Antibiotic prophylaxis during extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the prevention of urinary tract infections in patients with sterile urine before the procedure

Introduction: There are controversies in the literature regarding the need and the duration of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), who had a negative urine culture before the operation. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with proven sterile urine before they underwent ESWL. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 150 patients with renal or urethral stones and sterile urine were examined for bacteriuria (positive urine culture) following ESWL. These patients were classified into 3 groups which received either a single dose of oral co-trimoxazole (Tab, 400/80 mg)- group A, a single dose of nitrofurantoin (Tab:100mg) -group B and no treatment- group C. Patients were followed with urine analysis and urine culture after two weeks. Results: The occurrence of post-ESWL urinary infections (positive urine culture) was 14% in group A, 10% in group B and 14% in group C. The complications among the groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The incidence of urinary tract infections after ESWL is extremely low, provided that in patients who had sterile urine before ESWL, prophylaxis antibiotics do not seem to be necessary

Microphones’ Directivity for the Localization of Sound Sources

In a recent paper [P. Rizzo, G. Bordoni, A. Marzani, and J. Vipperman, “Localization of Sound Sources by Means of Unidirectional Microphones, Meas. Sci. Tech., 20, 055202 (12pp), 2009] the proof-of-concept of an approach for the localization of acoustic sources was presented. The method relies on the use of unidirectional microphones and amplitude-based signals’ features to extract information about the direction of the incoming sound. By intersecting the directions identified by a pair of microphones, the position of the emitting source can be identified. In this paper we expand the work presented previously by assessing the effectiveness of the approach for the localization of an acoustic source in an indoor setting. As the method relies on the accurate knowledge of the microphones directivity, analytical expression of the acoustic sensors polar pattern were derived by testing them in an anechoic chamber. Then an experiment was conducted in an empty laboratory by using an array of three unidirectional microphones. The ability to locate the position of a commercial speaker placed at different positions in the room is discussed. The objective of this study is to propose a valid alternative to the common application of spaced arrays and therefore to introduce a new generation of reduced size sound detectors and localizers. The ability of the proposed methodology to locate the position of a commercial speaker placed at different positions in the room was evaluated and compared to the accuracy provided by a conventional time delay estimate algorithm

Effect of Combined Subsurface Structures and Steps on Hyporheic Exchange

The deployment of artificial structures in streambeds has been proposed as a way to enhance hyporheic exchange, and numerical models can be used to quantify their effects. In this study, combinations of different structures—that is, boxes, steps and a new type of subsurface structure (L-shaped structure)—were considered to evaluate their potential applicability on river restoration. Flow-3D and COMSOL were applied to simulate surface and subsurface flow, respectively. The performance of the structures was evaluated on the basis of hyporheic flow and residence time distributions. For the structure sizes here considered, results showed for steps (single step, combination of two steps) and L-shaped structures (single L-shaped structure, combination of two L-shaped structures) most hyporheic flowpaths return to the stream after 5 and 2.5 hr, respectively. Instead, shorter residence times (<0.25 hr) were found for boxes (single box, combination of two boxes). For combinations of steps and permeable boxes, the values of hyporheic flow per unit width are higher (0.35 and 0.3 m2/hr, respectively) than for the combination of L-shaped (0.06 m 2/hr). As a result, the combinations of steps and boxes are more effective in increasing hyporheic flow. However, when subsurface structures are combined with steps the resulting hyporheic exchange is dominated by the steps. Therefore, the combined use of in-stream and subsurface structures separately may increase their benefits for hyporheic exchange, but when steps are the other subsurface structures provide minor advantages

Effects of an Exercise-Oriented Rehabilitation Program on Mechanical Efficiency and Aerobic Capacity in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

AbstractObjectiveChildren suffering from Cerebral Palsy (CP), exhibit movement limitations and physiological abnormalities as compared to normal individuals.The objective of this study was to assess mechanical efficiency and certain cardiovascular indices before and after an exercise-rehabilitation program in children with dipelegia spastic cerebral palsy (experimental group) in comparison with able-bodied children(controls). Material and MethodsIn this study, 15 spastic cerebral palsy (dipelegic) children participated in an exercise-rehabilitation program, three days a week for three months with an average 144bpm of heart rate. The mechanical efficiency (net, gross), rest and submaximal heart rate and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) were measured before (pretest) and after (posttest) exercise program on the cycle ergometer according to the Macmaster ergometer protocol. Then control group, of 18 normal children underwent the exercise program and were assessed, following which results of the 2 groups were compared using SPSS for statistical analysis (P&lt;0.05). ResultsMechanical efficiency (net, gross) increased significantly in CP patients after the exercise-rehabilitation program; reults did not alter significantly for the controls.Rest and submaximal heart rate in CP patients decreased significantly after exercise program. Maximal oxygen consumption, which remained unchanged in patients following the exercise program, was similar in patients and controls after the program. ConclusionCerebral palsy patients, because of their high muscle tone, severe degree of spasticity, and involuntary movements are physically more incapacitated and need more energy than normal able-bodied individuals. Rehabilitation and aerobic exercise can be effective in improving their cardiovascular fitness and muscle function and increasing their mechanical efficiency

Investigating Application of Literary Methods for Interpretation and Translation of Religious Text

In some contexts of use, text interpretation and accurate conveyance of meaning has a critical importance. Religious texts, on top of that, Quranic texts have inherent intricacies which renders the job of Islamic exegetes and expounders very difficult. Considering the importance of these texts for Muslims and extensive foreign readers, the current research is an attempt to examine the application of major literary methods of text interpretation for interpretation and translation of Quranic text. To this aim taxonomy of methods discussed by Titscher, et al (2012) was selected as the theoretical baseline for the study. The findings of the research showed that commentators can employ literary methods toward literary text interpretation for Quranic interpretation directly or with some considerations. The findings also indicated that, application of these methods requires further investigation because translation is inherently different from interpretation. It was concluded that, according to Shiite school of thought, for Quranic interpretation, methods of text analysis is only a tool and exegetes stand in the need of some internal and external resources amongst which is traditional quotations and Hadith from the side of immaculate Imams

Investigating Application of Literary Methods for Interpretation and Translation of Religious Text

In some contexts of use, text interpretation and accurate conveyance of meaning has a critical importance. Religious texts, on top of that, Quranic texts have inherent intricacies which renders the job of Islamic exegetes and expounders very difficult. Considering the importance of these texts for Muslims and extensive foreign readers, the current research is an attempt to examine the application of major literary methods of text interpretation for interpretation and translation of Quranic text. To this aim taxonomy of methods discussed by Titscher, et al (2012) was selected as the theoretical baseline for the study. The findings of the research showed that commentators can employ literary methods toward literary text interpretation for Quranic interpretation directly or with some considerations. The findings also indicated that, application of these methods requires further investigation because translation is inherently different from interpretation. It was concluded that, according to Shiite school of thought, for Quranic interpretation, methods of text analysis is only a tool and exegetes stand in the need of some internal and external resources amongst which is traditional quotations and Hadith from the side of immaculate Imams

The role of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate (TUR-P) to decrease urinary tract infection

Background&Objective: Transurethral resection of prostate (TUR-P) is the Gold standard therapy in benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Urinary tract infections are one of the most important complications of this method. Prophylactic antibiotic regimen and the duration in preventing the infections are controversial. This study was designed to compare three different prophylactic regimens in TUR-P. Materials&Methods: In this interventional study, patients with sterile urine analysis and culture prior to TUR-P were classified in to three groups (A, B and C). One single-dose Keflin was prescribed before the operation. Four additional doses of Keflin were given to group B patients after TUR-P. Group C was similar to group B but Ciprofloxacin was given to them until catheter removal. Data were analyzed with SPSS-11.5. ?2 test and ANOVA were used. P-value less than 0.05 considered significant. Results: The incidence of positive urine cultures in group A, B and C were 35%, 20% and 11.5%, respectively. No significant relationship was seen between UTI and antibiotic regiments. Conclusion: There was not any significant relationship between UTI and different regimens although UTI rate was lower in the group with longer duration of the prophylaxis. Complementary studies are suggested for application of this regimen

Single Grain Si TFTs for RF and 3D ICs

Single-grain Si TFTs have been fabricated using accurate 2D location control of large Si grain with the ?-Czochralski process. TFTs fabricated inside the crystalline islands of 6 ?m show a mobility (600cm2/Vs) as high as that of the SOI counterpart, despite of the low-temperature (<350oC) process. By applying a tensile stress into the grain, the mobility surpass even the SOI counterparts. We have succeeded in controlling crystallographic orientation of the location-controlled Si grains as well, by combination of metal induced lateral crystallization and the micro-Czochralski process. Owing to the orientation control, uniformity in device properties approaches to the level of the SOI counterpart. Using the high performance single-grain (SG) Si TFTs, we have fabricated RF amplifier. The cut-off frequency of the RF device is 5.5 GHz with a channel length of 1.5 ?m. We have even succeeded to stack two SG-TFT layers with which CMOS inverters were fabricated. This will open several new applications in TFTs of RF wireless communication, 3D-ICs with device level integration, and flexible electronics.MicroelectronicsElectrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Scienc

Single-grain Si thin-film transistors for monolithic 3D-ICs and flexible electronics

We review our recent achievements in monolithic 3D-ICs and flexible electronics based on single-grain Si TFTs that are fabricated inside a single-grain with a low-temperature process. Based on pulsed-laser crystallization and submicron sized cavities made in the substrate, amorphous-Si precursor film was converted into poly-Si having grains that are formed on predetermined positions. Using the method called µ-Czochralski process and LPCVD a-Si precursor film, two layers of the SG Si TFT layers with the grains having a diameter of 6µm were vertically stacked with a maximum process temperature of 550°C. Mobility for electrons and holes were 600cm2/Vs and 200cm2/Vs, respectively. As a demonstration of monolithic 3D-ICs, the two SG-TFT layers were successfully implemented into CMOS inverter, 3D 6T-SRAM and single-grain lateral PIN photo-diode with in-pixel amplifier. The SG Si TFTs were applied to flexible electronics. In this case, the a-Si precursor was prepared by doctor-blade coating of liquid-Si based on pure cyclopentasilane (CPS) on a polyimide (PI) substrate with maximum process temperature of 350°C. The µ-Czochralski process provided location-controlled Si grains with a diameter of 3µm and mobilities of 460 and 121cm2/Vs for electrons and holes, respectively, were obtained. The devices on PI were transferred to a plastic foil which can operate with a bending diameter of 6mm. Those results indicate that the SG TFTs are attractive for their use in both monolithic 3D-ICs and flexible electronics.MicroelectronicsElectrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Scienc