Ideal Interval Research Articles

Rough Neutrosophic Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Based on Grey Relational Analysis

Abstract. The purpose of this paper is to introduce multiattribute decision making based on the concept of interval neutrosophic sets. While the concept of neutrosophic sets is a powerful tool to deal with indeterminate and inconsistent data, the interval neutrosophic set is also a powerful mathematical tool as well as more flexible to deal with incompleteness. The rating of all alternatives is expressed in terms of interval neutrosophic values characterized by interval truth-membership degree, interval indeterminacy-membership degree, and interval falsity-membership degree. Weight of each attribute is partially known to the decision maker. The authors have extended the single valued neutrosophic grey relational analysis method to interval neutrosophic environment and applied it to multiattribute decision making problem. Information entropy method is used to obtain the unknown attribute weights. Accumulated arithmetic operator is defined to transform interval neutrosophic set into single value neutrosophic set. Neutrosophic grey relational coefficient is determined by using Hamming distance between each alternative to ideal interval neutrosophic estimates reliability solution and the ideal interval neutrosophic estimates unreliability solution. Then interval neutrosophic relational degree is defined to determine the ranking order of all alternatives. Finally, an example is provided to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.

Reprise en deux temps d’infection péri prothétique fongique dans les suites d’une arthroplastie de genou de première intention

BackgroundFungal peri-prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are rare complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There exist no established guidelines in the treatment of these infections and controversies are focused on the usefulness of antifungal-loaded cement spacers, the duration of systemic antifungal treatment and the ideal interval between implant removal and reimplantation. Therefore, we ask if: (1) adding antifungal in cement space is a viable solution to manage fungal PJI, (2) there is no adverse effect adding antifungal medication in cement? HypothesisWe hypothesized that fungal PJI following TKA could be managed successfully by two-stage reimplantation strategy using antifungal-loaded cement spacer. Patients and methodsFive cases of fungal PJI following total knee arthroplasty were treated in our institution between 2007 and 2013 using a two-stage reimplantation strategy. The median elapsed time from primary arthroplasty to the diagnosis of infection was 7.4months (range, 5–10months). The infection was caused by Candida species in four cases and Pichia anomala in one case. Antibiotic- and antifungal-loaded articulating cement spacer was implanted during the interval between stages. Systemic antifungal agents were administered for at least 6weeks after removal of prosthesis in all cases. The mean interval between removal and reimplantation was 6months (range, 3–9months). ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 41.6months (range, 24–65months) after reimplantation, no patient had recurrent infection or revision due to any other reasons. The mean global IKS score improved from 58.4 (range, 37–96 points) preoperatively to 152.4 (range, 136–169 points) at final follow-up. The average range of motion of the knee for flexion improved from 63° (range, 10–110°) preoperatively to 98° (range, 80–120°) at final follow-up. ConclusionsFungal PJI following TKA can be successfully treated by a staged reimplantation strategy. Antibiotic- and antifungal-loaded cement spacer implanted during interval period between stages may be an effective adjunct to therapy. Effective antifungal therapy is crucial to a successful result without adverse effect. Level of evidenceIV: retrospective or historical series.

Immunogenicity and feasibility of intradermal vaccination against rabies in Quebec.

Preexposure vaccination against rabies is recommended for some travellers and individuals exposed to the virus through their work. At a cost of at least $150 per intramuscular (IM) dose, few follow this recommendation. In Canada, provided certain conditions are met, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Comité d'immunisation du Québec allow a more economical alternative, intradermal vaccine administration (ID) which uses 1/10 the IM dose. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility and immunogenicity of intradermal preexposure vaccination. Students and employees at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine received three doses of ImovaxRage™ (Sanofi Pasteur) inactivated, human diploid cell rabies vaccine at days 0, 7 and 21 or 28. An IM or ID booster dose was administered after two years when indicated. Among the 159 participants who received three doses, 139 underwent serological testing in the year following vaccination and all achieved protective antibody levels. The antibody level was higher when measured within five weeks of the third dose. When the serological control was performed two years later, 65% of participants had a <0.5 IU/ml titre. Of the 22/30 participants who chose an ID booster, 100% responded and the average antibody titres were multiplied by 11, indicating a strong anamnestic response. ID rabies vaccination is immunogenic, economic and could be considered for the booster dose. Protective antibodies decline rapidly after primary immunization by ID, so it would seem prudent to perform a serological control one year later on individuals at high risk of occult occupational exposure. An alternative would be to give these individuals a routine ID booster dose one year after primary vaccination, which would simplify initial treatment and reduce related costs (follow-up, blood sampling, serological tests, etc.). The persistence of protective antibodies after this booster dose should be assessed to determine the need for subsequent serological tests and the ideal interval between tests.

Staged reimplantation for the treatment of fungal peri-prosthetic joint infection following primary total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundFungal peri-prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are rare complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There exists no established guidelines in the treatment of these infections and controversies are focused on the usefulness of antifungal-loaded cement spacers, the duration of systemic antifungal treatment and the ideal interval between implant removal and reimplantation. Therefore we ask if: (1) adding antifungal in cement space is a viable solution to manage fungal PJI; (2) there is no adverse effect adding antifungal medication in cement? HypothesisWe hypothesized that fungal PJI following TKA could be managed successfully by 2-stage reimplantation strategy using antifungal-loaded cement spacer. Patients and methodsFive cases of fungal PJI following total knee arthroplasty were treated in our institution between 2007 and 2013 using a 2-stage reimplantation strategy. The median elapsed time from primary arthroplasty to the diagnosis of infection was 7.4 months (range, 5–10 months). The infection was caused by Candida species in 4 cases and Pichia anomala in 1 case. Antibiotic- and antifungal-loaded articulating cement spacer was implanted during the interval between stages. Systemic antifungal agents were administered for at least 6 weeks after removal of prosthesis in all cases. The mean interval between removal and reimplantation was 6 months (range, 3–9 months). ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 41.6 months (range, 24–65 months) after reimplantation, no patient had recurrent infection or revision due to any other reasons. The mean global IKS score improved from 58.4 (range, 37–96 points) preoperatively to 152.4 (range, 136–169 points) at final follow-up. The average range of motion of the knee for flexion improved from 63° (range, 10–110°) preoperatively to 98° (range, 80–120°) at final follow-up. ConclusionsFungal PJI following TKA can be successfully treated by a staged reimplantation strategy. Antibiotic- and antifungal-loaded cement spacer implanted during interval period between stages may be an effective adjunct to therapy. Effective antifungal therapy is crucial to a successful result without adverse effect. Level of evidenceIV: retrospective or historical series.

Muscular and functional changes following adenotonsillectomy in children

BackgroundIt is recognized that adenotonsillar hypertrophy leads to muscular and functional changes in face, and that adenotonsillectomy is associated to improvement in this condition. However, the ideal interval one should wait until this spontaneous recovery is not well defined, neither if this recovery is expected to be complete or partial. ObjectiveTo compare the muscular and functional changes in face of children prior and after adenotonsillectomy in a monthly evaluation. Methods8 children aged from 4 to 6 years were prospectively studied. All patients underwent adenotonsillectomy, and were assessed before and monthly-after surgery up to 6 months, through the Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES). ResultsThere was a progressive improvement in OMES score in all measured parameters, including the “mobility” and “posture” sub-tests; this improvement was significant at the first month after surgery. The sub-test “function” was not affected by surgery. Improvement continued from the first to the sixth month after surgery, although it was not significant between these two periods. Additionally, all parameters remained altered after the final evaluation at six months. There was a significant correlation between the improvement in “mobility” sub-test and in total score of OMES. ConclusionWe observed a partial recovery in facial muscular and functional changes following adenotonsillectomy, particularly during the first month after surgery. This improvement was especially observed in the “mobility” and “posture” sub-tests. We conclude that waiting for a spontaneous muscular and functional facial recovery during the first month post-operatively seems reasonable. Nevertheless, after this period, if the patient fails to achieve recovery, it may be advised that this child should undergo myofunctional therapy.

Reference ranges of amniotic fluid index in late third trimester of pregnancy: what should the optimal interval between two ultrasound examinations be?

Background. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) is one of the major and deciding components of fetal biophysical profile and by itself it can predict pregnancy outcome. Very low values are associated with intrauterine growth restriction and renal anomalies of fetus, whereas high values may indicate fetal GI anomalies, maternal diabetes mellitus, and so forth. However, before deciding the cut-off standards for abnormal values for a local population, what constitutes a normal range for specific gestational age and the ideal interval of testing should be defined. Objectives. To establish reference standards for AFI for local population after 34 weeks of pregnancy and to decide an optimal scan interval for AFI estimation in third trimester in low risk antenatal women. Materials and Methods. A prospective estimation of AFI was done in 50 healthy pregnant women from 34 to 40 weeks at weekly intervals. The trend of amniotic fluid volume was studied with advancing gestational age. Only low risk singleton pregnancies with accurately established gestational age who were available for all weekly scan from 34 to 40 weeks were included in the study. Women with gestational or overt diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of the pregnancy, prelabour rupture of membranes, and congenital anomalies in the foetus and those who delivered before 40 completed weeks were excluded from the study. For the purpose of AFI measurement, the uterine cavity was arbitrarily divided into four quadrants by a vertical and horizontal line running through umbilicus. Linear array transabdominal probe was used to measure the largest vertical pocket (in cm) in perpendicular plane to the abdominal skin in each quadrant. Amniotic fluid index was obtained by adding these four measurements. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (Version 16, Chicago, IL). Percentile curves (5th, 50th, and 95th centiles) were constructed for comparison with other studies. Cohen's d coefficient was used to examine the magnitude of change at different time intervals. Results. Starting from 34 weeks till 40 weeks, 50 ultrasound measurements were available at each gestational age. The mean (standard deviation) of AFI values (in cms) were 34 W: 14.59 (1.79), 35 W: 14.25 (1.57), 36 W: 13.17 (1.56), 37 W: 12.48 (1.52), 38 W: 12.2 (1.7), and 39 W: 11.37 (1.71). The 5th percentile cut-off was 8.7 cm at 40 weeks. There was a gradual decline of AFI values as the gestational age approached term. Significant drop in AFI was noted at two-week intervals. AFI curve generated from the study varied significantly when compared with already published data, both from India and abroad. Conclusion. Normative range for AFI values for late third trimester was established. Appreciable changes occurred in AFI values as gestation advanced by two weeks. Hence, it is recommended to follow up low risk antenatal women every two weeks after 34 weeks of pregnancy. The percentile curves of AFI obtained from the present study may be used to detect abnormalities of amniotic fluid for our population.

Hepatocellular carcinoma screening and diagnosis.

All the major liver disease societies have recommended screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The target population for HCC screening has been defined by cost-efficacy analyses and by risk scores. Risk scores have been developed for patients with hepatitis B, regardless of the presence of cirrhosis, and for other patients with cirrhosis. Screening is with ultrasound; however, in Asia biomarkers are also used. The additional value of biomarkers has not been demonstrated. The ideal screening interval is 6 months; in Japan shorter intervals are used. Screening detects small lesions that require confirmation of HCC. There are radiological criteria that help determine whether a biopsy is necessary. Special stains can determine whether a lesion that closely resembles normal or dysplastic tissue is HCC. All these tools should be used in the management of patients undergoing HCC screening.

Perspectives of professionals participating in the Brazilian Network for the Surveillance of Severe Maternal Morbidity regarding the implementation of routine surveillance: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe Brazilian Network for the Surveillance of Severe Maternal Morbidity was developed in Brazil with the participation of 27 centers in different regions of the country. The objective of the network project was to evaluate the frequency of severe maternal morbidity (near-miss and potentially life-threatening conditions) and the factors involved with these clinical conditions. Over the data collection period, this project implemented a surveillance system to identify these cases in the participating institutions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the perspective of the professionals who participated in this network regarding the surveillance of cases of severe maternal morbidity, the facilities and difficulties encountered in involving colleagues in the process, and participants’ proposals to give continuity to this practice of qualifying maternal healthcare.MethodsA descriptive study with a qualitative approach was conducted in which coordinators, investigators and managers at all the 27 obstetric units participating in the network were interviewed. Data were collected at 6 and 12 months after implementation of the network during semi-structured telephone interviews that were recorded following verbal informed consent. Thematic content analysis was performed of the responses to the open questions in the interviews.ResultsIn the opinion of 60% of the participants, involving their colleagues in the surveillance process proved difficult, principally because these professionals were not very interested in the research project, but also because they found it difficult to review concepts and professional practices, because they had an excessive workload or due to operational and technical difficulties. The great majority considered that support from government agencies providing financial resources would be crucial to enable surveillance to be maintained or expanded and also to train a larger number of professionals and improve work conditions. The majority of participants found it difficult to define the ideal time interval at which surveillance should be conducted.ConclusionThe investigators, coordinators and managers involved in the Brazilian network project mentioned several problems that had to be confronted during this process; however, in their opinion the project should be maintained and even expanded in view of its potential to contribute towards improving obstetric care.

An Improved Algebraic Method for Transit Signal Priority Scheme and Its Impact on Traffic Emission

Transit signal priority has a positive effect on improving traffic congestion and reducing transit delay and also has an influence on traffic emission. In this paper, an optimal transit signal priority scheme based on an improved algebraic method was developed and its impact on vehicle emission was evaluated as well. The improved algebraic method was proposed on the basis of classical algebraic method and has improvements in three aspects. First, the calculation rules of split loss are more reasonable. Second, the delay caused by transit stations and queued vehicles can be considered. Third, measures for finding optimal ideal intersection interval are improved. By establishing a microscopic traffic emission simulation platform based on microscopic traffic simulation model VISSIM and the comprehensive modal emission model (CMEM), the traffic emissions can be evaluated. Then, an optimal transit signal priority scheme based on the traffic data collected in Changzhou city was developed and its impact on emission was simulated in the VISSIM-CMEM platform. Comparative analysis results showed that proposed scheme can outperform original scheme in the aspects of reducing emission and passenger delay and an average reduction of 25.0% on transit emission and relative decrease in overall traffic emission can be achieved.

星载太阳辐射监测仪的高精度太阳跟踪

As wide-field scanning solar irradiance monitors (SIMs) on the FY-3(01) satellite and FY-3(02) satellite have short measuring time and low accuracy, the high precision sun-tracking measurement of the SIM on the FY-3(03) satellite was explored. Firstly, the sun-tracking accuracy and the rotation angle of the SIM were analyzed, the field of view, frequency and the resolution of the Digital Sun Sensor (DSS) were tested and determined, and the on-orbit image irradiance of the DSS was calibrated. In order to eliminate the jitter tracking, the relationship between the control interval and the tracking accuracy was analyzed, and the ideal control interval was determined to be 500 ms. The experiment on ground and on-orbit show that the sun-tracking accuracy of SIM is better than 0.1, the pitch on-orbit tracking accuracy, yaw on-orbit tracking accuracy are 0.029 and 0.025, respectively, and the original TSI value measured successfully by the SIM is 1353.1 W/m2. Moreover, the DSS shows an accurate sun pointing and reliable sun-tracking control, by which the measurement time of TSI is increased significantly. The experiment shows that the SIM on the FY-3(03) satellite implements the sun-tracking measurement on the sun synchronous satellite, and the tracking accuracy is about 10 times that of the similar payload CPD on International Space Station (ISS).

TOPSIS-Based Consensus Model for Group Decision-Making With Incomplete Interval Fuzzy Preference Relations

Due to the vagueness of real-world environments and the subjective nature of human judgments, it is natural for experts to estimate their judgements by using incomplete interval fuzzy preference relations. In this paper, based on the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution method, we present a consensus model for group decision-making (GDM) with incomplete interval fuzzy preference relations. To do this, we first define a new consistency measure for incomplete interval fuzzy preference relations. Second, a goal programming model is proposed to estimate the missing interval preference values and it is guided by the consistency property. Third, an ideal interval fuzzy preference relation is constructed by using the induced ordered weighted averaging operator, where the associated weights of characterizing the operator are based on the defined consistency measure. Fourth, a similarity degree between complete interval fuzzy preference relations and the ideal one is defined. The similarity degree is related to the associated weights, and used to aggregate the experts' preference relations in such a way that more importance is given to ones with the higher similarity degree. Finally, a new algorithm is given to solve the GDM problem with incomplete interval fuzzy preference relations, which is further applied to partnership selection in formation of virtual enterprises.

Effect of topical 5-ALA mediated photodynamic therapy on proliferation index of keratinocytes in 4-NQO-induced potentially malignant oral lesions

Fractionation can improve photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy for potentially malignant oral lesion treatment. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the apoptosis/proliferation index of oral keratinocytes after two sessions of topical 5-ALA-mediated PDT in 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide-induced potentially malignant oral lesion, and to suggest the ideal interval between PDT sessions. Immuno-histochemical tests for proliferating cell nuclear antigen and caspase-3, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were performed at 6h, 24h, 48h, and 72h time intervals after PDT. The number of positive cells showing caspase-3 expression was significantly higher, mainly at 6h after PDT. In the first cycle of PDT, the highest frequency of positive cells for TUNEL was found at 24h. At 72h after PDT, proliferating cell nuclear antigen positive cells increased significantly, indicating that there was an epithelial response in direction towards DNA repair and cell proliferation at this time. Because cell proliferation increases and cell death index decreases at 72h after PDT, it is recommended that the interval between the PDT sessions must not be longer than 2days up to total lesion remission.

Some ideal convergence of double Λ-interval Number sequences defined by Orlicz function

An ideal I is a family of subsets of positive integers N which is closed under taking finite unions and subsets of its elements. In this paper we introduce some ideal convergent double interval valued numbers sequence spaces defined by Orlicz function and study different properties of these spaces. We also establish some inclusion relations among them.

The Ideal Time Interval for Critical Care Severity-of-Illness Assessment

Determine if the shortest sampling interval for laboratory variables used to estimate baseline severity of illness in pediatric critical care is equivalently sensitive across multiple sites without site-specific bias, while accounting for the vast majority of dysfunction compared with the standard 0- to 12-hour Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score. Prospective random patient selection. General/medical and cardiac/cardiovascular PICUs in eight hospitals. Patients younger than 18 years admitted to the PICU. None. A total of 376 patients were included. Measurements for Pediatric Risk of Mortality III laboratory variables (pH, PCO2, total CO2, PaO2, glucose, potassium, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total WBC count, platelet count, and prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time) were recorded from 2 hours prior to PICU admission through 12 hours of PICU care except for data in the operating room. Decreasing the observation period from 0 to 12 hours post-PICU admission resulted in progressive decreases in the Pediatric Risk of Mortality III laboratory variables measured. However, allowing the observation period to start 2 hours prior to PICU admission to 4 hours reduced this loss to only 3.4%. Similar trends existed for each of the individual laboratory Pediatric Risk of Mortality III variables. There was a nearly identical distribution of laboratory Pediatric Risk of Mortality III points within the -2- to 4-hour period compared with the standard period. We did not detect any institutional bias using the -2- to 4-hour time period compared with the baseline. Prognostically important laboratory physiologic data collected within the interval from 2 hours prior to PICU to admission through 4 hours after admission account for the vast majority of dysfunction that these variables would contribute to Pediatric Risk of Mortality III scores. There was no institutional bias associated with this sampling period.

Species-specific growth response of coccolithophores to Palaeocene–Eocene environmental change

Coccolithophores—single-celled calcifying phytoplankton—represent an essential footing to marine ecosystems, yet their sensitivity to environmental change, and in particular increases in atmospheric CO2, is poorly understood1. During the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), about 56 million years ago, atmospheric CO2 concentrations rose rapidly and the oceans acidified2, 3, making this an ideal time interval to examine coccolithophore responses to environmental change. Here we compare the results of experiments on modern coccolithophore species with exceptional fossil coccosphere records of the PETM, providing a cellular-level perspective. In modern taxa, we find that during the exponential growth phase of rapid cell division, small cells with few coccoliths are produced, whereas larger cells with more coccoliths are produced during slowed cell division. Applying these diagnostic features to the PETM fossil record, we find that the dominant species exhibited different growth responses to the environmental forcing. Toweius pertusus shows geometry indicative of rapid cell division. In contrast, we suggest that cells of Coccolithus pelagicus grew more slowly during the period of environmental change. In the modern ocean, Emiliania huxleyi, which is closely related to the extinct T. pertusus, is prolific and widespread, whereas C. pelagicus is more limited in range and abundance. We argue that these different responses to environmental change were critical to the post-PETM evolutionary success of the descendants of these taxa.

The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Obesity-Related Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes

Obesity-related infertility is one of the most common problems of reproductive-age obese women who desire childbearing. The various types of bariatric surgeries have proved effective in controlling excessive weight gain, improving fertility, and preventing certain maternal and fetal complications in these women. This article summarizes the current evidence regarding the impact of bariatric surgery on obesity-related infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. We have also attempted to draw conclusions about maternal and fetal risks and the benefits of bariatric surgery. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and Roux-en-Y procedures are the two most commonly performed bariatric surgeries. Bariatric surgery was believed to improve menstrual irregularity and increase ovulation rate in anovulatory obese women, which lead to increased pregnancy rates. Although there are data in the literature suggesting the improvement of both the ovulatory function and the spontaneous pregnancy rates in obese women who lost weight after bariatric surgery, most of these are case-control studies with a small number of patients. The data are insufficient to determine an ideal time interval for pregnancy after bariatric surgery; however, the general consensus is that pregnancy should be delayed 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Few data exist regarding IVF success rates in women who have undergone bariatric surgery. One pairwise study discussed five patients who underwent bariatric surgery followed by IVF that resulted in three term pregnancies in three patients after the first IVF cycle. Many studies reported reductions in obesity-related pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders after bariatric surgery. Although data are inconsistent, some studies reported increased rate of preterm delivery and small for gestational age infants after bariatric surgery. Pregnancies after bariatric surgery may be considered high risk due to the concerns for vitamin deficiencies and gastrointestinal symptoms related to the surgery. Therefore the follow-up of these pregnancies might require a team approach including a maternal fetal medicine specialist, bariatric surgeon, and nutritionist.

Assessment of blood pool, soft tissue, and skeletal uptake of sodium fluoride F 18 with positron emission tomography–computed tomography in four clinically normal dogs

To determine the ideal interval to image acquisition after IV injection of sodium fluoride F 18 ((18)F-NaF) and evaluate biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical in clinically normal skeletally immature dogs. 4 female dogs. Each dog was anesthetized for evaluation with a commercial hybrid positron emission tomography (PET)-CT instrument. A low-radiation dose, whole-body CT scan was acquired first. An IV injection of (18)F-NaF (0.14 mCi/kg) was administered, and a dynamic PET scan centered over the heart and liver was acquired during a period of 120 minutes. Uptake of (18)F-NaF in the blood pool, soft tissues, and skeletal structures was evaluated via region of interest analysis to derive standardized uptake values and time-activity curves, which were used to determine the optimal postinjection time for skeletal image acquisition. Biodistribution was also assessed from a final whole-body PET-CT scan acquired after the dynamic scan. Time-activity curves revealed a rapid decrease in the amount of radiopharmaceutical in the blood pool and soft tissues and a rapid increase in the amount of radiopharmaceutical in bones soon after injection. At 50 minutes after injection, the greatest difference in uptake between soft tissues and bones was detected, with continued subtle increase in uptake in the bones. Uptake of (18)F-NaF was slightly increased at growth plates and open ossification centers, compared with that at other parts of the bone. At 50 minutes after IV injection of (18)F-NaF at the dose evaluated, PET-CT yielded excellent bone-to-background ratio images for evaluation of the skeletal system in dogs.

Sealing and explant types on the mangaba micropropagation

In micropropagation, especially for mangaba tree botanical variety of Northeastern Brazil, limiting aspects such as ethylene accumulation in the cultivation flask and loss of vigor in subcultures have been observed. This study was aimed at assessing the technical and scientific knowledge of the in vitro propagation of botanical mangaba tree variety and at improving the micropropagation protocol, establishing the in vitro cultivation time, the best type of flask sealing and explant at different micropropagation stages. For the establishment phase and for the first and second subcultures, the MS medium with 3% sucrose and 0.6% agar, supplemented with 1 mg L-1 IAA and 1 mg L-1 BA was used. Evaluations were performed at 30, 50 and 65 days of in vitro cultivation. The best types of flask sealing for the establishment phase were the PVC film and Para-film® and for the first subculture the Para-film® seal. In the second subculture the PVC film and Para-film® seals promoted the best growth. The median and basal nodal segments presented the best performance in the first subculture. No significant effect of explant type was observed in the second subculture. The ideal subculture interval in the establishment phase and the first and second subcultures is 50 days.

PHC023 Are the official recommendations for amikacine serum levels suitable for older patients?

BackgroundThe aminoglycosides represent the mainstay in the treatment of serious Gram-negative infections. Their use is difficult in older patients because of high potential toxicity and the large observed inter-individual variability....

Are the official recommendations for amikacine serum levels suitable for older patients?

BackgroundThe aminoglycosides represent the mainstay in the treatment of serious Gram-negative infections. Their use is difficult in older patients because of high potential toxicity and the large observed inter-individual variability....