Clinics
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To develop a Brazilian version of the gesture behavior test (GBT) for patients with chronic low back pain. ⋯ The Brazilian version of the GBT proved to be a reproducible and valid instrument. In addition, according to the questionnaire results, more disabled patients exhibited more protective gesture behavior related to low-back.
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To compare variations of plethysmographic wave amplitude (DeltaPpleth) and to determine the percent difference between inspiratory and expiratory pulse pressure (DeltaPp) cutoff values for volume responsiveness in a homogenous population of postoperative cardiac surgery patients. ⋯ DeltaPpleth is well correlated with DPp and constitutes a simple and non-invasive method for assessing fluid responsiveness in patients following cardiac surgery.
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To evaluate and compare the efficiency of humidification in available heat and moisture exchanger models under conditions of varying tidal volume, respiratory rate, and flow rate. ⋯ Our data indicate that heat and moisture exchangers are more efficient when used with low tidal volume ventilation. The roles of flow and respiratory rate were of lesser importance, suggesting that their adjustment has a less significant effect on the performance of heat and moisture exchangers.
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The objectives of this study were to develop a pointing device controlled by head movement that had the same functions as a conventional mouse and to evaluate the performance of the proposed device when operated by quadriplegic users. ⋯ The developed pointing device adequately emulates the movement functions of the computer cursor. It is easy to use and can be learned quickly when operated by quadriplegic individuals.
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Memantine is an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonist used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Previous studies have suggested that receptor blockers act as neuroprotective agents; however, no study has specifically investigated the impact that these drugs have on the heart. We sought to evaluate the effects of memantine on nuclear size reduction in cardiac cells exposed to cold stress. ⋯ Memantine prevented the nuclear size reduction of cardiomyocytes in rats exposed to cold stress.