Novel Low-Cost Tracheo-Innominate Artery Fistula Bleed Simulator.

Tracheo-innominate artery fistulas are a rare complication of indwelling tracheotomies with a very high mortality rate. Due to the rare occurrence of this surgical emergency, most medical providers have little to no training or experience in recognizing, stabilizing, and repairing this life-threatening condition. Simulation of rare emergencies helps close knowledge gaps of medical providers at all levels. Although many providers may never experience these emergencies throughout their careers in clinical medicine, it is imperative that they distinguish and apply techniques for temporizing these life-threatening conditions in order to decrease patient mortality. This novel, low-cost, and easy-to-implement simulation is geared towards this goal and has been successfully tested in small group simulations at one academic center in San Antonio, Texas.

Increased flexibility, pain reduction and unaltered levels of IL-10 and CD11b + lymphocytes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were associated with kinesiotherapy.

The effect of physical activity on the immune system is still poorly understood in cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, our aim was to investigate differences in the serum levels of cytokines (IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α) and the numbers of CD11b + and CXCR2 + neutrophils and lymphocytes in women with SLE undergoing drug treatment, without ( n = 9) or with ( n = 5) 4 months of kinesiotherapy. Parameters related to functional capacity were also analyzed. In the case of the patients who were not submitted to kinesiotherapy, there were reductions in the levels of IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10, and an increase in the number of CD11b + leukocytes, in addition to an increase in abdominal circumference after the monitoring time. Patients submitted to kinesiotherapy did not present changes in serum cytokines or in the numbers of CD11b + and CXCR2 + neutrophils and lymphocytes, but there were increases of flexibility and strength, as well as a reduction in pain sensation after the monitoring time. In conclusion, kinesiotherapy was able to increase flexibility and reduce pain in SLE patients without influencing immune parameters.

[Perspective evaluation of the post-graduate courses of the Nursing Department at UFRN (1980-1992)]. / Avaliaçäo e perspectiva dos cursos de pós-graduaçäo lato-sensu do departamento de enfermagem da UFRN (1980-1992).

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the "lato sensu" graduate programs of study of the Department of Nursing in the UFRN, and to know the perspectives of its students and faculty. A total of 67 questionnaires were applied to 14 professors and 53 ex-students. The sources of data were: a survey of the scientific knowledge produced by the faculty; specialization program final reports; partial 1989-1991 program evaluations; and, the final report of the first Graduate Program Evaluation Seminar (1992). Eventhough the results of the evaluation were positive, some aspects of the program were found to need further analysis so that future graduate studies might be improved. These aspects were: revision of the curriculum content, improvement of the space environment, and improvement of the bibliographic resources.

[Comparison of the suitability of first time and related blood donors]. / Eignungsvergleich von Erst- und Verwandtenspendern.

In order to lessen the fear of transfusion-transmitted AIDS, formalized autologous and directed donation programs have been established. The advantages of directed donations, however, have been questioned. A comparison of the qualification of first time homologous and directed donations showed in our groups significant differences for HBsAg positivity, ESR and hemoglobin. The high rate of HBsAg positivity had to be attributed to directed donors of Turkish nationality due to the different epidemiological situation. It seems that directed donations do not improve transfusion safety.

[Use of a microtest plate method in pregnancy thrombocyte serology]. / Einsatz einer Mikrotest-Platten-Methode in der Schwangeren-Thrombozytenserologie.

In search of a time saving concept for verifying a neonatal allo-immune thrombocytopenia (NATP) we tested the suitability of a solid phase platelet assay for antibodies (ab) which might induce NATP. Compared to PSIFT the test is equally appropriate for the detection of platelet specific and HLA ab. Using maternal, paternal, P1A1 neg. and random platelets the test gives quick answers to: a) is one dealing with a NATP? b) is anti-P1A1 involved?