Trans-Pacific tele-ultrasound image transmission of fetal central nervous system structures

Objective: To assess the quality of images and video clips of fetal central nervous (CNS) structures obtained by ultrasound and transmitted via tele-ultrasound from Brazil to Australia.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 15 normal singleton pregnant women between 20 and 26 weeks were selected. Fetal CNS structures were obtained by images and video clips. The exams were transmitted in real-time using a broadband internet and an inexpensive video streaming device. Four blinded examiners evaluated the quality of the exams using the Likert scale. We calculated the mean, standard deviation, mean difference, and p values were obtained from paired t tests.

Results: The quality of the original video clips was slightly better than that observed by the transmitted video clips; mean difference considering all observers = 0.23 points. In 47/60 comparisons (78.3%; 95% CI?=?66.4–86.9%) the quality of the video clips were judged to be the same. In 182/240 still images (75.8%; 95% CI?=?70.0–80.8%) the scores of transmitted image were considered the same as the original.

Conclusion: We demonstrated that long distance tele-ultrasound transmission of fetal CNS structures using an inexpensive video streaming device provided images of subjective good quality.     

Postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio variation is associated with chronic subdural hematoma recurrence

Neurological Sciences - Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical pathologies. The recurrence of chronic subdural haematomas is an important concern, considering...     

Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life Among Adult Women with Androgenetic Alopecia Using 5% Topical Minoxidil

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common, genetically predisposed condition that begins after puberty and whose frequency increases with age; although biologically benign, AGA can impact patients both psychologically and socially, contributing to an impairment on their quality of life. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the psychological, social, and quality of life impairments inherent in women with AGA using 5% minoxidil daily for at least six months. DESIGN: Thirty-one women with diffuse central hair thinning and shaft miniaturization who were using 5% minoxidil daily for at least six months responded to a clinical questionnaire and underwent trichoscopy. RESULTS: 83.9 percent (n=26) of the participants reported they were satisfied with the 5% minoxidil treatment and its convenience. Hair loss influenced social life in 54.8 percent (n=17) of the respondents and choice of hair cut/hairstyle in 87.1 percent (n=27) of respondents. For 51.6 percent (n=16) hair loss was slightly increased, although it did not increase after beginning treatment. A frontoparietal pattern (74.2%, n=23), very low capillary density (61.3%, n=19), trichodynia (32.3%, n=10), and negative traction test (100%, n=31) were also observed. Miniaturization occurred in 100 percent (n=31) of patients, frontal/occipital hair thickness was reduced in 83.9 percent (n=26), and more than 10 percent of velus hair in the frontal area was observed in 83.9 percent (n=26) of patients. The number of hair shafts per follicular unit was reduced in 67.7 percent (n=21), and a higher frontal to occipital ratio of follicular units with one hair shaft was seen in 74.2 percent (n=23) of patients. Empty follicles, large numbers of peripillar brownish halo, scalp pigmentation, mild Ludwig''s baldness degree, and quality of life scores of 4±3.5 points were observed. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that patient satisfaction and quality of life of women with AGA on 5% topical minoxidil are high, although hair loss influences daily habits and social life.     

Molecularly imprinted polymers for selective adsorption of quinoline: theoretical and experimental studies

The effects of solvent on the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the selective adsorption of quinoline were evaluated in this work. The MIPs were synthesized by the “bulk” method using the quinoline molecule (IQ) as a template in different solvents, such as toluene (MIPT) and chloroform (MIPC). The adsorbents were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and N₂ adsorption/desorption measurements. The influences of time, adsorbate concentration, and temperature on the adsorption of quinoline by MIPT and MIPC were evaluated. Maximum adsorption capacities (q_e) of 35.23 and 24.10 mg g⁻¹ were obtained for MIPT and MIPC, respectively. Thermodynamic studies indicate that occur physisorption and a spontaneous process (Δ_adsG° < 0) entropically directed. Finally, the highest selectivity and reusability of MIPC for quinoline adsorption was ascribed to the better interaction between the chloroform and monomer, which favors the formation of porous adsorbents with higher numbers of adsorption sites.

Molecularly imprinted polymers synthesized by a one-pot synthesis absorb quinoline efficiently and selectively.     

Correspondence Between NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses and Outcomes as Proposed by the Nursing Outcomes Classification

The accurate identification of the nursing diagnoses and the corresponding measurement of their indicators will depend on the elements in the standardized language systems.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the correspondence between elements of four NANDA‐I nursing diagnoses and outcomes suggested by the nursing outcomes classification (NOC) for the resolution of these diagnoses.

METHOD

A methodological study consisting of cross‐mapping was performed in the first stage between definitions, defining characteristics (DCs), and related factors (RFs) of impaired oral mucous membrane, impaired tissue integrity, spiritual distress, and delayed surgical recovery and outcome definitions and indicators to measure results of diagnoses resolution and an analysis of its relevance by experts in the second stage.

RESULTS

It found partial correspondence between outcome indicators, DCs, RFs, and definitions.

CONCLUSION

The data evidence the relevance of this review for a reliable application of these taxonomies and demonstrated partial correspondence between concepts analyzed. A identificação precisa dos diagnósticos de enfermagem e a medida correspondente dos seus indicadores dependerá dos elementos nos sistemas de linguagem padronizados.

OBJETIVO

Foi analisar a correspondência entre os elementos de quatro NANDA‐I diagnósticos de enfermagem e os resultados sugeridos pelo NOC para a resolução destes diagnósticos.

MÉTODO

um estudo metodológico que consiste em cross‐mapping foi realizado em uma primeira fase entre as definições, características definidoras e fatores relacionados de Mucosa oral prejudicada, Integridade tissular prejudicada, Sofrimento espiritual e Recuperação cirúrgica retardada e as definições dos resultados indicados para a resolução destes diagnósticos; na segunda fase, foi realizada uma análise desta concordância por especialistas.

RESULTADOS

correspondência parcial entre as definições dos diagnósticos e dos resultados, características definidoras e fatores relacionados.

CONCLUSÃO

Os resultados evidenciam a relevância dessa avaliação para uma aplicação confiável destas taxonomias e demonstrou a correspondência parcial entre os conceitos analisados.     

Influence of antimicrobial solutions in the decontamination and adhesion of glass-fiber posts to root canals

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of root canal disinfectants on the elimination of bacteria from the root canals, as well as their effect on glass-fiber posts bond strength.

Material and Methods

Fifty-three endodontically treated root canals had post spaces of 11 mm in length prepared and contaminated with E. faecalis. For CFU/ml analysis, eight teeth were contaminated for 1 h or 30 days (n=4). Teeth were decontaminated with 5% NaOCl, 2% CHX, or distilled water. As control, no decontamination was conducted. After decontamination, sterile paper points were used to collect samples, and CFU/ml were counted. For push-out, three groups were evaluated (n=15): irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl, 2% CHX, or sterile distilled water. A bonding agent was applied to root canal dentin, and a glass-fiber post was cemented with a dual-cured cement. After 24 h, 1-mm-thick slices of the middle portion of root canals were obtained and submitted to the push-out evaluation. Three specimens of each group were evaluated in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s T3 test (α=0.05).

Results

The number of CFU/ml increased from 1 h to 30 days of contamination in control and sterile distilled water groups. Decontamination with NaOCl was effective only when teeth were contaminated for 1 h. CHX was effective at both contamination times. NaOCl did not influence the bond strength (p>0.05). Higher values were observed with CHX (p<0.05). SEM showed formation of resin tags in all groups.

Conclusion

CHX showed better results for the irrigation of contaminated root canals both in reducing the bacterial contamination and in improving the glass-fiber post bonding.