A prospective, double blind randomised controlled trial on efficacy of laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation as an alternative of pharmacotherapy in treatment of chronic pelvic pain

Background: Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) is one of the commonest symptomatology in gynaecologist’s outpatient clinics. CPP has a profound impact on a woman's health and quality of life, including an economic impact through loss of working hours. Treatment for chronic pelvic pain is often unsatisfactory. Present study compares Laparoscopic Uterosacral Nerve Ablation (LUNA) with laparoscopy without pelvic denervation in patients presenting with chronic pelvic pain to our outpatient clinic.Methods: It was a Randomised Controlled Trial Study. After considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, 120 patients were selected, out of which 60 (Group I) had undergone diagnostic laparoscopy and 60 (Group II) had undergone diagnostic laparoscopy with LUNA.Results: The overall success rate for group I and group II were 80%, 78.3% and 66.6% versus 85%, 81.6%, and 83.3% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. However, on subgroup analysis it was found that in patients suffering from Congestive Dysmenorrhoea, there was a significant difference in success rate of both the groups.Conclusions: It was found in present study that there was a benefit for patients with dysmenorrheal, further research in this area is desirable to reach towards a discrete conclusion regarding the benefits of LUNA in patients of CPP.

Application of Bacterial Artificial Chromosome in Small Fragment Mutation of the Human Cytomegalovirus Genome / 中国医科大学学报

Objective To evaluate the applicability of Han strain bacterial artificial chromosome (Han-BAC) in small fragment mutation of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome. Methods A 31-bp long fragment of LUNA between UL80 and UL82 in the HCMV was chosen as the mutation target. Kanamycin resistance gene sequence flanking the homologous arms of the target neighbor sequence was used to replace the target sequence. Electronic transformation was used to rescue the mutated virus. Reverse transcription PCR and cDNA clone sequencing were used to identify the mRNA expression and the 3' terminal structures of LUNA,UL80,and UL82 transcripts. Results The 31 bp fragment was replaced precisely by the kanamycin resistance gene sequence. The efficiency of mutation was more than 3％. LUNA-mutated virus was rescued successfully. Transcriptions and 3' terminal structures of the UL80 and UL82 transcripts of the mutant virus were the same as those of its original virus. Conclusion The sequence at the transcription start site of LUNA was replaced successfully. The HCMV Han-BAC supports fragment mutation as small as 31 bp with a relatively high efficiency.

Influência do ciclo lunar na frequência de admissões hospitalares na maternidade: estudo retrospectivo / Influencia del ciclo lunar en la frecuencia de admisiones hospitalarias en la maternidad: estudio retrospectivo / Influence of the lunar cycle on the frequency of maternity hospital admissions: a retrospective study

Objetivo analisar se a frequência de admissões hospitalares na maternidade sofre influência do ciclo lunar. Método estudo analítico, documental, retrospectivo, com abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido em uma maternidade no Sul do Brasil, no período de julho de 2013 a julho de 2014. A amostra foi composta por 845 prontuários de parturientes. A análise dos dados foi do tipo descritiva e utilizou-se teste exato de Fischer e Qui-Quadrado. Resultados aproximadamente 84% (n=709) das mulheres não foram admitidas na maternidade cenário do estudo durante os dias de mudança de Lua e não houve diferença significativa entre o número de admissões em cada fase lunar, determinando (p=0,1116). Conclusão evidenciou-se que as mudanças de fase da Lua não foram fatores determinantes para o aumento da demanda de cuidados obstétricos e admissão hospitalar na instituição cenário deste estudo.

Objetivo analizar si la frecuencia de admisiones hospitalarias en la maternidad recibe influencia del ciclo lunar. Método estudio analítico, documental, retrospectivo, con abordaje cuantitativo, desarrollado en una maternidad del Sur de Brasil, entre julio de 2013 y julio de 2014. Muestra integrada por 845 historias clínicas de parturientas. Datos estudiados por análisis descriptivo; se utilizó test exacto de Fischer y Chi-cuadrado. Resultados aproximadamente el 84% (n=709) de las mujeres no fueron admitidas en la maternidad sede del estudio durante los días de cambio de luna, y no hubo diferencia significativa entre el número de admisiones en cada fase lunar, determinando (p=0,1116). Conclusión se evidenció que los cambios de fase lunar no constituyeron factores determinantes para incremento de la demanda de cuidados obstétricos y admisión hospitalaria en la institución sede del estudio.

Objective to analyze whether the frequency of maternity hospitals admissions is influenced by the lunar cycle. Method an analytical, documentary, and retrospective study with a quantitative approach was carried out in a maternity hospital in the South of Brazil from July 2013 to July 2014. The sample was made up of 845 medical records of pregnant women. A descriptive data analysis was carried out with the use of the Fisher's exact test and chi-square test. Results approximately 84% (n=709) of the pregnant women were not admitted to the maternity hospital setting of the present study during the days of lunar change and no significant difference in the number of admissions in each lunar phase was found, determining p=0.1116. Conclusion it was evidenced that lunar phase changes were not determining factors for the increase in the demand of obstetric care and hospital admission in the institution setting of the present study.

Monte Carlo Simulation study of LUNA stereotactic body radiotherapy device’s output ;factors / 中国医学装备

Objective:Using Monte Carlo simulation method to study the important dosimetric parameter output factor of the LUNA stereotactic body radiotherapy device. Methods:Following the manufacturer’s technical documentation to establish the LUNA stereotactic body radiotherapy device’s Monte Carlo model and after model validation. After referring to the output factor measurement’s detector provided by manufacturer, set the relevant parameters in Monte Carlo model at last, compare and analyze the difference of output factor which provided between by manufacturer and calculated by Monte Carlo simulation. Results:In the range of 3%deviation, under the different collimator of condition, output factors which provided by manufacturers and calculated by Monte Carlo are in good agreement, and the reasons for the difference are also analyzed. Conclusion:LUNA stereotactic body radiotherapy device’s output factors of Monte Carlo simulated research work provides reference and basis for the clinical use and quality control.

Influencia barométrica lunar en la ruptura prematura de membranas en parturientas del Hospital Materno-Infantil Germán Urquídi / Influence lunar barometric premature rupture of membranes in parturients women of Hospital MaternoInfantil Germán Urquidi

Objetivos: analizar la relación existente entre la influencia barométrica lunar y la ruptura prematura de membranas en parturientas del Hospital Materno-infantil German Urquidi de la provincia Cercado del Departamento de Cochabamba, Bolivia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de tipo observacional, correlacional de corte transversal en 964 registros de pacientes obstétricas, a través de una tabla de levantamiento de datos elaborado en base a objetivos, para registrar los datos requeridos considerando una seguridad del 95%, con una precisión d=0,049%. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el Software PASS2008. Resultados: observamos que el 31% de las RPM ocurren durante el cuarto menguante y el 29% en la fase de Luna Nueva; el 29% de los nacimientos (por cualquiera de las vías) se realizaron en el cuarto menguante, el 22% en Cuarto Creciente, 32% en la fase lunar de Luna Nueva y el 17% en Luna llena. Conclusiones: no existe una relación entre la influencia barométrica lunar y la ruptura prematura de membranas.

Objectives: analyze the characteristics and outcomes of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of fractures or spinal injuries, transmit our experience of the advantages of this technique and its applications in surgery. Methods: we performed a study of observational and cross-sectional, in 18 patients, 10 were female, of which 8 were for osteoporotic fractures, trauma and 2, and 8 male patients of which 6 were for trauma, and only two consequence of osteoporosis. Results: according to the study and monitoring of the cases it was found that the technique of vertebroplasty with hydroxyapatite promotes the development and treatment of patients with vertebral fracture, reducing their symptoms and ensuring the stability of the patient. Conclusions: the technique of vertebroplasty with hydroxyapatite is an important contribution to vertebral fracture cases in which they quickly resolved indication, hydroxyapatite is a natural phosphate bone tissue which ensures in many cases bone reformation facilitating patient outcomes.

Evidencia sistemática vs. creencias o conocimiento popular: el caso de la Luna y la patología psiquiátrica / Systematic evidence vs. beliefs or popular knowledge: the case of the moon and psychiatric pathology

Introducción: Es de importancia considerar la jerarquía en la fortaleza de los hallazgos desde el punto de vista de la medicina basada en la evidencia. Este reconocimiento no debe dejar de lado los elementos que se encuentran en la parte inferior de la escala. Método: Para ilustrar la relevancia de todos los hallazgos encontrados sobre el tema se presenta un caso, a modo de ejemplo. Además, se expone la influencia que ejerce la Luna en la patología psiquiátrica y la complejidad metodológica que implica su estudio. Discusión y conclusiones: Se examinaron las dificultades metodológicas que pueden presentarse a la hora de realizar estudios y la forma como éstas pueden afectar los hallazgos. Se observó que éstos no implican un conocimiento absoluto ni incontrovertible y se proponen diseños para el estudio de la influencia lunar en las manifestaciones psicopatológicas...

Introduction: It is important to consider the hierarchy that classifies the strength of evidence sources from the Evidence-Based Medicine point of view. This recognition should not put aside elements from the lower part of this scale. Method: In order to illustrate the proposed relevancy of all evidence levels, an example is used. The evidence that has been gathered on the subject of the Moon’s influence on psychiatric pathology and the methodological difficulties that this topic implies are noted. Discussion and Conclusion: The methodological difficulties that can present themselves during the process of research and the way in which they can affect the evidence obtained are discussed. In turn, the evidence obtained should not be considered as absolute and incontrovertible knowledge. Additionally, possible designs for research on lunar influence on psychopathologic manifestations are suggested...

Influência do ciclo lunar no parto: mito ou constatação científica?: [revisão] / Influencia del ciclo lunar en el parto: mito o constatación científica?: [revision] / Influences of lunar cycle in labor: myth or scientific finding?: [review]

Muitas superstições são encontradas em nossas vidas. Na medicina, uma profissão que se orgulha em métodos baseados em evidências para tratamentos, isso não é uma exceção. Uma superstição que abrange o parto é a influência de determinadas fases do ciclo da lua, mais especificamente a lua cheia. Embora estudos tenham demonstrado que o aumento de partos está relacionado com o ciclo lunar, existe discordância sobre quando ocorre o pico do volume de partos em cada fase da lua. Frente à divergência de resultados existentes na literatura que relaciona os eventos do ciclo lunar com parto, o objetivo desta revisão foi realizar um levantamento bibliográfico na tentativa de esclarecer esta cultura popular com base nos resultados apresentados por diferentes autores.

Superstitions are found everywhere in our lives, and medicine, a profession that is prides itself on an evidence-based approach to treatment, is not exempt. A superstition that pervades the labor and delivery floor is that it is busier during certain phases of the lunar cycle, specifically the full moon. Although some studies have demonstrated an increase in deliveries that are related to the lunar cycle, there has been disagreement about when, in the lunar cycle, the peak volume occurs. Front to the divergence of the existent results in the literature to relate the events of the lunar cycle with deliveries, the aim of this review was to accomplish the literature in the attempt of explaining this popular culture with base in the results presented by different researchers.

Se encuentran las supersticiones por todas partes en nuestras vidas, y la medicina, una profesión que tiene orgullo acerca de los tratamientos con base en evidencia, no está extinta. La influencia de ciertas fases del ciclo lunar, específicamente la luna llena, es una superstición sobre el parto. Aunque algunos estudios han demostrado un aumento en los partos que se relacionan al ciclo lunar, ha habido discordancia sobre cuando, en el ciclo lunar, el volumen máximo ocurre. Afronte a la divergencia de los resultados existentes en la literatura que relacionan los eventos del ciclo lunar con los partos, el objetivo de esta revisión era explorar la literatura en el esfuerzo de explicar esta cultura popular con la base en los resultados presentado por los diferentes investigadores.

Freshwater fish’s spatial patterns in isolated water springs in North-eastern Mexico

The Media Luna lake-spring was selected as representative of all thermal or no thermal springs in the zone of Valley of Rioverde, a semi-arid vegetation in the North-eastern of Mexico. This system is inhabited by 11 fish species, of which six are native. Four of the native species are endemic to the region and threatened due to touristic pressure and to the introduction of exotic species. The objectives were to determine the characteristics that influence the spatial distribution of the fish species, to analyze their spatial distribution patterns, and to describe the relationships between the different species. The general aim was to establish some basis for the conservation of these fish communities and their habitat. Several sessions were initiated in 1992 through direct observation. Later, between 1998 and 1999 five systematically seasonal sampling sessions were conducted (54 subaquatic transects/session). Finally, the data was updated by sampling in summer 2002 and winter 2006. Through the analysis was performed only for endemics of the region, like Ataeniobius toweri Meek, Cualac tessellatus Miller, Cichlasoma bartoni Bean and C. labridens Pellegrin, in at least one life stage, showed correlation with habitat variables or with other species. For these species, patterns of spatial aggregation and association with other species were observed. These results show a certain degree of specialization of endemic species to some microhabitat characteristics, as well as a significant interaction with other native species which they coexist. In addition, some significant relations between endemic and alien species suggest an antagonist relation. Management actions focused in the touristic use of the spring represent the main threat for these species, followed by an adequate management of exotic species. This study provides basis for future responsible management of these wetlands, where tourism and conservation can be combined. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (1): 413- 426. Epub 2010 March 01.

Este estudio se enfocó en los peces de un sistema dulceacuícola en el noreste de México, donde habitan seis especies nativas (cuatro endémicas amenazadas) y cinco exóticas. El objetivo fue establecer los patrones que determinan la distribución espacial, así como las interrelaciones de las especies. Los datos se basan en sesiones de observación directa desde 1992; entre 1998 y 1999 se llevó a cabo un muestreo sistematizado mediante transectos subacuáticos en cinco sesiones estacionales (54 transectos/ sesión), con sesiones adicionales en 2002 y 2006. Sólo las especies endémicas de la región: Ataeniobius toweri, Cualac tessellatus, Cichlasoma bartoni y C. labridens, en al menos un estadio de vida, mostraron correlación significativa con variables del hábitat o con otras especies. También mostraron patrones de agregación y asociación con otras especies nativas o introducidas. Existe especialización de los endémicos a las condiciones de su microhábitat, así como interacciones significativas con otras especies. Acciones inadecuadas para promover el turismo representaron la mayor amenaza por destrucción del hábitat, endémicos tales como A, toweri y C. bartoni enfrentan solapamiento con especies introducidas, sobre todo en sus sitios de crianza. Este estudio aporta bases para un manejo responsable de estos humedales, donde turismo y conservación pueden combinarse.

Lunar phobia in the greater fishing bat Noctilio leporinus (Chiroptera: Noctilionidae)

The nightly activity patterns of Noctilio leporinus, a piscivorous neotropical bat, were documented by visual observation over one lunar cycle at a large dock in Golfito, Costa Rica. The activity patterns were compared to the intensity of the moonlight, and a strong correlation between darkness and activity was observed (n = 776, r2 = 0.96). This correlation has been observed in many species of mammals and may indicate adaptation by potential prey species to avoid predation by visually oriented nighttime predators and/or an adaptation by predators to maximize hunting success.

Documenté los patrones de actividad nocturna de Noctilio leporinus, murciélago piscívoro neotropical, mediante observaciones visuales durante un ciclo lunar en un muelle de Golfito, Costa Rica. Considerando la intensidad de la luz lunar, hubo una fuerte correlación entre la oscuridad y la actividad (n = 776, r2 = 0.96). Esta correlación ha sido observada en muchas especies de mamíferos y puede indicar una adaptación de presas potenciales para evadir los depredadores nocturnos y/o una adaptación de los depredadores para maximizar el éxito de cacería.