RESUMO
A centrifugal microanalysis system using spectrophotometric detection has been developed for the determination of nitrite and chromium VI. The system was designed to illustrate the potential of centrifugal microfluidic systems for on-site (field) analysis of waters. The performance was significantly better than manual/visual field test systems and approaches that of bench top systems with detection limits of 0.008 mg L(-1) NO(2)(-)-N and 0.03 mg L(-1) Cr(6+). The system used pre-loaded solid reagents on the disc, providing ease of use, and could process up to 24 samples simultaneously. Precision was enhanced by the use of a multiwavelength ratiometric blank estimation technique.
Assuntos
Cromo/análise , Técnicas Analíticas Microfluídicas/métodos , Nitritos/análise , Espectrofotometria/métodos , Algoritmos , Centrifugação/instrumentação , Centrifugação/métodos , Monitoramento Ambiental/instrumentação , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Técnicas Analíticas Microfluídicas/instrumentação , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análiseRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of serial casting with positioning for 1 hour per day for the treatment of elbow flexion contracture in adults with traumatic brain injury. DESIGN: Pragmatic randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation and assessor blinding. SETTING: Four brain injury rehabilitation units. SUBJECTS: Twenty-six adults with elbow flexion contracture after traumatic brain injury participating in multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomized to receive either serial casting or positioning for two weeks. In the subsequent four weeks subjects could be positioned for up to 1 hour/day. MAIN MEASURES: Torque-controlled passive elbow extension was measured at baseline, post-intervention (two weeks), post-intervention plus one day, and at follow-up (four weeks post-intervention). RESULTS: All 26 subjects completed the study. Post-intervention, serial casting reduced contracture by an average of 22 degrees (95% confidence interval (CI) 13 to 31; P <0.001) compared with the positioning group. One day later this effect had decreased to 11 degrees (95% CI 0 to 21 degrees; P= 0.052). The effect had almost completely disappeared at the four-week follow-up (mean 2 degrees, 95% CI -13 to 17; P= 0.782). CONCLUSIONS: Serial casting induces transient increases in range of motion. These effects are not maintained.
Assuntos
Lesões Encefálicas/complicações , Moldes Cirúrgicos , Contratura/reabilitação , Articulação do Cotovelo/fisiopatologia , Terapia Passiva Contínua de Movimento , Postura , Adulto , Lesões Encefálicas/reabilitação , Contratura/etiologia , Articulação do Cotovelo/cirurgia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Masculino , Cooperação do Paciente , Amplitude de Movimento Articular , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate a pilot community based rehabilitation programme for severe brain injury. RESEARCH DESIGN: A prospective repeated-measures design with a single convenience sample was conducted. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Eleven participants with a history of severe brain injury completed the programme, which featured an outdoor adventure course, skill development and goal-based learning. In the first stage, practical activities facilitated the development of social skills, group cohesiveness and community integration. The second stage was a 9-day outdoor adventure course, which included physically challenging activities such as camping, bushwalking, abseiling, caving and high rope work. The third stage encouraged individuals to work on the personal goals they had developed. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Over 80% of stated goals were achieved; suggesting that such a programme may be effective in enabling clients to attain specified goals. CONCLUSIONS: The programme shows promise as a form of community rehabilitation.
