Corrección del artefacto producido en imágenes tomográficas en equipos odontológicos / Correction of the artifact produced in tomographic images in dental equipment

Objetivo: disminuir el efecto de artefacto que generan objetos de alta densidad mediante la utilización de filtros de distintos materiales y espesores, ubicados en lugares estratégicos del tomógrafo. Material y métodos: se utilizaron filtros de aluminio y de cobre ubicados en lugares estratégicos en el equipo tomográfico. Se realizaron cortes oblicuos en piezas dentarias con restauraciones metálicas y en implantes; se midió la extensión del artefacto en ancho y alto en cada adquisición tomográfica. Resultados: se hallaron diferencias significativas respecto a la disminución de la dispersión de acuerdo con cada filtro con respecto a la no utilización de estos elementos. Conclusión: la utilización de filtros logró disminuir el efecto de artefacto en estructuras de alta densidad, obteniendo una mejor calidad de imagen para el diagnóstico, permitiendo que el software pueda reconstruir una imagen real (AU)

Objective: to diminish the artifact effect generated by high density objects by using filters of different materials and thickness, located in strategic places of the tomograph. Material and methods: aluminum and copper filters located in strategic places in the tomographic equipment were used. Oblique cuts were made on dental pieces with metal restorations and implants; the extension of the artifact in width and height was measured in each tomographic acquisition. Results: significant differences were found regarding the decrease of the dispersion according to each filter with respect to the non-use of these elements. Conclusion: the use of filters achieves to diminish the artifact effect in structures of high density, obtaining a better image quality for the diagnosis, allowing the software to reconstruct a real image (AU)

Improvement of bovine pestiviral diagnosis by the development of a cost-effective method for detecting viral RNA in fresh specimens and samples spotted in filter papers / Optimización del diagnóstico de Pestivirus bovinos mediante el desarrollo de una metodología económica para detectar ARN viral en muestras frescas y fijadas en papeles de filtro

Abstract Bovine pestiviruses are the causative agents of bovine viral diarrhea, a disease thatcauses severe economic losses in cattle. The aim of this study was to improve their diagnosisby developing a RT-qPCR to detect bovine pestiviruses A, B and H; and to set up a protocolfor collecting, shipping and preserving bovine pestiviral RNA on filter papers. The developedRT-qPCR showed high sensitivity in detecting these viruses in different matrices: viral stocks,semen and serum samples. With regard to the possibility of using the technique to test serumpools, it was possible to identify a positive serum sample within a pool containing 30 sera.In addition to evaluating the qPCR from fresh samples, the use of filter papers to sow bovinesamples was analyzed. The sampling method on two different filter papers using bovine blooddrops was a useful alternative for diagnostic purposes and allowed to preserve pestiviral RNAfor up to 12 months under refrigeration.

Resumen Los Pestivirus bovinos son los agentes causales de la diarrea viral bovina, una enfermedad que genera importantes pérdidas económicas en el ganado vacuno. El objetivo de este trabajo fue mejorar su diagnóstico mediante el desarrollo de una RT-qPCR para detectar los Pestivirus bovinos A, B y H y disenar un protocolo de recolección, envío y conservación de ARN viral en papeles de filtro. La RT-qPCR desarrollada demostró alta sensibilidad en la detección de estos virus en diferentes matrices: stock viral, suero y semen. Respecto de la posibilidad de usar la técnica para testear pools de suero, fue posible identificar un suero positivo dentro de un pool compuesto por 30 sueros. Además de evaluar la qPCR en muestras frescas, se analizó el uso de papeles de filtro para sembrar muestras de bovinos. La metodología de toma de muestras en dos tipos de papeles de filtro usando gotas de sangre fue una alternativa útil para el diagnóstico y permitió conservar ARN viral por hasta 12 meses a temperaturas de refrigeración.

Biocompatibility of the Oxygenator on Pulsatile Flow by Electron Microscope

ABSTRACT Introduction: Extracorporeal perfusion flow type requires further investigation. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of pulsatile and nonpulsatile flow on oxygenator fibers that were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and to extensively study patients' coagulation profiles, inflammatory markers, and functional blood tests. Methods: Twelve patients who had open heart surgery were randomly divided into two groups; the nonpulsatile flow (group NP, six patients) and pulsatile flow (group P, six patients) groups. Both superficial view and axial sections of the oxygenator fiber samples were examined under SEM to compare the thickness of absorbed blood proteins and amount of blood cells on the surface of oxygenators. Platelet count, coagulation profile, and inflammatory predictors were also studied from the blood samples. Results: Fibrinogen levels after cardiopulmonary bypass were significantly lower in group NP (group P, 2.57±2.78 g/L; group NP; 2.39±0.70 g/L, P=0.03). Inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, apelin, S100β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were comparable in both groups. Axial sections of the oxygenator fiber samples had a mean thickness of 45.2 µm and 46.5 µm in groups P and NP, respectively, and this difference is statistically significant (P=0.006). Superficial view of the fiber samples showed obviously lower platelet, leukocyte, and erythrocyte levels in group P. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that both cellular elements and protein adsorption on oxygenator fibers are lower in the group P than in the group NP. Pulsatile perfusion has better biocompatibility on extracorporeal circulation when analyzed by SEM technique.

Smartphone co-aided cobalt blue anterior segment with intraocular lens photography

In this report, we have utilized a smartphone-based innovative tool named anterior segment photography with an intraocular lens (ASPI) with a cobalt blue filter on the smartphone flash for photographing fluorescein-stained corneas. An intraocular lens along with a cobalt blue filter was attached to the smartphone camera to achieve this purpose. The filter could block out all wavelengths of light except the blue wavelength (450–490 nm) emerging from the smartphone camera. A pilot study was conducted on 27 eyes of 25 patients where images of various corneal pathologies were obtained using ASPI blue light imaging. The images were clear and highly magnified and could be used for documentation, teleconsultation for expert opinion, education, and monitoring of disease progression. ASPI-aided blue light imaging could be easily fabricated and is a frugal inexpensive device, which is used by different ophthalmic personnel to obtain fluorescein-stained corneal images.

Uncalibrated Positioning Method for Puncture Robots Based on Optical Navigation / 中国医疗器械杂志

Robotic puncture system has been widely used in modern minimally invasive surgery, which usually uses hand-eye calibration to calculate the spatial relationship between the robot and the optical tracking system. However, the hand-eye calibration process is time-consuming and sensitive to environmental changes, which makes it difficult to guarantee the puncture accuracy of the robot. This study proposes an uncalibrated positioning method for puncture robot based on optical navigation. The method divides the target path positioning into two stages, angle positioning and position positioning, and designs angle image features and position image features respectively. The corresponding image Jacobian matrix is constructed based on the image features and updated by online estimation with a cubature Kalman filter to drive the robot to perform target path localization. The target path positioning results show that the method is more accurate than the traditional hand-eye calibration method and saves significant preoperative preparation time by eliminating the need for calibration.

Clinical application of the convertible vena cava filter / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy, safety and complications of convertible vena cava filter.Methods:The clinical and follow-up data of 103 patients who were placed with the convertible vena cava filter from May 2017 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The convertible vena cava filters were successfully implanted in all cases. Twenty-seven cases underwent filter conversion, and 26 cases were successfully converted (5-145 days after implantation). None of them had complications such as thrombus formation, displacement, tilt, fracture or vein wall penetration. The reasons for no conversion included age (18.4%, 19/103), high-risk patients (12.6%, 13/103), limited organ function (9.7%, 10/103), etc. Ninety-four patients (91.3%) were followed up for 6 months. One developed thrombus in the filter, 3 developed lower limb venous thrombosis without inferior vena cava occlusion, and no patients were found with symptomatic pulmonary embolism.Conclusions:The convertible vena cava filter can safely and effectively reduce the incidence of perioperative pulmonary embolism.Age, limited organ function and high-risk of thrombosis are the main reasons for the low conversion rate.

Platelet Removal Efficiency by Leukocyte Filter in Red Blood Cell Units at Different Storage Periods / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate change of platelet count in red blood cell （RBC） units at different storage periods and explore the efficiency of platelet removal by leukocyte filter. MethodsA total of 58 RBC units were divided into four groups according to different storage periods： 1 week Group （16）， 2 weeks Group （16）， 3 weeks Group （14） and 4 weeks Group （12）. RBC units in the four groups were filtered through leukocyte filter. The RBC samples before and after filtration were obtained. The platelet count was detected by automatic blood cell counter and the efficiency of platelet removal was calculated. RBC samples before filtration were made into blood cell smears. The blood cell smears were dyed with Wright-Giemsa stain， and the morphology of platelets was observed through a microscope. ResultsThe platelet count in RBC units stored for 1， 2， 3 and 4 weeks was （286.5±62.34）×109/L， （238.0±57.37）×109/L， （193.6±56.21）×109/L and （167.8±24.76）×109/L， respectively. Platelet count in blood stored for 3 weeks （P<0.01） and 4 weeks （P <0.000 1） were significantly lower than those stored for 1 weeks. When observed in the blood smears of RBC units at different storage periods， platelets with normal morphology were distributed in clump and scattered style. The platelet removal rates of the four groups were （80.13±9.06） %， （76.41±10.13） %， （77.78±9.30） % and （70.63±9.39） %， respectively， with no significant difference （P >0.05）. ConclusionsPlatelet count in RBC units decreases gradually as the storage period increases， but most platelets still remain in RBC units of late storage periods （3 weeks and 4 weeks）. The leukocyte filter is able to remove most of the platelets， and the removal efficiency is similar among the groups.

Selection of sterilizing-grade filter for preparation of human coagulation factor Ⅷ/ von Willebrand factor complex / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To screen the sterilizing-grade filters applicable for production of human coagulation factor Ⅷ/von Willebrand factor complex(FⅧ/VWF)and study the sterilization filtration process. 【Methods】 Four sterilizing-grade filters for FⅧ/VWF were evaluated through indicators such as filtration capacity, filtration flux, recovery rate of FⅧ activity, recovery rate of VWF activity, recovery rate of VWF antigen, recovery rate of protein and VWF molecular distribution. The sterilizing-grade filter with the best filtration performance was selected for further study. The study was designed by general full-factor design to determine the appropriate filitered protein concentration and filitered speed range through evaluating the total filtered protein amount, recovery rate of protein and filtration efficiency, and then the process operation parameters was determined. 【Results】 The filtration flux of Sartobran P, Sartopore 2 XLG, Sartopore Platinum and Sartopore 2 XLI were 1.71±0.01, 1.80±0.01, 1.34±0.01, and 1.81±0.04 L·(m2)-1·min-1, respectively; the recovery rates (%) of FⅧ activity were 97.09±2.82, 99.22±0.99, 96.87±1.85 and 93.76±1.21, respectively; the recovery rates (%) of VWF activity were 98.12±1.42, 99.95±1.85, 94.80±1.62 and 92.09±1.67, respectively. Between Sartopore 2 XLG and Sartobran P, the difference of filtration flux (P<0.001) was statistically significant; between Sartopore 2 XLG and Sartopore Platinum, the differences of the filtration flux (P<0.001) and VWF potency recovery rate (P<0.05) were statistically significant; between Sartopore 2 XLG and Sartopore 2 XLI, the differences of FⅧ potency recovery rate (P<0.01) and VWF potency recovery rate (P<0.01) were statistically significant. The optimal process operating space of Sartopore 2 XLG was protein concentration of 0.45-0.58 mg/mL, and filtration rate of 1.48-2.95 L·(m2)-1·min-1. 【Conclusion】 Sartopore 2 XLG is the most suitable filter for the production of FⅧ/VWF and the DoE test proves that it has good process operation space.

Simultaneous determination of six aniline compounds in workplace air by high performance liquid chromatography / 中国职业医学

Objective To establish a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for simultaneous determination of six aniline compounds (ADs) in workplace air. Methods GDH-1 air sampling tube was used to collect six co-existing ADs such as aniline, o-toluidine, N-methylaniline, m-methylaniline, p-methylaniline and N,N-dimethylaniline in the vapor and aerosol of workplace air. The samples were desorbed and eluted using a methanol solution containing 1.00% ammonia water, followed by separation on a C18 chromatographic column and detection using a diode array detector. Results The quantification range of the method was 0.19 -253.50 mg/L, with the correlation coefficient of 0.999 9 for all six ADs. The minimum detection range was 0.02-0.06 mg/m3, and the minimum quantitation range was 0.04-0.19 mg/m3 [both calculated for a 15.0 L sample with a desorption (elution) solution volume of 3.00 mL]. The average desorption and elution efficiencies were 92.15%-104.41% (silica gel) and 94.29%-104.29% (filter membrane). The intra-assay relative standard deviation (RSD) ranged from 0.90%-9.72% (silica gel) and 0.57%-6.96% (filter membrane). The inter-assay RSD ranged from 2.03%-9.78% (silica gel) and 2.50%-8.62% (filter membrane). The samples were stable at room temperature for seven days. Conclusion This method can be used for the simultaneous determination of six ADs in workplace air.

Comparison of visual function before and after wearing amber filter in low vision patients with primary retinitis pigmentosa / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the visual function of low-vision patients with primary retinal pigmentosa(RP)before and after wearing amber filter.METHODS: Self-control before and after study. A total of 30 patients(60 eyes)with low vision who were diagnosed with primary RP in the ophthalmology clinic of Xi'an No.1 Hospital from August 2021 to March 2022 were collected. The uncorrected distance visual acuity(UCDVA), best-corrected distance visual acuity(BCDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity(UCNVA), best-corrected near visual acuity(BCNVA), visual field and Farnsworth-Munsell(FM)-100 color visions were recorded before and after wearing amber filter. The contrast sensitivity(CS)in three visual environments including bright room, darkroom and darkroom with glare was measured and recorded respectively, and the changes of those parameters were analyzed before and after wearing filter.RESULTS: UCDVA and BCDVA after wearing the filter were better than those before wearing(t=-2.32, P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001; t=-6.77, P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001), while there was no statistically significant difference in UCNVA and BCNVA before and after wearing filter. The visual field index(VFI)after wearing filter was lower than that before wearing(t=8.62, P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001), and the mean defect(MD)of visual field was greater than that before wearing(t=7.73, P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001). FM100 color chess test showed that both total error score(TES)and partial error score(PES)in multiple regions were higher than those before wearing filter(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001). After wearing, the CS of each frequency band in the environment of bright room and darkroom with glare was higher than that before wearing(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001), and there was no statistically significant difference in each frequency band before and after wearing amber filter under the environment of darkroom without glare.CONCLUSION: Patients with low vision of primary RP showed improved UCDVA and BCDVA, but unchanged UCNVA and BCNVA after wearing amber filter, while the visual field and color discrimination were worse than those before wearing filter. The CS of the bright room and darkroom with glare environment was improved than before wearing filter, while there were no significant changes in CS under darkroom without glare.

Effect of respiratory filter on pulmonary function in occupational health examination / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To explore the influence and significance of respiratory filter on the judgment of pulmonary function and the conclusion of occupational health examination in occupational health examination. Methods: From August to November 2020, 252 occupational health examinees were randomly selected as the research objects, and the lung function was examined with the respiratory filter bite and the straight cylinder bite without filter, respectively. The lung function examination indexes and the qualification rate of lung function examination were analyzed and compared between the two groups, and the diagnostic criteria of lung function examination was corrected. Results: 252 subjects were 36 (30, 42) years old. The qualified rate of lung function examination with respiratory filter bite (28.17%, 71/252) was lower than that with straight cylinder bite (34.92%, 88/252) , the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . The percentage of forced vital capacity in normal predicted value (FVC%) , percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second in normal predicted value (FEV(1)%) , and percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second in forced vital capacity (FEV(1)/FVC%) of subjects using respiratory filter bite were lower than those using the straight cylinder bite (P<0.05) . The corrected diagnostic criteria of pulmonary function were FVC%>78%, FEV(1)%>77%, FEV(1)/FVC%>68%. There was no significant difference between the qualified rate of the respiratory filter bite lung function test calculated according to the corrected diagnostic criteria (35.71%, 90/252) and the qualified rate of the straight cylinder bite lung function test calculated according to the original diagnostic criteria (34.92%, 88/252) (P>0.05) . Conclusion: In occupational health examination, the use of respiratory filter may affect the results of pulmonary function examination. The diagnostic criteria of pulmonary function can be corrected according to different filtering effects to ensure the accuracy of the conclusions of occupational health examination.

A Ventricular Fibrillation Recognition Method Based on Random Forest and BP Neural Network / 中国医疗器械杂志

Ventricular fibrillation is the most common pathophysiological mechanism leading to cardiac arrest. If cardiac arrest can be rescued in time, the survival rate of patients can be greatly improved. Therefore, rapid and accurate identification of ventricular fibrillation is extremely important. This paper proposes an automatic detection algorithm for ventricular fibrillation based on random forest and BP (back propagation) neural network. Pass the ECG signal through a 6 s moving window, calculate 6 kinds of characteristic parameters according to the time-frequency domain information of the signal, use these 6 kinds of characteristic parameters as the input of the classifier, carry out classification and test, and give the authoritative experts in the database. A total of 44 cases of related data were used to evaluate the method. The results show that using the ten-fold cross-validation method, the accuracy of classification of ventricular fibrillation in the CU database (Creighton University Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia Database) and the AHA database (the American Heart Association Database) has reached 96.38% and 99.45%, which has certain applicability.

Comparison of patient satisfaction with red-free (green) versus yellow light using binocular indirect ophthalmoscope for retinal examination

Purpose: Comparison of patient satisfaction with red?free (green) versus yellow light using binocular indirect ophthalmoscope for retinal examination. Methods: This is an observational questionnaire?based study of 100 myopes in the age group of 18–40 years coming for a routine check?up or for refractive surgery workup. The examination was done using an indirect ophthalmoscope and a 20D lens with green or yellow light and was assigned in two groups randomly using the coin toss method, following which, a questionnaire was used to assess the following parameters: a) level of comfort, b) any complaints of discomfort during examination, d) preference of the used light source in future, e) grading of discomfort on a linear scale, and f) patient cooperation and duration of examination. Results: Patients were randomized for observation with IDO using either green light (n = 55) or yellow light (n = 45) filter. In the study, 46 patients (83.6%) were very comfortable and only 9 patients (16.4%) experienced mild discomfort when using red?free (green) light, while only 3 patients (6.7%) were very comfortable and 31 (68.9%) had mild discomfort when using yellow light. The complaints of watering with yellow and green light were noted in 36 patients (80.0%) and 15 patients (27.3%), pain in 13 patients (28.9%) and 3 patients (5.5%), light sensitivity in 29 patients (64.4%) and 4 patients (7.3%), respectively, all being significantly more in yellow light category (P < 0.001). The time of examination was significantly more in yellow light category with 83 ± 10.75 seconds (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Retinal examination using the green filter of indirect ophthalmoscope is more comfortable in examining the patients as compared to routine yellow light with decreased number of complaints, lesser examination time, and better patient cooperation.

Assessing contrast sensitivity change in retinal diseases with use of yellow-amber NoIR glasses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess change of contrast sensitivity (CS) in subjects having retinal diseases with yellow?amber no infrared (NoIR) glasses used as low vision aid (LVA). Methods: We examined CS in 82 low vision (LV) subjects having retinal diseases with Pelli Robson Chart at 1 m distance before and after wearing yellow?amber NoIR glasses. We also found type of retinal affection and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) features. Results: The distance and near best?corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was, respectively, 0.68 ± 0.17 (median = 0.70) and 0.72 ± 0.25 (median = 0.70) logmar units. The pre?LVA CS was 0.52 ± 0.29 (median = 0.3) and post? LVA was 0.52 ± 0.28 (median = 0.45) logunits (mean reduction = ?0.002 ± 0.24; Median reduction = 0; P = 0.909). The pre?LVA and post?LVA CS showed a negative correlation with logmar distance BCVA [r = ?0.090; P = 0.317 and r = ?0.152; P = 0.090 respectively]. The pre?LVA and post?LVA CS showed a negative correlation with logmar near BCVA [r = ?0.114; P = 0.207 and r = ?0.054; P = 0.549 respectively]. The CS did not improve in subjects having macular degeneration, pathological myopia, hereditary maculopathy, and diabetic retinopathy. The macular OCT features like fluid, exudates, scars, drusens, traction, and hole did not significantly influence CS both at pre?LVA and post?LVA stage. Conclusion: This is the first study with yellow?amber NoIR glasses which blocks “both ultraviolet and infrared light.” The subjects having macular degeneration, pathological myopia, hereditary maculopathy, and diabetic retinopathy did not improve in CS with filters. The correlation values showed that filters may improve CS in subjects having good baseline BCVA.

Influência do sexo e da idade sobre o diâmetro da cava inferior e implicações para o implante de filtros de veia cava / Influence of sex and age on inferior vena cava diameter and implications for the implantation of vena cava filters

Resumo Contexto A aferição do diâmetro venoso e a escolha de um filtro de veia cava compatível são fundamentais para diminuir o risco de complicações decorrentes do implante desses dispositivos. Entretanto, são escassas as informações sobre como o diâmetro da cava inferior varia de acordo com o sexo e a idade. Objetivos Determinar a influência do sexo e da idade dos pacientes sobre o diâmetro da cava inferior e a adequação dos diferentes modelos de filtro disponíveis. Métodos Estudo analítico retrospectivo, realizado a partir de imagens de tomografia computadorizada. O diâmetro no segmento infrarrenal da veia cava inferior foi aferido em três pontos (cranial, médio e caudal). Os resultados foram classificados de acordo com o sexo e as faixas etárias. Resultados Foram analisadas tomografias de 417 pacientes: 245 mulheres e 172 homens. Os diâmetros nos pontos médio e caudal foram, respectivamente, 19,1 mm e 20,6 mm em mulheres de 81 a 92 anos, sendo estatisticamente menores (p < 0,05) quando comparados aos de mulheres com idade entre 19 e 40 anos (diâmetro no ponto médio: 22,7 mm; diâmetro no ponto caudal: 23 mm). Resultados semelhantes foram observados em homens. Os diâmetros venosos nos pontos cranial e caudal foram estatisticamente maiores em homens (ponto cranial: 24,4 mm; ponto caudal: 22,3 mm) do que em mulheres (ponto cranial: 22,6 mm; ponto caudal: 20,8 mm) em pacientes com idade entre 51 e 70 anos (p < 0,05). Conclusões O diâmetro da veia cava inferior foi menor em pacientes com idade mais avançada em ambos os sexos, e a taxa de variação do diâmetro foi semelhante entre homens e mulheres.

Abstract Background Measuring the venous diameter and choosing a compatible vena cava filter are essential to reduce the risk of complications resulting from implantation of these devices. However, there is little information on how the diameter of the inferior vena cava varies with sex and age. Objectives To determine the influence of patients' gender and age on their inferior vena cava diameter and the suitability of the different models of available filters. Methods Retrospective analytical study based on computed tomography images. The diameter of the inferior vena cava was measured at 3 points: above the confluence of the common iliac veins, below the renal veins, and midway between these two points (cranial point, caudal point, and midpoint) using Arya® and Carestream PACS® software. The results were classified by sex and age groups. Results CT scans of 417 patients were analyzed: 245 women and 172 men. The diameters at the midpoint and caudal point were, respectively, 19.1 mm and 20.6 mm in women from 81 to 92 years old and were statistically smaller (p< 0.05) when compared to women aged 19 to 40 years (midpoint: 22.7 mm; caudal point: 23 mm). Similar results were seen in men. Venous diameters at the cranial and caudal points in patients aged from 51 to 70 years were statistically larger in men (cranial point: 24.4 mm; caudal point:22.3 mm) than in women (cranial point: 22.6 mm; caudal point:20.8 mm) (p< 0.05). Conclusions A smaller diameter was found for the inferior vena cava in older patients of both sexes and the rate of diameter change was similar among men and women.

Temporal trends in vena cava filter implantation in public health system inpatients: an 11-year analysis of the largest city in Brazil / Tendência temporal do implante de filtro de veia cava em pacientes internados no SUS em São Paulo: análise de 11 anos da maior cidade do Brasil

Abstract Background Vena cava filter implantation is considered a simple procedure, which can lead to overuse and over-indication. It is nevertheless associated with short and long-term complications. Objectives The goals of this study were to evaluate rates of vena cava filter implantation conducted by Brazil's Unified Public Health System, analyzing in-hospital mortality and migration of patients from other cities seeking medical attention in São Paulo. Methods This study analyzed all vena cava filter procedures conducted from 2008 to 2018 in the city of São Paulo and registered on the public database using a big data system to conduct web scraping of publicly available databases. Results A total of 1324 vena cava filter implantations were analyzed. 60.5% of the patients were female; 61.7% were under 65 years old; 34.07% had registered addresses in other cities or states; and there was a 7.4% in-hospital mortality rate. Conclusions We observed an increase in the rates of use of vena cava filters up to 2010 and a decrease in rates from that year onwards, which coincides with the year that the Food and Drug Administration published a recommendation to better evaluate vena cava filter indications.

Resumo Contexto O implante de filtro de veia cava é considerado um procedimento de baixa complexidade, o que pode resultar em indicação excessiva. No entanto, não é isento de complicações a curto e longo prazo. Objetivos Avaliar as taxas de implantes de filtro de veia cava realizados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde e a origem geográfica e mortalidade intra-hospitalar dos pacientes. Métodos Foi conduzida uma análise em um banco de dados públicos referente às taxas de implantes de filtro de veia cava realizados de 2008 a 2018 na cidade de São Paulo, utilizando o sistema de big data. Resultados Foram analisados 1.324 implantes de filtro de veia cava financiados pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Identificou-se tendência de aumento da taxa de implantação até 2010 e de redução dos números após esse período. Do total de pacientes, 60,5% eram do sexo feminino; 61,75% tinham menos de 65 anos; e 34,07% possuíam endereço oficial em outra cidade ou estado. A taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar foi de 7,4%. Conclusões Observamos aumento das taxas de implante de filtro de veia cava até 2010 e redução das taxas após esse período, o que coincide com o ano em que a organização norte-americana Food and Drug Administration publicou uma recomendação para melhor avaliar as indicações de filtros.

Air management techniques in dental office in post COVID era: A Literature Review / Técnicas de gerenciamento de ar em consultório odontológico na era pós COVID

The neoteric coronavirus outburst has jeopardised the health care system globally. As a result, practising dentistry has severe constraints due to production of aerosols and splatter in a large quantity. Air management gains foremost importance in reducing the transmission of SARS-COV-2 in a dental operatory. A variety of air filtration techniques have been put forth to optimize the air quality by removing the pollutants and pathogens. Amidst the blowing wave of information accessible online and on social media, it is puzzling to identify dependable research data and guidance to equip the operatory to minimize the risk of disease by aerosol, droplet and contact transmission. This paper presents comprehensive review on the different air purification technologies, their mechanism and utility in reducing viral load with the aim of providing information in regards to setting up a dental operatory with reduced risk of disease transmission in the post COVID-19 era (AU).

A explosão neotérica de coronavírus colocou em risco o sistema de saúde global. Como um dos resultados, a prática odontológica passou a ter restrições severas devido à sua grande produção de aerossóis e respingos. O gerenciamento de ar ganhou uma importância ainda maior na redução da transmissão do SARS-COV-2 em um procedimento odontológico. Uma variedade de técnicas de filtração de ar tem sido colocada para otimizar a qualidade do ar através da remoção de poluentes e patógenos. Em meio à onda de informações disponíveis online e na mídia social, é difícil identificar dados de pesquisas confiáveis e orientações para equipar os operadores a minimizarem os riscos de doenças transmissíveis por aerossóis, gotículas e contato. Este artigo apresenta uma compreensível revisão das diferentes tecnologias de purificação de ar, seus mecanismos e utilidades na redução da carga viral com o objetivo de prover informação quanto à prática odontológica com redução de riscos de transmissão de doenças na era pós COVID-19 (AU)

Exploration of the application of half-field intensity-modulated irradiation technique in the radiotherapy for esophageal cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To explore a new technique for lung dose reduction in esophageal cancer radiotherapy based on the dose distribution characteristics of the half-field combined with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) technique.Methods:A three-dimensional water tank was used to measure the dose distribution at the edge of the symmetrical field and half-field, which was then compared and analyzed. Twenty patients with the middle and lower thoracic esophageal cancer receiving radiotherapy with prescription doses of 50.4-60.0 Gy were selected. Based on the Varian Vital beam linear accelerator and Eclipse planning system, flattening filter (FF) technique symmetrical field and half-field beam design and the flattening filter-free (FFF) technique symmetrical field and half-field design were adopted to compare and analyze various dose data and treatment MU numbers for the target area and the endangered organs. The field settings were chosen in the front 1 and back 4 mode.Results:Compared with the symmetrical field plan, the half-field plan significantly improved the irradiated dose to the lung with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05), and the half-field FFF was slightly better than the half-field FF mode. Compared with the total lung V 5Gy, V 20Gy, V 30Gy, and D mean dosimetric parameters (Gy), the FF symmetric field and FFF half-field were (49.64±5.39)% vs.(42.70±5.53)%, (15.99±3.93)% vs.(13.32±3.06)%, (9.24±2.77)% vs.(8.50±2.62)%, and (10.45±1.76)% vs.(9.50±1.53)%, respectively. There was a significant reduction in the volume dose values for all structures of the lung (all P<0.05). For other comparative data, the irradiated dose for the heart of the symmetrical field was better than that of the half-field mode ( P<0.05), and the differences in conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI), number of treated MU, and spinal cord associated with the target area were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusions:During radiotherapy for esophageal cancer, target area coverage and dose volume data of the lung are the main parameters affecting the efficacy and side effects. IMRT treatment based on the half-field mode can give full play to the advantages of half-field and IMRT, and significantly improve the irradiated dose to the lung, which can offer an additional clinical option.

Analysis of anticancer compound,indole-3-carbinol,in broccoli using a new ultrasound-assisted dispersive-filter extraction method based on poly(deep eutectic solvent)-graphene oxide nanocomposite / 药物分析学报

Indole-3-carbinol(I3C),an important anticancer compound found in broccoli,has attracted considerable attention.The rapid extraction and accurate analysis of I3C in the pharmaceutical industry in broccoli is challenging as I3C is unstable at low pH and high temperature.In this study,a rapid,accurate,and low-cost ultrasound-assisted dispersive-filter extraction(UADFE)technique based on poly(deep eutectic solvent)-graphene oxide(PDES-GO)adsorbent was developed for the isolation and analysis of I3C in broccoli for the first time.PDES-GO with multiple adsorption interactions and a fast mass transfer rate was synthesized to accelerate adsorption and desorption.UADFE was developed by combining dispersive solid-phase extraction(DSPE)and filter solid-phase extraction(FSPE)to realize rapid extraction and separation.Based on the above two strategies,the proposed PDES-GO-UADFE method coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)allowed the rapid(15-16 min),accurate(84.3％-96.4％),and low-cost(adsorbent:3.00 mg)analysis of I3C in broccoli and was superior to solid-phase extraction,DSPE,and FSPE methods.The proposed method showed remarkable linearity(r=0.9998;range:0.0840-48.0 μg/g),low limit of quantification(0.0840 μg/g),and high precision(relative standard deviation≤5.6％).Therefore,the PDES-GO-UADFE-HPLC method shows significant potential in the field of pharmaceutical analysis for the separation and analysis of anti-cancer compounds in complex plant samples.

An integrated strategy for comprehensive characterization of metabolites and metabolic profiles of bufadienolides from Venenum Bufonis in rats / 药物分析学报

Comprehensive characterization of metabolites and metabolic profiles in plasma has considerable sig-nificance in determining the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in vivo.However,this process is usually hindered by the insufficient characteristic fragments of metabolites,ubiquitous matrix interference,and complicated screening and identification procedures for metabolites.In this study,an effective strategy was established to systematically characterize the metabolites,deduce the metabolic pathways,and describe the metabolic profiles of bufadienolides isolated from Venenum Bufonis in vivo.The strategy was divided into five steps.First,the blank and test plasma samples were injected into an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/linear trap quadrupole-orbitrap-mass spectrometry(MS)system in the full scan mode continuously five times to screen for valid matrix compounds and metabolites.Second,an extension-mass defect filter model was established to obtain the targeted precursor ions of the list of bufadienolide metabolites,which reduced approximately 39％of the interfering ions.Third,an acquisition model was developed and used to trigger more tandem MS(MS/MS)fragments of precursor ions based on the targeted ion list.The acquisition mode enhanced the acquisition capability by approximately four times than that of the regular data-dependent acquisition mode.Fourth,the acquired data were imported into Compound Discoverer software for identification of metabolites with metabolic network prediction.The main in vivo metabolic pathways of bufadienolides were elucidated.A total of 147 metabolites were characterized,and the main biotransformation reactions of bufadienolides were hydroxylation,dihydroxylation,and isomerization.Finally,the main prototype bufadienolides in plasma at different time points were determined using LC-MS/MS,and the metabolic profiles were clearly identified.This strategy could be widely used to elucidate the metabolic profiles of TCM preparations or Chinese patent medicines in vivo and provide critical data for rational drug use.