Dwarf and tall elephant grass silages: intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, ruminal fermentation, and ingestive behavior in sheep.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the exclusive supply of dwarf or tall elephant grass silages, harvested at 60 days of growth, without wilting or the use of additives, on intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen parameters, and ingestive behavior of sheep. Eight castrated male crossbred sheep (57.6 ± 5.25 kg body weight), fistulated in the rumen, were distributed in two 4 × 4 Latin squares with four treatments and eight animals per treatment and four periods. The treatments consisted of four elephant grass genotype silages (Mott, Taiwan A-146 2.37, IRI-381, or Elephant B). There was no effect of silages (P > 0.05) on dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrient intake. The dwarf-sized elephant grass silages provided higher crude protein intake (P = 0.047) and N intake (P = 0.047), while the IRI-381 genotype silage provided higher non-fibrous carbohydrate intake compared to Mott (P = 0.042), without differing from Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Elephant B silages. There were no differences (P > 0.05) among the digestibility coefficients of the evaluated silages. It was observed that silages produced with Mott and IRI-381 genotypes caused a slight decrease in ruminal pH (P = 0.013), and the propionic acid concentration was higher in the rumen fluid of the animals fed with Mott silage (P = 0.021). Therefore, dwarf or tall elephant grass silages, produced with cut genotypes at 60 days of growth and without the use of additives or wilting process, can be used in sheep feeding.

The Influence of rhBMP-7 Associated with Nanometric Hydroxyapatite Coatings Titanium Implant on the Osseointegration: A Pre-Clinical Study.

Background: Bioceramic nanometer coatings have been regarded as potential substitutes for plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings, and the association with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is an attempt to achieve faster osseointegration to hasten oral rehabilitation. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7) on the osseointegration of titanium implants coated with a thin film surface of hydroxyapatite (HA). Methods: Two implants (n = 24) were placed in each white New Zealand rabbits' femur (n = 6). Implants were placed in the right femur after standard instrumentation (A and B) and in the left femur after an over-instrumentation (C and D), preventing bone-implant contact. The distal implants were installed associated with rhBMP-7 (groups B [regular instrumentation] and D [over-instrumentation]) and, also, in the absence of without BMP (control groups A [regular instrumentation] and C [over-instrumentation]). After 4 weeks, the animals were euthanized. The bone blocks containing the implants were embedded in methyl methacrylate and sectioned parallel to the long axis of the implant, which were analyzed by image segmentation. The data were analyzed using a nonparametric statistical method. Results: We observed that Group A had a mean bone formation of 35.6% compared to Group B, which had 48.6% (p > 0.05). Moreover, this group showed 28.3% of connective tissue compared to Group A, with 39.3%. In the over-instrumented groups, rhBMP-7 (Group D) showed an enhanced and significant increase in bone formation when compared with the group without rhBMP-7 (Group C). Conclusion: We concluded that the association of rhBMP-7 to thin nanostructure HA-coated implants promoted greater new bone area than the same implants in the absence of rhBMP-7, mainly in cases of over-instrumented implant sites.

Interindividual variability of adaptations following either traditional strength or power training combined to endurance training in older men: A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

This study aimed to investigate the interindividual responses following two different concurrent training (CT) regimens in neuromuscular, cardiorespiratory and functional outcomes of older men. Thirty-five older men (65.8 ± 3.9 years) were randomly allocated into one of two CT groups: power training (PT) + high-intensity interval training (HIIT) (n = 17); or traditional strength training (TST) + HIIT (n = 18). Maximal dynamic strength (one-repetition maximum, 1RM), rate of force development at 100 milliseconds (RDF100), countermovement jump power (CMJ), quadriceps femoris muscle thickness (QF MT), functional tests (sit-to-stand, timed-up-and-go, and stair climbing), and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were assessed pre-, post-8 and post-16 weeks of training. The Chi-squared test was used for assessing differences in the prevalence of responders (Rs), non-responders (NRs), and adverse responders (ARs). Similar prevalence of individual responses (Rs, NRs and ARs) between groups were observed after intervention in almost all outcomes: 1RM; power at CMJ; QF MT, and functional tests (P > 0.05). However, a significant difference in the distribution of Rs, NRs and ARs between groups was observed in the RFD100 after 16 weeks (p = 0.003), with PT + HIIT group presenting high prevalence of Rs than TST + HIIT (100 % vs. 50 %). The inclusion of explosive-type of contractions in a concurrent training regime induces greater responsiveness in the RFD100 in older men, while no differences compared to traditional strength training are observed in maximal strength, muscle size, VO2peak, and functional performance.

Nutritive value of Urochloa decumbens Stapf R. D. Webster and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. and performance of cattle in monoculture and silvopastoral systems, in the Agreste region of Pernambuco.

This study evaluated the nutritive value of signalgrass (Urochloa decumbens Stapf R. D. Webster) and sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.), and animal performance in grass monoculture pastures and in silvopastoral system (SPS) in the early development stage, in the Agreste of Pernambuco. Four treatments were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications: signalgrass + Eucalyptus spp.; signalgrass + sabiá; signalgrass monoculture and sabiá monoculture. Holstein × Zebu crossbred calves (170 ± 15 kg BW) were managed under continuous stocking with variable stocking rate (SR). The dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of signalgrass and sabiá were assessed, as well as forage allowance (FA), stocking rate (SR), average daily weight gain (ADG) and weight gain per area (WGA) over eleven evaluation cycles (March 2019 to January 2020). Signalgrass had the highest DM contents in March 2019 and January 2020 (456 and 507 g kg-1, respectively), while for IVDMD the highest values ranged from 436 to 547 g kg-1 (April to August 2019). Sabiá presented the highest's IVDMD (311 and 381 g kg-1 DM) and DM content (385 and 416 g kg-1) and lowest CP (110 and 82 g kg-1 DM) and NDF (568 and 500 g kg-1 DM) in November 2019 and January 2020, respectively. FA and SR decreased throughout the evaluation cycles. ADG (0.38 kg animal-1 day-1) and WGA (17.89 kg ha-1 28 days-1) did not differ among treatments, with weight loss in the period of low water availability. In the early development stage of the trees, SPS does not affect the nutritive value of signalgrass, nor the animal performance.

Sweetpotato Genotypes 'CIP BRS Nuti' and 'Canadense' Are Resistant to Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, and M. enterolobii.

Sweetpotato is a staple crop in Brazil presenting a smaller number of pathogens and diseases in comparison with other root and tuberous crops. Root-knot nematodes are among the most serious sweetpotato root pathogens. The impact of these pathogens also extends to succeeding crops. Because in Brazil, it is common to cultivate more than one crop per season, this problem is rapidly disseminated. The aim of this study was to assess the resistance of two sweetpotato clones and four commercial sweetpotato genotypes to three different Meloidogyne species. Assays were performed under greenhouse and field conditions. 'CIP BRS Nuti' and 'Canadense' were resistant to Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica, and M. enterolobii under greenhouse conditions. This finding was obtained based on the reproduction factor < 0.2, meaning that the initial population of 5,000 nematodes was reduced to <1,000 individuals after 90 days of inoculation. Tomato and sweetpotato cultivar Beauregard, known to be susceptible to the three nematode species, were highly damaged by the pathogens. Similar results were also observed under field conditions. To our knowledge, 'CIP BRS Nuti' and 'Canadense' are the first South American commercial cultivars with triple nematode resistance.

Effects of multicomponent exercise training on the intrinsic capacity in frail older adults: review of clinical trials

Abstract Aim: To review the effects of multicomponent exercise training on the domains of the intrinsic capacity of physically frail older adults: locomotion, vitality, cognition, psychological outcomes, and sensory function. Methods: The search for the studies was carried out in the MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and PEDro databases, along with manual search, delimiting the period of publication as the last 10 years. The initial search identified 338 studies and 18 among them were analyzed qualitatively. Results: From the analysis of the included studies, great variability was evidenced between the intervention protocols, as well as between the results. As for the effectiveness of multicomponent exercise training, it has been shown to induce a positive effect on most of the analyzed outcomes. Conclusion: In summary, the present review suggests that multicomponent physical training can be effective to improve aspects of locomotion, cognition, and psychological aspects in frail older populations. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to specify the time needed to achieve such adaptations, the magnitude of these adaptations, and the design of the most appropriate training program for each outcome related to intrinsic capabilities.

Dwarf and Tall Elephantgrass Genotypes under Irrigation as Forage Sources for Ruminants: Herbage Accumulation and Nutritive Value.

This two-year study evaluated the effect of Pennisetum purpureum genotypes under rainfed or irrigated conditions, during the dry and rainy seasons, on herbage, leaf, and stem dry matter (DM) accumulation rates, nutritive value, and carbohydrate and protein fractionation. Treatments were tall (Iri 381 and Elefante B) or dwarf (Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37) genotypes under rainfed or irrigated conditions. Taiwan A-146 2.37 (146 kg DM ha per day) showed similar herbage accumulation rate (HAR) to tall genotypes during the rainy season (124 and 150 kg DM/ha per day, respectively). Dwarf genotypes showed differences in leaf accumulation rate (LAR) (66 and 49 kg DM/ha per day). Mott leaf had less neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (589 g/kg DM) than Taiwan A-146 2.37 (598 g/kg DM), and tall genotypes had generally greater NDF (668 g/kg DM) than the dwarf genotypes. Irrigation increased fiber deposition in the leaf. Stems of all genotypes had lower in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) (378 g/kg DM) under rainfed conditions in the rainy season. Leaf from irrigated plots had 23% more carbohydrate C fraction (160 g/kg CHO) than those from rainfed plots (122 g/kg CHO). Dwarf genotypes had generally greater nutritive value than tall genotypes. These genotypes show promise under irrigation to fill forage gaps during dry periods.

Purple grape juice consumption during the gestation reduces acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress levels provoked by high-fat diet in hippocampus from adult female rats descendants.

The enzyme acetylcholinesterase participates in the end of cholinergic transmission and it has been shown that its activity is increased in some diseases that affect the brain, including Alzheimer disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of purple grape juice consumption with or without high-fat diet in the gestational and lactation period on acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress parameters in the hippocampus of female descendants. During pregnancy and lactation, 40 female Wistar rats received a control diet or a high-fat diet, with half of them receiving grape juice. After lactation, the female descendants received water and control diet in ad libitum until euthanasia on the 120 postnatal day. Hippocampus from were removed for analysis of AChE activity, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. It was observed that high-fat diet consumption during the pregnancy increased the AChE activity and the grape juice reduced this activity in descendants. The same was observed in protein oxidation, the descendants from high-fat diet had significantly highest values, and grape juice decreased the levels. We conclude that dietary choices during pregnancy can alter the acetylcholinesterase levels and grape juice is an important alternative to improve this function in adulthood.

Biofortified sweet potatoes as a tool to combat vitamin A deficiency: Effect of food processing in carotenoid content

ABSTRACT The supply of food products that present adequate nutritional quality is extremely important for maintaining the health of the population. Thus, different techniques have been used to obtain biofortified foods, with the aim of combating malnutrition caused by the absence of essential micronutrients, especially in the poorest populations. This review presents an overview of biofortification, with an emphasis on orange-flesh sweet potatoes (OFSP), and points out the effects of food processing on nutritional compounds. The identification of cultivars and biofortification actions to obtain biofortified OFSP by conventional breeding are presented as affordable strategies to supply β-carotene to alleviate vitamin A deficiency, without having ethical dilemmas related to transgenics. Studies using OFSP have shown promising results in obtaining foods with high levels of carotenoids. However, biofortified species must be validated for crop production viability, target micronutrient bioavailability and bioaccessibility, as well as the effect of processing on nutrients, so that the benefits to human health are effectively achieved.

RESUMEN El suministro de alimentos que presenten una adecuada calidad nutricional es de suma importancia para el mantenimiento de la salud de la población. Así, se han utilizado diferentes técnicas para la obtención de alimentos biofortificados, con el objetivo de combatir la desnutrición provocada por la ausencia de micronutrientes esenciales, especialmente en las poblaciones más pobres. Esta revisión presenta una descripción general de la biofortificación, con énfasis en los camotes de pulpa anaranjada (BDPA), y señala los efectos del procesamiento de alimentos sobre los compuestos nutricionales. La identificación de cultivares y acciones de biofortificación para obtener BDPA biofortificado por mejoramiento convencional se presentan como estrategias accesibles para aportar β-caroteno para aliviar la deficiencia de vitamina A, sin presentar dilemas éticos relacionados con los transgénicos. Los estudios que utilizan BDPA han mostrado resultados prometedores en la obtención de alimentos con altos niveles de carotenoides. Sin embargo, las especies biofortificadas deben validarse no solo por la viabilidad de la producción vegetal, sino también por la biodisponibilidad y bioaccesibilidad del micronutriente objetivo, así como el efecto del procesamiento sobre los nutrientes, de modo que los beneficios para la salud humana se logren de manera efectiva.

Elaboration of food products with biofortified sweet potatoes: Characterization and sensory acceptability

ABSTRACT Beauregard sweet potato is an orange color crop rich in β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. β-carotene improve immunity and decrease of incidence of degenerative diseases. The objective of this work was to introduce sweet potato in the diet through of some food products, such as bread, cake and sweets. The effect of processing on the chemical composition, as well as the quantification of phenols and total carotenoids, antioxidant activity, and sensory acceptability were evaluated. Cakes and coconut sweets presented higher levels of carotenoids. Higher phenolic and antioxidant activity were verified in cocoa sweets. All foods had good acceptability: 86% for bread, 83.3% for cake and 84,4%, and 86% for coconut and cocoa sweets, respectively. Servings of 95g of roasted sweet potato, 330g of bread, 182g of cake, 187g of coconut sweet and 391g end of cocoa sweet, would provide the recommended daily intake of vitamin A for children 10 years and older. It was concluded that the elaboration of foods containing sweet potato is a viable alternative to inserting biofortified foods into the human diet.

RESUMEN Los camote Beauregard son genotipos de color naranja, ricos en β-caroteno, precursores de la vitamina A. El β-caroteno ayuda a mejorar la inmunidad y reducir el riesgo de enfermedades degenerativas. El objetivo del trabajo fue introducir el camote en la dieta a través del pan, pasteles y dulces tipo postre. Se evaluó el efecto del procesamiento sobre la composición química, así como la cuantificación de fenoles y carotenoides totales, actividad antioxidante y aceptabilidad sensorial. Las tortas y caramelos de coco mostraron mayores niveles de carotenoides y cacao, mayor actividad fenólica y antioxidante. Se confirmó una buena aceptabilidad, en la cual el pan presentó 86%, el torta 83,3%, y los dulces tipo postre de coco y de cacao 84,4% y 86% respectivamente. Las porciones de 95 g de batatas al horno, 330 g de pan, 182 g de torta, 187 g y 391 g de dulce de coco y dulce de cacao respectivamente, proporcionarían la ingesta diaria recomendada de vitamina A para niños de 10 años en adelante. Se concluyó que la preparación de alimentos que contienen batatas es una alternativa viable a la inclusión de alimentos biofortificados en la dieta humana.

Dwarf versus tall elephant grass in sheep feed: which one is the most recommended for cut-and-carry?

Tall- and dwarf-sized elephant grass cultivars have been developed for cut-and-carry system. Dwarf clones have better digestibility; on the other hand, tall-sized cultivars are more productive. The aim was to verify which grass would be most recommended for cut-and-carry: tall-sized (Elephant B and IRI-381) or dwarf (Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott) elephant grass cultivars to feed 24 male sheep, aged between 4 and 5 months, uncastrated, weighing approximately 24.08 ± 1.76 kg body weight which were sampled on intake, digestibility, performance, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, metabolic parameters, and ruminal degradability. This research was divided into two experiments: experiment 1 lasted 38 days, seven for adaptation and 31 for data collection. Elephant grass cultivars were supplied with a mineral mixture. Data collected were intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, metabolic parameters, microbial protein synthesis, and performance submitted to a completely randomized design. For experiment 2, three rumen fistulae animals were sampled, lasting 20 days. In this case, a randomized block in split-plot design was applied. Both designs were with P < 0.05 and analyzed through SAS statistical software. Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 cultivars provided greater intake, digestibility, weight gain, feeding time, nitrogen retention, production and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradability, and DM, crude protein, and NDF, but shorter rumination time rather than Elephant B and IRI-381. There was also a significant difference for glucose, triglycerides, plasma urea, total serum protein, urinary urea (mg/L), and urea excretion in urine (mg/day). Dwarf elephant grass cultivars as Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 have greater nutritional value than tall-sized Elephant B and IRI-381. Dwarf elephant grass is recommended for cut-and-carry system.

Effect of cementation delay on bonding of self-adhesive resin cement to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramic treated with nonthermal argon plasma.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Nonthermal argon plasma (NTAP) has been reported to improve the bond strength of resin cements to yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics. However, the effect of the inevitable delay before cementation and after treating Y-TZP ceramics with NTAP is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate whether delays of 8, 12, and 24 hours between the Y-TZP ceramic treatment with NTAP and the cementation would affect the surface energy and the bond strength of a self-adhesive resin cement to Y-TZP ceramic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty plates and 50 blocks of 3Y-TZP ceramic were divided into 2 groups (n=30 and n=25): as-sintered (AS) and airborne-particle abraded with 50-µm Al2O3 (APA). These groups were further divided into 5 subgroups (n=6 and n=5) according to the delay between the NTAP treatment and the measurement of surface energy and microtensile bond strength (µTBS) evaluation: (0, 8, 12, and 24 hours). For both 3Y-TZP surface conditions (AS and APA), a control group without NTAP treatment was used (ASC and APAC). The surface energy (SE) was evaluated with a goniometer and the 3Y-TZP elemental composition with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For the µTBS test, the 3Y-TZP ceramic blocks were cemented to composite resin blocks with a self-adhesive resin cement. After storage in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 hours, the 3Y-TZP-composite resin blocks were sectioned into beams and submitted to a µTBS test. Data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α=.05). RESULTS: For the AS group, NTAP increased the SE irrespective of the delay before measurement: ASC<0 hour=8 hours=12 hours=24 hours (P<.05). For the APA group, except after 12 hours, NTAP also increased the surface energy (P<.05). XPS analysis showed an increase in the oxygen/carbon ratio after NTAP treatment for both groups. For the AS group, NTAP increased the µTBS after 0, 8, and 12 hours (P<.05), whereas for the APA group this occurred only after 8 hours (P<.05). For the AS and APA groups, the highest µTBS was reached after 8 hours (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of 3Y-TZP ceramic with NTAP improved the SE and increased the µTBS of self-adhesive resin cement to 3Y-TZP ceramic. These effects were time dependent, with better results at 8 hours after NTAP treatment.

The use of retinoic acid in association with microneedling in the treatment of epidermal melasma: efficacy and oxidative stress parameters.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of isolated treatment with retinoic acid and its combination with the microneedling technique in facial melasma, seeking to associate these results with possible oxidative damage. This is a blinded randomized clinical trial with 42 women with facial melasma (skin phototype I-IV), randomized into Group A (microneedling and 5% retinoic acid) or Group B (5% retinoic acid alone). Four procedures were applied with 15 days intervals (4 blood collections). Clinical improvement was assessed using the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI). Serum oxidative stress levels were evaluated by protein oxidation (carbonyl), lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and sulfhydryl groups, as well as enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The statistical analyzes were performed by generalized estimation equation (GEE). There was a reduction in MASI scale and TBARS levels in both groups over time (p < 0.05), with no difference between groups (p = 0.416). There was also a substantial increase in the carbonyl levels at 30 days (p = 0.002). The SOD activity decreased after 30 days, regardless of group (p < 0.001), which was maintained after 60 days. In Group A, there was a reduction in sulfhydryl levels at 60 days (p < 0.001). It is important to highlight that both groups demonstrated efficacy in the clinical improvement of melasma within at least 60 days, reducing the MASI score by almost 50%. However, microneedling with retinoic acid seems to be the worst treatment because there is a reduction in the non-enzymatic antioxidant defense, which is important to protect against oxidative stress.

Tall and short-sized elephant grass genotypes: morphophysiological aspects cut-and-carry, and grazing management / Capins-elefante de porte alto e baixo: aspectos morfofisiológicos, manejo do pastejo e de capineiras

ABSTRACT: Elephant grass (pennisetum purpureum schum.) has been grown only in cut-and-carry systems for a long time. However, interest in its grazing management has been increasing because of the selection of short-sized genotypes, which have gained new relevance since 1988 with the registration of 'mott' grass. in this sense, tall and short-sized genotypes present important differences in morphology, quality and productivity; although, environmental factors also exert influence on these aspects. This review aimed to approach how the elephant grass size can influence the morphophysiological characteristics, management decisions, and exploitation of this species. the morphophysiological aspects and the elephant grass sizes are important to direct their utilization in the different production systems. The research results from previous decades suggest that the particularities of the tall-sized genotypes, such as great forage accumulation, high organic reserves content, and stem elongation, favor their management in cut-and-carry systems and industrial sectors. Conversely, the short-sized elephant grass genotypes present aspects as higher leaf proportion in the harvested forage, leaf/stem ratio, and tillering. these factors facilitate their exploitation in grazing systems.

RESUMO: O capim-elefante (pennisetum purpureum schum.) foi durante muito tempo cultivado apenas em capineiras. porém, o interesse pelo seu manejo sob pastejo vem aumentando por conta da seleção de genótipos de porte baixo, que ganhou nova relevância a partir de 1988, com o registro do capim mott. Neste sentido, genótipos de porte alto e baixo apresentam diferenças morfológicas, produtivas e qualitativas importantes, mesmo que fatores ambientais também exerçam influência sob estes aspectos. o objetivo desta revisão foi abordar como o porte do capim-elefante pode influenciar características morfofisiológicas, decisões de manejo e formas de utilização da espécie. Os aspectos morfofisiológicos e o porte do capim-elefante são importantes para direcionar sua utilização nos diferentes sistemas de produção. os resultados de pesquisa das últimas décadas sugerem que as particularidades dos genótipos de porte alto, como elevado acúmulo de forragem, reservas orgânicas e alongamento dos colmos favorecem seu manejo sob corte e sua utilização em setores industriais. já o capim-elefante de porte baixo apresenta aspectos como elevada proporção de folhas na forragem colhida, alta relação folha: colmo e elevado perfilhamento. Estes fatores facilitam sua utilização em sistemas de produção a pasto.

Synthesis of Oxide Iron Nanoparticles Using Laser Ablation for Possible Hyperthermia Applications.

In this work, iron oxide nanoparticles produced using the laser ablation technique were studied in order to determine the characteristics of these nanoparticles as a function of the laser energy for the possible application in magnetic hyperthermia. Nanoparticles were obtained by varying the power of the laser considering values of 90, 173, 279 and 370 mJ. The morphology of these nanoparticles was determined using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scattering transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques, confirming that the size of the particles was in the order of nanometers. A great influence of the laser power on the particle size was also observed, caused by the competition between the energy and the temperature. The composition was determined by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, showing the presence of magnetite, maghemite and hematite. The hyperthermia measurements showed that the temperature rise of the iron oxide nanoparticles was not greatly influenced by the energy change, the heating capacity of magnetic NPs is quantified by the specific absorption rate (SAR), that tends to decrease with increasing energy, which indicates a dependence of these values on the nanoparticles concentration.

T1 pelvic angle in improvement of pain in high-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis / Ângulo t1 pélvico na melhora da dor na espondilolistese lombar de alto grau / Ángulo t1 pélvico en la mejora del dolor en la espondilolistesis lumbar de alto grado

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the correlation between global sagittal alignment variables and pain improvement after surgery for High-Grade Spondylolisthesis (HGS). Methods A sample with 20 patients with L5-S1 HGS, submitted to arthrodesis with instrumentation from 01/2004 to 12/2016. Patients' demographic data, types of surgeries, complications, sagittal alignment parameters, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score (ranging from 0 to 4) were recorded before surgery and at the last follow-up. The data were processed in SPSS 22.0. The confidence level was 0.05. Results The majority of the sample were women, 17 (85%); age at surgery: 52.60 ± 17.15 years; mean follow-up: 3.58 ± 1.62 years; isthmic etiology, 16 (80%) and dysplastic, 4 (20%); Meyerding Grading 3: 12 (60%), Grading 4: 3 (15%) and Grading 5: 5 (25%); SDSG type 4: 6 (30%), type 5a: 3 (15%), 5b: 3 (15%), type 6: 7 (35%) and not classified 1 (5%); surgery: in situ fusion 3 (15%) and reduction 17 (85%); fusion levels: L3-S1: 1 (5%), L3-Iliac: 1 (5%), L4-S1: 1 (5%), L4-Iliac: 6 (30%) and L5-S1: 11 (55%). Comparing the pre- and postoperative parameters, a significant improvement (p <0.05) was seen in the VAS, T1 slope, T1 pelvic angle (TPA), slip angle, Dubousset's lumbosacral angle and slip %. Evaluating the correlation between the variation in sagittal parameters and the improvement in VAS scale, it was found that the TPA showed a strong correlation (r = 0.709, p = 0.032). Conclusions the present study found a strong correlation between the improvement/reduction in TPA values and the reduction in pain intensity in the VAS. Level of evidence IV; Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a correlação entre as variáveis do alinhamento sagital global e a melhora da dor após a cirurgia de espondilolistese de alto grau (EAG). Métodos Uma amostra com 20 pacientes com espondilolistese de alto grau L5-S1, submetidos à artrodese com instrumentação, de 01/2004 a 12/2016. Os dados demográficos dos pacientes, tipos de cirurgias, complicações, parâmetros do alinhamento sagital e escore da Escala Visual Análoga (EVA) (variando de 0 a 4) foram registrados antes da cirurgia e no último acompanhamento. Os dados foram processados no SPSS 22.0. O nível de confiança foi 0,05. Resultados A maioria da amostra foi composta por mulheres, 17 (85%); idade na cirurgia: 52,60 ± 17,15 anos; tempo médio de acompanhamento: 3,58 ± 1,62 anos; etiologia ístmica, 16 (80 %) e displásica, 4 (20%); Grau Meyerding 3: 12 (60%), Grau 4: 3 (15%) e Grau 5: 5 (25%); SDSG tipo 4: 6 (30%), tipo 5a: 3 (15%), 5b: 3 (15%), tipo 6: 7 (35%) e não classificado 1 (5%); cirurgia: fusão no local 3 (15%) e redução 17 (85%); níveis de fusão: L3-S1, 1 (5%), L3-Ilíaco: 1 (5%), L4-S1: 1 (5%), L4-Ilíaco: 6 (30%) e L5-S1: 11 (55%). Comparando-se os parâmetros pré- e pós-operatório, observou-se uma melhora significativa (p <0,05) na EVA, declive de T1, ângulo T1 pélvico (ATP), ângulo de deslizamento, ângulo lombossacral de Dubousset e % de deslizamento. Avaliando-se a correlação entre a variação dos parâmetros sagitais com a melhora na escala EVA, verificou-se que o ATP apresentou forte correlação (r = 0,709, p= 0,032). Conclusões O presente estudo encontrou uma forte correlação entre a melhora/redução nos valores de ATP e na redução na intensidade da dor na EVA. Nível de evidência IV; Série de casos.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la correlación entre las variables de la alineación sagital global y la mejora del dolor después de la cirugía para espondilolistesis de alto grado (EAG). Métodos Una muestra con 20 pacientes con espondilolistesis de alto grado L5-S1, sometidos a la artrodesis con instrumentación, de 01/2004 a 12/2016. Los datos demográficos de los pacientes, tipos de cirugías, complicaciones, parámetros de la alineación sagital y puntuación de la Escala Visual Análoga (EVA) (variando de 0 a 4) fueron registrados antes de la cirugía y en el último acompañamiento. Los datos fueron procesados en SPSS 22.0. El nivel de confianza fue de 0,05. Resultados La mayoría de la muestra fue compuesta por mujeres, 17 (85%); edad en la cirugía: 52,60 ± 17,15 años; tiempo promedio de acompañamiento: 3,58 ± 1,62 años; etiología ístmica, 16 (80 %) y displásica, 4 (20%); Grado Meyerding 3: 12 (60%), Grado 4: 3 (15%) y Grado 5: 5 (25%); SDSG tipo 4: 6 (30%), tipo 5a: 3 (15%), 5b: 3 (15%), tipo 6: 7 (35%) y no clasificado 1 (5%); cirugía: fusión en el local 3 (15%) y reducción 17 (85%); niveles de fusión: L3-S1, 1 (5%), L3-Ilíaco: 1 (5%), L4-S1: 1 (5%), L4-Ilíaco: 6 (30%) y L5-S1: 11 (55%). Comparándose los parámetros pre y postoperatorio, se observó una mejora significativa (p <0,05) en la EVA, pendiente de T1, ángulo T1 pélvico (ATP), ángulo de deslizamiento, ángulo lumbosacro de Dubousset y % de deslizamiento. Evaluándose la correlación entre la variación de los parámetros sagitales con la mejora en la escala EVA, se verificó que el ATP presentó fuerte correlación (r = 0,709, p= 0,032). Conclusiones El presente estudio encontró una fuerte correlación entre la mejora/reducción en los valores de ATP y en la reducción en la intensidad del dolor en la EVA. Nivel de evidencia IV; Serie de Casos.

O envelhecimento do professor de educação física escolar: repercussões na saúde, prática profissional e cotidiano laboral / The aging of physical education school teacher: repercussions in health, professional practice and daily work / El envejecimiento del profesor de educación física escolar: repercusiones en la salud, práctica profesional y cotidiano laboral

Este estudo, de caráter qualitativo, teve como objetivo analisar como o processo de envelhecimento, para professores de Educação Física escolar, pode repercutir na saúde, na prática profissional e no cotidiano laboral. Foram entrevistados(as) 12 professores(as), formados entre 1970 e 1980 e na faixa etária entre 46 e 66 anos, que atuavam em escolas públicas do Rio de Janeiro há mais de 20 anos. Os dados foram tratados com base na análise de conteúdo. Os resultados indicaram que, embora o ruído ocupacional e o desgaste corporal em geral tenham sido os principais aspectos que impactam na saúde e na prática profissional dos professores na escola, os saberes da experiência cotidiana auxiliam esses docentes a lidarem com o passar dos anos na profissão.

This qualitative study aimed to analyze how the aging process, for Physical Education school teachers, can have repercussions on their health, professional practice and daily work. We interviewed 12 teachers, trained between 1970 and 1980 and between the ages of 46 and 66, who had been working at public municipal schools in Rio de Janeiro for over 20 years. The data were treated based on content analysis. The results indicated that occupational noise and body wear, in general, were the main aspects that impact on the health and professional practice of these school teachers. However, the teachers' routine and working experience help them deal with such an important issue.

Este estudio cualitativo tuvo como objetivo analizar cómo el proceso de envejecimiento, para profesores de Educación Física escolar, puede repercutir en la salud, en la práctica profesional y en el cotidiano laboral. Fueran entrevistados(as) 12 profesores(as), formados entre 1970 y 1980 y en la faja de edad entre 46 y 66 años, que actuaban en escuelas públicas de Rio de Janeiro hace más de 20 años. Los datos fueron tratados en base al análisis de contenido. Los resultados indicaron que aunque el ruido ocupacional y el desgaste corporal hayan sido los principales aspectos que impactaron en la salud y en la práctica profesional de los profesores en la escuela, los saberes de la experiencia

In vitro and in vivo evaluations of nanocrystalline Zn-doped carbonated hydroxyapatite/alginate microspheres: zinc and calcium bioavailability and bone regeneration.

Background: Zinc-doped hydroxyapatite has been proposed as a graft biomaterial for bone regeneration. However, the effect of zinc on osteoconductivity is still controversial, since the release and resorption of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc in graft-implanted defects have rarely been studied. Methods: Microspheres containing alginate and either non-doped carbonated hydroxyapatite (cHA) or nanocrystalline 3.2 wt% zinc-doped cHA (Zn-cHA) were implanted in critical-sized calvarial defects in Wistar rats for 1, 3, and 6 months. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate the volume density of newly formed bone, residual biomaterial, and connective tissue formation. Biomaterial degradation was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and synchrotron radiation-based X-ray microfluorescence (SR-µXRF), which enabled the elemental mapping of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc on the microsphere-implanted defects at 6 months post-implantation. Results: The bone repair was limited to regions close to the preexistent bone, whereas connective tissue occupied the major part of the defect. Moreover, no significant difference in the amount of new bone formed was found between the two microsphere groups. TEM analysis revealed the degradation of the outer microsphere surface with detachment of the nanoparticle aggregates. According to SR-µXRF, both types of microspheres released high amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc, distributed throughout the defective region. The cHA microsphere surface strongly adsorbed the zinc from organic constituents of the biological fluid, and phosphorus was resorbed more quickly than calcium. In the Zn-cHA group, zinc and calcium had similar release profiles, indicating a stoichiometric dissolution of these elements and non-preferential zinc resorption. Conclusions: The nanometric size of cHA and Zn-cHA was a decisive factor in accelerating the in vivo availability of calcium and zinc. The high calcium and zinc accumulation in the defect, which was not cleared by the biological medium, played a critical role in inhibiting osteoconduction and thus impairing bone repair.

Back pain and sagittal spine alignment in obese patients eligible for bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to evaluate the prevalence of cervical and lumbar pain in obese patients eligible for bariatric surgery and to investigate possible changes in sagittal spine alignment in these patients. METHODS: The following parameters were compared in 30 obese patients and a control group of 25 non-obese volunteers: body mass index, prevalence of cervical and lumbar pain assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index [NDI] and Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], as well as radiographic parameters of the spine and pelvis measured with Surgimap software. RESULTS: The cervical and lumbar VAS and the NDI and ODI were significantly worse in obese patients. Compared with the control group, the cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) of the obese group had higher variance (p value = 0.0025) and the cervical lordosis was diminished (p value = 0.0023). Thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and the pelvic parameters were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients demonstrated lower functional performance compared with their non-obese counterparts, while cervical lordosis was diminished and the cSVA was increased in obese patients. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Liver transplantation and the use of KAVA: Case report.

BACKGROUND: Self-medication and the belief that herbal products are free of health risks are common in Brazil. The kava (Piper methysticum), known for its anxiolytic action, has a widespread popular use. Hepatotoxicity of kava is reported, including cases of liver transplantation and death. The kava had its use prohibited or restricted in countries like Germany, France, among others. Toxicity may be related to overdosage; however, factors such as botanical characteristics of the plant, the harvesting, storage, and production process may be associated with the development of hepatotoxic substances, such as triggering idiosyncratic reactions. HYPOTHESIS: In this case, there is a suspicion that the toxicide is intrinsic to the drug; however, the possibility of adulterants and contaminants must be ruled out. STUDY DESIGN: This study reports the case of a patient who, after using the herbal kava for 52 days, evolved into acute liver failure and liver transplantation. METHODS: The data were collected directly with the patient and compared with their clinical records. Causality was determined through the RUCAM algorithm. In addition, a phytochemical analysis of the drug used was performed. RESULTS: According to the patient's report, there is no evidence of overdosage. Results from RUCAM algorithm infer causality between liver damage and the use of kava. The analysis chemical constituents did not find any possible contaminants and major changes in the active compounds. Seven months after transplantation, the patient is well and continues to be followed up by a medical team. CONCLUSION: Our investigation indicates that there was kava-induced hepatotoxicity at standard dosages. In Brazil, self-medication by herbal medicines is frequent and many patients and health professionals do not know the risks associated with their use. Diagnosing and notifying cases in which plants and herbal medicine induce liver damage is of paramount importance to increase the knowledge about DILI and to prevent or treat similar cases quickly.