Does hip protector prevent falls and hip fractures? An umbrella review of meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Wearing hip protectors is a measure used to prevent hip fractures caused by falls. However, its protective effect has remained controversial in previous studies. This study provides a rationale for the use of hip protectors by pooling all the current meta-analysis evidence. METHODS: We conducted an umbrella review of all the current meta-analysis articles about the efficacy of hip protectors to reduce hip fractures and falls in communities and/or institutions. Major databases including EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Science, were searched up to June 2022. Two reviewers screened the studies, extracted the data, and conducted the methodological quality assessment independently. The primary outcome was the association statistic (odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR), etc.) reported in the meta-analysis that quantified the influence of the intervention on hip fractures and falls compared to that of the control group. Narrative synthesis was also conducted. Forest plots and the AMSTAR score were used to describe the results and quality of the pooled literature, respectively. RESULTS: A total of six meta-analysis articles were included in the study. Hip protectors were effective at reducing hip fractures in older individuals who were in institutions (nursing or residential care settings) but not in communities (RR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.85, I2 = 42%, P < 0.001) (RR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.34, I2 = 0%, P = 0.20), and they did not reduce falls (RR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.13, I2 = 0%, P = 0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Hip protectors are effective at preventing hip fractures in institutionalized older adults but not in community-dwelling older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered in PROSPERO (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022351773).

Oro-dental trauma burden and mouthguard usage among contact sports players: A call for sports dentistry initiatives in Sri Lanka.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Contact sports-related oro-dental trauma contributes to a significant proportion of sports injuries among school children. Oro-dental trauma imposes a detrimental impact on the oral health-related quality of life. However, the burden of oro-dental trauma among contact sports players and their practices of mouthguards remains a research gap in Sri Lanka. The current study bridges that while providing evidence for contextual changes such as initiating sports dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 1340 adolescent contact sports players in Colombo district, Sri Lanka; 63.1% males and 36.9% females (age 13-18), who were enrolled in football, rugby, hockey, boxing, basketball, and martial arts in the school setting. A checklist was administered to obtain demographic information, sports practices, and the use of mouthguards. An oral examination was conducted for those who experienced oro-dental trauma during the last 12 months. RESULTS: Self-reported oro-dental trauma pooled prevalence of the contact sports players was 35.9% (95% CI = 33.3-38.5), with males' preponderance. Dental trauma was present in 23.8% (n = 319), while 15.8% were uncomplicated and 8% were complicated. Soft tissue injuries were present in 12.1% (n = 162). Oro dental trauma (ODT) was highly prevalent among boxing, rugby, and hockey players. Only 20.8% (n = 279) of players used mouthguards. However, 91.0% (n = 254) of them were using ready-made mouthguards. Mouthguard use and the type of mouthguard showed statistically significant associations across the type of oro-dental trauma among contact sports players. CONCLUSIONS: Contact sports-related oro-dental trauma prevalence is as high as 35.9% among Colombo district school children in Sri Lanka. However, their level of mouthguard usage is shallow at 20.8%. Further research is necessary to investigate the reasons behind this, and national guidelines should be developed to prevent and manage sports-related accidental injuries.

Comparison of shock absorption capacities of three types of mouthguards: A comparative in vitro study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: 3D printing processes can be used to manufacture custom-made mouthguards for sports activities. Few studies have compared the impact performance of industrial-created mouthguards with that of custom-made mouthguards manufactured by thermoforming or 3D printing. The objective of this in vitro study was to compare the shock absorption capacities of custom-made mouthguards manufactured by 3D printing with industrial mouthguards and thermoformed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) mouthguards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For each type of mouthguard, eight samples were produced. 3D-printed mouthguards were manufactured using digital light processing technology. Each mouthguard was subjected to an impact performance test defined by the standard AFNOR XP S72-427, which evaluate maximum deceleration and force transmitted during impact. The thickness of each mouthguard before and after a series of five impacts was measured at the impacted inter-incisal area. RESULTS: The mean maximum decelerations during impact ranged from 129 to 189 g for industrial mouthguards, 287 to 425 g for thermoformed EVA mouthguards, and 277 to 302 g for 3D-printed mouthguards. The mean reduction in mouthguard thickness at the impact zone after five tests was 1.2 mm for industrial mouthguards, 0.6 mm for 3D-printed mouthguards, and 2.2 mm for thermoformed EVA mouthguards. CONCLUSIONS: Custom-made 3D printed mouthguards showed slightly better shock absorption ability than thermoformed mouthguards with respect to the indicator proposed in XP S72-427. They seemed to combine the practical advantages of thermoformed mouthguards in sports with better shock absorption capacity and lower cost. Furthermore, they had the least thickness variation during the test, and their shock absorption capacity was the least affected by repeated mechanical tests. Other types of 3D-printing resin materials that will become available must continue to be tested for shock absorption to provide the best protection to users at low cost.

The role of avoiding known triggers, embracing protectors, and adhering to healthy lifestyle recommendations in migraine prophylaxis: Insights from a prospective cohort of 1125 people with episodic migraine.

OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND: Until recently, guidelines for migraine prevention recommended avoiding known migraine headache triggers. Adhering to healthy lifestyle behaviors is also recommended. In a recent cohort study many triggers were found to decrease the probability of migraine attacks in some individuals. The extent to which people with migraine adhere to healthy lifestyle recommendations is unknown. We set out to determine if known migraine trigger factors and daily adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations are associated with decreased probability of migraine attacks in some individuals. METHODS: This was an observational longitudinal cohort study of individuals with episodic migraine who registered to track their headache symptoms and daily exposure to trigger factors prospectively using a migraine-headache electronic diary during 90 days. We assessed whether triggers increased or decreased migraine attack risk in each individual. In addition, we calculated the proportion of days in which the individual adhered to lifestyle recommendations. RESULTS: We analyzed a total of 1125 individuals contributing 14,080 migraine attacks. Out of 47 triggers, 24 were more often associated with decreased rather than with increased migraine attack risk. Most pronouncedly this was true for caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate; happiness; relaxedness; sleep factors (longer duration, higher quality, and waking up refreshed); and physical activity. People who were more compliant with healthy behaviors, especially keeping good hydration and regular meals, were significantly older and had been diagnosed with migraine disease for a longer period, compared to those who were less compliant. Overall, exercising ≥3 times a week was the least followed recommendation. CONCLUSION: Many triggers behaved as protectors in a non-negligible proportion of individuals with episodic migraine, challenging the recommendation of avoiding known triggers. Low adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations demonstrates an opportunity to increase awareness among people with migraine.

Improving light-cured intermediate resin for hard and space mouthguard using a glass fiber.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A light-cured intermediate material is useful for fabricating a hard insert and a buffer space mouthguard (H&SMG). However, it requires improvement in its mechanical properties and shock-absorbing capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of two prototype light-cured intermediate materials reinforced with glass fibers, and the impact absorption capacity and durability of H&SMGs made with the prototype intermediate materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two prototype materials containing long and microlength glass fibers in a light-cured intermediate material, Innerframe LC®, for H&SMG, were fabricated and tested. A three-point bending test was performed for evaluation of the mechanical properties. In addition, a shock absorption test was conducted using a customized pendulum impact testing machine to evaluate the H&SMGs' impact absorption capacity and durability. RESULTS: Long and microlength glass fibers significantly improved flexural modulus and strength. H&SMGs made with these two glass fiber-containing materials had high impact absorption capacity against both low and high impact forces, while the mouthguards made with long glass fiber materials had the best results. CONCLUSION: Long and microlength glass fibers with the prototype materials improved the mechanical properties of Innerframe LC® and the impact absorption capacity and durability of H&SMGs. H&SMGs made with the long glass fiber prototype materials had the best performance.

Effect of wound protectors in reducing the incidence of surgical site wound infection in lower gastrointestinal surgery: A meta-analysis.

We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of wound protectors in reducing the incidence of surgical site wound infection in lower gastrointestinal surgery. A systematic literature search up to June 2022 was performed and 6026 subjects with lower gastrointestinal surgery at the baseline of the studies; 3090 of them were using the wound protector, and 2936 were using no wound protector. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effect of wound protectors in reducing the incidence of surgical site wound infection in lower gastrointestinal surgery using the dichotomous methods with a random or fixed-effect model. The surgical site wound infection was significantly lower with single-ring wound protectors (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.39-0.83, P = .004), and dual-ring wound protectors (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.35-0.56, P < .001) in subjects with lower gastrointestinal surgery compared with no wound protector. The surgical site wound infection was significantly lower with single-ring wound protectors, and dual-ring wound protectors in subjects with lower gastrointestinal surgery compared with no wound protector. The analysis of outcomes should be with caution because of the low sample size of 5 out of 28 studies in the meta-analysis and a low number of studies in certain comparisons.

Global research trends of studies related to mouthguards and dental injuries in sports activities: a bibliometric analysis.

Mouthguards (MGs) are essential devices for the protection of sports-related orofacial injuries. Mapping of the literature on this subject may help to guide future studies; therefore, this review aimed to characterize the research trends of studies related to MGs and dental injuries in sports activities through bibliometric analysis of in vivo studies concerning the frequency of MG use; knowledge, awareness, perception, and/or attitude about MGs; and adaptation (fit) of MGs in the mouth and/or prevention of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs). A literature search was performed in 6 databases for studies published up to April 2022. Text mining and analysis software was used to extract and evaluate data related to the study author, country, keywords, journal of publication, and year. Additionally, data related to the type of study, outcome, study population, age group, evaluation method, type of MG, sport classification, and sport category were extracted and analyzed. Of 6140 records identified, 222 were included in the analysis. Most of the articles came from the United States (n = 39; 17.5%) and dentistry journals (n = 145; 65.3%). The journal Dental Traumatology (n = 60; 27.0%) presented the highest number of publications. Most studies were observational (n = 195; 87.8%) and evaluated the frequency of MG use (n = 163; 44.4%). Studies were carried out in athletes (n = 181; 82.6%) and adults (n = 169; 49.1%) using questionnaires or interviews for assessment (n = 206; 84.1%). Only 89 (40.1%) studies evaluated the type of MG, mostly involving contact sports. Custom-made MGs were most commonly studied. More studies involving coaches, dentists, and child and teenaged athletes are warranted to help prevent sportsrelated TDIs in young teeth, mainly through interventional studies on the perceptions of and knowledge about MGs among these populations.

[Analysis of verification results of protective effects of hearing protectors in different industries].

Objective: To get insight into the current practice of noise reduction effect of workers as they wore hearing protectors in different domestic enterprises and the possible affected factors. Methods: From October 2020 to April 2021, using a random sampling method, 1197 workers exposed to noise in petrochemical factories, textile factories, and parts manufacturing factories were selected as the study subjects. The noise reduction effect of hearing protectors worn by workers in daily use was tested using a hearing protector suitability testing system. The personal sound attenuation level (PAR) was compared among workers in three enterprises, Targeted intervention and repetitive testing were conducted for workers who did not meet the noise reduction effect required by the enterprise, and the changes in PAR of workers before and after the intervention were compared. The comparison of baseline PARs between two or more groups was performed using the Mann Whitney test, the comparison of baseline PARs with post intervention PARs was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test, and the comparison of qualitative data between two or more groups was performed using the Chi square test. Results: The median baseline PAR for all workers was 15 dB. Men, age<30 years old, education level at or above college level, working experience of 5 to 15 years, and those who used hearing protectors for 5 to 15 years had higher PARs, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The median difference in baseline PAR among workers from three enterprises was statistically significant (H=175.06, P<0.01). The median PAR of subjects who did not pass the baseline increased from 3 dB to 21 dB after intervention (Z=-27.92, P<0.01) . Conclusion: Some workers wearing hearing protectors do not meet the required PAR, and low PARs may be related to incorrect wearing methods and incorrect selection of hearing protectors. As a tool for testing, training, and assisting in selection, the hearing protector suitability testing system is of great significance for worker hearing protection.

Case-Study-Based Overview of Methods and Technical Solutions of Analog and Digital Transmission in Measurement and Control Ship Systems.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of possible solutions to improve the performance of measurement and control processes in maritime engineering applications. This improvement can be basically provided by adopting techniques to enhance the reliability of measurement/control systems based on the 4-20 mA analogue standard. This aspect will be discussed through a Simscape Simulink model illustrating methods of noise and ground loops elimination for pressure measurement of a 4-20 mA current loop in the tank level measurement system on a bulk carrier commercial ship. Alternatively, improved measurement and control processes can be rendered by utilizing smart transmitters based on wired hybrid analogue-digital (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART)), wired digital (Foundation Fieldbus (FF)) or wireless (wireless HART) communication protocols. A brief theoretical description of these protocols will be presented in this article. As an example of using smart transmitters, a simulation-based case study will analyze the possible options to implement non-intrinsically safe as well as intrinsically safe FF models for the tank level measurement system on a bulk carrier commercial ship. Conclusions obtained through analysis of the simulation results will characterize the behavior of FF segments in safe as well as explosive hazardous areas, highlighting the characteristics of field barriers and segment protectors used in conjunction with the HPTC (High-Power Trunk Concept) intrinsically safe model.

Fertiactyl® in mixture with glyphosate decreases herbicide absorption and translocation in coffee seedlings.

The application of glyphosate to coffee crops can cause injuries to plants. Fertiactyl® foliar fertilizer reduces injuries when mixed with glyphosate; however, it is important to establish which mechanisms are responsible for this protective action. This study aimed to evaluate the absorption and translocation of glyphosate applied separately and in mixture with Fertiactyl® in coffee seedlings. Absorption and translocation were performed with 14C-glyphosate applied separately and in mixture with Fertiactyl® at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 144 hours after application (HAA). Most of the 14C-glyphosate applied to coffee seedlings was not absorbed. The 14C-glyphosate applied separately had a higher absorption by coffee seedlings (6.5%) than in a mixture with Fertiactyl® (2.7%) at 144 HAA. The maximum translocation of the 14C-glyphosate applied separately was 0.69% at 81.2 HAA and in mixture with Fertiactyl® was 0.41% at 41.2 HAA. The treated leaves retained a higher percentage of 14C-glyphosate when applied separately (5.6% at 144 HAA) than in a mixture with Fertiactyl® (2.2% at 144 HAA). Low translocation (<1%) for the rest of the plant shoots was observed both for the 14C-glyphosate applied separately and in combination with Fertiactyl®. Therefore, Fertiactyl® decreased the absorption and translocation of 14C-glyphosate in coffee seedlings.

Hip protectors are cost-effective in the prevention of hip fractures in patients with high fracture risk.

Cost-effective preventive interventions are necessary for tackling the increasing number of hip fractures, which are frequently occuring as a serious consequence of osteoporosis. Several interventions have been available for preventing and treating osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to systematically review and critically appraise studies that assessed cost-effectiveness of hip protectors for the prevention of hip fractures and to investigate the effects of age, gender and residence situation on cost-effectiveness. A systematic review was conducted in order to identify economic evaluation studies examining the hip protector solely or compared to no treatment according to the Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Synthesis of results was performed to observe trends between the studies. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed by the use of the Quality of Health Economic Studies (QHES) instrument. A total of 15 economic evaluation studies were included for analysis. The methodological quality was high in most studies (13/15). The hip protector was solely evaluated in three studies and within 12 other studies compared with no intervention. All studies that investigated the cost-effectiveness in long-term care facilities revealed that hip protector use is a cost-effective strategy for the prevention of hip fractures in elderly. Cost-effectiveness was also observed in two studies that provided hip protectors in a geriatric hospital ward. Four studies included both community-dwelling residents and residents living in a long-term care facility in their study. These studies showed more variability regarding cost-effectiveness. One study did not report information regarding the residence situation of their cohort, but also observed cost-effectiveness. In conclusion, this review suggests that hip protectors are a cost-effective approach in the prevention of hip fractures in populations with high risk of hip fractures especially in long-term care facilities and a geriatric ward in a hospital.

Contextualizing acculturative stress among Latino immigrants in the United States: a systematic review.

Purpose: This systematic review of the literature informed of (a) the relationship between acculturation and acculturative stress, (b) examined the determinants of acculturative stress among Latino immigrants in the U.S., and (c) provided a conceptual framework that can be used to specify the interactive effect of various factors on acculturative stress. Methods: Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), this review synthesized the results of thirty studies published between 2000 and 2015 that investigated the influence of several socio-demographic and cultural contexts on acculturative stress among Latino immigrants categorized using Family Stress Management (FSM) theory as a framework. Results: Studied highlighted several protectors from and risks to acculturative stress. Historical context protective factors included having a choice over the decision to migrate and social support; risks included discrimination, family left abroad, and fear of deportation. Economic context protective factors included higher income. The development context protective factors included English skills, years in the U.S., and being married; risks included being female. Cultural context protective factors included being culturally competent and acculturation; risks included family-cultural conflict and ethnic enclave pressures. Internal context protectors included post-immigration religious coping, church attendance, and family values. Implications: The results highlighted incorporating cultural aspects (i.e. family values and social support) in mental health practice with Latino immigrants. A less stressful integration experience can be achieved if age-related stressors and experiences of discrimination are acknowledged and the need for social support and harmonious family dynamics was prioritized in service plans.

[Retrospective investigation on explosive hearing loss of injured persons in explosion accidents involving a steel enterprise].

Objective: Through the investigation of the injured persons in explosion accidents, the impact of wearing the ear protectors device (anti-noise earplugs) on the auditory organs and hearing loss of the injured person was understood, which could provide reference for the clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the explosive hearing impairment. Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted on 39 directly injured persons who were injured in 23 explosion accidents involving a steel plant from 1990 to 2016 as the explosive hearing loss, taking the time of the patient＇s injury and 3-6 months after the injury as the time of investigation and evidence collection, and according to whether to wear the ear protectors device for group comparison and statistical analysis. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in hearing loss, tinnitus, earache, headache, some patients with dizziness and craniocerebral injury, regardless of whether the injured person wore anti-noise earplugs or not (P=0.444-1) , the shock (coma) patients in the non-protected group were more common (34.8%, 8/23) , and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.012) ; Although auricle injury was detected in both groups and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=1) , but the external ear canal injury, tympanic membrane perforation were more common in the non-protected group, and there was no external ear canal and tympanic membrane perforation in the wearing earplug group, and the difference between the two groups was significant (P=0.000) . After 3-6 months, the rehabilitation of auditory system and other symptoms in patients showed that the hearing loss, tinnitus, earache, headache, dizziness and other symptoms all disappeared in patients wearing earplugs, while the above symptoms in the non-protected group were improved but more persisted, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P=0.000-0.012) , and there was no significant difference in rehabilitation conditions such as craniocerebral injury between the two groups (P=1) ; There were patients with unhealed auricle injury in both groups in 3-6 months after the injury, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=1) , however, in the non-protected group, 69.57% (16/23) of the patients with external auditory canal injury were still unhealed and none of the patients with tympanic membrane perforation recovered, and the difference between the two groups was obvious (P=0.000~0.001) ; Pure tone air conduction examination showed that the hearing of the earplugs wearers was well recovered at the time of the explosion, while irreversible hearing impairment was common in the non-protective group, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.000) . Conclusion: Ear protector plays an important role in protecting the auditory organs and hearing of workers in explosion accident, and it is an effective protective measure to prevent and reduce the damage of external ear canal, perforation of tympanic membrane and explosive hearing loss caused by explosion accidents.

Biomechanical testing of hip protectors following the Canadian Standards Association express document.

A variety of hip protectors are available, but it is not clear which is the most effective and there is no standard test to evaluate their performance. This is the first study that uses a standard mechanical test on hip protectors. Some protectors perform well but others are almost ineffective, providing little to no protection to the wearer during a fall. INTRODUCTION: Each year, over 70,000 patients are admitted to hospital in the UK with hip fractures. There are a variety of commercial hip protectors currently available. However, it is not explicitly clear which is the most effective with regard to maximum force attenuation, whilst still being both comfortable for the user and providing reasonable force reduction if misplaced from the intended position. The numerous test methods reported in the literature have given conflicting results, making objective comparison difficult for users, researchers, and manufacturers alike. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has therefore published an express document (EXP-08-17) with a draft standard test method. This paper presents initial results for a range of hip protectors. METHODS: Eighteen commercially available hip protectors were tested according to EXP-08-17. Each hip protector was impacted five times in correct anatomical alignment over the greater trochanter and once at 50 mm displacements in the anterior, posterior, and lateral directions. RESULTS: Considerable differences were identified between individual hip protectors in their ability to reduce impact forces on the femur (between 3% and 36% reduction in peak force). The performance was reduced when misplaced in many cases (maximum reduction only 20%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that uses a standard mechanical test on hip protectors. Previous studies have used a variety of methods, making it difficult to interpret results. We hope that these results using a standard test method will facilitate the effective comparison of results, as well as providing useful data for clinicians, users, and purchasers.

Satisfaction with shortening the palatal extension of a mouthguard for water polo players: A randomized crossover study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Approximately 50% of water polo players have suffered orofacial injuries. However, fewer than 8% of players wear a mouthguard. A more comfortable mouthguard design is therefore needed to increase compliance. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of reducing the palatal extension of a custom-made mouthguard on the degree of satisfaction with a mouthguard among water polo players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen elite water polo players participated in this randomized crossover trial. Two custom-made mouthguards were fabricated for each participant using 4-mm-thick ethyl vinyl acetate foils, defined by the extension of the palatal margin from the cervical line: conventional (6 mm) and shortened (2 mm). The mouthguards were worn during all training sessions and matches, in a randomized sequence (one mouthguard type for the first and fourth weeks and the other for the second and third weeks). Mouthguards were evaluated on 10-point scales for discomfort, interference with oral functions, protection, and general satisfaction after each training session or match. RESULTS: Players evaluated the shortened mouthguard as having less interference with speech (Effect 1.30; P < 0.001), breathing (Effect 0.98; P = 0.004), swallowing (Effect 1.30; P < 0.001), and athletic performance (Effect 0.61; P = 0.03) compared with the conventional mouthguard. The perceived degree of protection was similar among participants when wearing each type of mouthguard. Overall, players were more satisfied with the shortened mouthguard (Effect 0.64; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the palatal extension of a custom-made mouthguard from 6 to 2 mm improves the overall satisfaction of elite water polo players without affecting the perceived degree of protection.

Dosimetry of 177Lu-PSMA-617 after Mannitol Infusion and Glutamate Tablet Administration: Preliminary Results of EUDRACT/RSO 2016-002732-32 IRST Protocol.

Radio-ligand therapy (RLT) with177Lu-PSMA-617 is a promising option for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate-cancer (mCRPC). A prospective phase-II study (EUDRACT/RSO,2016-002732-32) on mCRPC is ongoing at IRST (Meldola, Italy). A total of 9 patients (median age: 68 y, range: 53⁻85) were enrolled for dosimetry evaluation of parotid glands (PGs), kidneys, red marrow (RM) and whole body (WB). Folic polyglutamate tablets were orally administered as PGs protectors and 500 mL of a 10% mannitol solution was intravenously infused to reduce kidney uptake. The whole body planar image (WBI) and blood samples were acquired at different times post infusion (1 h, 16⁻24 h, 36⁻48 h and 120 h). Dose calculation was performed with MIRD formalism (OLINDA/EXM software). The median effective half-life was 33.0 h (range: 25.6⁻60.7) for PGs, 31.4 h (12.2⁻80.6) for kidneys, 8.2 h (2.5⁻14.7) for RM and 40.1 h (31.6⁻79.7) for WB. The median doses were 0.48 mGy/MBq (range: 0.33⁻2.63) for PGs, 0.70 mGy/MBq (0.26⁻1.07) for kidneys, 0.044 mGy/MBq (0.023⁻0.067) for RM and 0.04 mGy/MBq (0.02⁻0.11) for WB. A comparison with previously published dosimetric data was performed and a significant difference was found for PGs while no significant difference was observed for the kidneys. For PGs, the possibility of reducing uptake by administering glutamate tablets during RLT seems feasible while further research is warranted for a more focused evaluation of the reduction in kidney uptake.

Safety Evaluation of Protective Equipment for the Forearm, Shin, Hand and Foot in Taekwondo.

The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare different brands of forearm, shin, hand and foot protective equipment used in Taekwondo. The most popular brands of large forearm, shin, hand and foot protectors (D®, A®, K ®), approved by the World Taekwondo and Korean Taekwondo Association, were examined. A drop test was used to test the protective equipment using impact levels of 3J, 9J, 12J and 15J for the forearm and shin guards, and 3J and 9J for the hand and foot protectors. The protective equipment was hit ten times from each of the designated drop heights. The drop test is described in the European standards manual of protective equipment for martial arts (SRPS EN 13277-2). The maximum force (MF) and impulse were lowest for brand K® (2610.3 ± 1474.1 N), and brand A® (9.6 ± 3.1 Ns), respectively, for the forearm guards; for brand A® (2053.4 ± 1267.1 N) and brand K® (9.8 ± 3.5 Ns), respectively, for the shin guards; for brand K® (4486.5 ± 1718.4 N), and brand A® (6.3 ± 1.1 Ns), respectively for the hand protectors; and for brand A® (3733.7 ± 2465.3 N), and brand D® (6.8 ± 0.6 Ns), respectively, for the foot protectors. For the forearm guard brand and impact level, there was a significant interaction effect for the MF (F=42.44, η2=.677, p <0.001) and impulse (F = 33.97, η2 = 0.626, p <0.001). Based on the MF, brand K® performed the best for the forearm guards and hand protectors, and brand A®, for the shin guards and foot protectors. The best results for the impulse were for brand A® (forearm guards and hand protectors), brand K® (shin guards) and brand D® (foot protectors).

miRNAs regulate the HIF switch during hypoxia: a novel therapeutic target.

The decline of oxygen tension in the tissues below the physiological demand leads to the hypoxic adaptive response. This physiological consequence enables cells to recover from this cellular insult. Understanding the cellular pathways that mediate recovery from hypoxia is therefore critical for developing novel therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The master regulators of oxygen homeostasis that control angiogenesis during hypoxia are hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). HIF-1 and HIF-2 function as transcriptional regulators and have both unique and overlapping target genes, whereas the role of HIF-3 is less clear. HIF-1 governs the acute adaptation to hypoxia, whereas HIF-2 and HIF-3 expressions begin during chronic hypoxia in human endothelium. When HIF-1 levels decline, HIF-2 and HIF-3 increase. This switch from HIF-1 to HIF-2 and HIF-3 signaling is required in order to adapt the endothelium to prolonged hypoxia. During prolonged hypoxia, the HIF-1 levels and activity are reduced, despite the lack of oxygen-dependent protein degradation. Although numerous protein factors have been proposed to modulate the HIF pathways, their application for HIF-targeted therapy is rather limited. Recently, the miRNAs that endogenously regulate gene expression via the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway have been shown to play critical roles in the hypoxia response pathways. Furthermore, these classes of RNAs provide therapeutic possibilities to selectively target HIFs and thus modulate the HIF switch. Here, we review the significance of the microRNAs on the relationship between the HIFs under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

Among Children Born Extremely Preterm a Higher Level of Circulating Neurotrophins Is Associated with Lower Risk of Cognitive Impairment at School Age.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that higher blood levels of neurotrophic proteins (proteins that support neuronal survival and function) in the first 2 weeks of life are associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment at 10 years. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated 812 10-year-old children with neonatal blood specimens enrolled in the multicenter prospective Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborn Study, assessing 22 blood proteins collected on 3 days over the first 2 weeks of life. Using latent profile analysis, we derived a cognitive function level based on standardized cognitive and executive function tests. We defined high exposure as the top quartile neurotrophic protein blood level on ≥2 days either for ≥4 proteins or for a specific cluster of neurotrophic proteins (defined by latent class analysis). Multinomial logistic regression analyzed associations between high exposures and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Controlling for the effects of inflammatory proteins, persistently elevated blood levels of ≥4 neurotrophic proteins were associated with reduced risk of moderate (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.18-0.67) and severe cognitive impairment (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.09-0.53). Children with a cluster of elevated proteins including angiopoietin 1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed, and secreted had a reduced risk of adverse cognitive outcomes (OR range, 0.31-0.6). The risk for moderate to severe cognitive impairment was least with 0-1 inflammatory and >4 neurotrophic proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Persisting elevations of circulating neurotrophic proteins during the first 2 weeks of life are associated with lowered risk of impaired cognition at 10 years of age, controlling for increases in inflammatory proteins.

Cryoprotectant agents and cooling effect on embryos of Macrobrachium amazonicum.

SummaryThere are few reports of cryopreservation and injuries in Macrobrachium amazonicum embryos. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of cryoprotectants agents and cooling on stage VIII of this species. Fertilized eggs from ovigerous females were removed from the incubation chamber, then placed in 10 ml Falcon tubes with a cryoprotectant solution and saline-free calcium solution. Thus, the embryos underwent a cooling curve of 1°C per min until reaching 5°C, and then were stored for 2 h. The tubes containing the embryos were washed to remove the cryoprotectant, acclimated for 5 min and then transferred to 50 ml incubators. At the end of the 24-h period, living embryos from each tube were counted and tabulated. A pool of embryos was fixed with 4% formaldehyde and then subjected to histology using 3-mm thick sections and stained with haematoxylin/eosin. Another pool was used for biometric analysis in which length, width and volume were analyzed. The cryoprotectants agents used were: dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), methyl alcohol, ethylene glycol at 1, 5 and 10% and sucrose (0.5 M). Variance analysis was performed followed by Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test at 5% significance level. DMSO cryoprotectant affected embryo survival the least with rates of 71.8, 36.2 and 0% for concentrations of 1, 5 and 10%, respectively. Ethylene glycol caused 100% mortality at all the concentrations used. It was not possible to observe the interference of cooling and cryoprotectants on embryonic structures in this study.