Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica: evidências de validade de construto / Phonological Assessment Instrument: evidence of construct validity

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar evidências de validade de construto para um Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica para o Português Brasileiro, baseadas nos dados de diagnóstico gerados por sua própria aplicação a partir da análise contrastiva e do grau de severidade de fala. Método A amostra foi composta por dados de 176 crianças, com idades entre cinco até nove anos. Foram avaliadas pelo Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica e classificadas em com transtorno fonológico ou em desenvolvimento fonológico típico, comparando tais resultados aos critérios para o transtorno no DSM-5. A busca por evidências da validade de construto contou com a concordância entre os dois métodos de avaliação, aplicando o Coeficiente Kappa. Para a diferenciação entre os grupos, utilizou-se o teste t de Student para amostras independentes. Buscou-se a investigação dos índices do instrumento pela estatística da Curva de Receiver Operating Characteristic para obter valores de área, ponto de corte, sensibilidade, especificidade, acurácia, valor preditivo positivo e negativo. Resultados O instrumento apresentou concordância e diferenciação significativa entre as classificações. Quanto aos parâmetros de desempenho, exibe ponto de corte para diagnóstico com resultados iguais ou maiores do que 96,17%, excelente valor de área sob a curva, assim como percentuais satisfatórios para as outras análises investigadas. Conclusão O conjunto de dados encontrados indicam evidências para validade de construto do Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica, apresentando uma contribuição útil e válida ao arsenal de avaliação clínica e de pesquisa envolvendo diagnóstico de Transtorno Fonológico e, com seu resultado de acurácia, contribuiu as propriedades de desempenho dos instrumentos utilizados na Fonoaudiologia.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate evidence of construct validity for a Phonological Assessment Instrument for Brazilian Portuguese, based on the diagnostic data generated by its application from contrastive analysis and speech severity. Methods The sample consisted of 176 children, aged between five to nine years old. They were evaluated with the Phonological Assessment Instrument and then classified as having Speech Sound Disorder or in typical phonological development, comparing these results to the criteria described for the disorder in the DSM-5. The search for evidence of construct validity relied on the agreement between the two assessment methods while applying the Kappa Coefficient. To differentiate between groups, Student's t-test was used for independent samples. We sought to investigate the instrument indexes using the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve statistics to obtain values for area, cut-off point, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive value. Results The instrument showed agreement and significant differentiation between the classifications. As for the performance parameters, it shows a cut-off point for diagnosis with results equal to or greater than 96.17%, an excellent area under the curve, as well as satisfactory percentages for the other analyses investigated. Conclusion The data indicated evidence for the construct validity of the Phonological Assessment Instrument, presenting a useful and valid contribution to the arsenal of clinical assessment and research involving the diagnosis of Speech Sound Disorder and, with its accuracy result, contributed to the properties of performance of instruments used in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Instrumento de Avaliação Fonológica: evidências de validade de conteúdo e de processos de resposta / Phonological Assessment Instrument: evidence of content validity and response processes

RESUMO Objetivo evidenciar validade de conteúdo e validade de processos de resposta de um instrumento destinado à avaliação fonológica de crianças. Método validade realizada em duas etapas por dois diferentes grupos de juízes, grupo de especialistas e grupo de não-especialistas. O primeiro grupo composto por três juízes especialistas avaliaram os 123 itens lexicais após a elaboração do instrumento, julgando a aplicabilidade das figuras no contexto da avaliação infantil e sugerindo ajustes para compor o conteúdo. A partir das observações, o instrumento foi adequado e direcionado ao grupo de juízes não-especialistas que, por meio da aplicação do instrumento, tiveram suas respostas avaliadas conforme a facilidade ou dificuldade de elicitação dos itens do instrumento. Resultados As avaliações obtiveram resultados de teor positivo para as validades de conteúdo e de processos de resposta. Conclusão o estudo permitiu aprimorar os itens de teste de forma mais criteriosa, beneficiando o uso clínico e científico.

ABSTRACT Purpose to demonstrate the validity of content and the validity of response processes of an instrument intended for the phonological assessment of children. Methods validation was carried out in two stages by two different groups of judges, a group of specialists and a group of non-specialists. The first group, composed of three expert judges, evaluated the 123 lexical items after creating the instrument, judging the applicability of the figures in the context of child assessment, and suggesting adjustments to compose the content. From the observations, the instrument was adapted and directed to the group of non-specialist judges who, through the application of the instrument, had their responses evaluated according to the ease or difficulty of eliciting the instrument's items. Results The predictions obtained positive results for content validity and response processes. Conclusion the study allowed to improve the test items more judiciously, benefiting clinical and scientific use.

Histología testicular y morfología de la vejiga natatoria del pez neotropical Plagioscion magdalenae (Acanthuriformes: Sciaenidae): implicaciones en su taxonomía y distribución / Testicular histology and morphology of the swim bladder of the neotropical fish Plagioscion magdalenae (Acanthuriformes: Sciaenidae): implications in taxonomy and distribution

Introducción: La Pácora (Plagioscion magdalenae) es una especie nativa de Colombia y en categoría de casi amenazada a nivel del país, de la que poco se conoce acerca de las estructuras con aporte etológico en su historia de vida. Objetivo: Analizar el desarrollo gonadal relacionado con la espermatogénesis de P. magdalenae y las implicaciones taxonómicas a partir de la vejiga natatoria. Métodos: Realizamos siete muestreos en dos periodos climáticos: el primero en octubre de 2019 a febrero de 2020 de recolectas bimensuales y la segunda de octubre 2020 a enero 2021 de recolectas mensuales; con el fin de abarcar cada momento del pulso de inundación de la cuenca baja del Magdalena. Describimos la histomorfología testicular y las características macroscópicas de la vejiga natatoria de la especie. Además, analizamos aspectos como relaciones morfométricas, clases de tallas por sexos, la proporción sexual y la época de madurez sexual. Resultados: Analizamos 142 ejemplares y 4 intervalos de tallas fueron establecidos (entre 145 y 575 mm LE), 66 fueron machos y 73 hembras con una proporción sexual global 1.1:0.9 (hembra-macho) sin diferencias. Los machos tienen testículos de tipo tubular, protegidos por el peritoneo que se encuentra recubierto por la musculatura sónica de la vejiga natatoria, la cual posee forma de ''zanahoria'' sin apéndices, con dos bandas laterales de músculos intrínsecos (promedio entre 6.75 cm de largo y 1.48 cm de ancho) unidos por una aponeurosis y que solo se encuentran en machos sexualmente maduros. Conclusión: Los testículos poseen una organización de tipo lobular irrestricto y la espermatogénesis se da en lóbulos seminíferos. La vejiga natatoria de la Pácora es simple y no tiene estructuras accesorias. La distribución geográfica de P. magdalenae se restringe a la cuenca del río Magdalena en Colombia.

Introduction: The Pácora (Plagioscion magdalenae) is a species native to Colombia and in near-threatened category at the country level, of which little is known about the structures with ethological contribution in its life history. Objective: To analyze the gonadal development related to spermatogenesis of P. magdalenae and the taxonomic implications from the swim bladder. Methods: We collected seven samples in two climatic periods: the first from October 2019 to February 2020 of bimonthly collections, and the second from October 2020 to January 2021 of monthly collections; to cover every moment of the flood pulse of the lower Magdalena basin. We described the testicular histomorphology and macroscopic characteristics of the swim bladder of the species. In addition, we analyzed aspects such as morphometric relationships, size classes by sex, sex ratio and time of sexual maturity. Results: We analyzed 142 specimens and established 4 size intervals (between 145 and 575 mm SL), 66 were males and 73 females with an overall sex ratio of 1.1:0.9 (female-male) with no differences. Males have tubular testes protected by the peritoneum covered by the sonic musculature of the swim bladder, which has a ''carrot'' shape without appendages, with two lateral bands of intrinsic muscles (average between 6.75 cm long and 1.48 cm wide) connected by an aponeurosis and found only in sexually mature males. Conclusion: The testes have an unrestricted lobular organization and spermatogenesis occurs in the seminiferous lobes. The swim bladder of the Pácora is simple and has no accessory structures. The geographic distribution of P. magdalenae is restricted to the Magdalena River basin in Colombia.

Vocal Demand Response to the Educational Setting Based Communication Scenarios: A Single Subject Study

Objectives: This was a single-subject study, aimed to demonstrate different vocal demand situations that are typical for primary school and teacher's vocal demand response under two acoustical conditions, with and without voice amplification, during five working days. Methods: The long-term voice dosimetry with Vocal Holter Med (PR.O. Voice Srl) was carried out on a 49-year-old female teacher with voice disorders during daily teaching activities. A sound field amplification system (SFAS) PentaClass Runa was installed in the classroom. Voice dosimetry was provided under two different acoustical conditions: without SFAS (2 days) and with SFAS (3 days). Results: Phonation time percentage, sound pressure level (SPL), SPL SD, fundamental frequency (F0), F0 SD, cycle, and distance doses were investigated in seven communication scenarios (lessons, group/individual classes, sports lessons in the gym and schoolyard, breaks, lunch breaks, and other activities). The median scores of all voice parameters differed significantly between different vocal demand contexts. The significant statistical difference in the vocal demand response was in the communication situations with and without SFAS. In addition, the number of children, reverberation time, and ambient air relative humidity impacted voice SPL and the cycle dose. Conclusions: Lessons, sports lessons held in the gym or schoolyard, breaks, and lunch breaks were considered as high vocal demand communication situations requiring higher voice intensity and fundamental frequency, higher phonation time percentage, cycle, and distance doses. Group/individual work and other teacher activities during the day, unrelated to direct work with students, were categorized as low vocal demand communication scenarios.

Objetivos: Este fue un estudio de sujeto único, cuyo objetivo fue demostrar diferentes situaciones de demanda vocal típicas de la escuela primaria y la respuesta vocal de los docentes bajo dos condiciones acústicas, con y sin amplificación de voz, durante cinco días laborables. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo dosimetría vocal a largo plazo con Vocal Holter Med (PR.O. Voice Srl) durante las actividades diarias de enseñanza en una docente de 49 años con trastornos de la voz. Se instaló un sistema de amplificación de campo sonoro (SFAS) PentaClass Runa en el aula. La dosimetría vocal se realizó bajo dos condiciones acústicas diferentes: sin SFAS (2 días) y con SFAS (3 días). Resultados: Se investigaron el porcentaje de tiempo de fonación, el nivel de presión sonora (SPL), SPL SD, la frecuencia fundamental (F0), F0 SD, ciclos y dosis de distancia en siete escenarios de comunicación diferentes (clases, clases grupales/individuales, clases de educación física en el gimnasio y el patio de la escuela, recreos, almuerzos y otras actividades). Las puntuaciones medias de todos los parámetros vocales diferían significativamente entre los diferentes contextos de demanda vocal. La diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la respuesta a la demanda vocal se observó en las situaciones de comunicación con y sin SFAS. Además, el número de niños, el tiempo de reverberación y la humedad relativa del aire ambiente afectaron al SPL de la voz y la dosis de ciclo. Conclusiones: Las lecciones, las clases de educación física en el gimnasio o el patio de la escuela, los recreos y los almuerzos se consideraron situaciones de comunicación de alta demanda vocal, que requerían una mayor intensidad y frecuencia fundamental de la voz, un mayor porcentaje de tiempo de fonación y dosis de ciclo y distancia más altas. El trabajo grupal/individual y otras actividades del profesor durante el día no relacionadas con el trabajo directo con los estudiantes se categorizaron como escenarios de comunicación de baja demanda vocal.

Effect of tinnitus on sound localization ability in patients with normal hearing

Abstract Objectives To determine whether tinnitus negatively impacts the accuracy of sound source localization in participants with normal hearing. Methods Seventy-five participants with tinnitus and 74 without tinnitus were enrolled in this study. The accuracy of sound source discrimination on the horizontal plane was compared between the two participant groups. The test equipment consisted of 37 loudspeakers arranged in a 180° arc facing forward with 5° intervals between them. The stimuli were pure tones of 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 kHz at 50 dB SPL. The stimuli were divided into three groups: low frequency (LF: 0.25, 0.5, and 1 kHz), 2 kHz, and high frequency (HF: 4 and 8 kHz) stimuli. Results The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) score of all the stimuli in the tinnitus group was significantly higher than that in the control group (13.45 ± 3.34 vs. 11.44 ± 2.56, p = 4.115, t < 0.001). The RMSE scores at LF, 2 kHz, and HF were significantly higher in the tinnitus group than those in the control group (LF: 11.66 ± 3.62 vs. 10.04 ± 3.13, t = 2.918, p = 0.004; 2 kHz: 16.63 ± 5.45 vs. 14.43 ± 4.52, t = 2.690, p = 0.008; HF: 13.42 ± 4.74 vs. 11.14 ± 3.68, t = 3.292, p = 0.001). Thus, the accuracy of sound source discrimination in participants with tinnitus was significantly worse than that in those without tinnitus, despite the stimuli frequency. There was no difference in the ability to localize the sound of the matched frequency and other frequencies (12.86 ± 6.29 vs. 13.87 ± 3.14, t = 1.204, p = 0.236). Additionally, there was no correlation observed between the loudness of tinnitus and RMSE scores (r = 0.096, p = 0.434), and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and RMSE scores (r = −0.056, p = 0.648). Conclusions Our present data suggest that tinnitus negatively impacted sound source localization accuracy, even when participants had normal hearing. The matched pitch and loudness and the impact of tinnitus on patients' daily lives were not related to the sound source localization ability. Level of evidence 4.

Analysis of noise reduction measures in a noise workshop handover control room / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To explore the sound insulation, sound absorption and other noise reduction transformation methods in a noise workshop handover control room. Methods: In December 2021, through the occupational health investigation and on-site testing of the handover control room of a noise workshop, the causes of excessive noise were analyzed, and the transformation design scheme to reduce noise was proposed and the effect was analyzed. Results: Before the transformation, the peak frequency band noise intensity of the noise workshop handover control room was 112.8 dB (A), and the peak frequency was 1000 Hz. After noise reduction, the theoretical calculated control value was 61.0 dB (A), and the measured noise intensity was 59.8 dB (A) . Conclusion: The noise intensity of the handover control room is reduced after noise reduction, which is in line with the contact limit requirements of the control room in GBZ 1-2010 "Hygienic Standards for the Design of Industrial Enterprises", and has reference significance for noise control engineering.

Detection method of early heart valve diseases based on heart sound features / 生物医学工程学杂志

Heart valve disease (HVD) is one of the common cardiovascular diseases. Heart sound is an important physiological signal for diagnosing HVDs. This paper proposed a model based on combination of basic component features and envelope autocorrelation features to detect early HVDs. Initially, heart sound signals lasting 5 minutes were denoised by empirical mode decomposition (EMD) algorithm and segmented. Then the basic component features and envelope autocorrelation features of heart sound segments were extracted to construct heart sound feature set. Then the max-relevance and min-redundancy (MRMR) algorithm was utilized to select the optimal mixed feature subset. Finally, decision tree, support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifiers were trained to detect the early HVDs from the normal heart sounds and obtained the best accuracy of 99.9% in clinical database. Normal valve, abnormal semilunar valve and abnormal atrioventricular valve heart sounds were classified and the best accuracy was 99.8%. Moreover, normal valve, single-valve abnormal and multi-valve abnormal heart sounds were classified and the best accuracy was 98.2%. In public database, this method also obtained the good overall accuracy. The result demonstrated this proposed method had important value for the clinical diagnosis of early HVDs.

Multiple mediating effects of social participation and social support on the physical and mental health of the community-dwelling elderly / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the status and influencing factors of activities of daily living (ADL), anxiety and depression of the community-dwelling elderly, and to explore the mediating effect of social support and social participation on ADL, anxiety and depression.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted from July to October 2022, among 637 residents over 60 years old registered in the Community Health Service Center of Taiyuan Economic and Technological Development Zone selected by simple random sampling method. The general information questionnaire, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale, Anxiety Self-assessment Scale, Depression Self-assessment Scale, Social Support Scale, and Social Participation Scale were used in the survey. The dichotomous logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of disability, anxiety, and depression of the elderly. Structural equation modeling was used to verify the mediating effects of social participation and social support on the ADL and mental health status in the elderly.Results:The disability rate of the elderly in the community was 42.9%(258/602). Age( OR=2.87-4.91), acute disease attack in the last three months( OR=2.03),poor economic status( OR=2.39), impaired social participation ability( OR=4.07, 11.75) and low level of social support( OR=2.37) were risk factors for disability of the elderly in the community. The incidence of anxiety symptoms was 22.7%(137/602). The risk factors of anxiety were having more than one chronic disease ( OR=2.24), poor economic status ( OR=2.27), mild and intermediate impairment of social participation ability( OR=6.97, 180.43)and low level of social support( OR=2.04). The incidence of depressive symptoms was 19.4%(117/602). The risk factors of depression were acute disease attack in the past three months ( OR=1.90), loneliness in the past three months ( OR=2.17), impaired social participation ( OR=4.17) and low level of social support ( OR=3.90). The direct effect of ADL on mental health was 0.204 (Bootstrap 95% CI:0.081-0.330), accounting for 34.58% of the total effect. The mediating effects of social participation and social support on ADL and mental health were 0.343 (Bootstrap 95% CI:0.274-0.418) and 0.042 (Bootstrap 95% CI:0.015-0.075) respectively, accounting for 58.13% and 7.12% of the total effect. Conclusions:Social support and social participation are not only the common influencing factors of ADL, anxiety and depression of the community-dwelling elderly, but also have a mediating effect on ADL and mental health. Promoting the social participation of the community-dwelling elderly and increasing social support can improve both ADL and mental health for them.

Sound touch elastography linear combined with ultrasound score for staging liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To study the value of sound touch elastography (STE) linear combined with ultrasound score (US) in the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) liver fibrosis, and to investigate whether their combination can improve the diagnostic efficiency of subdividing the degree of CHB liver fibrosis. Furthermore, a comparison with STE linear combined with the serological model was performed to seek the optimal linear combination model.Methods:A total of 313 subjects were enrolled from September 2018 to December 2021 in Shenzhen Third People′s Hospital Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University, including 259 patients with CHB who had completed liver biopsy and 54 healthy volunteers. CHB patients were divided into liver fibrosis group (F1-F4 group) according to METAVIR classification standard, and healthy volunteers were used as the control group. All subjects underwent liver ultrasound examination, STE and blood biochemical indexes of liver function. The US was performed according to the liver ultrasound examination, and the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was measured by STE, aspartate aminotransferase and platelet ratio index (APRI) was calculated by blood biochemical index. Fisher discriminant analysis was used to establish the linear combination (LC) diagnostic marker of US and LSM, and the linear combination (LC2) diagnostic marker of LSM and APRI, successively. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlations between US, LSM, APRI, LC2, LC and pathological results. The ROC curves of US, LSM, APRI, LC2 and LC for diagnosing CHB liver fibrosis were plotted, and the diagnostic efficiency of above diagnostic markers was evaluated according to the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and area under the ROC curve (AUC).Results:The formula for the linear combination of US and LSM was LC=0.986 0×US+ 0.166 7×LSM, and LC was highly positively correlated with pathological findings ( rs=0.851, P<0.001), higher than US, LSM, LC2 and APRI ( rs=0.825, 0.775, 0.802, 0.586, all P<0.001). LC showed the best diagnostic efficiency. The AUCs for diagnosing ≥F1, ≥F2, ≥F3 liver fibrosis and =F4 cirrhosis were 0.945, 0.911, 0.954, 0.955, respectively, which superior to the AUCs of US (0.913, 0.879, 0.934 and 0.916, respectively), the AUCs of LSM (0.860, 0.871, 0.934 and 0.952, respectively) and the AUCs of LC2(0.899, 0.883, 0.941, 0.946, respectively). Compared with US, the AUC of LC diagnosis of ≥F1, ≥F2, ≥F3 liver fibrosis and =F4 cirrhosis increased by 3.2%, 3.2%, 2.0% and 3.9%, respectively, with all significant differences ( P<0.05). Compared with LSM, the AUC of LC increased by 8.5%, 4.0%, 2.0% and 0.3%, respectively, with significant difference ( P<0.05) except for stage =F4 cirrhosis.Compared with LC2, the AUC of LC increased by 4.6%, 2.8%, 1.3% and 0.9%, respectively, and there were significant differences in the diagnosis of ≥F1 and ≥F2 liver fibrosis ( P<0.05). Moreover, the overall efficiency of LC2 was not significantly improved than LSM, the difference was not significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:US, LSM, LC2 and LC can be used to diagnose the degree of CHB liver fibrosis, but LC is better than US or LSM and LC2 alone, especially in the subdivision of mild liver fibrosis, which is a promising new diagnostic marker to subdivide the degree of CHB liver fibrosis.

Influential factors of the efficacy of tinnitus multivariate integrated sound therapy for the treatment of subjective tinnitus / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the influential factors of the efficacy of tinnitus multivariate integrated sound therapy (T-MIST) in the treatment of subjective tinnitus.Methods:A total of 431 patients with subjective tinnitus who received treatment in The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from June 2019 to June 2020 were included in this study. A cross-sectional study method was used to conduct refined testing on tinnitus patients using the T-MIST matching platform. The severity of tinnitus patients was evaluated using the Tinnitus handicap inventory scale. SPSS software was used to analyze the factors affecting the effectiveness of the T-MIST for subjective tinnitus based on patients' basic characteristics.Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with patients with short-term tinnitus, OR (95% CI) was 1.982 (1.033-3.804), P = 0.040, in patients with 3-12 months of disease duration, OR (95% CI) was 2.411 (1.322-4.396), P = 0.004 in patients with > 12 months of disease duration. With the increase in tinnitus handicap inventory score, the efficacy of T-MIST became better [ OR (95% CI) = 1.014 (1.004-1.024), P = 0.007]. The efficacy of T-MIST was better in the hearing compensation-effective patients [ OR (95% CI) = 0.133 (0.081-0.216), P < 0.001]. Conclusion:The course of the disease, tinnitus handicap inventory score, and effective hearing compensation are the influential factors of T-MIST. They can provide evidence for the treatment of subjective tinnitus.

Study on the application of sound thinking combined with Sandwich teaching method in oncology nursing teaching / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the application of sound thinking combined with Sandwich teaching in oncology nursing practice teaching.Methods:A total of 68 nursing students who were interns in the Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from 2020 to 2021 were included in the study, and they were divided into a control group ( n=34) and an observation group ( n=34). The control group took routine teaching for interns, while the observation group took sound thinking combined with Sandwich teaching. The examination results, critical thinking abilities, and the evaluation of nursing teaching effectiveness of the two groups of nursing interns were evaluated. SPSS 22.0 was used for Chi-square test and t-test. Results:The examination scores of nursing students in the observation group were higher than those in the control group ( t=3.44, 2.87, 3.45, P<0.05). Compared with those before training, the scores of critical thinking ability of nursing interns in both groups increased after the training, and the observation group was better than the control group ( t=0.180, 3.64, 0.61, 2.92, 0.31, 2.74, 0.45, 2.65, 0.25, 3.58, 1.16, 2.85, 0.36, 3.20, 0.33, 2.38, P<0.05). The scores of autonomous learning ability, communication and collaboration ability, independent thinking ability, clinical reasoning ability, and problem-analyzing and -solving ability in the observation group were higher than those in the control group ( t=2.82, 3.46, 2.68, 3.29, 2.44, P<0.05). Conclusion:Combining sound thinking with Sandwich teaching in nursing clinical practice teaching in department of oncology can improve the examination scores of nursing students, improve their critical thinking abilities, and enable them to give a high evaluation of nursing teaching effectiveness.

Application prospect of computer vision technology assisted ultrasonography in diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases / 中华消化外科杂志

Ultrasound examination has the advantages of non-radiation, non-invasive, low cost and high efficiency, and is the most commonly used method of liver imaging examination. In recent years, the application of computer vision technology to the intelligent analysis of ultrasound images has become a research hotspot in the field of intelligent healthcare. Through large-scale data training, the intelligent analysis model of ultrasound omics based on machine learning algorithm can assist clinical diagnosis and therapy, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis. Based on the literature, the authors summarize the application proprect of computer vision technology assisted ultrasonography in the evaluation of diffuse liver lesions, focal liver lesions, microvascular invasion of liver cancer, postoperative recurrence of liver cancer, and postoperative therapy response to trans-catheter arterial chemoembolization.

Application of biological maternal sounds stimulation in mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of biological maternal sounds on blood gas analysis index, mechanical ventilation time, oxygen therapy time and hospital stay in mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial. From June 2020 to November 2020, 128 mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia in Hunan Children′s Hospital were selected by convenient sampling method and divided into four groups with 32 cases in each group by random number table method. Group A was given routine nursing care, group B was given mother sounds, group C was given mother cardiotone, group D was given biological maternal sounds. Data of blood gas analysis index, mechanical ventilation duration, oxygen therapy duration, hospital stays were collected for comparative analysis.Results:Finally, group A, B, C, and D included 28, 30, 28 and 28 cases, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in PaO 2 among the four groups on the 1st to 2nd day after intervention ( P>0.05), but PaO 2 on the 3rd to 7th day after intervention were (75.57 ± 12.88), (77.71 ± 15.81), (78.21 ± 14.51), (78.64 ± 17.71), (79.04 ± 11.57) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), (81.71 ± 17.89), (82.93 ± 18.36), (82.68 ± 15.47), (83.25 ± 14.24), (83.77 ± 13.90) mmHg, (80.89 ± 18.78) (82.11 ± 13.34), (82.96 ± 14.20), (83.43 ± 14.37), (83.68 ± 12.64) mmHg, (84.54 ± 18.77), (86.29 ± 10.94), (86.96 ± 10.53), (87.46 ± 12.64), (89.08 ± 12.21) mmHg, with statistically significant differences ( F values were 41.17 - 332.68, all P<0.01). Further pairwise comparison revealed that PaO 2 in group B and group C were higher than those in group A on the 3rd to 7th day after intervention, while those in group D were higher on the 3rd to 7th day after intervention than those in group A, B, and C, with statistically significant differences( t values were 3.35- 4.75, all P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in PaCO 2 among the four groups on the 1st to 4th day after intervention ( P>0.05), but PaCO 2 on the 5th to 7th day after intervention was (47.31 ± 2.89), (46.18 ± 2.06), (41.94 ± 2.09) mmHg, (44.73 ± 1.76), (41.38 ± 1.30), (38.33 ± 1.16) mmHg, (44.81 ± 1.24), (41.23 ± 1.89), (38.73 ± 2.55) mmHg, (40.83 ± 1.78), (37.87 ± 1.43), (34.78 ± 2.05) mmHg, with statistically significant differences ( F=29.48, 36.12, 34.52, all P<0.05). Further pairwise comparison revealed that PaCO 2 in group B and group C were lower than those in group A on the 5th to 7th day after intervention, while PaCO 2 in group D were lower than those in groups A, B, and C, with statistically significant differences ( t values were 3.37-4.85, all P<0.01). During the analysis of PaO 2 and PaCO 2 in the four groups at different time points, the interaction effects were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in invasive mechanical ventilation duration, non-invasive mechanical ventilation duration and hospital stay among the four groups after intervention ( P>0.05). The oxygen therapy time of the four groups were (8.61 ± 6.40), (6.17 ± 4.80), (6.23 ± 2.75), and (3.75 ± 2.10) days, with statistically significant differences ( F=17.27, P<0.01). Further pairwise comparison revealed that the oxygen therapy time in group B and group C was shorter than that in group A, while group D was significantly shorter than that in groups A, B, and C, with statistically significant differences ( t values were 4.02-4.74, all P<0.01). Conclusions:Biological maternal sounds is superior to maternal sound and mother cardiotone in improve the blood gas analysis index, shorten the oxygen treatment time, which is worthy of clinical promotion in neonatal unaccompanied ward.

Analyzing the sound pressure level and spectrum characteristics of noise in the workplace of wooden furniture enterprises / 中国职业医学

{L-End}Objective To analyze sound pressure level and spectrum characteristics of noise from various equipment in noise-related worksites in wooden furniture enterprises in Zhongshan City. {L-End}Methods A total of 107 wooden furniture enterprises with equipment sound pressure levels ≥85.0 dB(A) were selected as the research subjects using the judgment sampling method. Individual noise meters were used to detect the sound level and spectrum of equipment in noise-related worksites. Cluster analysis was used to analyze the noise spectrum characteristics of each noise equipment. {L-End}Results The incidence of sound pressure level exceeding the national standard of occupational exposure limits for noise in workplace among the research subjects was 60.4% (365/604). The equipment with the highest sound pressure level was the sliding table saw (rough shape cutting position) at 101.4 dB(A), while the lowest was the sanding machine (grinding position) at 85.0 dB(A). The clustering analysis results showed that the noise spectrum characteristics of nail guns, sliding table saw, edge banders, spray guns, and drilling machines were similar, with the highest sound pressure level of 4 000.0 Hz, mainly concentrating in the high-frequency. The noise spectrum characteristics of punching machines, sanding machine, lathes, and engraving machines were similar, with the highest sound pressure level ranging from 500.0 to 1 000.0 Hz, mainly concentrating in the mid-frequency. The noise spectrum characteristics of drilling machines, planers, hot press machines, and mortise and tenon machines were similar, with the highest sound pressure level ranging from 500.0 to 1 000.0 Hz, mainly concentrating in the mid- and high-frequency. The sound pressure level of the mixer reached its peak at 8 000.0 Hz, demonstrating a wide frequency domain characteristic of sound pressure level with the presence of low-, mid- and high-frequencies. {L-End}Conclusion The noise-exposed hazards of wooden furniture enterprises are relatively serious, and the spectral characteristics of the equipment with noise are distinct. It is recommended to implement targeted noise reduction measures and personal hearing protection based on the specific spectrum characteristics of equipment noise.

Comparison on Performance of Quantitative Ultrasound and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry in Evaluating Bone Health of Adults Aged 18-40 Years / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To compare the consistency of quantitative ultrasound(QUS)and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA)in measuring bone mineral density(BMD)of adults aged 18-40 years in Guangzhou and evaluate the diagnostic value of QUS for identifying low bone mass.Methods DXA was employed to measure the BMD and QUS to measure the speed of sound(SOS)in 731 participants.The Bland-Altman analysis was performed to evaluate the consistency of Z scores between SOS and BMD.With the BMD Z ≤-2.00 as the diagnostic criterion for low bone mass,the receiver operating characteristics curve of QUS was established,and the area under the curve(AUC)and the sensitivity,specificity,and correct diagnostic index for the optimal cut-off of SOS Z score were calculated.Results The results of Bland-Altman analysis showed that the mean differences in the Z scores of SOS and BMD in males and females were 1.27(-0.94 to 3.47)and 0.93(-1.33 to 3.18),respectively.The AUC of SOS Z score in the diagnosis of low bone mass in males and females was 0.734(95%CI=0.380-0.788)and 0.679(95%CI=0.625-0.732),respectively.In males,the optimal cut-off of SOS Z score for low bone mass was -0.35,with the sensitivity,specificity,and correct diagnostic index of 64.1%,68.6%,and 0.327,respectively.In females,the optimal cut-off value of SOS Z scores for low bone mass was -1.14,with the sensitivity,specificity,and correct index of 73.9%,54.8%,and 0.285,respectively.Conclusion QUS and DXA show poor consistency in the diagnosis of BMD in the adults aged 18-40 years in Guangzhou,while QUS demonstrates an acceptable value in identifying low bone mass.

ULTRASONIC VELOCITIES, DENSITIES AND EXCESS THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF BINARY MIXTURES OF O - CHLOROPHENOL WITH HIGHER ALKANOLS FROM 303.15 TO 318.15K

The ultrasonic velocities U, densities ? of Binary Mixtures of O - Chlorophenol with 1- hexanol, 1- heptanol and 1- octanol from 303.15 to 318.15K. Excess molar volume (VE), deviation in adiabatic compressibility (??ad) and excess intermolecular free length (LfE) have been calculated from the measured experimental data. The values of VE, ??ad and LfEhave been fitted to Redlich – Kister polynomial equation to estimate binary coefficients and standard deviation between the experimental and computed values.

Effectiveness of galvanic vestibular evoked myogenic potential for evaluation of Meniere's disease

Abstract Objectives: Although the cause of Meniere's disease (MD) is not fully understood, endolymphatic hydrops is widely believed to be responsible for MD. Previous studies have used Air-Conducted Sound (ACS)-induced Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) to evaluate otolithic function in patients with MD. However, the use of Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation-VEMPs (GVS-VEMPs) with other vestibular tests in MD has been rare. This study aimed to explore the application of galvanic VEMPs in assessing MD. Methods: Normal individuals and patients with unilateral definite MD were included in this retrospective study. All participants underwent pure tone audiometry. Ocular and cervical VEMPs induced by GVS, and ACS were recorded. The characteristic parameters of VEMPs (n1 latency, p1 latency, amplitude, and AR) were analyzed. Results: The provocation rates of GVS-VEMPs did not differ between MD patients and control individuals. Compared with ACS, GVS could evoke potentials with longer latencies. MD patients presented GVS-VEMPs with lower amplitudes and ACS-cVEMP with shorter latencies and had a higher response rate in GVS-oVEMP. However, no differences or correlations were found in the characteristic parameters of GVS-VEMPs among the different stages of MD. Conclusions: GVS is as effective as ACS for inducing VEMP, and GVS-VEMP recording can detect retrolabyrinthine degeneration in MD. Further research is needed to assess the utility of GVS-VEMP in the evaluation of MD severity. Level of evidence: Level 4.

Determinación de zonas de ruido ambiental dañino en instalaciones no operativas de bases aéreas militares / Determination of harmful environmental noise zones in non-operating military air base facilities

Resumen Introducción: El ruido es un sonido desagradable que afecta la salud y que es factor de riesgo para hipertensión y cardiopatía isquémica. La aviación genera ruido y contaminación del aire que daña la audición y es un problema a nivel mundial y para la población en general y para quienes trabajan en los aeropuertos, por lo que debe ser analizado. Sobre el tema se han publicado trabajos diversos, más sin embargo son pocos los estudios hechos en zonas aledañas a bases aéreas y brindándose poca atención preventiva a la población que labora dentro de ellas. Objetivo: Determinar la existencia de niveles de ruido ambiental dañino en instalaciones de trabajo no operativas de bases aéreas militares. Material y métodos: Se midió el ruido ambiental en turnos laborales por 7 días, en las bases aéreas de Santa Lucía, y Zapopan, con sonómetro ambiental Extech® Mod. 407732, clase 2, normas ANSI y IEC 651 Type 2 y calibrador 407744 de 94 ó 114 dB., en áreas expuestas al ruido cercanas a la pista de aterrizaje en horas de máxima actividad aérea. Resultados: Se encontró ruido dañino no satisfactorio y peligroso entre los 68 dB y 82.06 dB de nivel equivalente sonoro de ruido (LEQ), fuera de norma para ruido ambiental. Conclusiones: Los niveles de ruido encontrado se salen de los parámetros aceptables de exposición al ruido ambiental en la comunidad, por tanto resulta nocivo y se debe contar con medios de protección y programas preventivos para evitar la pérdida de la audición.

Abstract Introduction: Noise is an unpleasant sound that affects health and is a risk factor for hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Aviation generates noise and air pollution that damages hearing and is a problem worldwide and for the general population and for those who work in airports, so it must be analyzed. Various works have been published on the subject, however, there are few studies carried out in areas surrounding air bases and little preventive care is provided to the population that works within them. Objective: Determine the existence of harmful environmental noise levels in non-operational work installations of military air bases. Material and Methods: Ambient noise was measured in work shifts for 7 days, at the air bases of Santa Lucía and Zapopan, with Extech® Mod. 407732, class 2 environmental sound level meter, ANSI and IEC 651 Type 2 standards and 407766 gauge of 94 or 114 dB, in áreas exposed to noise near the runway at peak hours air activit Results: No satisfactory and dangerous harmful noise was found between 68 dB and 82.06 dB of noise equivalent noise level (LEQ), out of the norm for ambient noise. Conclusions: The noise found does not meet what is established for the levels of exposure of environmental noise in the community, it must have means of protection and preventive programs to prevent hearing loss.

Effect of Mind Sound Resonance Technique (MSRT) on Fatigue level among Type 2 Diabetics

Background: Fatigue represents a common complaint of patients with diabetes as it can be reported in up to 60% of patients, prominent in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is a major health problem, affects approximately 6% of the world's adult population, and is increasing in epidemic proportions. Evidence suggests that MSRT a yoga-based relaxation techniques significantly reduces anxiety, stress, fatigue and psychological distress. The aim of the study wasObjective: to study the effect of MSRT on fatigue levels among type-2 diabetes patients. Materials and Methods: In this interventional study with a pre-post design on 100 type-2 diabetes patients, were taught MSRT. Assessment were carried out on the 1 and 30 day of the program, using FSS, VAFS. Results: Significant reduction in fatigue levels in both FSS and VAFS respectively (p<0.00). Conclusion: This study provides evidence that MSRT practice is an effective, economical and noninvasive method to combat fatigue in diabetes patients.

Joint pain liniments and gum lotion in the eye - A consecutive case series of mistaken identity

Purpose: Patient safety errors can arise due to similarity in packaging of medications. We aimed to describe the clinical features of patients presenting with accidental application of joint pain liniments and gum lotion in the eye due to confusion arising from similarity in packaging. Methods: This was a retrospective case series with eight consecutive patients presenting from December 2020 to August 2021 with history of accidental application of joint pain liniments or gum lotion in the eye instead of eye drops. All patients underwent visual acuity assessment and slit?lamp examination with fluorescein staining of the cornea to look for corneal involvement and was reassessed till complete resolution. Results: Of the eight patients, three were males and five were females. Seven had accidentally applied joint pain liniment, while one had applied gum lotion into the eye. Five of them had corneal involvement ranging from punctate erosions to near?total epithelial defects. Two patients needed referral to a tertiary center and hospital admission. Treatment duration ranged from 2 days to 1 month. Two patients were lost to follow?up. Conclusion: This study highlights patient safety errors arising from confusion of medication due to similar labeling and packaging of different drugs. While there was no permanent morbidity, such confusions lead to needless discomfort and waste of time, money, and effort for the patient as well as the health?care system.