Characterization of Contemporary Conventional, Bulk-fill, and Self-adhesive Resin Composite Materials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the physical and biological properties of different types of flowable resin composites and their bonding ability to dentin, comparing the performance of self-adhesive and bulk-fill materials with a conventional control. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Four flowable resin composites were tested: two self-adhesive (Y-flow [SA_YF]; and Dyad Flow [SA_DF]); one bulk-fill (Filtek Bulk Fill Flow [BF]); and one conventional composite (Opallis Flow [OF]). The microshear bond strength (µSBS) to dentin (bovine samples) was investigated at 24 hours and 6 months of storage. The materials were also characterized by degree of conversion, cross-link density, water contact angle, color stability, and cell viability (ISO 10993-5/2009) analyses. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and Tukey tests (α=0.05). RESULTS: The µSBS values were higher for control specimens at 24 hours, whereas the resin-dentin bonds were similarly distributed among the groups after aging. Adhesive failure was the most frequent pattern observed at both time intervals. SA_YF was the only material that increased the bond strength over time. Degree of conversion increased in the following order: SA_YF (28.6±1.4%) < BF (49.7±0.8%) < OF (60.0±2.0%) = SA_DF (63.6±2.3%). Cross-link density was similar among all materials. The self-adhesive composites were more hydrophilic than the other types, with BF showing the lowest water contact angle and the greatest color alteration. All resin composites had a biocompatible behavior. CONCLUSION: Chemical composition appeared to be an influential factor affecting the physico-mechanical and biological behavior of the materials tested.

Preliminary evaluation of a non-invasive device for monitoring intracranial pressure waveforms in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare waveforms obtained with a new device for the non-invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) in dogs with and without neurological disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on both neurologically normal dogs and dogs with neurological diseases. First, non-invasive ICP waveforms were recorded in normal dogs using the Braincare® BcMM 2000 monitor while the dogs were under general anaesthesia induced for procedures unrelated to this study. The dogs were positioned in lateral recumbency, and the sensor was placed over the skin of the parietal region. Secondly, non-invasive ICP waveforms were monitored in dogs with brain and spinal disease until waveforms with characteristic peaks were acquired. All the recorded signals were amplified, filtered and digitalized, by the device, and then transferred to a computer for analysis. RESULTS: Normal pulse waveforms indicating normal brain complacency were observed in eight neurologically normal dogs. In six dogs with brain disease, abnormal pulse waveforms were observed suggesting increased ICP and decreased brain complacency. Four dogs with spinal disease undergoing myelography, had normal waveforms before contrast medium injection and abnormal pulse waveforms during contrast medium injection, indicating a potential increase in ICP. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on these preliminary observations, this method was capable of detecting abnormal pulse waveforms that suggested increased ICP.

Enhanced peri-operative care to improve outcomes for high-risk surgical patients in Brazil: a single-centre before-and-after cohort study.

Mortality and morbidity for high-risk surgical patients are often high, especially in low-resource settings. Enhanced peri-operative care has the potential to reduce preventable deaths but must be designed to meet local needs. This before-and-after cohort study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a postoperative 48-hour enhanced care pathway for high-risk surgical patients ('high-risk surgical bundle') who did not meet the criteria for elective admission to intensive care. The pathway comprised of six elements: risk identification and communication; adoption of a high-risk post-anaesthesia care unit discharge checklist; prompt nursing admission to ward; intensification of vital signs monitoring; troponin measurement; and prompt access to medical support if required. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Data describing 1189 patients from two groups, before and after implementation of the pathway, were compared. The usual care group comprised a retrospective cohort of high-risk surgical patients between September 2015 and December 2016. The intervention group prospectively included high-risk surgical patients from February 2019 to March 2020. Unadjusted mortality rate was 10.5% (78/746) for the usual care and 6.3% (28/443) for the intervention group. After adjustment, the intervention effect remained significant (RR 0.46 (95%CI 0.30-0.72). The high-risk surgical bundle group received more rapid response team calls (24% vs. 12.6%; RR 0.63 [95%CI 0.49-0.80]) and surgical re-interventions (18.9 vs. 7.5%; RR 0.41 [95%CI 0.30-0.59]). These data suggest that a clinical pathway based on enhanced surveillance for high-risk surgical patients in a resource-constrained setting could reduce in-hospital mortality.

Standardization of a rapid quadruplex PCR method for the simultaneous detection of bovine, buffalo, Salmonella spp, and Listeria monocytogenes DNA in milk / [Padronização de um método rápido de PCR quadriplex para a detecção simultânea de DNA de bovino, bubalino, Salmonella spp. e Listeria monocytogenes em leite]

The objective of the present study was to Standardize a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocol for the authentication of bovine and buffalo milk, and to detect the presence of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. For this, the target DNA was extracted, mixed, and subjected to a PCR assay. Milk samples were defrauded and experimentally contaminated with microorganisms to assess the detection of target DNA at different times of cultivation, bacterial titers, and concentration of genetic material. In addition, the protocol was tested with DNA extracted directly from food, without a pre-enrichment step. The proposed quadruplex PCR showed good accuracy in identifying target DNA sequences. It was possible to simultaneously identify all DNA sequences at the time of inoculation (0h), when the samples were contaminated with 2 CFU/250mL and with 6h of culture when the initial inoculum was 1 CFU/250mL. It was also possible to directly detect DNA sequences from the food when it was inoculated with 3 CFU/mL bacteria. Thus, the proposed methodology showed satisfactory performance, optimization of the analysis time, and a potential for the detection of microorganisms at low titers, which can be used for the detection of fraud and contamination.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi padronizar um protocolo de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para a autenticação de leite bovino e bubalino e a detecção da presença de Salmonella spp. e Listeria monocytogenes. Para isso, o DNA-alvo foi extraído, misturado e submetido ao ensaio de PCR. Amostras de leite foram fraudadas e contaminadas experimentalmente com os micro-organismos, para se avaliar a detecção do DNA-alvo em diferentes tempos de cultivo, os títulos bacterianos e a concentração de material genético. Além disso, o protocolo foi testado com DNA extraído diretamente do alimento, sem a etapa de pré-enriquecimento. A PCR quadriplex proposta mostrou boa precisão na identificação de sequências de DNA-alvo. Foi possível identificar simultaneamente todas as sequências de DNA no momento da inoculação (0h), quando as amostras estavam contaminadas com 2 UFC/250mL, e com seis horas de cultura, quando o inóculo inicial foi de 1 UFC/250mL. Também foi possível detectar diretamente as sequências de DNA do alimento quando este foi inoculado com 3 UFC/mL de bactérias. Dessa forma, a metodologia proposta apresentou desempenho satisfatório, otimização do tempo de análise e potencial para detecção de micro-organismos em baixos títulos, podendo ser utilizada para detecção de fraude e contaminação.

Factors associated with length of stay and readmission in acute psychiatric inpatient services in Portugal.

Assessing the factors that influence duration and number of hospitalizations may support mental health services planning and delivery. This study examines the factors associated with length of stay and readmission in Portuguese psychiatric inpatient services during 2002, 2007 and 2012. Data from all admissions were extracted from clinical files. Logistic regression models estimated the association between length of stay (<17 vs ≥17 days) and number of admissions per year (1 vs >1 admission) with sociodemographic, clinical, and contextual factors. Older age, a diagnosis of psychosis, and compulsory admission were associated with higher odds of longer length of stay. Being married, secondary education, suicide attempt, a diagnosis of substance use and "other mental disorders", being admitted in 2012, and two of the psychiatric inpatient services associated with lower odds of longer length of stay. Being retired (or others), a diagnosis of psychosis, compulsory admission, and psychiatric service were associated with increased odds of readmission. Older age, and secondary and higher education were associated with lower odds of readmission. The findings indicate that multiple factors influence length of stay and readmission. Identifying these factors provides useful evidence for clinicians and policy makers to design more targeted and cost-effective interventions.

Use of infrared thermography to evaluate the inflammatory reaction in cat testis after intratesticular injection of 0. 9% NaCl or 20% CaCl2 with 1% lidocaine / O uso da termografia infravermelha para avaliar a reação inflamatória após a injeção intratesticular de NaCL 0, 9 % e cloreto de cálcio 20% com lidocaína 1%

Due to the doubts and questions about the inflammatory reaction caused by chemical castration, this study aimed to use infrared thermography to detect, evaluate and monitor the inflammatory reaction caused by the intratesticular injection of calcium chloride (CaCl2) 20% with lidocaine 1%. For this, thermographic measurements were taken before (M0), 10 minutes (M1), 1 and 6 hours (M2 and M3), for 7 consecutive days (M4 to M10), at 15 (M11), 30 (M12) and 60 (M13) days after intratesticular injection. Additionally, changes to testicular tissue and effects over spermatogenesis were evaluated by andrological exam before (M0) and 60 days (M13) after intratesticular injection. All cats were orchiectomized at M13, and testicles were submitted to histological analysis. CaCl2 (20%) with lidocaine (1%) administration produced testicular tissue damage and interfered with the spermatogenesis in 70% of treated cats without exacerbating the inflammatory reaction or impairing the cat's welfare. It was concluded that thermographic evaluation is a useful, efficient, easy and quick method to diagnose and monitor cat testicular inflammatory reactions.(AU)

Devido a constantes dúvidas e questionamentos sobre a reação inflamatória ocasionada pela castração química, este estudo objetivou o uso da termografia infravermelha para detectar, avaliar e monitorar a reação inflamatória causada pela injeção intratesticular de cloreto de cálcio (CaCl 2 ) 20% associada à lidocaína 1%. Para isso, medidas termográficas foram aferidas antes (M0), 10 minutos (M1), uma e seis horas (M2 e M3), por sete dias consecutivos (M4 a M10), aos 15 (M11), 30 (M12), e 60 (M13) dias após injeção intratesticular, nos grupos tratado e controle. Todos os gatos foram orquiectomizados no M13, e os testículos submetidos à análise histológica. A injeção CaCl 2 a 20% associada com lidocaína a 1% produziu lesão testicular e interferiu na espermatogênese de 70% dos gatos tratados, sem exacerbar a reação inflamatória ou prejudicar o bem-estar do animal. Foi concluído que a avaliação termográfica é uma ferramenta útil, eficiente, rápida e fácil para o diagnóstico e o monitoramento da reação inflamatória em gatos.(AU)

In vivo approach of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite filler as bone induction factor.

Tissue engineering combine biomaterials, cells and biologically active molecules having as a goal create functional tissues; many of the compositions are blends of a polymeric matrix with ceramic fillers, however, reduction of mechanical resistance can be a drawback on ceramic-polymer systems. In this manuscript, we investigate the potential of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) whiskers, a needle shape bioceramic, to enhance mechanical and osteoconduction properties on the polymeric matrix. For this purpose, PCL scaffolds incorporating CDHA whiskers were produced by combining solvent casting and particulate leaching techniques to develop a composite scaffold that possess mechanical and biological properties which is useful for bone tissue engineering regeneration. We produced CDHA whiskers using alkaline hydrolysis of α-tricalcium phosphate and characterized by XRD, XRF and SEM. PCL/CDHA scaffolds were fabricated with a final porosity of ~70%, quantified by SEM images. Mechanical properties were evaluated by compression test. As an initial test, PCL/CDHA scaffolds were immersed in simulated body fluid to quantify apatite deposition. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to assess cytotoxicity and bioactivity. CDHA whiskers exhibited a needle-like morphology and a Ca/P ratio equal to calcium deficient hydroxyapatite. The composite scaffolds contained interconnected pores 177 to 350 µm in size and homogeneous ceramic distribution. The addition of CDHA whiskers influences the mechanical results: higher elastic modulus and compressive strength was observed on PCL/CDHA samples. In vitro results demonstrated biocompatibility on PCL and PCL/CDHA films. In vivo data demonstrated cellular infiltration from the surrounding tissue with new bone formation that suggests bioactive potential of CDHA whiskers. Our goal was to produce a scaffold with a potential induction factor and a favorable morphology, which was proved according to this study's findings.

Alterações fisiológicas e comportamentais de bovinos de corte após o manejo de castração / Physiological and behavioral changes of beef cattle after castration management

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho, parâmetros fisiológicos e temperamentais de bovinos de corte não castrados ou submetidos à castração cirúrgica ou à imunocastração. O período experimental foi dividido em dois subperíodos de observações: primeiros 15 dias pós-castração (período de cicatrização) e os 25 dias seguintes à cicatrização. Nos primeiros 15 dias de avaliação, os animais não castrados obtiveram maior ganho médio diário de peso em relação aos castrados cirurgicamente. A frequência cardíaca foi maior para os animais castrados cirurgicamente, com 126,51 batimentos/minuto, em relação aos demais tratamentos. A distância de fuga foi superior para os novilhos castrados cirurgicamente, com valor de 12,22 metros. Nos 25 dias seguintes à castração cirúrgica, o ganho médio diário de peso foi superior nos bovinos castrados cirurgicamente em relação aos bovinos não castrados ou imunocastrados. A velocidade de fuga, no segundo subperíodo de avaliação, foi superior nos bovinos castrados em relação aos não castrados. O período imediato à castração, os primeiros 15 dias, prejudicou o ganho médio diário e o ganho de peso total, o que causou maior reatividade, com alterações nos parâmetros fisiológicos e temperamentais de bovinos castrados cirurgicamente em comparação com bovinos não castrados, entretanto, transcorrido o período de cicatrização, essas diferenças diminuíram ou desapareceram.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, physiological and temperamental parameters of uncastrated beef cattle or those submitted to surgical castration or immunocastration, in the post-castration period. The experimental period was divided into two subperiods of observations: the first 15 days post-castration (healing period) and the 25 days following healing. In the first 15 days of evaluation, the non-castrated animals obtained a greater average daily gain of weight in relation to surgically castrated. The heart rate was higher for surgically castrated animals with 126,51 beats/minute, compared to the other treatments. The distance of escape was higher for the surgically castrated steers, with a value of 12,22 meters, when compared to the other groups studied. During the next 25 days of surgical castration, the mean daily gain of weight was higher in surgically castrated cattle than in non-castrated or immunocastrated cattle. The escape velocity, in the second evaluation subperiod, was superior in the castrated cattle, in relation to the not castrated. The immediate castration period, the first 15 days, altered the mean daily gain and the total weight gain, the physiological and temperamental parameters of surgically castrated cattle, however, after the healing period, these differences diminish or disappear.(AU)

Changes in socioeconomic position among individuals with mental disorders during the economic recession in Portugal: a follow-up of the National Mental Health Survey.

AIMS: Portugal was one of the European countries most affected by the period of economic recession initiated in 2008. Social inequalities are likely to widen during such periods and disproportionately affect people with mental disorders. The present study aims to compare self-reported changes in indicators of socioeconomic position during the economic recession in Portugal among people with and without mental disorders in the beginning of this period. Three dimensions were assessed, namely employment situation, experiences of financial hardship and subjective social status. METHODS: Data from the World Mental Health Survey Initiative Portugal (2008/2009) and from the National Mental Health Survey Follow-up (2015/2016) were used (n = 911). Multinomial and logistic recession models were performed to examine the association between the presence of any 12-month mood or anxiety mental disorder in 2008/2009 and indicators of socioeconomic position in 2015/2016. All analyses were adjusted for gender, age, presence of any physical disorder and education at the baseline. RESULTS: Participants that had any mental disorder in the beginning of the economic recession reported 2.20 (95% CI 1.31-3.71; P < 0.01) higher odds of financial hardship related to daily life in 2015/2016, when compared with those without any mental disorder, after adjusting for age, gender, education and presence of any physical disorder. The results may also suggest a pattern of increased socioeconomic disadvantage among people with prior mental disorder, despite not reaching statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the economic recession may have contributed to wider social inequalities between people with and without mental disorders. Policies to support these individuals, such as access to treatment and alleviation of financial hardship, should be a priority in times of economic downturn.

Impact of economic crises on mental health care: a systematic review.

AIMS: Unmet needs for mental health treatment are large and widespread, and periods of economic crisis may increase the need for care and the treatment gap, with serious consequences for individuals and society. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the empirical evidence on the association between periods of economic crisis and the use of mental health care. METHODS: Following the PRISMA statement, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Open Grey and Cochrane Database were searched for relevant publications, published between 1990 and 2018, from inception to June 2018. Search terms included (1) economic crisis, (2) use of mental health services and (3) mental health problems. Study selection, data extraction and the assessment of study quality were performed in duplicate. RESULTS: Seventeen studies from different countries met the inclusion criteria. The results from the included articles suggest that periods of economic crisis might be linked to an increase of general help sought for mental health problems, with conflicting results regarding the changes in the use of specialised psychiatric care. The evidence on the use of mental health care specifically due to suicide behaviour is mixed. The results also suggest that economic crises might be associated with a higher use of prescription drugs and an increase in hospital admissions for mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Research on the impact of economic crises on the use of mental health care is scarce, and methodologies of the included papers are prone to substantial bias. More empirical and long-term studies on this topic are needed, in order to adapt mental health care systems to the specific needs of the population in times of economic crisis.

Evaluation of teratogenicity and genotoxicity induced by kramecyne (KACY).

Kramecyne (KACY), a polymer isolated from Krameria cytisoides Cav, has anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, anti-arthritic and anti-ulcerogenic properties. As a part of standard preclinical safety tests, the present study sought to determine potential developmental toxicity (in female rats) and genotoxicity (in male mice) of KACY. Pregnant female rats were divided into six groups: the negative control (vehicle), the positive control (250 mg/kg of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)), and four experimental groups (50, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of KACY). To evaluate genotoxicity by in vivo micronuclei (MN) and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) tests, male mice were divided into five groups: the negative control (vehicle), the positive control (1.5 and 2.5 mg/kg of doxorubicin for MN and SCE, respectively), and three experimental groups (50, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of KACY). All treatments were administered by oral gavage. A slight maternal toxicity was evidenced by lower weight gain for rats receiving 500 and 1000 mg/kg of KACY, but no fetal malformations were found. However, there were less live fetuses/litter and greater post-implantation loss/litter at these two doses. Manifestations of developmental toxicity were limited to a higher rate of skeletal alterations. The MN tests did not evidence genotoxicity or cytotoxicity. KACY caused a slightly but significantly increased frequency of SCE. Although KACY-treated rats had skeletal alterations, these apparently were not caused by a mechanism of genotoxicity. Furthermore, the same administration in adult male mice did not produce genotoxicity. Hence, KACY herein proved to be safe for rats during the period of organogenesis.

Multimodal signalling in estrildid finches: song, dance and colour are associated with different ecological and life-history traits.

Sexual traits (e.g. visual ornaments, acoustic signals, courtship behaviour) are often displayed together as multimodal signals. Some hypotheses predict joint evolution of different sexual signals (e.g. to increase the efficiency of communication) or that different signals trade off with each other (e.g. due to limited resources). Alternatively, multiple signals may evolve independently for different functions, or to communicate different information (multiple message hypothesis). We evaluated these hypotheses with a comparative study in the family Estrildidae, one of the largest songbird radiations, and one that includes many model species for research in sexual selection and communication. We found little evidence for either joint evolution or trade-offs between song and colour ornamentation. Some negative correlations between dance repertoire and song traits may suggest a functional compromise, but generally courtship dance also evolved independently from other signals. Instead of correlated evolution, we found that song, dance and colour are each related to different socio-ecological traits. Song complexity evolved together with ecological generalism, song performance with investment in reproduction, dance with commonness and habitat type, whereas colour ornamentation was shown previously to correlate mostly with gregariousness. We conclude that multimodal signals evolve in response to various socio-ecological traits, suggesting the accumulation of distinct signalling functions.

Terahertz imaging for early screening of diabetic foot syndrome: A proof of concept.

Most people with diabetes suffer some deterioration of the feet. Diabetic foot syndrome causes ulceration in about 15% of cases and such deterioration leads to amputation in about 2.5% of diabetic patients, diminishing their quality of life and generating extraordinary costs for patients and public health systems. Currently, there is no objective method for the detection of diabetic foot syndrome in its early stages. We propose terahertz imaging as a method for the evaluation of such deterioration. This screening method could aid the prevention and medical treatment of this condition in the future.

Investigation of the antifungal potential of linalool against clinical isolates of fluconazole resistant Trichophyton rubrum.

The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of the monoterpene linalool against clinical isolates of Trichophyton rubrum. Initially, a sensitivity assay for commercial antifungals with solid disks in diffusion medium was performed. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of linalool and ketoconazole (positive control) were determined by microdilution in RPMI 1640 medium (CLSI M38-A2). We then evaluated the action of linalool and ketoconazole at different concentrations (1/2MIC, MIC and 2×MIC) on mycelial growth (radial mycelial growth), conidia production and conidia germination using a hemacytometer. The effects on cell membrane (release of intracellular material) were also investigated. Finally, changes in fungal morphology as induced by the test drugs were analyzed. Based on the sensitivity tests, the fungal strains showed resistance to 5-fluorocytosine and fluconazole. The linalool MIC values ranged from 256µg/mL to 512µg/mL, whereas ketoconazole showed values of 4µg/mL to 8µg/mL. For the LM 305 strain, the test drugs showed the following MIC values: linalool 256µg/mL and ketoconazole 8µg/mL. The mycelial growth of T. rubrum LM 305 was inhibited by linalool (2×MIC) and ketoconazole (1/2MIC, MIC, 2×MIC), in 7 days of treatment (P<0.05). The test-drugs also inhibited conidial germination and conidiogenesis (P<0.05). Linalool also caused leakage of intracellular material (P<0.05). Finally, we verified the effectiveness of linalool and ketoconazole to induce micro-morphological changes, forming abnormal, wide, short and crooked hyphae. Based on these results, we conclude that linalool presents as an antifungal agent with anti-Trichophyton rubrum potential, an important dermatophytosis agent.

The prothrombotic state associated with obesity-induced hypertension is reduced by cocoa and its main flavanols.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effects of cocoa and its main flavanols on the prothrombotic state associated with the development of hypertension in diet-induced obesity models. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of cocoa powder, cocoa extract and their main flavanols on plasma biomarkers related to impaired coagulation and fibrinolysis and its association with hypertension and obesity-related metabolic disorders in rats fed a hypercaloric diet. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 7 treatment groups (n = 7): normal diet (ND); hypercaloric diet control group (HCD); HCD + cocoa powder (CO); HCD + cocoa extract (CO-EX); HCD + (-)-epicatechin (EPI); HCD + (+)-catechin (CAT); and HCD + procyanidin B2 (PB2). Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method (week 7). At the end of the experimental period (week 8), rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected immediately for coagulation and biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Oral administration of CO, CO-EX and their main flavanols significantly decreased plasma biomarkers related to impaired coagulation and fibrinolysis (vWF, FVIII, fibrinogen and PAI-1) in rats fed a hypercaloric diet. These effects were associated with decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, aortic oxidative stress (MDA levels) and improvement of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and circulating markers of inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP) compared to the HCD group. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that cocoa and its main flavanols may improve endothelial dysfunction and exert their antihypertensive effects by decreasing the prothrombotic state in rats fed a hypercaloric diet. Moreover, improvement of obesity-related metabolic disorders may also contribute to their BP-lowering effect.