Statistical Difference In Relation Research Articles

PO-0722 Pregnancy Drug Users Attended In The Maternity Teaching Hospital Alcides Carneiro – PetrÓpolis-rj/brazil. What We Know About?

<h3>Introduction</h3> The use of drugs of abuse during pregnancy is a public health problem, with deleterious consequences for the mother, her son, family and society effects. The seriousness of the problem and the lack of data concerning the use of drugs by pregnant women in our maternity motivated us to design this study. <h3>Objectives</h3> To identify among pregnant women admitted to the maternity HEAC users of licit and illicit drugs through self-declaration. <h3>Method</h3> A descriptive, cross-sectional study period August 1, 2013 a January 3, 2014. Questionnaire was applied during the hospital postpartum women, after signing an informed consent. <h3>Results</h3> 1055 women were studied, of these 266 (25.21%) were users of drugs of abuse. Among the women who reported using any drugs, were identified: tobacco (36.46%), alcohol (27.81%), cocaine (5.6%) and marijuana (2.2%). The average age of the group of drug users was 25.49 years, while the non-users was 24.81 years. The prevalence of drug use among adolescents was 18.04%. The children of drug users 7.5% had required neonatal intensive care. There was no statistical difference in relation to perinatal asphyxia among a group of users and non- drug users. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Considering that the identification of these women was only through self declaration of the use of licit and illicit drugs, it becomes even more concerning the current situation with regard to drug use by pregnant women, since this is probably just the tip of a large iceberg, we need to know so we can meet.

Retrospective study of sintered porous-surfaced dental implants placed in the augmented sinus.

The purpose of this study was to analyze clinical and radiographic outcomes of sintered porous-surfaced dental implants placed in partially edentulous posterior maxillae. The study group consisted of 42 partially edentulous patients who received sinus augmentation using the lateral window technique or crestal approach at Catholic University Hospital of Daegu and one private clinic. The 42 patients received a total of 92 sintered porous-surfaced dental implants in the edentulous posterior maxillae. All implants were restored with fixed prostheses. Of the 92 implants, 17 implants were restored with individual (nonsplinted) crowns, while 75 implants were splinted to other implants. Panoramic views and periapical radiographs using the standardized long-cone paralleling technique were taken at the first visit, postoperatively, at the time of prosthesis seating, and at a follow-up visit. Survival rates of implants in relation to location, length, diameter, crown-to-implant (C/I) ratio, and type of prosthesis were investigated. Statistical data were analyzed using software with the chi-square test. Of the 92 implants, 8 (8.7%) were removed, and the cumulative survival rate was 91.3% after a maximum 9-year functional period (mean: 72.8 months; range: 11 to 107 months). There were no statistical differences in relation to the location of implants, C/I ratio, or type of prosthesis. However, there were statistical differences in relation to the length and diameter of implants. Average crestal bone loss was 0.68 mm at 1-year follow-up and 1.13 mm at final examination. All implants were inserted in the augmented maxillary sites. The cumulative survival rate of sintered porous-surfaced implants in posterior maxillae was 91.3%. Sintered porous-surfaced implants showed satisfactory results in the edentulous posterior maxillae.

Risk factors for postoperative endoscopic recurrence in Crohn's disease: a Brazilian observational study

IntroductionPostoperative endoscopic recurrence (PER) is the initial event after intestinal resection in Crohn's disease (CD), and after a few years most patients present with progressive symptoms and complications related to the disease. The identification of risk factors for PER can help in the optimization of postoperative therapy and contribute to its prevention. MethodsRetrospective, longitudinal, multicenter, observational study involving patients with CD who underwent ileocolic resections. The patients were allocated into two groups according to the presence of PER and the variables of interest were analyzed to identify the associated factors for recurrence. ResultsEighty-five patients were included in the study. The mean period of the first postoperative colonoscopy was 12.8 (3–120) months and PER was observed in 28 patients (32.9%). There was no statistical difference in relation to gender, mean age, duration of CD, family history, previous intestinal resections, smoking, Montreal classification, blood transfusion, residual CD, surgical technique, postoperative complications, presence of granulomas at histology, specimen extension and use of postoperative biological therapy. The preoperative use of corticosteroids was the only variable that showed a significant difference between the groups in univariate analysis, being more common in patients with PER (42.8% vs. 21%; p=0.044). ConclusionsPER was observed in 32.9% of the patients. The preoperative use of corticosteroids was the only risk factor associated with PER in this observational analysis.

Clima organizacional en una empresa cervecera: un estudio exploratorio

Los resultados que se presentan forman parte de la tesis de maestría de Cyntia Venegas Gómez (2010). El objetivo fue identificar el clima organizacional en una empresa cervecera, a partir del cuestionario de clima organizacional de Litwin y Stringer (1968). Participaron 49 trabajadores de la empresa a quienes se les administró el Cuestionario antes mencionado, el cual consta de 53 reactivos distribuidos en 9 escalas. Los trabajadores percibieron un buen clima en apoyo, estructura, riesgo, responsabilidad y calor y tuvieron una percepción negativa en conflicto, identidad, estándares de desempeño y recompensa. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticas con respecto al sexo en recompensa y estándares de desempeño y no se encontraron diferencias en cuanto a la edad de los trabajadores.

Surface hardness of dental composite photopolymerized with different light sources and polymerization time

Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was evaluate the microhardness in dental composites photo activated in a distance of 8mm, what simulates the first composite increment in a restoration class II. Thereunto, 45 specimens were confectioned using a nanopaticulate composite (Filtek Z350 – 3M Espe. The specimens were divided randomly in 9 groups (n=5). Each group differed in the photoactivation mode used (1600 mW/cm2 Bluephase 16i (BLP); 800 mW/cm2 Ultralume 5 (ULT); 500 mW/cm2 XL3000 (XL)) and in the temperature of composite in the moment of polymerization (23°C, 54°C or 60°C). After the preparation of specimens, they were submitted to the microhardness Knoop test (KHN) on the surfaces and bottom, and the results were charted and submitted to the statistical analysis. There were no significant statistical differences in relation to the photoactivation modes used for all the surfaces and temperatures tested. For ULT, there was no significant statistical hardness in relation to the temperature of the composite. For XL and BLP modes, the increase in the temperature (56◦C and 60◦C) provided a hardness rise in the composite on both surfaces; for XL the temperature 56◦C did not differ from the control (23◦C); for BLP the temperature 60◦C did not differ from the control. For all the situations tested, the top surface presented greater hardness than the bottom.

Neurosymptomatic carvenous sinus meningioma: a 15-years experience with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery

BackgroundThe tumor removal of Cavernous Sinus Meningiomas usually results in severe neurological deficits. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) are advanced modalities of radiotherapy for treatment of patients with inoperable and symptomatic CSMs. The authors evaluated the long term symptomatology, the image findings, and the toxicity of patients with CSMs treated with SRS or SRT.Patients and methodsFrom 1994 to 2009, 89 patients with symptomatic CSMs were treated with SRS or SRT. The indication was based on tumour volume and or proximity to the optic chiasm. The median single dose of SRS was 14 Gy, while the SRT total dose, ranged from 50.4 to 54 Gy fractionated in 1.8-2 Gy/dose. The median follow-up period lasted 73 months.ResultsThe clinical and radiological improvement was the same despite the method of radiotherapy; 41.6% (SRS) and 48.3% (SRT) of patients treated. The disease-free survivals were 98.8%, 92.3% and 92.3%, in 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. There was no statistical difference in relation to the symptoms and image findings between both methods. According to the Common Toxicity Criteria, 7% of the patients presented transient optic neuropathy during 3 months (grade 2) and recovered with dexamethasone, 2 patients had trigeminal neuropathy (grade 2) and improved rapidly, and one patient presented total occlusion of the internal carotid artery without neurological deficit (grade 2). Temporary lethargy and headache (grade 1) were the most frequent immediate complications. No severe complications occurred.ConclusionsStereotactic Radiosurgery and fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy were equally safe and effective in the management of symptomatic CSMs.

Comparative analysis of suicidal poisoning autopsied at the Institute of forensic medicine in Belgrade

Number of poisons which surround the modern man is constantly on the rise and hence therefore the frequency of intoxication. The aim of the study was to determine the type of poison which causes the suicidal poisoning, sex, age, occupation, place of poisoning, events and seasonal distribution of poisoned. This paper analyzes the suicidal poisoning, autopsied at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Belgrade in two periods (1965-1969) and (2000-2004) years . To test for statistical significance was used Pearson's X2 test. Comparative analysis of the obtained results shows that a significantly more frequent suicidal poisoning in the first analyzed period (1965-1969), P<0.01 compared to the second (2000-2004) In the first research period, the suicidal purposes are often used caustic poisons (44.0%) and drugs (36.4%) with a slight dominance of the older age groups among the poisoned. According to the frequency of poisoning drugs no statistically significant differences in the analyzed periods (x2=0.248 , df=1, p=0.6) . In second research period, significantly dominated by males (79.5%) (x2=33.911 , df=1, p<0.0001), younger age groups (20-49 years , 86.99%), which were poisoned significantly more frequent in spring and summer (55%) compared to the first period. In both studied periods had no significant statistical difference in relation to occupation, place of poisoning and the clinical picture. The highest percentage of deaths (servants and housewives) in both periods were without clinical picture, because they were found dead in their own homes. Length of outliving period of several hours is significantly higher in the second examined period, because of application of more sophisticated, more toxic and simple to use poisons.

Detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondiiantibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Toxoplasma gondii, the agent for toxoplasmosis, has worldwide distribution. Horses normally play a secondary role in its life cycle, but movement around urban areas, feeding on grass and the increasing use of carthorses for gathering recyclable material in some urban areas of Brazil may increase their exposure to T. gondii infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies in carthorses in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, PR. IgG antibodies against T. gondii were detected using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) (titers ≥ 64). Seventeen (17.0%) of the 100 horses sampled were seropositive. There were no statistical differences in relation to sex (p = 0.28) or age (p = 0.15). Our findings suggest that carthorses are exposed to T. gondii infections and that no associations with age or sex exist.

Expressão do Mg+2, CK, AST e LDH em equinos finalistas de provas de enduro

Nos últimos anos, o equino atleta vem sendo cada vez mais requerido. Dessa forma, as exigências por alto desempenho têm fomentado o interesse pelo estudo das afecções relacionadas com a fisiopatologia de diversas enfermidades dos equinos. A relação entre o íon magnésio e o exercício físico tem recebido atenção significativa visto que este íon está intimamente relacionado ao tecido muscular estriado esquelético. Além disso, dentre as principais estratégias para a detecção e acompanhamento clínico de lesões musculares, destacam-se a avaliação das atividades das enzimas creatino quinase (CK), lactato desidrogenase (LDH) e aspartato aminotransferase (AST). A busca pelo estabelecimento de parâmetros que se relacionam entre si é um fator determinante na compreensão de alterações fisiológicas encontradas diante do esforço em equinos atletas. Desta forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo determinar como as concentrações sanguíneas do íon magnésio e as atividades enzimáticas das enzimas CK, LDH e AST comportaram-se em equinos Puro Sangue Árabe finalistas de provas de enduro de 90km e relacionar as possíveis alterações com o tipo de esforço físico desempenhado pelos animais. Foram avaliadas a atividade enzimática das enzimas CK, LDH, AST e a concentração do íon magnésio no exercício em relação ao repouso de 14 equinos clinicamente hígidos da raça Puro Sangue Árabe, sendo 9 machos e 5 fêmeas, com idades variando entre 6 a 12 anos, submetidos a treinamento para enduro e participantes de provas de 90 km. Pode-se observar que as variáveis acima mencionadas sofreram aumento com diferença estatística em relação ao repouso. O exercício físico de enduro determinou a ocorrência de alterações nas atividades enzimáticas das enzimas CK (p≤0,001), LDH (p=0,0001), AST (p=0,0007) e na concentração do íon magnésio (p=0,0004), no exercício em relação ao repouso (p≤0,05). Fato que determinou alteração de permeabilidade das células musculares estriadas esqueléticas, sugerindo o estabelecimento de um processo inflamatório agudo. Devido à expressão da atividade enzimática da CK (p≤0,001), por sua especificidade em relação à ocorrência de danos na musculatura estriada esquelética, juntamente com o íon magnésio (p=0,0004) que participa de várias reações celulares. Houve alterações na concentração de proteína plasmática total (p=0,0009) e hematócrito (p=0,0001), entre os momentos avaliados. Portanto estes resultados servem como valores de referência de equinos finalistas de provas de enduro de 90 km, auxiliando na prevenção da ocorrência de possíveis danos musculares e processos inflamatórios severos.

LA DIMENSIÓN CULTURAL DEL INDIVIDUALISMO Y SU IMPACTO EN EL DISCURSO

This paper hypothesizes that the different cultural orientations that Spain and USA hold with respect to Hofstede’s (2003/1991) Individualism cultural dimension may promote different professional discourse cultures in business we sites. A corpus of 100 business websites from the toy industry (50 from Spain and 50 from USA) was chosen for the analysis. With the help of the computer program SPSS Statistics 18 Software, a quantitative analysis is carried out to determine if there are significant statistical differences in relation to the linguistic variables that are used to convey information about the company in the business websites of both societies. An international company should know the different cultural values that make up the “modus operandi” of individuals from different societies and how these values influence in the transactional discourse of a professional digital genre like the business website

2017 TRANSURETHRAL PROSTATOMY VERSUS TRANSURETHRAL PROSTATECTOMY IN SMALL PROSTATIC ADENOMA LONG -TERM FOLLOW-UP

You have accessJournal of UrologyBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Surgical Therapy and New Technology II1 Apr 20122017 TRANSURETHRAL PROSTATOMY VERSUS TRANSURETHRAL PROSTATECTOMY IN SMALL PROSTATIC ADENOMA LONG -TERM FOLLOW-UP Osman Abdelkader Osman AbdelkaderOsman Abdelkader Fakous, Egypt More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.2180AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), in comparison to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients with small benign prostatic adenoma based on long-term follow up. METHODS In a prospective randomized trial; 86 patients with bladder outlet obstructive symptoms caused by a prostate less than 30 grams. Alternatively underwent transurethral incision or transurethral resection, forming two cohort's group. Both groups were comparable as regard their preoperative data (prostate weight, IPSS, voided volume, Q max and post voiding residual volume) they were also followed postoperatively for 48 month and compared for morbidity, operative time, catheterization period, hospital stay, max flow rate, symptom score, voided volume, post voiding residual volume, and the rate of reoperation. RESULTS Out of 86 patients 80 patients completed the study 40 patients in each group. The mean age of patients in group I (TURP) was 63.6 years and the mean age in group II (TUIP) was 66.2 years. Preoperative parameters in both groups show no significant statistical difference regarding urodynamic parameters and prostate weight. Long-term follow up of patients on both groups after 48 months reveal a significant statistical difference in relation to IPSS as it increased from 7.34 to 19.4 and from 7.1 to 18.04 in TURP (Group I) and TUIP (Group II) respectively, the voided volume increased from 161ml to 356 ml and from 161 ml to 341ml, The Q - Max increased from 8.34 to 18.33 and 8.32 to 16.6, the post voiding residual urine decreased from 79 ml to 131ml, and from 81ml to 131 ml, the catheter time was 3.18 days and 2.23 days, the hospital stay was 3.72 days and 2.63 days, respectively,. The operative time was up to one hour in TURP, while it was 21 min in TUIP with a significant difference between both groups. Only two patient in TURP group received blood transfusion. Twenty one patients complaining from retrograde ejaculation in TURP while 9 patients complaining after TUIP, according to erectile dysfunction 8 patients complaining from it after TURP while just three patients complaining after TUIP, with a significant difference between both groups. The re-operation rate was three in each group with no significant difference between both groups. CONCLUSIONS TUIP and TURP for small prostatic adenoma less than 30 gm. were equally effective in symptomatic improvement. TUIP associated with reduction of adverse effect, cost effectiveness, less operative time, less hospital stay and short catheterization period. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e814 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Osman Abdelkader Fakous, Egypt More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Papillary atrophy of the tongue and nutritional status of hospitalized alcoholics

Atrophy of the papillae, mucosa, and dorsum of the tongue are considered classical signs of nutritional deficiencies. To assess the nutritional status of hospitalized alcoholics with or without papillary atrophy of the tongue. This study was performed with 21 hospitalized alcoholics divided into Atrophic Glossitis Group (n=13) and Normal Tongue Group (n=8). Healthy, non-alcoholic volunteers composed the Control Group (n=8). Anthropometry and bioelectric impedance were performed, and serum vitamins A, E, and B12 were determined. There were no statistical differences in relation to age (46.7 ± 8.7 vs. 46.8 ± 15.8 years) or gender (92.3% vs. 87.5% male), respectively. Control Group volunteers were also paired in relation to age (47.5 ± 3.1 years) and male predominance (62.5%). In relation to hospitalized alcoholics without atrophic lesions of the tongue and Control Group, patients with papillary atrophy showed lower BMI (18.6 ± 2,5 vs 23.8 ± 3.5 vs 26.7 ± 3,6 kg/m(2)) and body fat content 7.6 ± 3.5 vs 13.3 ± 6.5 vs 19.5 ± 4,9 kg). When compared with the Control Group, alcoholic patients with or without papillary atrophy of the tongue showed lower values of red blood cells (10.8 ± 2.2 vs 11.8 ± 2.2 vs 14.5 ± 1,6g/dL) and albumin (3.6 ± 0.9 vs 3.6 ± 0.8 vs 4.4 ± 0.2g/dL). The seric levels of vitamins A, E, and B12 were similar amongst the groups. Hospitalized alcoholics with papillary atrophy of the tongue had lower BMI and fat body stores than controls, without associated hypovitaminosis.

Análise biomecânica e histológica de tendões flexores reparados em coelhos usando três técnicas de sutura (quatro e seis passadas) com mobilização ativa precoce

OBJETIVO: Analisar o tempo das suturas, a biomecânica (deformidade entre os cotos tendíneos) e a histologia dos três grupos de reparo cirúrgico tendíneo: Brasil-2 (quatro passadas), com técnica de sutura central em que o nó final se encontra fora do tendão; Indiana (quatro passadas); e Tsai (seis passadas), com técnicas de sutura central em que o nó final se encontra no interior do tendão reparado, associados de mobilização ativa precoce. MÉTODOS: O tendão calcâneo direito de 36 coelhos da raça New Zealand foi escolhido para a análise. Este apresenta calibre semelhante ao tendão flexor humano, o qual tem aproximadamente 4,5mm (variando 2mm para mais ou menos). A amostra selecionada apresentava a mesma massa (2,5 a 3kg) e eram adultos machos ou fêmeas (a partir de 8½ meses de idade). RESULTADOS: Na análise biomecânica, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p > 0,01). Não houve diferença estatística com relação ao tempo cirúrgico na realização das três técnicas de suturas (p > 0,01). Evidenciou-se, qualitativamente e quantitativamente, com a mobilidade ativa precoce, um espessamento da fibra de colágeno em 38,9% dentro do 15º dia e de 66,7% dentro do período do 30º dia (p = 0,095). CONCLUSÃO: Esta investigação serviu para demonstrar que não houve diferença histológica do nó final da sutura central dentro ou fora do tendão reparado, bem como o número de passadas, no que diz respeito à cicatrização, vascularização ou deformidade do tendão no túnel osteofibroso com as técnicas de reparo aplicadas, associados de mobilização ativa precoce.

BIOMECHANICS AND HISTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS IN RABBIT FLEXOR TENDONS REPAIRED USING THREE SUTURE TECHNIQUES (FOUR AND SIX STRANDS) WITH EARLY ACTIVE MOBILIZATION

Objective: Analyzing suture time, biomechanics (deformity between the stumps) and the histology of three groups of tendinous surgical repair: Brazil-2 (4-strands) which the end knot (core) is located outside the tendon, Indiana (4-strands) and Tsai (6-strands) with sutures technique which the end knot (core) is inner of the tendon, associated with early active mobilization. Methods: The right calcaneal tendons (plantar flexor of the hind paw) of 36 rabbits of the New Zealand breed (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used in the analysis. This sample presents similar size to human flexor tendon that has approximately 4.5 mm (varying from 2mm). The selected sample showed the same mass (2.5 to 3kg) and were male or female adults (from 8 ½ months). For the flexor tendons of the hind paws, sterile and driven techniques were used in accordance to the Committee on Animal Research and Ethics (CETEA) of the University of the State of Santa Catarina (UDESC), municipality of Lages, in Brazil (protocol # 1.33.09). Results: In the biomechanical analysis (deformity) carried out between tendinous stumps, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.01). There was no statistical difference in relation to surgical time in all three suture techniques with a mean of 6.0 minutes for Tsai (6- strands), 5.7 minutes for Indiana (4-strands) and 5.6 minutes for Brazil (4-strands) (p>0.01). With the early active mobility, there was qualitative and quantitative evidence of thickening of collagen in 38.9% on the 15th day and in 66.7% on the 30th day, making the biological tissue stronger and more resistant (p=0.095). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that there was no histological difference between the results achieved with an inside or outside end knot with respect to the repaired tendon and the number of strands did not affect healing, vascularization or sliding of the tendon in the osteofibrous tunnel, which are associated with early active mobility, with the repair techniques applied.

An analysis of oral biopsies extracted from 1995 to 2009, in an oral medicine and surgery unit in Galicia (Spain)

Objective: To conduct an analysis of the frequency of oral lesions in biopsies over a 14-year period in the Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery and Implantology Unit. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of biopsies removed from 1995-2009, recording data regarding age, sex, location of the lesions, biopsy types, anatomical and pathological diagnosis and definitive diagnosis. Results: Of the 562 patients studied, the average age was 51.8 years, with a standard deviation of 18.5 (range 5-96). The distribution by sex was 318 (56.6%) women and 244 (43.4%) men. The most common diagnostic category was mucosal pathologies in 37.9% of cases, followed by odontogenic cysts in 27.8%. Malignant tumors accounted for 3.9% of cases, oral squamous cell carcinomas were the most frequent malignancy, appearing in 22 cases. Bisphosphonate- related osteonecrosis of the jaws was the most common injury within the bone lesions group. Conclusion: Following the performance of 647 biopsies on 562 patients, we can say that the most common injury was radicular cysts (appearing in 108 cases), having found statistical differences in relation to the patients’ sex and age. Key words: Frequency, oral pathology, biopsy.

Psychosocial quality of life in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate psychosocial quality of life (PQoL) in patients with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). A retrospective study was performed on PQoL in HHT patients presenting with epistaxis. One hundred fifteen patients were interviewed using a questionnaire designed by two sociologists and a head and neck surgeon. Changes over time were assessed according to information on psychosocial well-being, social life, family support, occupation, and medical and demographic data regarding age, gender and patient appearance. Analysis of Psychosocial Quality of Life (PQoL) revealed no statistical difference in relation to gender, marital status, household income or place of residence (rural or urban); however, a significant difference was observed with age. Elderly patients had a poorer PQoL than younger patients. Workers had a better PQoL than unemployed patients. Epistaxis and professional duties were correlated: workers with less than one episode of epistaxis per month were more active. Frequent episodes of epistaxis and abundant bleeding decreased PQoL. These patients felt different and often experienced a desire to withdraw compared to others. Epistaxis in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia patients was associated with the impairment of many PQoL criteria, together with relationship modifications.

Evaluation of the accuracy of different transfer impression techniques for multiple implants

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of three implant transfer impression techniques. Four groups (n = 5) were defined, according to the technique: TC - tapered copings without splint; SC - square copings without splint; SCS - square copings splinted with dental floss and acrylic resin, and CG (control group) - master model with four external hexagonal implants and a superstructure. Individual trays and polyether were used for the impression. All casts were checked for their fit into the master superstructure; for this, all four screws were placed in the implants. Digital photos were taken and images were analyzed using UTHSCSA ImageTool software. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance and Student's t test (p < 0.05). The means and standard deviation were (µm): CG = 2.03 ± 0.00, TC = 14.74 ± 3.41, SC = 12.08 ± 2.56, and SCS = 6.51 ± 0.09. The control group was found to be statistically different from the TC and SC groups. Within the limitations of this study, all groups presented clinically acceptable standard gap values, and the SCS group showed no statistical difference in relation to the CG (control group), demonstrating more accuracy and fidelity to transfer implants.

Autoantibodies for gastrointestinal organ-specific autoimmune diseases in rheumatoid arthritis patients and their relatives

Clustering of autoimmune diseases is common and may be due to genetic background and exposition to environmental triggers. The aim is to carry out a laboratory and clinical study of the prevalence of gastrointestinal organ-specific autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and their relatives. Serum samples of 156 RA patients, 200 relatives, and 100 healthy controls were studied for anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA), anti-mitochondrial (AMA), anti-parietal cell (APCA), anti-liver-kidney microsome (LKM), and anti-endomysium antibodies (IgA-EmA) by indirect immunofluorescence. A total of eight out of the 156 (5.1%) RA patients were positive for the autoantibodies (ASMA = 1; AMA = 2, APCA = 5). In the relative group, 12/200 (6%) had at least one positive autoantibody (ASMA = 1; AMA = 2, APCA = 7, IgA-EmA = 2). In the control group, two out of the 100 (2%) healthy controls were positive (ASMA = 1, APCA = 1). No statistical difference was found between RA patients, their relatives, and controls in relation to the frequency of autoantibodies evaluated. Although RA patients and their relatives have positivity of AMA, ASMA, and APCA without statistical difference in relation to healthy individuals, the findings may be of value for adequate clinical approach of these subjects.

Communication styles of undergraduate health students

Few empirical studies have been undertaken on the communication styles of specific health-related disciplines. The objective of this study is to identify the communication styles of undergraduate health students at an Australian university. A cross-sectional study using a paper-based version of the Communicator Style Measure (CSM) was administered to a cohort of students enrolled in eight different undergraduate health-related courses. There were 1459 health students eligible for inclusion in the study. 860 students (response rate of 59%) participated in the study. Participants overall preferred the Friendly and Attentive communicator styles and gave least preference to the Contentious and Dominant styles. There was considerable similarity between participants from each of the health-related courses. There was no statistical difference in relation to communicator styles between the age of the participant or the year level they were enrolled in. These results show a preference for communicator styles which are facilitative of a client-centred approach, empathetic, and positive with interpersonal relationships. The lack of significant difference in communicator styles by year level further suggests that people disposed to such communicator styles are drawn to these health-related courses, rather than the specific field of study affecting their style.

Esofagectomia trans-hiatal versus transtorácica: experiência do Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA)

Analyses of morbidity, mortality and overall survival after transhiatal (TH) or transthoracic (TT) esophagectomy. Retrospective non randomized study of 68 patients with esophagus neoplasia operated in the Brazilian National Cancer Institute between 1997 and 2005. We divided in two groups: Group 1--TH (33 patients); and Group 2--TT (35 patients). The mean age was 40.7 years old (25-74 years old), being 73.5% male. Middle third tumors predominated in Group 2 (48.6% vs. 21.2%, p = 0,02). The mean of dissected lymph nodes was biggest in Group 2 (21.6 vs. 17.8 lymph nodes, p = 0.04), however without difference in number of metastatic lymph nodes (4.1 vs. 3.9 linfonodos, p = 0.85). The mean of operative time was higher in Group 2 (410 vs. 270 minutes, p = 0.001). Also the mean of length of stay was higher in Group 2 (19 vs. 14 days, p = 0.001). The operative morbidity was 50%, without statistical difference between the groups (42.4% vs. 57.1%, p = 0,23). Esophageal leakage occurred in 13.2% of cases, also without statistical difference (9.1% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.23). The mortality was 5.8% (04 patients), without statistical difference (1.4% vs. 4.4%, p = 0,83). In our study, the morbidity and mortality showed no statistical difference in relation to the access performed, although higher operative time and length of stay were observed in TT access. The 3 and 5-years overall survival also were biggest in TT access, probably due to the biggest frequency of patients on initial stages between the submitted to the TT access.