A simple test device for electrometers

Electrometers used in dosimetric instruments need to be checked regularly in order to measure and maintain the prescribed dose to the patient. This paper describes the function of a simple but accurate test device for electrometers. A number of electrometers have been tested and compared with calibrations performed by the Swedish Standard Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL). The device can be used to test current, resistance, voltage and charge measurements. The charge can be conducted to the electrometer in different ways, and the input resistance of the electrometer can also be determined. The calibration factors obtained by the device are in good agreement with results obtained from calibrations at the SSDL.     

A simple device of chest wall reconstruction

We devised a simple method of chest wall reconstruction in two cases of malignant tumor of the chest. We strained a suture (adsorbable or monofilament) to the intact ribs above and below the defect and fixed the sheets of Marlex mesh in double layers and closed the skin without any myocutaneous flap. The postoperative course was uneventful. This device is simple and effective method to maintain the stability of the chest wall defect.     

A simple device for stationary cultivation of microorganisms

A new device is designed that is suitable for both laboratory- and industrial-scale cultivation of microorganisms, particularly filamentous fungi, on the surface of liquid media. The device reliably ensures the sterility of cultivation, regardless of its duration. Its installation costs are relatively low and maximum production is reached per unit of installation space. In comparison with submerged cultures in fermentors, the proposed mode does not use a high consumption of energy for stirring and aeration (consequently, the duration of cultivation is not an economically relevant factor) and does not require maintenance of complicated equipment. Due to the building and construction of the technological equipment, the production plant is capable of very fast expansion and, when the need arises of very fast and economical liquidation.     

Self-expanding metallic endoprosthesis in the treatment of recurrent ureteral stenosis

OBJECTIVE: To describe two cases of recurrent fibrotic stricture of the uretero-vesical junction treated with a metallic self-expanding endoprosthesis which has successfully achieved patency of the stenotic area in the medium-term. METHODS: Two cases of difficult ureteral stricture are described. Both cases presented obstruction of the terminal ureter by abundant fibrotic tissue in the bladder wall following radical prostatectomy in one case and TUR in the other for non-infiltrating bladder carcinoma. Several attempts to recover patency by endoscopic resection and placement of a double-J stent in these patients had previously failed. The patients were therefore submitted to resection of the fibrotic area and insertion of a self-expanding endoprosthesis (Wallstent), which was eventually enclosed by fibrous tissue at its vesical portion. Both cases underwent resection again and another endoprosthesis (Memotherm) was inserted to extend the previous prosthesis 1 cm within the bladder lumen. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: When the endoprosthesis is placed in the uretero-vesical junction with its tip flush with the bladder wall, it is eventually enclosed by fibrous tissue, which invariably leads to recurrent obstruction. We have found that extending the prosthesis 1 cm within the bladder lumen can overcome the foregoing complication, although the long-term results have as yet to be established.     

Corticosteroid therapy in the prevention of recurrent post-surgical nasal polyposis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in a group of 30 patients, the results of a medical treatment combining an oral corticosteroid (Deflazacort) with a drug applied topically (Beclomethasone dipropionate) following a well-defined protocol, in the prevention of recurrent post-surgical nasal polyposis. In the follow-up at 6, 12 and 24 months, the possible recurrence of polyposis was evaluated as well as the nasal blockage and the olfactory function. After six months the disease recurrence was observed in 33% of the cases, always in its early stages, whereas after one year the percentage rose to 50% (15 patients, of whom only 3 displayed a severe form with considerable reduction of nasal ventilation). At 24 months recurrence was observed in 57% of the patients. However most cases did not show any sign of further progression. Throughout the entire follow-up period under observation only 6 patients (20%) had a severe recurrence which therefore required a revision surgery. The comparison with a control group not undergoing medical therapy after surgery highlighted the significance of the results obtained. Consequently the therapeutic protocol adopted proved to be reliable due to the very high tolerability in all cases and to the high percentage of good or very good short and medium term results observed. No clinical side effects of any importance were observed during the study.     

Acceleration of peritoneal dialysis with simple device

Although individual studies of the histological changes after chemical peel and dermabrasion have been reported, there has not been a comparative study of these modalities in the same animal mode. Using the mini pig, whose skin most closely resembles human skin, a study was performed of histological changes 24 hours to 16 weeks after dermabrasion and chemical peel. A considerable increase in thickness of the new collagen layer was noted after chemical peel in contrast to that seen in skin after dermabrasion. The skin surface after chemical peel appeared smoother after 16 weeks, suggesting that chemical peel may be a more effective modality for treatment of the fine wrinkles of aging skin.     

简易树脂锚杆安装器的应用

根据巷道顶板支护实践,传统树脂锚杆支护安装流程较为复杂,作业劳动强度大、安装过程较为危险。以归来庄金矿为工程背景,对树脂锚杆安装器进行优化改进,详细介绍了简易树脂锚杆安装器的安装流程、改进措施及使用效果。工程实践表明:自制锚杆旋转安装器大大降低了锚杆施工过程中工人劳动强度和作业时间,提高了支护效率与质量,降低了生产成本,简化了操作工艺,为企业降本增效发挥了作用。     

The role of gentle ventilation in prevention of subglottic stenosis in the newborn

Although stuttering has long been acknowledged as a familial disorder, the nature of a genetic component remains unclear. Most previous data used in genetic studies were obtained primarily from adults who stutter and may be biased in several respects. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the frequency of stuttering in relatives of preschool-age children who stutter, and who were first seen close to the onset of the disorder. Detailed pedigrees (family trees), including first-, second-, and third-degree relatives, were obtained from parents of 69 children who stuttered. We found, as have previous studies, that more male than female relatives ever stuttered, but that female subjects who stuttered had more female relatives who ever stuttered than did male subjects. In order to identify the genetic model most consistent with the observed patterns of stuttering transmission, we conducted segregation analyses. Results from these analyses suggest that transmission of a single major genetic locus increasing the liability to stuttering best accounts for the transmission of stuttering in families of preschool-age children who stutter.     

A simple device for obtaining certain verbal activity measures during interviews.

This paper describes a new instrument devised by G. F. Mahl to determine the duration of time spent talking by the participants in psychotherapy, and the amount of time the patient is silent during successive 2-minute intervals of individual interviews as well as during larger and variable time intervals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A simple device to obtain a pulsatile flow. Application to the vascular perfusion of dogs isolated intestinal segments

A simple device allowing a pulsatile flow to be obtained in isolated organ perfusion has been developed and applied to the vascular perfusion of isolated canine jejunal segments. The principle of the device consists of superimposing on a constant pressure produced by a roller pump, a pulsatile pressure of which the amplitude, frequency, and shape of the pulses can be adjusted separately and independently of the mean pressure value. The role of the arterial pulse in intestinal vascular perfusion has been studied by comparing the hemodynamic and metabolic behavior during alternate periods of pulsatile and nonpulsatile pumping. While no striking change in vascular resistance was observed, the O2 consumption was significantly increased under pulsatile flow. These results testify to better metabolic conditions and enhanced organ functions under pulsatile pumping and also argue for improved intestinal microcirculation despite the constancy of the vascular resistance.     

Instrumental treatment of recurrent lithiasis of biliary tract with stenosis of hepatico-jejunal anastomosis

The optimal treatment for recurrent stones of the biliary tract in patients previously treated by hepatic-jejunal anastomosis with Roux en Y loop is debated and the criteria are not fully defined. Age, cardiopulmonary diseases, diabetes, multiple previous surgery of the biliary tract, size, number, and type of stones are some of the factors to evaluate before choosing the most convenient approach. We present two high surgical risk patients with recurrent biliary tract stones previously treated with hepatic-jejunal anastomosis and Roux en Y loop, and treated successfully. Percutaneous lithotripsy was used and in one extracorporeal lithotripsy was associated. These techniques offered a good treatment for these patients, but we must consider the high cost of these procedures. The criteria to choose the best option should consider the risk factors and the cost effectiveness of the various possibilities.