Effects of Monocular Blur on Clinical Measurements of Stereopsis and Binocular Contrast Sensitivity / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

Visual conditions such as anisometropia, monovision and monocular undercorrection affect the combination of visual input from both eyes. This study investigated the effects of monocular blur, in binocularly normal participants, on stereoacuity and binocular contrast sensitivity. Fifteen young adults (age range between 19 and 23 years old) with normal visual acuity and binocular vision participated in this study. Stereopsis was measured using the TNO test with a series of positive spherical lenses placed before the dominant eye. The procedure was repeated using the Titmus Stereotest on five participants as a control experiment. Monocular and binocular contrast sensitivities were also measured using the Pelli-Robson Contrast Sensitivity Chart. Blur was induced monocularly with a series of positive spherical lenses placed before the dominant eye and binocular contrast sensitivity was re-measured. Stereopsis scores decreased significantly when monocular blur was imposed. Across blur levels, absolute stereopsis scores measured with TNO test were worse than those measured with Titmus stereotest (all p < 0.05). However, the ratio of scores obtained without blur and under monocular blur appeared to be similar for both tests. Stereopsis without blur was between 6.82× to 8× better than that obtained with the highest level of imposed monocular blur. Binocular contrast sensitivity score decreased significantly with increasing level of monocular blur (p < 0.01). Binocular contrast sensitivity score without blur was 1.62× better than that obtained under binocular viewing with highest level of imposed blur. Stereopsis tests are more sensitive than measurements of binocular contrast sensitivity as an indicator of interocular acuity discrepancies which could occur in anisometropic or monovision patients. However, the choice of stereopsis test is crucial, as the TNO test appears to be more sensitive to monocular blur than the Titmus stereostest.

Circunferencia media de brazo en preescolares y escolares hospitalizados como valor predictivo de desnutrición aguda / Media arm circumference in school and preschool hospitalized as predictive value of acute malnutrition

Se evaluó el poder predictivo de la circunferencia media de brazo para la identificación precoz de desnutrición aguda en niños preescolares y escolares hospitalizados en dos hospitales de Valencia, estado Carabobo. Se evaluaron 182 niños entre 2-10 años. Estado nutricional antropométrico calculado por: circunferencia media del brazo para la edad CMB y peso para la talla P/T. Se empleó paquete estadístico SPSS versión 15.0 y Statistix versión 6.0. Se determinó sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y negativo por Teorema de Bayes; correspondencia por índice Kappa; diagnóstico de desnutrición aguda y sensibilidad por CMB y área bajo la curva ROC; nivel de confianza 95%. Se encontró 51,1% masculinos, 48,9% femeninos, edad 5,2 ± 2,2 años; 71,4% pre-escolares, 28,6% escolares con p=0,000 entre las edades. Cuando se ajustó por sexo y edad, la CMB se correlacionó significativamente con el peso (r=0,804; p=0,000) y la talla (r=0,510; p=0,000). Índice Kappa de 0,720 (p=0,000) para la comparación entre P/T y CMB en el diagnóstico de desnutrición aguda. Prevalencia de 28% por desnutrición aguda para P/T y 34,6% para CMB, con concordancia entre ambos indicadores. CMB presentó buena sensibilidad y especificidad, siendo más sensible y específica en pre-escolares y escolares masculinos para niños con desnutrición aguda. Punto de corte para desnutrición aguda en preescolares 14,9 cm, con sensibilidad 85,5%; especificidad 74,5%; para escolares 16,0 cm con sensibilidad 89,2%; especificidad 80%. CMB demostró mejor predictor de desnutrición aguda que P/T. Se recomienda establecer puntos de corte específicos por edad y sexo, para la definición y clasificación del déficit nutricional(AU)

The predictive power of the middle arm circumference for early identification of acute malnutrition in preschool and school children hospitalized in two hospitals in Valencia, Carabobo state. Was evaluated 182 children aged 2-10 years were evaluated. Anthropometric nutritional status calculated by: mid-arm circumference for age MAC and weight for height P/T. SPSS version 15.0 and Statistix version 6.0 was used. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value was determined by Bayes Theorem; Kappa index for correspondence; Diagnosis of acute malnutrition and sensitivity by MAC and area under the curve ROC; 95% confidence level. We found 51.1% male, 48.9% female, age 5.2 ± 2.2 years; 71.4% pre-school, school 28.6% (p = 0.000) between ages. When adjusted for sex and age, the CMB was significantly correlated with weight (r = 0.804; p = 0.000) and height (r = 0.510; p = 0.000). Kappa index of 0.720 (p = 0.000) for the comparison between P/T and CMB in the diagnosis of acute malnutrition. Acute malnutrition 28% prevalence for P/T and 34.6% for MAC, with agreement between both indicators. MAC showed good sensitivity and specificity, being more sensitive and specific in pre-school and school male children with acute malnutrition. 14.9 cm of cutoff point for acute malnutrition in preschool, with 85.5% sensitivity; 74.5% specificity; for school 16 cm with 89.2% sensitivity; 80% specificity. MAC showed better predictor of acute malnutrition P/T. It is recommended to set specific cutoffs for age and sex, for the definition and classification of nutritional deficit(AU)

Relationship between super antigenicity, antimicrobial resistance and origin of Staphylococcus aureus isolated / Relación entre superantigenicidad, resistencia antimicrobiana y origen de aislamientos de Staphylococcus aureus

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen that causes food poisoning as well as hospital and community acquired infections. Objective: Establish the profile of superantigen genes among hospital isolates in relation to clinical specimen type, susceptibility to antibiotics and hospital or community acquisition. Methods: Eighty one isolates obtained from patients at Colombian hospital, were classified by antimicrobial susceptibility, specimen type and hospital or community acquired. The PCR uniplex and multiplex was used for detection of 22 superantigen genes (18 enterotoxins, tsst-1 and three exfoliative toxins). Results: Ninety five point one percent of isolates harbored one or more of the genes with an average of 5.6 genes. Prevalence of individual genes was variable and the most prevalent was seg (51.9%). Thirty nine genotypes were obtained, and the genotype gimnou (complete egc cluster) was the most prevalent alone (16.0%) and in association with other genes (13.6%). The correlation between presence of superantigens and clinical specimen or antimicrobial susceptibility showed no significant difference. But there was significant difference between presence of superantigens and the origin of the isolates, hospital or community acquired (p= 0.049). Conclusions: The results show the variability of the superantigen genes profile in hospital isolates and shows no conclusive relationship with the clinical sample type and antimicrobial susceptibility, but there was correlation with community and hospital isolates. The analysis of the interplay between virulence, epidemic and antibiotic resistance of bacterial populations is needed to predict the future of infectious diseases.

Introducción: Staphylococcus aureus, es un patógeno que causa intoxicación alimentaria e infecciones hospitalarias y comunitarias. Objetivo: Establecer el perfil de genes de superantígenos en aislamientos hospitalarios correlacionándolos con el tipo de muestra clínica, susceptibilidad antimicrobiana y origen hospitalario o comunitario. Métodos: Se analizaron 81 aislamientos de S. aureus de pacientes de un hospital colombiano. Fueron clasificadas por susceptibilidad antimicrobiana, tipo de muestra clínica y origen hospitalario o comunitario. Se detectó por PCR individual y múltiple 22 genes de superantígenos (18 enterotoxinas, una toxina del choque tóxico-1 y tres toxinas exfoliativas). Resultados: El 95.1% albergaban uno o más genes de superantígenos con un promedio de 5.6 genes. La prevalencia individual fue variable y el gen con mayor prevalencia fue seg (51.9%). Se obtuvieron 39 genotipos, y el genotipo gimnou (cluster egc completo) fue el de mayor frecuencia (16.0%) y asociado con otros genes (13.6%). La correlación de superantígenos frente a tipo de muestra clínica y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana no mostró diferencia estadística significativa, pero hubo diferencia significativa con el tipo de aislamiento hospitalario o comunitario (p= 0.049). Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran la diversidad genética en los aislados hospitalarios respecto a la presencia de superantígenos y no muestra una relación concluyente con el tipo de muestra clínica y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana pero sí con origen de los aislamientos comunitarios y hospitalarios. Un análisis de la interrelación entre la virulencia, epidemicidad y resistencia antimicrobiana de las poblaciones bacterianas es necesario para predecir el futuro de las enfermedades infecciosas.

Resistencia a hormonas tiroideas no asociada a mutación de la isoforma beta del receptor de hormonas tiroideas: caso clínico / Thyroid hormone resistance not associated to mutation on the beta isoform of the thyroid hormone receptor: report of one case

Thyroid hormone resistance (RTH) is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, with variable clinical presentations. The hallmark of the syndrome is a variable degree of resistance to thyroid hormones, with high levels of circulating thyroid hormones, inappropriately normal or elevated TSH values and a clinical pattern of mixed hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. RTH is related in more than 85 percent of cases to thyroid hormone beta receptor mutations. We report a 11 years female with a history of treatment with propylthiouracil (PTU) for hyperthyroidism, presenting with a progressive goiter. Thyroidectomy was performed, removing 233 grams of thyroid tissue showing follicular hyperplasia. After surgery, a fast growth of the remnant thyroid gland was observed along with tachycardia. Laboratory showed a TSH of 38 mU/mL a triiodothyronine level of 300 ng/dL a thyroxin level of 14.8 ug/dL and a free thyroxin of 3.19 ng/dL, suggesting the diagnosis of RTH. The molecular study was negative for mutation of the beta isoform of thyroid hormone receptor. The possible theories that can explain these findings are discussed.

Teste do gelo no diagnóstico de miastenia gravis / Ice pack test in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a sensibilidade e especificidade do teste do gelo no diagnóstico diferencial de ptose palpebral por miastenia gravis. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo tipo ensaio clínico com grupo controle. Foi realizado o teste do gelo em pacientes portadores de ptose palpebral. Os pacientes foram divididos em 2 grupos, sendo o grupo I constituído por pacientes com miastenia gravis e o grupo II (controle) formado por pacientes portadores de ptose congênita, miogênica não-miastênica ou aponeurótica. RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes do grupo I tiveram aumento da fenda palpebral de, no mínimo, 3 mm após a aplicação do gelo. Nenhum paciente do grupo II apresentou incremento da fenda palpebral após o teste. CONCLUSÃO: O teste do gelo mostrou-se específico para detecção de ptose palpebral de causa miastênica.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the sensitivity and the specificity of the ice test in the differential diagnosis of ptosis in myasthenia gravis. METHODS: Prospective trial with a control group. The patients were instructed to hold a frozen ice pack on the closed ptotic eyelid. They were divided into 2 groups, with group I consisting of patients with myasthenia gravis and group II (control) consisting of patients with congenital, non-myasthenic myogenic or aponeurotic ptosis. RESULTS: All patients in group I had increased palpebral fissure for at least 3 mm after the application of ice pack. No patient in group II showed increased palpebral fissure after the ice test. CONCLUSION: Ice test proved to be specific for the detection of myasthenic ptosis.

Usos y efectos del fosfato de calcio amorfo (FCA) en la odontología restauradora y preventiva / Uses and effects of amorphous calcium phosphate (FCA) in preventive and restorative dentistry

En el presente trabajo se realizó una revisión de la literatura, con el fin de compartir con el gremio odontológico, la información recolectada sobre los usos y efectos actualizados del Fosfato de Calcio Amorfo (FCA) en la odontología, material que promete ser una importante contribución para la protección del medio oral, en un amplio número de situaciones, en las que pueda haber un desequilibrio mineral

This paper reports a literature review which shares the gathered information with the Dental community about the innovate uses and effects of the Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) with the dentistry, this material will be a significant contribution to the oral environment protection, in lots of situations that could has a mineral unbalance

Triagem para o tratamento ambulatorial da neutropenia febril / Screening for the outpatient treatment of febrile neutropenia

A neutropenia febril (NF) é uma complicação frequente e potencialmente fatal nos pacientes em tratamento quimioterápico. Entendemos hoje que a neutropenia febril é considerada uma emergência clínica e que a administração de antibióticos de amplo espectro diminui drasticamente a mortalidade. Estudos sugerem que a neutropenia febril compreende um grupo extremamente heterogêneo e que dados clínicos como febre domiciliar, ausência de hipotensão, ausência de desidratação, ausência de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, ausência de outros sintomas, ausência de infecção fúngica prévia e idade < 60 anos são fatores de proteção para complicações clínicas graves segundo o estudo da Multinational Association for Supportive Care of Cancer (MASCC). Estes dados permitem maior segurança para o tratamento ambulatorial e alta precoce, uma vez que estudos fármaco-econômicos demonstram importante redução de custos no tratamento ambulatorial da neutropenia febril. O objetivo desta revisão é discutir instrumentos de segurança da triagem de um paciente neutropênico febril (principalmente pela utilização do índice MASCC), como também demonstrar as formas descritas na literatura do tratamento ambulatorial e seus resultados.

Febrile neutropenia is a frequent and potentially fatal adverse event of chemotherapy. Nowadays, febrile neutropenia is considered an emergency and it is known that prompt infusion of antibiotics decreases mortality. Several studies demonstrated that febrile neutropenia is a heterogeneous group of diseases and that factors such as outpatient status, no hypotension, no dehydration, no chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, no symptoms, no previous fungal infection and age < 60 years are protective factors against serious complications as demonstrated by the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC). These data show that outpatient treatment and early discharge is safer and much research has shown lower costs for outpatient treatment in low-risk patients with febrile neutropenia. The aim of this work is to review and discuss tools (in particular the MASCC index) for safe screening of febrile neutropenia for outpatient treatment in addition to demonstrate results of research.

Avaliação in vitro da dissolução de um Biosilicato® sobre a superfície dentinária: análise por meio de microscopia eletrônica de varredura / In vitro evaluation of dissolution of Biosilicato® on the dentin surface: analysis by scanning electron microscopy

O tratamento da hipersensibilidade dentinária cervical ainda é tema de diversos estudos em odontologia, pois um resultado permanente e satisfatório para essa sintomatologia dolorosa ainda não foi encontrado. Uma possibilidade nova de tratamento pode ser a utilização de vidros bioativos, que podem formar hidroxicarbonatoapatita sobre a superfície dentinária e obliterar os túbulos dentinários, no entanto, as formulações disponíveis deste material apresentam inconvenientes que dificultam sua aplicação sobre a superfície dentinária. Este estudo buscou avaliar a dissolução das partículas de uma vitrocerâmica modificado, denominado Biosilicato®, sobre a superfície dentinária, em diferentes veículos de preparo e formas de aplicação. Foram obtidos espécimes de dentina para a aplicação do produto testado e divididos em grupos que variavam quanto à forma de aplicação do Biosilicato® (escova de Robinson ou microbrush) e veiculo utilizado para a aplicação do produto (água ou flúor). Após a aplicação do produto sobre os espécimes estes foram imersos em saliva artificial e deixados em repouso em diferentes tempos: 0 minuto; 15 minutos; 30 minutos; 1 hora; 2 horas; 12 horas e 24 horas e depois levados para secar antes de serem analisadas no microscópio eletrônico de varredura. Após a obtenção das fotomicrografias, estas foram examinadas por um examinador calibrado e cego que atribuiu a elas um escore que variou de 1 a 3, segundo um "Índice de Dissolução de Partículas". A análise estatística não mostrou diferenças entre os meios utilizados para a dissolução do Biosilicato® e nem entre os métodos utilizados para sua aplicação. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas entre os grupos em nenhum dos tempos analisados, no entanto uma diferença estatística foi encontrada entre os tempos de 1 hora e 24 horas para o grupo escova de Robinson com flúor e entre os tempos de 15 minutos e 24 horas para o grupo microbrush com flúor

Treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity is still the subject of several studies in dentistry, as a result of continuous and satisfactory to the painful symptoms that have not been found. A new possibility of treatment may be the use of bioactive glasses, which can form hidroxicarbonatoapatita on the dentin surface and obliterate the tubules, however, the formulations of this material available have drawbacks that hinder its application on the dentin surface. This study investigates the dissolution of particles of a modified ceramic, called Biosilicato ® on the dentin surface at different vehicle preparation and application methods. We obtained specimens of dentin to the application of the product tested and divided into groups that differed as to the application of Biosilicato ® (Robinson bristle brush or microbrush) and vehicle used for the application of the product (water or fluorine). After applying the product on these specimens were immersed in artificial saliva and left to stand at different times: 0 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours and then taken to dry before be analyzed in a scanning electron microscope. After obtaining the photomicrographs, they were examined by one blinded and calibrated examiner who gave them a score ranging from 1 to 3, according to an "Index of Dissolution of Particles". Statistical analysis showed no differences between the means used for the dissolution of Biosilicato ®, nor between the methods used for its implementation. There were no statistical differences between groups in any of the periods analyzed, but a statistical difference was found between the times of 1 hour and 24 hours for the group Robinson bristle brush with fluoride and between times of 15 minutes and 24 hours for microbrush group with fluorine.

Punção aspirativa nos tumores das glândulas salivares: especificidade e sensibilidade / Fine needle aspiration in salivary gland tumors: specificity and sensitivity

As neoplasias das glândulas salivares são afecções que constituem aproximadamente 3 por cento de todos os tumores da cabeça e pescoço. O tratamento cirúrgico adequado depende do correto conhecimento do tipo histológico, principalmente quando se trata de lesões malignas. Dessa maneira, a correta determinação do diagnóstico histológico pré-operatório auxilia em muito o planejamento terapêutico, porém, geralmente, isto é difícil de se estabelecer baseado apenas nos achados da história, exame clínico e de imagem. OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo avalia comparativamente os resultados de exames citológicos obtidos através de punção aspirativa com agulha fina (PAAF) de tumores de glândulas salivares, realizados no período pré-operatório, com os dados histológicos de espécimes cirúrgicos, analisando a sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia do método quanto ao diagnóstico de malignidade e benignidade. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 73 prontuários de pacientes portadores de neoplasia de glândulas salivares, todos submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos 87,9 por cento de sensibilidade e 85,7 por cento de especificidade para diagnóstico de tumores benignos; sensibilidade de 42,9 por cento e especificidade de 98,3 por cento para diagnóstico de tumores malignos. O valor global da acurácia foi de 87,7 por cento, o valor preditivo positivo de 85,7 por cento e o negativo de 87,8 por cento para diagnóstico de malignidade com a PAAF. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que a PAAF como método diagnóstico auxiliar, pode ser útil na avaliação pré-operatória, especialmente se o diagnóstico for de malignidade, contribuindo assim para um melhor planejamento cirúrgico do doente.

Neoplasms of salivary glands represent almost 3 percent of all head and neck tumors. Proper surgical treatment depends upon accurate histological findings, especially in the case of malignant lesions. As such, knowledge of correct cytological findings prior to surgery is important for therapeutic planning. This is not easily established since it is usually based only on the patients' clinical history and imaging exams OBJECTIVE: To evaluate results obtained from fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), comparing them to the histological findings of the respective surgical specimens and analyzing the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of this method in relation to the diagnosis of malignancy or benignancy. METHODS: Retrospective study with the medical records of 73ee patients' who had salivary gland neoplasms and were submitted to FNAB and surgical treatment. RESULTS: Data disclosed that values of sensitivity were 87.9 percent and specificity 85.7 percent for diagnosis of benign tumors. For malignant tumors 42.5 percent of sensitivity and 98.3 of specificity, were observed. Overall values of accuracy were, respectively, 85.7 percent and 87.8 percent for positive and negative predictive values in the diagnosis of malignancy by FNAB. CONCLUSIONS: It was shown that FNAB, as supplementary diagnostic method, can be useful for preoperative evaluation and surgical planning especially for malignant neoplasms.

Application of contrast sensitivity function on patients with idiopathic epiretinal macular membrane / 眼科

Objective To investigate the progression of idiopathic epiretinal macular membrane(IEMM) and compare the correlation factors of contrast sensitivity function (CSF) such as visual acuity(VA) and central macular thickness. Design Prospective, case-controlled study. Participants 80 normal people (80 eyes) were divided into three groups: old-aged group (60-80 years old, of 26 eyes), middle-aged group (40-59 years old, of 30 eyes) and young-aged group (