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Syntactic Skills of Children who Stutter
No full textThe purpose of this study was to examine the syntactic and morphological skills of children who stutter and compare them with those of their fluent peers. Subjects were 58 children, chronological ages of 10 years and 58 of their fluent peers matched by age and gender. For testing of syntactic and morphological skills, we used questions from the informal test Expressive scale of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian language, as in Bosnia and Herzegovina there is yet no standardized instrument for testing language skills. The results showed that the subjects were significantly different only in the use of gender of pronouns and their endings, and in the task of using different sentence structures, where the analysis showed that subjects who stutter use more simple sentence structures. On other tasks children who stutter showed slightly weaker syntactic and morphological skills. The results suggest that children who stutter at school age show slight linguistic delay in compare to their peers. We could say that there is a subgroup of children who stutter, whose language skills are within the normal range, but who are slightly behind their peers in certain linguistic domains
Keller Box and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic Numerical Simulation of Two-Phase Transport in Blood Purification Auto-Transfusion Dialysis Hybrid Device with Stokes and Darcy Number Effects
No full textA computational simulation of laminar natural convection fully-developed multi-phase suspension in a porous medium channel is presented. The Darcy model is employed for the porous material which is valid for low velocity, viscous-dominated flows. The Drew-Marble fluid-particle suspension model is employed to simulate both particulate (red blood cell) and fluid (plasma) phases. The transformed two-point nonlinear boundary value problem is shown to be controlled by a number of key dimensionless thermo-physical parameters, namely the Darcy number (Da), momentum inverse Stokes number (Skm), particle loading parameter (pL), inverse thermal Stokes number (SkT), particle-phase wall slip parameter (W) and buoyancy parameter (B). Detailed numerical solutions are presented with an optimized Keller Box implicit finite difference Method (KBM) for the influence of these parameters on the fluid-phase velocity (U) and particle-phase velocity (Up). Validation is also included using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) Lagrangian method and excellent correlation achieved. Increasing Darcy number is observed to significantly accelerate the fluid-phase flow and less dramatically enhance particle-phase velocity ï¬eld. Magnitudes of fluid phase velocity are also elevated with both increasing viscosity ratio and particle-phase wall slip parameter. Increasing buoyancy effect depresses particle phase velocity. An increase in particle loading parameter is also observed to suppress both fluid and particle phase velocities. No tangible change in fluid or particle phase temperatures is computed with increasing Darcy number. The study is relevant to dialysis devices exploiting thermal and porous media filtration features
Dietary Patterns, Anthropometry and Metabolic Cardiovascular Risk
No full textCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Early detection of high-risk individuals is essential in order to adopt more effective preventive and therapeutic measures. One of the most controversial issues today is how to manage eating habits in order to establish the best diet: current data suggest that promotion of healthy eating habits—consumption of fruit and vegetables, limitation of fat intake to unsaturated fats—could help to significantly reduce the number of cardiovascular risk factors and the risk of suffering from metabolic syndrome, and that maintaining these measures over time could help maintain, and even reduce, body weight.Some recent studies, likes DORICA study analyzes the association between the predominant dietary patterns and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. The hypothesis is that the most traditional consumption patterns (for example the Mediterranean diet) are associated with a healthier cardiovascular profile in the Spanish adult population.The results of DORICA revealed that energy intake was 2560 (797) kcal in men and 2230 (665) kcal in women, and that fats accounted for 39.3% of energy intake in women and 37% in men. In other words, 47% of men and 64% of women have fat intakes that are above the recommended levels. In addition, 87% have cholesterol levels above 100 mg/1000 kcal, especially men younger than 45 years (89%).This study analyze 3 types of dietary patterns: I) high-protein pattern, with a high consumption of meat, cereals, potatoes, and alcoholic drinks; II) unbalanced pattern, with a high consumption of milk and its derivatives, and a low consumption of fruit, cereals, vegetables, and potatoes; and III) Mediterranean pattern, with a high consumption of fish, vegetables, fruit, and olive oil.The results show that the Mediterranean pattern consumed more unsaturated fats than the other two, in terms of both the mean and for the quartiles. SF intake, on the other hand, was lower in this pattern, which also had the smallest values for the Keys and Hegsted indices. The highest values for these indices were observed in the high-protein pattern. The same was true for cholesterol intake. The Mediterranean pattern had the highest intake of fiber.The study concluded that, in terms of nutrition and eating habits, the Mediterranean pattern was characterized by a higher intake of fats, although these were mainly unsaturated, with a clear predominance of MUF. Fiber intake was good, with a high consumption of fruit, vegetables, and fish. This pattern also had the lowest number of smokers. On the contrary, the unbalanced pattern had the least favorable cardiovascular profile, with a predominance of SFs.In summary, this phase of the DORICA study suggests that a Mediterranean-type diet—with increased intake of fruit, vegetables, fish, and olive oil, in combination with moderate physical activity—is the most favorable profile in terms of the weighted estimates and of cardiovascular risk factors in our setting
Estimation of Forces and Moments of Lower Limb Joints from Kinematics Data and Inertial Properties of the Body by Using Inverse Dynamics Technique
No full textIn this paper, the forces and its moments acting on hip, knee & ankle joints of the body have been estimated with the help of kinetic models for better biomechanics understanding of human gait. This helps in accurate measurement of segmental masses, acceleration, joint centers and moment of inertia acting at various joints. Free Body Diagram (FBD) and Link Segment Model (LSM) are used for computing forces &Â moments using Inverse Dynamics (ID) technique. Available lower limb walking model is limited in terms of number of joint forces and moments are analyzed; so, the improved biomechanical model for kinetic analysis of human walk involving lower limb joints & muscles is proposed which estimate the forces acting on the hip joint, knee joint & ankle joints. This was also performed to understand the cause of deviation in any movement by estimating the patterns of forces acting on lower limb joints. Result analysis provides input parameter for the development of prosthetic foot design. by informing the force and moment values of lower limb joints. This analysis will also help for quantification of lower limb prosthetics
Design of Upper Limb Assistive Device Using a Pneumatic Cylinder
No full textThis paper describes the design of a device to support a patient’s upper limb motion. For safety, light weight, and flexibility, it uses a pneumatic cylinder for which the optimum arrangement is presented. This independence-supporting device has two modes corresponding to livelihood support and rehabilitation. Based on human motion, a compliance control system and a position control system are designed for those modes. As described herein, we evaluate the independence-support mode effectiveness through experimentation
Prevalence of Oral Manifestations and Associated Factors in the HIV Infection at a Reference Hospital from the Health's Unified System, Brazil
No full textThe severe control by the Brazilian Ministry of Health on the HIV infection suggests that all the opportunistic infections related to this disease are in a low frequency. This study aimed to characterize the oral lesions profile in patients with HIV/AIDS who presented to the public health system in Goiania, Brazil. An oral clinical examination was developed and was based on the EC-Clearinghouse on oral problems related to HIV infection. A questionnaire was completed, medical data were collected and photos were taken. A total of 201 patients were divided into two groups: Group I (92 HIV-positive patients with CD4+ count above 200 cells/mm3 and absence of symptoms of AIDS) and Group II (109 HIV-positive patients with CD4+ count below 200 cells/mm3 and with signs and symptoms of AIDS). The total prevalence for oral manifestations ranged from 19.60% (Group I) to 33.00% (Group II). Periodontitis associated with HIV infection occurred in 5.43% (Group I) and 11.00% (Group II) of patients. Linear gingival erythema occurred in 4.34% (Group I) and 7.34% (Group II) of patients. Erythematous candidiasis affected 4.34% (Group I) and 2.75% (Group II) of patients. Pseudomembranous candidiasis affected 1.83% of Group I patients. A significant association was observed between the occurrence of oral lesions related to HIV infection and age (p<0.05; OR 2.82; 95% CI (1.31-6.05)) and between HIV-related oral lesions and prosthesis wearing (p<0.05; OR 3.6; 95% CI (1.2-11.4)) in Group I patients. In Group II patients, an association was observed between the presence of caries and HIV-related oral lesions (p<0.005; OR 2.4; 95% CI (1.1-5.4)). Dry mouth was the most observed complaint related to antiretroviral therapy (7.80% in Group I and 11.00% in Group II). In conclusion, the Group II presented the highest frequency of lesions, and periodontitis was the most prevalent oral lesion. Age and prosthesis wearing were factors associated with the development of these lesions among Group I patients, while the presence of dental caries was associated with oral lesions in Group II patients
Synthesis of Biologically Active α-Aminophosphonates
No full textAbstract: Highly convergent Synthesis of α-aminophosphonates were most conveniently achieved using organophosphorus chemistry. Synthesis of α-aminophosphonates were accomplished by three-component coupling of carbonyl, amine and hydrophosphoryl compounds. These aminophosphonates exhibited promising antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activity. Some recent developments and applications to the synthesis of biologically active α-aminophosphonates are also included
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Some New Azomethine-Metal Complexes Derived from Vanillin
No full textSynthesis and characterization of Schiff base with solid metal complexes derived from Vanillin and 2-amino-2-ethyl-1, 3-propanediol (VAEPD) has been carried out. Structural elucidation of the Schiff base and its metal complexes [Cu(II) and Co(II)] were analyzed on the basis of various spectra like IR, electronic absorption spectra, NMR, ESR, TG-DTA and magnetic moments. From the spectral study, monomeric structures of the complexes showed a six-cordinated metal center moiety with an octahedral geometry. In addition the metal complexes were screened for antibacterial activities and the metal complexes showed moderate activity against the organisms Escherichia coli (E.C), Bacillus subtilis (B.S) and Enterobacter aerogenes
Treatment of Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophies: Low Temperature-Controlled Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation (Coblation) Versus Monopolar Radiofrequency Probe
No full textObjective: Chronic nasal obstruction caused by inferior turbinate hypertrophies is a common clinical condition. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of Low Temperature-Controlled Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation (Coblation) with Monopolar Radiofrequency Probe for patients with hypertrophic inferior turbinates.Methods: Twenty four patients with chronic nasal obstruction due to hypertrophic inferior turbinates were enrolled. These patients were randomly assigned to receive Coblation of the inferior turbinate (Group 1) (n = 28) or Monopolar Radiofrequency probe (Group 2) (n = 20). Surgical-outcomes were evaluated objectively by (MRI).Results: A significant recovery in inferior turbinates volumes that were evaluated with MRI were detected 12 weeks after treatment (p<0.05) in group 1. No difference was found from three months after surgery (P > 0.5) in group 2. Postoperative complication depending on this application as epistaxis, infection, synechia, dryness, foul odour, pain and bone necrosis did not occurred in this study.Conclusions: Coblation and monopolar Radiofrequency are both effective at relieving nasal obstruction due to the presence of hypertrophic inferior turbinates. Coblation is superior to monopolar radiofrequency with regard to decreasing the inferior turbinates volumes
Otogenic Tetanus: Continuing Clinical Challenge in the Developing Country
No full textBackground: Otogenic tetanus is a vaccine preventable disease which continues to be of public health significance.Objectives: To evaluate patients with otogenic tetanus and identify the factors that predisposes patients to it.Methodology: This is a 16-year retrospective review of all patients managed for otogenic tetanus at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University College Hospital, Ibadan. The essential clinical data collected include demographic data, clinical presentations, tetanus immunization history, duration of hospital admission, management and outcome.Results: There were 66 subjects made up of 45 (68.2%) males and 21 (31.8%) females. Their age ranged between 2 and 65years, mean of 7.7 years but the under 5years constituted the majority, 56.1%. All patients presented with ear discharge, lock jaw and spasms. The onset of symptoms ranged between 3 and 8 days with a mean of 4.3 ± 3.3days. Only 21.2% had history of completed childhood tetanus immunisation. No patient had booster shots. About 98% had history of use of herbs, charcoal, honey, cigarette, methylated spirit or deodorant in the discharging ear. All were managed with antibiotic ear dressing, tetanus toxoid, human tetanus immunoglobulin, antibiotic therapy and sedative but only 3% had airway management. The duration of hospital admission ranged from 18 days to 105 days and there were 12.1% death.Conclusion: Otogenic tetanus is still a major problem in developing countries and this can be prevented if recommended childhood tetanus vaccination and booster shots regimen are properly taken. Health education on ear hygiene and care of the ear may prevent this disease