Ultra-dry air plasma treatment for enhancing the dielectric properties of Al2O3-GPTMS-PMMA hybrid dielectric gate layers in a-IGZO TFT applications.

We assessed the effects of ultra dry-air plasma surface treatments on the properties of Al2O3-GPTMS-PMMA hybrid dielectric layers for applications to high-performance amorphous Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs). The hybrid layers were deposited by an easy dip coating sol-gel process at low temperature and then treated with dry-air plasma at 1, 2 and 3 consecutive cycles. Their properties were analyzed as a function of the number of plasma cycles and contrasted with those of the untreated ones. The dielectric characteristics of the hybrid layers were determined from I-V and C-f measurements performed on metal-insulator-metal and metal-insulator-semiconductor devices. The results show that the plasma treatments increase the surface energy and wettability of the hybrid films. There is also a reduction of the OH groups and oxygen vacancies in the hybrid network improving the dielectric properties. The incorporation of nitrogen into the hybrid films surface is also observed. The plasma-treated hybrid dielectric layers were applied as dielectric gate in the fabrication of a-IGZO TFTs. The best electrical performance of the fabricated TFTs was achieved with the 3 cycles plasma-treated hybrid dielectric gate, showing high mobility, 29.3 cm2 V-1 s-1, low threshold voltage, 2.9 V, high I ON/OFF current ratio, 106, and low subthreshold swing of 0.42 V dec-1.

Management of early years of simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis with pre-defined Homoeopathic medicines ­ a Prospective Observational Study with 2-Years Follow-Up

Background Simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis (SMCB) is characterized by recurrent mucoid or mucopurulent expectoration in absence of localized suppurative disease. This observational open label study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of homeopathic medicine in SMCB. Methods 1902 patients were screened from 07 centres out of which 1305 were excluded. 597 patients were enrolled as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 14 pre-defined homeopathic medicines were shortlisted for prescription after repertorizing the pathological symptoms of SMCB. Outcomes were assessed through chronic bronchitis symptom scale (CBSS) and FEV1/ FVC ratio with spirometry for over a period of two years. Appearance of any change (relief/ worse)/ status quo was immediately followed by placebo/ change in dilution/ change in remedy. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Results: 532 patients were analyzed based on the intention to treat principle using last observation carry forward method. Mean CBS score reduced from 29.86±4.5 at baseline to 12.33±7.6 at completion of 2 years. Repeated measures ANOVA, at time points 0 (baseline), 3, 6, 9, 12 ,15, 18, 21 and 24 months, showed significant reduction in CBS scores [Wilk's Lambda 0.104, F=564, df 524; p=00001]. The FEV1 and FEV1/FVC was maintained within normal limits. 86% prescriptions included Lycopodium, Arsenicum album, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, Stannum metallicum, Calcarea carbonica, Silicea, Bryonia alba. Conclusion: The result suggests effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in early years of SCMB patients. Controlled trials are warranted. (AU)

Accessory Head of Flexor Pollicis Longus Muscle and its Significance in Anterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome: Case Report and Review / Cabeza Accesoria del Músculo Flexor Largo del Pulgar y su Significancia en el Síndrome del Nervio Interóseo Anterior: Reporte de Caso y Revisión

During the laboratory dissection of the fore arm, an accessory head of flexor pollicis longus muscle has been observed unilaterally in the right upper limb of a male cadaver. It took its origin from the under surface of flexor digitorum superficialis muscle just distal to the origin of this muscle from medial epicondyle. On further dissection we have noticed that, the accessory belly was running downwards to the medial aspect of the tendon of flexor pollicis longus muscle for its insertion. Its possible role in anterior interosseous syndrome is discussed in detail with a brief review.

Durante una disección en el laboratorio se encontró en el antebrazo derecho de un cadáver de sexo masculino una cabeza accesoria del músculo flexor largo del pulgar. Ésta se originaba de la superficie profunda del músculo flexor superficial de los dedos, inmediatamente distal al origen de este músculo en el epicónddilo medial. El vientre accesorio se dirigía hacia abajo medial al tendón del músculo flexor largo del pulgar hasta su inserción. Se discute detalladamente su posible rol en el síndrome interóseo anterior.

The rheology of colloidal and noncolloidal food dispersions.

Rheological data on a food together with data on its composition and structure or microstructure should lead to understanding the interrelationships between them. A number of foods are dispersions of solids in liquids, liquids in liquids, or gas in liquids. The dispersed particles may be colloidal in nature with dimensions < 10 mum, or larger noncolloidal particles (> 10 mum). For both colloidal and noncolloidal dispersions (either in dilute or concentrated regimes), several theoretical equations exist that provide insights into the role of key rheological parameters, such as particle volume fraction and size, interparticle forces, and fractal dimension on their viscosity, yield stress, and modulus. When theoretical models cannot be easily applied to foods with complex structures, structural analysis and structure-based models provide insight into the role of solids loading and interparticle bonding on rheological behavior. In this review, recent studies on colloidal and noncolloidal food dispersions in which theoretical models as well as structural analysis were employed are discussed.

Dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty in long anterior urethral stricture.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the success of buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty by the dorsal onlay technique in long anterior urethral stricture (> 2 cm long) through the midline perineal incision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1998 to December 2003, 43 patients with long anterior urethral strictures were managed by dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty. After voiding trial, they were followed up at 3 months with uroflowmetry, retrograde urethrogram (RGU) and American Urological Association symptoms score (AUA symptoms scores). Successful outcome was defined as normal voiding with a maximum one attempt of visual internal urethrotomy (VIU) after catheter removal. Patients were further followed-up with uroflowmetry at 3 months interval and RGU every 6 months interval. RESULTS: Mean stricture length was 4.8 cm (range 3 to 9 cm) and mean follow up was 48 months (range 12 to 84 months). Only five patients were found to develop stricture at anastomotic site, during follow-up. Two of them voided normally after single attempt of VIU. Other three patients (6.9%) required further open surgery or repeat VIU during follow up and were considered as failure. CONCLUSION: Dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty is a simple technique with good surgical outcome.

Dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty in long anterior urethral stricture

OBJECTIVE: To assess the success of buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty by the dorsal onlay technique in long anterior urethral stricture (> 2 cm long) through the midline perineal incision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1998 to December 2003, 43 patients with long anterior urethral strictures were managed by dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty. After voiding trial, they were followed up at 3 months with uroflowmetry, retrograde urethrogram (RGU) and American Urological Association symptoms score (AUA symptoms scores). Successful outcome was defined as normal voiding with a maximum one attempt of VIU after catheter removal. Patients were further followed-up with uroflowmetry at 3 months interval and RGU every 6 months interval. RESULTS: Mean stricture length was 4.8 cm (range 3 to 9 cm) and mean follow up was 48 months (range 12 to 84 months). Only five patients were found to develop stricture at anastomotic site, during follow-up. Two of them voided normally after single attempt of VIU. Other three patients (6.9 percent) required further open surgery or repeat VIU during follow up and were considered as failure. CONCLUSION: Dorsal onlay BMG urethroplasty is a simple technique with good surgical outcome.

Ecological meltdown in predator-free forest fragments.

The manner in which terrestrial ecosystems are regulated is controversial. The "top-down" school holds that predators limit herbivores and thereby prevent them from overexploiting vegetation. "Bottom-up" proponents stress the role of plant chemical defenses in limiting plant depredation by herbivores. A set of predator-free islands created by a hydroelectric impoundment in Venezuela allows a test of these competing world views. Limited area restricts the fauna of small (0.25 to 0.9 hectare) islands to predators of invertebrates (birds, lizards, anurans, and spiders), seed predators (rodents), and herbivores (howler monkeys, iguanas, and leaf-cutter ants). Predators of vertebrates are absent, and densities of rodents, howler monkeys, iguanas, and leaf-cutter ants are 10 to 100 times greater than on the nearby mainland, suggesting that predators normally limit their populations. The densities of seedlings and saplings of canopy trees are severely reduced on herbivore-affected islands, providing evidence of a trophic cascade unleashed in the absence of top-down regulation.

The effect of lunar phases on mental illness

To assess the lunar hypothesis as predictive of mental health emergencies and antisocial behaviour, the relation of lunar phases and the occurrence of psychiatric hospital admissions or aggressive behaviour by the inpatients of the hospital for the five-year period 1986-1990 were examined. The first admissions, readmissions and total admissions by gender during four lunar phases (New moon, First quarter, Full moon and Last quarter) were compared with each other, and with the average daily admissions during the rest of the lunar month. All agressive outbursts or fights whether resulting in any form of injury during these lunar phases were compared with each other and with those during the rest of the month. Chi-square analysis did not show any significant variation in admissions or aggressive behaviour during the various moon phases of the lunar cycle and the rest of the month. Variations by month followed no consistent pattern by gender, number of admissions, the year of study or a combination of these factors. The results of the study show that contrary to popular belief there is no scientific basis to support the view that the moon's phases play a significant role in an increase of first admissions or readmissions to the psychiatric hospital or that the phases of the moon predispose the mentally ill to violence or aggressive behaviour (AU)

Brazilian Baccharis toxins: livestock poisoning and the isolation of macrocyclic trichothecene glucosides.

Samples of the toxic Brazilian plant, Baccharis coridifolia, which is responsible for numerous cases of livestock poisoning in southern Brazil and Argentina, were collected during the growing season, and the toxicities in calves of the plant materials were correlated with the levels of macrocyclic trichothecenes present. Female plants in flower were considerably more toxic than male plants or plants not in flower. Plants not in flower were of intermediate toxicity. The female plants in flower typically contained 5-10 times the levels of toxins as were found in the male plants. In addition, six new glucosides of the macrocyclic trichothecenes were isolated and characterized. The most prominent glucosides, those of roridins A and E, were found in high levels in the female plants.

Effect of transfusion in acute chest syndrome of sickle cell disease.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of transfusion on the clinical course and oxygenation indexes of children with sickle cell disease and acute chest syndrome. METHODS: During a 2-year period, 36 children with sickle cell disease admitted with a total of 40 episodes of acute chest syndrome were examined. Patients were given a clinical severity score indicative of the degree of respiratory distress. Arterial blood gas values were determined 4 to 24 hours before and 12 to 24 hours after transfusion, and indexes of oxygenation were calculated; six patients who were not given transfusions also had blood gases measured on admission and approximately 24 hours later for comparison. RESULTS: Blood transfusion was administered during 27 episodes (67.5%); 20 children received a simple packed cell transfusion, four had a partial packed cell exchange transfusion, and three had a simple transfusion followed by whole blood exchange transfusion because of worsening clinical symptoms. Although there was no significant change in oxygenation indexes for the six patients not treated with transfusion, there was significant improvement in all indexes after transfusion. The transfused group had more severe disease on admission, but there was no significant difference in duration of fever, tachypnea, retractions, or hospital stay between the transfusion and the nontransfusion groups. CONCLUSION: Blood transfusion, even simple transfusion of packed erythrocytes, significantly improves oxygenation in children with acute chest syndrome and is a valuable adjunct to therapy.

The Seasonality of schizophrenic births in Barbados - abstract

There are many reports that births during the cooler winter months produce an excess of schizophrenics diagnosed in later life. This is also reported to be true in South Africa where the seasons are reversed. Thus, the seasonality effect of schizophrenic births is fairly well established. If this hypothesis is true, then in countries without a true winter, there should not be an increase in schizophrenic births during the so-called winter months. We tested this hypothesis on a group of 466 schizophrenics (who met the DSM III R diagnostic criteria) born between the years 1915 and 1976 and treated at the psychiatric Hospital in Barbados. Barbados is a tropical island situated at 13§08'N and 59§36'W, has no pronounced winters (average monthly temperature - 78.8§F; SDñ 1.7) with a population which is predominantly of African descent. We searched for seasonal/quarterly and monthly birth trends, using the total population as controls. We used Chi Square Test, Edwards Test and the GLIM programme to analyze the data. We did not find any significant differences in the monthly or quarterly birth patterns of schizophrenics when compared to the general population. There was also no significant difference when the paranoid subgroup was compared with the controls. Our findings suggest the lack of seasonality in Barbados results in a more uniform monthly distribution of births of persons who subsequently become schizophrenic (AU)

The effect of district psychiatric nursing science on admissions to the psychiatric hospital, Barbados - abstract

A prospective analysis of re-admissions to the Psychiatric Hospital, Barbados, conducted in 1990 by the author, revealed that the re-admission rate of patients registered with the District Psychiatric Nursing Services (DPNS) was substantially lower than the re-admission rate from the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the hospital and other services. It was proposed that expansion of the DPNS, especially to include the urban parishes (which contributed over 60 percent of the admissions), would significantly reduce the number of re-admissions. In 1991, the DPNS was extended to include to the urban parish of St. Michael and later the entire island. This study analyses the effects of the DPNS on admissions to the Psychiatric Hospital. It was found that for the first time in 16 years, instead of a rise in admissions, there was a 19 percent reduction in re-admissions during the years 1991 and 1992. In addition there was a 24 percent reduction in first admissions during the same period. The annual re-admission rate from the DPNS was 10 percent while in the case of OPD it was 65 percent (Xý=172.99, df=1, p<0.001). The DPNS at present provides highly specialized care for over 1308 outpatients while 1408 patients are manaaged by the OPD and all other services of the hospital. The extra cost incurred in the expansion of DPNS was BD$60,036.00 while the average cost for hospitalization of these patients for 3 weeks would have been BD$501, 765.00. The total annual cost of fullt expanded DPNS is BD$418,535.52 p.a. Thus the DPNS is not only responsible for reducing admissions and reducing patient morbidity, but also highly cost-effective (AU)

Alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient in acute chest syndrome of sickle cell disease.

In 44 episodes of acute chest syndrome of sickle cell disease occurring in 37 children, simple clinical severity score, duration of hospital stay, transfusion data, and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient were analyzed as indicators of severity of disease. The alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient, measured during breathing of room air, proved, on multivariate analysis, to be the strongest predictor of both clinical severity and the need for blood transfusion.

The prevalence of mental illness in a prison population - a four-year retrospective study - abstract

The Glendary Prison is the only prison in Barbados. It accomodates over 500 prisoners of whom 20 per cent suffer from mental illness at any given time. This study analyses the mentally ill prisoners attending the Prison Mental Health Clinic during the four-year period between September, 1988 and August, 1992. Of 211 patients studied during this period, 78.2 per cent had a history of mental illness prior to incarceration. The total number of visits to the clinic was 3,065, resulting in an average of 32 patients being seen on each clinic day. These figures highlight the need for a Forensic Mental unit within the prison premises, with more prison officers trained in Mental Health Nursing. There is also need for forensic training of psychiatrists and nurses at the Psychiatric Hospital (AU)

Adolescent admissions in Barbadian hospitals - abstract

A retrospective review of adolescent admissions (12 to 18 years) to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and the Psychiatric Hospital for the period of October, 1991 to September, 1992 was undertaken to determine the causes of hospitalization. There were 725 admissions consisting of 297 males and 428 females. The majority of the patients (535, i.e. 74 percent) spent between 1 and 5 days, while only 55 patients (7.6 percent) spent more than 14 days in hospital. The three most frequent causes of hospitalization were trauma (165), abortions (153), drug abuse/overdose (53). Psychiatric conditions accounted for 38 admissions. Based on our data, we estimated that a 15-bed adolescent unit set up at the QEH can serve the in-patient needs of the adolescent population in Barbados. This can be speedily achieved by restructuring the existing paediatric unit (AU)

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: a retrospective analysis - abstract

Antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drugs control symptoms of psychosis by blocking the central dopaminergic receptors. This reaction alleviates symptoms but can lead to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a life-threatening adverse drug reaction to neuroleptics. The records of all patients diagnosed as suffering from NMS during the period January, 1989 to October, 1992 were analyzed. A total of 5,562 patients (4,168 males and 1,394 females) were treated as inpatients with neuroleptics at the Psychiatric Hospital in Barbados during the same period. A total of 11 cases (0.195 per cent) were diagnosed as suffering from NMS and had to be transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further management. All patients were of African descent and we are unaware of any large scale study on the incidence of NMS in patients of African descent. The incidence of females (0.65 per cent) was much higher than in males (0.05 per cent). The mortality rate in these patients was very high (45 per cent) which may be due to the use of high doses of neuroleptics and also the use of combinations of haloperidol and depot (fluphenazine/flupenthixol) preparations, which are considered high-risk drugs for NMS. The mortality rate in patients managed conservatively was 75 per cent whereas in those receiving bromocriptine and/or dantrolene it was 29 per cent. General medical practitioners should be aware of NMS because early diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment with drugs like bromocriptine and/or dantrolene would reduce the mortality considerably (AU)

An analysis of re-admissions to the psychiatric hospital in Barbados - abstract

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the causes and the frequency for re-admission to the Psychiatric Hospital in Barbados, and to suggest remedial measures where possible. All re-admissions over the three-month period February - May 1991 were administered a structured questionaire by interview. Demographic data on admissions were obtained from published hospital statistics over the last 16 years. The results show that 74 per cent of the re-admissions were male which compares with 48 per cent of males in the general population of the country. Some of the factors associated with male re-admission, as compared with females, were an earlier age of onset of illness (males: 25.15 years; females 32.21 years), poor drug compliance (78 percent), a higher incidence of alcohol and other drug abuse (males: 89 percent; females: 13 percent) and a higher incidence of aggression and criminal behaviour (males: 50 percent; females: 7 percent). Most patients were from the urban parishes (60 percent), were unemployed (68 percent), and came from lower socio-economic backgrounds (88 percent). A finding of significance was that only 1 in every 35 patients registered with the outpatient services in the hospital. However, the district nursing service was not available in the urban areas from where 60 per cent of the patient came. It is concluded that the provision of adequate drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, and expansion of the Psychiatric District Nursing Services to urban areas, would reduce the number of patients readmitted to the psychiatric Hospital (AU)