy machines is performed using Lithium fluoride (LiF) TLD-100. Optimal parameters needed to obtain highly accurate dosage from LiF powder was investigated, including the setup of the Harshaw 4000 reader. A linear correspondence between the thermoluminescent signal and the mass of the powder was observed, demonstrating that the dose can be evaluated with small samples of powder. The reproducibility of the thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) readings obtained with up to 10 samples from 1 capsule containing 160 mg of powder was around 1.5% (1 standard deviation [SD]). The time required for the manual evaluation of TLDs can be improved by 3 readings without loss of accuracy. Better reproducibility is achieved if the capsules are evaluated 7 days after irradiation using a nitrogen flow of 300 cc/min.     

Sperm morphological abnormalities as indicators of DNA fragmentation and fertilization in ICSI

Purpose  

To determine the relationship between sperm morphological abnormalities, DNA fragmentation and fertilization rate in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).     

Effects of 940 nm light-emitting diode (led) on sciatic nerve regeneration in rats

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 940 nm wavelength light emitting diode (LED) phototherapy on nerve regeneration in rats. Forty male Wistar rats weighing approximately 300 g each were divided into four groups: control (C); control submitted to LED phototherapy (CLed); Sciatic Nerve Lesion without LED phototherapy (L); Sciatic Nerve Lesion with LED phototherapy (LLed). The lesion was caused by crushing the right sciatic nerve. A dose of 4 J/cm² was used for ten consecutive days beginning on the first postoperative day. Groups C and L were submitted to the same procedure as the LLed group, but the equipment was turned off. The LED phototherapy with 940 nm wavelength reduced the areas of edema, the number of mononuclear cells present in the inflammatory infiltration, and increased functional recovery scores at 7, 14 and 21 days. The results suggest that the use of phototherapy at 940 nm after nerve damage improves morphofunctional recovery and nerve regeneration.     

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy in primary angle-closure glaucoma

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - This study aims to report on outcomes of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in eyes with primary angle-closure...