Design Factors of Ti-Base Abutments Related to the Biomechanics Behavior of Dental Implant Prostheses: Finite Element Analysis and Validation via In Vitro Load Creeping Tests.

This study has been carried out to analyze the influence of the design of three geometric elements (wall thickness, platform width, and chamfer) of Ti-base abutments on the distribution of stresses and strains on the implant, the retention screw, the Ti base, and the bone. This study was carried out using FEA, analyzing eight different Ti-base models based on combinations of the geometric factors under study. The model was adapted to the standard Dynamic Loading Test For Endosseous Dental Implants. A force of 360 N with a direction of 30° was simulated and the maximum load values were calculated for each model, which are related to a result higher than the proportional elastic limit of the implant. The transferred stresses according to von Mises and microdeformations were measured for all the alloplastic elements and the simulated support bone, respectively. These results were validated with a static load test using a creep testing machine. The results show that the design factors involved with the most appropriate stress distribution are the chamfer, a thick wall, and a narrow platform. A greater thickness (0.4 mm) is also related to lower stress values according to von Mises at the level of the retaining screws. In general, the distributions of tension at the implants and microdeformation at the level of the cortical and trabecular bone are similar in all study models. The in vitro study on a Ti-base control model determined that the maximum load before the mechanical failure of the implant is 360 N, in accordance with the results obtained for all the Ti-base designs analyzed in the FEA. The results of this FEA study show that modifications to the Ti-base design influence the biomechanical behavior and, ultimately, the way in which tension is transferred to the entire prosthesis-implant-bone system.

Initial Maximum Push-Rim Propulsion and Sprint Performance in Elite Men's Wheelchair Basketball.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to report the reliability (intrasession) values of initial maximum push-rim propulsion (IMPRP) and sprint performance in elite wheelchair basketball (WB) players and to assess the involvement of strength in sprint capacity. METHODS: Fifteen Spanish international WB male players participated in this study. The maximum single wheelchair push from a stationary position (IMPRP) and the sprint performance (ie, 3, 5, and 12 m) of WB players were measured in this study. RESULTS: IMPRP mechanical outputs V, Vmax, P, Rel. P, F, and Rel. F variables presented high reliability values (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] ≥ .92; coefficient of variation [CV] ≤ 8.04 ± 7.37; standard error of measurement [SEM] ≤ 29.92), but the maximum strength variables Pmax, Rel. Pmax, Fmax, and Rel. Fmax (ICC ≥ .63; CV ≤ 13.19 ± 16.63; SEM ≤ 203.76) showed lower ICC values and by contrast higher CV and SEM values. The most substantial correlations were identified between maximum IMPRP values (ie, V, Vmax, P, Rel. P, F, and Rel. F) and sprint performance in 3 m (r ± confidence limits ≥ -0.74 ± 0.22, very large; R2 ≥ .55), 5 m (r ± confidence limits ≥ -0.72 ± 0.24, very large; R2 ≥ .51), and 12 m (r ± confidence limits ≥ -0.67 ± 0.27, large; R2 ≥ .44). CONCLUSIONS: The IMPRP test and sprint tests (3, 5, and 12 m) are practical and reliable for measuring strength and speed in WB players. In addition, there were large to very large associations among strength variables (ie, P, Rel. P, F, and Rel. F) and all sprint variables. This could indicate a need to implement specific strength exercises in WB players to improve sprint capacity.

"There is LGBTQ Life Beyond the Big City": Discourses, Representations and Experiences in Two Medium-Sized Spanish Cities.

Whilst debates on sexual diversity in public space have been extensive, these have tended to focus on large cities as the environments within which to analyze sexual and gender diversity, gradually consolidating an intrinsic relationship between the LGBTQ experience and the big city. This emphasis has led to the LGBTQ experiences of small and medium-sized cities being overlooked, neglecting the complexity of the intersection between the urban and the sex-gender. Grounded on an original ethnographic work, this paper explores the experiences of LGBTQ people living in two medium-sized cities in Spain: Girona and Sabadell, to analyze the interrelationships between these cities and Barcelona as their main LGBTQ-friendly reference; and the perceptions of tolerance and hostility toward LGBTQ expressions in public spheres. The paper reveals that all cities are shaped by sexualized discourses and experiences, and argues that the experiences of LGBTQ people in medium-sized cities needs to be recognized to understand the influence of space in shaping the sex-gender experiences.

From self-management to depathologisation: the evolution of transgender health care and rights in Spain between 1970 and 2020.

Even though transgender people continue to experience violence and discrimination in many aspects of life, there has been progressive recognition of their experiences and demands in recent decades. This article analyses the process of claiming civil rights and the evolution of health care for transgender people in Spain, from the mid-1970s to the present day, paying particular attention to the narratives of key actors involved. To this end, three socio-historical periods are identified: (1) the travesti period (the mid-1970s to the early 1990s), characterised by strong social and institutional transphobia and resulting self-care practices; (2) the transexual period (mid-1990s to the 2000s), when demands for health care were institutionalised under a pathological medical model; and (3) the transgénero or trans period (2010s until the present) when identity and bodily autonomy have been re-claimed through a socio-cultural prism that has denounced pathologisation. At each stage, political, social and economic factors intervened at both national and international levels to trigger an ongoing negotiation between transgender movements and dominant social institutions, all within a changing universe of social values.

Time-Dependent Cytotoxic Properties of Terpyridine-Based Copper Complexes.

Five copper complexes supported by terpyridine ligands were prepared and characterized, viz. [Cu3 Cl4 (naphtpy)2 ][CuCl2 ] (1), [Cu2 Cl2 (naphtpy)2 ](ClO4 )2 (2), [CuCl2 (naphtpy)]2 (MeOH)3 (H2 O) (3), [CuCl2 (Cltpy)] (4) and [Cu(Cltpy)2 ](ClO4 )2 (5); (where naphtpy stands for 4'-((naphthalen-2-yl)methoxy)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine and Cltpy for 4'-chloro-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine). Their ability to interact with DNA was investigated, and their cytotoxic behaviour was examined with three cells lines, namely human ovarian carcinoma cells (A2780), their derived cisplatin-resistant line (A2780cis), and human cervix adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa). All compounds show good cytotoxic properties (especially after 72 h of incubation). Remarkably, two compounds, 4 and 5, are still almost inactive after 24 h (particularly 4), but are highly active after 72 h, with IC50 values in the low-micromolar to sub-micromolar range. Compounds 1 and 2 induce necrosis, whereas late apoptosis is observed with 3-5, 4 exhibiting a behaviour close to that of cisplatin.

Evaluation of the metal-dependent cytotoxic behaviour of coordination compounds.

The [Cu(L)Cl2]2 and [Pt(L)Cl2] complexes were prepared from the simple Schiff-base ligand (E)-phenyl-N-((pyridin-2-yl)methylene)methanamine (L) and respectively, CuCl2 and cis-[PtCl2(DMSO)2]. DNA-interaction studies revealed that the copper complex most likely acts as a DNA cleaver whereas the platinum complex binds to the double helix. Remarkably, cell-viability experiments with HeLa, MCF7 and PC3 cells showed that [Cu(L)Cl2]2 is an efficient cytotoxic agent whereas [Pt(L)Cl2] is not toxic, illustrating the crucial role played by the nature of the metal ion in the corresponding biological activity.

The effect of potential supramolecular-bond promoters on the DNA-interacting abilities of copper-terpyridine compounds.

Three copper(ii) coordination compounds have been prepared from three different 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-based ligands, which have been selected to investigate the potential role of supramolecular interactions on the DNA-interacting and cytotoxicity properties of the corresponding metal complexes. Hence, the ligands 4'-((naphthalen-2-yl)methoxy)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine () and 4'-((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methoxy)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine () have been synthesized from commercially-available 4'-chloro-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (), and their copper(ii) complexes have been obtained by reaction with copper(ii) nitrate. The DNA-interacting abilities of the corresponding compounds [Cu()(H2O)(NO3)2] (), [Cu()(NO3)(H2O)](NO3)(MeOH) () and [Cu()(NO3)(H2O)](NO3) () have been investigated using different techniques, and cytotoxicity assays with several cancer cell lines have revealed interesting features, viz. the more efficient complex is , which although it does not act as a DNA cleaver, displays the most effective DNA-interacting and cytotoxic properties, compared to and .

Antitumor and antiparasitic activity of novel ruthenium compounds with polycyclic aromatic ligands.

Five novel ruthenium(II)-arene complexes with polycyclic aromatic ligands were synthesized, comprising three compounds of the formula [RuCl(η(6)-p-cym)(L)][PF6], where p-cym = 1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene and L are the bidentate aromatic ligands 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione, 1, 5-amine-1,10-phenanthroline, 4, or 5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-phenanthroline, 5. In the other two complexes [RuCl2(η(6)-p-cym)(L')], the metal is coordinated to a monodentate ligand L', where L' is phenanthridine, 2, or 9-carbonylanthracene, 3. All compounds were fully characterized by mass spectrometry and elemental analysis, as well as NMR and IR spectroscopic techniques. Obtained ruthenium compounds as well as their respective ligands were tested for their antiparasitic and antitumoral activities. Even though all compounds showed lower Trypanosoma brucei activity than the free ligands, they also resulted less toxic on mammalian cells. Cytotoxicity assays on HL60 cells showed a moderate antitumoral activity for all ruthenium compounds. Compound 1 was the most potent antitumoral (IC50 = 1.26±0.78 µM) and antiparasitic (IC50 = 0.19 ± 0.05 µM) agent, showing high selectivity towards the parasites (selectivity index >100). As complex 1 was the most promising antitumoral compound, its interaction with ubiquitin as potential target was also studied. In addition, obtained ruthenium compounds were found to bind DNA, and they are thought to interact with this macromolecule mainly through intercalation of the aromatic ligand.

Pulmonary function in obese vs non-obese cats.

Obesity is a risk factor in the development of several respiratory diseases. Lung volumes tend to be decreased, especially expiratory reserve volume, increasing expiratory flow limitation during tidal breathing. Barometric whole-body plethysmography is a non-invasive pulmonary function test that allows a dynamic study of breathing patterns. The objective of this study was to compare pulmonary function variables between obese and non-obese cats through the use of barometric whole-body plethysmography. Nine normal-weight and six obese cats were placed in the plethysmograph chamber, and different respiratory variables were measured. There was a significant decrease in tidal volume per kilogram (P = 0.003), minute volume per kilogram (P = 0.001) and peak inspiratory and expiratory flows per kilogram (P = 0.001) in obese cats compared with non-obese cats. Obesity failed to demonstrate a significant increase in bronchoconstriction index variable enhanced pause (Penh), as previously reported in humans and dogs. The results show that feline obesity impairs pulmonary function in cats, although a significant increase in bronchoconstriction indexes was not observed. Non-invasive barometric whole-body plethysmography can help characterise mechanical dysfunction of the airways in obese cats.

New π-arene ruthenium(II) piano-stool complexes with nitrogen ligands.

The synthesis, characterization, DNA interaction and antiproliferative behavior of new π-arene ruthenium(II) piano-stool complexes with nitrogen ligands are described. Three series of organometallic compounds of formulae [RuCl(2)(η(6)-p-cym)L] were synthesized (with L=2-, 3- or 4-methylpyridine; L=2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5-, 3,4-, 3,5-dimethylpyridine and L=1,2-, 1,3- 1,4-methylaminobenzene). The crystal structures of [RuCl(2)(p-cym)(4-methylpyridine)], [RuCl(2)(p-cym)(3,4-dimethylpyridine)] and [RuCl(2)(p-cym)(1,4-methylaminobenzene)] were resolved and the characterization was completed by spectroscopic UV-vis, FT-IR and (1)H NMR studies. Electrochemical experiments were performed by cyclic voltammetry to estimate the redox potential of the Ru(II)/Ru(III) couple. The interaction with plasmid pBR322 DNA was studied through the examination of the electrophoretical mobility and atomic force microscopy, and interaction with ct-DNA by circular dichroism, viscosity measurements and fluorescence studies based on the DNA-ethidium bromide complex. The antiproliferative behavior of the series with L=methylpyridine was assayed against two tumor cell lines, i.e. LoVo and MiaPaca. The results revealed a moderate cytotoxicity with a higher activity for the LoVo cell line compared to the MiaPaca one.

[Predictive factors for readmission in heart failure patients]. / Morbimortalidad de los pacientes ingresados por insuficiencia cardíaca. Factores predictores de reingreso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent and increasing disease and represents one of the main causes of hospital admission. It is associated with an important morbi-mortality and a high rate of readmission. The objective of this study was to know the clinical characteristics of admitted patients with HF and to detect any valuable prognosis factors. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective study of admitted HF patients between May'99 and May'00. Readmission rate was evaluated six months later. RESULTS: 204 patients were included with an average age of 78 (9.9) years. 66% were women. Diabetes mellitus (DM) (36.4%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (23.4%) were the most outstanding associated pathologies. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) was the most frequent etiology in 33.4% cases. Mean time of admission was 10 days. 34% patients had systolic dysfunction (SD). Men with IHD presented a higher rate of SD (p < 0.001). Mortality was 12.4%, especially in COPD patients (p < 0.011). IECAs were prescribed in 71.2% in the SD group. Readmission rate at 6 months was about 43%. Patients with renal failure (p < 0.04) and those with a more impaired functional class (p < 0.02) displayed a higher readmission rate. CONCLUSIONS: Several clinical factors determine the morbi-mortality and prognosis including an older age, associated comorbility, type of cardiopathy and presence of systolic dysfunction. All these factors are detected at the time of hospital admission.

Morbimortalidad de los pacientes ingresados por insuficiencia cardíaca: factores predictores de reingreso / Predictive factors for readmission in heart failure patients

FUNDAMENTO Y OBJETIVO: La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) es una enfermedad de prevalencia creciente que constituye una de las principales causas de hospitalización. Se asocia con una notable morbimortalidad y un elevado índice de reingreso. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer las características clínicas de los pacientes ingresados por IC y detectar factores con valor pronóstico en esta enfermedad. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo de los pacientes ingresados por IC entre mayo de 1999 y mayo de 2000. A los 6 meses se valoró la tasa de rehospitalización. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 204 pacientes con una edad media (DE) de 78 (9,9) años. El 66% eran mujeres. La diabetes (36,4%) y la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC)(23,4%) fueron las enfermedades asociadas más destacadas. La cardiopatía isquémica (CI) fue la etiología más frecuente (33,4%). La estancia media fue de 10 días. Se detectó disfunción sistólica (DS) en el 34%. Los varones y la CI presentaron más DS (p < 0,001). La tasa de fallecimientos fue del 12,4%; los pacientes con EPOC presentaron mayor mortalidad (p < 0,011). Los inhibidores de la enzima conversiva de la angiotensina (IECA) se pautaron en el 71,2% en el grupo con DS. La tasa de reingreso a los 6 meses fue del 43%. Los pacientes con insuficiencia renal (p < 0,04), con IC previa (p < 0,02) y con clase funcional más deteriorada (p < 0,02) tuvieron mayor índice de reingreso. CONCLUSIONES: La edad avanzada, el sexo, la cormorbilidad asociada, el tipo de cardiopatía y la presencia de disfunción sistólica son factores clínicos que determinan el pronóstico de morbimortalidad. Todos ellos son detectables en el momento de la hospitalización

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent and increasing disease and represents one of the main causes of hospital admission. It is associated with an important morbimortality and a high rate of readmission. The objective of this study was to know the clinical characteristics of admitted patients with HF and to detect any valuable prognosis factors. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective study of admitted HF patients between May’99 and May’00. Readmission rate was evaluated six months later. RESULTS: 204 patients were included with an average age of 78 (9.9) years. 66% were women. Diabetes mellitus (DM) (36.4%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (23.4%) were the most outstanding associated pathologies. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) was the most frequent etiology in 33.4% cases. Mean time of admission was 10 days. 34% patients had systolic dysfunction (SD). Men with IHD presented a higher rate of SD (p < 0.001). Mortality was 12.4%, especially in COPD patients (p < 0.011). IECAs were prescribed in 71.2% in the SD group. Readmission rate at 6 months was about 43%. Patients with renal failure (p < 0.04) and those with a more impaired functional class (p < 0.02) displayed a higher readmission rate. CONCLUSIONS: Several clinical factors determine the morbimortality and prognosis including an older age, associated comorbility, type of cardiopathy and presence of systolic dysfunction. All these factors are detected at the time of hospital admission