We introduce the first class of perfect sampling algorithms for the steady-state distribution of multiserver queues with general interarrival time and service time distributions. Our algorithm is built on the classical dominated coupling from the past protocol. In particular, we use a coupled multi-server vacation system as the upper bound process and develop an algorithm to simulate the vacati...

BACKGROUND Chagas disease is a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy, and information about left atrial (LA) function in this disease still lacks. OBJECTIVE To assess the different LA functions (reservoir, conduit and pump functions) and their correlation with the echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic functions. METHODS 10 control subjects (CG), and patients...

In the present study, we demonstrate that social housing conditions significantly alter the response of the transplantable androgen-responsive Shionogi mouse mammary tumor (SC115) to chemotherapy. Mice were reared either in groups (G) or as individuals (I). Immediately following tumor cell or vehicle injection, mice were rehoused from group to individual (GI) or from individual to group (IG) co...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Dose escalation improves local control in prostate cancer. In this study we assess the feasibility of dose escalation to prostate and / or seminal vesicles to 76 Gy with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT); report data on dosimetry and acute toxicity in 40 patients at P. D. Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Center, Mumbai. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the p...

Background: Gastrointestinal cancer antigen CA19-9 is known as a valuable marker for the management of patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods: The analytical and clinical performance of the Access GI Monitor assay (Beckman Coulter) was evaluated on the UniCel DxI 800 Immunoassay System at five different European sites and compared with a reference method, defined as CA19-9 on the Elecsys Syst...

Introduction: Elective upper and lower GI endoscopy is usually performed in children on an outpatient basis with the child under sedation or general anesthesia (GA). The objective of this study was to describe Anesthesia related complications in   children undergoing elective GI endoscopy.   Materials and Methods: The study design was descriptive on 1388 patients undergoing elective GI endoscop...