3T high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging, conventional ultrasonography and ultrasound biomicroscopy of the normal canine eye.

BACKGROUND: Advances in MRI coil technology and increased availability of high-field MRI in veterinary medicine enable the acquisition of images of increasingly high spatial resolution while preserving signal-to-noise ratio.The purpose of the present study was to compare 3T high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) with ultrasound (US) and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) in the normal canine eye, to assess its potential to depict normal ocular anatomy. RESULTS: HR-MRI was compared with US and UBM in 10 eyes from 10 healthy beagle dogs. Ocular structures (cornea, anterior chamber, iridocorneal angle, iris, lens, ciliary body, choroid, vitreous body, posterior wall of the eye, optic nerve and optic nerve sheath, extraocular muscles) were assessed subjectively and central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), aqueous depth (AQD), anteroposterior, mediolateral and dorsoventral lens diameter (APLD, MLLD, DVLD), anteroposterior diameter of the globe including and excluding the scleroretinal rim (APDSRR, APD), vitreous chamber depth (VCD) and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) were measured in HR-MRI and in US. Optic nerve diameter (OND) was measured in HR-MRI. HR-MRI and UBM appearance of the anterior segment were subjectively compared. Detailed reference high-resolution MRI images of normal eyes of Beagle dogs are provided. CONCLUSIONS: HR-MRI allowed assessment of all structures identified with US and UBM. The MRI examinations were performed under general anesthesia with the addition of a neuromuscular blocking agent, while US and UBM examinations were performed in conscious animals. Visibility of the entire ocular wall, the lens, the structures caudal to the ciliary body and the optic nerve and its sheath was superior with HR-MRI. HR-MRI allowed the distinction of retina, choroid and sclera, and the delineation of structures not previously identified in canine eyes with MRI, including Tenon's capsule and the sub-Tenon's space.Plane selection was more accurate with HR-MRI compared to US. In general, the range of measurements was narrower for MRI than for US. CCT, AQD, APLD, MLLD, APD, APDSRR and ONSD differed significantly between HR-MRI and US, respectively (p = 0.005-0.027).Micro-MRI may be useful for the assessment of ocular pathologies in the future.

Acute effects of NIV on peripheral muscle function and aerobic performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) reduces respiratory load and demands on peripheral muscles. METHODS: This study aims to evaluate the acute effects of bi-level NIV on peripheral muscle function during isokinetic exercise and aerobic performance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This is a pilot crossover study performed with a non-probabilistic sample of 14 moderate to very severe COPD patients. Procedures carried out in two days. Dyspnea, quality of life, lung function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity (6-min walk test-6MWT), and isokinetic assessment of the quadriceps were assessed. Blood samples (lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase concentration) were also collected. Right after, NIV was performed for 30 min (bi-level or placebo, according to randomization) followed by new blood sample collection, 6MWT, and isokinetic dynamometer tests. Before and after evaluations, the subjective perception of dyspnea and fatigue in the lower limbs was quantified. After a wash-out period of seven days, participants returned, and all assessments were performed again. RESULTS: NIV showed improvements in perceived exertion and dyspnea after isokinetic exercise (p < 0.02 and p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: NIV improves the perception of dyspnea and fatigue during the isokinetic exercise.

The localization of a conjunctivoscleral foreign body via high-resolution microscopy coil magnetic resonance imaging in a dog.

A 3-year-old French bulldog was presented to the ophthalmology service of the Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich with a 3-day history of conjunctival swelling of the left eye (OS). Ophthalmologic examination revealed a moderate conjunctival hyperemia and chemosis. A migrating foreign body having entered the conjunctival fornix behind the nictitating membrane was suspected. Within the first 24 hours of medical management, OS developed a panuveitis and a scleral perforation was highly suspected. Ocular and orbital ultrasound as well as conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations failed to confirm the presence of a perforating foreign body. A High-Resolution MRI (HR-MRI) using a microscopy coil was then performed with findings consistent with a perforating and migrating foreign body. A grass awn of 12 mm length was surgically retrieved "ab externo" from its' point of entry into the sclera. To the best of our knowledge, HR-MRI has not yet been used to examine canine eyes. This case report supports the idea that orbital imaging can be greatly enhanced with the introduction of HR-MRI using microscopy coils with clinically relevant implications.

Effects of Non-Invasive Ventilation with different modalities in patients undergoing heart surgery: Protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The thoracic surgical procedure leads to a reduction in respiratory muscle strength. To restore it, certain strategies must be employed. Physiotherapy utilizes resources and techniques such as deep breathing stimulation, cough stimulation, use of incentive spirometers, mobilization, and ambulation. However, at times these resources and techniques may prove insufficient, and additional measures, such as Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV), are employed Pieczkoski (2017). Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV) has been utilized to expedite pulmonary function recovery as well as to prevent and treat postoperative pulmonary complications Nasrala 2018. NIV diminishes the risk of ventilator-associated complications due to its non-invasive nature. Consequently, NIV has been adopted to avert post-extubation complications in postoperative patients Liu 2020. The objective of this study is to conduct a randomized clinical trial and assess the efficacy of NIV in comparison to conventional physiotherapy in terms of pulmonary function among patients undergoing cardiac surgery at a selected hospital in Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. METHODS AND ANALYSES: This randomized, controlled, double-blind (patient and analyst) clinical trial will be conducted at Hospital João XXIII in Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. Patients do not know which group they are allocated to. Those in the group that use CPAP or BIPAP will not be able to distinguish one from the other. The data analyst at the end of the collections will also be blinded. Only the health professional who will be applying the protocol cannot be blinded. The sample size, determined via sample calculation, yielded a total of 21 patients per group (63 patients). The patients will be allocated into 3 groups (CPAP group - CPAP + standard physiotherapy, BiPAP group - BiPAP + standard physiotherapy, and Control group - standard physiotherapy) in a 1:1:1 allocation ratio. The control group will receive the usual physiotherapeutic treatment as per the kinesiotherapy protocol. The treatment will be administered twice daily, starting in the ICU and progressing to the ward. In the CPAP group, nasal CPAP at 10cmH2O will be administered for 1 hour, twice daily, using an approved device. In the BiPAP group, nasal BiPAP with an IPAP of 13cmH2O and EPAP of 8cmH2O will be administered for 1 hour, twice daily, using an approved device. The NIV sessions will be conducted over the course of 5 days of hospitalization, both in the ICU and the ward. Assessments will be conducted at two time points: on day 1 preoperatively and on day 5 postoperatively. The following measures will be evaluated: pulmonary function, length of hospital stay, presence of postoperative pulmonary complications, score of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) in its Portuguese version, functional capacity, the Global Perception of Change Scale, and the Functional Independence Measure (MIF). The normality of variables will be assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. IBM SPSS Statistics Base 25.0, using the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality and paired Student's t-test for pre-post intervention comparison. They will use linear mixed effects models for longitudinal analysis and GLMMs to compare NIV effects over time between groups. They will employ ITT for missing data, INAR models for time dependence, fixed effects models for endogeneity, and Cohen's d for effect sizes. Parametric model assumptions will be checked, and various models will be considered for data characteristics. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Pulmonary function, Length of hospital stay. SECOND OUTCOMES: Score of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) in Portuguese version, Funcional capacity, The global perception of change scale, The functional independence measure (MIF), pO2 (partial pressure of oxygen), pCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide), HCO3 (bicarbonate), Arterial Oxygen Saturation (SaO2), Base Excess (BE), Presence of lung complications. OTHER PRE-SPECIFIED OUTCOMES: Duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, type of surgery, personal history, preoperative ejection fraction, previous respiratory complications, body mass index (BMI), gender and age. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial register number NCT05966337.

Machine learning in the prediction of treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the current status and performance of machine learning (ML) approaches in providing reproducible treatment response predictions. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement and the CHARMS checklist. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO databases for cohort studies that derived and/or validated ML models focused on predicting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment response. We extracted data and critically appraised studies based on the Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) and Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) guidelines. RESULTS: From 210 unduplicated records identified by the literature search, we retained 29 eligible studies. Of these studies, 10 developed a predictive model and reported a mean adherence to the TRIPOD guidelines of 45.6 % (95 % CI: 38.3-52.8 %). The remaining 19 studies not only developed a predictive model but also validated it externally, with a mean adherence of 42.9 % (95 % CI: 39.1-46.6 %). Most of the articles had an unclear risk of bias (41.4 %), followed by a high risk of bias, which was present in 37.9 %. CONCLUSIONS: In recent years, ML methods have been increasingly used to predict treatment response in RA. Our critical appraisal revealed unclear and high risk of bias in most of the identified models, suggesting that researchers can do more to address the risk of bias and increase transparency, including the use of calibration measures and reporting methods for handling missing data. FUNDING: None.

Malocclusion Complexity in Patients with Disc Displacement Disorders: A Case-Control Study.

This study aimed to determine the possible association between disc displacement (DD) disorders and malocclusion complexity. This cross-sectional study was carried out using a case-control design. The Research Diagnosis Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders were used to identify cases and controls. The Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON) was used to quantify malocclusion complexity as easy, mild, moderate, difficult, or very difficult. A total of 310 subjects were included: 130 cases and 180 controls. A binary logistic regression (p < 0.05) was used to identify associations. The odds ratio (OR) was also calculated. DD was associated with sex, age, and malocclusion complexity (p < 0.05). The malocclusion complexity comparison showed that 89.3% of the controls fell within the easy-moderate levels of the ICON, whereas 85.4% of the cases were in the moderate-very difficult levels (p ≤ 0.001). Difficult and very difficult malocclusions had high ORs (9.801 and 9.689, respectively) compared to the easy cases. In conclusion, patients with malocclusion complexity levels classified as difficult or very difficult have greater odds of presenting DD.

Malocclusion complexity as an associated factor for temporomandibular disorders. A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and malocclusion complexity using the Index of Complexity Outcome and Need (ICON) levels. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, case and control study was done. Cases and controls were matched in a one-to-one relationship (179 subjects each). The Research Diagnostic Criteria was used to evaluate the presence of TMD, and the ICON was used to quantify malocclusion complexity. A binary logistic regression (p < 0.05) was used to identify associations between variables. RESULTS: TMD presence was associated with gender and malocclusion complexity (p < 0.05). The largest proportion of controls were in the lowest three levels of ICON complexity, while most cases were in the three highest levels (p < 0.001). Higher malocclusion complexity indicated a greater TMD risk. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that TMD is associated with malocclusion complexity. As malocclusion complexity increases, so do the odds of presenting with TMD.

Efficacy of home-based inspiratory muscle training in patients post-covid-19: Protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Current evidence suggests the emergence of a novel syndrome (long COVID syndrome) due to sequels and persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Respiratory muscle training improves respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, diaphragm thickness, and dyspnea, especially in patients with decreased respiratory muscle strength. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a protocol for home-based inspiratory muscle training to improve respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and quality of life of patients post-COVID-19. METHODS AND ANALYSES: This randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial will be conducted at the Instituto de Medicina Tropical of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil). Sample size will be determined using maximal inspiratory pressure after a pilot study with five patients per group (total of 10 patients). Patients included in the study will be evaluated in three moments: pre-training (initial), post-training (three weeks), and retention (24 weeks). The sample will be randomized in two groups: active (IMT using 30% of IMT and load increase of 10% of initial IMT every week. Patients will perform 30 repetitions, twice a day (morning and afternoon), for seven consecutive days, and six weeks) and SHAM (IMT without load). The following measurements will be assessed: anthropometry, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary volume and capacity, dyspnea, perception of effort and lower limb fatigue, handgrip strength, functional capacity, anxiety, depression, and functional status. After initial evaluation, all patients will receive a POWERbreathe® (POWERbreathe®, HaB Ltd, Southam, UK) device to perform the training. Normality will be verified using Shapiro-Wilk or Kolmogorov-Smirnov, according to the number of patients included. Variables presenting nonparametric distribution will be compared using Wilcoxon (intragroup analysis) and Mann-Whitney test (intergroup analysis), whereas repeated measures two-way ANOVA will be performed in case of parametric distribution. Dunn's post hoc test will be used to identify significant differences in the two-way ANOVA test. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and quality of life of post-COVID-19 patients. SECOND OUTCOMES: Pulmonary function, dyspnea, exercise tolerance, handgrip strength, anxiety, depression, and functional status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial register number NCT05077241.

BACE1 and SCD1 are associated with neurodegeneration.

Introduction: Proteolytic processing of amyloid protein precursor by ß-site secretase enzyme (BACE1) is dependent on the cellular lipid composition and is affected by endomembrane trafficking in dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is responsible for the synthesis of fatty acid monounsaturation (MUFAs), whose accumulation is strongly associated with cognitive dysfunction. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the relationship between BACE1 and SCD1 in vivo and in vitro neurodegenerative models and their association in familial AD (FAD), sporadic AD (SAD), and cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) using microscopy, biochemical, and mass SPECT approach. Results: Our findings showed that BACE1 and SCD1 immunoreactivities were increased and colocalized in astrocytes of the hippocampus in a rat model of global cerebral ischemia (2-VO). A synergistic effect of double BACE1/SCD1 silencing on the recovery of motor and cognitive functions was obtained. This neuroprotective regulation involved the segregation of phospholipids (PLs) associated with polyunsaturated fatty acids in the hippocampus, cerebrospinal fluid, and serum. The double silencing in the sham and ischemic groups was stronger in the serum, inducing an inverse ratio between total phosphatydilcholine (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), represented mainly by the reduction of PC 38:4 and PC 36:4 and an increase in LPC 16:0 and LPC 18:0. Furthermore, PC 38:4 and PC:36:4 levels augmented in pathological conditions in in vitro AD models. BACE1 and SCD1 increases were confirmed in the hippocampus of FAD, SAD, and CADASIL. Conclusion: Therefore, the findings suggest a novel convergence of BACE-1 and SCD1 in neurodegeneration, related to pro-inflammatory phospholipids.

Oral Albendazole as an Alternative Treatment for Moderate Crusted Scabies Along with 5% Permethrin and 5% Salicylic Acid.

Crusted scabies (CS) is a severe variant of scabies, highly contagious, caused by numerous Sarcoptes scabiei (S. scabiei) infestation. CS is associated with immunosuppressive conditions, like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Various topical and oral scabicidals are used in the treatment of CS, including topical sulfur compounds, benzyl benzoate, crotamiton, lindane, malathion, permethrin, and ivermectin. The treatment of CS does not only need scabicidals, but also keratolytic agents to remove the thick crusts. The severity of CS is classified into three levels and related to the dose of oral ivermectin treatment. When oral ivermectin is not available, oral albendazole can be used as an alternative treatment. A case of CS in a 21-year-old girl with SLE was reported. Physical examination showed multiple lesions in the form erythematous papules, plaques, scales, and hyperkeratotic crusts in almost all parts of the body. The distribution of crusting >30% body surface area, the depth of crusting >10 mm, and there were pyoderma. Sarcoptes scabiei, eggs, and scybala were found on skin scraping. The patient was diagnosed as a moderate CS and treated with occlusive dressings using 5% salicylic acid in vaseline until crusts fell off, 5% permethrin cream three times per week, and 800 mg/day albendazole three consecutive days per week. A clinical and microscopic cure was achieved at day 19 of observation. Albendazole is an antiprotozoal agent with larvicidal effect, therefore it can be used as an alternative treatment of CS when oral ivermectin is unavailable, along with 5% permethrin and 5% salicylic acid.

Malocclusion Complexity in Patients with Myofascial Pain with or without Mouth-Opening Limitation: A Case-Control Study.

Background: This study is aimed at determining the association between myofascial pain with or without mouth-opening limitation and malocclusion complexity. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted. The Research Diagnostic Criteria were used to evaluate the presence of myofascial pain, chronic pain, and depression. The Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON) was applied to quantify malocclusion complexity. A total of 96 patients with myofascial pain were grouped into two: subjects without mouth-opening limitation (n = 76, group A) and subjects with mouth-opening limitation (group B, n = 20). Both groups were compared with 231 controls (group C). A Chi-squared test and a multinomial logistic regression (p ≤ 0.05) were used to identify associations between the variables. Results: Statistically significant associations were found between myofascial pain and the variables gender, malocclusion complexity, and depression (p ≤ 0.05). Age was not significantly associated (p = 0.327). Concerning malocclusion complexity, 77.9% of the controls were distributed in the first three ICON levels; however, 76.5% of group A subjects and 90% of group B were in the last three (p < 0.001). The multinomial logistic regression showed a significant association between malocclusion complexity in group A (p < 0.05) and an association between depression and group B (p < 0.05). Group B had the highest grades of chronic pain. Conclusions: Females had greater risk of myofascial pain without mouth-opening limitation. As the complexity of the malocclusion increases, so do the odds of presenting myofascial pain without mouth-opening limitation. Myofascial pain with mouth-opening limitation frequently coexists with depression and chronic pain.

Retinal Neovascularization in Two Patients with Incontinentia Pigmenti.

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare genodermatosis, inherited in an X-linked dominant pattern, making it generally found among women. Among several characteristics of IP are four phases of skin manifestation that tend to follow Blaschko's lines, in addition to abnormalities of the eye, central nervous system (CNS), and teeth. Ocular involvement in IP patients can occur since birth, which can be classified into retinal or non-retinal disorders. Retinal disorders can result in detachment, which is a major ocular threat for IP patients. This article reports two IP cases with overlapped phases of skin disorders in baby girls with ocular manifestations since early life. Clinical signs and additional examination of the skin and eyes are utilized to make the diagnosis. All the features of the histopathological examination supported the diagnosis of IP, and ocular exams revealed abnormalities in the form of retinal neovascularization (RN). Although RN may resolve spontaneously, patients should be monitored for the development of other eye disorders such as visual impairment.

Malocclusions in Pediatric Patients with Asthma: A Case-Control Study.

Asthma is a public health problem that has been widely described, but little has been reported about its effects on dental occlusions. The aim of this study was to compare the alterations of normal occlusions in asthmatic children and those without the disease. The study included 186 patients between 5 and 12 years old, divided into two groups. The first group included patients with a previous diagnosis of asthma given by a specialist, which was confirmed by using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The second group included patients without the disease. All patients underwent a clinical examination to determine the presence of occlusion alterations in the sagittal, transverse, and vertical planes. Subsequently, chi-squared tests were performed to compare the variables between the groups. A significant association was found between asthma and the variables studied here: alterations in the sagittal plane (chi2 = 7.839, p = 0.005), alterations in the vertical plane (chi2 = 13.563, p < 0.001), alterations in the transverse plane (Fisher's F p < 0.001), and oral habits (chi2 = 55.811, p < 0.001). The results suggest that asthmatic patients are more likely to develop malocclusions, especially anterior open bite and posterior crossbite. These conditions are typically related to mouth breathing, which is common in asthmatic patients.

Dental anomalies in cleft lip and palate: A case-control comparison of total and outside the cleft prevalence.

This study's objective was to compare the total and outside the cleft prevalence of dental anomalies (DA) between patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and a control group. This retrospective cross-sectional study was done under a case-control design. The case group consisted of 192 non-syndromic patients with complete CLP, while the control group included 411 patients. All subjects had orthopantomography, intra, and extraoral photographs. The prevalence of dental agenesis, supernumerary teeth, impacted teeth, dental transposition, and microdontia were compared using a chi-squared test (P < .05). Next, a second test was made, but only the anomalies outside the cleft were considered for this study. Total prevalence was 89.1% for cases, and 20.9% for controls (P < .01). The prevalence of each DA was significantly higher for the case group. In the analysis of DAs outside the cleft, the total prevalence was still significantly associated (P < .01); however, only dental agenesis was statistically significant (P < .01). Further analysis found that a high rate of upper premolar absence (P < .01) could explain this event. Patients with CLP have a higher prevalence of DAs compared to controls. After considering only the DAs outside the cleft, the total prevalence remains significantly higher. However, this phenomenon is explained mainly by the elevated prevalence of upper premolars' agenesis. This study's results suggest that environmental factors are behind the high prevalence of DAs in subjects with CLP.

Catatonia in a 6-year-old Patient Following Disseminated Group A Streptococcus Infection.

Pediatric catatonia is a complex entity that is easily missed in the hospital setting and seldom reported in the literature. Here, we present the case of a 6-year-old previously healthy female patient who was initially thought to have intractable delirium secondary to disseminated Group A streptococcus (GAS) infection. Careful examination, utilization of the Pediatric Catatonia Rating Scale, and lorazepam challenge were key to elucidating the diagnosis. While GAS is most often associated with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) in the child and adolescent population, we reviewed the limited literature to suggest a mechanism by which it can lead to catatonia. Further systematic study of catatonia in the pediatric population is warranted to better understand pathogenesis and long-term neuropsychiatric outcomes.

Urinary Metabolomic Profile of Neonates Born to Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most frequent pregnancy complications with potential adverse outcomes for mothers and newborns. Its effects on the newborn appear during the neonatal period or early childhood. Therefore, an early diagnosis is crucial to prevent the development of chronic diseases later in adult life. In this study, the urinary metabolome of babies born to GDM mothers was characterized. In total, 144 neonatal and maternal (second and third trimesters of pregnancy) urinary samples were analyzed using targeted metabolomics, combining liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and flow injection analysis mass spectrometry (FIA-MS/MS) techniques. We provide here the neonatal urinary concentration values of 101 metabolites for 26 newborns born to GDM mothers and 22 newborns born to healthy mothers. The univariate analysis of these metabolites revealed statistical differences in 11 metabolites. Multivariate analyses revealed a differential metabolic profile in newborns of GDM mothers characterized by dysregulation of acylcarnitines, amino acids, and polyamine metabolism. Levels of hexadecenoylcarnitine (C16:1) and spermine were also higher in newborns of GDM mothers. The maternal urinary metabolome revealed significant differences in butyric, isobutyric, and uric acid in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. These metabolic alterations point to the impact of GDM in the neonatal period.

Growth differences in patients with dental agenesis, how its location impacts facial morphology.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Non-formation of a tooth impacts the morphology of the alveolar bone, which may, in turn, generate an imbalance in facial growth. This retrospective case-control study aimed to determine whether observable differences exist in the facial growth of patients with dental agenesis relative to complete dentition controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised 75 patients with dental agenesis, and each case was paired with two controls of the same age and gender (n = 150). All patients were measured cephalometrically (31 variables), and both groups were compared with student's t- or Z-test (P < 0.05). Subsequently, ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests (P < 0.05) were used to compare facial growth depending on the missing tooth's sagittal location in the dental arch (anterior or posterior agenesis); as well as its location in the affected bone (maxillary, mandibular, or both). RESULTS: Four measurements with significant differences were found, whereas ten were found in the sagittal location in the dental arch analysis. Regarding the affected bone, there were no affected variables. CONCLUSION: it was found that patients with dental agenesis show differences in the sagittal growth of the upper jaw and in the position of the lower incisor. In the studied population, these changes are strongly influenced by the sagittal location of the missing tooth, while its location in the jaws does not affect facial growth.

Comparação das respostas neuromusculares e bioquímicas entre pacientes com DPOC e indivíduos saudáveis / Comparison of neuromuscular and biochemical responses between patients with COPD and healthy subjects

Objetivo: Comparar as respostas neuromusculares e bioquímicas do dano e fadiga muscular do quadríceps femoral entre indivíduos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) e saudáveis. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal e comparativo. A amostra foi composta por 18 indivíduos alocados em dois grupos distintos: Grupo DPOC (GD) e grupo saudáveis (GS), os quais foram avaliados por meio da espirometria, do desempenho neuromuscular do quadríceps, dos marcadores bioquímicos do dano e fadiga muscular, da fatigabilidade e da dor muscular. Resultados: Observou-se diferença estatisticamente significante na potência média entre o GD e GS (99,9 ± 21,0 vs 145,1 ± 51,5, respectivamente; p= 0,02) e uma tendência das médias de pico de torque (85,7 ± 24,4 vs 104,4 ± 31,0; p= 0,45) e trabalho total (1.305,5 ± 329,9 vs 1.671,5 ± 444,5; p= 0,06) serem menores no GD que no GS, respectivamente. A concentração da LDH imediatamente após o teste isocinético foi significantemente maior no GD que no GS (402,3 ± 33,6 vs 289,4 ± 33,6, respectivamente; p= 0,03). Conclusões: O presente estudo mostrou que pacientes com DPOC tem redução da capacidade de gerar força em um determinado período de tempo quando comparado a indivíduos saudáveis. A dosagem plasmática dos marcadores bioquímicos não permitiu confirmar que os pacientes com DPOC tem maior nível de dano muscular quando realizam exercício que os controles saudáveis.

Objective: To compare neuromuscular and biochemical responses of femoral quadriceps muscle damage and fatigue between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy subjects. Methods: Observational, transversal and comparative study. The sample consisted of 18 subjects assigned to two distinct groups: COPD group (CG) and healthy group (HG), who were assessed by spirometry, quadriceps neuromuscular performance, biochemical markers of muscle damage and fatigue, fatigability and muscle pain. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in mean power between CG and HG (99.9 ± 21.0 vs. 145.1 ± 51.5, respectively; p= 0.02) and a tendency of mean peak torque (85.7 ± 24.4 vs 104.4 ± 31.0, p= 0.45) and total work (1,305.5 ± 329.9 vs 1.671.5 ± 444.5; p= 0.06) were smaller in the CG than HG, respectively. The LDH concentration immediately after the isokinetic test was significantly higher in the CG than HG (402.3 ± 33.6 vs 289.4 ± 33.6, respectively; p= 0.03). Conclusions: The present study showed that patients with COPD have a reduced ability to generate force over a given period of time when compared to healthy subjects. The plasma levels of biochemical markers did not confirm that patients with COPD have a higher level of muscle damage when exercising than healthy controls.

Regional moderate hyperthermia for mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (TherMoCoV study): a randomized controlled trial.

Background: To prevent COVID-19 progression, low-cost alternatives that are available to all patients are needed. Diverse forms of thermotherapy have been proposed to prevent progression to severe/critical COVID-19. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of local thermotherapy to prevent disease progression in hospitalized adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Methods: A multicenter, open-label, parallel-group, randomized, adaptive trial is used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of local thermotherapy to prevent disease progression in hospitalized adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Eligible hospitalized adult patients with symptoms of COVID-19 with ≤5 days from symptom onset, meeting criteria for mild or moderate COVID-19, were randomly assigned to the intervention consisting of local thermotherapy via an electric heat pad in the thorax (target temperature range 39.5­42°C) continuously for 90 min, twice daily, for 5 days, or standard care. The main outcome was the proportion of patients who progressed to severe-to-critical COVID-19 or death. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio through a centralized computer-generated sequence of minimization with a random component of 20%. Participants and medical staff were not blinded to the intervention. Results: One-hundred and five participants (thermotherapy n = 54, control n = 51) with a median age of 53 (IQR: 41­64) years were included for analysis after the early cessation of recruitment due to the closure of all temporal COVID-19 units (target sample size = 274). The primary outcome of disease progression occurred in 31.4% (16/51) of patients in the control group vs. 25.9% (14/54) of those receiving thermotherapy (risk difference = 5.5%; 95%CI: −11.8­22.7, p = 0.54). Thermotherapy was well tolerated with a median total duration of thermotherapy of 900 (IQR: 877.5­900) min. Seven (13.7%) patients in the control group and seven (12.9%) in the thermotherapy group had at least one AE (p = 0.9), none of which were causally attributed to the intervention. No statistically significant differences in serum cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ) were observed between day 5 and baseline among groups. Conclusion: Local thermotherapy was safe and well-tolerated. A non-statistically significant lower proportion of patients who experienced disease progression was found in the thermotherapy group compared to standard care. Local thermotherapy could be further studied as a strategy to prevent disease progression in ambulatory settings.Clinical Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT04363541.

Evaluation of diagnostic agreement among cephalometric measurements for determining incisor position and inclination / Evaluación de la concordancia diagnóstica entre mediciones cefalométricas para la determinación de la posición e inclinación de los incisivos

SUMMARY: The incisors are a key factor in dental occlusion and dentofacial aesthetics; therefore, the sagittal position and inclination of the incisors is a key parameter in diagnosis and orthodontic treatment planning. In some cases, the orthodontist will use more than one cephalometric analysis, and thus different results can be obtained. The aim of this study was to establish the diagnostic agreement among the different cephalometric measurements used to determine the anteroposterior position and the inclination of the incisors. Lateral cephalometric radiograms of patients between 18 and 59 years old were measured (n=260). Digital cephalometric measurements were made with Dolphin Imaging software, by a single calibrated operator. Here, a specific cephalometric analysis was designed in the software analysis editor. The results for each variable and each measurement were registered and compared. Fleiss's Kappa statistical tests, Cohen's Kappa, and Kendall's coefficient were used to determine the strength of agreement using the Minitab software. The results showed diagnostic strength agreement between slight and moderate among measurements of the same variable. This indicates that same diagnosis might not be obtained when using different approaches to measure the anteroposterior position and inclination of the incisors. It was concluded that there is a difference in the diagnosis between one measurement and another because the results showed slight or moderate strength of agreement. However, in some cases, better agreement was found when the measurements were compared as a function of the diagnostic response.

RESUMEN: Los incisivos son un factor clave en la oclusión dental y la estética dentofacial; por lo tanto, la posición sagital y la inclinación de los incisivos es un parámetro clave en el diagnóstico y la planificación del tratamiento de ortodoncia. En algunos casos, el ortodoncista utilizará más de un análisis cefalométrico y, por lo tanto, se pueden obtener resultados diferentes. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer el acuerdo de diagnóstico entre las diferentes mediciones cefalométricas utilizadas para determinar la posición anteroposterior y la inclinación de los incisivos. Se midieron radiografías cefalométricas laterales de pacientes entre 18 y 59 años (n = 260). Las mediciones cefalométricas digitales se realizaron con el software Dolphin Imaging, por un solo operador calibrado. Aquí, se diseñó un análisis cefalométrico específico en el editor de análisis de software. Los resultados para cada variable y cada medición se registraron y compararon. Las pruebas estadísticas Kappa de Fleiss, Kappa de Cohen y el coeficiente de Kendall se usaron para determinar la fuerza del acuerdo utilizando el software Minitab. Los resultados mostraron un acuerdo de fuerza diagnóstica entre leve y moderado entre las mediciones de la misma variable. Esto indica que no se puede obtener el mismo diagnóstico cuando se utilizan diferentes enfoques para medir la posición anteroposterior y la inclinación de los incisivos. Se concluyó que existe una diferencia en el diagnóstico entre una medición y otra porque los resultados mostraron una fuerza de acuerdo leve o moderada. Sin embargo, en algunos casos, se encontró un mejor acuerdo cuando se compararon las mediciones en función de la respuesta de diagnóstico.