ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a neurophysiological technique that measures the magnetic fields associated with neuronal activity in the brain. It is closely related but distinct from its counterpart electroencephalography (EEG). The first MEG was recorded more than 50 years ago and has technologically evolved over this time. It is now well established in clinical practice particularly in the field of epilepsy surgery and functional brain mapping. However, underutilization and misunderstanding of the clinical applications of MEG is a challenge to more widespread use of this technology. A fundamental understanding of the neurophysiology and physics of MEG is discussed in this article as well as practical issues related to implementation, analysis, and clinical applications. The future of MEG and some potential clinical applications are briefly reviewed.
RESUMO A magnetoencefalografia (MEG) é uma técnica neurofisiológica que mede os campos magnéticos associados à atividade neuronal no cérebro. A técnica é distinta da eletroencefalografia (EEG), porém está intimamente relacionada a ela. A primeira foi registrada há mais de 50 anos e evoluiu tecnologicamente ao longo do tempo. Está agora bem estabelecida na prática clínica, particularmente nos campos da cirurgia de epilepsia e mapeamento cerebral funcional. No entanto, a subutilização e a incompreensão das aplicações clínicas da MEG são um desafio para o uso mais amplo dessa tecnologia. Suas bases neurofisiológica e física são discutidas neste artigo, bem como questões práticas relacionadas à sua implementação, análise e aplicações clínicas. O futuro da MEG e algumas aplicações clínicas potenciais são brevemente revistos.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Introduction: Laparoscopic colorectal resection is more and more being employed in the daily oncology practice. Natural orifice techniques to obviate the need for a specimen extraction incision are evolving. Materials and methods: We studied transanal and transvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic colorectal resections prospectively in 16 patients. Results: The technique was successfully implemented in 75% of the cases. The site of the tumour and the patient age were the significant predictors of the technique success. Conclusion: The technique is reproducible and can be more widely adopted.
RESUMO Introdução: A ressecção colorretal laparoscópica está sendo cada vez mais empregada na prática diária de oncologia. Observa-se uma evolução nas técnicas que usam orifícios naturais de modo a evitar a necessidade de uma incisão para extração de espécimes. Materiais e métodos: O estudo avaliou prospectivamente a extração transanal e transvaginal de espécimes após ressecções colorretais laparoscópicas em 16 pacientes. Resultados: A técnica foi implementada com sucesso em 75% dos casos. A localização do tumor e a idade do paciente foram preditores significativos de sucesso da técnica. Conclusão: A técnica é reprodutível e pode ser mais amplamente adotada.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Colorectal Neoplasms/surgery , Laparoscopy , Transanal Endoscopic Surgery , Colorectal Surgery , Natural Orifice Endoscopic SurgeryABSTRACT
It has been recently hypothesized that the hepatitis C virus [HCV] might be involved in the pathogenesis of lymphoproliferative disorders [LPD], systemic lupus erythomatosus [SLE], nephrotic syndrome and renal failure [RF]. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among immunocompromised patients and a trial to assess the sensitivity of HCV core antigen [HCVcAg] testing as a screening method compared to PCR-RNA in these patients. The study included 75 patients with malignant lymphoproliferative disease [LPD] under long term chemotherapy including immunosuppressive therapy [30 children and 45 adults] [group II], 46 chronic renal failure patients under hemodialysis [10 children and 36 adults] [group III], 20 systemic lupus erythematosus patients [SLE] under long term immunosuppressive therapy [10 children and 10 adults], group IV and 30 nephrotic syndrome patients under long term immunosuppressive therapy [20 children and 10 adults] [group V]. Thirty healthy subjects were included as controls [group I]. HCV detection by HCV-antibodies, HCVcAg and HCV PCR were done for all patients and controls. The results showed that there was significantly increased prevalence rates of HCV infection among immunocompromised patients. Positivity was 53.33% in LPD group, 47.83% in chronic renal failure group, 45% in SLE group and 33.33% in nephrotic syndrome group. Also our results revealed that, in studied patients [children and adults], HCVcAg in comparison to PCR had diagnostic sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 98.38%, accuracy of 99%, positive predictive value of 97.53% and negative predictive value of 100%. [1] immunocompromised patients have a higher prevalence rate of HCV infection. [2] increased prevalence were significantly higher in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [NHL], membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis [MPGN] and with the increased duration of hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure. [3] HCV infection may play an important role as a risk factor in both lymphoproliferative disorders, and clinical pattern of SLE. [4] HCVcAg maybe considered as an alternative to HCV-RNA assay in screening of HCV infection