Experimental tests in human-robot collision evaluation and characterization of a new safety index for robot operation

This paper describes an experimental procedure consisting of impact tests that simulate a collision of a human head with an industrial robot with the aim to validate a safety index named as New Index for Robots (NIR) and its outputs. The experiments in this paper are based on lab tests. It is an attempt to characterize the NIR index underlying the main parameters that are involved in crash interaction and to highlight limitations and weakness of suggested impact tests.

USE OF ANTIBIOTIC SPACERS FOR KNEE ENDOPROSTHESIS INFECTIONS TREATMENT

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of cement spacers impregnated with antibiotics for the treatment of infections in the nonconventional endoprostheses of the knee. Methodology: We have treated seven patients since 2004 (of which six were submitted to surgery in our service and one patient had been submitted to a primary tumor surgery in another removal service) with deep infection in knee tumor prosthesis. All patients were submitted to endoprosthesis removal and reconstructed with antibiotic cement spacer All patients were monitored both clinically and by lab tests as for monitoring the evolution, being considered able for reviews after 6 (six) months without infections signs. Results: We have noted a small predominance of infectious processes on the prosthesis inserted on proximal tibia as compared with distal femur (57.1% x 42.9%). The mean follow-up time of patients was 68.2 months. During the follow up, one patient died as a result of the root disease. Six patients out of seven were regarded as cured and one persisted with infection signs and symptoms. Conclusion: The results obtained up to date have motivated us to continue using this method of treatment.

Casolà o industrial?: estudi organolèptic i microbiològic de la vida útil del pernil cuit

Treball de recerca realitzat per un alumne d'ensenyament secundari i guardonat amb un Premi CIRIT per fomentar l'esperit científic del Jovent l'any 2009. Aquest treball tracta sobre el temps de garantia o de vida útil d’un producte alimentari i està basat en esbrinar quin és el millor mètode o envàs per conservar el pernil cuit llescat durant la seva vida útil, per tal que es mantinguin les propietats organolèptiques i microbiològiques inicials de l’aliment durant el màxim de temps possible. Per comparar envasos he utilitzat els industrials (envàs al buit i envàs en atmosfera) i els envasos que podem trobar quan comprem un producte llescat en el mostrador d’una botiga o supermercat. Per a fer l’estudi doncs s’ha utilitzat el pernil cuit, conegut com a pernil dolç, un dels productes més consumits per la societat actual. El pernil ha estat tractat en tres situacions diferents: llescat en una màquina de carnisseria i envasat en mètodes de conservació domèstics, llescat en màquines industrials i envasat en diferents envasos (al buit i en atmosfera modificada) utilitzats per les grans empreses i llescat en màquines industrials i envasat al buit sotmès a un tractament amb altes pressions. Després d’aquests processos s’ha realitzat un estudi de vida útil, és a dir, s’ha analitzat el producte al laboratori, amb l’objectiu de trobar quin és el millor envàs per a la conservació del pernil cuit.

Improving integrated care in chronic kidney failure patients with a standard-based interoperability framework.

This paper introduces the evaluation report after fostering a Standard-based Interoperability Framework (SIF) between the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (VRUH) Haemodialysis (HD) Unit and 5 outsourced HD centres in order to improve integrated care by automatically sharing patients' Electronic Health Record (EHR) and lab test reports. A pre-post study was conducted during fourteen months. The number of lab test reports of both emergency and routine nature regarding to 379 outpatients was computed before and after the integration of the SIF. Before fostering SIF, 19.38 lab tests per patient were shared between VRUH and HD centres, 5.52 of them were of emergency nature while 13.85 were routine. After integrating SIF, 17.98 lab tests per patient were shared, 3.82 of them were of emergency nature while 14.16 were routine. The inclusion of a SIF in the HD Integrated Care Process has led to an average reduction of 1.39 (p=0.775) lab test requests per patient, including a reduction of 1.70 (p=0.084) in those of emergency nature, whereas an increase of 0.31 (p=0.062) was observed in routine lab tests. Fostering this strategy has led to the reduction in emergency lab test requests, which implies a potential improvement of the integrated care.

Bénéfices de l'utilisation d'un test VIH rapide à la permanence PMU-FLON [Benefits of using rapid HIV testing at the PMU-FLON walk-in clinic in Lausanne].

Lab tests are frequently used in primary care to guide patient care. This is particularly the case when a severe disorder, or one that will affect patients' initial care, needs to be excluded rapidly. At the PMU-FLON walk-in clinic the use of HIV testing as recommended by the Swiss Office of Public Health was hampered by the delay in obtaining test results. This led us to introduce rapid HIV testing which provides results within 30 minutes. Following the first 250 tests the authors discuss the results as well as the benefits of rapid HIV testing in an urban walk-in clinic.

Durable, Cost-Effective Pavement Markings Phase I: Synthesis of Current Research, June 2001

Pavement marking technology is a continually evolving subject. There are numerous types of materials used in the field today, including (but not limited to) paint, epoxy, tape, and thermoplastic. Each material has its own set of unique characteristics related to durability, retro reflectivity, installation cost, and life-cycle cost. The Iowa Highway Research Board was interested in investigating the possibility of developing an ongoing program to evaluate the various products used in pavement marking. This potential program would maintain a database of performance and cost information to assist state and local agencies in determining which materials and placement methods are most appropriate for their use. The Center for Transportation Research and Education at Iowa State University has completed Phase I of this research: to identify the current practice and experiences from around the United States to recommend a further course of action for the State of Iowa. There has been a significant amount of research completed in the last several years. Research from Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Ohio, and Alaska all had some common findings: white markings are more retro reflective than yellow markings; paint is by-and-large the least expensive material; paint tends to degrade faster than other materials; thermoplastic and tapes had higher retro reflective characteristics. Perhaps the most significant program going on in the area of pavement markings is the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP). This is an ongoing research program jointly conducted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and its member states. Field and lab tests on numerous types of pavement marking materials are being conducted at sites representing four climatological areas. These results are published periodically for use by any jurisdiction interested in pavement marking materials performance.At this time, it is recommended that the State of Iowa not embark on a test deck evaluation program. Instead, close attention should be paid to the ongoing evaluations of the NTPEP program. Materials that fare well on the NTPEP test de cks should be considered for further field studies in Iowa.

Durable, Cost-Effective Pavement Markings Phase I: Synthesis of Current Reseaech, June 2001

Pavement marking technology is a continually evolving subject. There are numerous types of materials used in the field today, including (but not limited to) paint, epoxy, tape, and thermoplastic. Each material has its own set of unique characteristics related to durability, retroreflectivity, installation cost, and life-cycle cost. The Iowa Highway Research Board was interested in investigating the possibility of developing an ongoing program to evaluate the various products used in pavement marking. This potential program would maintain a database of performance and cost information to assist state and local agencies in determining which materials and placement methods are most appropriate for their use. The Center for Transportation Research and Education at Iowa State University has completed Phase I of this research: to identify the current practice and experiences from around the United States to recommend a further course of action for the State of Iowa. There has been a significant amount of research completed in the last several years. Research from Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Ohio, and Alaska all had some common findings: white markings are more retroreflective than yellow markings; paint is by-and-large the least expensive material; paint tends to degrade faster than other materials; thermoplastic and tapes had higher retroreflective characteristics. Perhaps the most significant program going on in the area of pavement markings is the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP). This is an ongoing research program jointly conducted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and its member states. Field and lab tests on numerous types of pavement marking materials are being conducted at sites representing four climatological areas. These results are published periodically for use by any jurisdiction interested in pavement marking materials performance. At this time, it is recommended that the State of Iowa not embark on a test deck evaluation program. Instead, close attention should be paid to the ongoing evaluations of the NTPEP program. Materials that fare well on the NTPEP test de cks should be considered for further field studies in Iowa.

Adverse side effects of statins in the oral cavity

Increased plasma levels of cholesterol are high risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Statins are drugs that inhibit cholesterol synthesis at both pancreatic and extrahepathic levels, being the treatment of choice for hypercholesterolemia. Objective: To analyze the side effects of statins in the mouth cavity, and to analyze the symptoms after interruption of the treatment. Design: Observational study, preliminary. Material and methods: Patients aged 50-70, diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia and undergoing treatment with statins, referred from their primary care physician to the dentist"s office. Anamnesis over oral symptoms was performed in the first visit. Statin treatment was discontinued, followed by lab tests and control visits seven and fifteen days later. We monitored the improvement and/or remission of oral symptoms. Statin treatment was resumed, sending out a report of the patient evolution to the PCP. Symptoms were registered in sheet specially designed for the study. Exclusion criteria: patient refusal, use of drugs for dry mouth treatment, Sjögren"s syndrome. Results: n=26 patients. Dry mouth patients: improvement in 17 out of 23 patients (88.5%). Itchiness: 6 out of 15 cases improved (57.7%). Bitterness: improvement in 13 out of 14 patients (53.8%). Cough: improvement in 11 out of 12 patients (46.1%). Discussion: A high percentage of oral symptoms are associated to treatment with statins. There is a marked improvement after temporary interruption of the treatment. Little is known regarding the side effects of oral treatment with statins. This preliminary study includes a relatively small number of patients. The design of experimental treatments will be required to establish a true correlation between statin treatment and oral symptoms

Transfusion practice in early trauma management

Introduction: Blood transfusions carry risks and complications. At the University Hospital of Lausanne the need for transfusion in early trauma resuscitation is based on clinical judgment and standard laboratory tests. We aimed to assess the transfusion practice for trauma patients during their early management. Method: Based on 2008 data from the Lausanne Trauma Registry of Acute Care (TRAC), we analyzed all adult trauma patients admitted to the shock room who received blood products or pro-coagulants in shock room and/or during their emergency operation. Demographics, physiological parameters and lab tests were recorded at arrival and at the end of anesthesiologic management. Coagulopathy was defined as PT <70%, PTT >60 sec, Fibrinogen <1 g/l or Thrombocytes <100 x 109 g/l. Results: In 2008, 323 trauma-patients were included in TRAC. 55 patients (17%) received blood products or pro-coagulants. 44 (83%) had an ISS >15 (med 29, IQR 10-35.5). 43 (78.2%) needed an emergency intervention. Coagulopathy was present in 25 patients (45.5%) at arrival vs. 30 (54.5%) after resuscitation (p = 0.446).

Determinação dos intervalos de referência para lipídios, lipoproteínas e apolipoproteínas no estado do Rio Grande do Norte

The lipid profile is a group of lab tests that include triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, serum non-HDL-C, Apo A-I and Apo B levels, as well as the lipids ratios (TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and Apo B/Apo A-I), have been described as better predictors of cardiovascular diseases. Reference intervals are tools often used to help the evaluation of the people s health state. These days, Brazilian studies still use the reference intervals of lipids and lipoproteins from other countries, ignoring differences between the populations. Therefore, this study aimed to establish reference intervals for lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in adults of Rio Grande do Norte/Brazil. Healthy individuals (96 men and 283 women) between 18 and 59years old formed the reference sample group. The samples were collected after fasting 12 to 14 hours. Information on lifestyle and dietary habits of the participants were obtained through questionnaire. The serum glucose level and renal and liver activity were evaluated by laboratory testing. The results of lipid profile were analyzed according to sex, age and mesoregion of Rio Grande do Norte, with significance level of 5% (p < 0,05). The lower and upper reference limits were identified by the 2.5 percentile and 97.5 percentile, respectively, and assurance intervals of 90% was calculated for each of these limits. Among the determinants of lipid profile analyzed, only a few significant differences were observed according to sex, but in terms of age, the groups of smaller and older ages were most likely different. When evaluated by region, the means of West region shown the most significant variations. Not many studies were useful to compare the reference intervals determined in this study. Thus, it becomes necessary to carry out similar studies in other regions of Brazil and of the world given the clinical importance of reference intervals

AGRICULTURAL SPRAY DEPOSIT QUANTIFICATION METHODS

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Determinação da resistência de Staphylococcus aureus: Um desafio?

The aim of this study was to identify the resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus strains, in relation to induced clindamycin resistance, and to detect oxacillin resistance by the routine phenotypic methods. The strains were isolated from nasal or lingual swabs taken from healthy adult carriers with no medical history of hospitalization or antibiotic treatment. Eighteen strains were distinguished by the different patterns generated by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Four (22.2%) of these showed sensitivity to clindamycin by the conventional antibacterial susceptibility test, but demonstrated inducible resistance to it by the D-test. One strain (5.6%) was characterized as borderline oxacillin-resistant S. aureus (BORSA), and another (5.6%) as CA MRSA (community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Both of these strains were shown to be cefoxitin susceptible by the disk diffusion test. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) failed to detect the mecA gene in this last strain and it was thus classified as BORSA. These results show the importance of incorporating the D-test into the routine lab tests for S. aureus inducible clindamycin resistance and also of including the cefoxitin resistance test among the phenotypic methods for MRSA characterization.

Estudo clínico, laboratorial e terapêutico da diarréia experimental em bezerros induzida por Salmonella enterica subespécie Enterica sorotipo typhimurium

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Estudo da permeabilidade dos solos de fundação do aterro de resíduos sólidos urbanos de Bauru

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeito do meio diluidor e da dose inseminante sobre a congebilidade e fertilidade do sêmen bovino utilizado em programas de inseminação artificial em tempo-fixo(LATF)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)