Using metabolic networks to predict cross-feeding and competition interactions between microorganisms.

Understanding the interactions between microorganisms and their impact on bacterial behavior at the community level is a key research topic in microbiology. Different methods, relying on experimental or mathematical approaches based on the diverse properties of bacteria, are currently employed to study these interactions. Recently, the use of metabolic networks to understand the interactions between bacterial pairs has increased, highlighting the relevance of this approach in characterizing bacteria. In this study, we leverage the representation of bacteria through their metabolic networks to build a predictive model aimed at reducing the number of experimental assays required for designing bacterial consortia with specific behaviors. Our novel method for predicting cross-feeding or competition interactions between pairs of microorganisms utilizes metabolic network features. Machine learning classifiers are employed to determine the type of interaction from automatically reconstructed metabolic networks. Several algorithms were assessed and selected based on comprehensive testing and careful separation of manually compiled data sets obtained from literature sources. We used different classification algorithms, including K Nearest Neighbors, XGBoost, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest, tested different parameter values, and implemented several data curation approaches to reduce the biological bias associated with our data set, ultimately achieving an accuracy of over 0.9. Our method holds substantial potential to advance the understanding of community behavior and contribute to the development of more effective approaches for consortia design.IMPORTANCEUnderstanding bacterial interactions at the community level is critical for microbiology, and leveraging metabolic networks presents an efficient and effective approach. The introduction of this novel method for predicting interactions through machine learning classifiers has the potential to advance the field by reducing the number of experimental assays required and contributing to the development of more effective bacterial consortia.

Promising activity of etomidate against mixed biofilms of fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Introduction. Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus are recognized for their development of resistance and biofilm formation. New therapeutic alternatives are necessary in this context.Hypothesis. Etomidate shows potential application in catheters against mixed biofilms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).Aim. The present study aimed to evaluate the activity of etomidate against mixed biofilms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and MRSA.Methodology. The action of etomidate against mature biofilms was verified through the evaluation of biomass and cell viability, and its ability to prevent biofilm formation in peripheral venous catheters was determined based on counts of colony forming units (c.f.u.) and confirmed by morphological analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Results. Etomidate generated a reduction (P<0.05) in biomass and cell viability starting from a concentration of 250 µg ml-1. In addition, it showed significant ability to prevent the formation of mixed biofilms in a peripheral venous catheter, as shown by a reduction in c.f.u. SEM revealed that treatment with etomidate caused substantial damage to the fungal cells.Conclusion. The results showed the potential of etomidate against polymicrobial biofilms of fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and MRSA.

A qualitative study on emotional labor and work-family conflictin caregivers working in nursing homes / Un estudio cualitativo sobre el trabajo emocional y el conflicto trabajo-familia en cuidadores que trabajan en residencias de ancianos

A pesar de la evidencia que sugiere que el trabajo de cuidado implica la realización de trabajo emocional y experiencias de conflicto trabajo-familia, la relación de estas dos experiencias de trabajo sigue sin ser examinada. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo explorar las experiencias de desempeño del trabajo emocional y el conflicto trabajo-familia y sus vínculos entre los cuidadores que trabajan en hogares de ancianos. Para abordar la pregunta de investigación, utilizamos entrevistas semiestructuradas con una muestra de 24 mujeres cuidadoras que trabajan a tiempo completo en residencias de ancianos en el centro y norte de Portugal. Los resultados revelaron la presencia de trabajo emocional, Conflicto Trabajo-Familia y un impacto del trabajo emocional en Conflicto Trabajo-Familia basado en la tensión. En general, los resultados sugirieron que el trabajo emocional tiene efectos en Conflicto Trabajo-Familia, lo que apunta a la necesidad de que los directores de las instituciones de cuidado de ancianos consideren formas de reducir estos efectos nocivos en los trabajadores.(AU)

Despite evidence suggesting that care work involves the perfor-mance of emotional labor an experience of work-family conflict, the rela-tion of these two work experiences remain under-examined. The present study aims to fill this gap by exploring the experiences of performing emo-tional labor and work-family conflict and their links among caregivers working in nursing homes. To address the research question, we used semi-structured interviews with a sample of 24 female caregivers working full-time in nursing homes in the center and north of Portugal. The results revealed the presence of emotional labor, work-family conflict, and an im-pact of emotional labor in strain-based work-family conflict. Overall, the results suggested that emotional labor has effects on work-family conflict, pointing to the need that directors of elderly care institutions should con-sider ways of reducing these harmful effects on worker.(AU)

Spontaneous rupture of breast pseudoaneurysm: a rare case.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) type IV is a hereditary autosomal dominant disease associated with skin and vascular fragility, hyperextensibility and joint hypermobility. Spontaneous arterial rupture is one of its higher-risk features.The authors describe a case of a woman with EDS type IV who presented with a spontaneous breast haematoma associated with a pseudoaneurysm of a branch of the left internal mammary artery. The patient underwent a minimally invasive endovascular approach that was uneventful. However, 6 months later, she presented in the emergency room with a similar episode on the contralateral breast. There were no signs of active bleeding, and she stayed under surveillance. Nine months later, she was asymptomatic.Aneurysms of branches of the internal mammary artery are rare and prone to rupture. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative, and this case demonstrates that an endovascular approach is a safe treatment option.

Analysis of cumulative risk predictors for persistent stuttering: family perception and amount of speech disruptions. / Análise de preditores de risco cumulativo para a gagueira persistente: percepção familiar e quantidade de rupturas da fala.

PURPOSE: To investigate two independent variables considered as two possible predictors of cumulative risk for persistent stuttering: family perception of stuttering and amount of speech disruptions. METHODS: Participants were 452 children, aged 3 to 11:11 years, male and female, divided into 4 groups: group 1 (SCG), composed of 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and family complaint of stuttering; group 2 (SWCG), 42 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and without family complaint of stuttering; group 3 (FCG), 94 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2. 9% with family complaints of stuttering and group 4 (FWCG), 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2.9 without family complaints of stuttering. RESULTS: For the SCG group, there was a significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions typical of stuttering. In this group, there was a predominance of male children. For the SWCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FWCG group, there was a significant relation between the absence of a family complaint of stuttering and the reduced number of speech disruptions. CONCLUSION: The percentage of speech disruptions ≥ 3% is a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. The percentage of speech disruptions ≤ 2.9% associated with syllable and sound repetitions can be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of syllable and sound repetitions may be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of stuttering alone should not be considered an indicator of persistent stuttering.

OBJETIVO: Pesquisar duas variáveis independentes consideradas como possíveis preditores de risco cumulativo para a gagueira persistente (GP): percepção familiar da gagueira e quantidade de rupturas da fala. MÉTODO: Participaram 452 crianças, com idade entre 3 a 11:11 anos, de ambos os gêneros, divididos em 4 grupos: grupo 1 (GGQ), 158 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≥3% e queixa familiar de gagueira; grupo 2 (GGS), 42 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≥3% e sem queixa familiar de gagueira; grupo 3 (FQ), 94 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≤2.9% com queixa familiar de gagueira e grupo 4 (FS), 158 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≤2.9 sem queixa familiar de gagueira. RESULTADOS: Para o grupo GGQ há relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala típicas da gagueira e houve predominância de crianças do sexo masculino. Para o grupo GGS não houve relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala. Para o grupo FQ não houve relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala. Para o grupo FS houve relação significante entre a ausência de queixa familiar de gagueira e a reduzida quantidade de rupturas de fala. CONCLUSÃO: O percentual de rupturas ≥3% é um indicador de risco para a GP. A queixa familiar de rupturas do tipo repetições pode ser um indicador de risco para a GP. A queixa familiar de gagueira, isoladamente, não deve ser considerada como indicador de GP.

Analysis of possible pathways on the mechanism of action of minocycline and doxycycline against strains of Candida spp. resistant to fluconazole.

Species of the genus Candida, characterized as commensals of the human microbiota, are opportunistic pathogens capable of generating various types of infections with high associated costs. Considering the limited pharmacological arsenal and the emergence of antifungal-resistant strains, the repositioning of drugs is a strategy used to search for new therapeutic alternatives, in which minocycline and doxycycline have been evaluated as potential candidates. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of two tetracyclines, minocycline and doxycycline, and their possible mechanism of action against fluconazole-resistant strains of Candida spp. The sensitivity test for antimicrobials was performed using the broth microdilution technique, and the pharmacological interaction with fluconazole was also analysed using the checkerboard method. To analyse the possible mechanisms of action, flow cytometry assays were performed. The minimum inhibitory concentration obtained was 4-427 µg ml-1 for minocycline and 128-512 µg ml-1 for doxycycline, and mostly indifferent and additive interactions with fluconazole were observed. These tetracyclines were found to promote cellular alterations that generated death by apoptosis, with concentration-dependent reactive oxygen species production and reduced cell viability. Therefore, minocycline and doxycycline present themselves as promising study molecules against Candida spp.

Correlation between findings of the oral myofunctional clinical assessment, pressure and electromyographic activity of the tongue during swallowing in individuals with different orofacial myofunctional disorders. / Correlação entre achados da avaliação clínica miofuncional orofacial, a pressão e a atividade eletromiográfica da língua na deglutição em indivíduos com diferentes alterações da motricidade orofacial.

PURPOSE: To correlate the findings regarding the myofunctional orofacial examination, tongue pressure and surface electromyography (sEMG) of deglutition in individuals with different orofacial myofunctional disorders. METHODS: 44 patients (20 males and 24 females, aged between 17 and 63 years old) with different orofacial myofunctional changes were clinically assessed using the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E). In addition, the range of mandibular movements and facial anthropometry were measured, along with the assessment of the tongue pressure (tip and dorsum) and of the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles during deglutition, using surface electromyography (sEMG). RESULTS: The statistical analysis found weak correlations between tongue dorsum pressure values, suggesting that the greater the measurement of the lower third of the face, the lower the pressure of the tongue dorsum; the greater the measurement of the overlaps (vertical and horizontal), the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum; the higher the score from the orofacial evaluation and orofacial functions assessment, the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum; and the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum, the higher the pressure of the tongue tip. CONCLUSION: The present study results indicate that the orofacial myofunctional changes found in different groups of patients are more related to the maxillomandibular discrepancies than to the pathologies investigated herein.

OBJETIVO: correlacionar os achados da avaliação clínica miofuncional orofacial, pressão de língua e da eletromiografia de superfície (EMGs) da deglutição de grupos de pacientes com diferentes alterações da motricidade orofacial. MÉTODO: 44 pacientes (20 homens e 24 mulheres com idades entre 17 e 63 anos), com diferentes alterações miofuncionais orofaciais foram avaliados por meio da Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escores Expandido (AMIOFE-E), avaliação da amplitude mandibular e antropometria facial, mensuração da pressão de língua (ponta e dorso) e exame de Eletromiografia de Superfície (EMGs) em região supra hioidea na tarefa de deglutição de saliva e diferentes volumes de água. RESULTADOS: a análise estatística encontrou algumas correlações fracas que envolvem a pressão do dorso de língua e sugerem que quanto maior for a medida do terço inferior, menor será a pressão do dorso da língua; quanto maior for a medida dos trespasses (vertical e horizontal) maior será a pressão do dorso da língua; quanto maior for a pontuação da avaliação de postura e funções orofaciais, maior será a pressão do dorso de língua e quanto maior for a pressão do dorso de língua, maior será a pressão da ponta da língua. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados sugerem que as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais encontradas nos diferentes grupos de pacientes estão mais relacionadas às discrepâncias maxilomandibulares do que às patologias pesquisadas no presente estudo.

Characterization of feeding skills and clinical markers of preterm newborns with gastroschisis in a neonatal therapy unit.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and feeding findings of premature infants with gastroschisis (GTQ) in a neonatal intensive care unit and compare them to preterm infants (NBs) without congenital anomalies. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 50 premature NBs (25 with GTQ and 25 without comorbidities - control group). The NBs were compared regarding demographic and clinical data: risk of mortality and speech-language assessment (nonnutritive and nutritive sucking). Subsequently, a multiple logistic regression model was applied to determine the variables associated with the negative speech therapy outcome (speech therapy discharge after more than 7 days considering the first speech therapy evaluation). RESULTS: The results of the first analysis indicated that there was a difference between the GTQ and the CG for the following variables: total time in days of hospitalization; use of mechanical ventilation (invasive x noninvasive); days of life on the date of the first speech-language assessment; use of alternative feeding route; and the GTQ group had worse results. The results of the multiple logistic regression indicated that the diagnosis of GTQ, the use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and the absence of adequate intraoral pressure during the first speech-language evaluation were risk factors for a negative speech-language outcome. CONCLUSION: The feeding skills of preterm infants with QTG are related to the severity of the condition (gastrointestinal tract complications), requiring longer hospitalization, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, prolonged use of alternative feeding route and requiring more speech therapy to start oral feeding.

Risk factors independently associated with the maintenance of severe restriction of oral intake and alternative feeding method indication at hospital outcome in patients after acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: From a clinical point of view, post-stroke patients present difficulties in swallowing management. The purpose of this research was to identify risk factors that were independently related to the maintenance of a severe restriction of oral intake in patients affected by acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients with dysphagia post-acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to an Emergency Room (ER). Demographic and clinical data were collected at ER admission. Swallowing data was based on The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and was collected at two distinct moments: initial swallowing assessment and at the patient outcome. Patients were divided into two groups according to their FOIS level assigned on the last swallowing assessment (at hospital outcome): G1 with severe restriction of oral intake and indication of feeding tube - patients with FOIS levels 1 to 4; G2 without restriction of food consistencies in oral intake - patients with FOIS levels 5 to 7. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients were included in our study. Results of the multivariate logistic regression model for the prediction of maintenance of a severe restriction of oral intake at hospital outcome in patients post-acute ischemic stroke indicated that increasing age (p = 0.006), and dysarthria (p = 0.003) were associated with higher chances of presenting severe restriction of oral intake at hospital outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acute ischemic stroke in an Emergency Room may experience non-resolved severe dysphagia, indicating the need to prepare for the care/rehabilitation of these patients.

Regeneration of starfish radial nerve cord restores animal mobility and unveils a new coelomocyte population.

The potential to regenerate a damaged body part is expressed to a different extent in animals. Echinoderms, in particular starfish, are known for their outstanding regenerating potential. Differently, humans have restricted abilities to restore organ systems being dependent on limited sources of stem cells. In particular, the potential to regenerate the central nervous system is extremely limited, explaining the lack of natural mechanisms that could overcome the development of neurodegenerative diseases and the occurrence of trauma. Therefore, understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of regeneration in starfish could help the development of new therapeutic approaches in humans. In this study, we tackle the problem of starfish central nervous system regeneration by examining the external and internal anatomical and behavioral traits, the dynamics of coelomocyte populations, and neuronal tissue architecture after radial nerve cord (RNC) partial ablation. We noticed that the removal of part of RNC generated several anatomic anomalies and induced behavioral modifications (injured arm could not be used anymore to lead the starfish movement). Those alterations seem to be related to defense mechanisms and protection of the wound. In particular, histology showed that tissue patterns during regeneration resemble those described in holothurians and in starfish arm tip regeneration. Flow cytometry coupled with imaging flow cytometry unveiled a new coelomocyte population during the late phase of the regeneration process. Morphotypes of these and previously characterized coelomocyte populations were described based on IFC data. Further studies of this new coelomocyte population might provide insights on their involvement in radial nerve cord regeneration.

Molecular Epidemiology of Haemophilus influenzae Strains with Reduced Susceptibility and Genetic Profiles of Resistance in the Postvaccination Period.

Haemophilus influenzae serotype b has been the main cause of invasive infections in children, during the prevaccination period. More than 20 years after the introduction of the conjugate vaccine against Hib, HiNT has emerged as the cause of localized infections in children and adults. The main objective of this work is to evaluate the susceptibility and resistance mechanisms of H. influenzae strains from carriers and describe the molecular epidemiology and their clonal relationships by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Sixty-nine strains from clinical cases and asymptomatic carriers from 2009 to 2019 were analyzed, confirmed as H. influenzae, and serotyped by polymerase chain reaction. The susceptibility to antibiotics was evaluated by E-test strips. Genotyping was performed by MLST. HiNT was the most frequent in all age groups. Resistance to ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole+trimethoprim, and amoxicillin+clavulanic acid was detected, with the production of ß-lactamase being the main resistance mechanism. Among 21 HiNT strains with complete allelic MLST profiles, 19 new sequence types were described, reinforcing the already reported heterogeneity of nontypeable strains, and only one clonal complex (cc-1355) was observed. Our results show a high percentage of colonization regardless of age, increased antimicrobial resistance, and high genetic diversity, along with an increased number of cases caused by HiNT strains. These findings reinforce the need for continuous surveillance for HiNT strains as it has been reported worldwide after the introduction of the Hib conjugate vaccine.

Are prosodic effects on sentence comprehension dependent on age?

PURPOSE: to investigate prosodic boundary effects on the comprehension of attachment ambiguities in Brazilian Portuguese and to test two hypotheses relying on the notion of boundary strength: the absolute boundary hypothesis (ABH) and the relative boundary hypothesis (RBH). Manipulations of prosodic structure influence how listeners interpret syntactically ambiguous sentences. However, the role of prosody in spoken language comprehension of sentences has received limited attention in languages other than English, particularly from a developmental perspective. METHODS: Twenty-three adults and 15 children participated in a computerized sentence comprehension task involving syntactically ambiguous sentences. Each sentence was recorded in eight different prosodic forms with acoustic manipulations of F0, duration and pause varying the boundary size to reflect predictions of the ABH and RBH. RESULTS: Children and adults differed in how prosody influenced their syntactic processing and children were significantly slower than adults. Results indicated that interpretation of sentences varied according to their prosodic forms. CONCLUSION: Neither the ABH or the RBH explained how children and adults who speak Brazilian Portuguese use prosodic boundaries to disambiguate sentences. There is evidence that the way prosodic boundaries influence disambiguation varies cross-linguistically.

Accurate, fast and cost-effective simultaneous detection of bacterial meningitis by qualitative PCR with high-resolution melting.

Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are leading causes of meningitis and acute invasive infections. PCR-based methods are widely used for the diagnosis and surveillance of bacterial pathogens because of their high sensitivity, specificity and high-throughput capabilities compared with conventional laboratory methods. This study evaluated a high-resolution melting qualitative PCR analysis method for the simultaneous detection of these three pathogens. The assay has been optimized to detect three species-specific genes of each organism isolated from clinical samples, enabling accurate identification of the etiological agent. The method proved to be highly sensitive and cheaper than the real-time PCR TaqMan® system because it is probe-free; it could be used for the diagnosis of invasive diseases in public health laboratories of developing countries.

Portuguese version of Bern Illegitimates Task Scale: adaptation and evidence of validity.

BACKGROUND: A new element for job stress called Illegitimate Tasks has been investigated in recent years, along with stress as an offense to self-theory. Illegitimate tasks are those that are either needless or unrelated to the employee's role and can be categorized as unreasonable tasks and unnecessary tasks. METHODS: This study aimed to adapt the Bern Illegitimate Tasks Scale to Portuguese and provide evidence of its validity, through a confirmatory factor analysis with a sample of 472 workers from different sectors. RESULTS: The internal consistency, of the whole scale, measured by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.923 and 0.902 and 0.928 for the unnecessary tasks and, for unreasonable tasks subscales respectively. The confirmatory analysis supported a two-factor model and showed good to very good indexes of fit (CFI = 0.985; TLI = 0.997; SRMR = 0.035; RMSEA = 0.171). DISCUSSION: The Portuguese version of the Bern Illegitimate Tasks Scale presents very good psychometric properties for the intended measurement goals and can now be used in research with Portuguese speaking samples.

Clinical Manifestation of Nebulin-Associated Nemaline Myopathy.

Background and Objectives: Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a genetically heterogeneous inherited myopathy related with at least 12 genes, whereas pathogenic variants in NEB gene are the most common genetic cause. The clinical spectrum of NM caused by NEB pathogenic variants (NM-NEB) is very broad, ranging from mild to severe presentations manifesting with generalized weakness, as well as respiratory and bulbar involvement. There is currently not enough data regarding the progression of the disease. In this study, we present a genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of 33 patients with NM caused by NEB variants (NM-NEB) classified according to age groups and the use of ventilatory support. We focused on interventional support, genotype-phenotype correlation, and association between respiratory, bulbar, and motor systems in groups of patients stratified by age and by the use of ventilatory support (VS). Methods: Clinical and genetic data from patients with NM-NEB followed up in one specialized center were collected through regular consultations. Patients were evaluated regarding motor, bulbar, and respiratory functions. Results: Thirty-three patients with NM-NEB were evaluated consisting of 15 females and 18 males with an average age of 18 (±12) years and a median of 17 (±11) years. 32% of patients with NM-NEB used a G tube, 35% were not able to walk without support, and 55% needed VS. Scoliosis and dysphagia were more common among patients who used VS. Described for the first time, half of the patients presented tongue atrophy in a triple furrow pattern, and the presence of the atrophy was associated with dysphagia. Comparing the patients grouped by age, we found that, proportionally, older patients had more scoliosis and respiratory dysfunction than younger groups, suggesting the progression of the disease in these domains. In addition to that, we showed that VS use was associated with scoliosis and dysphagia. Discussion: NM-NEB is a very debilitating disease. There is an association between scoliosis and respiratory dysfunction while patients using VS have more often scoliosis than the no-VS group. Triple furrow tongue atrophy is a novel and frequent finding, which is directly associated with dysphagia. Grouping patients by age suggested disease stability in motor and swallow function, but a progression in respiratory dysfunction and skeletal deformities. All observations are relevant in the management care of patients with NM.

Risk factors independently associated with the maintenance of severe restriction of oral intake and alternative feeding method indication at hospital outcome in patients after acute ischemic stroke

Abstract Background and aims From a clinical point of view, post-stroke patients present difficulties in swallowing management. The purpose of this research was to identify risk factors that were independently related to the maintenance of a severe restriction of oral intake in patients affected by acute ischemic stroke. Methods The authors conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients with dysphagia post-acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to an Emergency Room (ER). Demographic and clinical data were collected at ER admission. Swallowing data was based on The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and was collected at two distinct moments: initial swallowing assessment and at the patient outcome. Patients were divided into two groups according to their FOIS level assigned on the last swallowing assessment (at hospital outcome): G1 with severe restriction of oral intake and indication of feeding tube - patients with FOIS levels 1 to 4; G2 without restriction of food consistencies in oral intake - patients with FOIS levels 5 to 7. Results One hundred and six patients were included in our study. Results of the multivariate logistic regression model for the prediction of maintenance of a severe restriction of oral intake at hospital outcome in patients post-acute ischemic stroke indicated that increasing age (p = 0.006), and dysarthria (p = 0.003) were associated with higher chances of presenting severe restriction of oral intake at hospital outcome. Conclusions Patients with acute ischemic stroke in an Emergency Room may experience non-resolved severe dysphagia, indicating the need to prepare for the care/rehabilitation of these patients.

Análise de preditores de risco cumulativo para a gagueira persistente: percepção familiar e quantidade de rupturas da fala / Analysis of cumulative risk predictors for persistent stuttering: family perception and amount of speech disruptions

RESUMO Objetivo Pesquisar duas variáveis independentes consideradas como possíveis preditores de risco cumulativo para a gagueira persistente (GP): percepção familiar da gagueira e quantidade de rupturas da fala. Método Participaram 452 crianças, com idade entre 3 a 11:11 anos, de ambos os gêneros, divididos em 4 grupos: grupo 1 (GGQ), 158 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≥3% e queixa familiar de gagueira; grupo 2 (GGS), 42 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≥3% e sem queixa familiar de gagueira; grupo 3 (FQ), 94 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≤2.9% com queixa familiar de gagueira e grupo 4 (FS), 158 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≤2.9 sem queixa familiar de gagueira. Resultados Para o grupo GGQ há relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala típicas da gagueira e houve predominância de crianças do sexo masculino. Para o grupo GGS não houve relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala. Para o grupo FQ não houve relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala. Para o grupo FS houve relação significante entre a ausência de queixa familiar de gagueira e a reduzida quantidade de rupturas de fala. Conclusão O percentual de rupturas ≥3% é um indicador de risco para a GP. A queixa familiar de rupturas do tipo repetições pode ser um indicador de risco para a GP. A queixa familiar de gagueira, isoladamente, não deve ser considerada como indicador de GP.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate two independent variables considered as two possible predictors of cumulative risk for persistent stuttering: family perception of stuttering and amount of speech disruptions. Methods Participants were 452 children, aged 3 to 11:11 years, male and female, divided into 4 groups: group 1 (SCG), composed of 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and family complaint of stuttering; group 2 (SWCG), 42 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and without family complaint of stuttering; group 3 (FCG), 94 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2. 9% with family complaints of stuttering and group 4 (FWCG), 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2.9 without family complaints of stuttering. Results For the SCG group, there was a significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions typical of stuttering. In this group, there was a predominance of male children. For the SWCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FWCG group, there was a significant relation between the absence of a family complaint of stuttering and the reduced number of speech disruptions. Conclusion The percentage of speech disruptions ≥ 3% is a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. The percentage of speech disruptions ≤ 2.9% associated with syllable and sound repetitions can be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of syllable and sound repetitions may be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of stuttering alone should not be considered an indicator of persistent stuttering.

Correlação entre achados da avaliação clínica miofuncional orofacial, a pressão e a atividade eletromiográfica da língua na deglutição em indivíduos com diferentes alterações da motricidade orofacial / Correlation between findings of the oral myofunctional clinical assessment, pressure and electromyographic activity of the tongue during swallowing in individuals with different orofacial myofunctional disorders

RESUMO Objetivo correlacionar os achados da avaliação clínica miofuncional orofacial, pressão de língua e da eletromiografia de superfície (EMGs) da deglutição de grupos de pacientes com diferentes alterações da motricidade orofacial. Método 44 pacientes (20 homens e 24 mulheres com idades entre 17 e 63 anos), com diferentes alterações miofuncionais orofaciais foram avaliados por meio da Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escores Expandido (AMIOFE-E), avaliação da amplitude mandibular e antropometria facial, mensuração da pressão de língua (ponta e dorso) e exame de Eletromiografia de Superfície (EMGs) em região supra hioidea na tarefa de deglutição de saliva e diferentes volumes de água. Resultados a análise estatística encontrou algumas correlações fracas que envolvem a pressão do dorso de língua e sugerem que quanto maior for a medida do terço inferior, menor será a pressão do dorso da língua; quanto maior for a medida dos trespasses (vertical e horizontal) maior será a pressão do dorso da língua; quanto maior for a pontuação da avaliação de postura e funções orofaciais, maior será a pressão do dorso de língua e quanto maior for a pressão do dorso de língua, maior será a pressão da ponta da língua. Conclusão os resultados sugerem que as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais encontradas nos diferentes grupos de pacientes estão mais relacionadas às discrepâncias maxilomandibulares do que às patologias pesquisadas no presente estudo.

ABSTRACT Purpose To correlate the findings regarding the myofunctional orofacial examination, tongue pressure and surface electromyography (sEMG) of deglutition in individuals with different orofacial myofunctional disorders. Methods 44 patients (20 males and 24 females, aged between 17 and 63 years old) with different orofacial myofunctional changes were clinically assessed using the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E). In addition, the range of mandibular movements and facial anthropometry were measured, along with the assessment of the tongue pressure (tip and dorsum) and of the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles during deglutition, using surface electromyography (sEMG). Results The statistical analysis found weak correlations between tongue dorsum pressure values, suggesting that the greater the measurement of the lower third of the face, the lower the pressure of the tongue dorsum; the greater the measurement of the overlaps (vertical and horizontal), the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum; the higher the score from the orofacial evaluation and orofacial functions assessment, the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum; and the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum, the higher the pressure of the tongue tip. Conclusion The present study results indicate that the orofacial myofunctional changes found in different groups of patients are more related to the maxillomandibular discrepancies than to the pathologies investigated herein.

Effect of low temperature and room temperature on the depth of cure of bulk-fill composite resins

The study analyzed the influence of temperature on the depth of cure of bulk-fill composite resins. Three discs (ISO 4049/2000) from each group were made, and four restorative materials were investigated: Opus Bulk-Fill Flow, Opus Bulk-Fill APS, Filtek™ One Bulk-Fill, and Filtek™ Bulk-Fill Flow. They were light-cured (Gnatus ± 1,200 mW/cm2) for 20 seconds, varying the temperature (23°C and 5°C) and simulating the use of the product both at room temperature and under refrigeration. The materials were inserted in aluminum matrices with 10 mm in depth and 4 mm in diameter. A clear film strip and a glass microscope slide were positioned at the top and bottom surfaces. The material was condensed and light-cured with the tip of the light source in close contact, for 20 seconds on the top surface. Immediately after irradiation, the samples were removed from the mold, and the uncured part was removed with a plastic spatula. The measurement was performed with a micrometer ± 0.1 mm, and the value was divided by 2. The data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA at a significance of 0.05. There was a statistical difference in the temperature between the results obtained in Opus Bulk-Fill APS (p <0.001) and Filtek™ Bulk-Fill Flow (p = 0.018) resins. For the temperature of 5°C, Filtek™ Bulk-Fill Flow showed a statistical difference compared to the other resins, while Opus Bulk-Fill Flow and Opus Bulk-Fill APS did not. For the temperature of 23°C, Filtek™ Bulk-Fill Flow maintained the statistical difference from the others, but Filtek™ One Bulk-Fill and Opus Bulk-Fill APS did not present statistical differences. Storing the Filtek™ Bulk-Fill Flow composite resin in the refrigerator caused a greater depth of cure than the other resins, and the depth of cure decreased at room temperature. As for Opus Bulk-Fill APS, the depth of cure decreased proportionally to the temperature decrease. The temperature may affect the depth of cure of some composite resins.