Effectiveness of Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Drugs for relief of pain in patients with sciatica: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of analgesic and adjuvant pain drugs typically administered in primary care for the management of patients with sciatica

Implementation of a Space Communications Cognitive Engine

Although communications-based cognitive engines have been proposed, very few have been implemented in a full system, especially in a space communications system. In this paper, we detail the implementation of a multi-objective reinforcement-learning algorithm and deep artificial neural networks for the use as a radio-resource-allocation controller. The modular software architecture presented encourages re-use and easy modification for trying different algorithms. Various trade studies involved with the system implementation and integration are discussed. These include the choice of software libraries that provide platform flexibility and promote reusability, choices regarding the deployment of this cognitive engine within a system architecture using the DVB-S2 standard and commercial hardware, and constraints placed on the cognitive engine caused by real-world radio constraints. The implemented radio-resource allocation-management controller was then integrated with the larger spaceground system developed by NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC)

EVIDENCE OF MAIZE (ZEAMAYS L.) EXPLOITATION AROUND AN ANCIENT CROSSROAD LINKING DIFFERENT ABORIGINAL AMERICAN CIVILIZATIONS

A historic net of pathways referred to as Peabiru was constructed connecting the southern of Brazil with the Peruvian Andes. The path disappeared during the Colombian era but was an important testimony of the Brazilian preColombian epoch. To understand the human migrations during the preColombian around Peabiru we examined the genetic relationship of modern landraces and archaeological maize considering the ADH2 gene.Peabiru sequences were grouped with archaeological Andine specimens suggesting an early exploitation of maize around this historic path, involving preColombian Andian people and Guarany natives, and endorsing the debate regarding the presence preColombian human populations nearby the transition area around BrazilParaguay border

Central nervous system vasculitis in a patient with HIV infection: a diagnostic challenge

Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Neurol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Div Doencas Infecciosas, Rua Napoleao Barros,715, BR-04023900 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Radiol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Neurol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Div Doencas Infecciosas, Rua Napoleao Barros,715, BR-04023900 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Radiol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Portuguese and Brazilian stock market integration : a non-linear and detrended approach

Besides the historical heritage that Portugal and Brazil share, the last two decades have also shown an increase in some economic indicators, such as the percentage of imports/exports and foreign direct investment. In order to take advantage of all the benefits, the countries should increase economic integration, stock market integration being one of the possibilities. In this context, this paper analyses stock market integration between these two countries, using non-linear methodologies: detrended fluctuation analysis, detrended cross-correlation analysis and detrended moving-average cross-correlation analysis. Using the main stock indexes, and splitting the sample in six different periods, the main conclusion is that integration between these two countries increased over time. However, since 2013, the integration pattern has decreased, with the economic crisis both countries suffered being the main factor.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Mechanical behaviour analysis of polyester polymer mortars modified with recycled GFRP waste materials

In this study the effect of incorporation of recycled glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) waste materials, obtained by means of milling processes, on mechanical behaviour of polyester polymer mortars was assessed. For this purpose, different contents of recycled GFRP waste powder and fibres, with distinct size gradings, were incorporated into polyester based mortars as sand aggregates and filler replacements. Flexural and compressive loading capacities were evaluated and found better than unmodified polymer mortars. GFRP modified polyester based mortars also show a less brittle behaviour, with retention of some loading capacity after peak load. Obtained results highlight the high potential of recycled GFRP waste materials as efficient and sustainable reinforcement and admixture for polymer concrete and mortars composites, constituting an emergent waste management solution

Evaluation of peak inspiratory pressure, tidal volume and respiratory rate during ventilation of premature lambs using a self-inflating bag

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the peak inspiratory pressure, tidal volume and respiratory rate achieved during manual ventilation of premature lambs, using a self-inflating bag. METHODS: In this descriptive, experimental study, five pairs of physicians, selected at random among 35 neonatologists working at a neonatal intensive care unit and with experience in the resuscitation of newborn infants, ventilated five intubated premature lambs using a self-inflating bag. Pressure and flow monitor signals were passed through a transducer and digitized for recording and analysis. Tidal volume and pressure curves were obtained from the integral of flow rate, at peak, during the last 50 seconds of every fifth minute, and analyzed. RESULTS: Median pressure was 39.8 (IQ25-75% 30.2-47.2) cmH2O; being below 20 in 1.1% of cases and above 40 in 49.1%. Seven out of 10 physicians produced more than six pressure peaks of over 40 cmH2O. Median tidal volume/kg was 17.8 (IQ25-75% 14.1-22.4) mL, being below 5 mL in 0.1% of cases and greater than or equal to 20 mL in 37.7%. All of the physicians propelled five or more ventilation cycles with tidal volume/kg of 20 mL or more. Respiratory rate was between 30 and 60 cycles/minute in 65.9% of cases, being below 30 in 6.8% of cases and over 60 in 27.3% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: There was major variation in peak inspiratory pressure and tidal volume/kg values, which were in many cases elevated, attaining levels that habitually cause biotrauma, while respiratory rates were adequate in the majority of cases.OBJETIVO: Avaliar o pico de pressão inspiratória, o volume corrente e a freqüência respiratória obtidos durante ventilação manual de carneiros prematuros, utilizando balão auto-inflável. MÉTODOS: Estudo experimental descritivo em que cinco duplas de médicos selecionados aleatoriamente entre 35 neonatologistas que trabalham em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal e experientes em reanimação de recém-nascidos ventilaram cinco carneiros prematuros intubados, utilizando balão auto-inflável. Os sinais de pressão e fluxo eram captados, convertidos por meio de transdutores e digitalizados para armazenamento e análise. Foram avaliadas curvas de pressão e de volume corrente, este a partir da integral do fluxo, em suas medidas de pico, nos 50 segundos finais de cada 5 minutos. RESULTADOS: A mediana da pressão foi de 39,8 (IQ25-75% 30,2-47,2) cmH2O; foi menor que 20 em 1,1% das vezes e maior que 40 em 49,1%. Sete em 10 médicos propiciaram mais de seis picos de pressão maiores que 40 cmH2O. A mediana do volume corrente/kg foi de 17,8 (IQ25-75% 14,1-22,4) mL, sendo menor que 5 mL em 0,1% das vezes e igual ou maior que 20 mL em 37,7%. Todos os médicos impuseram cinco ou mais ciclos ventilatórios com volume corrente/kg de 20 mL ou mais. A freqüência situou-se entre 30 e 60 ciclos/minuto em 65,9% das vezes, sendo menor que 30 em 6,8% e maior que 60 em 27,3% das vezes. CONCLUSÃO: Ocorreu grande variabilidade nos valores do pico de pressão inspiratória e do volume corrente/kg, sendo muitas vezes elevados e alcançando níveis indutores de biotrauma; para a freqüência respiratória, os valores foram adequados na maioria das vezes.Universidade de BrasíliaUnBUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UnB Hospital Universitário da UnBUniversidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Instituto da Criança do Hospital das ClínicasUNIFESPSciEL