Prediction method of centrifugal pump running in turbine mode based on losses analysis.

Interest of Pump as Turbine (PAT) is growing with diverse applications in engineering. Usually, the data of PATs are not available in the hands of pump manufacturers. Therefore, performance prediction methods appear as an important research area of PATs. The current prediction methods reposed on expensive, inaccurate and time consuming experimental methods. In the scope of this work, a generic and robust prediction method is built up for a centrifugal impeller PAT. The most significant hydraulic losses were derived in PAT mode, these are namely, the shock losses at the impeller inlet, the swirling losses at the impeller outlet and the impeller wall frictional losses. The Euler head, the available total head and the hydraulic efficiency were computed as well. The global efficiency was computed taking into account the machine mechanical and volumetric efficiencies, enabling therefore to perform comparison of the new prediction method with experimental, computational fluid dynamic (CFD), Rossi and Perez performances prediction methods. From where it resulted a good agreement between the given prediction methods for the entire range of operation, confirming the robustness and the applicability of the developed prediction method. The relative difference between the new prediction method and CFD data and between the new prediction method and experimental data remained higher for lower discharge conditions, notably for extreme part load conditions, where a small error could result in very high relative difference.

Comparison of different dual-wavelength photobiomodulation protocols application in third molar extractions. A split-mouth randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of PBMT in the soft tissue and bone healing after third molar extraction using the dual-wavelength laser directly into the post-extraction alveoli (PBMT-I), or PBMT with a red laser directly into the alveoli and with an infrared laser externally on the patient's face (PBMT-IE). METHODS: Twenty patients underwent extraction of four third molars were involved in this split-mouth double-blind randomized controlled trial. The Post-extraction alveoli were treated with the following protocols: PBMT-IE: Application of a red laser directly into the alveolus, and infrared laser irradiation transcutaneously and PBMT-I: Application of dual-wavelength laser intraorally. Patients were clinically evaluated 3, 7, 14, 30, and 90 days after the surgical procedure. The analyses in this study were divided into qualitative (centered on the patient's report and on the evaluators' analysis), and quantitative analyses (measurement of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the face with the objective of measuring post-surgical edema and radiographic analyses for evaluation of the density and structure of the newly formed bone). RESULTS: A progressive improvement was observed in all parameters evaluated in this study, however, this improvement was time dependent, with no distinct effect observed between the PBMT treatments applied. CONCLUSION: The different dual-wavelength PBMT protocols induced a similar postoperative clinical course in third molar extraction surgeries, with a reduced occurrence of complications and a good healing pattern of hard and soft tissues.

Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Ferro nos primeiros mil dias de vida em Salvador (BA) / National Iron Supplementation Program in the first thousand days of life in Salvador (BA) / Programa Nacional de Suplementación de Hierro en los primeros mil días de vida en Salvador, Bahía

Os primeiros mil dias de vida correspondem ao período desde a concepção até os primeiros dois anos após o nascimento. Durante essa fase, as necessidades nutricionais são elevadas devido às aceleradas alterações fisiológicas inerentes ao período, e o ferro está entre os micronutrientes mais requisitados. Considerando que a anemia, em especial por deficiência de ferro, é um problema de saúde pública, principalmente nessa fase da vida, foi instituído em 2005 o Programa Nacional de Suplementação de Ferro (PNSF). No entanto, há uma lacuna de estudos que analisam sua execução em municípios da Bahia. Por esse motivo, este estudo observacional descritivo objetivou avaliar a cobertura real do PNSF entre gestantes e crianças de 6 a 24 meses de vida, público-alvo do programa, no município de Salvador (BA), entre os anos de 2017 e 2022, a partir da análise de dados secundários disponibilizados pelo Ministério da Saúde. A cobertura real do PNSF ocorreu de forma insatisfatória no município, alcançando quantidades inferiores a 7% das gestantes e 1% das crianças, entre os anos de 2019 e 2021, e valores iguais a 0% para ambos os grupos nos anos de 2017, 2018 e 2022. Tais resultados podem ser motivados por diferentes fatores, como problemas operacionais na gestão/monitoramento do programa e/ou a baixa adesão da população. Destaca-se, assim, a necessidade da constante avaliação do desempenho do PNSF no intuito de identificar suas limitações e propor melhorias em sua execução.

The first thousand days of life correspond to the period from conception to the first two years after birth. During this phase, nutritional needs are high due to the accelerated physiological changes inherent to the period, and iron is among the most required micronutrients. Considering that anemia, especially due to iron deficiency, is a public health problem, especially at this stage of life, the National Iron Supplementation Program (PNSF) was instituted in 2005. However, there is a lack of studies that analyze its execution on municipalities in Bahia (BA). For this reason, this descriptive observational study aimed to evaluate the coverage of the PNSF among pregnant women and children between 6 and 24 months of life, the target audience of the program, in the municipality of Salvador (BA), between 2017 and 2022, based on the analysis of secondary data provided by the Ministry of Health. The actual coverage of the PNSF occurred unsatisfactorily in the municipality, reaching numbers below 7% of pregnant women and 1% of children, between the years 2019 and 2021, and values equal to 0% for both groups in the years 2017, 2018, and 2022. Such results can be due to different factors, such as operational problems in the management/monitoring of the program and/or the low adherence of the population. Thus, we highlight the need for constant evaluation of the PNSF performance to identify its limitations and propose improvements in its execution.

Los primeros mil días de vida corresponden al período que va desde la concepción hasta los primeros dos años después del nacimiento. Durante esta fase, las necesidades nutricionales son elevadas, debido a los cambios fisiológicos acelerados propios del período, y el hierro es uno de los micronutrientes más requeridos. Como la anemia, especialmente por deficiencia de hierro, es un problema de salud pública, especialmente en esta etapa de la vida, en 2005 se instituyó el Programa Nacional de Suplementación con Hierro (PNSF, por sus siglas en portugués). Sin embargo, faltan estudios que analicen su ejecución en municipios de Bahía (Brasil). Por esta razón, este estudio observacional descriptivo tuvo por objetivo evaluar la cobertura real del PNSF en mujeres embarazadas y en niños de entre 6 y 24 meses de vida, público objetivo del programa, en la ciudad de Salvador (Bahía), entre 2017 y 2022, con base en el análisis de datos secundarios proporcionados por el Ministerio de Salud. La cobertura real del PNSF se presentó de manera insatisfactoria en el municipio, alcanzando cifras inferiores al 7% de embarazadas y al 1% de niños, entre los años 2019 y 2021, con valores iguales al 0% para ambos grupos analizados en los años 2017, 2018 y 2022. Estos resultados pueden ser causados por diferentes factores, entre ellos, problemas operativos en la gestión/seguimiento del programa y/o baja adherencia de la población. Así, se destaca la necesidad de una evaluación constante del desempeño del Programa para identificar sus limitaciones y proponer mejoras en su ejecución.

Accuracy of partially and fully guided surgical techniques for immediate implant placement: An in vitro assessment.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Optimal implant positioning is essential to achieving predictable results. Computer-guided surgery has been reported to be an accurate technique for implant placement in healed sites, but the accuracy of guided techniques for immediate implant placement into fresh sockets is still unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this experimental randomized split-mouth study in pig jaws was to determine the accuracy of partially and fully guided surgical techniques for immediate implant placement into fresh sockets and to compare 2 different methods of implant position deviations analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty implants were installed in 10 pig jaws using 2 different techniques: partially guided (n=10) and fully guided (n=10). Cone beam computed tomography and digital scanning were performed before and after the surgical procedure to plan the virtual implant position and fabricate the surgical guide, as well as to determine implant position deviations. Two methods were used to evaluate implant deviations: tomographic and digital scanning. The Shapiro-Wilk test of normality was used. Deviation comparisons were carried out by using paired t tests (α=.05), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was computed to assess the agreement between the 2 methods of implant deviation analysis. RESULTS: In the tomographic analysis, the partially guided technique resulted in significantly higher global apical and lateral coronal deviations (2.25 ±0.59 mm; 0.96 ±0.55 mm) than fully guided (1.52 ±0.89 mm; 0.75 ±0.52 mm) (P<.01 and P<.05, respectively). The analysis performed using digital scanning showed significantly higher angular, global apical, and lateral apical deviations in the partially guided (6 ±3.28 degrees; 2.49 ±1.03 mm; 2.16 ±1.07 mm) technique than in the fully guided (3.32 ±1.84 degrees; 1.5 ±0.58 mm; 0.98 ±0.67 mm) (P<.05). An ICC of 0.522 between the 2 methods of implant deviation analysis was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The partially guided technique was less accurate than the fully guided technique for immediate implant placement into fresh sockets. A moderate concordance was observed between cone beam computed tomography and digital scanning analyses, suggesting that more studies are required to validate and to define the most reliable method of measuring implant deviation.

Differential effects of estrogen receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla in Goldblatt hypertension.

Previous studies have shown that 17ß-estradiol plays a cardioprotective role in the central nervous system (CNS) of male rats. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of 17ß-estradiol on sympathetic vasomotor activity and blood pressure in a renovascular hypertensive Goldblatt two-kidney one-clip (2K-1C) male rat model. We also determined the influence of angiotensin II AT1 receptor on the expression of estrogen receptors (ERα, ERß, and G protein-coupled ER (GPER)) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) of Goldblatt rats. Experiments were performed in Goldblatt and age-matched control rats six weeks after clipping of renal artery to induce hypertension. Microinjection of 17ß-estradiol into the RVLM led to a greater reduction in mean arterial pressure and renal sympathetic nerve activity in controls than in 2K-1C rats. Microinjection of the GPER agonist G-1 into the RVLM led to a significantly greater increase in mean arterial pressure and renal sympathetic nerve activity in 2K-1C rats. Expression levels of estrogen receptors GPER and ERα, but not ERß, were significantly higher in the RVLM of 2K-1C rats than in that of the control rats. Chronic treatment with losartan significantly reduced the expression levels of estrogen receptors in the RVLM of 2K-1C rats. Taken altogether, the data suggest that the imbalance of actions between ERα and GPER, particularly with the predominance of GPER in the RVLM, contributes to sympathetic overactivation in male rats with Goldblatt hypertension. AT1-Angiotensin II receptor in the RVLM upregulated estrogen receptor expression in male Goldblatt rats.

Effect of the association of infra-red and red wavelength photobiomodulation therapy on the healing of post-extraction sockets of third lower molars: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with the association of red and infra-red laser therapy in the healing of the post-extraction sockets of third lower molars. Twenty patients were submitted to extraction of lower third molars and the post-extraction sockets were treated using two different approaches in a randomized split-mouth design: The test side received the PBMT with red (λ 660 nm) and infra-red laser therapy (λ 808 nm) and the control side was not irradiated. The PBMT was applied immediately and 3 and 7 days after the surgical procedure. Post-extraction socket healing was assessed by the bone repair score, bone density, and fractal dimension analysis 7 and 90 days after the surgical procedure, using cone-beam computed tomography images. Additionally, clinical analyses were performed 3, 7, 14, 30, and 90 days after the surgical procedure, considering the occurrence of pain, edema, and bleeding, as well as the quality of the oral mucosa repair, assessed using a visual analogue scale. The clinical analysis showed that PBMT reduced edema and improved the repair of oral mucosa at 7 days after surgery, while the tomographic analysis showed no significant differences between groups. Dual-wavelength PBMT improved the post-operative clinical course in patients undergoing lower third molar extraction, without altering bone repair.

Atualização: Sarcopenia / Update: Sarcopenia

OBJETIVO: Fazer uma atualização da revisão de literatura sobre sarcopenia publicada em 2014 nesta revista. De acordo com o Consenso do Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2), a sarcopenia foi redefinida como uma doença muscular, caracterizada pela redução da força muscular, associada à diminuição da qualidade/quantidade muscular e/ou desempenho físico, sendo classificada como primária, secundária, aguda e crônica. Além de consequências físicas como aumento da ocorrência de quedas e limitação para atividades cotidianas, pode promover alterações sistêmicas pelo desequilíbrio entre síntese e degradação proteica. A prevalência aumenta com a idade, sendo mais alta a partir de 60 anos. Estudos em seis países encontraram prevalência entre 4,6% e 22,1%, havendo oscilação de valores conforme definições utilizadas, métodos diagnósticos e os pontos de corte para índice de massa muscular (IMM). Como estratégia para refinar a detecção do risco da sarcopenia, o EWGSOP2 sugere aplicação do questionário SARC-F. Para mensuração da variável massa muscular, os métodos recomendados são Ressonância Magnética, Tomografia Computadorizada, Absorciometria de Raio-X de Dupla Energia, Bioimpedância Elétrica e Antropometria, existindo acurácias e custos variáveis entre eles. Na aferição da força muscular, a principal forma de mensuração é a força de preensão palmar. Já o desempenho físico pode ser quantificado através do teste de velocidade de marcha de quatro metros. As formas de tratamento são treino de exercícios de resistência progressiva e aeróbicos, além de uma nutrição adequada. O estilo de vida sedentário, obesidade e fragilidade são fatores desencadeantes de perda de massa e função muscular no ambiente clínico.

OBJECTIVES: To update on a sarcopenia literature review published in 2014 in this journal. According to the Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People Consensus (EWGSOP2), sarcopenia was redefined as a muscular disease, characterized by muscular strength reduction, associated with a diminished muscular quantity and /or quality and /or low physical performance, being stratified as primary, secondary acute and chronic. Beyond physical consequences as a fall risk and daily activities, sarcopenia can promote a dysbalance between protein synthesis and degradation. Sarcopenia prevalence is higher with increasing age, especially after 60 years. Studies in six countries had found sarcopenia prevalence between 4.6% and 22.1%, but differences between definitions, diagnostic methods, and cutoff points to evaluate muscle mass and function are found. To improve sarcopenia risk detection, EWGSOP2 suggests the use of the SARC-F questionnaire. Muscle mass measurement recommended methods are Magnet Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, Double Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, Electric Bioimpedance, and Anthropometry with variable accuracy and costs between these methods. To evaluate muscle strength, the handgrip strength test is the main method recommended. In addition, four Meter Gait speed is recommended to evaluate physical performance. Treatment options are progressive exercise, endurance training, and aerobic exercises, together with nutritional interventions. Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and frailty are the main risks factors associated with muscle mass and function losses in the clinical setting

Effect of protein supplementation on yield and milk composition of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows kept in deferred pasture of brachiaria grass / [Efeito da suplementação de proteína na produção e na composição do leite de F1 vacas Holandês x Zebu mantidas em pasto diferido de capim-braquiária]

The objective of this study was to evaluate different supplementation strategies concentrated to F1 Holstein x Zebu lactating cows managed in deferred signal grass pasture on the yield and composition of milk and body weight gain. Thirty six F1 Holstein x Zebu cows with an average lactation period of 267 ± 10 days, mean body weight of 548 ± 19kg were used following a completely randomized design in a 4 x 5 factorial scheme, being four feeding strategies and five days under evaluation. The treatments consisted of four nutritional strategies: deferred pasture as a source of roughage without supplementation (PDSS); deferred pasture as a source of roughage with protein supplement offer (PDCS); deferred pasture supplemented with 15 kilos of corn silage (natural base) + 1,200 grams of protein supplement (PDSP) and corn silage (ad libitum) + 700 grams of protein supplement (SMP). There was no interaction (P> 0.05) between the nutritional plans and days under evaluation for any of the variables. It was found that cows fed SMP showed milk production 26.06% higher than the other nutritional plans (mean of 11.46kg/day). F1 Holstein/Zebu cows handled in deferred pasture in a traditional way supplemented with protein maintains milk yield.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar diferentes planos nutricionais para vacas F1 Holandês/Zebu mantidas em pasto diferido de capim-braquiária sobre a produção e a composição do leite e no ganho em peso corporal. Foram utilizadas 36 vacas F1 Holandês/Zebu com período médio de lactação de 267 ± 10 dias, peso corporal médio de 548 ± 19kg, seguindo o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4 x 5, sendo quatro estratégias de alimentação e cinco dias em avaliação. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro planos nutricionais: pasto diferida como fonte de forragem sem suplementação (PDSS); pastagem diferida como fonte de forragem com oferta de suplemento de proteico (PDCS); pasto diferido suplementado com 15 quilos de silagem de milho (base natural) + 1.200 gramas de suplemento proteico (PDSP) e silagem de milho (ad libitum) + 700 gramas de suplemento de proteína (SMP). Verificou-se que as vacas alimentadas com SMP apresentaram produção de leite 26,06% superior aos demais planos nutricionais (média de 11,46kg/dia). Vacas F1 Holandês/Zebu tratadas em pastagem diferida de maneira tradicional, suplementada com proteína, mantêm o rendimento de leite.(AU)

Effect of elicitors on holm oak somatic embryo development and efficacy inducing tolerance to Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Holm oak trees (Quercus ilex L.) mortality is increasing worryingly in the Mediterranean area in the last years. To a large degree this mortality is caused by the oomycete Phytophthora spp., which is responsible for forest decline and dieback in evergreen oak forest areas of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. This study is based on the possibility of applying chemical elicitors or filtered oomycete extracts to holm oak somatic embryos (SE) in order to induce epigenetic memory, priming, that may increase tolerance to the pathogen in future infections. To this end, we first examined the effect of priming treatments on SE development and its oxidative stress state, to avoid elicitors that may cause damage to embryogenic tissues. Both, the sterile oomycete extracts and the chemical elicitor methyl jasmonate (MeJA) did not produce any detrimental effect on SE growth and development, unlike the elicitors benzothiadiazole (BTH) and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) that reduced the relative weight gain and resulted in necrotic and deformed SE when were applied at high concentrations (25 µM BTH or 50 µM PABA) in accordance with their high malondialdehyde content. No significant differences among elicitation treatments were found in dual culture bioassays, although those SEs elicited with 50 µM MeJA increased H2O2 production after challenged against active oomycete indicating the activation of stress response. Since this elicitation treatment did not produce any adverse effect in the embryogenic process we suggest that could be used in further priming experiments to produce holm oak plants adapted to biotic stress.

Effects of short-term feed restriction on the physiological parameters and metabolites of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows in different stages of lactation / [Efeitos da restrição alimentar de curto prazo sobre os parâmetros fisiológicos e metabólicos de vacas F1 Holstein x Zebu em diferentes estágios da lactação]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different nutritional plans on the productive, physiological and metabolic parameters of F1 ½ Holstein x ½ Zebu cows in different stages of lactation. Sixty lactating cows were allotted to a completely randomized 5 x 3 factorial design with five feed allowances and three lactation periods. The dry matter intake, milk yield and heart rate were reduced by 5.69kg, 2.41kg and 10.36 beats/min (morning) and 10.25 beats/min (afternoon) for each 1% feed restriction, respectively. There was no difference in the concentration of glucose, total protein, albumin, cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids for cows subjected to different feed allowances, with means of 95.25, 7.98, 2.95, 121.68 and 0.45mg/dL, respectively. Feed restriction of up to 2.50% BW is a cost reduction strategy that does not alter milk yield, regardless of the stage of lactation.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de diferentes planos nutricionais sobre as características produtivas, fisiológicas e metabólicas de vacas F1 ½ Holandês x ½ Zebu. Foram utilizadas 60 vacas em lactação, seguindo-se o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5 x 3, com cinco níveis de oferta de dieta e três períodos de lactação. À medida que se aumentou 1% na restrição da oferta da dieta, houve redução linear de 5,69kg no consumo de matéria seca pelos animais, 2,41kg na produção de leite, bem como de 10,36bat/min (manhã) e 10,25 bat/min (tarde) na frequência cardíaca dos animais. Não houve diferença para a concentração de glicose, proteínas totais, albumina, colesterol e NEFA com a restrição na oferta da dieta dos animais, sendo a média de 95,25, 7,98, 2,95, 121,68 e 0,45mg/dL, respectivamente. Recomenda-se a restrição de até 2,50% de peso corporal como estratégia de redução dos custos em todos os estágios em lactação, visando não alterar, economicamente, a produção de leite.(AU)

Nutritional, behavioral and performance parameters of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows at different lactation stages / [Parâmetros nutricionais, comportamento ingestivo e desempenho de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu em diferentes estádios da lactação]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the different lactation stages of F1 Holstein x Zebu cows on intake and digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen use efficiency, feeding behavior and performance. Thirty-six F1 Holstein × Zebu cows with initial body weight (BW) of 482±43kg were used. The early, mid and late lactation stages were characterized after 50±13, 111.5±11.75 and 183.0±17.5 days in milk, respectively. A completely randomized design with three lactation stages and 12 cows in each treatment group was used. Dry matter intake (P=0.01) was higher in late lactation. Milk yield (P<0.01) was 24.17% higher in early lactation than in other stages. Body weight was lowest in mid-lactation cows (465.63kg; P<0.01). The feed efficiency was 23.36% higher in early lactation than in other stages (0.82kg of milk/kg of DM). F1 Holstein x Zebu cows have increased dry matter intake in late lactation. Milk yield and feed efficiency in early lactation were benefited by changes in feeding behavior, such as increased rumination time.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os diferentes estágios de lactação de vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu quanto ao consumo e à digestibilidade de nutrientes, à eficiência no uso de nitrogênio, ao comportamento ingestivo e ao desempenho. Trinta e seis vacas F1 Holandês × Zebu, com peso corporal inicial (PC) de 482±43kg, foram utilizadas. Os estágios inicial, médio e final da lactação foram caracterizados após 50±13, 111,5±11,75 e 183,0±17,5 dias de lactação, respectivamente. O arranjo experimental adotado foi o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três fases de lactação e 12 vacas em cada grupo de tratamento. O consumo de matéria seca (P=0,01) foi maior no período final da lactação. Na fase inicial da lactação, a produção de leite (P<0,01) foi maior em 24,17% em comparação às demais fases. Na fase intermediária da lactação, as vacas apresentaram menor peso corporal (465,63kg; P<0,01) em relação às demais fases. A eficiência alimentar foi maior em 23,36% na fase inicial da lactação (0,82kg de leite/kg de MS). Vacas F1 Holandês x Zebu aumentam o consumo de matéria seca no período final da lactação. A produção de leite e a eficiência alimentar no início da lactação foram favorecidas por mudanças no comportamento ingestivo, como o aumento do tempo de ruminação.(AU)

Butyrate Protects Mice from Clostridium difficile-Induced Colitis through an HIF-1-Dependent Mechanism.

Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis is a key factor predisposing intestinal infection by Clostridium difficile. Here, we show that interventions that restore butyrate intestinal levels mitigate clinical and pathological features of C. difficile-induced colitis. Butyrate has no effect on C. difficile colonization or toxin production. However, it attenuates intestinal inflammation and improves intestinal barrier function in infected mice, as shown by reduced intestinal epithelial permeability and bacterial translocation, effects associated with the increased expression of components of intestinal epithelial cell tight junctions. Activation of the transcription factor HIF-1 in intestinal epithelial cells exerts a protective effect in C. difficile-induced colitis, and it is required for butyrate effects. We conclude that butyrate protects intestinal epithelial cells from damage caused by C. difficile toxins via the stabilization of HIF-1, mitigating local inflammatory response and systemic consequences of the infection.

Kinematics reduction applied to the comparison of highly-pronated, normal and highly-supinated feet during walking.

BACKGROUND: Kinematic analysis could help to study how variations in the static foot posture affect lower limb biomechanical function. The analysis of foot kinematics is complex because it involves managing the time-dependent joint angles in different joints and in all three planes of motion. But it could be simplified if joint angles are coordinated. METHODS: The kinematics of the ankle, midtarsal and metatarsophalangeal joints were registered in 20 highly-pronated, 30 normal and 20 highly-supinated subjects (assessed by the Foot Posture Index - FPI) as they walked barefoot. Coordination for each sample was analysed through principal component analysis applied to the dorsiflexion, abduction and inversion angles measured. Finally, a systematic comparison among the samples was performed through a set of ANOVAs applied to the reduced variables corresponding to the factors found. RESULTS: Three principal components (coordination patterns) accounted for about 70% of the variance of the joint angles, and were affected by the FPI. The main coordination in normal feet was the supination movement, while in highly-supinated and highly-pronated feet it was the flexion coordination of all foot joints, which could work against adaptation in cases of varying terrain. The original joint angles were reduced to three factors, and the ANOVAs applied to them showed that highly-pronated feet presented a delayed propulsion peak and smaller ranges of motion during propulsion regarding all factors, and that highly-supinated feet require more pronation time to fully support the foot during walking. SIGNIFICANCE: The coordination patterns of normal feet might be considered the normal patterns used for an efficient gait, and may help in planning surgical procedures and designing foot prostheses or orthotics. Dimensional reduction makes it possible to perform more systematic kinematic analyses, which have revealed that highly-pronated feet are in poorer propulsive condition, and this in turn may make them more prone to injury.

Conjugated linoleic acid prevents damage caused by intestinal mucositis induced by 5-fluorouracil in an experimental model.

BACKGROUND: Studies have showed the protective effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on intestinal epithelium, modulating host immune and inflammatory responses on intestinal diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the preventive effects of CLA on the intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU in a murine model. METHODS: Sixty-four BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control (CTL), fed a standard chow diet; CLAs, fed a diet supplemented with CLA; Mucositis (5-FU), fed a standard chow diet and underwent mucositis induction and CLAs 5-FU, fed a diet supplemented with CLA and underwent mucositis induction. Mucositis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 300 mg/kg 5-FU. After 72 h, the animals were euthanized and intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation, inflammatory mediators, and intestinal histology were evaluated. RESULTS: Mice in the CLAs 5-FU group showed reduced weight loss compared to those in the 5-FU group (p < 0.005). Furthermore, the results also showed that the treatment with CLA reduced intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation, and biomarkers of inflammatory response besides minor damage to ZO-1 and occludin with maintenance of the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and a favorable balance between the inflammatory and regulatory cytokines. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that CLA reduced the adverse effects from 5-FU administration on the intestinal mucosa.

Biomechanical Effect of Ferrule on Incisors Restored with a Fiberglass Post and Lithium-Disilicate Ceramic Crown after Thermal Cycling and Fatigue Loading.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biomechanics of endodontically treated incisors restored with a fiberglass post and a CAD/CAM lithium-disilicate ceramic crown with/without a ferrule after thermal and mechanical aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty bovine incisors were divided into two groups (n = 10): 1. Fe, with a ferrule of 2 mm, and 2. NFe, without a ferrule. After endodontic treatment, the teeth were restored using a fiberglass post (Exacto 3, Angelus) and composite core (Tetric Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent). They then received a CAD/CAM lithium-disilicate ceramic crown (IPS e.max CAD) luted using a self-adhesive composite (RelyX Unicem 2, 3M Oral Care). All specimens were subjected to 20,000 thermocycles and 2,400,000 simulated chewing cycles. Ceramic crown and root dentin strains (µS) were measured using strain gauges (n = 10) during 100-N loading before and after the thermal and mechanical aging, and upon fracture loading. The specimens were subsequently loaded to fracture (N). The stress distribution was analyzed using 3D individualized finite-element models created by micro-CT of experimental samples (n = 3). Strain data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. Fracture resistance was analyzed using Student's t-test and fracture mode was analyzed using the chi-squared test (α = 0.05). RESULTS: After aging, NFe exhibited significantly higher root dentin deformation (buccal: 1248.0 ± 282.8; lingual: 516.2 ± 195.0; p < 0.001) than Fe (buccal, 554.0 ± 233.8; lingual: 311.8 ± 159.0; p < 0.001). The deformation measured on ceramic crowns was not influenced by ferrule presence or aging process. Significantly higher fracture resistance (N) was observed for the Fe (1099.6 ± 214.8) than the NFe group (675.3 ± 113.8) (p < 0.001). The NFe group revealed a lower fracture resistance:root strain ratio than did the Fe group. The stress levels on root dentin and fiberglass were lower for the Fe group. CONCLUSION: The NFe group showed increased root dentin strain after the aging process. The Fe group revealed higher fracture resistance, lower stress concentration on root dentin and fewer catastrophic fractures.

Effect of static foot posture on the dynamic stiffness of foot joints during walking.

BACKGROUND: The static foot posture has been related to the development of lower limb injuries. RESEARCH QUESTION: This study aimed to investigate the dynamic stiffness of foot joints during gait in the sagittal plane to understand the role of the static foot posture in the development of injuries. METHODS: Seventy healthy adult male subjects with different static postures, assessed by the Foot Posture Index (FPI) (30 normal, 20 highly pronated and 20 highly supinated), were recruited. Kinematic and kinetic data were recorded using an optical motion capture system and a pressure platform, and dynamic stiffness at the different stages of the stance was calculated from the slopes of the linear regression on the flexion moment-angle curves. The effect of foot type on dynamic stiffness and on ranges of motion and moments was analysed using ANOVAs and post-hoc tests, and linear correlation between dynamic stiffness and FPI was also tested. RESULTS: Highly pronated feet showed a significantly smaller range of motion at the ankle and metatarsophalangeal joints and also a larger range of moments at the metatarsophalangeal joint than highly supinated feet. Dynamic stiffness during propulsion was significantly greater at all foot joints for highly pronated feet, with positive significant correlations with the squared FPI. Highly supinated feet showed greater dynamic stiffness than normal feet, although to a lesser extent. Highly pronated feet during normal gait experienced the greatest decrease in the dorsiflexor moments during propulsion, normal feet being the most balanced regarding work generated and absorbed. SIGNIFICANCE: Extreme static foot postures show greater dynamic stiffness during propulsion and greater absorbed work, which increases the risk of developing injuries. The data presented may be used when designing orthotics or prostheses, and also when planning surgery that modifies joint stiffness.

3D characterisation of the dynamics of foot joints of adults during walking. Gait pattern identification.

A detailed description of the kinematics and kinetics of the ankle, midtarsal and metatarsophalangeal joints of the feet of a healthy adult male population during barefoot walking is provided. Plots of the angles and moments in each plane during the stance phase are reported, along with the mean and standard deviation values of 87 different parameters that characterise the 3D dynamics of the foot joints. These parameters were used to check for similarities between subjects through a hierarchical analysis that allowed three different gait patterns to be identified, most of the differences corresponding to the frontal and transverse planes.

Intestinal toxicity evaluation of long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes loaded with cisplatin.

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used in several anticancer protocols for instance head and neck, testicle, ovarian, lung and peritoneal carcinomatosis. According to the literature, the use of CDDP is associated with several side effects; among them, we highlighted the mucositis. CDDP, when administered by IP, promoted significant intestinal epithelium alterations in an experimental model. Our research group has proposed that the incorporation of CDDP into long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes (SpHL-CDDP) could help to overcome some side effects induced by this drug. Thus, we evaluated signs of intestinal toxicity 24h and 72h after the administration of a single i.p dose of free CDDP or SpHL-CDDP to healthy Swiss mice. Twenty-four hours after administration of free CDDP, the mice showed signs of intestinal toxicity, principally weight loss, increased intestinal permeability associated with a decrease in expression of tight junctions, and histological damage with the presence of inflammatory infiltrates and activation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB. These changes persisted after 72h. While signs of intestinal toxicity were also observed 24h after administration of SpHL-CDDP, after 72h body weight and intestinal permeability of mice in this group were similar to those of mice in the control group. In comparison with the free CDDP treatment group, 72h after treatment mice in the SpHL-CDDP group showed better histological parameters, lower levels of inflammatory infiltrate with increased IL-10 and IgA levels, and less activation of caspase-3, ERK1/2 and NF-κB. These differences could account for the recovery of the intestinal epithelium observed in mice treated with SpHL-CDDP but not in mice treated with free CDDP. In conclusion, here we show that encapsulation of CDDP in SpHL lessens intestinal damage and that, as such, SpHL-CDDP is a promising candidate for clinical use.

Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid-enriched Butter After 24 hours of Intestinal Mucositis Induction.

Mucositis is the most common side effect due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It refers to the inflammation of intestinal mucous membranes, and it is associated with complications such as diarrhea, weight loss, and increased intestinal permeability (IP). This study was designed to evaluate the effect of diet containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-enriched butter on intestinal damage and inflammatory response after 24 h of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced mucositis. Mice were divided into four groups: CTL; CLA; 5-FU, and CLA 5-FU, and they were fed for 31 days. On the 30th experimental day, mucositis was induced by unique injection of 300 mg/kg of 5-FU. After 24 h (31st experimental day), IP was evaluated; ileum and fecal material were collected to determine cytokine level and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The 5-FU group showed an increase in IP and MPO activity (CTL vs. 5-FU: P < 0.05). Additionally, increased levels of IP and MPO were observed in CLA 5-FU group compared to those in the test groups (P < 0.05). Animals in the CLA 5-FU group showed reduced concentrations of sIgA (CTL vs. CLA 5-FU: P < 0.05). CLA-enriched butter exacerbating the 5-FU-induced intestinal damage. Safety concerns regarding the use of CLA require further investigation.

Daily ingestion of the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei ST11 decreases Vaccinia virus dissemination and lethality in a mouse model.

Vaccinia virus (VACV) is an important pathogen. Although studies have shown relationships between probiotics and viruses, the effect of probiotics on VACV infection is unknown. Therefore, this work aims to investigate the probiotics effects on VACV infection. Mice were divided into four groups, two non-infected groups, one receiving the probiotic, the other one not receiving it, and two groups infected intranasally with VACV Western Reserve (VACV-WR) receiving or not receiving the probiotic. Viral titres in organs and cytokine production in the lungs were analysed. Lung samples were also subjected to histological analysis. The intake of probiotic results in reduction in viral spread with a significant decrease of VACV titer on lung, liver and brain of treated group. In addition,treatment with the probiotic results in attenuated mice lung inflammation showing fewer lesions on histological findings and decreased lethality in mice infected with VACV. The ingestion of Lactobacillus paracasei ST11 (LPST11) after VACV infection resulted in 2/9 animal lethality compared with 4/9 in the VACV group. This is the first study on probiotics and VACV interactions, providing not only information about this interaction, but also proposing a model for future studies involving probiotics and other poxvirus.