Graphene-based tunable terahertz and infrared band-pass filter.

This paper presents a sheet of graphene as a simple band-pass filter in terahertz and infrared frequencies. The central frequency and quality factor of this band-pass filter can be tuned by changing the physical parameters, such as the substrate thickness, gate voltage, temperature, and conductivity of the graphene. The effects of these parameters on surface plasmon polariton waves and filter specifications are numerically depicted.

An epidemiological survey on the determination of Taenia saginata cysticercosis in Iran, using a PCR assay.

Bovine cysticercosis caused by Taenia saginata is a zoonotic disease affirming routine inspection measures for the postmortem detection of cysticerci (cysts) in beef destined for human consumption. Detection is based on gross examination of traditional carcase predilection sites; although there is evidence to suggest that examination of other sites may offer improvements in sensitivity. In the current study, a biomolecular-based assay was employed to confirm and differentiate T saginata cysticercosis from other comparable parasitic infection in cattle carcases. Out of 7371 cattle carcases routinely inspected, 72 (0.97 per cent) were initially detected, from which 57 (79.16 per cent), 11(15.27 per cent) and 4 (5.55 per cent) were recorded in masseter muscle, heart and diaphragm, respectively. The PCR assay was also conducted to confirm different stages of the cysts, being able to detect the cyst, and to discriminate its various degenerative stages with other parasitic structures. The technique was proposed as a reliable tool to differentiate the cysticerci and, thus, could be used in further epidemiological studies as there was no difference in view of negative PCR results in lesions found by routine inspection.

The Trendelenburg position increases the spread and accelerates the onset of epidural anesthesia for Cesarean section.

PURPOSE: The effect of position on the spread and the onset time of epidural anesthesia has not been well documented. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of modified Trendelenburg position on the spread of epidural anesthesia for Cesarean section. METHODS: Seven hundred thirty-nine parturients underwent epidural anesthesia for elective or emergent Cesarean section. Patients were divided into two groups in a randomized-controlled study. All patients received 20 mL of 2% lidocaine injected through a 19G epidural needle, a standard technique in our institution. During induction of epidural anesthesia, the first group was placed in 15 Trendelenburg with 10 head-up position and the second in the horizontal position. The onset time and the level of anesthesia, patients' vital signs, and Apgar score were recorded in both groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in vital signs, oxygen saturation and Apgar score between the two groups. The results show significant differences in the time of onset (on average four minutes faster in the modified Trendelenburg position group) (P <0.001), and in achieving T5 level sensory blockade (97.5% vs 42.8%) between the modified Trendelenburg and horizontally positioned pregnant women. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the modified Trendelenburg position has a significant effect on the spread and the onset time of single shot epidural anesthesia, and can be used safely in term parturients for emergency or elective Cesarean section.

Microtropia.

Evaluation of 50 cases of microtropia that were collected within two years indicates the primary form of microtropia to be more common than the secondary form (48:2 cases). Various degrees of anisometropia were present in all cases of primary microtropia, suggesting that anisometropia is the cause rather than the consequence of microtropia.