ABSTRACT
Pulmonary drug delivery has attracted increasing attention in biomedicine, and porous particles can effectively enhance the aerosolization performance and bioavailability of drugs. However, the existing methods for preparing porous particles using porogens have several drawbacks, such as the inhomogeneous and uncontrollable pores, drug leakage, and high risk of fragmentation. In this study, a series of cyclodextrin-based metal-organic framework (CD-MOF) particles containing homogenous nanopores were delicately engineered without porogens. Compared with commercial inhalation carrier, CD-MOF showed excellent aerosolization performance because of the homogenous nanoporous structure. The great biocompatibility of CD-MOF in pulmonary delivery was also confirmed by a series of experiments, including cytotoxicity assay, hemolysis ratio test, lung function evaluation,
ABSTRACT
Abstract In this work, we have realized some spectroscopic calculations in the framework of the nuclear shell model, in order to estimate the Gamow-teller (GT) β+decay of A=98 proton rich isobars in 100Sn mass region near rp-process path. The calculations are carried out by means of Oxbash nuclear structure code, taking into account the monopole effect in the studied mass region. The obtained results are then compared to the available experimental data.
Resumen En este trabajo hemos realizado algunos cálculos espectroscópicos en el marco de trabajo del modelo nuclear de capas para estimar la desintegración β+ de Gamow-Teller (GT) de isóbaros ricos en protones con A = 98 en la región de masa 100Sn, cerca del camino del proceso rp. Los cálculos se llevan a cabo mediante el código de estructura nuclear de Oxbash, teniendo en cuenta el efecto monopolo en la región de masa estudiada. Los resultados obtenidos se comparan luego con los datos experimentales disponibles.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of a computerized visual acuity test, the SNU visual acuity test for children. METHODS: Fifty-six children, ranging from 1 to 5 years of age, were included. In a dark room, children gazed at and followed a circular dot with 50% contrast moving at a fixed velocity of 10 pixels/sec on a computer monitor. Eye movement was captured using a charge coupled device camera and was expressed as coordinates on a graph. Movements of the eye and dot were superimposed on a graph and analyzed. Minimum visualized dot diameters were compared to the Teller visual acuity. RESULTS: Ten eyes (8.9%) of six children failed to perform the Teller visual acuity test, and two eyes (1.8%) of one patient failed to perform the SNU visual acuity test. The observed Teller visual acuity and SNU visual acuity were significantly correlated (p < 0.001). Visual angle degrees converted from the Teller visual acuity and SNU visual acuity were also significantly correlated (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The SNU visual acuity using moving targets correlated well with Teller visual acuity and was more applicable than the Teller acuity test. Therefore, the SNU visual acuity test has potential clinical applications for children.
Subject(s)
Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted/methods , Prospective Studies , Vision Disorders/diagnosis , Vision Tests/methods , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
La medición de la agudeza visual en niños representa un importante reto para el optómetra por ser laboriosa y requerir conocimiento y paciencia. Según el estímulo, la agudeza visual puede dividirse en tres tipos: de detección, de resolución y de reconocimiento. Los valores de estas pueden ser diferentes y se alteran en diferente proporción en presencia de problemas visuales. El presente artículo hace una revisión de los tests de agudeza visual para niños, sobre los que se han realizado gran número de investigaciones en los últimos años: Teller, Cardiff, Lea, HOTV y las cartillas logMAR que podrían emplearse en el grupo de escolares.Conclusiones: las pruebas contempladas en esta revisión no son necesariamente las más utilizadoas en nuestra práctica clínica cotidiana; sin embargo, la actividad investigativa en torno a éstas ha aportado a la construcción de protocolos diagnósticos. El referente para una mejor práctica clínica debe ser la optometría basada en la evidencia, ya que ésta permite a los profesionales disponer de nuevos elementos de juicio objetivos, con fundamento científico, que contribuyan a la elección de la mejor alternativa para determinar la agudeza visual en los niños. El optómetra debe seguir rigurosamente los protocolos de evaluación de la agudeza visual para dar a sus mediciones mayor confiabilidad y analizar los resultados obtenidos dentro del contexto de la historia clínica. Los métodos para la evaluación de la agudeza visual pueden adaptarse de acuerdo con las habilidades, el conocimiento y la experiencia del niño que va a examinarse. Con esta revisión se evidencia la importancia de realizar estudios sobre la aplicación de estos tests en nuestro medio con el fin de evaluar su confiabilidad y utilidad en nuestros pacientes.
The visual acuity measurement in children is an important Challenger for the optometrist, given de complexity of the task and to require knowledge and patience. According to the stimulus, the visual acuity can be divided in three types: detection, resolution and recognition. The values of these can be different and they are altered in different proportion in the presence of visual problems. The present article makes an overhaul of the test of the visual acuity for children which years have generated great number of investigations in the past years: Teller, Cardiff, Lea, HOTV and logMAR charts that could be used in the school age group.Conclusions: The tests reviewed are not necessarily used commonly used our clinical daily practice, nevertheless the investigative activity concerning these has reached in the construction of diagnostic protocols. The reference for a better clinical practice must be the optometry based on the evidence, since this one allows to the professionals to have new facts that contribute to the election of the best alternative to determine the visual acuity in the children. The optometrist a must follow rigorously the protocols of evaluation of the visual acuity to give to measurements major reliability and to analyze the results obtained inside the context of the history. The methods for the evaluation of the visual acuity can be adapted in agreement with the skills, knowledge and experience of the child being examinated. There is evident the importance of realizing studies on the application of these test in order to evaluate their reliability and utility in our patients
Subject(s)
Aptitude Tests , Pediatrics , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
O trabalho foca alguns aspectos relativos à usabilidade e acessibilidade de caixas bancários de auto-atendimento (CAA), aspectos esses que ficam evidenciados como sendo problemas quando os usuários são pessoas idosas e, como tais, podem ter implicações sobre a saúde e os estados de saúde dos mesmos. A pesquisa foi conduzida tendo como objeto de análise os CAA instalados em agências de dois bancos estatais, tendo sido a interação dos usuários avaliada utilizando-se metodologia de análise quantitativa, através de uma amostra constituída por 70 clientes idosos. A pesquisa de campo demonstrou que, nas situações de interação com os CAA, prevalecem os estados de intranqüilidade entre os usuários idosos, e que esses usuários estão expostos a uma grande carga psíquica. O estudo discrimina tanto algumas das características negativas que foram observadas nesses ambientes, bem como adverte porque essas características são desfavoráveis para as pessoas idosas. Além disso, assinala para a necessidade de aperfeiçoamentos nesses serviços, bem como para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas que avaliem o impacto dessa carga psíquica sobre a saúde das pessoas idosas.
This study focuses on some aspects related to the usability and accessibility of automated teller machines (ATM), identified as problematic for elderly users. Some of these problems can interfere with the health and the health status of these users. This study was carried out in two ATMs installed in agencies of two public bank institutions. The interaction of the users with the ATMs was evaluated by quantitative analysis, using a sample of 70 aged customers. The results demonstrated that the elderly felt uneasy using the ATMs, suffering great psychic pressure. This study not only rejects some of the negative characteristics observed in these environments but also alerts to their unfavorable impacts upon the health of the elderly. Moreover, it points to the need for improving these services and for investigations evaluating the impact of the psychic pressure upon the health of elderly people.
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Computers , Stress, Psychological , Age Factors , EducationABSTRACT
O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir como determinados aspectos das situações laborais atingem trabalhadores portadores de LER/DORT reabilitados ou em reabilitação, quando retornam ao trabalho. Tomamos como referência um grupo de bancários de agências de um banco estatal e um grupo de teleatendentes de um call center de empresa privada de telecomunicações, no estado do Ceará. Nossa análise aponta que o processo de reabilitação não recupera a capacidade laborativa dos trabalhadores. Além disso, tem se caracterizado por situações de constrangimento e humilhação no trabalho. O resultado é um trabalhador envergonhado e amedrontado pela limitação de sua capacidade laboral, pelo sentimento de inutilidade e/ou pelo risco de demissão.
The aim of this study is to discuss issues that affect workers who suffer from RSI/WMSD, either rehabilitated or in rehabilitation, when they return to work. We have taken as a reference a group of bank tellers working at agencies of a State-owned bank, and a group of operators working at the call center of a private telecommunications company, in the state of Ceará (Brazil). Our analysis indicates that the rehabilitation process does not restore the workers? labor capability. Besides, it has been characterized by situations of embarrassment and humiliation at work. The result is an ashamed and frightened worker, due to his/her limited labor capability, to the feeling of uselessness and/or to the risk of dismissal.
Subject(s)
Humans , Occupational Groups , Cumulative Trauma Disorders/psychology , Cumulative Trauma Disorders/rehabilitationABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine the clinical usefulness of the Teller Acuity Cards(TAC) test in infants and preverbal children less than 48 months old. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 55 consecutive patients. We had measured visual acuity with the TAC test for the preverbal period, and optotype acuity was measured with Hahn's letter chart for the follow-up period. Test-retest long-term repeatability was evaluated by comparing the last two TAC acuities. We compared the last TAC acuity with the first optotype acuity to estimate the predictive validity of the TAC test. Finally, we also tested the reliability of the TAC test compared with the optotype acuity test for the assessment of interocular visual acuity differences in patients with unilateral amblyopia. RESULTS: The mean age of patients at the initial TAC test was 21.6 months. The first optotype acuity was obtained at the age of 37 months. Earlier TAC acuity correlated significantly with later TAC acuity (r=0.77, p<0.001). Although the TAC test underestimated the visual acuity more than the optotype test, there was minimal correlation between the two tests (r=0.28, p<0.05). In the presence of the interocular difference of visual acuity with the TAC test, unilateral amblyopia as assessed by optotype test could be anticipated (r=0.44, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The TAC test can be used as a reliable method to estimate visual acuity in infants and preverbal children. Earlier The TAC acuities are valid predictors of optotype acuities later in childhood. The TAC test is an especially useful method in detecting unilateral amblyopia.
Subject(s)
Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Infant , Amblyopia , Follow-Up Studies , Retrospective Studies , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical interpretation and application of Teller Acuity Card(TAC) test compared with optotype acuity chart in the diagnosis of amblyopia. METHODS: The visual acuities of 112 children(54 normal, 58 amblyopes), whose mean age was 6.5 years(3~11 years) were measured with Han's letter chart and TAC. The sensitivity, specificity, false-positive and false-negative rates of TAC Test were analyzed according to the visual acuity, age and type of amblyopia. RESULTS: TAC acuity was higher than optotype acuity in both strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia group, however, the anisometropic amblyopia group showed higher correlation between two tests(P<0.01,r=0.0755). The sensitivity and specificity of TAC test increased in lower visual acuity group, which means that TAC test is useful in detecting amblyopia. While the false-positive rate increased in higher visual acuity group, false-negative rate increased in lower visual acuity group and in the group less than 6 years of age. And the bilateral visual acuity were underestimated than unilateral visual acuity in about 30%. CONCLUSIONS: Though TAC test is a useful method in detecting amblyopia of infancy and childhood, an appropriate clinical diagnosis should be accompanied for the accurate diagnosis of amblyopia.
Subject(s)
Amblyopia , Anisometropia , Diagnosis , Sensitivity and Specificity , Strabismus , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
The Teller acuity card procedure, which is a form of the preferential looking test, is a way of assessing visual acuity in preverbal patients. It has been shown to be rapid and easy test to perform. Teller acuity cards were used to detect amblyopia in 100 patients(from 2 months to 9 years) and the result was compared to the clinical judgement of amblyopia. The sensitivity, specificity and efficiency of Teller acuity card procedure compared to the clinical judgement of amblyopia were 71.43%, 94.94% and 90.00%, respectively. The authors found that the acuity cards could be used to detect amblyopia. However, the clinical judgement of amblyopia of the ophthalmologist was more sensitive in diagnosing amblyopia than the Teller acuity cards in the presence of various ocular disorders.
Subject(s)
Humans , Amblyopia , Sensitivity and Specificity , Visual AcuityABSTRACT
The Teller acuity card procedure, which is a form of the preferential looking test, is a way of assessing visual acuity in preverbal patients. It has been shown to be rapid and easy test to perform. Teller acuity cards were used to detect amblyopia in 100 patients(from 2 months to 9 years) and the result was compared to the clinical judgement of amblyopia. The sensitivity, specificity and efficiency of Teller acuity card procedure compared to the clinical judgement of amblyopia were 71.43%, 94.94% and 90.00%, respectively. The authors found that the acuity cards could be used to detect amblyopia. However, the clinical judgement of amblyopia of the ophthalmologist was more sensitive in diagnosing amblyopia than the Teller acuity cards in the presence of various ocular disorders.