Pressure compensating microsprinklers using microtube as a flow controller

ABSTRACT Microsprinkler non-pressure compensating nozzles usually show water flow variation along the lateral line. This study aimed at adapting microtubes into non-compensating system of microsprinklers previous installed in the field, as a self-compensated nozzle, to improve the flow uniformity along the lateral line. Microtubes were adapted to three types of commercial microsprinklers. Tests were conducted, both in the laboratory and in field, to evaluate the microsprinkler performance at four different flows (40, 50, 60 and 70 L h-1) under pressure head range from 75 to 245 kPa. Nozzles presented coefficient of flow-rate variation (CVq) lower than 5.5% and distribution uniformity (DU) greater than 95%, which are classified as excellent. The original spatial water distribution of the microsprinkler did not change by using microtube as a nozzle. This device adapted to non-pressure compensating microsprinklers are functional and operate effectively with flows ranging up to 70 L h-1. Small variations at microsprinkler flows along the lateral line can occur, however, at random manner, which is common for pressure-compensating nozzles. Therefore, the microtube technique is able to control pressure variation in microsprinklers.

Blockade of NK-1 receptors in the lateral commissural nucleus tractus solitarii of awake rats had no effect on the cardiovascular responses to chemoreflex activation

The neurotransmission of the chemoreflex in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), particularly of the sympatho-excitatory component, is not completely understood. There is evidence that substance P may play a role in the neurotransmission of the chemoreflex in the NTS. Microinjection of substance P (50 pmol/50 nl, N = 12, and 5 nmol/50 nl, N = 8) into the commissural NTS of unanesthetized rats produced a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (101 ± 1 vs 108 ± 2 and 107 ± 3 vs 115 ± 4 mmHg, respectively) and no significant changes in heart rate (328 ± 11 vs 347 ± 15 and 332 ± 7 vs 349 ± 13 bpm, respectively) 2 min after microinjection. Previous treatment with WIN, an NK-1 receptor antagonist (2.5 nmol/50 nl), microinjected into the NTS of a specific group of rats, blocked the pressor (11 ± 5 vs 1 ± 2 mmHg) and tachycardic (31 ± 6 vs 4 ± 3 bpm) responses to substance P (50 pmol/50 nl, N = 5) observed 10 min after microinjection. Bilateral microinjection of WIN into the lateral commissural NTS (N = 8) had no significant effect on the pressor (50 ± 4 vs 42 ± 6 mmHg) or bradycardic (-230 ± 16 vs -220 ± 36 bpm) responses to chemoreflex activation with potassium cyanide (iv). These data indicate that the activation of NK-1 receptors by substance P in the NTS produces an increase in baseline mean arterial pressure and heart rate. However, the data obtained with WIN suggest that substance P and NK-1 receptors do not play a major role in the neurotransmission of the chemoreflex in the lateral commissural NTS.

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on membrane-bound proteins

Many cellular proteins are bound to the surfaces of membranes and participate in various cell signaling responses. Interactions between this group of proteins are in part controlled by the membrane surface to which the proteins are bound. This review focuses on the effects of pressure on membrane-associated proteins. Initially, the effect of pressure on membrane surfaces and how pressure may perturb the membrane binding of proteins is discussed. Next, the effect of pressure on the activity and lateral association of proteins is considered. We then discuss how pressure can be used to gain insight into these types of proteins.

Aplicação de toxina botulínica tipo A para reduzir a saliva em pacientes com esclerose lateral amiotrófica

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar o efeito da aplicação local Botox® em glândulas salivares de pacientes com diagnóstico de esclerose lateral amiotrófica (ELA), seguindo nosso protocolo institucional de tratamento da sialorréia de 2002. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Clínico prospectivo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Cinco pacientes com ELA avaliados na Clínica de Otorrinolaringologia da AACD (Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente) foram submetidos à aplicação tópica de Botox® nas glândulas salivares e acompanhados por um ano. O protocolo consiste num questionário clínico sobre as habilidades de deglutir saliva e as repercussões na qualidade de vida. Os pacientes deveriam ter tratamento odontológico prévio, intolerância aos efeitos adversos dos anti-colinérgicos, e ausência de aplicação de. Botox® em outros sítios por pelo menos seis meses. A aplicação foi guiada por ultra-sonografia para as glândulas submandibulares e a dose administrada foi de 30U em um ponto, e 20U em cada glândula parótida distribuída em dois pontos, após anestesia tópica com prilocaína. RESULTADOS: Cinco pacientes com ELA, com idade entre 45 e 59 anos foram submetidos ao tratamento de redução de saliva pela aplicação de Botox® em glândulas salivares. Nós observamos que os sintomas de sialorréia melhoraram dramaticamente em quatro pacientes. Três pacientes permaneceram quatro meses sem queixas, com acentuada melhora na qualidade de vida. Nenhum paciente apresentou efeitos colaterais locais ou sistêmicos com a aplicação de Botox® em glândulas salivares. Nós observamos que os sintomas de sialorréia melhoraram dramaticamente em quatro pacientes. Três pacientes permaneceram quatro meses sem queixas, com acentuada melhora na qualidade de vida. Nenhum paciente apresentou efeitos colaterais locais ou sistêmicos com a aplicação de Botox® em glândulas salivares.

Estudo comparativo de pacientes submetidos à cauterização submucosa com ou sem fratura lateral do corneto inferior

OBJETIVO: Comparar os efeitos da cauterização submucosa do corneto inferior com e sem a fratura lateral. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Clínico prospectivo. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 20 pacientes aleatoriamente com diagnóstico de hipertrofia crônica dos cornetos nasais, e divididos em dois grupos. O primeiro foi submetido à cauterização submucosa com fratura lateral do corneto, e o segundo sem a fratura. Foram avaliados cinco quesitos, comparando-se os dois métodos: dor, sangramento nasal, cicatrização, formação de crostas e perviedade nasal. O seguimento pós-operatório foi realizado no 1º, 7º, 14º e 30º dias. RESULTADOS: Quanto à dor, sangramento nasal e formação de crostas o resultado foi semelhante para ambos os grupos. Em relação à cicatrização, houve melhores resultados no grupo submetido à fratura lateral nas primeiras duas semanas do seguimento. Quanto à perviedade nasal, 80% dos pacientes submetidos à cauterização submucosa com a fratura lateral referiram boa perviedade. Por outro lado, 30% dos pacientes não submetidos à fratura lateral relataram boa perviedade. CONCLUSÃO: A realização da cauterização submucosa do corneto inferior associada à fratura lateral é mais eficaz que a realização da cauterização isoladamente.

Intraocular pressure measurement in sheep using an applanation tonometer

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and establish the mean values of IOP in healthy adult sheep using an applanation tonometer. Information on age, sex, and breed was obtained for all animals included in this study. Twenty five healthy sheep (Ovis aries), of the same breed (Texel), male or female, with three years of age, received an ophthalmic examination in both eyes, including pupillary reflexes, Schirmer tear test, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and fluorescein staining. For all ophthalmic testing, animals were gently physically restrained, with no pressure in the jugular area and the eyelids were carefully open. IOP was measured by applanation tonometry (Tonopen XL). The same examiner performed the tonometry; measurements were taken three times for each eye, and their average was recorded as the IOP of the animal. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. The mean intraocular pressure in the whole group of 50 eyes was of 16.36 +/- 2.19 mm Hg. The mean (SD) IOP in the right eye was of 15.96 +/- 2.02 mm Hg, while the mean (SD) IOP in the left eye was of 16.76 +/- 2.32 mm Hg. Significant differences in IOP were not found between right and left eyes. The applanation tonometer was adequate for measuring the intraocular pressure in sheep. Reference data will assist in diagnosing testing for ophthalmic disease in sheep, as¹ well as promote further studies in this area.

Size at birth and blood pressure in young adults: findings from a Brazilian birth cohort study

^len^lpt^aOBJETIVO: Descrever a prevalência de pressão arterial limítrofe (PAL) e hipertensão (HT) entre adultos jovens e avaliar a associação entre tamanho ao nascer e PAL/HT. MÉTODOS: Dados foram coletados do primeiro estudo brasileiro de coorte de nascimentos em Ribeirão Preto (sudeste do Brasil), iniciado em 1978/79. De 6.827 recém-nascidos de parto único hospitalar, 2.060 foram avaliados aos 23/25 anos. Foram realizadas coleta de sangue, avaliação antropométrica e obtidas informações sobre ocupação, escolaridade, hábitos de vida e doenças crônicas. Pressão arterial (PA) foi classificada em: 1) PAL: PA sistólica (PAS) ≥ 130 e < 140 mm Hg e/ou PA diastólica (PAD) ≥ 85 e < 90 mmHg; 2) HT: PAS ≥ 140 e/ou PAD ≥ 90 mm Hg. Foi aplicado modelo de regressão logística politômica. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de PAL foi de 13,5% (homens 23,2%) e a de HT, 9,5% (homens 17,7%). PAL foi independentemente associada com sexo masculino (RR 8,84; IC95%: 6,09;12,82), comprimento ao nascer ≥ 50 cm (RR 1,97; 1,04; 3,73), índice de massa corporal (IMC) ≥ 30 kg/m² (RR 3,23; 2,02; 5,15) e circunferência de cintura alterada (RR 1,61; 1,13;2,29), enquanto HT associou-se com sexo masculino (RR 15,18; 8,92;25,81), IMC ≥ 30 kg/m² (RR 3,68; 2,23;6,06), circunferência de cintura alterada (RR 2,68; 1,77;4,05) e glicemia elevada (RR 2,55; 1,27;5,10), mas não com comprimento ao nascer. CONCLUSÕES: As prevalências de PAL e HT entre os adultos jovens dessa coorte foram maiores em homens que em mulheres. Maior comprimento ao nascer foi associado com PAL, mas não com HT, enquanto peso ao nascer não foi associado com PAL ou HT. Fatores de risco do adulto explicaram a maioria dos aumentos de PAL ou HT.^les^aOBJETIVO: Describir la prevalencia de presión arterial limítrofe (PAL) e hipertensión (HT) entre adultos jóvenes y evaluar la asociación entre tamaño al nacer y PAL/HT. MÉTODOS: : Los datos fueron colectados en el primer estudio de cohorte de nacimientos brasileño en Ribeirao Preto (sureste de Brasil), iniciado en 1978/79. De 6.827 recién nacidos de parto único hospitalario, 2.060 fueron evaluados a los 23/25 años. Se realizaron colecta de sangre, evaluación antropométrica y obtenidas informaciones sobre ocupación, escolaridad, hábitos de vida y enfermedades crónicas. Presión arterial (PA) fue clasificada en: 1) PAL: PA sistólica (PAS) ≥ 130 y < 140 mm Hg y/o PA diastólica (PAD) ≥ 85 y < 90 mm Hg; 2) HT: PAS ≥ 140 y/o PAD ≥ 90 mm Hg. Se aplicó modelo de regresión logística politómica. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de PAL fue de 13,5% (hombres 23,2%) y la de HT, 9,5% (hombres 17,7%). PAL fue independientemente asociada con sexo masculino (Riesgo Relativo - RR) 8,84; 95%IC: 6,09;12,82), estatura al nacer ≥ 50 cm (RR 1,97; 1,04; 3,73), índice de masa corporal (IMC) ≥ 30 kg/m2 (RR 3,23; 2,02; 5,15) y circunferencia de cintura alterada (RR 1,61; 1,13;2,29), mientras el HT se asoció con sexo masculino (RR 15,18; 8,92;25,81), IMC ≥ 30 kg/m2 (RR 3,68; 2,23;6,06), circunferencia de cintura alterada (RR 2,68; 1,77;4,05) y glicemia elevada (RR 2,55; 1,27;5,10), pero no con estatura al nacer. CONCLUSIONES: Las prevalencias de PAL y HT entre los adultos jóvenes de la cohorte fueron mayores en hombres que en mujeres. Mayor estatura al nacer fue asociado con PAL, pero no con HT, mientras que el peso al nacer no estuvo asociado con PAL o HT. Factores de riesgo de adulto explicaron la mayoría de los aumentos de PAL o HT.

LATERAL FLOW ASSAY FOR CRYPTOCOCCAL ANTIGEN: AN IMPORTANT ADVANCE TO IMPROVE THE CONTINUUM OF HIV CARE AND REDUCE CRYPTOCOCCAL MENINGITIS-RELATED MORTALITY

SUMMARYAIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis continues to cause a substantial burden of death in low and middle income countries. The diagnostic use for detection of cryptococcal capsular polysaccharide antigen (CrAg) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid by latex agglutination test (CrAg-latex) or enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA) has been available for over decades. Better diagnostics in asymptomatic and symptomatic phases of cryptococcosis are key components to reduce mortality. Recently, the cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay (CrAg LFA) was included in the armamentarium for diagnosis. Unlike the other tests, the CrAg LFA is a dipstick immunochromatographic assay, in a format similar to the home pregnancy test, and requires little or no lab infrastructure. This test meets all of the World Health Organization ASSURED criteria (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User friendly, Rapid/robust, Equipment-free, and Delivered). CrAg LFA in serum, plasma, whole blood, or cerebrospinal fluid is useful for the diagnosis of disease caused by Cryptococcusspecies. The CrAg LFA has better analytical sensitivity for C. gattii than CrAg-latex or EIA. Prevention of cryptococcal disease is new application of CrAg LFA via screening of blood for subclinical infection in asymptomatic HIV-infected persons with CD4 counts < 100 cells/mL who are not receiving effective antiretroviral therapy. CrAg screening of leftover plasma specimens after CD4 testing can identify persons with asymptomatic infection who urgently require pre-emptive fluconazole, who will otherwise progress to symptomatic infection and/or die.

Effects of an exercise program on blood pressure in patients with treated hypertension and chronic Chagas' heart disease

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies describe an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system in Chagas' disease causing increased sympathetic activity, which could influence the genesis of hypertension. However, patients undergoing regular physical exercise could counteract this condition, considering that exercise causes physiological responses through autonomic and hemodynamic changes that positively affect the cardiovascular system. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an exercise program on blood pressure in hypertensive patients with chronic Chagas' heart disease. METHODS: We recruited 17 patients to a 24-week regular exercise program and used ambulatory blood pressure monitoring before and after training. We determined the differences in the systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean blood pressure (MBP) from the beginning to the end of the study. RESULTS: The blood pressures were evaluated in general and during periods of wakefulness and sleep, respectively: SBP (p = 0.34; 0.23; 0.85), DBP (p = 0.46; 0.44; 0.94) and MBP (p = 0.41; 0.30; 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant change in blood pressure after the 24-week exercise program; however, we concluded that physical training is safe for patients with chronic Chagas' disease, with no incidence of increase in blood pressure.

Temperature and atmospheric pressure may be considered as predictors for the occurrence of bacillary dysentery in Guangzhou, Southern China

Introduction The control of bacillary dysentery (BD) remains a big challenge for China. Methods Negative binomial multivariable regression was used to study relationships between meteorological variables and the occurrence of BD during the period of 2006-2012. Results Each 1°C rise of temperature corresponded to an increase of 3.60% (95%CI, 3.03% to 4.18%) in the monthly number of BD cases, whereas a 1 hPa rise in atmospheric pressure corresponded to a decrease in the number of BD cases by 2.85% (95%CI = 3.34% to 2.37% decrease). Conclusions Temperature and atmospheric pressure may be considered as predictors for the occurrence of BD in Guangzhou.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunts for treating increased intracranial pressure in cryptococcal meningitis with or without ventriculomegaly

Introduction Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic mycosis, especially in patients that are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive, and frequently involves the central nervous system. Methods We assessed the potential of ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) in preventing mortality due to uncontrollable intracranial hypertension (ICH) in 15 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related cryptococcal meningitis. Results After 2 weeks of antifungal therapy consisting of amphotericin B deoxycholate with or without fluconazole, patients with persistent ICH underwent VPS, despite having persistent Cryptococcus neoformans infection. In 12 patients, the uncontrollable ICH was resolved by VPS. Conclusions Patients with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis who have ICH must be considered for VPS even with positive cerebrospinal fluid cultures.

Influence of physical exercise and sodium intake on arterial pressure and cardiac hypertrophy in rats

Evidence shows that cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is a risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases. Several stimuli may cause CH-like manifestations and promote volume or pressure overload. Exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy is an expected adaptation to regular exercise training. Salt intake has been shown to be the most important determinant of blood pressure in different populations. The purpose of the present work was to verify the influence of physical exercise and sodium intake on the blood pressure and myocardium. The study was performed on 36 rats divided into six groups: Group I (diet without salt overload), Group II (diet without salt overload and swimming), Group III (diet with 2.5% NaCl solution and swimming), Group IV (diet with 5% NaCl solution and swimming), Group V (diet with 2.5% NaCl solution without exercise), Group VI (diet with 5% NaCl solution without exercise). The arterial pressure was significantly lower in Group I when compared with Group IV. The ratio of cardiac mass/body mass was increased in Groups III and IV. In conclusion, there was evidence that exercise training and NaCl intake promotes arterial hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy.

Pressure sores among malnourished necropsied adults - preliminary data

Pressure sores are common among bedridden, elderly, or malnourished patients, and may occur in terminal ill patients because of impaired mobility, fecal or urinary incontinence, and decreased healing capacity. The aim of this study was to compare frequency of pressure sores between malnourished and non-malnourished necropsied adults. METHOD: All (n = 201) adults (age ³ 18 years) autopsied between 1986 and 1996 at the Teaching Hospital of Triangulo Mineiro Medical School (Uberaba) were eligible for the study. Gender, race, weight, height and main diagnoses were recorded. Ninety-six cases were excluded because of probable body water retention (congestive heart failure, hepatic insufficiency, nephrotic syndrome) or pressure sores secondary to peripheral vascular ischemia. Body mass index (BMI) was used to define malnourished (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) and non-malnourished (BMI > 18.5kg/m²) groups. RESULTS: Except for weight (42.5kg; range: 28-57 vs. 60; 36-134.5kg) and BMI (16.9; range: 12.4-18.5 vs. 22.7; range: 18.5-54.6kg/m²), respectively, there were no statistical differences among 43 malnourished and 62 non-malnourished cases in relation to age (54.9 ± 20.4 vs. 52.9 ± 17.9 years), percentage of white persons (74.4 vs. 64.5%), male gender (76.7 vs. 69.3%) and main diagnoses. Five malnourished (11.6%) and 7 (11.5%) non-malnourished cases had pressure sores (p=0.89). CONCLUSION: Pressure sores were equally common findings in necropsied persons with protein-energy malnutrition, as assessed by body mass index.

Persistence of the embryonic lateral marginal vein: report of two cases

PURPOSE: Congenital venous malformations of the lower limbs represent a particular challenge for the vascular surgeon. Persistence of fetal veins is a rare malformation, and the most common is the persistence of the lateral marginal vein usually observed in patients with Klippel-Trenaunnay Syndrome. The persistence of this embryonic vein as an isolated venous malformation without the other characteristics of the Klippel-Trenaunnay Syndrome has not yet been reported. This paper describes two cases. METHODS: Two patients, a 17-year-old male patient and a 16-year-old female, have had since their birth a large venous trunk in the lateral aspect of the right leg and thigh. The limbs underwent duplex scanning and phlebography. The surgical removal of the lateral marginal vein was performed. RESULTS: Surgical treatment resulted in very good functional and aesthetic results. Follow-up at 26 months showed no evidence of varicose vein recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve good results, surgical intervention may be indicated in cases of orthopedic deformity, hemorrhage, symptomatic, and unaesthetic lesions.