Serum concentration of ferroportin in women of reproductive age.

Introduction: Ferroportin (Fpn) is the only known iron exporter and plays an essential role in iron homeostasis. Serum concentrations of Fpn in health and/or diseased states are still mostly unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the concentration of Fpn in the serum of women of reproductive age (WRA) for the first time, and to establish whether there is a difference in the concentration of Fpn according to ferritin status. Materials and methods: This research included 100 WRA (18-45 years, C-reactive protein (CRP) < 5 mg/L, hemoglobin > 120 g/L). Serum Fpn was measured using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method on the analyzer EZ Read 800 Plus (Biochrom, Cambridge, UK). Reference interval was calculated using the robust method. Results: The median concentration of Fpn in the whole study group was 9.74 (5.84-15.69) µg/L. The subgroup with ferritin concentration > 15 µg/L had a median Fpn concentration 15.21 (10.34-21.93) µg/L, which significantly differed from Fpn concentration in the subgroup with ferritin concentration ≤ 15 µg/L (5.93 (4.84-8.36) µg/L, P < 0.001). The reference limits for the Fpn were 2.26-29.81 µg/L with 90% confidence intervals (CI) of 1.78 to 2.83 and 25.37 to 34.33, respectively. Conclusions: The proposed reference interval could help in the future research on iron homeostasis both in physiological conditions and in various disorders, because this is the first study that measured Fpn concentration in a certain gender and age group of a healthy population.

[Sarcopenia: new cut-off value of handgrip in postmenopausal Argentine women]. / Sarcopenia: nuevo valor de handgrip en mujeres argentinas postmenopáusicas.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia is a global health problem, there are currently several criteria for its diagnosis and the implementation of its own cut-off values for each population is recommended. The objective was to evaluate the handgrip strength (HG) in postmenopausal women from Buenos Aires and establish a cut-off value. METHODS: A total of 704 women ≥50 years of age were evaluated, who answered a questionnaire on osteoporosis risk and HG was taken. Those with arthritis or pain in the hands were excluded, leaving 678 women for analysis. A subpopulation of 148 healthy women was selected to define the minimum normal value of the HG of our population. RESULTS: The HG was 20.44 ± 5.19 kg, with a significant decrease in values after 70 years. The HG in the group of healthy women was 22.08 ± 5.13 kg. And the cutoff value of 17.5 kg was established in our population (first quintile). 28.6% of the total population presented decreased HG and reached 53.7% in women >80 years. HG <17.5 kg was associated with a 67% increased risk of falls in the total group of women >50 years. DISCUSSION: The HG is a simple tool that is easy to implement in clinical practice and is considered the first step for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. The cut-off value of HG <17.5 kg could be used for the evaluation of sarcopenia in women >50 years of Buenos Aires.

Introducción: La sarcopenia es un problema de salud mundial, actualmente existen varios criterios para su diagnóstico y se recomienda la implementación de valores de corte propios para cada población. El objetivo fue evaluar la fuerza de prensión palmar (FPP), en mujeres postmenopáusicas de Buenos Aires y establecer un valor de corte para nuestra población. Métodos: Se evaluaron 704 mujeres ≥50 años, quienes respondieron un cuestionario sobre riesgo de osteoporosis y se tomó la FPP. Se excluyeron aquellas con artritis o dolor en las manos, quedando 678 mujeres para el análisis. Se seleccionó una subpoblación de 148 mujeres sanas para definir el valor mínimo normal de la FPP de nuestra población. Resultados: La FPP fue de 20.44 ± 5.19 kg, con una disminución significativa a partir de los 70 años. La FPP en el grupo de mujeres sanas fue de 22.08 ± 5.13 kg. Y se estableció el valor de corte de 17.5 kg en nuestra población (primer quintil). El 28.6% de la población total presentaban FPP disminuida y alcanzaba a un 53.7% en las mujeres >80 años. La FPP <17.5 kg se asoció con un incremento del 67% del riesgo de caídas en el grupo total de mujeres >50 años. Discusión: La FPP constituye una herramienta sencilla y de fácil implementación en la práctica clínica del consultorio y es considerada el primer paso para el diagnóstico de sarcopenia. El valor de corte de FPP <17.5 kg podría ser utilizado para la evaluación de sarcopenia en mujeres >50 años de Buenos Aires.

What People Know vs. What They Should Know About Laboratory Reference Ranges.

Laboratory test results are increasingly available to health consumers. Almost all test results are accompanied by a reference range to aid in interpretation. This study asked 25 non-healthcare providers to explain the term reference range. The descriptions highlighted four principal themes: health consumers were unsure about their understanding of the term reference range; they equated a reference range with a normal range; few had some degree of awareness of the limitations of reference ranges; and few had limited awareness of the difference between a reference range and clinical cutoff. Further efforts should be made to educate health consumers on the utility and limitations of reference ranges. When providing results to health consumers, laboratories should consider including other means of contextualizing test results in order to support their understanding of potential clinical significance.

Indirect reference interval estimation using a convolutional neural network with application to cancer antigen 125.

Indirect methods for reference interval (RI) estimation, which use data acquired from routine pathology testing, have the potential to accelerate the establishment of RIs to account for variables such as gender and age to improve clinical assessments. However, they require more sophisticated methods of analysis due to the potential influence of pathological patients in raw clinical datasets. In this paper we develop a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) model trained on synthetic data to identify underlying healthy distributions within pathological admixtures. We present both the methodology to generate synthetic data and the CNN model. We evaluate the CNN using two synthetic test datasets, including samples from a proposed benchmark for indirect methods (RIBench) and show significant improvements compared to the reported state-of-the-art method based on the benchmark (refineR). We also demonstrate a real-world application of the model, estimating age-specific RIs for cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), a crucial biomarker for ovarian cancer diagnostics. Our results show that CA-125 RIs are strongly age-dependent, which could have important diagnostic consequences.

Determining lactate concentrations in Korean indigenous calves and evaluating its role as a predictor for acidemia in calf diarrhea.

BACKGROUND: Calf diarrhea leads to high mortality rates and decreases in growth and productivity, causing negative effects on the livestock industry. Lactate is closely associated with metabolic acidosis in diarrheic calves. However, there have been no reports on lactate concentrations in Korean indigenous (Hanwoo) calves, especially those with diarrhea. This study aimed to determine the reference range of L-lactate and D-lactate concentrations in Hanwoo calves and to better understand the utility of lactate as predictive factors for acidemia in diarrheic calves. RESULTS: L-lactate and D-lactate concentrations were measured in healthy (n = 44) and diarrheic (n = 93) calves, and blood gas analysis was performed on diarrheic calves. The reference range in healthy calves was 0.2-2.25 mmol/L for L-lactate and 0.42-1.38 mmol/L for D-lactate. Diarrheic calves had higher concentrations of L-lactate and D-lactate than healthy calves. In diarrheic calves, L-lactate and D-lactate each had weak negative correlation with pH (r = - 0.31 and r = - 0.35). In diarrheic calves with hyper-L-lactatemia, the combined concentrations of L-lactate and D-lactate had moderate correlation with pH (r = - 0.51) and anion gap (r = 0.55). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed D-lactate had fair predictive performance (AUC = 0.74) for severe acidemia, with an optimal cut-off value of > 1.43 mmol/L. The combined concentrations of L-lactate and D-lactate showed fair predictive performance for predicting acidemia (AUC = 0.74) and severe acidemia (AUC = 0.72), with cut-off values of > 6.05 mmol/L and > 5.95 mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: The determined reference ranges for L-lactate and D-lactate in Hanwoo calves enable the identification of hyper-L-lactatemia and hyper-D-lactatemia. Diarrheic calves exhibited increased lactate concentrations correlated with acid-base parameters. While the concentrations of L-lactate and D-lactate have limitations as single diagnostic biomarkers for predicting acidemia or severe acidemia, their measurement remains important, and L-lactate has the advantage of being measurable at the point-of-care. Assessing lactate concentrations should be considered by clinicians, especially when used alongside other clinical indicators and diagnostic tests. This approach can improve calf diarrhea management, contributing positively to animal welfare and providing economic benefits to farms.

Are maternal serum subfatin levels altered in women with one abnormal glucose tolerance test value?

BACKGROUND: Subfatin, a newly discovered adipokine, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of glucose metabolism. The relationship between gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal dyslipidemia is well-documented. AIMS: This study aims to assess serum subfatin levels and the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in women with one abnormal glucose tolerance test value and those with gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS: In this case-control study, 105 pregnant women were categorized into three groups: women with normal 3-h oral glucose tolerance test results (n=35), women with one abnormal 3-h oral glucose tolerance test result (n=35), and women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (n=35). Serum subfatin levels were measured using human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: Serum subfatin levels were significantly lower in the gestational diabetes mellitus group (0.94±0.15 ng/mL) compared to the normal oral glucose tolerance test group (1.48±0.55 ng/mL) and the group with one abnormal oral glucose tolerance test result (1.50±0.59 ng/mL). The triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio was also lower in the healthy control group than in the gestational diabetes mellitus and one abnormal oral glucose tolerance test result groups. CONCLUSION: Serum subfatin levels in women with one abnormal abnormal glucose tolerance test value are compared to those in the control group, while the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio is significantly altered in women with one abnormal abnormal glucose tolerance test value when compared to the control group.

Respiratory muscle strength in stroke: a case-control study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the respiratory muscle strength of stroke patients and compare them with healthy individuals. METHOD: The study was conducted with 171 patients who had a stroke between 2017 and 2021 and 32 healthy controls. Respiratory muscle strength and inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressure (MIP and MEP) were measured using the portable MicroRPM device (Micro Medical, Basingstoke, UK). RESULTS: The stroke group exhibited significantly lower values in both MIP for men (p<0.001) and women (p=0.013) and maximal expiratory pressure for men (p<0.001) and women (p=0.042), compared with the healthy control group. Notably, there was a significant difference in the MIPmen (p=0.026) and MEPmen (p=0.026) values when comparing the reference values, which were calculated based on age and sex, with those of the healthy group. The baseline values calculated according to age for stroke patients were as follows: MIPmen 31.68%, MIPwomen 63.58%, MEPmen 22.54%, and MEPwomen 42.30%. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant respiratory muscle weakness experienced by stroke patients, with gender-specific differences. It highlights the importance of incorporating respiratory assessments and interventions into stroke rehabilitation protocols to improve the overall health and well-being of stroke patients.

Landing error scoring system: A scoping review about variants, reference values and differences according to sex and sport.

OBJECTIVE: The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) is a movement analysis tool proposed to identify the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries, very useful for injury prevention. The aim of this study is to review the variants of the LESS, their normative scores and the differences according to sex and sport practiced. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases were searched from inception to October 19, 2023. Studies were eligible if the objective was finding normative or reference scores for the LESS, analyze the differences between sexes or sports, or used some variant of the test. Results were limited to available full-text articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS: Of the 360 articles identified, 20 were included for a full analysis (18,093 participants, age = 8-30 years, males = 70.6%). The military population was the most frequently analyzed (7 studies, n = 16,603). Results showed six variants of the LESS and average values ranged from 2.56 to 7.1. Males and females showed different pattern landing with errors in different planes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the need for more field studies on LESS reference scores, particularly for females and basketball or hockey players. Further research is required before conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.

[Test-retest reliability of subjective visual vertical from different head-tilt angles in young healthy adults].

Objective:To establish the normal values of subjective visual vertical （SVV） in different head deflection angles and analyze its test and retest reliability, in order to provide a reference for the clinical application of SVV in the evaluation of vestibular disorders. Methods:Thirty-one healthy young people were selected to wear VR glasses, and the SVV data were tested in five different head-tilt, namely, 0° in the upright head position, 45°in the left head position, 45° in the right head position, 90° in the left head position, and 90° in the right head position, and were re-tested 2 weeks later. Results:①The mean values of SVV at 5 different head-tilt angles of 0°, left 45°, right 45°, left 90°, and right 90° were -0.07±1.71, 4.30±5.39, -6.51±5.58, -3.76±7.42, and 0.40±8.02, respectively, The 95% confidence limits of SVV at 0°, left 45°, right 45°, left 90°, right 90°, and right 90° were （-3.42, 3.28）, （-6.26, 14.86）, （-17.45, 4.43）, （-18.30, 10.78）, and（-15.32, 16.12）, respectively; ②The absolute values of SVV at 4 different head-tilt angles of left 45°, right 45°, left 90°, and right 90° were 5.62±3.96, 6.90±5.07, 6.82±4.70 and 6.48±4.68, respectively. The 95% confidence limits of SVV at left 45°, right 45°, left 90°, right 90°, and right 90° were（0，12.11）,（0，15.21）,（0，14.53）and（0，14.16）, respectively. The asymmetry ratio is 10% for the absolute value of the 45 ° deviation and 3% for the absolute value of the 90° deviation; ③Intra-class correlation coefficients（ICC） for 0°, left 45°, right 45°, left 90°, right 90°were 0.757, 0.673, 0.674, 0.815, and 0.856, respectively. Conclusion:SVV has good retest reliability and high stability, and the SVV normal value data of different head deviation angles established in the present study can be used as a reference for the diagnosis and evaluation of vestibular disorders.

Cytotoxicity of dilutions of bioceramic materials in stem cells of human exfoliated deciduous teeth.

OBJECTIVE: Several materials have been developed to preserve pulp vitality. They should have ideal cytocompatibility characteristics to promote the activity of stem cells of human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) and thus heal pulp tissue. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of different dilutions of bioceramic material extracts in SHED. METHODOLOGY: SHED were immersed in αMEM + the material extract according to the following experimental groups: Group 1 (G1) -BBio membrane, Group 2 (G2) - Bio-C Repair, Group 3 (G3) - MTA Repair HP, Group 4 (G4) - TheraCal LC, and Group 5 (G5) - Biodentine. Positive and negative control groups were maintained respectively in αMEM + 10% FBS and Milli-Q Water. The methods to analyze cell viability and proliferation involved MTT and Alamar Blue assays at 24, 48, and 72H after the contact of the SHED with bioceramic extracts at 1:1 and 1:2 dilutions. Data were analyzed by the three-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: At 1:1 dilution, SHED in contact with the MTA HP Repair extract showed statistically higher cell viability than the other experimental groups and the negative control (p<0.05), except for TheraCal LC (p> 0.05). At 1:2 dilution, BBio Membrane and Bio-C showed statistically higher values in intra- and intergroup comparisons (p<0.05). BBio Membrane, Bio-C Repair, and Biodentine extracts at 1:1 dilution showed greater cytotoxicity than 1:2 dilution in all periods (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: MTA HP Repair showed the lowest cytotoxicity even at a 1:1 dilution. At a 1:2 dilution, the SHED in contact with the BBio membrane extract showed high cell viability. Thus, the BBio membrane would be a new non-cytotoxic biomaterial for SHED. Results offer possibilities of biomaterials that can be indicated for use in clinical regenerative procedures of the dentin-pulp complex.

Gender-specific factors influencing the glenoid version and reference values for it.

BACKGROUND: Glenoid version is an important factor in the evaluation of shoulder stability and shoulder pathologies. However, there are neither established reference values nor known factors that influence the glenoid version, even though valid reference values are needed for diagnostic and orthopaedic surgery like corrective osteotomy and total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty (TSA/RSA). The aim of our population-based study was to identify factors influencing the glenoid version and to establish reference values from a large-scale population cohort. RESULTS: Our study explored the glenoid versions in a large sample representing the general adult population. We investigated 3004 participants in the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). Glenoid version was measured for both shoulders via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Associations with the glenoid version were calculated for sex, age, body height, body weight and BMI. The reference values for glenoid version in the central European population range between -9° and 7.5°, while multiple factors are associated with the glenoid version. CONCLUSION: To achieve a reliable interpretation prior to orthopaedic surgery, sex- and age-adjusted reference values are proposed.

[Status of elevated blood pressure among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-17 from 2016 to 2017 according to 4 different references].

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analysis the detection rate of high normal blood pressure and high blood pressure among Chinese children and adolescents aged 7-17 years from 2016 to 2017 according to the clinical practice guideline for screening and management of high blood pressure in Children and Adolescents published by the American Academy of Pediatrics(the AAP reference), the international blood pressure references among Children and Adolescents aged 6 to 17 years(the international reference), health industry standard of the People's Republic of China "Reference of screening for elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents aged 7 to 18 years(WS/T 610-2018)"(the industry reference) and updating blood pressure references for Chinese children aged 3 to 17 years(the guideline reference). METHODS: Data was from the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance of Children and Lactating Women(2016-2017), in which the multistage stratified whole group random sampling method was used to draw participants from 275 surveillance sites in 31 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities). In total, 67 231 participants were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Blood pressure was measured three times by trained staff using a validated oscillometric blood pressure monitor at the same point. The average blood pressure was calculated for the three measurements for SBP and DBP. To match the sampling design methodology, all values were weighted to represent the total population of Chinese children and adolescents 7-17 years of age considering sampling weights for each stratification based on the sixth population census data provided by the National Bureau of Statistics. RESULTS: The detection rate varied greatly under different references. The detection rate of high normal blood pressure was ranked from high to low according to the AAP reference(20.15%) > the guideline reference(17.29%) > the industry reference(13.14%) > the international reference(12.66%); the detection rate of high blood pressure in descending order is the guideline reference(24.31%) > the international reference(21.34%) > the AAP reference(20.59%) > the industry reference(19.96%). CONCLUSION: Although the consistency between the AAP references and international references and our national two references were medium to high, the difference in detection rate obtained by analysis was large. Considering the differences of demographic characteristics in the reference population, caution should be taken when applying foreign references to judge the blood pressure status of children and adolescents in China.

Night-time blood pressure dipping, but not 24-h blood pressure level, is linked to increased 24-h ocular volume slope.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the relationship between blood pressure and intraocular pressure in treatmentnaive, non-glaucoma patients with different blood pressure statuses, focusing on the 24-h ocular volume and nocturnal blood pressure decline. METHODS: Treatment-naive, non-glaucoma patients undergoing hypertension evaluation were enrolled as study participants. Simultaneous 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurement and 24-h ocular volume recording with a contact lens sensor. We also compared ocular volume curve parameters between normotensive and hypertensive patients, as well as between those with and without nocturnal blood pressure decline. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients, including 7 normotensive and 14 treatment-naive hypertensive individuals, were included in the study. of them, 11 were dippers and 10 were non-dippers. No significant difference in the 24-h ocular volume slope was observed between the hypertensive and normotensive patients (p=0.284). However, dippers had a significantly higher 24-h ocular volume slope (p=0.004) and nocturnal contact lens sensor output (p=0.041) than non-dippers. CONCLUSION: Nocturnal blood pressure decline, rather than the blood pressure level, is associated with the increased 24-h ocular volume slope and nocturnal ocular volume. Further studies are required to determine whether the acceleration of glaucoma progression in dippers is primarily due to low blood pressure, high intraocular pressure, or a combination of both.

Intraocular pressure modulation with thermal stimuli.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether early-stage intraocular pressure can be modulated using a thermal face mask. METHODS: In this prospective clinical study, healthy participants were randomized on a 1:1:1 allocation ratio to three mask groups: hypothermic (G1), normothermic (G2), and hyperthermic (G3). After randomization, 108 eyes from 108 participants were submitted to clinical evaluations, including measurement of initial intraocular pressure (T1). The thermal mask was then applied for 10 minutes, followed by a second evaluation of intraocular pressure (T2) and assessment of any side effects. RESULTS: The hypothermic group (G1) showed a significant reduction in mean intraocular pressure between T1 (16.97 ± 2.59 mmHg) and T2 (14.97 ± 2.44 mmHg) (p<0.001). G2 showed no significant pressure difference between T1 (16.50 ± 2.55 mmHg) and T2 (17.00 ± 2.29 mmHg) (p=0.054). G3 showed a significant increase in pressure from T1 (16.53 ± 2.69 mmHg) to T2 (18.58 ± 2.95 mmHg) (p<0.001). At T1, there was no difference between the three study groups (p=0.823), but at T2, the mean values of G3 were significantly higher than those of G1 and G2 (p<0.00). CONCLUSION: Temperature was shown to significantly modify intraocular pressure. Thermal masks allow the application of temperature in a controlled, reproducible manner. Further studies are needed to assess the duration of these effects and whether they are reproducible in patients with pathologies that affect intraocular pressure.

Evaluation of perioperative pachymetry of thin corneas during corneal crosslinking using hypo-osmolar riboflavin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze variations in intraoperative corneal thickness during corneal cross-linking in patients with keratoconus and to investigate its possible correlation with presurgical maximal keratometry (Kmax) and pachymetry. METHODS: This was a prospective case series. We used a method similar to the Dresden protocol, with the application of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 0.1% hypo-osmolar riboflavin in corneas between 330 and 400 µm after epithelium removal. Corneal thickness was measured using portable calipers before and immediately after epithelium removal, and 30 and 60 min after the procedure. RESULTS: The 30 patients in this study were followed up for one year. A statistically significant difference was observed in pachymetry values during the intraoperative period (p<0.0001) and an increase of 3.05 µm (95%C1: 0.56-5.54) for each diopter was seen after epithelium removal (p0.019). We found an average Kmax difference of -2.12 D between men and women (p0.013). One year after treatment, there was a statistically significant reduction in pachymetry (p<0.0001) and Kmax (p0.0170) values. CONCLUSIONS: A significant increase in pachymetry measurements was seen during the procedure, and most patients showed a regression in Kmax and pachymetry values one year after surgery.

Normative values to Horus® computerized posturography in children. / Valores normativos para a posturografia computadorizada Horus® em crianças.

PURPOSE: Propose normalization values of the Horus® computerized posturography platform, in children aged 4 to 6 years, without auditory and/or vestibular complaints. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, 216 children aged 4 to 6 years participated. All the children underwent to visual screening, audiological evaluation and computerized posturography, which consists of research on stability limits and seven sensory conditions. The results were statistically analyzed using the tests non-parametric Kruskal-Walli, post hoc Dunn-Bonferroni for pairwise age comparisons and the Mann-Whitney U for sex analysis. Categorical data were presented in relative frequency and quantitative data in mean and standard deviation. RESULTS: Standardization values were described for the stability limit and for the seven sensory conditions. There was a difference for the stability limit between sex at 4 years old(p<0.007) and, in the comparison between ages 4 and 5 (p=0.005) and 4 and 6 years old(p<0.001). In the residual functional balance, comparison between ages, there was a difference between 4 and 5, 4 and 6, 5 and 6 years, however for different data. The presence of statistical difference for different evaluation data also occurred in the analysis by sex. In the sensory systems, the findings between ages showed differences for the vestibular system, right and left optokinetic visual dependence, tunnel visual dependence and for the composite balance index. CONCLUSION: It was possible to establish normative values for the Horus® posturography in healthy children aged 4 to 6 years.

OBJETIVO: Propor valores de normatização da plataforma de posturografia computadorizada Horus®, em crianças de 4 a 6 anos, sem queixas auditivas e/ou vestibulares. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal. Participaram 216 crianças na faixa etária de 4 a 6 anos. Todas realizaram triagem visual, avaliação auditiva e posturografia computadorizada composta por pesquisa do limite de estabilidade e sete condições sensoriais. Analisaram-se os resultados estatisticamente por testes não paramétrico Kruskal-Walli, post hoc Dunn-Bonferroni para comparações par-a-par nas idades e U de Mann-Whitney para análise entre sexo. Os dados categóricos foram apresentados em frequência relativa e os dados quantitativos pela média e desvio padrão. RESULTADOS: Foram descritos valores de normatização para o limite de estabilidade e para as sete condições sensoriais. Houve diferença para o limite de estabilidade entre sexos aos 4 anos (p<0,007) e, na comparação entre as idades 4 e 5 anos (p=0,005) e 4 e 6 anos (p<0,001). No equilíbrio funcional residual, comparação entre idades, houve diferença entre 4 e 5, 4 e 6 e, 5 e 6 anos, entretanto para diferentes dados. A presença de diferença estatística para diferentes dados da avaliação, ocorreu também na análise por sexo. Nos sistemas sensoriais os achados entre idades mostraram diferença para o sistema vestibular, dependência visual optocinética direita e esquerda, dependência visual túnel e para índice de equilíbrio composto. Sugere-se que para esta população, as respostas na posturografia sejam analisadas por faixa etária e sexo. CONCLUSÃO: Foi possível estabelecer valores normativos para a posturografia Horus® em crianças hígidas na faixa etária de 4 a 6 anos.

Physicochemical properties and antibiofilm activity of mineral trioxide aggregate associated with farnesol.

This study assessed the physicochemical and antibiofilm properties of white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) associated with 1 or 2% of farnesol. Setting time was evaluated based on ISO 6876/2012. Radiopacity was evaluated by radiographic analysis. pH was assessed after time intervals of 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Solubility (% mass loss) and volumetric change (by micro-CT) of the cements were evaluated after immersion in distilled water. The presence of voids inside the materials was assessed by using micro-CT. Antibiofilm activity against Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated by crystal violet assay and the modified direct contact test performed with biofilm previously formed on bovine root dentin for 14 days. Data were submitted to ANOVA/Tukey tests with 5% significance level. The incorporation of farnesol into MTA increased its setting time, but decreased its solubility at 30 days and its volumetric loss in all periods (p < 0.05). Radiopacity and solubility after 7 days were similar among the materials (p > 0.05). The association of farnesol showed the highest pH value after 1 and 3 days (p < 0.05). The association of farnesol with MTA promoted a decrease in the presence of voids, and increased the antimicrobial activity on biofilm biomass of E. faecalis (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of farnesol can be suggested to improve the antimicrobial properties and the consistency of MTA.

Evaluation of polymerization shrinkage stress and cuspal strain in natural and typodont teeth.

To evaluate the polymerization shrinkage stress and cuspal strain (CS) generated in an artificial (typodont) and in a natural tooth using different resin composites. Twenty artificial and 20 extracted natural molars were selected. Each tooth was prepared with a 4x4 mm MOD cavity. The natural and typodont teeth were divided into four experimental groups (n=10), according to the resin composite used: Filtek Z100 (3M Oral Care) and Beautifil II LS (Shofu Dental). The cavities were filled using two horizontal increments and the CS (µS) was measured by the strain gauge method. Samples were sectioned into stick-shaped specimens and the bond strength (BS) (MPa) was evaluated using a microtensile BS test. Shrinkage stress and CS were analyzed using 3D finite element analysis. No difference was found between the type of teeth for the CS as shown by the pooled averages: Natural tooth: 541.2 A; Typodont model: 591.4 A. Filtek Z100 CS values were higher than those obtained for Beautifil II LS, regardless of the type of teeth. No statistical difference was found for the BS data. Adhesive failures were more prevalent (79.9%). High shrinkage stress values were observed for Filtek Z100 resin, regardless of tooth type. The CS of typodont teeth showed a shrinkage stress effect, generated during restoration, equivalent to that of natural teeth.

The effects of fibroblast growth factor-23 on diagnosis of cerebral infarction and vertebral basilar artery stenosis☆.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the correlation between Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF23) levels and Cerebral Infarction (CI), and to determine whether there is a significant relationship between FGF23 and the occurrence and severity of CI. METHODS: The study categorized Cerebral Infarction (CI) patients into severe and mild stenosis groups based on vertebrobasilar artery stenosis, using Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The study compared the levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF23) in the serum of CI patients and healthy controls using a t-test and evaluated the diagnostic effectiveness of serum FGF23 using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Additionally, the study analyzed the correlation between FGF23 levels and CI severity after treatment using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score. RESULTS: The study found a significant increase in serum Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF23) levels in patients with Cerebral Infarction (CI) compared to healthy volunteers, (p < 0.001). A higher serum FGF23 level was observed in the severe stenosis group than in the mild stenosis group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the study showed that a high FGF23 level at admission was significantly related to more severe symptoms of CI as indicated by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on the 7th day after treatment (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study discovered a correlation between Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF23) levels, vertebrobasilar artery stenosis, and short-term prognosis in patients who had recently experienced acute Cerebral Infarction (CI).

Platelet Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) and Peripheral Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells (PBMSCs) in the management of intraosseous defects - A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: A combination of peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells (PBMSCs) and platelet rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) could be a probable periodontal regenerative material with the synergy of the added benefits of each material. This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the regenerative capacity of supercell (PRFM and PBMSCs) compared with that of PRFM alone in human periodontal mandibular intraosseous defects (IOD). METHODOLOGY: This study included 17 patients of both sexes (12 men, 5 women) aged 30-55 years (mean age = 37.7±4.4 years) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria (radiographic and clinical evaluation for bilateral IOD with probing pocket depth (PPD ≥ 6 mm). A split-mouth design was used in each patient. A total of 34 sites in the mandibular arch randomly received PRFM alone + open flap debridement (OFD) [Control sites] or supercell (PRFM+PBMSCs) + OFD [Test sites]. The clinical parameters plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL), and in the radiographic parameters; defect depth (DD) and defect fill percentage (DFP) were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Early wound healing index (EHI) was used at 1 week to assess wound healing ability. RESULTS: At 6 months, radiographic parameters revealed significant reduction in DD (P<0.001) and significant DFP values in the test group compared with the control group. The supercell showed significant improvement in PPD and CAL at the end of 6 months (P<0.001). EHI scores at 1 week showed no statistically significant difference between the test and control groups. CONCLUSION: Supercell can be considered a regenerative material in the treatment of periodontal IODs.