La "niebla mental", una manifestación neurocognitiva del síndrome post-COVID-19

Introducción: La COVID-19, infección causada por el SARS-CoV-2, ocasiona daños a diferentes órganos y sistemas, como el sistema nervioso central. Entre las alteraciones neurológicas se describe la "niebla mental" como manifestación neurocognitiva frecuente en el síndrome post-COVID-19, con un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Se revisaron 104 artículos publicados desde junio 2020 a octubre del 2022, en las bases de datos Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs y Cumed. Objetivo: Actualizar conocimientos sobre las manifestaciones neurocognitivas de "niebla mental" en el síndrome post-COVID-19. Desarrollo: Se describen alteraciones neurocognitivas de "niebla mental", trastornos de atención, concentración y memoria, asociados a otros síntomas neurológicos, como cefalea, insomnio, anosmia, ageusia, ansiedad, depresión, y otros síntomas persistentes, que caracterizan al síndrome post-COVID-19. Se hace referencia a elementos de la etiopatogenia, resaltando la respuesta inmune sistémica exagerada, generada por la liberación de citoquinas, aspectos a tener presentes para la conducta diagnóstica y terapéutica de los pacientes post-COVID-19. Conclusiones: Los síntomas neurocognitivos de "niebla mental", constituyen las alteraciones neurológicas frecuentes del síndrome post-COVID-19, son variados, con combinación de diferentes síntomas en cada enfermo, más frecuentes en mujeres y en pacientes que presentaron enfermedad grave.

Introduction: COVID-19, infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, causes damage to different organs and systems, such as the central nervous system. Among the neurological alterations, brain fog is described as a frequent neurocognitive manifestation in post-COVID-19 syndrome, with a negative impact on patients' quality of life; 104 articles published were reviewed from June 2020 to October 2022, in Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs and Cumed databases. Objective: To update knowledge on the neurocognitive manifestations of brain fog in post-COVID-19 syndrome. Development: Neurocognitive alterations of mental fog, attention, concentration and memory disorders, associated with other neurological symptoms, such as headache, insomnia, anosmia, ageusia, anxiety, depression, and other persistent symptoms, which characterize post-COVID-19 syndrome, are described. Reference is made to elements of the etiopathogenesis, highlighting the exaggerated systemic immune response, generated by the release of cytokines, aspects to keep in mind for the diagnostic and therapeutic conduct of post-COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: The neurocognitive symptoms of brain fog are frequent neurological alterations of post-COVID-19 syndrome, they are varied, with a combination of different symptoms in each patient, more frequent in women and in patients who presented severe disease.

Captadores de niebla y recolección de agua en un ecosistema de páramo colombiano

Los captadores de niebla son usados para interceptar agua contenida en la niebla y abastecer de agua a comunidades que habitan en lugares donde este recurso escasea. Se evaluó el uso de captadores de niebla para la captación de agua en un área ubicada en el páramo Pan de Azúcar, Duitama-Boyacá. Se instalaron 60 captadores de niebla, 24 de ellos, con dispositivos para medir los volúmenes de agua interceptados. Los volúmenes de agua captados, se midieron en periodos de 24 horas, por 26 días, durante un año y se usó el modelo geométrico para diferenciar el agua proveniente de la niebla. La precipitación registrada fue mayor a la reportada en la literatura. La precipitación mensual osciló entre 51 y 1198 mm y la temperatura media mensual entre los 6 y 8 °C. Los volúmenes de agua promedio colectados por los 24 captadores de niebla estuvieron entre los 0,02 Lm-2dia-1 hasta los 4,4Lm-2dia-1. Los aportes de agua provenientes de la niebla oscilaron entre los 0,02 y 1,77 mmdía-1. La dirección del viento no afectó la captación de agua y aún se presenta incertidumbre al separar el aporte real de agua proveniente de la niebla a partir de la lluvia orográfica, lo cual, sigue siendo un desafío en los ecosistemas de páramo, por lo que se debe ampliar la investigación, para mejorar los diseños y las eficiencias de los captadores de niebla.

Fog collectors are used to intercept water contained in fog and supply water to communities that live in places where this resource is scarce. We evaluated the use of mist collectors to collect water in an area located in the Pan de Azúcar paramo, Duitama-Boyacá. We installed 60 mist collectors, 24 of them with devices to measure the volumes of water intercepted. The volumes of water captured were measured in periods of 24 hours for 26 days during one year and we used the geometric model to differentiate the water from the fog. The recorded precipitation was higher than that reported in the literature. Monthly rainfall ranged between 51 and 1198mm and mean monthly temperature ranged between 6 and 8°C. The average volumes of water collected by the fog collectors were below 0.5Lm-2day-1 with a maximum of 4.4Lm-2day-1. The contributions of water from the mist ranged between 0.02 and 1.77 mmday-1. The direction of the wind did not affect the capture of water and there is still uncertainty when separating the real contribution of water from the fog from the orographic rain, which continues to be a challenge in the paramo ecosystems, for which it is necessary to expand research, to improve the designs and efficiencies of fog collectors.

A Critical Review of Role of Medhya Dravyas (Nootropic Drugs) in Brain Fog with special reference to Covid- 19

Cognitive dysfunction after COVID-19 are hypoxia, microvascular injury, immunological dysregulation, chronic inflammation, patients with mild infections also report cognitive symptoms. A recognized symptom of long COVID is “Brain Fog”, characterized by fatigue, lack of ability to concentrate and can severely affect memory and cognition. Long-term side effects of COVID-19 is Brain fog which occurs irrespective of the severity of the infection. The Medhya Dravyas (Nootropic drugs) are beneficial to improve the power of retention, grasping, discrimination and recollection thus improving the Medha (Cognition). Present clinical study is an attempt to evaluate the nootropic effect of certain drugs in Brain Fog with special reference to Covid 19. Aim: To review medicinal plants showing Medhya Karma (Nootropic activity) on signs and symptoms correlated with brain fog in Covid 19 with Ayurveda as a natural and safe remedy. Material and Methods: Materials related to Covid 19, Brain fog, Neurological symptoms cognitive impairment, Medhya Dravyas (Nootropic drugs) have been collected from different journals, Ayurveda and Modern text, Authentic websites (PubMed, Google scholar, Scopus, etc.), Observation and Results: Plants reviewed showed nootropic action by Antioxidant, Acetylcholine esterase inhibition, NMDA antagonism, Dopaminergic, Anti-amyloidogenic, Inhibition of Tau aggregation and Neuroprotection. These properties helps in the management of cognitive impairment. Conclusion-Medhya Dravyas possess nootropic and rejuvenative properties. Plants shown maximum inhibitory activities against the factors causing brain Fog by Neuroprotection and memory enhancement. It reveals the strength of the Ayurveda system as well as potential in developing new drug for memory enhancement

A Case of Post Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Condition, in which the Patient Suffered from a Severe Sense of Fatigue and Brain fog Successfully Treated with Kampo Therapy / 日本東洋医学雑誌

We report a case of post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) condition, in which the patient suffered from a severe sense of fatigue and brain fog that was successfully treated with Kampo therapy. The patient was a 21-year-old man. He had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized for follow-up examinations. He recovered without any complications and was discharged from the hospital, but continued to suffer from a severe sense of fatigue, coldness, dizziness, and a loss of concentration. Because of these symptoms, he had to spend most of the day lying down. One month later, he was hospitalized to receive Kampo therapy. We administered bukuryoshigyakuto for 2 weeks referring to his severe coldness and fatigue and then changed to renjuin for his fluid disturbance and blood deficiency. After starting Kampo therapy, his fatigue and dizziness gradually improved. He was discharged after 3 weeks of hospitalization and received Kampo therapy as an outpatient. One month later, he reported a dull feeling in his stomach and depression. We switched to kamikihitogohangekobokuto and added hachimigan. His activities of daily living improved and he could take 4.5-kilometer walk. He could return to work 4 months later. Kampo therapy may be useful for post COVID-19 condition that causes a sense of fatigue and brain fog.

Air pollution: Health effects / contaminación del aire: efectos en la salud

Abstract Background: Air contamination happens when unsafe or inordinate amounts of substances including gases, particles, and organic atoms are brought into Earth's climate. Objective: This review article defines air pollution, describes the types of pollutants, enumerates the various causative factors, enumerates the ways it impacts human health and suggests preventive measures to reduce the impact of air pollution on human health. Methods: Literature was studied extensively and effects of air pollution on human health have been described. Results and Conclusion: Air pollution has tremendous effects on human health in the form of respiratory diseases and aggravations in the form of asthma and lung cancer, cardiovascular dysfunctions, and malignant growth. An affiliation has been found to exist between male infertility and air pollution and a relationship has been established between air contamination and higher danger of immune dysfunction, neuroinflammation, neurobehavioral hyperactivity, crime, age-unseemly behaviours, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Traffic-related air pollutants have been found to affect skin aging and cause pigmented spots on the face. An association exists between air pollution and irritation of the eyes, dry eye syndrome, risk for retinopathy and adverse ocular outcomes. Chronic exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy has been associated with adverse effects on the developing foetus in the form of low birth weight and still birth. Air contamination has been seen as a significant supporter of the expanded predominance of allergic diseases in children.

Acute and chronic bovine pulmonary edema and emphysema in Uruguay / Edema e enfisema pulmonar agudo e crônico em bovinos do Uruguai

An outbreak of pulmonary edema and emphysema with acute and chronic cases is reported in a farm in Uruguay. In a herd of 40 Hereford steers, 20 died. The deaths began four days after a change of paddock, from an old pasture of Avena sativa to a lush growing pasture of the same grass. Acutely affected animals showed severe dyspnea, sialorrhea, cough, and subcutaneous edema, and died within 72 hours. Chronically affected steers showed dyspnea, respiratory noises, weight loss, and intolerance to exercise. The deaths began four days after the change of paddock. Ten days after the first death, the steers were withdrawn from the pasture, but continued dying throughout the following 40 days. Twenty animals died and six were necropsied. Grossly, the lungs were diffusely armed and glistening, with reddish and crepitant cut surface, and presented alveolar septae sharply distended by edema and emphysema. There was subpleural emphysema with air blebs distributed across the pleural surface. Presence of Dictyocaulus viviparus was observed in three steers. In some animals, the trachea was diffusely reddish with presence of pink foam; in some others, there was bloody liquid in the tracheal lumen. Histologic examination showed severe diffuse alveolar and interstitial emphysema, hyaline membranes adhered to the alveolar wall, thickening of the interlobular septae with proliferation of type II pneumocytes, and moderate-to-severe multifocal histiocytic, neutrophilic and eosinophilic infiltrate. In the trachea, there was submucosal hemorrhage and moderate multifocal eosinophilic and lymphocytic infiltrate. The steers with chronic signs presented similar lung lesions, but multifocal pulmonary fibrosis and cardiac dilatation were also observed. The diagnosis of acute bovine pulmonary emphysema and edema (ABPE) was based on the occurrence of the disease after introduction of the herd in a lush green pasture, on the characteristic gross and histologic lesions, and on the absence of other toxic or infectious agents causing similar lesions. Cattle raisers should be alert to the risks of occurrence of this disease after the introduction of the herds into paddocks with green and lush pastures.(AU)

Descreve-se um surto de edema e enfisema pulmonar com casos agudos e crônicos em bovinos em uma criação semi-intensiva no Uruguai. De um lote de 40 novilhos da raça Hereford morreram 20. As mortes começaram quatro dias após uma mudança de alimentação, de uma pastagem mais velha de Avena sativa, para uma pastagem recentemente plantada de aveia que estava em brotação. Os animais afetados apresentaram sinais clínicos agudos de dispneia, sialorreia, tosse e alguns desenvolveram edema subcutâneo, morrendo em até 72 horas. Outros novilhos mais cronicamente afetados apresentaram dispneia, ruídos respiratórios, perda de peso e intolerância ao exercício. As mortes começaram quatro dias após a mudança de pastagens. Dez dias após a primeira morte, os novilhos foram retirados do pasto, mas morreram ainda durante 40 dias mais. Ao total, morreram vinte animais e seis foram necropsiados. Nas necropsias dos animais mortos na fase aguda os pulmões estavam difusamente armados e brilhosos e ao corte de coloração avermelhada e crepitante, com os septos alveolares acentuadamente distendidos por edema e enfisema. Havia enfisema subpleural caracterizado por bolhas de ar distribuídas pela superfície pleural. Em três bovinos havia ainda presença de Dictyocaulus viviparus. Alguns animais apresentaram a traqueia difusamente avermelhada com espuma de coloração rósea ou liquido sanguinolento livre na luz traqueal. Histologicamente havia edema e enfisema alveolar e intersticial difuso severo, membranas hialinas espessas aderidas à parede alveolar, espessamento dos septos interlobulares com proliferação de pneumócitos tipo II e infiltrado inflamatório histiocítico, neutrofílico e eosinofílico multifocal moderado a severo. Na traqueia havia hemorragias na submucosa e infiltrado eosinofílico e linfocítico multifocal. Os novilhos com sinais crônicos apresentaram lesões pulmonares semelhantes, entretanto, foram observadas também, fibrose pulmonar multifocal e dilatação cardíaca. O diagnóstico de EEPAB baseou-se na ocorrência da doença após a introdução do rebanho em uma pastagem viçosa em brotação, nas características macroscópicas e histológicas e na ausência de outros agentes tóxicos ou infecciosos que causam lesões semelhantes. Se alerta para os riscos da ocorrência desta enfermidade, quando houver mudanças de pastagens.(AU)

Research Progress in Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfection and Sterilization Technology and Equipments / 中国药师

Objective:To review the new progress in hydrogen peroxide disinfection and sterilization technology and equipments. Methods:Based on the recently published papers and our research results,the hydrogen peroxide sterilization technology and equip-ments were classified and summarized. Results:The hydrogen peroxide nano-fog( ultra-dry fog) sterilization technology and equipments could be used for the sterilization of space and equipments with the properties of safety, effectiveness and compatibility. Conclusion:The nano-fog( ultra-dry fog) sterilization technology and equipments exhibit broad application prospects,which is an ideal method to re-place the conventional space sterilization using formaldehyde and ozone.

Emergency Department Visits for Asthma Exacerbation due to Weather Conditions and Air Pollution in Chuncheon, Korea: A Case-Crossover Analysis

PURPOSE: This retrospective study was conducted to estimate the effects of climate factors and air pollution on asthma exacerbations using a case-crossover analysis. METHODS: Patients who visited the emergency department (ED) of 2 university hospitals in Chuncheon for asthma exacerbations from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2011, were enrolled. Daily average data for meteorological factors (temperature, daily temperature range, relative humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, presence of rain, solar irradiation, and presence of fog) and the daily average levels of gaseous air pollutants (SO2, NO2, O3, CO, and PM10) were obtained. A case-crossover analysis was performed using variables about the weather and air pollution at 1-week intervals between cases and controls before and after ED visits. RESULTS: There were 660 ED visits by 583 patients with asthma exacerbations. Low relative humidity (lag 1 and 2) and high wind speed (lag 1, 2, and 3) were associated with ED visits for asthma. Fog (lag 2) showed protective effects against asthma exacerbations in Chuncheon (risk increase: -29.4% [95% CI=-46.3% to -7.2%], P=0.013). These relationships were stronger in patients ≤19 years old than in those >60 years old. High levels of ambient CO (lag 1, 2, and 3) and NO2 (lag 2 and 3) were associated with decreased ED visits for asthma. However, there were no significant relationships among levels of ambient CO or NO2 and asthma exacerbations after adjusting for wind speed and relative humidity. CONCLUSIONS: High wind speed and low humidity were associated with an increased risk of asthma ED visits. Fog was associated with a decreased risk of asthma ED visits after controlling for seasonal variations in weather and air pollution.

High Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Freezing of Gait and Nonmotor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on motor symptoms especially freezing of gait (FoG), and nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson disease (PD). METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study, fifteen PD patients were enrolled. For 10 days, 5 Hz, both motor cortices and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were stimulated. The motor symptoms and FoG were evaluated by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III, FoG questionnaire (FoG-Q), variable parameters of FoG, and kinematic gait analysis. Nonmotor symptoms were evaluated by the Korean version of non-Motor Symptoms Scale (K-NMSS), 39-item Parkinson disease questionnaire (K-PDQ39), Mini-Mental Status examination (K-MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), and Frontal assessment battery (FAB). RESULTS: Finally, 12 patients (real:8, sham:4) data were analyzed. FoG-Q and UPDRS part III were improved (p=0.002, 0.022) and variable parameters of FoG was improved after 10 days stimulation in real treatment group. In addition, their effects maintained until 6 weeks from the baseline. In nonmotor symptoms, K-NMSS and K-PDQ 39 were improved until 6 weeks in real treatment group (p=0.002, 0.002), however no changes were shown in cognitive function test. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency rTMS was effective for FoG, in addition to motor and a few nonmotor symptoms in PD.

Therapeutic Observation of Acupuncture plus Fumigating Eyes with Cool Chinese Medicinal Fog for Severe Dry Eye Syndrome / 上海针灸杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture plus fumigating eyes with cool Chinese medicinal fog in treating severe dry eye syndrome (DES).MethodTwenty-six outpatients with moderate-severe DES patients were classified into 11 cases of heat damaging yin type (20 eyes) and 15 cases of phlegm-stagnation type (23 eyes), to simultaneously receive acupuncture and fumigating eyes with cool Chinese medicinal fog. Tear break-up time (BUT), tear production (SchirmerⅠtest, SIT), and subjective symptoms score were observed and analyzed before treatment, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment.ResultThe SIT, BUT, and subjective symptoms score 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment were superior to that before treatment (P<0.01); The SIT, BUT, and subjective symptoms score 6 months after treatment were lower than that of 3 months after treatment (P<0.05) but still significantly different from that before treatment (P<0.05).ConclusionAcupuncture plus fumigating eyes with cool Chinese medicinal fog can improve the symptoms and signs of DES, though the therapeutic efficacy decreases during the long-term follow-up study.

The Influence of Asian Dust, Haze, Mist, and Fog on Hospital Visits for Airway Diseases / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Asian dust is known to have harmful effects on the respiratory system. Respiratory conditions are also influenced by environmental conditions regardless of the presence of pollutants. The same pollutant can have different effects on the airway when the air is dry compared with when it is humid. We investigated hospital visits for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma in relation to the environmental conditions. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service claims database of patients who visited hospitals in Chuncheon between January 2006 and April 2012. Asian dust, haze, mist, and fog days were determined using reports from the Korea Meteorological Administration. Hospital visits for asthma or COPD on the index days were compared with the comparison days. We used two-way case-crossover techniques with one to two matching. RESULTS: The mean hospital visits for asthma and COPD were 59.37 +/- 34.01 and 10.04 +/- 6.18 per day, respectively. Hospital visits for asthma significantly increased at lag0 and lag1 for Asian dust (relative risk [RR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.19; p<0.05) and haze (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.22; p<0.05), but were significantly lower on misty (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.80-0.99; p<0.05) and foggy (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.93; p<0.05) days than on control days. The hospital visits for COPD also significantly increased on days with Asian dust (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.05-1.59; p<0.05), and were significantly lower at lag4 for foggy days, compared with days without fog (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.97; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Asian dust showed an association with airway diseases and had effects for several days after the exposure. In contrast to Asian dust, mist and fog, which occur in humid air conditions, showed the opposite effects on airway diseases, after adjusting to the pollutants. It would require more research to investigate the effects of various air conditions on airway diseases.

Factibilidad técnica y de salud pública de la recolección de aguas nieblas: estudio de caso / A case study regarding the technical and public health feasibility of collecting water from fog

Objetivos Evaluación para consumo humano de la captación de aguas nieblas en el municipio de San Antonio (Cundinamarca). Método Se recolectó agua niebla mediante un prototipo de captador de 6 m², que se instaló en el área durante 53 días consecutivos y se analizó el agua recolectada para evaluar su viabilidad para consumo humano. Resultados El volumen promedio diario de captación en la zona fue de 43,26 L/día y los parámetros de potabilidad evaluados cumplen con los valores mínimos establecidos en el Reglamento de Agua Potable y Saneamiento Básico RAS 2000, con excepción del pH. Conclusión Esta alternativa para captación y uso de agua plantea opciones alternativas y puede escalarse para producir las cantidades necesarias en comunidades asentadas en zonas de baja precipitación, adicionalmente, la calidad del agua recolectada en esta zona es adecuada para consumo humano, por lo que mejora las condiciones de salud de la población. Se sugiere realizar una evaluación de factibilidad económica para su aplicación y sostenibilidad.(AU)

Objectives Evaluating the collection of water for human consumption from fog nets in San Antonio (Cundinamarca department). Method Water was collected from fog using a prototype 6 m²sensor unit which was installed In the area for 53 days; this water was analysed to assess its quality regarding human consumption. Results The collection area's average daily volume was 43.26 L/day and the parameters evaluated met the minimum values established by local regulations for drinking water (RAS 2000), except for pH. Conclusion This technique represents an alternative for obtaining water fit for human consumption and can be scaled-up to produce the quantity needed for communities living in low rainfall areas. It can thereby lead to improving such populations' health conditions. Its economic feasibility should thus be assessed regarding its implementation and sustainability.(AU)

The miR-17-92 cluster regulates FOG-2 expression and inhibits proliferation of mouse embryonic cardiomyocytes

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have gradually been recognized as regulators of embryonic development; however, relatively few miRNAs have been identified that regulate cardiac development. A series of recent papers have established an essential role for the miRNA-17-92 (miR-17-92) cluster of miRNAs in the development of the heart. Previous research has shown that the Friend of Gata-2 (FOG-2) is critical for cardiac development. To investigate the possibility that the miR-17-92 cluster regulates FOG-2 expression and inhibits proliferation in mouse embryonic cardiomyocytes we initially used bioinformatics to analyze 3’ untranslated regions (3’UTR) of FOG-2 to predict the potential of miR-17-92 to target it. We used luciferase assays to demonstrate that miR-17-5p and miR-20a of miR-17-92 interact with the predicted target sites in the 3’UTR of FOG-2. Furthermore, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to demonstrate the post-transcriptional regulation of FOG-2 by miR-17-92 in embryonic cardiomyocytes from E12.5-day pregnant C57BL/6J mice. Finally, EdU cell assays together with the FOG-2 rescue strategy were employed to evaluate the effect of proliferation on embryonic cardiomyocytes. We first found that the miR-17-5p and miR-20a of miR-17-92 directly target the 3’UTR of FOG-2 and post-transcriptionally repress the expression of FOG-2. Moreover, our findings demonstrated that over-expression of miR-17-92 may inhibit cell proliferation via post-transcriptional repression of FOG-2 in embryonic cardiomyocytes. These results indicate that the miR-17-92 cluster regulates the expression of FOG-2 protein and suggest that the miR-17-92 cluster might play an important role in heart development.

Desarrollo de uaa película polimèrica con propiedades antiempañantes / Developmentof a polymeric film with anti-foggfng properties / Desenvolvimentodde uma película polimérica com propriedades de antiembaciamento

En la búsqueda de una película polimérica con óptimas propiedades antiempañantes se seleccionó como matriz polimérica polietileno de baja densidad (LDPE), a la cual se incorporaron por extrusión uno de los siguientes aditivos: polisorbato 80, oleato de sorbitán, monooleato de glicerol y mezcla de glicéridos, cada uno a 3 concentraciones. Para evaluar la eficiencia antiempañante de los empaques se realizaron medidas de tensión superficial, ángulos de contacto, medidas de transmisión de luz y pruebas cualitativas de empañamiento en frío. Los resultados sugieren que la película con mejores propiedades antiempañantes es la que contiene oleato de sorbitán al 1%.

In search of a film with optimal antifogging properties, low density polyethylene (LDPE) was selected as polymeric matrix, and one of the following four additives were incorporated into the film by an extrusion process: polysorbate 80, sorbitan oleate, glycerol monooleate and glyceride mixture, each of them in 3 different concentrations. Measures of surface tension, light transmission, contact angles, and qualitative cold fogging test were made to assess the efficiency of fog resistant in all packages. The results suggest that the film with sorbitan oleate (1%) presents the best antifogging properties.

Na procura de uma película polimèrica com ótimas propriedades antiembaciamento, selecionou-se como matriz polimèrica polietileno de baixa densidade (LDPE) e, através de uma extrusão, incorporou-se um dos seguintes os aditivos polisorbarto 80, oleato de sorbitan, mono-oleato de glicerol e mistura de glicerídeos cada um em três concentrações diferentes. Para avaliar a eficiência antiembaciamento das películas se realizaram as medidas de tensão superficial, ângulos de contato, medidas de transmissão de luz e provas qualitativas de antiembaciamento em frio. Os resultados sugerem que a película que contèm o oleato de sorbitan 1% tem as melhores propriedades antiembaciamento.

Evaluación del desempeño de cajas port tiles de procesamiento radiográfico en la filtración de luz / Evaluation of the performance of portable radiographic processing boxes in light filtration

Este estudio evaluó el desempeño de cajas portátiles de procesamiento radiográfico (CPR) a través del efecto de la luz filtrada por el acrílico empleado en la construcción de las mismas, sobre la densidad base-velamiento (DBV) de radiografías intrabucales. Fueron expuestas a los rayos X, películas radiográficas en conjunto con una lámina de plomo de 4mm de espesor para obtener un  rea no sensibilizada a la radiación en la radiografía resultante y así determinar la DBV. Posteriormente, las películas fueron expuestas a la luz filtrada por tres cajas de procesamiento durante tiempo y luz incidente controlados. El grupo control no fue colocado dentro de las cajas. Se realizó el análisis de espectrofotométrico de los acrílicos de las cajas y de un filtro GBX-2 (Kodak), utilizado en cámaras oscuras convencionales. Se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p<0,05) entre las medias de DBV obtenidas de las películas colocadas dentro de las cajas y las del grupo control, así como un aumento progresivo de dicha densidad en relación directa con el tiempo de exposición a la luz filtrada. En comparación con el filtro GBX-2, el acrílico de las cajas tuvo una intensidad de transmitancia mayor. La luz filtrada por las cajas de procesamiento provoca el aumento de la DBV, este incremento está  relacionado con el tipo de acrílico utilizado en la caja, el  rea que ocupa en la misma y la intensidad de la luz incidente

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of portable radiographic processing boxes in the light filtration by the acrylic used in its construction, through the base-fog density of intraoral radiographic films. Films were exposed with a 4mm lead foil to obtain an unexposed area in the final radiograph, for base-fog density determination. Later they were exposed to the filtered light by three portable boxes during controlled time intervals and incident light, except a control group, which was not placed into the boxes. Also, a spectrophotometric analysis was performed on the acrylics of the boxes and a GBX-2 filter (Kodak) used in the safelight of conventional darkrooms. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0,05) between the mean base-fog density obtained from the films placed in the boxes and the control group, as well as a progressive increase of density related to the time that the films were exposed to the filtered the light. In comparison with the GBX-2 filter, the acrylic of the processing boxes has a greater transmittance. The filtered light by the radiographic processing boxes causes an increase of the base-fog density, related to the type of acrylic, the area that it covered in the box and the intensity of the incident light

Influence of different fixation targets in accuracy of Jackson cross cylinder examination / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective To evaluate the influence of black dots,isolated line above the best correct visual acuity and multiple lines containing the best correct visual acuity in the accuracy of Jackson cross cylinder examination.Methods Forty students were chosen(11 males,29 females,between 24 to 29 years old).Routine examination of phoropter was used to check under the maximum plus to maximum visual acuity(MPMVA) status.The sequence of three fixation targets was chosen randomly.Astigmatism chart was used to judge the best one when the different results were obtained.Results Among the 80 eyes of 40 students,12 eyes were spherical(the cylinder degree below 0.25 DC).The response of three fixation targets was the same in 19 eyes(27.9%),23 eyes(33.8%)were sensitive to the black dots target,14 eyes(20.6%)were sensitive to the isolated line above the best correct visual acuity,12 eyes(17.6%) were sensitive to multiple lines containing the best correct visual acuity.Kruska Wallis Test was used to detect the difference among three groups.No significant difference was found(?2 =4.026,P=0.134).Conclusion According to the efficiency of examination,communication and judgment,black dots target is recommended although no difference is detected among three fixation targets.

The clinical curative effect about fog turns to inhale Chuan Le Ning to cure the child′s asthma / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective Inquiring into the clinical curative effect about fog turns to inhale Chuan Le Ning to cure the child′s asthma. Methods Stochastically to divide the 79 examples of acute asthmas into the observation groups(44 examples) with the contrast(35 examples).Two all go the normal regulations for breathe heavily,the ant-infection and handle to the disease.The observation group atomizes to breathe Chuan Le Ning in the foundation. Results FVC,FEV and PEF numbers show the remarkable improvement before the treatment(P

Quality Assessment of Film Processing Chemicals in Dentistry / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the qualities of the four different processing chemicals(solutions). MATERIALS AND METHODS: With EP 21 films(Ektaspeed plus film, Kodak Co., USA), nine unexposed and nine exposed films of a step wedge were processed utilizing automatic film processor(XR 24, Durr Co., Germany) for 5 days. During 5 days, the total number of processed films including out-patient's intraoral films were about 400-500 for each brand. Base plus fog density, film density, contrast of processed films were measured with densitometer(model 07-443 digital densitometer, Victoreen Co., USA). These measurements were analyzed for comparison. RESULTS: The results were as follows, 1. For the base plus fog density, there was significant difference among the four chemicals (p<0.05). The sequence of the base plus fog densities was in ascending order by Kodak, X-dol 90, Agfa and Konica. 2. For the film density, all chemicals showed useful range of photographic densities(0.25-2.5). The sequence of the film densities was in ascending order by Kodak, X-dol 90, Konica and Agfa. But there was no statistically significant difference of film density between X-dol and Kodak (p<0.05). 3. The sequence of the contrasts was in ascending order by Konica, X-dol 90, Kodak and Agfa. But there was no statistically significant difference of contrast between X-dol and Konica (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results indicated that the four processing chemicals had the clinically useful film density and contrast, but only Kodak processing chemical had useful base plus fog density.