Os desafios do algoritmo da plataforma para o trabalho do influenciador digital conhecido como youtuber / The challenges of the platform algorithm for the work of the digital influencer known as youtuber / Los desafíos del algoritmo de la plataforma para el trabajo del influencer digital conocido como youtuber

Youtubers são influenciadores digitais que utilizam como plataforma principal o YouTubeeconseguem se relacionar com o seu público, objetivando reverter suas interações em ganhos monetários. Entretanto, a plataforma YouTube é consideravelmente administrada por algoritmos que carecem de precisão, quanto ao seu funcionamento, e sofrem repentinas modificações, tornando o exercício da profissão um constante desafio para esses criadores de conteúdos. Logo, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar um recorte dos resultados obtidos em um estudo para dissertação de mestrado profissional em psicologia, que, a partir da análise de conteúdo, articulou as verbalizações de seis youtubers entrevistados com a literatura atual disponível. Foi possível identificar que, mesmo naqueles que têm experiência nessa atividade, o algoritmo do YouTube ainda provoca inquietações por sua falta de transparência, sua imprevisibilidade e sua volatilidade, as quais podem vir a resultar em prejuízos à saúde mental dos sujeitos que não estejam preparados para tal ofício.

Youtubers are digital influencers who use Youtube as their main platform. They are able to engage with their audience aiming to turn their interactions into monetary gains. However, the YouTube platform is considerably managed by algorithms that lack precision in terms of their functioning and are suddenly modified, making the exercise of the profession a constant challenge for these content creators. Therefore, this article aims to present some of the results obtained through a study for a dissertation of professional master's degree in psychology that, based on content analysis, articulated the verbalizations of six you-tubers interviewed with the current literature available. It was possible to identify that, even for those who have experience in this activity, the YouTube algorithm still causes concerns with regard to its lack of transparency, its unpredictability and its volatility, which may result in damage to mental health of those who are not prepared for this activity.

Los youtubers son personas influyentes que usan YouTube como su plataforma principal y son capaces de interactuar con su audiencia, con el objetivo de convertir sus interacciones en numerarios. Sin embargo, la plataforma YouTube es de manera considerable manejada por algoritmos que carecen de precisión en cuanto a su funcionamiento y sufren cambios repentinos, haciendo del ejercicio de la profesión un desafío constante para estos creadores de contenido. Por lo tanto, el presente trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar un recorte de los resultados obtenidos en un estudio para una disertación de grado académico de magíster en psicología, que, a partir del análisis de contenido, articuló las verbalizaciones de seis youtubersentrevistados con la literatura actual disponible. Fue posible identificar que, incluso para aquellos que tienen experiencia en esta actividad, el algoritmo de YouTube sigue siendo motivo de preocupación por su falta de transparencia, su imprevisibilidad y su volatilidad, lo que puede resultar en daños a la salud mental de los sujetos que no están preparados para tal trabajo.

The predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) does not respond for volatiles of maize infested by Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) / O ácaro predador Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) não responde aos voláteis de milho infestado por Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Among the plants defense mechanisms, the induction and emission of volatile organic compounds, which can be used to attract natural enemies, such predators insects. Although well studied, the induction of plant volatiles that attract natural enemies can vary according to intensity of infestation of herbivores and the species of host plant. We investigated the olfactory behavioral responses of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to the volatiles of infested maize (Zea mays) plants by the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Koch, 1836) (Acari: Tetranychidae) in early and advanced infestations. The Bt (Viptera) maize cultivar Impact® was used for tests the behavior of N. californicus. After initial and advanced infestations, the phytophagous mites T. urticae were removed, and the plants were tested using a "Y" olfactometer. The following treatments were evaluated: air vs. air, uninfested plants vs. air, uninfested plants vs. plants infested with 10 females of T. urticae, uninfested plants vs. plants infested with 100 females of T. urticae, uninfested plants vs. plants infested with 200 females of T. urticae and plants infested with 10 vs. plants infested with 200 females of T. urticae. The predatory mite N. californicus did not show preference to the treatments tested, suggesting that maize plants infested by T. urticae do not induce volatiles capable of attracting the predatory mite N. californicus. We concluded that N. californicus is not attracted by maize plants infested by T. urticae.

Dentre os mecanismos de defesa de plantas, a indução e emissão de compostos orgânicos voláteis, podem ser utilizados para atrair inimigos naturais, como insetos predadores. Embora bem estudada, a indução dos voláteis de plantas que atraem inimigos naturais pode variar de acordo com a intensidade de infestação de herbívoros e a espécie de planta hospedeira. Investigamos as respostas comportamentais olfativas do ácaro predador Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) aos voláteis de plantas infestadas pelo ácaro-rajado Tetranychus urticae (Koch, 1836) (Acari: Tetranychidae). A cultivar de milho Bt (Viptera) Impact® foi utilizada para testar o comportamento de N. californicus. Após infestações iniciais e avançadas, os ácaros fitófagos T. urticae foram removidos e as plantas testadas em olfatômetro “Y”. Os seguintes tratamentos foram avaliados: ar vs. ar, plantas não infestadas vs. ar, plantas não infestadas vs. plantas infestadas com 10 fêmeas de T. urticae, plantas não infestadas vs. plantas infestadas com 100 fêmeas de T. urticae, plantas não infestadas vs. plantas infestadas com 200 fêmeas de T. urticae e plantas infestadas com 10 vs. plantas infestadas com 200 fêmeas de T. urticae. O ácaro predador N. californicus não mostrou preferência aos tratamentos testados, sugerindo que plantas de milho infestadas por T. urticae não induzem voláteis capazes de atrair o ácaro predador N. californicus. Concluímos que N. californicus não é atraído por plantas de milho infestadas por T. urticae.

Ammonia levels during broiler rearing cycle

The evaluated ammonia volatilization rates and its association with humidity, temperature, and pH in broiler litter in conventional and dark house rearing systems. Evaluations were performed at 0.01, 1.00, and 1.50 m high, using a completely randomized design, at a weekly frequency for 12 weeks­from the sanitary void to the end of the 42-day cycle. Litter temperature had no significant difference for different types of house. Humidity and pH levels varied according to houses and evaluation periods. No ammonia volatilization was detected during initial periods. However, up from the 21st day of rearing, rates started to increase, showing higher concentrations at 0.01 m height. At 1.00 and 1.50 m, values around 20 mL·m­3, were obtained and considered an acceptable exposure level for the broilers and employees directly working in this sector. Yet, broiler breeders should target lower levels due to environmental impacts.

Effect of alternative solvent evaporation techniques on mechanical properties of primer-adhesive mixtures / Efeito de técnicas alternativas utilizando evaporação de solvente nas propriedades mecânicas da mistura primer-adesivo

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the influence of the mode and time of solvent evaporation on the tensile strength (TS), flexural strength (FS) and elastic modulus (EM) of two adhesive systems: Scotchbond Multipurpose (SBMP) and Clearfil SE (CSEB). For this purpose, rectangular samples (2x1x7 mm) were prepared with 10 μL of primer and the solvents were evaporated with air spray at (23±1) ºC, (40±1) ºC and negative control (without spray). For each temperature, the times of 5, 20, 30, and 60 seconds were investigated. The statistical results showed that evaporation at 40±1ºC resulted in better EM for the two adhesives tested and all the evaporation times evaluated. However, there were no significant differences between the times and modes of evaporation for TS. The results of this study indicate that evaporation at a temperature of (40±1) °C could improve the elastic modulus of both adhesives tested, regardless of the evaporating time.

RESUMO Este estudo avaliou a influência do modo e do tempo de evaporação do solvente na resistência à tração (RT), resistência à flexão (RF) e módulo de elasticidade (MR) de dois sistemas adesivos: Scotchbond Multipurpose (SBMP) e Clearfil SE (CSEB). Para isso, amostras retangulares (2x1x7 mm) foram preparadas com 10 μL de primer e os solventes foram evaporados com aerossol a (23±1) ºC, (40±1) ºC e controle negativo (sem aerossol). Para cada temperatura, foram avaliados os tempos de 5, 20, 30 e 60 segundos. Os resultados estatísticos mostraram que a evaporação a (40±1) ºC resultou em melhor MR para os dois adesivos testados e todos os tempos de evaporação avaliados. No entanto, não houve diferenças significativas entre os tempos e modos de evaporação na RT. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que a evaporação a uma temperatura de (40±1) °C poderia melhorar o módulo de elasticidade de ambos os adesivos testados, independentemente do tempo de evaporação.

Release of formaldehyde during the biofiltration of methanol vapors in a peat biofilter inoculated with Pichia pastoris GS115

BACKGROUND: Methanol can be effectively removed from air by biofiltration (Shareefdeen et al., 1993; Babbitt et al., 2009 [1,2]). However, formaldehyde is one of the first metabolic intermediates in the consumption of methanol in methylotrophic microorganisms (Negruta et al., 2010 [3]), and it can be released out of the cell constituting a secondary emission. RESULTS: The total removal of methanol was achieved up to input loads of 263 g m−3 h−1 and the maximum elimination capacity of the system was obtained at an empty bed residence times of 90 s and reached 330 g m−3 h−1 at an input methanol load of 414 g m−3 h−1 and 80% of removal efficiency. Formaldehyde was detected inside the biofilter when the input methanol load was above 212 g m−3 h−1 . Biomass in the filter bed was able to degrade the formaldehyde generated, but with the increase of the methanol input load, the unconsumed formaldehyde was released outside the biofilter. The maximum concentration registered at the output of the system was 3.98 g m−3 when the methanol load was 672 g m−3 h−1 in an empty bed residence times of 60 s. CONCLUSIONS: Formaldehyde is produced inside a biofilter when methanol is treated in a biofiltration system inoculated with Pichia pastoris. Biomass present in the reactor is capable of degrading the formaldehyde generated as the concentration of methanol decreases. However, high methanol loads can lead to the generation and release of formaldehyde into the environment.

Volatilization of ammonia in systems of treatment of swine manure with aquatic macrophytes / Volatilização de amônia em sistemas de tratamento de dejetos de suínos com macrófitas aquáticas

Abstract The usage of aquatic plants represents an alternative in the treatment of residues originating from swine. In these systems, one of the N removal methods is the ammonium (NH4 +) uptake and volatilization of ammonia (NH3). In this way, the objective of this work was to evaluate the volatilization rates of NH3 in waste treatment systems swine fluids (SSF) with aquatic macrophytes, as well as the concentration of NH 4+ present in the swine fluids. The experiment was carried out at Campus II/UNOESTE. The treatment systems were composed of 16 boxes of PVC and characterized as: T1 = Control sample 50% of SSF/50% of water; T2 = 50% SSF/50% water + Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms; T3 = 50% SSF/50% water + Pistia stratiotes L.; T4 = 50% SSF/50% water + Salvinia auriculata Aubl. The design was randomized blocks, with 4 treatments and 4 replicates. The hydrogen potential (pH) and the NH4 + content of the effluent were analyzed weekly, and the volatilization of NH 3 by means of collectors installed in each treatment unit. The presence of aquatic macrophytes promoted the reduction of NH4+ concentration and of the pH values ​​of swine fluids, and this resulted in the reduction of NH3 volatilization rates to the environment, with emphasis on the system with Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, which presented the lowest rate of volatilization.

Resumo A utilização de plantas aquáticas representa uma alternativa no tratamento de resíduos oriundos da suinocultura. Nestes sistemas, uma das formas de remoção de nitrogênio (N) é a absorção de amônio (NH4+) pelas plantas, entretanto, também ocorre a volatilização de amônia (NH3). Dessa forma, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as taxas de volatilização de NH3 em sistemas de tratamentos de dejetos líquidos de suínos (DLS) com macrófitas aquáticas, bem como a concentração de NH4+ presente nos dejetos. O experimento foi realizado em área de ambiente aberto no Campus II/UNOESTE. Os sistemas de tratamento foram constituídos de 16 caixas de PVC e caracterizados como: T1 = Testemunha 50% de DLS/50% de água; T2 = 50% de DLS/50% de água + Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms; T3 = 50% de DLS/50% de água + Pistia stratiotes L.; T4 = 50% de DLS/50% de água + Salvinia auriculata Aubl. O delineamento adotado foi em blocos casualizados, com 4 tratamentos e 4 repetições. Foram analisados o potencial hidrogeniônico (pH) e o teor de NH4 + do efluente semanalmente, e a volatilização de NH3 por meio de coletores instalados em cada unidade de tratamento. A presença das macrófitas aquáticas proporcionou a redução da concentração de NH4+ e dos valores de pH dos dejetos líquidos de suínos, e isto resultou na redução das taxas de volatilização de NH 3 ao meio ambiente, com destaque ao sistema com Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, que apresentou a menor taxa de volatilização.

O Complexo Regulador em Saúde do Distrito Federal, Brasil, e o desafio da integração entre os níveis assistenciais / The Regulatory Complex for Health Care in the Federal District, Brazil and the challenge for integrating levels of health care

Resumo A integração entre os níveis de atenção é um desafio contínuo mesmo em sistemas de saúde consolidados e de alta performance. A reestruturação do sistema público de saúde do Distrito Federal, baseado no fortalecimento da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), na reconfiguração da atenção especializada (ambulatorial e hospitalar) e de sua rede de urgência e emergência, trouxe como desafio a necessidade de integração entre esses níveis. Fez-se necessária a criação de um dispositivo que desempenhasse o papel de "gatekeeper" conduzindo o acesso equânime, transparente e seguro para a atenção especializada e hospitalar. Neste sentido, foi estruturado o Complexo Regulador em Saúde do Distrito Federal (CRDF) e suas Centrais de Regulação (CR), orientados para a execução de um processo regulatório de acesso para os serviços de internação hospitalar, ambulatorial (procedimentos e consultas especializadas), cirurgias eletivas, alta complexidade, transporte sanitário, urgências e transplantes de pacientes do Distrito Federal e de fora dele. Este artigo descreve o processo de implantação e de implementação do CRDF e de suas CR, de forma a refletir sobre as potencialidades e desafios de seu papel enquanto instrumento de integração entre os níveis assistenciais de saúde.

Abstract The integration among levels of care is a continuous challenge even in consolidated and high performance health systems. The reform of public health system of Distrito Federal, based on the strengthening of primary health care associated to the reconfiguration of specialized attention (ambulatory and hospital) and of its of urgency and emergence network brought, as a challenge, the need for integration between these levels. Thus, became necessary to create an instrumentto perform the role of gatekeeper, leading to equanimous, transparent and safe access to specialized and hospital care. Thus, the Regulatory Complex in Health of Distrito Federal (CRDF) and its Regulatory Centers (CR) were created to carry out the regulatory process of access to care services, such as hospitalization, ambulatory care (procedures and specialized consultations), elective surgeries, complex procedures, sanitary transport, urgencies and transplants of patients of the Federal District and outside it. This article describes the process of the CRDF implementation and its CRs, aiming to reflect on the potential and challenges of its role as an instrument of integration among the levels of care.

Chemical characterization of South American red wines / Caracterização química de vinhos tintos sul americanos

In this study, 83 wines considered by experts as representatives of the following commercial categories: "Argentinean Malbec (AM)", "Brazilian Merlot (BM)", "Uruguayan Tannat (UT)" and "Chilean Carménère (CC)" were analyzed according to their composition of phenolic, volatiles and semi-volatiles compounds. The objective was to identify the chemical compounds profile that characterized each commercial category. From about 600 peaks obtained by chromatographic techniques, 169 were identified and 53 of them were selected for multivariate statistical analysis. Four clusters, designated as "Chemical Categories" were obtained. Chemical Category 2 and Chemical Category 4 were composed by 90% of CC and 68% of AM respectively, Chemical Category 3 grouped mostly CC (50%) and BM (36%), while Chemical Category 1 showed predominance of AM (37%) and UT (30%). Based on the chemical classification, CC wines were characterized by higher content of Isopentyl lactate, Isobutyl alcohol, Ionone, malvidin and gallic acid and lower content of rutin, quercetin and resveratrol. On the other side, AM wines showed higher concentration of myricetin. UT wines had the highest antioxidant activity, higher content of quercetin, epicatechin, rutin and also the highest amount of all semi-volatiles detected in the negative mode, while BM wines only showed the highest concentration of catechin, petunidin and all semi-volatiles detected in the positive mode. Considering that phenolic and volatile compounds are strictly associated to the wines sensory characteristics, these data can contribute to establish criteria for further wines authentication and typification

Neste estudo, 83 vinhos considerados por especialistas como representantes das seguintes categorias comerciais: "Malbec Argentino (AM)", "Merlot Brasileiro (BM)", "Tannat Uruguaio (UT)" e "Carménere Chileno (CC)" foram analisados de acordo com a sua composição de compostos fenólicos, voláteis e semi-voláteis. O objetivo foi identificar a combinação dos compostos químicos que caracteriza cada categoria comercial. De cerca de 600 picos obtidos por técnicas cromatográficas, 169 foram identificados e 53 deles foram selecionados para análise estatística multivariada. Quatro clusters, designados como "Categorias Químicas" foram obtidos. A Categoria Química 2 e a Categoria Química 4 foram compostas por 90% de CC e 68% de AM respectivamente, a Categoria Química 3 agrupou principalmente CC (50%) e BM (36%), enquanto a Categoria Química 1 mostrou predominância de AM (37%) e UT (30%). Com base na classificação química, os vinhos CC foram caracterizados por apresentarem maior teor de lactato isopentílico, álcool isobutílico, ionona, malvidina e ácido gálico e menor teor de rutina, quercetina e resveratrol. Por outro lado, os vinhos AM apresentaram maior concentração de miricetina. Os vinhos UT apresentaram a maior atividade antioxidante, maior teor de quercetina, epicatequina, rutina e também a maior quantidade de todos os semi-voláteis detectados no modo negativo, enquanto os vinhos BM apresentaram a maior concentração de catequina, petunidina e todos os semi-voláteis detectados no modo positivo. Considerando que compostos fenólicos e voláteis estão estritamente associados às características sensoriais dos vinhos, esses dados podem contribuir para o estabelecimento de critérios para posterior autenticação e tipificação de vinhos sul americanos

Review: optically-triggered phase-transition droplets for photoacoustic imaging

Optically-triggered phase-transition droplets have been introduced as a promising contrast agent for photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging that not only provide significantly enhanced contrast but also have potential as photoacoustic theranostic molecular probes incorporated with targeting molecules and therapeutics. For further understanding the dynamics of optical droplet vaporization process, an innovative, methodical analysis by concurrent acoustical and ultrafast optical recordings, comparing with a theoretical model has been employed. In addition, the repeatability of the droplet vaporization-recondensation process, which enables continuous photoacoustic imaging has been studied through the same approach. Further understanding the underlying physics of the optical droplet vaporization and associated dynamics may guide the optimal design of the droplets. Some innovative approaches in preclinical studies have been recently demonstrated, including sono-photoacoustic imaging, dual-modality of photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging, and super-resolution photoacoustic imaging. In this review, current development of optically triggered phase-transition droplets and understanding on the vaporization dynamics, their applications are introduced and future directions are discussed.

Two mechanisms of oral malodor inhibition by zinc ions

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to reveal the mechanisms by which zinc ions inhibit oral malodor. Material and Methods The direct binding of zinc ions to gaseous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was assessed in comparison with other metal ions. Nine metal chlorides and six metal acetates were examined. To understand the strength of H2S volatilization inhibition, the minimum concentration needed to inhibit H2S volatilization was determined using serial dilution methods. Subsequently, the inhibitory activities of zinc ions on the growth of six oral bacterial strains related to volatile sulfur compound (VSC) production and three strains not related to VSC production were evaluated. Results Aqueous solutions of ZnCl2, CdCl2, CuCl2, (CH3COO)2Zn, (CH3COO)2Cd, (CH3COO)2Cu, and CH3COOAg inhibited H2S volatilization almost entirely. The strengths of H2S volatilization inhibition were in the order Ag+ > Cd2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+. The effect of zinc ions on the growth of oral bacteria was strain-dependent. Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25586 was the most sensitive, as it was suppressed by medium containing 0.001% zinc ions. Conclusions Zinc ions have an inhibitory effect on oral malodor involving the two mechanisms of direct binding with gaseous H2S and suppressing the growth of VSC-producing oral bacteria.

Influence of the passive evaporation of adhesive on the conductance of dentin

ABSTRACT: Aim: Determine the influence of time of passive evaporation of the solvent in a universal adhesive on the hydraulic conductance and permeability of dentin in an ex vivo human model. Henceforth, 60 healthy non-occluding third molars, indicated for therapeutic extraction/removal, of informed and consented patients aged between 18 and 30 years, were used here in. First, extracted teeth were incorporated into epoxy resin blocks and then dentin disks (1mm +/- 0.1 mm thick) were prepared. Dentin was acid etched with 35% ortho-phosphoric acid for 15 seconds in order to remove the smear layer and obtain permeable dentin. Samples were then randomized and divided into 5 groups (n=12). A Single Bond Universal adhesive layer with different time of passive evaporation of the solvent was then applied: GC=10 seconds, G1=30 seconds, G2=60 seconds, G3=300 seconds and G4=50 minutes. Finally, the flow rate was measured using a diffusion chamber, a model previously proposed by Pashley et al. Results: The obtained hydraulic conductance averages were as follows: GC=0.00052, G1=0.00018, G2=0.00006, G3=0.00005, G4=0.00005 expressed in uL•cm-2•min-1cm•H2O-1. For comparisons between groups, ANOVA and post hoc Tukey (ρ<0.05) tests were applied, resulting in a statistically significant difference between the GC group and all experimental groups (ρ <0.05). An influence of solvent passive evaporation thereby reducing hydraulic conductance in the experimental groups, was detected.

Changes in Erectile Function after Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate with a 120-W GreenLight High-Performance System Laser: 2-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with a 120-W GreenLight high-performance system on erectile function in a 2-year follow-up study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy-seven patients who underwent PVP during 2008 to 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 5 groups according to their preoperative 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores: Group I (IIEF-5: 5~7, n=28), II (IIEF-5: 8~11, n=47), III (IIEF-5: 12~16, n=43), IV (IIEF-5: 17~21, n=34), and V (IIEF-5: 22~25, n=25). The patients were assessed before surgery and 6, 12, and 24 months after the PVP. Their International Prostate Symptom Score/quality of life, maximum urinary flow rate/post-void residual urine volume, and IIEF-5 scores were measured at each visit. RESULTS: The mean age and presence of hypertension were significantly different among the 5 groups. Perioperative parameters and postoperative complication rates showed no statistical differences. After PVP, voiding parameters were significantly improved in all the groups and sustained during the 2-year follow-up. The postoperative IIEF-5 scores fell slightly overall, while group V showed the largest significant deterioration. In multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) was the only independent predictor of decreased erectile function after PVP. CONCLUSIONS: Erectile function declined in all the groups after PVP, with the most extensive deterioration observed in patients with normal erectile function preoperatively. Preoperative BMI was the only independent risk factor for a meaningful decrease in erectile function after PVP.

Surgical Results of Punctoplasty Using Thermal Vaporization in Patients with Punctual Stenosis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical results of punctoplasty using thermal vaporization in patients with punctual stenosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 84 patients who underwent punctoplasty using thermal vaporization via a radiofrequency surgical unit (Ellman surgitron®; Ellman International Inc., Oceanside, NY, USA) from 2012 to 2015. The final surgical results included the success rates, postoperative complications, and punctual size and shape. RESULTS: A total of 123 eyes and 219 puncta of 84 patients were included in this study. The average age was 53.5 years with a mean follow-up period of 32.2 months. Before surgery, the mean punctum diameter was 0.24 mm. After surgery, the mean punctum diameter was 2.59 mm. At last follow-up, 207 puncta (95%) were found to be patent, while 9 puncta (4%) became stenotic again. The anatomic success rate was 95%. During fluorescein dye disappearance tests after surgery, 3 eyes (2.4%) were grade 3, 5 eyes (4%) were grade 2, 3 eyes (2.4%) were grade 1, and 112 eyes (91%) were grade 0. If grades 1 or 0 were defined as functional success, then the functional success rate was 115/123 eyes (93.5%). After punctoplasty, 110 eyes (89.4%) showed no signs of epiphora. However, 5 eyes (4.1%) showed intermittent epiphora and 8 eyes (6.5%) showed persistent epiphora. According to a survey study on tearing, the functional success rate was 115/123 eyes (93.4%). CONCLUSIONS: After punctoplasty using thermal vaporization, high anatomic and functional success rates were achieved, with the two success rates being almost identical. No significant complications were reported postoperatively.

Recent advances in laser treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urological diseases in men after middle age. The most common surgical treatment of BPH is transurethral prostatectomy. Recently, because of the rapid development of lasers, they have been used for the treatment of BPH. The treatment of BPH using lasers has been shown to lead to significant improvements in symptoms and to have excellent therapeutic effects. It is widely used as a minimally invasive treatment of BPH because of the risk and complications associated with transurethral prostate resection. Currently, 3 kinds of lasers are generally used in the treatment of BPH in Korea: potassium-titanyl-phosphate, holmium, and thulium lasers. With developments in laser technology, surgical procedures have improved continuously. The most common surgical procedures are holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), and thulium laser enucleation of the prostate. HoLEP is an effective surgical procedure for large prostates. PVP is safe for patients who are elderly, are in poor general health, or are taking anticoagulants. Thulium laser enucleation of prostate has advantages over PVP and HoLEP surgery due to specific characteristics of the laser and the surgical method. Compared with transurethral prostate resection, laser-based surgical procedures require shorter hospitalization and Foley catheter insertion periods. HoLEP and PVP are safe and effective methods for the surgical treatment of BPH. Therefore, if more data are accumulated from research into these methods, they will become the standard surgical treatments for prostate hyperplasia.

Evaporation time of droplets containing thiamethoxam and adjuvants on hydrophilic, hydrophobic and lipophilic surfaces under different air relative humidities / Tempo de evaporação de gotas contendo tiametoxam e adjuvantes depositadas em superfícies hidrofílica, hidrofóbica e lipofílica em diferentes umidades relativas do ar

The efficacy of pesticide applications is related to the spread and evaporation time of the droplets deposited on the target. This study evaluates the evaporation of spray droplets containing thiamethoxam and adjuvants on different surfaces and at different levels of relative air humidity. A climate controlled chamber was set up with a digital microscope to produce images of droplet evaporation. Three surfaces (hydrophilic, lipophilic and hydrophobic), five solutions (water, thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam + mineral oil, thiamethoxam + vegetable oil, thiamethoxam + surfactant) and three air humidity levels (45%, 60% and 75%) were evaluated. The surface tension of these solutions was also measured. It was found that all of the insecticide solutions reduced surface tension, that air humidity, target surface and spray formulation influenced spray evaporation and that surfactants reduced the evaporation time of droplets on natural lipophilic surfaces.

A eficácia de uma aplicação de produto fitossanitário está relacionada ao espalhamento e ao tempo de evaporação das gotas depositadas sobre o alvo. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a evaporação de gotas depositadas em distintas superfícies, a partir de caldas contendo tiametoxam e adjuvantes, em diferentes umidades relativas do ar. Foi montada uma estrutura a partir de uma câmara climática de condições controladas e um microscópio digital para análise de imagens da evaporação de gotas. Foram avaliadas, em três superfícies (hidrofílica, hidrofóbica e lipofílica), cinco soluções (água, tiametoxam, tiametoxam + óleo mineral, tiametoxam + óleo vegetal, tiametoxam + espalhante) e três umidades relativas do ar (45%, 60% e 75%). Também foi realizada análise da tensão superficial destas soluções. Com base nos resultados obtidos, todas as soluções inseticidas reduziram a tensão superficial da calda; a umidade relativa do ar, a estrutura da superfície alvo e a formulação da calda do produto fitossanitário influenciaram a evaporação de gotas em superfície; e o uso de surfactantes reduziu o tempo de evaporação de gotas depositadas em superfície natural lipofílica.

Incidental Ignition of a Pulsed Dye Laser Fiber During Laryngomicrosurgery: A Case Report

Surgical fires require an ignition source, oxidizer, and fuel. The pulsed dye laser (PDL) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids in dermatology. With the increasing number of applications of CO2, laser as ignition source has been associated with operating room fires in the otorhinolaryngologic field. There have been many case reports on PDL-induced fires in dermatology, but until now, there were no reports in the larynx. We describe a 57-year-old patient diagnosed with laryngeal hyperkeratosis treated by PDL-assisted laryngomicrosurgery. In this case, we experienced incidental PDL tip flaring during pulsed dye laser vaporization.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Functional Outcomes and Complications Following the Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate and Monopolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (MTURP) and photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in order to provide the most up-to-date and reliable recommendations possible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant RCTs were identified from electronic databases for meta-analysis of the surgical outcomes and complications of MTURP and PVP. Meta-analytical comparisons were made using qualitative and quantitative syntheses. The outcome variables are presented as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: In total, 11 articles were included in this comparative analysis of PVP versus MTURP. Most of the recently published studies exhibited low risk in terms of quality assessment. MTURP was superior to PVP regarding operative time; however, with regard to catheterization and hospitalization time, the mean differences were -1.39 (95% CI=-1.83~-0.95, p<0.001) and -2.21 (95% CI=-2.73~-1.69, p<0.001), respectively, in favor of PVP. PVP was superior to MTURP with regard to transfusion rate and clot retention, but no statistically significant differences were found with regard to acute urinary retention and urinary tract infection. The long-term complications of bladder neck contracture and urethral stricture showed no statistically significant differences between PVP and MTURP. Long-term functional outcomes, including the International Prostate Symptom Score and maximum flow rate, likewise did not display statistically significant differences between PVP and MTURP. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, we believe that PVP should be considered as an alternative surgical procedure for treating male lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Prospective Randomized Controlled Study on the Efficacy of Multimedia Informed Consent for Patients Scheduled to Undergo Green-Light High-Performance System Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a multimedia informed consent (IC) presentation on the understanding and satisfaction of patients who were scheduled to receive 120-W green-light high-performance system photoselective vaporization of the prostate (HPS-PVP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multimedia IC (M-IC) presentation for HPS-PVP was developed. Forty men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who were scheduled to undergo HPS-PVP were prospectively randomized to a conventional written IC group (W-IC group, n=20) or the M-IC group (n=20). The allocated IC was obtained by one certified urologist, followed by a 15-question test (maximum score, 15) to evaluate objective understanding, and questionnaires on subjective understanding (range, 0~10) and satisfaction (range, 0~10) using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics, including age and the highest level of education, did not significantly differ between the two groups. No significant differences were found in scores reflecting the objective understanding of HPS-PVP (9.9±2.3 vs. 10.6±2.8, p=0.332) or in subjective understanding scores (7.5±2.1 vs. 8.6±1.7, p=0.122); however, the M-IC group showed higher satisfaction scores than the W-IC group (7.4±1.7 vs. 8.4±1.5, p=0.033). After adjusting for age and educational level, the M-IC group still had significantly higher satisfaction scores. CONCLUSIONS: M-IC did not enhance the objective knowledge of patients regarding this surgical procedure. However, it improved the satisfaction of patients with the IC process itself.

Preoperative Urinary Retention Increased the Risk of Urinary Retention after Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate preoperative acute urinary retention (AUR) as a factor affecting the outcomes of patients who underwent photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), both in terms of overall effectiveness and the postoperative incidence of AUR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline prostate characteristics were obtained for patients who underwent PVP, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, transrectal ultrasound findings, voiding diary parameters, the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), and uroflowmetry parameters. These parameters were assessed two weeks, one month, three months, six months, and three years postoperatively. Subjects were divided into AUR and non-AUR groups based on the preoperative occurrence of AUR. RESULTS: Of the 476 patients, 91 had at least one episode of preoperative AUR. The AUR group was found to be significantly older and to have significantly higher PSA levels, lower body mass indices, and larger prostates. At one year of follow-up, the total IPSS was 7.6+/-6.8 in the AUR group and 11.4+/-8.2 in the non-AUR group, with the AUR group showing a more significant improvement. In the non-AUR group, 17 of the 385 patients (4.4%) experienced postoperative retention, compared to 16 of the 91 patients (17.6%) patients in the AUR group. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all patients exhibited improvements in subjective and objective voiding parameters following PVP, regardless of the presence of preoperative urinary retention. Patients with a preoperative history of AUR had a higher risk of postoperative retention.

A Pilot Study of Skin Resurfacing Using the 2,790-nm Erbium:YSGG Laser System

BACKGROUND: The erbium:yttrium scandium gallium garnet (Er:YSGG) laser differs from other laser techniques by having a faster and higher cure rate. Since the Er:YSGG laser causes an appropriate proportion of ablation and coagulation, it has advantages over the conventional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and the erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser, including heating tendencies and explosive vaporization. This research was conducted to explore the effects and safety of the Er:YSGG laser. METHODS: Twenty patients participated in the pilot study of a resurfacing system using a 2,790-nm Er:YSGG laser. All patients received facial treatment by the 2,790-nm Er:YSGG laser system (Cutera) twice with a 4-week interval. Wrinkle reduction, reduction in pigment inhomogeneity, and improvement in tone and texture were measured. RESULTS: Study subjects included 15 women and five men. Re-epithelization occurred in all subjects 3 to 4 days after treatment, and wrinkle reduction, reduction in pigment inhomogeneity, and improvement in tone and texture within 6 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The 2,790-nm YSGG laser technique had fewer complications and was effective in the improvement of scars, pores, wrinkles, and skin tone and color with one or two treatments. We expect this method to be effective for people with acne scars, pore scars, deep wrinkles, and uneven skin texture and color.