ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE AND SELF-POWERED SENSOR USING THE SAME

An energy harvesting device for obtaining energy from drops without needing of moving the drops along the device, in a reduced scale and combinable with othertypes of harvesting devices, the energy harvesting device comprising one or more triboelectric generators comprising a bottom electrode, a friction or triboelectric element placed over the bottom electrode, and at least two top electrodes placed over the triboelectric element and defining at least one gap between them, exposing the triboelectric element to the external environment so that on contacting a drop of liquid makes an electrical connection between the top electrodes varying the capacitance of the triboelectric generators and alternatively for functioning as a power unit for a sensor or as a self-powered sensor producing an electrical signal generated by the contact of the liquid with the electrodes

ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE AND SELF-POWERED SENSOR USING THE SAME

An energy harvesting device for obtaining energy from drops without needing of moving the drops along the device, in a reduced scale and combinable with othertypes of harvesting devices, the energy harvesting device comprising one or more triboelectric generators comprising a bottom electrode, a friction or triboelectric element placed over the bottom electrode, and at least two top electrodes placed over the triboelectric element and defining at least one gap between them, exposing the triboelectric element to the external environment so that on contacting a drop of liquid makes an electrical connection between the top electrodes varying the capacitance of the triboelectric generators and alternatively for functioning as a power unit for a sensor or as a self-powered sensor producing an electrical signal generated by the contact of the liquid with the electrodes

Effect of retransfusion of heparin remaining in the salvaged blood on postoperative blood loss in coronary artery bypass grafting: Comparison with homologous blood transfusion (running title: Postoperative blood loss in CABG)

Background: One of the typical problems of cell savers is the retransfusion of the heparin added to the system. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not heparin, remaining in the prepared sample of retransfusion blood, might be responsible for disturbance in coagulation and increase in blood loss. Methods: Fifty patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) were randomly divided into two groups: group C (n=25) received cell-saver blood and group H (n=25) received homologous blood. Volumes of the intraoperative autologous and homologous transfusion, activated clotting time (ACT) of the transfused bloods, and ACT and amount of blood loss in the patients were measured intra and postoperatively. Results: There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of demographics, preoperative characteristics, or operative details. Cell saver was used in 25 cases, and the average volume of blood autotransfused was 504± 158 mL. A significant statistical difference was observed in the mean volumes (460±200 vs. 80±160 mL; P = 0.0001) of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions between groups H and C. Despite significant further cell-saver blood transfusion (504± 158 cc vs. 338±123 cc; P=0.001) and a significantly longer ACT of cell-saver blood than homologous blood (959±85 sec vs. 478±58 sec; P =0.0001) intraoperatively, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative blood loss (510 ± 270 cc in group H vs. 454 ± 150 cc in group C; P =0.362). Conclusion: Utilization of a cell saver was safe, with no increased risk of bleeding despite heparin added to the system

Reporting a Case of Injecting Methylphenidate (Ritalin) Tablets, Intensified Symptoms of Schizoph-renia or Induce Separate Mental Disorder

Abstract Background: Methylphenidate is one of the classic amphetamines which can cause or exacerbate psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia patients. Methods: In this paper, a young man is presented with injection of methylphenidate tablets with acute cellulitis due to this injection and the related symptoms. In the first hospitalization and after recovery from psychotic disorder due to tablet injections, he was under treatment with anti-psychotics because of other symptoms related to schizophrenia. Although the patient was regularly under schizophrenic medication after discharge, he was hospitalized twice more due to psychotic symptoms that appeared after injecting methylphenidate. Findings: This report shows psychotic symptoms in schizophrenic patients after injecting methylphenidate. These symptoms cannot be prevented even by anti-psychotic medication of background disease. This case shows the existence of two kinds of psychoses, functional (due to schizophrenia) and organic psychoses (due to methylphenidate use) in the same patient. Keywords: Methylphenidate, Injection, Schizophrenia, Psychotic disorders

Relationship of Opioid Dependence and Positive and Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenic Patients

Abstract Background: Many schizophrenic patients are engaged in self-medication drug abuse, including narcotics. It is assumed that many of these patients have a greater number of psychotic symptoms, and show noncompliance with treatment. In this study, we investigated relationship of positive and negative symptoms and opioid dependence in these patients. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study on 100 patients with schizophrenia. The diagnoses were made based on DSM-IV criteria. After evaluating demographic data, the patients were assessed with positive and negative symptom scale (PANSS) test. Data were analyzed using SPSS10 software. Findings: Fifty percent of patients were identified to be opioid dependent based on DSM–IV criteria. Seventy five percent of patients were male and the rest were female. The mean (SD) scores of positive symptoms were 39.58 (23.374) and 54.34 (21.025) in non-dependent and dependent patients, respectively (P = 0.01). Other statistical measurements were unremarkable. Conclusion: High prevalence of opioid dependence in our sample can be due to availability of these substances in the community. Opioid may be used as self medication, can reduce the severity of positive symptoms, and may also make positive symptoms more tolerable for patients. Keyword: Schizophrenia, Positive symptoms, Negative symptoms, Opioid

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Forward Head Posture among Heroin Users during their Withdrawal with Methadone

Background: Heroin is an extremely addictive narcotic drug derived from morphine. Its continued use requires increased amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect, resulting in tolerance and addiction. This study was done in order to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and forward head posture among heroin users during their withdrawal. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study that was done on 90 heroin users (83 males, 7 females) aged between 20 to 40 years (32.5 ± 3.81) during their withdrawal in Shiraz, Iran. They were selected by simple randomized sampling. Data were collected by a form regarding age, sex, the duration of heroin use, and musculoskeletal pain. Pain was measured by VAS (visual analog scale) and forward head posture was evaluated by plumb line. Pearson correlation technique and chi-square were used for analyzing the data. Findings: The results revealed that the majority of heroin users suffered from musculoskeletal pain during their withdrawal. At the end of withdrawal 53.4% had severe pain, 38.8% had moderate pain, and 7.8% of them had mild pain. Pain in the lower extremities and low back was more common than the upper extremities. The intensity of pain before withdrawal was mild, during withdrawal was moderate, and at the end was sever, but there was no significant correlation between them. The results also showed 43.3% of subjects had normal posture and 56.7% had forward posture. Conclusion: According to the results, the intensity of pain increased during the withdrawal period; therefore, more attention must be paid to this complication in heroin users for better evaluation and a successful withdrawal

The effect of preoperative aspirin use on postoperative bleeding and perioperative myocardial infarction in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery

Background: We tried to evaluate the clinical outcomes (mortality, postoperative bleeding and perioperative myocardial infarction) of patients who underwent first elective coronary artery bypass grafting and received aspirin during the preoperative period. Methods: The study was a prospective, randomized and single-blinded clinical trial. Two hundred patients were included and divided into two groups. One group received aspirin 80-160 mg, while in the other aspirin was stopped at least seven days before surgery. The primary end-points of the study were in-hospital mortality and hemorrhage-related complications (postoperative blood loss in the intensive care unit, re-exploration for bleeding and red blood cell and non-red blood cell requirements). The secondary end-point was perioperative myocardial infarction. Results: There were no differences in patient characteristics between the aspirin users and non-aspirin users. We found a significant difference between postoperative blood loss (608 ± 359.7 ml vs. 483 ± 251.5 ml; p = 0.005) and red blood cell product requirements (1.32 ± 0.97 unit packed cell vs. 0.94 ± 1.02 unit packed cell; p = 0.008). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding platelet requirement and the rate of in-hospital mortality and re-exploration for bleeding. Similarly, we found no significant difference in the incidence of definite and probable perioperative myocardial infarction (p = 0.24 and p = 0.56 respectively) or in-hospital mortality between the two groups. Conclusion: Preoperative aspirin administration increased postoperative bleeding and red blood cell requirements with no effect on mortality, re-exploration rate and perioperative myocardial infarction. We recommend withdrawal of aspirin seven days prior to surgery. (Cardiol J 2007; 14: 453-457

Comparison of Physical Fitness among Smoker and Non-Smoker Men

Background: It is well documented that cigarette smoking has negative impacts on body health, as well as social health, economy, culture, etc. Nowadays, there is a large body of evidence that smoking is the cause of numerous life-threatening diseases like cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases along with different kinds of cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the physical fitness of smokers and non smokers.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 64 non-sportsmen (34 non-smokers and 30 smokers) aging 19–27 years. Both groups were matched for age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI). The smokers used cigarettes at least 5 cigarettes a day for 2 years. None of them had a musculoskeletal disease. We used a questionnaire and physical fitness tests for data gathering. The tests were used to measure muscle strength, endurance, speed, agility and flexibility in both groups.Findings: The muscle strength was significantly different in smokers and non-smokers (P = 0.012). Moreover, smokers had less agility (P = 0.004) and speed (P = 0.008) than non-smokers. However, although smokers were weaker than non- smokers, the differences in muscle endurance (P = 0.066) and flexibility (P = 0.095) were not the statistically significant.Conclusion: According to these results, the smokers were less powerful than nonsmokers. In addition, physical activity skills in young smokers were decreased. Therefore, smoking will cause a gradual loss of physical strength and active personal and social power. Keywords: Tobacco, Physical fitness, Muscle

Paper-based ZnO self-powered sensors and nanogenerators by plasma technology

Nanogenerators and self-powered nanosensors have shown the potential to power low-consumption electronics and human-machine interfaces, but their practical implementation requires reliable, environmentally friendly and scalable, processes for manufacturing and processing. This article presents a plasma synthesis approach for the fabrication of piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) and self-powered sensors on paper substrates. Polycrystalline ZnO nanocolumnar thin films are deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition on common paper supports using a microwave electron cyclotron resonance reactor working at room temperature yielding high growth rates and low structural and interfacial stresses. Applying Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation, we elucidate the basic shadowing mechanism behind the characteristic microstructure and porosity of the ZnO thin films, relating them to an enhanced piezoelectric response to periodic and random inputs. The piezoelectric devices are assembled by embedding the ZnO films in PMMA and using Au electrodes in two different configurations: laterally and vertically contacted devices. We present the response of the laterally connected devices as a force sensor for low-frequency events with different answers to the applied force depending on the impedance circuit, i.e. load values range, a behaviour that is theoretically analyzed. The vertical devices reach power densities as high as 80 nW/cm2 with a mean power output of 20 nW/cm2. We analyze their actual-scenario performance by activation with a fan and handwriting. Overall, this work demonstrates the advantages of implementing plasma deposition for piezoelectric films to develop robust, flexible, stretchable, and enhanced-performance nanogenerators and self-powered piezoelectric sensors compatible with inexpensive and recyclable supportsComment: 30 pages, 8 figures in main tex

Oral and dental health in hospitalized psychiatric patients: a cross-sectional and comparative study in Kerman, Iran

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess oral and dental health of hospitalized psychiatric patients.Methods: This cross-sectional study which included 193 psychiatric patients was conducted in two psychiatric hospitals (Shahid Beheshti and Bahman) in Kerman, Iran. According to the duration of the hospital stay, patients were categorized into two groups of acute and chronic. The oral and dental health of the patients was assessed using Decay, Missing, Filling Teeth (DMF-T) index and Oral Assessment Guide for Psychiatric Care (OAG-PC). High score for these two scales indicated a worse oral and dental health.Results: Mean (±SD) DMFT and OAG-PC scores of the patients were 19.74 (±7.88) and 20.77, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that patients in chronic group had higher OAG-PC (P = 0.014), but the difference of DMF-T scores was not statistically significant between the two groups (P = 0.57). After controlling confounding variables, the differences of the DMF-T and OAG-PC scores were not statistically significant between the two groups (P values of 0.88 and 0.64, respectively).Conclusion: Oral and dental health in the studied psychiatric patients was poor. It is vital to improve the oral and dental health status of psychiatric patients