Interrelationships among skeletal age, growth status and motor performances in female athletes 10-15 years.

BACKGROUND: Motor performances of youth are related to growth and maturity status, among other factors. AIM: To estimate the contribution of skeletal maturity status per se to the motor performances of female athletes aged 10-15 years and the mediation effects of growth status on the relationships. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Skeletal age (TW3 RUS SA), body size, proportions, estimated fat-free mass (FFM), motor performances, training history and participation motivation were assessed in 80 non-skeletally mature female participants in several sports. Hierarchical and regression-based statistical mediation analyses were used. RESULTS: SA per se explained a maximum of 1.8% and 5.8% of the variance in motor performances of athletes aged 10-12 and 13-15 years, respectively, over and above that explained by covariates. Body size, proportions, and hours per week of training and participation motivation explained, respectively, a maximum of 40.7%, 18.8%, and 22.6% of the variance in performances. Mediation analysis indicated specific indirect effects of SA through stature and body mass, alone or in conjunction with FFM on performances. CONCLUSION: SA per se accounted for small and non-significant amounts of variance in several motor performances of female youth athletes; rather, SA influenced performances indirectly through effects on stature, body mass and estimated FFM.

Macromorphometric Analysis of Metastatic Lesions in Bones due to Breast Cancer: Contribution to Human Identification.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the metastatic lesions observed in identified skeletons whose deaths were caused by breast cancer complications to provide information and evidence that can be used in cases of human identification forensics. METHODS: The research was conducted at the Centre for Forensic Anthropology Studies of the Faculty of Odontology of the University of Pernambuco (CEAF/FOP/UPE), Recife, Brazil. The data bank of the CEAF/FOP/UPE was searched for skeletons with the cause of death reported as due to breast cancer, resulting in five cases. The skeletons were arranged in anatomical positions and macroscopically inspected to register, describe and measure the lesions present to establish the macroscopic patterns of bone destruction caused by breast cancer. RESULT: Of the five skeletons, two presented metastatic lesions. In the first, lesions were observed in a disseminated form, affecting almost all bones. The lesions were predominantly osteolytic and ellipsoid-shaped; however, mixed and circular lesions were also found. The second skeleton presented four lesions of mixed characteristics. The finding of bone lesions in the macroscopic analysis of skeletons may reveal a more advanced stage of the neoplasm, as well as its dissemination in areas little rich in hematopoietic tissue, such as the diaphyses of long bones, a situation widely observed in the first reported case. CONCLUSION: Besides providing more excellent knowledge of their macroscopic presentation, bone metastatic lesions may act as an individualizing factor in human identification cases, narrowing the sample of possible victims.

PRO-Act: a healthcare provider workshop outlining the added value of implementing PROs in routine HIV practice.

Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) are an evidenced way of adding value to routine clinical care. As a source of unique information on the effect of a medical condition and its treatment from the patients' perspective (Mercieca-Bebber et al. in Patient Relat Outcome Meas 9: 353-367, https://doi.org/10.2147/PROM.S156279 , 2018), PROs allow for an improved assessment in routine clinical care of symptoms, side effects, functional outcomes (physical, sexual, social, emotional, cognitive functioning), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). By helping to align healthcare providers' interventions with what matters most to the patient, PROs contribute to the individualized choice of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (Carfora et al. in PLoS ONE 17(4): e0267030, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267030 , 2022) as a paramount component of tailored and person-centred care management, in routine clinical practice. This article outlines a practical framework and process tested in Portugal to raise awareness of PROs' added value, and to help guide first steps in the implementation and seamless integration of PROs, in routine HIV care.

Comparison of different waste bin monitoring approaches: An exploratory study.

Waste bin monitoring solutions are an essential step towards smart cities. This study presents an exploratory analysis of two waste bin monitoring approaches: (1) ultrasonic sensors installed in the bins and (2) visual observations (VO) of the waste collection truck drivers. Bin fill level data was collected from a Portuguese waste management company. A comparative statistical analysis of the two datasets (VO and sensor observations) was performed and a predictive model based on Gaussian processes was applied to enable a trade-off analysis of the number of collections versus the number of overflows for each monitoring approach. The results demonstrate that the VO are valuable and reveal that significant improvements can be achieved for either of the monitoring approaches in relation to the current situation. A monitoring approach based on VO combined with a predictive model is shown to be viable and leads to a considerable reduction in the number of collections and overflows. This approach can enable waste collection companies to improve their collection operations with minimal investment costs during their transition to fully sensorized bins.

Coupled Minimal Conformal Field Theory Models Revisited.

We study coupled unitary Virasoro minimal models in the large rank (m→∞) limit. In large m perturbation theory, we find two nontrivial IR fixed points which exhibit irrational coefficients in several anomalous dimensions and the central charge. For N>4 copies, we show that the IR theory breaks all possible currents that would otherwise enhance the Virasoro algebra, up to spin 10. This provides strong evidence that the IR fixed points are examples of compact, unitary, irrational conformal field theories with the minimal amount of chiral symmetry. We also analyze anomalous dimension matrices for a family of degenerate operators with increasing spin. These display further evidence of irrationality and begin to reveal the form of the leading quantum Regge trajectory.

Genetic regulation of body size and morphology in children: a twin study of 22 anthropometric traits.

BACKGROUND: Anthropometric measures show high heritability, and genetic correlations have been found between obesity-related traits. However, we lack a comprehensive analysis of the genetic background of human body morphology using detailed anthropometric measures. METHODS: Height, weight, 7 skinfold thicknesses, 7 body circumferences and 4 body diameters (skeletal breaths) were measured in 214 pairs of twin children aged 3-18 years (87 monozygotic pairs) in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal. Factor analysis (Varimax rotation) was used to analyze the underlying structure of body physique. Genetic twin modeling was used to estimate genetic and environmental contributions to the variation and co-variation of the anthropometric traits. RESULTS: Together, two factors explained 80% of the variation of all 22 anthropometric traits in boys and 73% in girls. Obesity measures (body mass index, skinfold thickness measures, as well as waist and hip circumferences) and limb circumferences loaded most strongly on the first factor, whereas height and body diameters loaded especially on the second factor. These factors as well as all anthropometric measures showed high heritability (80% or more for most of the traits), whereas the rest of the variation was explained by environmental factors not shared by co-twins. Obesity measures showed high genetic correlations (0.75-0.98). Height showed the highest genetic correlations with body diameter measures (0.58-0.76). Correlations between environmental factors not shared by co-twins were weaker than the genetic correlations but still substantial. The correlation patterns were roughly similar in boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show high genetic correlations underlying the human body physique, suggesting that there are sets of genes widely affecting anthropometric traits. Better knowledge of these genetic variants can help to understand the development of obesity and other features of the human physique.

A judicialização de cirurgia bucomaxilofacial e o sistema de assistência à saúde dos servidores públicos de Pernambuco / The judicialization of oral and maxillofacial surgery and the Health Assistance System of Public Servants in Pernambuco

A CF/88 foi pioneira ao dispor sobre o direito à saúde como direito fundamental e regular o sistema suplementar de saúde. Vários estados brasileiros criaram planos voltados exclusivamente para seus servidores; Pernambuco foi o pioneiro a concebê-los, através do Sistema de Assistência à Saúde dos Servidores do Estado de Pernambuco. Os avanços tecnológicos, o aumento da expectativa de vida (e a consequente perda dentária precoce) e os traumas provocaram aumento do uso de órteses, próteses e materiais especiais em procedimentos invasivos ­ proporcionando, dentre outros benefícios, a reparação estética. Porém, há entraves ao uso desses materiais, entre eles seu alto custo e a ausência de cobertura dos planos de saúde para procedimentos estéticos. Foram analisados os processos judiciais envolvendo órteses, próteses e materiais especiais em cirurgia bucomaxilofacial contra o Sistema de Assistência dos Servidores de Pernambuco, entre janeiro de 2009 e dezembro de 2017. O propósito foi defender que a indicação do material a ser utilizado pelo cirurgião-dentista não pode ser considerada critério absoluto e que o Poder Judiciário não deve acatar tal opinião sem questioná-la. Verificou-se a necessidade de franquear maior estrutura aos magistrados, com a criação de núcleos de assistência técnica em saúde e/ou investimentos nos já existentes, a fim de subsidiar os julgadores e assegurar uma maior eficiência na solução das demandas. A metodologia aplicada foi a do estudo transversal, baseado na análise de dados quantitativos e qualitativos extraídos dos processos. Como variáveis, traçaram-se o perfil dos autores das ações e os parâmetros adotados nas decisões judiciais.

The Brazilian Federal Constitution of 1988 was a pioneer in providing the right to health as a fundamental right and regulating the supplementary health system. Several states have created plans aimed exclusively at their servants, and Pernambuco was the pioneer to conceive them, through the Health Assistance System of the Servants of the State of Pernambuco. The technological advances, the increase of life expectancy (and the consequent early tooth loss) and the traumas have caused an increase in the use of orthoses, prostheses and special materials in invasive procedures - providing, among other benefits, esthetic repair. However, there are obstacles to the use of these materials, including their high cost and the lack of private health insurance coverage for esthetic procedures. The judicial proceedings involving orthoses, prostheses and special materials in oral and maxillofacial surgery against the Health Assistance System of the Servants of the State of Pernambuco were analyzed, from January 2009 to December 2017. The purpose was to defend that the indication of the material to be used by the dental surgeon cannot be considered as an absolute criterion and that the Judiciary should not accept such an opinion without questioning it. It was verified the need to open a larger structure to the magistrates, with the creation of centers for technical assistance in health and/or investments in the existing one, in order to subsidize the judges and ensure a greater efficiency in the solution of the demands.

Genetics of somatotype and physical fitness in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the influence of genetic and environmental factors on the variation in somatotype, physical fitness, and their mutual associations. METHODS: Twins from 214 pairs (87 monozygotic) of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal, from 3 to 18 years of age (51% girls) were assessed in anthropometry and physical fitness tests. We estimated endomorphy, mesomorphy, and ectomorphy based on anthropometric measures and physical fitness using the Eurofit test battery. Two age categories were analyzed: children (3-11 years) and adolescents (12-18 years). Genetic and environmental variations were estimated using quantitative genetic twin modeling. RESULTS: No genetic sex differences were found, thus boys and girls were pooled in all genetic analyses. Heritability estimates were high for somatotype (a2  = 0.80-0.93), physical fitness traits (a2  = 0.67-0.83), and largely similar in children and adolescents. Positive correlations were found for ectomorphy with motor ability and cardiorespiratory endurance as well as for endomorphy and mesomorphy with muscular strength (r = 0.25-0.37). In contrast, negative associations were found for ectomorphy with muscular strength, as well as for endomorphy and mesomorphy with motor ability and cardiorespiratory endurance (-0.46 to -0.26). Twin modeling indicated that these associations were explained mostly by genetic factors in common to the two associated traits (84% or more). CONCLUSIONS: Associations between somatotype and physical fitness tests are mainly explained by common genetic background in children and adolescents. Therefore, interventions in youth should consider that a child's performance in physical fitness tests partly reflects their inherited physique.

Do Type of Helmet and Alcohol Use Increase Facial Trauma Severity?

PURPOSE: Facial trauma caused by motorcycle accidents has become a major issue because of its high prevalence and morbidity, causing death and esthetic and functional sequelae in many individuals. This work evaluated helmet and alcohol use and severity of facial fractures in motorcyclists treated at public hospitals in Pernambuco, Brazil. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from December 2016 to December 2018 and submitted to statistical and descriptive analysis. Variables such as gender, age, helmet use and type, previous accidents, and duration of hospitalization were collected. The Facial Injury Severity Scale was used to classify the facial fractures. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was used to verify alcohol dependence. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 455 patients. Most were male patients (90.8%) and were aged 18 to 29 years (54.5%). Of the patients, 36.5% reported no helmet use and 31.6% reported wearing an open helmet. Alcohol use was reported in 38.7% of the group. In 79.8% of the sample, alcohol use was classified as low risk. There was a greater likelihood of having severe facial trauma if patients were aged between 30 and 39 years and had harmful or at-risk alcohol use. These patients also tended to remain hospitalized for more than 10 days. No statistically significant relationship was found with the type of helmet. CONCLUSIONS: The individuals most affected by facial trauma were young male patients (aged 18 to 29 years). Patients aged 30 to 39 years with high-risk use and dependence on alcohol were more likely to have more complex facial trauma. The type of helmet used was not effective in reducing the severity of facial fractures.

Avaliação do padrão morfológico de rugoscopia palatal em uma população brasileira / Evaluation of the morphological pattern of palatal rugoscopy in a brazilian population

Objetivo: Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o perfil do padrão morfológico de rugosidade palatal de alunos de graduação da Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco FOP-UPE. Metodologia: A pesquisa foi do tipo prospectiva, sendo a amostra constituída de um total de 105 (cento e cinco) indivíduos. Foi realizada a moldagem do arco superior e modelos de gesso foram confeccionados. A partir dos mesmos, a análise morfológica das rugas palatais foi realizada, por um único examinador. Os parâmetros de morfologia das rugas primárias, forma da papila incisiva, direção de alinhamento das rugas, rafe palatina mediana e força das rugas foram analisados. Os dados foram computados numa planilha do Excel, sendo posteriormente, submetidos a análise estatística. Resultados: A idade variou de 18 a 35 anos, a faixa etária mais prevalente foi 21 a 23 anos, maioria de cor branca e IMC (índice de massa corporal) normal (64,8%). A morfologia das rugas primárias mais frequente foi a curva (39,0%). Sobre a forma papila incisiva, aproximadamente metade (49,5%) foi classificada na categoria mínima seguido da cilíndrica (35,2%). Pouco mais da metade (52,4%) teve a classificação de Carrea irregular. Os dois maiores percentuais da rafe palatina foram: não bifurcada (43,8%) e bifurcada posterior (32,4%). Conclusão: pode-se concluir que, foi possível identificar um tipo morfológico específico mais prevalente dentro da população estudada. Diferenças significativas entre as classificações do IMC foram verificadas na dimensão anteroposterior, secundária esquerda e transversal. Foi observada associação significativa entre a classificação do IMC com as inicial e complementar da classificação de Santos

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the profile of the morphological pattern of palatal roughness of undergraduate students of the College of Dentistry of Pernambuco FOP-UPE, through the various proposed parameters. Methodology: The research was of the prospective type, being the sample constituted of a total of 105 (one hundred and five) individuals. Upper arch molding was performed and plaster models were made. From these, the morphological analysis of the palatal wrinkles was performed by a single examiner. The morphological parameters of the primary wrinkles, incisal papilla shape, direction of alignment of wrinkles, median raphe palatine and wrinkle strength were analyzed. The data were computed in an Excel spreadsheet, and then submitted to statistical analysis. Results: Age ranged from 18 to 35 years, the most prevalent age group was 21 to 23 years, mostly white and normal BMI (body mass index) (64.8%). The most frequent primary wrinkle morphology was the curve (39.0%). About the incisive papilla, approximately half (49.5%) was classified in the minimum category followed by the cylindrical (35.2%). Just over half (52.4%) had the classification of Carrea irregular. The two highest percentages of Rafe palatine were: non-bifurcated (43.8%) and posterior bifurcated (32.4%). Conclusion: It can be concluded that, it was possible to identify a specific morphological type most prevalent in the studied population. Significant differences between BMI classifications were found in the anteroposterior, secondary left and transverse dimensions. Significant association was observed between BMI classification with Santos' initial and supplemental classifications.

Avaliação da espessura de tecido mole facial em uma população brasileira in vivo "a espessura do tecido mole facial em Brasileiros" / Evaluation of the facial soft tissue thickness in a Brazilian in vivo population "facial soft tissue thickness in Brazilians"

Introdução: Hoje em dia há uma enorme demanda para identificação individual tanto no campo da justiça civil e criminal. Existem várias maneiras de identificar indivíduos, dependendo se ele está vivo ou morto (cadáver ou esqueleto). Esta pesquisa teve o objetivo de criar um banco de dados para a espessura do tecido mole facial em indivíduos vivos de uma determinada população brasileira, de acordo com idade, sexo e índice de massa corporal. Métodos: medições da espessura de tecidos moles faciais foram realizadas em 101 pacientes (62 homens e 39 mulheres, com idade entre 18 e 106 anos). TC foi realizado tendo em conta 20 pontos craniométricos selecionados previamente. A espessura dos tecidos moles nestes pontos foram inicialmente medida e comparada com a idade, sexo e estado nutricional e com dados de outras populações em todo o mundo. Resultados: De acordo com o sexo não houve diferenças significativas nos pontos: násio, rínion, meio do filtro labial midphiltrum , supradentale, e órbita lateral. Distâncias com diferenças significativa para ambos os sexos entre as diferentes populações foram: supradentale; infradentale; supramentale; órbita lateral; arco zigomático e linha oclusal. Alguns pontos antropométricos mostraram diferenças significativas entre sexo, faixa etária e estado nutricional. Entre os sexos, os homens apresentaram médias maiores. Entre os grupos etários, houve também diferenças significativas em algumas distâncias. Em relação ao estado nutricional, as distâncias foram menores entre peso normal e maior entre os obesos. Conclusão: Ao considerar várias populações, a espessura do tecido mole mostrou diferenças significativas em muitos pontos craniométricos destacando como eles podem ser distintas.

Introduction: Nowadays there is a huge demand for individual identification in both civil and criminal justice fields. There are several ways to identify individuals, depending on whether he is alive or dead (cadaver or skeleton). This research aimed to create a database for facial soft tissue thickness in living individuals of a specific Brazilian population, according to age, sex and body mass index. Methods: Measurements of facial soft tissues thickness were done in 101 patients (62 men and 39 women, aged 18 to 106 years). CT scans were performed taking into account 20 craniometric points previously selected. The soft tissue thickness in these points were initially found and compared with age, sex and nutritional status, and with another populations data worldwide. Results: According about sex was no significant difierence in points: nasion, rhinion, midphiltrum, supradentale and lateral orbit. Distances with significant difference for both sexes between the diferent populations were: supradentale; infradentale; supramentale; lateral orbit; zygomatic arch and occlusal line. Some anthropometric points showed significant differences between sex, age groups and nutritional status. Between sexes, men had greater means. Among age groups, there was also significant differences in some distances. In relation to nutritional status, the distances were lower among normal weight and higher among the obese. Conclusion: When considering various populations, soft tissue thickness had significant differences in many craniometric points highlighting how distinct they might be.

The relation of education and cognitive activity to mini-mental state in old age: the role of functional fitness status.

It remains unclear so far whether the role of cognitive reserve for cognitive functioning in old age may differ between individuals with low, compared to those with high functional fitness status. Therefore, the present study set out to investigate the relation of education and cognitive leisure activity as key markers of cognitive reserve to mini-mental state in old age (as an indicator of the extent of cognitive impairment) and its interplay with functional fitness status in a large sample of older adults. We assessed MMSE in 701 older adults (M = 70.4 years, SD = 6.9, range: 60-91). We measured functional fitness status using the Senior Fitness Test battery and interviewed individuals on their education and cognitive leisure activity. Results showed that better functional fitness status, longer education, and greater engagement in cognitive leisure activity were significantly related to higher MMSE scores. Moderation analyses showed that the relations of education and cognitive leisure activity to MMSE scores were significantly larger in individuals with low, compared to those with high functional fitness status. In conclusion, cognitive functioning in old age may more strongly depend on cognitive reserve accumulated during the life course in older adults with low, compared to those with high functional fitness status. These findings may be explained by cross-domain compensation effects in vulnerable individuals and may (at least partly) account for the large variability in cognitive reserve-cognition relations debated in the literature.

Avaliação da utilização do capacete e do risco de dependência para utilização de bebidas alcoólicas nos motociclistas internados no Hospital da Restauração / Evaluation of the helmet use and the risk of dependence for the use of alcoholic beverages in the motorcyclists in the Hospital da Restauração

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso do capacete e o risco de dependência para utilização de bebida alcoólica nos motociclistas internados no HR. A metodologia aplicada nessa pesquisa é de natureza epidemiológica, quantitativa, descritiva e prospectiva. As seguintes variáveis foram estudadas: sexo, idade, tipo de capacete, potência da moto, finalidade de uso, ossos e fraturas, complexidade das fraturas e risco de dependência do uso álcool. Foram analisados dados de 100 pacientes, dos quais o sexo mais acometido foi o masculino na faixa etária entre 18-29 anos; a potência da moto disparadamente mais procurada pelos pacientes encontra-se acima de 50 cc, tendo sido o tipo de capacete mais utilizado o integral com viseira, porém com uma deficiência muito grande na utilização de capacete pelos motociclistas; a maior finalidade para o uso da moto pelos pacientes foi para o trabalho. O osso mais fraturado foi o zigomático. A maioria dos pacientes foi classificada com uso de baixo risco do álcool na classificação do AUDIT... (AU)

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the use of helmet and the risk of addiction to the use of alcoholic beverage in motorcyclists admitted at the HR hospital. The methodology applied in this research is epidemiological, quantitative, descriptive and prospective. The following variables were studied: gender, age, type of helmet, motor power, purpose of use, bones and fractures, fracture complexity and risk of dependence on alcohol use. Data from 100 patients were analyzed, in which male was the most affected gender in the age group 18-29 years old; The motorcycle's power most frequently sought by the patients is above 50 cc and the type of helmet most used was the integral with visor, but with a great deficiency in the use of helmets by the motorcyclists; The major purpose for motorcycle use by patients was to work. The most fractured bone was the zygomatic. The majority of patients were classified as having been included in the use of alcohol risk in the AUDIT classification... (AU)

Motor performance, body fatness and environmental factors in preschool children.

The first aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between motor performance and body fatness among 3- to 5-year-old children. The second aim was to assess whether this relationship works similarly for boys and girls. We also investigated whether socioeconomic status (SES) and geographical area when children are aged 3 years old predicts the motor performance of 4 and 5-yr-old children. Motor performance was assessed through the Preschool Test Battery, while body fatness was estimated through body mass index (BMI). SES and geographical area were assessed via parent proxy-report questionnaires. BMI was negatively associated with standing long jump. The association of BMI and motor performance was not statistically different for boys and girls. Children from low SES performed better than high SES peers in tennis ball throw for distance. Rural children were better performers than urban peers in standing long jump. Rural area at baseline was also predictor of standing long jump and tennis ball throw for distance at time 1 and 2. In conclusion, BMI had a negative association with standing long jump and the relationship of BMI with all motor tests was similar for boys and girls. SES and rural area were predictors of motor performance.

The relationship of physical activity to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in a sample of community-dwelling older adults from Amazonas, Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To study the relation of physical activity (PA) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and (2) to investigate if the strength of these associations holds after adjustments for sex, age, and other key correlates. METHODS: This study included 550 older adults from Amazonas. HDL-C was derived from fasting blood samples. PA at sport and leisure, smoking, alcohol consumption, and socioeconomic status (SES) were interviewed. Waist circumference (WACI) was assessed. RESULTS: HDL-C was positively related to PA sport, PA leisure, and SES (0.22≤r≤0.34; p≤0.001) and negatively related to smoking and WACI (r≤-0.10; p<0.05). Controlling for sex and age did not affect these relationships. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that the relation of HDL-C to PA sport and leisure remained significant when controlling for all other investigated correlates (0.14≤ß≤0.24; p≤0.001). DISCUSSION: In order to prevent low HDL-C in older adults, promoting PA seems to be an important additional component besides common recommendations concerning weight reduction.

Biological and environmental determinants of 12-minute run performance in youth.

BACKGROUND: The 12-minute run is a commonly used indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness in youth. Variation in growth and maturity status as potential correlates of test performance has not been systematically addressed. AIM: To evaluate biological and environmental determinants of 12-minute run performance in Portuguese youth aged 7-17 years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Mixed-longitudinal samples of 187 boys and 142 girls were surveyed in 1996, 1997 and 1998. The 12-minute run was the indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness. Height, body mass and five skinfolds were measured and skeletal maturity was assessed. Physical activity, socioeconomic status and area of residence were obtained with a questionnaire. Multi-level modelling was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Chronological age and sum of five skinfolds were significant predictors of 12-minute run performance. Older boys and girls ran longer distances than younger peers, while high levels of subcutaneous fat were associated with shorter running distances. Rural boys were more proficient in the 12-minute run than urban peers. Skeletal maturity, height, body mass index, physical activity and socioeconomic status were not significant predictors of 12-minute run performances. CONCLUSIONS: Age and sum of skinfolds in both sexes and rural residence in boys are significant predictors of 12-minute run performance in Portuguese youth.

The Genetic Background of Metabolic Trait Clusters in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular diseases are correlated, but the background of this clustering in children is more poorly known than in adults. Thus, we studied the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the clustering of metabolic traits in childhood and adolescence. DATA AND METHODS: Nine metabolic traits were measured in 214 complete twin pairs aged 3-18 years in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal, in 2007 and 2008. The variation of and covariations between the traits were decomposed into genetic and environmental components by using classical genetic twin modeling. RESULTS: A model, including additive genetic and environmental factors unique for each twin individual, explained the variation of metabolic factors well. Under this model, the heritability estimates varied from 0.47 (systolic blood pressure in children under 12 years of age) to 0.91 (high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol in adolescents 12 years of age or older). The most systematic correlations were found between adiposity (body mass index and waist circumference) and blood lipids (HDL cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides), as well as blood pressure. These correlations were mainly explained by common genetic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that obesity, in particular, is behind the clustering of metabolic factors in children and adolescents. Both general and abdominal obesity partly share the same genetic background as blood lipids and blood pressure. Obesity prevention early in childhood is important in reducing the risk of metabolic diseases in adulthood.

Sequential morphometric evaluation at UnicCa® and DCD® implant surfaces. An experimental study in the dog.

AIM: To study tissue components adjacent to implants with nanotechnologically modified surfaces at different periods of healing. MATERIAL & METHODS: In 12 beagle dogs, two different implant systems with different surface configurations were randomly installed in the edentulous premolar regions of the mandible. One surface was first acid-etched and subsequently, nanotechnologically modified with calcium ions (UnicCa® ), while the other was first sandblasted and acid-etched, and then additionally treated with a nanometer calcium phosphate deposition (discrete crystalline deposition; DCD® ). The implants were fully submerged; surgeries and sacrifices were planned to harvest biopsies after 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks of healing (n = 6 per period). A morphometric evaluation of percentages of new and old bone, bone debris/particles and clot, new soft tissues (provisional matrix and immature marrow), mature bone marrow and vessels was performed in the spongiosa compartment adjacent to the implant surface up to a distance of about 0.4 mm from the surface. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of healing, the soft tissues were represented by 41.0% at the UnicCa® and 37.9% at the DCD® surfaces, in both cases mainly being composed of provisional matrix. These percentages decreased over time, being composed of greater amounts of immature bone marrow, and disappeared after 8 weeks. New bone increased progressively between 1 and 8 weeks of healing from 9.7 ± 6.3% to 70.0 ± 8.4% and from 8.2 ± 3.5% to 67.0 ± 6.1% at the UnicCa® and DCD® surfaces, respectively. Pristine bone was progressively resorbed. CONCLUSIONS: Throughout the periods of healing observed, the formation of a provisional matrix followed by the formation of new bone and marrow was revealed in a similar fashion as for other modified surface configurations.

Integrated modelling approach for the evaluation of low emission zones.

Low emission zones (LEZ) are areas where the most polluting vehicles are restricted or deterred from entering. In recent years, LEZ became a popular option to reduce traffic-related air pollution and have been implemented in many cities worldwide, notably in Europe. However, the evidence about their effectiveness is inconsistent. This calls for the development of tools to evaluate ex-ante the air quality impacts of a LEZ. The integrated modelling approach we propose in this paper aims to respond to this call. It links a transportation model with an emissions model and an air quality model operating over a GIS-based platform. Through the application of the approach, it is possible to estimate the changes induced by the creation of a LEZ applied to private cars with respect to air pollution levels not only inside the LEZ, but also, more generally, in the city where it is located. The usefulness of the proposed approach was demonstrated for a case study involving the city of Coimbra (Portugal), where the creation of a LEZ is being sought to mitigate the air quality problems that its historic centre currently faces. The main result of this study was that PM10 and NO2 emissions from private cars would decrease significantly inside the LEZ (63% and 52%, respectively) but the improvement in air quality would be small and exceedances to the air pollution limits adopted in the European Union would not be fully avoided. In contrast, at city level, total emissions increase and a deterioration of air quality is expected to occur.

Sequential Healing at Implants with Different Configuration and Modified Surfaces: An Experimental Study in the Dog.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the peri-implant soft and hard tissue adaptation at implants with different modified surfaces and configurations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six Beagle dogs were used. Mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months, full-thickness flaps were elevated, and two different types of trans-mucosal implants (ICX-Gold®, Medentis Medical GmbH, Dernau, Germany and SLActive®, Institute Straumann, Bern, Switzerland) and two different surfaces were randomly installed in the distal regions of one side of the mandible. Abutments were applied, and a nonsubmerged healing was allowed. After 1 month, the procedures were performed in the other side of the mandible, and after a further month, the animals were sacrificed, biopsies were collected, and ground sections prepared for histological examination. RESULTS: Similar results in marginal bone and soft tissues dimensions were observed after 1 month of healing at the two implant systems used, and no major changes could be observed after 2 months of healing. After 1 month, the percentage of new bone was 69.0% and 68.8% at ICX-Gold and SLActive surfaces, respectively. After 2 months, the percentage of new bone was 67.8% and 71.9% at ICX-Gold Medentis and SLActive surfaces, respectively. No statistically significant differences in osseointegration were found. CONCLUSION: The two implant systems used resulted in similar osseointegration after 1 and 2 months of healing.