Influence of the network modifier on the characteristics of MSnO3 (M=Sr and Ca) thin films synthesized by chemical solution deposition

CaSnO3 and SrSnO3 alkaline earth stannate thin films were prepared by chemical solution deposition using the polymeric precursor method on various single crystal substrates (R- and C-sapphire and 100-SrTiO3) at different temperatures. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (θ-2θ, ω- and φ-scans), field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence. Epitaxial SrSnO3 and CaSnO3 thin films were obtained on SrTiO3 with a high crystalline quality. The long-range symmetry promoted a short-range disorder which led to photoluminescence in the epitaxial films. In contrast, the films deposited on sapphire exhibited a random polycrystalline growth with no meaningful emission regardless of the substrate orientation. The network modifier (Ca or Sr) and the substrate (sapphire or SrTiO3) influenced the crystallization process and/or the microstructure. Higher is the tilts of the SnO6 octahedra, as in CaSnO3, higher is the crystallization temperature, which changed also the nucleation/grain growth process.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of urinary incontinence in elderly individuals of a low income

To estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in elderly individuals of low income assisted by the primary health care system in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In this community-based, observational, cross-sectional study, participants assisted by the health family program in Sao Paulo, Brazil, were sampled and interviewed face to face by questionnaire. Participants (n = 388) were selected from the collaborative program developed by the 10/66 Dementia Research Group, an International Network of investigators. Demographics, health history and a detailed assessment of UI and urinary symptoms were obtained. Prevalence of UI was calculated. Other variables included age, body mass index (BMI), duration of incontinence and characteristics of the symptoms. The association between UI and the variables was estimated using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-squared test and Fisher test (depending on normality of the distribution and expected frequencies). Prevalence of UI was 38.4%. UI was more common in women than in men (50% vs. 18.3%, p < 0.001). Diabetes, obesity and hypertension were associated with UI. Almost 36.2% of the cases were of mixed incontinence, 26.8% of urge incontinence and 24.2% of stress incontinence. Men were more likely to have urge-incontinence, while women were more likely to have mixed incontinence (p = 0.001). UI is prevalent in the elderly of low income living in Sao Paulo and rates are higher than most previous studies. Chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity were associated with UI. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.