yes / To determine whether jugular venous reflux (JVR) is associated with cerebral white matter changes (WMCs) in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD), we studied 12 AD patients 24 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, and 17 elderly age- and gender-matched controls. Duplex ultrasonography and 1.5T MRI scanning was applied to quantify cerebral WMCs [T2 white matter (WM) lesion and dirty-appearing-white-matter (DAWM)]. Subjects with severe JVR had more frequently hypertension (p = 0.044), more severe WMC, including increased total (p = 0.047) and periventricular DAWM volumes (p = 0.008), and a trend for increased cerebrospinal fluid volumes (p = 0.067) compared with the other groups. A significantly decreased (65.8%) periventricular DAWM volume (p = 0.01) in the JVR-positive AD individuals compared with their JVR-negative counterparts was detected. There was a trend for increased periventricular and subcortical T2 WMC lesion volumes in the JVR-positive AD individuals compared with their JVR-negative counterparts (p = 0.073). This phenomenon was not observed in either the control or MCI groups. In multiple regression analysis, the increased periventricular WMC lesion volume and decreased DAWM volume resulted in 85.7% sensitivity and 80% specificity for distinguishing between JVR-positive and JVR-negative AD patients. These JVR-WMC association patterns were not seen in the control and MCI groups. Therefore, this pilot study suggests that there may be an association between JVR and WMCs in AD patients, implying that cerebral venous outflow impairment might play a role in the dynamics of WMCs formation in AD patients, particularly in the periventricular regions. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm and validate our findings.

No description available.

Objetivo: Comparar o tratamento cirúrgico convencional das varizes de membros inferiores com a escleroterapia com espuma ecoguiada nos pacientes com úlcera venosa. Como objetivo secundário, foi comparada a incidência de complicações com os métodos empregados e a melhora na qualidade de vida após a realização dos procedimentos. Casuística e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo randomizado e prospectivo de 49 pacientes com úlceras ativas (C6), que foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico (28 membros) ou escleroterapia espuma (23 membros), tendo como desfechos a cicatrização de úlceras de origem venosa, complicações do tratamento e qualidade de vida,. Os pacientes completaram o Questionário Aberdeen Veias Varicosas (QAVV), o escore de severidade clínica venoso (ESCV) e o Escore de Incapacidade Venosa (EIV). Resultados: A média e desvio padrão de acompanhamento foi de 502 ± 220 dias. A úlcera cicatrizou em 100% e 91,3% dos doentes tratados com cirurgia ou escleroterapia espuma, respectivamente (P > 0,05). QAVV, ESCV e EIV melhoraram em ambos os grupos após o tratamento. Não houve diferenças significativas no resultado final do QAVV, ESCV e EIV entre os dois grupos, vários meses após os procedimentos (p = 0,45, 0,58 e 0,66, respectivamente; Mann- Whitney U). As complicações ocorreram em 14,2% e 13,0% nos grupos cirúrgico e escleroterapia com espuma, respectivamente. Conclusão: A escleroterapia com espuma não foi inferior ao tratamento cirúrgico de úlceras venosas. Portanto a escleroterapia é uma alternativa ao tratamento cirúrgico, particularmente adequada para pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico que apresentam insuficiência venosa avançada e úlcera ativa / Objective: To compare the results of varicose vein treatment using ultrasoundguided foam sclerotherapy versus conventional surgery in patients with venous ulcers. As a secondary outcome, we compared the incidence of complications related to the employed technique and improvements in quality of life after the procedures. Methods: A randomized and prospective study was conducted in 49 patients with active venous ulcers (C6), submitted to surgical treatment (28 limbs) or foam sclerotherapy (23 limbs). The primary outcomes analysed included healing of venous ulcer, treatment complications and improvements in quality of life. All patients completed the Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ), the Venous Clinical Severity score (VCSS) and Venous Disability Score (VDS). Results: The mean and standard deviation follow-up was 502 ± 220 days. Ulceration healing was observed in 100% and 91.3% of patients treated with surgery or foam sclerotherapy, respectively (P > 0.05). AVVQ, VCSS and VDS improved in both groups following treatment. There were no significant differences in AVVQ, VCSS and VDS between the two groups several months after the procedures (p = 0,45, 0.58 and 0.66, respectively; Mann-Whitney U test). Complications occurred in 14.2% and 13.0% in the surgical and foam sclerotherapy groups, respectively. Conclusion: Sclerotherapy was non-inferior to surgical treatment in the management of venous ulcers. Therefore sclerotherapy can be considered an alternative to surgical treatment, especially in high surgical risk patients presenting with advanced venous insufficiency and an active ulcer

OBJETIVO: Determinar os valores de referência, e examinar a correlação da área de secção transversa do cordão umbilical, e de seus componentes, com a idade gestacional (IG), em gestações gemelares. Examinar a correlação da área de secção transversa do cordão umbilical com o peso fetal estimado (PFE). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo longitudinal envolvendo gestações gemelares dicoriônicas, não complicadas. Medidas ultrassonográficas das áreas de secção transversa do cordão umbilical (ASTCU), da veia (AVU) e artérias umbilicais (AAU), e da geleia de Wharton (AGW) foram obtidas em plano adjacente, próximo ao abdômen fetal, a cada três semanas. A correlação entre os parâmetros avaliados e a idade gestacional foi investigada por meio de modelo de regressão polinomial hierárquica, levando-se em consideração a variância segundo a idade gestacional, entre medidas obtidas em fetos da mesma gestação e, entre diferentes gestações. Para cada parâmetro estudado, foram calculados os valores correspondentes aos percentis 5, 10, 50, 90 e 95, para cada semana gestacional. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 334 avaliações ultrassonográficas em 44 gestações gemelares, entre 18 e 33 semanas (média: 3,8 ± 0,7 exames/gestação; intervalo médio entre exames: 3,3 ± 0,9 semanas). Os valores log-transformados de todos os parâmetros avaliados apresentaram correlação significativa (p<0,001) com a idade gestacional: Log(ASTCU) = - 2,287498 + 0,149298 x IG - 0,002302 x IG2, desvio-padrão DP = 0,113, R2 = 0,65; Log (AVU) = - 2,721487 + 0,119853 x IG - 0,001507 x IG2, DP=0,165, R2 = 0,58; Log (AAU) = - 4,223546 + 0,195454 x IG - 0,003080 x IG2, DP=0,163, R2 = 0,57; Log (AGW) = - 2,511648 + 0,157737 x IG - 0,002564 x IG2, DP=0,123, R2 = 0,55. A área de secção transversa do cordão umbilical apresentou correlação significativa com o peso fetal estimado (Log (ASTCU) = -1,602447 + 0,554502 x Log (PFE), R2 = 0,65, p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Em gestações gemelares dicoriônicas, a área de secção transversa do cordão umbilical, e de seus componentes, mostram correlação positiva e significativa com a idade gestacional. A área de secção transversa do cordão umbilical também correlaciona-se significativamente com o peso fetal estimado / OBJECTIVE: To determine reference values, and examine the correlation between the cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord, and its components, with gestational age (GA) in twin pregnancies. To examine the correlation between the cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord with the estimated fetal weight (EFW). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study involving uncomplicated dichorionic twin pregnancies. Sonographic measurements of the cross-sectional areas of the umbilical cord (UCCSA), umbilical vein (UVA) and arteries (UAA) and Wharton\'s jelly (WGA) were obtained in a plane adjacent to the fetal abdomen, every three weeks. The correlation between these parameters and gestational age was examined with hierarchical polynomial regression analysis. This modeling took into account the variance according to gestational age, fetuses within the same pregnancy and changes across different pregnancies. For each parameter, 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 95th centiles were calculated for each gestational week. RESULTS: 334 ultrasound scans were performed in 44 twin pregnancies, between 18 and 33 weeks (mean: 3.8 ± 0.7 scans/pregnancy, mean interval between scans: 3.3 ± 0.9 weeks). All umbilical cord log-transformed values showed a significant correlation (p < 0.001) with gestational age: Log (UCCSA) = - 2.287498 + 0.149298 x GA - 0.002302 x IG2, SD = standard deviation 0.113, R2 = 0.65, Log (UVA) = - 2.721487 + 0.119853 x GA - 0.001507 x IG2, SD = 0.165, R2 = 0.58, Log (UAA) = - 4.223546 + IG x 0.195454 - 0.003080 x IG2, SD = 0.163, R2 = 0.57, Log (WGA) = - 2.511648 + 0.157737 x GA - 0.002564 x IG2 , SD = 0.123, R2 = 0.55. The cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord also correlated significantly with the estimated fetal weight (Log (UCCSA) = -1.602447 + 0.554502 x Log (EFW), R2 = 0.65, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In dichorionic twin pregnancies, the cross-sectional areas of the umbilical cord, and its components, show a positive and significant correlation with gestational age. The cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord also has correlates significantly with the estimated fetal weight

Vasomotor tone is largely maintained by sympathetic nerves, myogenic reactivity and key local and circulating hormones. Acting together, these factors ensure moment-to-moment adjustments of net vascular tone required to maintain hemodynamic stability. In rat mesenteric small veins (MSV) and arteries (MSA), we investigated the contribution of the endothelium, L-type voltage operated calcium channels (L-VOCCs), PKC and Rho kinase to myogenic reactivity. The interaction of myogenic reactivity with norepinephrine (NE), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and sympathetic nerve activation was also investigated under conditions of changing transmural distending pressure. We also evaluated the relative contribution of alpha adrenergic (α-A) and endothelinergic receptors to NE and ET-1 contractile responses, respectively. Additionally, the effects of changing transmural pressure on endothelial dilator function of MSV were examined. Myogenic reactivity was not altered by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition or endothelium removal in both vessels. L-VOCCs blockade completely abolished arterial tone, while only partially reducing venous tone. PKC and Rho kinase inhibitors largely abolished venous and arterial myogenic reactivity. Increasing transmural pressure did not alter NE, ET-1, and bradykinin responses, but it significantly reduced neurogenic contractions. MSV were more sensitive to NE, ET-1 and sympathetic nerve activation compared with corresponding arteries. α-A and ET-1 receptor agonist and antagonist application revealed the participation of α1-A and ETA receptors in NE and ET-1 contractile responses, respectively. α2-A and ETB receptors appeared to mediate NE and ET-1 responses in MSV, respectively. Bradykinin induced-vasodilation was mainly reduced by NOS inhibition, and BKCa and SkCa blockade. These results suggest that myogenic factors are important contributors to net venous tone in MSV; PKC and Rho kinase activation are important to myogenic reactivity in both vessels, while L-VOCCs play a limited role in the veins versus the arteries; mesenteric veins maintain an enhanced sensitivity to NE, ET-1 and sympathetic nerve activation compared to the arteries with neurogenic contractions being affected by transmural pressure elevations; α1-ARs and ETA are the predominant receptors mediating contractile responses to NE and ET-1, respectively, with functional evidence indicating the presence of α2-ARs and ETB receptors in MSV; and venous endothelial dilator function is not affected by an elevation of transmural pressure. / Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Libyan Ministry of Education and Scientific Research.

OBJETIVO: Determinar os valores de referência, e examinar a correlação da área de secção transversa do cordão umbilical, e de seus componentes, com a idade gestacional (IG), em gestações gemelares. Examinar a correlação da área de secção transversa do cordão umbilical com o peso fetal estimado (PFE). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo longitudinal envolvendo gestações gemelares dicoriônicas, não complicadas. Medidas ultrassonográficas das áreas de secção transversa do cordão umbilical (ASTCU), da veia (AVU) e artérias umbilicais (AAU), e da geleia de Wharton (AGW) foram obtidas em plano adjacente, próximo ao abdômen fetal, a cada três semanas. A correlação entre os parâmetros avaliados e a idade gestacional foi investigada por meio de modelo de regressão polinomial hierárquica, levando-se em consideração a variância segundo a idade gestacional, entre medidas obtidas em fetos da mesma gestação e, entre diferentes gestações. Para cada parâmetro estudado, foram calculados os valores correspondentes aos percentis 5, 10, 50, 90 e 95, para cada semana gestacional. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 334 avaliações ultrassonográficas em 44 gestações gemelares, entre 18 e 33 semanas (média: 3,8 ± 0,7 exames/gestação; intervalo médio entre exames: 3,3 ± 0,9 semanas). Os valores log-transformados de todos os parâmetros avaliados apresentaram correlação significativa (p<0,001) com a idade gestacional: Log(ASTCU) = - 2,287498 + 0,149298 x IG - 0,002302 x IG2, desvio-padrão DP = 0,113, R2 = 0,65; Log (AVU) = - 2,721487 + 0,119853 x IG - 0,001507 x IG2, DP=0,165, R2 = 0,58; Log (AAU) = - 4,223546 + 0,195454 x IG - 0,003080 x IG2, DP=0,163, R2 = 0,57; Log (AGW) = - 2,511648 + 0,157737 x IG - 0,002564 x IG2, DP=0,123, R2 = 0,55. A área de secção transversa do cordão umbilical apresentou correlação significativa com o peso fetal estimado (Log (ASTCU) = -1,602447 + 0,554502 x Log (PFE), R2 = 0,65, p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Em gestações gemelares dicoriônicas, a área de secção transversa do cordão umbilical, e de seus componentes, mostram correlação positiva e significativa com a idade gestacional. A área de secção transversa do cordão umbilical também correlaciona-se significativamente com o peso fetal estimado / OBJECTIVE: To determine reference values, and examine the correlation between the cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord, and its components, with gestational age (GA) in twin pregnancies. To examine the correlation between the cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord with the estimated fetal weight (EFW). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective longitudinal study involving uncomplicated dichorionic twin pregnancies. Sonographic measurements of the cross-sectional areas of the umbilical cord (UCCSA), umbilical vein (UVA) and arteries (UAA) and Wharton\'s jelly (WGA) were obtained in a plane adjacent to the fetal abdomen, every three weeks. The correlation between these parameters and gestational age was examined with hierarchical polynomial regression analysis. This modeling took into account the variance according to gestational age, fetuses within the same pregnancy and changes across different pregnancies. For each parameter, 5th, 10th, 50th, 90th and 95th centiles were calculated for each gestational week. RESULTS: 334 ultrasound scans were performed in 44 twin pregnancies, between 18 and 33 weeks (mean: 3.8 ± 0.7 scans/pregnancy, mean interval between scans: 3.3 ± 0.9 weeks). All umbilical cord log-transformed values showed a significant correlation (p < 0.001) with gestational age: Log (UCCSA) = - 2.287498 + 0.149298 x GA - 0.002302 x IG2, SD = standard deviation 0.113, R2 = 0.65, Log (UVA) = - 2.721487 + 0.119853 x GA - 0.001507 x IG2, SD = 0.165, R2 = 0.58, Log (UAA) = - 4.223546 + IG x 0.195454 - 0.003080 x IG2, SD = 0.163, R2 = 0.57, Log (WGA) = - 2.511648 + 0.157737 x GA - 0.002564 x IG2 , SD = 0.123, R2 = 0.55. The cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord also correlated significantly with the estimated fetal weight (Log (UCCSA) = -1.602447 + 0.554502 x Log (EFW), R2 = 0.65, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In dichorionic twin pregnancies, the cross-sectional areas of the umbilical cord, and its components, show a positive and significant correlation with gestational age. The cross-sectional area of the umbilical cord also has correlates significantly with the estimated fetal weight

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Radiography in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Supervisor: Ms. Ferial Isaacs Co-supervisor: Prof. Susan J. Van Rensburg Bellville September 2013 / Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterised by demyelination within the central nervous system (CNS), which may result in neurological disabilities over time, causing considerable hardship to patients and their families, in addition to being costly to treat. Recent studies have linked MS to impaired cerebral blood flow, called chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI). Anecdotal evidence has suggested that surgical correction thereof results in improvement of symptoms experienced by MS patients. To my knowledge, no information is available in the literature on carotid artery disease in MS. The USA National MS Society has therefore called for more research to be done in this area. This cross-sectional observational sub-study will determine, by ultrasound (B-Mode, Colour and Pulsed-wave Doppler), the prevalence of chronic venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and carotid artery disease in the selected sample of MS patients within the region of the Western Cape, South Africa. Biochemical data; lifestyle factors such as physical activity and smoking; and nutritional status of MS patients were determined from the main study entitled: “The development of a comprehensive gene-based, pathology supported intervention program for improved quality of life in patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis” (Division of Chemical Pathology, NHLS, Tygerberg Hospital, and University of Stellenbosch). Twenty-nine (29) patients were aged between 28-64years and they suffered from MS for 0.83-27years. A larger proximal and mid cross-sectional diameter (CSD) of the right IJV compared to the left (differences significant, P= 0.026 and P=0.023) was demonstrated. Increased intima media thickness (IMT) was present in 13.33% of the non-smoking MS group and 20% in the smoking MS group. IJV reflux was evident in 13.33% of the MS group. A significant reduction of cross-sectional diameters of the IJV’s was evident in smoking MS patients; suggesting that smoking is not only a risk factor for atherosclerotic disease but could also be related to narrowing of the major neck veins. This study also supports findings of other studies viz that there’s no significant correlation between extracranial venous abnormalities and MS. Early carotid artery disease was noted in smoking and non-smoking MS patients, however the findings were non-significant.

Objetivo: Comparar o tratamento cirúrgico convencional das varizes de membros inferiores com a escleroterapia com espuma ecoguiada nos pacientes com úlcera venosa. Como objetivo secundário, foi comparada a incidência de complicações com os métodos empregados e a melhora na qualidade de vida após a realização dos procedimentos. Casuística e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo randomizado e prospectivo de 49 pacientes com úlceras ativas (C6), que foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico (28 membros) ou escleroterapia espuma (23 membros), tendo como desfechos a cicatrização de úlceras de origem venosa, complicações do tratamento e qualidade de vida,. Os pacientes completaram o Questionário Aberdeen Veias Varicosas (QAVV), o escore de severidade clínica venoso (ESCV) e o Escore de Incapacidade Venosa (EIV). Resultados: A média e desvio padrão de acompanhamento foi de 502 ± 220 dias. A úlcera cicatrizou em 100% e 91,3% dos doentes tratados com cirurgia ou escleroterapia espuma, respectivamente (P > 0,05). QAVV, ESCV e EIV melhoraram em ambos os grupos após o tratamento. Não houve diferenças significativas no resultado final do QAVV, ESCV e EIV entre os dois grupos, vários meses após os procedimentos (p = 0,45, 0,58 e 0,66, respectivamente; Mann- Whitney U). As complicações ocorreram em 14,2% e 13,0% nos grupos cirúrgico e escleroterapia com espuma, respectivamente. Conclusão: A escleroterapia com espuma não foi inferior ao tratamento cirúrgico de úlceras venosas. Portanto a escleroterapia é uma alternativa ao tratamento cirúrgico, particularmente adequada para pacientes de alto risco cirúrgico que apresentam insuficiência venosa avançada e úlcera ativa / Objective: To compare the results of varicose vein treatment using ultrasoundguided foam sclerotherapy versus conventional surgery in patients with venous ulcers. As a secondary outcome, we compared the incidence of complications related to the employed technique and improvements in quality of life after the procedures. Methods: A randomized and prospective study was conducted in 49 patients with active venous ulcers (C6), submitted to surgical treatment (28 limbs) or foam sclerotherapy (23 limbs). The primary outcomes analysed included healing of venous ulcer, treatment complications and improvements in quality of life. All patients completed the Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ), the Venous Clinical Severity score (VCSS) and Venous Disability Score (VDS). Results: The mean and standard deviation follow-up was 502 ± 220 days. Ulceration healing was observed in 100% and 91.3% of patients treated with surgery or foam sclerotherapy, respectively (P > 0.05). AVVQ, VCSS and VDS improved in both groups following treatment. There were no significant differences in AVVQ, VCSS and VDS between the two groups several months after the procedures (p = 0,45, 0.58 and 0.66, respectively; Mann-Whitney U test). Complications occurred in 14.2% and 13.0% in the surgical and foam sclerotherapy groups, respectively. Conclusion: Sclerotherapy was non-inferior to surgical treatment in the management of venous ulcers. Therefore sclerotherapy can be considered an alternative to surgical treatment, especially in high surgical risk patients presenting with advanced venous insufficiency and an active ulcer

La minería es considerada un trabajo de alto riesgo debido a la exposición a diferentes peligros, alineado al trabajo de investigación se menciona la inestabilidad de los tajeos que está estrictamente relacionado a los daños que pueden ocasionar a los colaboradores y como señala el MINEM, entre el 2015 y 2020, del total de accidentes ocurridos en la minería, el 28.7 % corresponden a accidentes relacionados a desprendimiento de rocas, deslizamiento de bloques y derrumbes totales. Esto evidencia la necesidad de realizar evaluaciones geomecánicas en todos los niveles de la minería para ejecutar trabajos seguros y mantener la continuidad operativa. Por consiguiente, el presente trabajo de investigación se enfoca en determinar la dimensión geométrica óptima del tajeo N°1 de la Unidad Minera Debra Luz, de modo que la evaluación de cada superficie del tajeo sea estable y de esa manera señalar que el tajeo en general es seguro para la operación. El escenario de la investigación es en vetas angostas, característica que eleva el nivel de importancia del aporte puesto que la técnica a usar se ha implementado generalmente en métodos de explotación de grandes dimensiones. La técnica a usar será el Método Gráfico de Estabilidad de Mathews que permite evaluar mediante dos parámetros de ingreso, Número de estabilidad (N´) y Radio Hidráulico (RH), si el diseño propuesto se encuentra en una zona estable o no. El N´ es un factor asociado al macizo rocoso, valor constante, y el RH es una variable relacionada con las dimensiones del tajeo. Además, en el desarrollo de la investigación interviene el uso del Modelo Numérico de Elementos Finitos para determinar el esfuerzo de compresión inducida máxima y el factor de seguridad asociado al tajeo N°1 que indica si la labor es estable o no. El valor del ensayo de compresión uniaxial de la roca intacta de la caja techo de la galería SE es 150.3 MPa. Según Gonzales de Vallejo et al. (2002), este valor se encuentra en el rango considerado roca muy dura. La constante “k” para el caso de estudio se obtuvo igual a 1.55 que significa que la mayor ocurrencia de falla en el tajeo podría deberse a los esfuerzos horizontales. La dimensión optima que mantiene estable el tajeo es de 1.25 x 25 x 30 m, donde cada superficie del tajeo fue evaluada mediante el gráfico de estabilidad. Se obtuvo valores de factores de seguridad mayores a 1.3 mediante el modelo numérico, siendo estable. / Mining is considered a high-risk job due to exposure to different hazards, In line with the research work, mention is made of the instability of the stopes that is strictly related to the damage that can be caused to collaborators and, as the MINEM says, between 2015 and 2020, of the total number of mining accidents, 28.7 % relate to accidents related to rock fall, block slip and total landslides. This shows the need for geomechanical assessments at all levels of mining to perform safe work and maintain operational continuity. Therefore, this research paper focuses on determining the optimal geometric dimension of the N°1 stope of Debra Luz Mining Unit, so that the assessment of each stope surface is stable and thus indicate that the stope in general is safe for operation. The research scenario is in narrow veins, a characteristic that raises the level of importance of the contribution because the technique to use has generally been implemented in methods of exploitation of large dimensions. The technique to use will be the Mathews Stability Graph Method that allows to evaluate by two input parameters, Stability Number (N ) and Hydraulic Radius (RH), whether the proposed design is in a stable area or not. N is a factor associated with the rock mass, constant value, and the RH is a variable related to the stope dimensions. In addition, the research involves the use of the Finite Element Numerical Model to determine the maximum induced compression stress and the safety factor associated with the N°1 stope that indicates whether the work is stable or not. The value of the uniaxial compression test of the intact rock of the SE gallery hanging wall is 150.3 MPa. According to Gonzales de Vallejo et al. (2002), this value is in the range considered very hard rock. The constant "k" for the case study was obtained equal to 1.55 which means that the greatest occurrence of failure in the stope could be due to horizontal stresses. The optimal dimension that keeps the stope stable is 1.25 x 25 x 30 m, where each surface of the stope was evaluated using the stability graph. Values of safety factors greater than 1.3 were obtained using the numerical model, being stable. / Tesis

No / The purpose of this article is to investigate characteristics of cine phase contrast-calculated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and velocity measures in patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) receiving standard medical treatment who had been diagnosed with chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). This case-controlled, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-blinded study included 15 patients with RR MS who presented with significant stenoses (>/=50% lumen reduction on catheter venography) in the azygous or internal jugular veins. Eight patients underwent PTA in addition to medical therapy immediately following baseline assessments (case group) and seven had delayed PTA after 6 months of medical therapy alone (control group). CSF flow and velocity measures were quantified over 32 phases of the cardiac cycle by a semiautomated method. Outcomes were compared between groups at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of the study by mixed-effect model analysis. At baseline, no significant differences in CSF flow or velocity measures were detected between groups. At month 6, significant improvement in flow (P<.001) and velocity (P = .013) outcomes were detected in the immediate versus the delayed group, and persisted to month 12 (P = .001 and P = .021, respectively). Within-group flow comparisons from baseline to follow-up showed a significant increase in the immediate group (P = .033) but a decrease in the delayed group (P = .024). Altered CSF flow and velocity measures were associated with worsening of clinical and MR outcomes in the delayed group. PTA in patients with MS with CCSVI increased CSF flow and decreased CSF velocity, which are indicative of improved venous parenchyma drainage.