A More Hygienic Method for Measuring Blood Pressure

Background : Blood Pressure (BP) measurement is the commonest test performed in any healthcare facility. The same BP cuff is used for measurement of BP in many patients. The BP cuff can get contaminated with microorganisms1. It may become a vector in transmission of communicable and infectious diseases. The Corona Pandemic has highlighted the needs to prevent transmission of infections by taking precautions in health care facilities. Disposable BP cuffs are available in Western Countries. Though they solve the contamination problem effectively, they are very expensive. To overcome the problem of contamination of the BP cuff, we propose to use a very thin plastic paper to cover the arm of the patient, to tie the BP cuff on the plastic paper so that the cuff does not come in contact with the patient’s body. Aim : To validate the accuracy of the BP measured after tying the cuff in such non contact manner. Settings and Design: The study was carried out at Dr Rajeev Raut Eye Clinic with consent obtained from Ethics Committee. 50 patients underwent BP measurement in supine position with and without the plastic wrap around the arm. The results of BP measurements thus obtained were statistically analysed. Results : The BP measurement obtained with the wrap and without the wrap were not found to be statistically significantly different. Conclusions : The BP measurements obtained using a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cling film wrap covering the arm are similar to those obtained without the use of the wrap. However, further studies are needed to prove the reduction in contamination rate.

Postharvest conservation of Formosa 'Tainung 1' papaya under refrigeration, modified atmosphere, and chitosan

The objective of this work is to evaluate the use of modified atmosphere and chitosan as an alternative to chemical treatment in postharvest conservation of 'Tainung 1' papaya under refrigeration. The experiment comprised of completely randomized blocks with four replications, one fruit per replication, with a 2 × 4 × 4 factorial design as follows: two types of packaging (with or without polyvinyl chloride [PVC] stretchable film, thickness of 17 µm), four treatments (control, 2% chitosan, 4% chitosan, and prochloraz fungicide with 33.75 g a.i.·100 L­1), and four storage periods (0, 7, 14, and 21 days) at 10 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 90 ± 5%. The variables evaluated were mass loss (ML), external appearance, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids (SS), vitamin C, reducing sugars (RS), and total sugars (TS). The storage of 'Formosa' papaya under refrigeration at 10 °C and RH of 90 ± 5% associated with PVC provided a low percentage of ML and longer conservation time of apparent quality (up to 7 days) in relation to fruits with no storage in PVC. The external appearance of fruits was preserved for up to 14 days by the PVC + 4% chitosan treatment and for up to 21 days by the PVC + prochloraz fungicide treatment. The treatment PVC + 4% chitosan associated with refrigeration is efficient in maintaining fruit quality. It is, for up to 14 days, a viable alternative to the use of prochloraz fungicide for postharvest conservation of 'Formosa' papaya.

Elaboration of a Low-Cost Aquatic Ergometric Bicycle / Elaboração de uma Bicicleta Ergométrica Aquática de Baixo Custo

After a visit to a hydrotherapy laboratory, limited resources for use in lower limbs were noted. For this reason, the goal is to design a water bike from low-cost material. The process took place in three phases: (1) project carried out, (2) prototype construction and (3) bicycle construction. The confection was divided into six parts; the materials used were polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes for the construction of sewer system. In addition to PVC materials, other products were used: two plastic pedals; a gel saddle, a seat post, two cranksets, a pipe clamp, a central shaft, two industrial bearings, three 40-millimeter aluminum cylinders and four suction cups. The final product was measured 69 centimeters (cm) in width, 59.05 cm in length; as the seat can be adjusted, the height varies. The prototype ranges from 73 to 102 cm in height and supports up to 85 kilograms (kg). It is concluded that although there is a limitation as to the design of the final product due to the limited formats of the PVC connections and as to the adaptations that must be made so that the final product can support a considerable weight, it is feasible to make a low-cost water exercise bike using PVC as the main material that can be used in the pool. It is noteworthy, however, that this product will still be tested to ascertain functionality as for equipment for clinical practice. (AU)

Após a visita em um laboratório de hidroterapia denotou-se a limitação de recursos para membros inferiores. Devido a isso, o objetivo é elaborar uma bicicleta aquática de material de baixo custo. O processo se deu em três fases: (1) design realizado, (2) produção do protótipo e a (3) construção da bicicleta. A confecção foi dividida em seis partes; os materiais utilizados foram tubos de Policloreto de vinila (PVC) para esgoto predial. Além de materiais de PVC foram utilizados outros produtos: dois pedais de plástico; um selim de gel, um canote, dois pedivelas, uma braçadeira de tubo, um eixo central, dois rolamentos industriais, três cilindros de alumínios 40 milímetros e quatro ventosas. O produto final teve como medida 69 centímetros (cm) de largura, 59,05 cm de comprimento; como o banco pode ser regulado, a altura varia. o protótipo varia entre 73 a 102 cm de altura e suporta até 85 quilogramas. Conclui-se então que embora haja limitação quanto ao design do produto final por conta dos limitados formatos das conexões de PVC e quanto à adaptações que devem ser feitas para que o produto final consiga suportar um peso considerável, é viável a confecção de uma bicicleta ergométrica aquática de baixo custo utilizando o PVC como material principal e que pode ser utilizada na piscina. Destaca-se, entretanto, que este produto ainda será testado para averiguar a funcionalidade quanto equipamento para a prática clínica. (AU)

Reusable Enzymatic Strip for Detection of Arsenic

HIGHLIGHTS Arsenic is considered as one of the highly hazardous elements in the environment and a serious carcinogen for the human health. An enzymatic method has been described by using arsenite oxidase for arsenic detection. Residual activity of the immobilized enzyme was 43% of the initial activity after being recycled 10 times.

Abstract Arsenic is considered as one of the highly hazardous elements in the environment and a serious carcinogen for the human health. More attention has taken towards the arsenic due to its presence in ground water in India, China, Bangladesh, Inner Mongolia and several other regions of the world. It's been a challenge to remove arsenic due to the lack of its efficient detection approach in the complicated environmental matrix. The proposed method describes an enzymatic method for arsenic determination using arsenite oxidase, which catalyzes the oxidation of arsenite to arsenate. Hence, a colorimetric PVC strip with immobilized arsenite oxidase has been developed to detect the arsenic concentration and also having potential for the field-testing. The influence of the optimal conditions i.e. pH, temperature, storage stability, and reusability of free and immobilized enzyme were evaluated and compared. The results have shown that the stabilities were significantly enhanced compared with free counterpart. Residual activity of the immobilized enzyme was 43% of the initial activity after being recycled 10 times. We approve that this novel low cost immobilized carrier presents a new approach in large scale applications and expected to act as a model for establishment of indigenous arsenic sensor in miniature form.

Pediatric bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease profile in a Brazilian General Hospital

Abstract Objective To evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease in pediatric patients admitted to a Brazilian Secondary Public Hospital. Methods A descriptive observational study was conducted. Microbiologically proven bacterial meningitis or meningococcal disease diagnosed from 2008 to 2018 were included. Results A total of 90 patients were diagnosed with proven bacterial meningitis. There were 64 confirmed cases of meningococcal disease. The prevalence was higher in boys (n=38), median age 30 months (1-185). The main clinical manifestations were: meningococcal meningitis (n=27), meningococcemia without meningitis (n=14), association of meningococcemia with meningitis (n=13), and fever without a known source in infants (n=7).Admissions to intensive care unit were necessary for 45 patients. Three deaths were notified. Serogroup C was the most prevalent (n=32) followed by serogroup B (n=12).Pneumococcal meningitis was identified in 21 cases; out of the total, 10 were younger than two years. The identified serotypes were: 18C, 6B, 15A, 28, 7F, 12F, 15C, 19A and 14. Pneumococcal conjugate 10-valent vaccine covered four of the nine identified serotypes.Haemophilus influenzae meningitis serotype IIa was identified in three patients, median age 4 months (4-7). All of them needed intensive care. No deaths were notified. Conclusion Morbidity and mortality rates from bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease remain high, requiring hospitalization and leading to sequelae. Our study observed a reduced incidence of bacterial disease over the last decade, possibly reflecting the impact of vaccination.

Experimental Study on Migration Parameters of DEHP in PVC Infusion / 中国医疗器械杂志

The work explored the DEHP migration parameters in PVC infusion in clinic,based on the previous research on the test model of DEHP migrated from PVC infusion,to assess the safety of PVC infusion.The leaching solution samples in different conditions were evaluated by analysis of the DEHP in leaching solution using GC-MS under simulated clinical transfusion way.The release behavior of DEHP was significantly affected by the storage time,storage temperature,surrounding temperature,dripping speed,sterilization process,volume of the leaching solution,and the property of the leaching solution.

Adsorption Compare of Insulin in Total Nutrient Admixture Solutions Indifferent Material Disposable Parenteral Nutrition Infusion Bags / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the adsorption of insulin in total nutrient admixture solutions(TNA) in three different material disposable parenteral nutrition infusion bags and provide the reference for compounding of parenteral nutrition and clinical nutrition support. METHODS: TNA were compounded according to consensus for parenteral nutrition solutions compounding containing same prescriptions and same dose of insulin in different materialsinfusion bags including polyvinyl chloride(PVC) and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer(EVA) and triple chambered bag(TCB). Determination of concentrations of insulin by HPLC for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15 h with infusion speed 40 drops•min-1(2 mL•min-1). RESULTS: The RESULTS of determination in 7 groups of TNA samples at different time points were between 69.5% to 102.8% of the oretical value. The insulin concentrations was low at the initial stage (0 and 2 h, mean difference: 2.4-8.0 IU•L-1). The concentrations of insulin in 4-15 h was no significant difference. There was a significant difference in different material bags:TCBvs EVA (mean difference:2.4 IU•L-1, P=0.012). PVC vs EVA(mean difference:1.6 IU•L-1, P=0.020).CONCLUSION: The adsorption of insulin in EVA material bags is significantly different from that in TCB and PVC, the concentrations of insulin in TNA of different material bags was low in the initial stage (0 and 2 h). There is no significant difference in the concentrations of insulin at 4-15 h. When TNA is compounding in EVA, PVC and KABI nutritional bags, insulin can be used as a way to supplement for patients daily needs.

Reversal of premature ventricular complexes induced cardiomyopathy. Influence of concomitant structural heart disease

Background We examined the effect of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) on left ventricle (LV) function recovery in patients with LV dysfunction, regardless the presence of structural heart disease (SHD). Methods Seventy seven patients with impaired LV ejection fraction (EF) (37.1 ± 9.4), suspected to have PVCs cardiomyopathy (PVC-CM) (>10% PVCs burden), referred for RF ablation were enrolled, and divided into 2 groups according to the presence of SHD. SHD was ruled out by echocardiography, coronary angiography or MRI. CARTO 3 mapping system was used employing activation mapping in the majority of cases. Initial success was defined as complete elimination or residual PVCs ≤ 10 beats/30 min. Long term success was defined as reduction in PVCs burden >80% on follow-up holter. Echocardiography was done after 6 months. Improvement of EF >5% was considered significant. Results Forty two (55.8%) cases had SHD. PVCs burden was 28.4 ± 9.8%. EF improved to 48.6 ± 10.3. Initial success, overall success, post procedural PVCs burden and EF were comparable in both groups. EF improved in 47(75%) of successful cases with no significant differences between both groups. Post-MI Patients were the least category to improve. PVCs burden before and after ablation were the independent predictors of LVEF recovery by multivariate analysis. Cutoff values of >18%, <8% had 100% sensitivity and 85%, 87% specificity, respectively. Conclusions PVCs elimination by RF ablation results in significant improvement even restoration of LV function regardless of PVC origin, or the presence of concomitant SHD. PVCs burden before and after ablation are the main predictors of LVEF recovery.

Application and Safety Evaluation of DEHP in PVC Medical Devices / 中国医疗器械杂志

DEHP is largely used in soft PVC products as the plasticizer, which is also widely applied in medical devices. Due to its potential and widespread toxicity and medical devices' specific use, the safety of DEHP's application in medical devices has received extensive attention. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the application and potential toxicity of DEHP in PVC medical devices is made on the basis of the research results all over the world. Besides, the safety evaluation in medical devices is discussed and some possible coping strategies are explored.

Development of PVC membranes with clove oil as plasticizer for blood bag applications.

In the present study, Antimicrobial PVC films containing different amounts of clove oil as a plasticizer were prepared using traditional casting method. The physical and mechanical properties of the plasticized PVC membranes e.g. surface wettability were investigated. The increase of clove oil content demonstrated an increase in surface hydrophilicity and elongation to break the film. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed a decrease of polymer thermal stability by increasing clove oil concentration. The antibacterial activities against four different bacterial strains (two-gram positive: Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus & two-gram negative: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) were promoted by addition of clove oil. Although the natural source of clove oil, the bio-evaluation of plasticized membranes showed an increase in hemolysis percent (%) and thrombus weight. It can be concluded that the addition of clove to PVC need to further studies for applying in blood bags.

Comparision between rae, flexometallic and PVC macintosh endotracheal tubes used in cleft palate surgery.

Introduction: Cleft lip/palate are the most common craniofacial anomalies in children, with an incidence of CLP worldwide is 1 in 700 live births. The risk factors are considered as Family history etc. Anaesthesia during cleft lip and palate surgery carries a high risk and difficult airway management in children. Because of other associated congenital anomalies, the anaesthetic management becomes more complicated. Flexometallic endotracheal tubes, PVC macintosh tube, RAE tube are have their own risks and benefits when compared with each other. This study was undertaken to compare ease of intubation ,ease of ventilation ,intra operative maintenance of respiratory parameters ,intra-operative airway complication, post extubation complication by using 3 different types of tubes (1) RAE (Ring Adair Elwyn) tube (2) flexometallic tube (3) PVC ( Polyvinyl Chloride) macintosh tube in pediatric cleft palate surgeries. Material & Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 90 ASA I and ASA II pediatric patients of age group 9 month to 5 years undergoing cleft palate surgeries. Patients were randomly allocated in three groups of 30 each. Group 1: intubated with R A E endotracheal tube, Group 2:intubated with flexometallictube and Group 3: intubated with P V C macintosh endotracheal tube. The power of study on choosing such sample size was found to be at 90% level. Time taken for intubation, No. of attempt taken for intubation, Monitoring of capnography, SPO2, pulse rate and mean airway pressure every 15 minutes during the surgical procedures, Endobronchial intubation, Inadvertent extubation, Ease of passing of suction catheter after application of dingman retractor and Post extubation cough and croup was observed. Results: The significant differences were observed in stylet used, ease of passing suction catheter and post extubation cough and heart rate after retractor among the groups (p<0.05). All other differences were found to be insignificant. Conclusion: RAE tube provides a good approach for airway management in routine cleft lip surgeries. It possesses advantage over flexometallic tube and PVC tube. As it is a preformed tube passing suction catheter is technically difficult.

Establishment of biological assess for quality control of Fuzi based on determination of premature ventricular contractions in rats / 中国中药杂志

Aconiti Lateralis Radix (Fuzi) is a toxic traditional Chinese medicine with definite efficacy. In order to improve the quality control of its different prepared products and ensure the security in clinic, it is significant to establish a method of quality evaluation related to clinic adverse effects. Aiming at the important biological marker of early cardiac toxicity reaction, there was no method to detect it. In this manuscript, a novel approach for measuring the minimal toxic dose (MTD) of premature ventricular contractions (PVC) poisoning of rats was established. Then, the determination methodology and conditions were optimized to meet the needs of the quality and biological assessment, including animal sex, weight, stability of standards and test solutions. Using this method, the MTD value of different Fuzi products were determined, such as Heishunpian, Baifupian, Zhengfupian, Baofupian, and Paotianxiong. The results showed that the MTD of Fuzi was significantly decreased after detoxification processed (P<0.05) and the MTD of Heishunpian, Zhengfupian, Baofupian and Baifupian was as much as 15.76, 22.36, 19.65 and 20.97 times to that of unprocessed Shengfuzi. In addition, Paotianxiong could not induce PVC in rats, which indicated that Paotianxiong was nontoxic and safe.This method could appropriately reflects the cardiotoxity of Fuzi and its prepared samples. Together with the chemical composition analysis, the contents of diester alkaloids were explored including aconitine, mesaconitine and hypaconitine as well as monoester alkaloids in Fuzi and its prepared products were significantly associated with PVC. Furthermore, there may be some components undetermined facilitating arrhythmia to be worth exploring. This research provides an overall and comprehensive approach to diagnose early clinical cardiotoxity and control the quality of Fuzi, which could not only be a complementary solution for the chemical evaluation, but a new method to ensure its efficacy and security of clinical application.

Study on Sterility Test after Using Non-PVC Bivalve Soft-bag Injection in PIVAS / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study sterility test after using Non-PVC bivalve soft-bag injection in PIVAS. METHODS:The test was divided into 3 groups according to the type of transfusion solution packaging and dispensing environment. Group 1 received Glucose solution using bivalve soft-bag,dispensed in PIVAS;group 2 received Glucose solution using bivalve soft-bag,dispensed in wards area;group 3 received Glucose solution using plastic bottle,dispensed in wards area. After puncturing 1,3,6,9 times (n=80),finished products placed in ward for 0,2,4,6 h(n=20),and then sterility test was conducted with membrane filtra-tion method stated in second part of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2010 edition). Infusion contamination of 3 groups was analyzed at 9th puncture. RESULTS:The growth of bacteria was not found in group 1;the positive detection rate of group 2 and 3 were 2.5%and 3.8%(n=320). The total positive detection rates after puncturing 1,3,6,9 times were 0,0.4%,0.4%,7.5%(n=240);the positive detection rates of group 1 were all 0,those of group 2 were 0,1.25%,0,8.75%and those of group 3 were 0,0,1.25%, 13.75%(n=80). After 9 times of puncture,the positive detection rates of group 1 after placing 0,2,4,6 h were all 0,those of group 2 were 25%,5%,0,5%;those of group 3 were 5%,15%,5%,30%(n=20). CONCLUSIONS:The use of the Non-PVC bi-valve soft-bag injection in PIVAS can effectively prevent microbial contamination.

Transcatheter Intervention for Infantile Hepatic Hemangioendothelioma with Amplatzer Duct Occluder II.

Introduction: Infantile Hepatic hemangioendothelioma is characterized by multifocal benign vascular dilatations involving the liver. The clinical course depends on tumor size, localization and complications. Case Report: 15 days old neonate with stormy postnatal period was referred for intractable congestive cardiac failure. Transthoracic 2D echocardiography showed multiple vegetations on all the four valves, noncompaction of left ventricle with multiple vascular channels in left lobe of liver. Computed tomography angiogram showed 58x29x50 mm markedly enhancing lesion in left lobe of liver suggestive of infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma. The neonate was treated for bacterial endocarditis. Later 6x6 Amplatzer duct occluder II was parked in hepatic vein, then gel foam and polyvinyl chloride particles were injected into infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma. Cardiac failure resolved with marked regression of lesion. Discussion: Infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma is a rare anomaly causing heart failure in neonate causing death in up to 70% of untreated infants without adequate regression of lesion. Therefore aggressive treatment is warranted. For the first time in the world, we report a case of infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma in a neonate, with pump failure due to noncompaction of left ventricle and vegetations on all four valves, successfully treated by combination of transcatheter deployment of Amplatzer duct occluder II to occlude the venous end and hand injection of gel foam and polyvinly chloride particles from the aortic end to close the feeder artery. Conclusion: The combination of closure of hepatic vein by Amplatzer duct occluder II and injection of gel foam and polyvinyl chloride particles is safe and effective in infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma in neonate with heart failure.

Covalent immobilization of lipase, glycerol kinase, glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase & horseradish peroxidase onto plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) strip & its application in serum triglyceride determination.

Background & objectives: Reusable biostrip consisting enzymes immobilized onto alkylamine glass beads affixed on plasticized PVC strip for determination of triglyceride (TG) suffers from high cost of beads and their detachments during washings for reuse, leading to loss of activity. The purpose of this study was to develop a cheaper and stable biostrip for investigation of TG levels in serum. Methods: A reusable enzyme-strip was prepared for TG determination by co-immobilizing lipase, glycerol kinase (GK), glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase (GPO) and peroxidase (HRP) directly onto plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) strip through glutaraldehyde coupling. The method was evaluated by studying its recovery, precision and reusability. Results: The enzyme-strip showed optimum activity at pH 7.0, 35oC and a linear relationship between its activity and triolein concentration in the range 0.1 to 15 mM. The strip was used for determination of serum TG. The detection limit of the method was 0.1 mM. Analytical recovery of added triolein was 96 per cent. Within and between batch coefficients of variation (CV) were 2.2 and 3.7 per cent, respectively. A good correlation (r=0.99) was found between TG values by standard enzymic colrimetric method employing free enzymes and the present method. The strip lost 50 per cent of its initial activity after its 200 uses during the span of 100 days, when stored at 4oC. Interpretation & conclusions: The nitrating acidic treatment of plasticized PVC strip led to glutaraldehyde coupling of four enzymes used for enzymic colourimetric determination of serum TG. The strip provided 200 reuses of enzymes with only 50 per cent loss of its initial activity. The method could be used for preparation of other enzyme strips also.

Assessment of biodegradability of PVC containing cellulose by white rot fungus

Aims: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most widely used and environmentally damaging plastic. Processing, production and disposal of PVC cause release of toxic chlorine based compounds into environment. The objective of the present study was to assess the biodegradability of cellulose blended PVC by white rot fungi i.e. Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Methodology and results: Biodegradability of the strain for the polymer was tested on plate assay, sturm test, soil burial and shake flask experiments. The biodegradability of the polymer was determined by visual changes, plate assay and carbon dioxide production. Morphological changes in the polymer such as pits, extensive spotting, clear surface erosion, fungal attachment, roughening and deterioration of some parts were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Chemical changes like appearance and shortening of peaks using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy also confirmed the biodegradability of the polymer. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The present study confirmed that mixing of small amount of cellulose increases the hydrophilicity of the polymer and lead to its microbial degradation and Phanerochaete chrysosporium has great potential for the treatment of solid waste containing plastics.

Polymeric Matrix Membrane Sensors for Stability-Indicating Potentiometric Determination of Bambuterol Hydrochloride and Its Metabolite Terbutaline.

The construction and electrochemical response characteristics of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane sensors for determination of bambuterol hydrochloride (BH) in presence of its degradation products are described. The sensors are based on the ion association complexes of BH cation with sodium tetraphenyl borate (BH-TPB) [sensor 1] or ammonium reineckate (BHRNC) [sensor 2] counter anions as ion exchange sites in PVC matrix. Fast and stable Nernstian responses in the range 10-5-10-2 M for BH over the pH range 5–8 revealed the performance characteristics of these electrodes, which were evaluated according to International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry recommendations. The two proposed sensors are used for determination of BH, in pure form, in presence of its degradation product and in pharmaceutical formulations. Validation of the method according to the quality assurance standards showed suitability of the proposed electrodes for use in the quality control assessment of BH. The recoveries for determination of BH by the two proposed selective electrodes were 100.07 ± 1.008, 99.93 ± 0.920, for sensor 1 and sensor 2, respectively. Statistical comparison between the results obtained by this method and the official non-a method of BH was done, and no significant difference was found.

Effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in combination with portal vein chemotherapy on survival of patients after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To study the value of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)in combination with portal vein chemotherapy (PVC) after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma to prolong survival. Methods From January 2000 to July 2007, 168 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) underwent tumor resection in our hospital. After operation, TACE in combination with PVC was performed in 48 patients (combined group), TACE alone in 26 (TACE group), PVC alone in 50 (PVC group) and none of the above in 44 (control group). All the patients were followed up for 17-96 months. The 1-, 3-and 5-year survival rates were compared among the 4 groups. Results Accumulative 1-, 3-and 5-year survival rates were higher in the combined and TACE groups than in PVC and control groups. Conclusion After resection of HCC, combined use of TACE and PVC is the same as TACE in prolonging patient survival. However, it is better than PVC alone and non-surgical procedure.

The Automatic Identification of PVC Based on Wavelet Transform and BP Neural Network / 中国医学物理学杂志

Objective: The premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is one of the most familiar diseases of the arrhythmia. Its real-time and accurate examination has important clinical significance. To find a premature ventricular contractions (PVC) early and improve the diagnostic accuracy of premature ventricular contractions (PVC),a method called automatic identification of PVC based on wavelet transform and BP Neural Network is proposed in this paper. Methods: After selecting the characteristic parameters of ECG signal using wavelet transform,detection of the feature points, extracting characteristic parameters, constructing feature vector and recognition of PVC by BP Neural Network. The automatic identification of normal ECG and PVC was realized. Results: A 7-10-1 three-layer BP Neural Network is constructed in this paper, the neural network was proved having better automatic identification ability (average 92%) after training and testing the neural network using the ECG datum of MIT-BIH database. Conclusions: Analyzing experimental results of six groups of test data in MIT-BIH ECG database,the method could assist doctors in making better diagnosis on ECG potentially.

Evaluation of Brazilian medical devices using agar diffusion cytotoxicity assay / Avaliação de dispositivos médicos brasileiros utilizando o ensaio de citotoxicidade pela difusão em ágar

Over the last decades, governmental actions and mechanisms created to protect consumer rights have been linked to a growing effort to guarantee the quality and reliability of products. Samples of condoms (latex), medical devices and blood bags (PVC - polyvinyl chloride) have been tested using the agar diffusion assay. This assay evaluates the cytotoxicity induced by biomaterials by measuring the biological reactivity of mammalian cell cultures in contact with these materials. PVC is used in the production of medical devices because of its specific properties, such as flexibility, obtained after the addition of plasticizers (phthalates), which can cause toxicity even at low doses. Latex is a natural elastomer used for surgical gloves and condoms with a formulation that includes dispersion of liquid latex and chemicals, such as antioxidants and a vulcanizing accelerator, both of which are able to induce cytotoxicity. Samples were analyzed by the National Institute of Quality Control in Health - INCQS of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) in accordance with the governmental sanitary surveillance actions on respect to the quality control. We observed an increase in the quality of the products in relation to the results of the agar diffusion assay during the period between 2000 and 2007. This situation, together with other actions, reflects in an improvement in the quality of products that can be translated in the health of the population.

Durante as últimas décadas, a disseminação de ações governamentais e os mecanismos criados para proteger os direitos dos consumidores se associaram em crescentes esforços para garantir a qualidade e confiabilidade dos produtos. As amostras de preservativos (látex), dispositivos médicos e bolsas de sangue (PVC - cloreto polivinílico) foram testadas utilizando o ensaio de difusão em ágar. O teste avalia a citotoxicidade induzida por biomateriais, medindo a reatividade biológica de culturas de células de mamífero em contato com tais materiais. PVC é utilizado na produção de dispositivos médicos, devido às suas propriedades específicas, incluindo flexibilidade, obtida após a adição de plastificantes (ftalatos) que podem apresentar toxicidade mesmo em doses baixas. Látex é um elastômero natural utilizado em luvas cirúrgicas e preservativos que na sua formulação inclui a dispersão do látex líquido e de substâncias químicas, como antioxidantes e um acelerador de vulcanização, ambos capazes de induzir citotoxicidade. As amostras foram analisadas pelo Instituto Nacional de Controle de Qualidade em Saúde - INCQS da Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz) em atendimento às ações governamentais de vigilância sanitária no tocante ao controle de qualidade. Um aumento na qualidade dos produtos em relação aos resultados no ensaio de difusão em ágar foi observado no período compreendido entre 2000-2007. Esta situação, dentre outras ações, reflete uma melhoria na qualidade dos produtos que pode ser traduzida em saúde para a população.