Clinical predictors for mechanical ventilation assistance in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Background: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) frequently leads to respiratory failure and autonomic dysfunction, resulting in approximately one-third of patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Objective: This study aimed to identify clinical predictors for mechanical ventilation in patients with GBS. Methods: This research was conducted from 2010 to 2021 using registries from a tertiary hospital in an upper middle-income Latin American country. Participants were categorized into two groups based on their ventilation status. Demographic data were collected, and independent predictors of the need for mechanical ventilation were determined through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Dysautonomic events occurred in 36% of the patients, with 17% requiring mechanical ventilation; the average duration of intubation was 1.16 ± 3.18 days. The multivariate analysis indicated that bulbar dysfunction significantly increased the likelihood of requiring mechanical ventilation by 19-fold (OR 18.67, 95% CI 5.85-59.42), followed by ophthalmoplegia, which increased the likelihood by sixfold (OR 5.68, 95% CI 1.28-25.19). Conclusion: Bulbar dysfunction, dysautonomia, and lower Medical Research Council (MRC) scores were significant predictors of the need for mechanical ventilation in hospitalized GBS patients. These findings support the need for close monitoring and early admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) admission for at-risk patients.

Performance of an agricultural engine using mineral diesel and ethanol fuels

ABSTRACT: The global demand for alternatives for mineral diesel oil is growing due to the need for satisfying sustainability and environmental requirements, forcing industries and research institutions to develop new alternative fuels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance parameters of an agricultural engine using two different fuels: mineral diesel oil and ethanol. The experiment was conducted on a dynamometric stand using two engines for agricultural use but with a modified fuel injection system, suitable for both diesel and ethanol, in the speed range 1200-2300rpm. The performance of the engines was analyzed considering the power take-off from the tractors for each fuel, as established in the standard NBR ISO 1585. The data obtained showed that at the working speed that provides 540rpm at the power take-off, the engine performance changed when powered by ethanol, with a reduction in the maximum power and increased specific fuel consumption.

RESUMO: A demanda mundial por combustíveis alternativos ao óleo Diesel mineral vem crescendo, tanto pela sustentabilidade, quanto por exigências ambientais. Isso faz com que as indústrias e as instituições de pesquisa desenvolvam novas alternativas para o uso destes combustíveis. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar os parâmetros de desempenho de um motor agrícola, com dois diferentes combustíveis, Diesel mineral e etanol. O experimento foi realizado em bancada dinamométrica, utilizando dois motores de uso agrícola, porém, com alterações no sistema de injeção de combustível, Diesel e etanol, na faixa de rotação entre 1200 e 2300rpm. O desempenho dos motores foi analisado por meio da tomada de potência dos tratores para cada combustível, conforme estabelece a norma NBR ISO 1585. A partir dos dados obtidos, concluiu-se que, ao considerar a rotação de trabalho que fornece 540rpm na tomada de potência, houve alteração no desempenho do motor movido a etanol, com redução da potência máxima e aumento do consumo específico de combustível.