The influence of virginiamycin on digestion and ruminal parameters under feedlot conditions.

This experiment aimed to assess the impact of virginiamycin on in vitro gas production dynamics, rumen kinetics, and nutrient digestibility in beef steers fed a grain-based diet. Nine ruminally cannulated British-crossbred steers (596 ±â€…49 kg) were assigned to this experiment. Animals were housed in three pens (n = 3/pen) equipped with a Calan gate feed system and water troughs. Pens were enrolled in a 3 × 3 Latin square design containing three periods of 16 d, and a 5-d washout interval between periods. Dietary treatments consisted of virginiamycin (VM) administration at 0 (VM0), 180 (VM180), or 240 mg/d (VM240). During days 15 and 16 of each period, about 600 mL of rumen fluid and urine samples were collected before (0 h), and at 4, 8, 12, and 16 h after the morning feed (0730 hours), rumen inoculum was used to take pH and redox potential measurements immediately after collection using a portable pH and redox meter, and subsamples were taken for volatile fatty acids (VFA) and NH3-N analyses, and urine samples were composited daily and analyzed for creatinine and purine derivatives (PD) content to estimate microbial crude protein flow. During the 4-h post-morning feed rumen collection, rumen inoculum was utilized to perform in vitro gas production measurements. Fecal samples were collected on day 16 of each period to estimate nutrient digestibility using acid detergent insoluble ash as an internal marker. Animals were considered the experimental unit for the statistical analyses, and periods and squares were included as random variables. The total and rate of gas production were similar among treatments (P ≥ 0.17). The second-pool (i.e., fiber) gas production increased linearly as VM inclusion increased (P = 0.01), with VM240 being greater compared to VM180 and VM0 (7.84, 6.94, and 6.89 mL, respectively). Ruminal pH linearly increased as VM increased, with VM240 being greater than VM0 and VM180 intermediate (5.90, 5.82, and 5.86, respectively; P = 0.03). The VFA concentrations did not differ (P ≥ 0.13), but the acetate-to-propionate ratio was the highest in VM240 (P = 0.005). Branched-chain VFA increased (P ≤ 0.03) while lactate concentrations decreased (P = 0.005) linearly with VM. The ruminal NH3-N concentration was the lowest in the VM0 (P = 0.006). The estimated absorbed PD, purine derivative to creatinine index, and microbial N flow increased linearly with VM (P ≤ 0.07). The provision of VM influenced rumen dynamics in a dose-dependent manner.

The Brazilian version of the High-Activity Arthroplasty Score: cross-cultural adaptation

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The High Activity Arthroplasty Score (HAAS) is a self-administered questionnaire, developed in British English, that reliably and validly measures the levels of sports activities in patients following hip and knee arthroplasty surgery. OBJECTIVE: To cross-culturally adapt the HAAS to Brazilian Portuguese language. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a public university hospital in Brazil. METHODS: The Brazilian version of the HAAS was created through a six-step process: translation, synthesis, committee review, pretesting, back-translation, and submission to developers. The translation step was conducted by two independent bilingual translators, both native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. The back-translation was performed by an independent translator, a native speaker of British English. To ensure the questionnaire's comprehensibility, 46 volunteers (51% men; average age 34-63) participated in the pre-testing step. RESULTS: The cross-cultural adaptation process necessitated modifications to certain terms and expressions to achieve cultural equivalence with the original HAAS. CONCLUSION: The HAAS has been translated from English into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally adapted for Brazil. The validation process for HAAS-Brazil is currently underway.

The Brazilian version of the High-Activity Arthroplasty Score: cross-cultural adaptation.

BACKGROUND: The High Activity Arthroplasty Score (HAAS) is a self-administered questionnaire, developed in British English, that reliably and validly measures the levels of sports activities in patients following hip and knee arthroplasty surgery. OBJECTIVE: To cross-culturally adapt the HAAS to Brazilian Portuguese language. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a public university hospital in Brazil. METHODS: The Brazilian version of the HAAS was created through a six-step process: translation, synthesis, committee review, pretesting, back-translation, and submission to developers. The translation step was conducted by two independent bilingual translators, both native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese. The back-translation was performed by an independent translator, a native speaker of British English. To ensure the questionnaire's comprehensibility, 46 volunteers (51% men; average age 34-63) participated in the pre-testing step. RESULTS: The cross-cultural adaptation process necessitated modifications to certain terms and expressions to achieve cultural equivalence with the original HAAS. CONCLUSION: The HAAS has been translated from English into Brazilian Portuguese and culturally adapted for Brazil. The validation process for HAAS-Brazil is currently underway.

Productive and physiological responses of feedlot cattle receiving different sources of Ca salts of fatty acids in the finishing diet.

This study evaluated productive and physiological responses in feedlot cattle receiving a finishing diet that included Ca salts of palm oil (CSPALM), or a blend of Ca salts of palm, cottonseed, and soybean oils (CSMIX). Ninety yearling steers were housed in 15 pens equipped with Calan-gate feeders (6 steers/pen). Steers within each pen were stratified by shrunk body weight (BW; 410 ±â€…3.3 kg across pens) on d 0 and assigned to receive a total-mixed ration (TMR) containing (dry matter basis) 2.2% of CSPALM (n = 30), 2.2% of CSMIX (n = 30), or no supplemental fat (CON; n = 30). Individual TMR intake was evaluated weekly. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 28, 56, 91, 119, and 147. Samples of the Longissimus muscle (LM) were collected on d 84 via biopsy. Upon slaughter on d 148, hot carcass weight (HCW) was recorded to estimate final BW (63% dressing), and one LM steak sample (2.54 cm thickness) was removed from the right side of each carcass. Steer ADG was greater (P = 0.02) for CSMIX compared with CSPALM and tended to be greater (P = 0.09) for CSMIX compared with CON. The gain:feed ratio was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for CSMIX compared with CSPALM and CON, and carcass LM area was less (P = 0.01) for CSPALM compared with CSMIX and CON. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.21) for TMR intake, final BW, and other carcass merit traits including marbling. Mean plasma cholesterol concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in CSMIX and CSPALM compared with CON, and mRNA expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein in the LM on d 84 was greater (P ≤ 0.04) in CSPALM compared with CSMIX and CON. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.15) for plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor I, and leptin, nor for other LM genes associated with marbling and muscle growth. Concentrations of total fatty acids (FA) in plasma and LM steak samples were greater (P < 0.01) in CSMIX compared with CSPALM and CON, and greater (P < 0.01) in the LM samples of CSPALM compared with CON. Steers receiving CSMIX had greater (P < 0.01) concentrations of polyunsaturated and ω-6 FA in plasma and LM steak samples compared with CSPALM and CON. Supplementing CSMIX improved gain efficiency and FA profile in the LM of feedlot steers compared with the CON diet, but the same responses were not observed when CSPALM was offered. Perhaps the advantages from CSMIX supplementation resulted from increasing the supply of polyunsaturated and ω-6 FA to the finishing diet.

Supplemental fat has been provided to feedlot cattle to increase energy density of their diets, and may yield nutraceutical advantages if includes polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA). Alternatively, carcass quality can be improved when the fat supplement is based on saturated and monounsaturated FA. Hence, this experiment evaluated a blend of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FA to improve both performance and carcass merit in feedlot cattle. Steers received a finishing diet that included this blend (CSMIX), a source of saturated and monounsaturated FA (CSPALM), or no supplemental fat (CON). Growth rate and gain efficiency were improved in steers that received CSMIX compared with CSPALM and CON, and these traits did not differ between the latter treatments. Inclusion of CSMIX increased FA concentrations in the circulation of steers throughout the 147-day study and in Longissimus muscle (LM) samples collected after slaughter. This increase in FA concentrations was associated with greater accumulation of polyunsaturated and ω-6 FA, suggesting that CSMIX resulted in LM with FA profile deemed more beneficial for human consumption. Collectively, supplementing CSMIX to feedlot steers improved gain efficiency and FA composition in the LM, and these advantages may be associated with increased supply of polyunsaturated ω-6 FA to the finishing diet.

Association of handgrip strength with anthropometry of a Brazilian healthy adolescent sample.

The importance of dynamometric and anthropometric information for industry is known; however, few studies have investigated the relationship between anthropometry and handgrip strength (HGS) in adolescents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of anthropometric variables with the level of HGS production in adolescents. Participants were 541 adolescents aged 12-16 years from a public school in the city of Rio de Janeiro. The behavior of the following variables was examined: the ability to generate HGS, age, total body mass, height and hand dimensions (hand width, hand span, hand length). The results showed an increase in the ability to generate HGS in adolescence and a significant difference between the genders from 13 years old, where boys generated higher HGS values. Correlations between HGS and total body mass and the hand width stood out in both genders, indicating a greater association.

Effect of live yeast supplementation on energy partitioning and ruminal fermentation characteristics of steers fed a grower-type diet in heat-stress conditions.

The objective of this trial was to determine the influence of live yeast supplementation (LY), environmental condition (ENV), and their interaction (TRT) on energy partitioning, nitrogen metabolism, and ruminal fermentation dynamics of steers receiving a grower-type diet. The effects of LY and ENV were investigated using a 2 × 2 crossover design that spanned five periods. Eight Angus-crossbred steers were randomly split into pairs and housed in four outdoor pens outfitted with an individualized feeding system. Animals were limit-fed a grower diet (DIET) at 1.2% shrunk body weight (SBW) with no live yeast supplementation (NOY) or a grower diet top-dressed with 10 g LY/d for 14 d (1.2 × 1012 CFU/d). On days 13 and 14, animals were subjected to one of two ENV conditions, thermoneutral (TN; 18.4 ± 1.1 °C, 57.6 ± 2.8% relative humidity [RH]) or heat stress (HS; 33.8 ± 0.6 °C, 55.7 ± 2.7% RH), in two side-by-side, single-stall open-circuit, indirect respiration calorimetry chambers. Data were analyzed using a random coefficients model. Carryover effects were examined and removed from the model if not significant. Gross (GE), digestible, metabolizable, heat, and retained energies were not influenced by DIET, ENV, or TRT (P ≥ 0.202). Gaseous energy, as a percentage of GE, tended to increase during HS (P = 0.097). The only carryover effect in the study was for oxygen consumption (P = 0.031), which could be attributed to the tendency of NOY (P = 0.068) to have greater oxygen consumption. DIET, ENV, or TRT (P ≥ 0.154) had no effects on total animal methane or carbon dioxide emissions. Similarly, DIET, ENV, or TRT (P ≥ 0.157) did not affect ruminal pH, redox, protozoa enumeration, ruminal ammonia concentrations, and acetate-to-propionate ratio. Propionate concentrations were the greatest in animals in TN conditions receiving LY (P = 0.034) compared to the other TRT. This effect is mirrored by TN-LY tending to have greater acetate concentrations (P = 0.076) and total VFA concentrations (P = 0.065). Butyrate concentrations tended to be greater for animals fed LY (P = 0.09). There was a tendency for LY to have elevated numbers of Fusobacterium necrophorum (P = 0.053). Although this study lacked effects of LY on energy partitioning, nitrogen metabolism, and some ruminal parameters during HS, further research should be completed to understand if LY is a plausible mitigation technique to enhance beef animals' performance in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.

About 70% of global beef production is located in tropical and sub-tropical regions. With elevated temperatures and significant humidity, these regions impose heat stress on beef animals. Heat stress is the main antagonist to ruminant production as it decreases dry matter intake and digestion and increases energy expenditure due to the animal's need for thermoregulation. Supplementation of live yeast products has proven efficacious at improving ruminal fermentation dynamics. This study sets out to determine if live yeast supplementation to animals in heat stress conditions can positively affect energy partitioning, nitrogen metabolism, and ruminal parameters. Additionally, this study models the ruminal performance after exposure to heat stress or live yeast supplementation. This study identified several interesting in vitro dynamics of previously stressed- or supplemented rumen fluid. Although there were a lack of effects for live yeast supplementation on energy partitioning, nitrogen metabolism, and some ruminal parameters during heat stress, further research should be completed in order to understand if live yeast supplementation is a plausible mitigation technique to enhance the performance of beef animals reared in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.

Liver Abnormalities in Cattle: Effect of Liver Abscessation on Growth and Productivity of Cattle.

Liver abscess has been identified in multiple classes of cattle, but cattle consuming higher energy diets may have greater prevalence of abscessation. The presence and severity of liver abscess has been associated with reduced dry matter intake, daily gain, and gain efficiency of individually fed animals, and as the prevalence of abscesses within pens of animals increases, growth performance worsens. Because of the importance of the liver to metabolism, damage due to abscess could negatively affect energy utilization. A preliminary analysis indicates severe liver abscess incidence increases the requirement of metabolizable energy for maintenance.

Color alteration with ceramic veneers according to the tooth type and preparation step: A clinical analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Achieving accurate tooth color is important in esthetic dental treatments; however, clinical studies evaluating how ceramic veneer procedures affect color alterations are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to assess the color alteration during treatment with ceramic veneers and to correlate these changes with the tooth treated and veneer thickness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten patients who underwent esthetic treatment were enrolled as participants. Color analysis with the VITA spectrophotometer was performed at baseline, after tooth preparation, immediately after cementation (Final 1), and after 6 to 12 months of follow-up (Final 2). Data of L∗, a∗, b∗, shade guide unit (SGU), ΔEab, ΔE00, and variation in SGU (ΔSGU) were obtained. Thickness of the veneer was also recorded. Each participant was considered as a statistical block, and the mean results for each tooth (maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines) were presented. Data were evaluated by the mixed model for repeated measures and Tukey-Kramer post hoc test (L∗, a∗, b∗), generalized linear models (thickness, ΔEab, ΔE00, SGU), Friedman test (ΔSGU), and the Pearson test was used to correlate veneer thickness and color change (ΔEab, ΔE00, ΔSGU) (α=.05). RESULTS: Among the teeth treated, no differences were found in ceramic thicknesses. The mean thickness was 1.03 mm for central incisors, 0.96 for lateral incisors, and 0.89 for canines. The b∗ values increased significantly after preparation and decreased after cementation (P<.001). For ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔSGU, there was no statistically significant difference between the types of tooth at each respective time of analysis (P>.05). Regardless of the tooth, a decrease in the SGU score was detected after cementation (P=.015). After tooth preparation, there was significant correlation (P<.05) between ceramic thickness and ΔSGU (r=0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with ceramic veneers resulted in color change, mainly with respect to the b∗ axis (yellow), producing objective differences in the ΔE analysis. Although ceramic thickness correlated with the VITA scale change (ΔSGU) after tooth wear or preparation, ceramic thickness did not differ among tooth types and did not correlate with changes in color parameters after cementation. (P>.05).

The Brazilian version of the Hip Sports Activity Scale: translation and cross-cultural adaptation.

BACKGROUND: The Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) is a reliable and valid tool for determining the levels of sports activities among patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the HSAS to the Brazilian Portuguese language. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the State University of Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: The Brazilian version of the HSAS was developed following a process that comprised six steps: translation, synthesis, back-translation, review by committee, pretesting and submission of documentation to the developers. The translation phase involved three independent bilingual translators whose mother language was Brazilian Portuguese. The back-translation phase involved three independent translators whose mother language was English. In order to verify comprehension of the questionnaire, 30 undergraduate students in physical education (65% men), with mean age 23.2 years (standard deviation = 6.8), participated in the pre-testing phase. RESULTS: During the translation step, some terms and expressions were changed to obtain cultural equivalence to the original HSAS. In the pre-testing phase, each item of the scale showed a comprehension level of 100%. CONCLUSION: The HSAS was translated from English to the Brazilian Portuguese language and adapted to Brazilian culture. The HSAS validation is ongoing.

The Brazilian version of the Hip Sports Activity Scale: translation and cross-cultural adaptation

Abstract BACKGROUND: The Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) is a reliable and valid tool for determining the levels of sports activities among patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the HSAS to the Brazilian Portuguese language. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the State University of Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: The Brazilian version of the HSAS was developed following a process that comprised six steps: translation, synthesis, back-translation, review by committee, pretesting and submission of documentation to the developers. The translation phase involved three independent bilingual translators whose mother language was Brazilian Portuguese. The back-translation phase involved three independent translators whose mother language was English. In order to verify comprehension of the questionnaire, 30 undergraduate students in physical education (65% men), with mean age 23.2 years (standard deviation = 6.8), participated in the pre-testing phase. RESULTS: During the translation step, some terms and expressions were changed to obtain cultural equivalence to the original HSAS. In the pre-testing phase, each item of the scale showed a comprehension level of 100%. CONCLUSION: The HSAS was translated from English to the Brazilian Portuguese language and adapted to Brazilian culture. The HSAS validation is ongoing.

Technical Note: The comparison of pH and redox potential in different locations in the reticulo-rumen of growing beef steers supplemented with different levels of quebracho extract.

Rumen acidosis is a common metabolic disorder occurring when organic acid production exceeds clearance capacity, reducing ruminal pH. The occurrence of acidosis has been directly correlated to the ratio of concentrate to forage in the diet. However, rates of substrate fermentation and acid absorption vary at different locations in the reticulo-rumen. The objective of this study was to determine the pH and redox potential (Eh) in different locations of the reticulo-rumen using 16 ruminally cannulated steers (309 ± 43 kg) receiving different supplementation levels of quebracho extract (QT; Schinopsis balansae) within a grower type diet (CP: 13.4%; total digestible nutrients [TDN]: 70.4%; and ME: 2.55 Mcal/kg, dry matter [DM] basis). Animals were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: QT at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of DM (QT0, QT1, QT2, and QT3, respectively), containing about 0%, 0.7%, 1.4%, and 2.1% of condensed tannins (CT), DM basis, respectively. Animals were adapted to the basal diet for 12 d before being introduced to predetermined treatments for 4 weeks (wk), with diets provided twice daily to allow ad libitum intake. Weekly measurements of ruminal fluid pH and Eh were taken 4 h post-feeding using a portable pH meter with two probes (pH and redox) in four locations of the reticulo-rumen (reticulum, cranial sac, dorsal sac, and ventral sac). Data were analyzed using a random coefficients model with the pen as a random effect and wk as repeated measures, with DM intake included as a covariate. There was no interaction among treatments, location, and wk (P ≥ 0.882) on reticulo-ruminal pH. Overall, ruminal pH was lower for QT0 and QT1 compared to QT3 (P < 0.001). The pH in the reticulum was greater than those of the ventral and dorsal sacs (6.05 vs. 5.94, 5.89, respectively; P ≤ 0.001) but similar to cranial sac (6.00). Reticular pH was positively correlated with the ruminal locations (≥0.78; P < 0.001). The linear equation to estimate ruminal mean pH using reticulum pH had an intercept and slope different from zero (P ≤ 0.04), but CT (% DM) was not different from zero (P = 0.15), root mean square error of 0.15, and R2 of 0.778: 0.723 (±0.36) + 0.857 (±0.059) × reticulum pH + 0.033 (±0.023) × CT. The Eh was lower for QT0 in week 1 than all other treatments (P < 0.001). We concluded that reticulo-ruminal pH differs among locations in the rumen regardless of QT supplementation level and days on feed, with reticular pH being the highest.

Análise cinemática da marcha com medidas normalizadas e não-normalizadas em indivíduos hígidos: um estudo experimental / Kinematic gait analysis with normalized and non-normalized measurements in healthy individuals: an experimental study

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as possíveis relações entre a variável antropométrica comprimento dos membros inferiores e de passada na marcha, com valores naturais e normalizados, em velocidade auto-selecionada e acrescida de 50%, em indivíduos adultos jovens. Foram avaliados 32 sujeitos hígidos adultos entre 18-25 anos. Os deslocamentos corporais nas duas velocidades foram registrados através da técnica de cineantropometria, utilizando o software Skillspector® para quantificar o comprimento da passada entre as médias dos dados normalizadas e não-normalizadas, do segmento direito e do segmento esquerdo. A comparação entre os valores médios das passadas normalizadas e não-normalizadas, nas diferentes velocidades, foi realizada por meio do teste t student (p < 0,05), assim como o grau de associação entre o comprimento da passada e o comprimento do membro inferior, realizada pelo teste de correlação de Pearson (p < 0,05). Sendo assim, nosso estudo constatou uma correlação positiva entre as variáveis estudadas, nas duas velocidades e, uma diferença entre a passada com dados normalizados e não normalizados, em ambas as velocidades. (AU)

The aim of this study was to analyze the possible relationships between the anthropometric variable length of the lower limbs and gait stride, with natural and normalized values, at self-selected speed and increased by 50%, in young adult individuals. 32 healthy adult subjects aged 18-25 years were evaluated. Body movements at both speeds were recorded using the kinanthropometry technique, using the Skillspector® software to quantify the stride length between the normalized and nonnormalized data averages for the right and left segments. The comparison between the mean values of normalized and non-normalized strides, at different speeds, was performed using the Student t test (p < 0.05), as well as the degree of association between stride length and lower limb length, performed by the Pearson correlation test (p < 0.05). Thus, our study found a positive correlation between the variables studied, at both speeds, and a difference between the stride with normalized and non-normalized data, at both speeds. (AU)

Exequibilidade da Técnica de Moiré de sombra na identificação de desvios posturais em escolares / Feasibility of shadow Moiré Technique to identify postural disorders in schoolchildren

O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar a exequibilidade do uso da Técnica de Moiré de Sombra (TMS) em triagens periódicas no ambiente escolar e estabelecer o estado da prevalência de desvios posturais em uma escola pública do município do Rio de Janeiro. A amostra se compôs por 304 alunos. O exame da TMS baseou-se na diferença do número de franjas nas regiões dorsal e cintura escapular. A exequibilidade foi identificada considerando-se parâmetros preestabelecidos. Identificaram-se 225 sujeitos com diferença de franjas na região dorsal, e 224 com diferença de franjas na cintura escapular. Quanto à exequibilidade, a amostra foi examinada em sete dias e não houve dificuldades na execução da técnica, no processamento das imagens e nos materiais requeridos. Considerou-se a TMS exequível para triagens populacionais, permitindo exames periódicos em larga escala. A TMS pode ser uma estratégia na implementação de programas de saúde pública na escola, objetivando a melhora da qualidade de vida.

This study aimed to examine the feasibility of the Shadow Moiré Technique (SMT) in carrying out periodic school screenings and to identify the prevalence of postural disorders in students from a public school in Rio de Janeiro. The sample was comprised of 304 students. The SMT exam was based on the difference in the number of fringes in the dorsal and scapulothoracic regions. The feasibility of the SMT was identified based on predetermined parameters. Two hundred and twenty-five subjects were identified with fringe difference in the dorsal region and 224 were identified with fringe difference in the scapulothoracic region. Regarding feasibility, the sample was examined over the period of 7 days. There were no difficulties in obtaining the materials, in the use of the technique or in the processing of the images. SMT was considered feasible to screen the population and it allows for large-scale periodic examination. The SMT can be a strategy for implementing public health programs at school aiming at improving the quality of life.

The influence of extended supplementation of quebracho extract to beef steers consuming a hay diet on digestion, ruminal, and blood parameters.

The addition of natural plant secondary compounds to ruminant feed has been extensively studied because of their ability to modify digestive and metabolic functions, resulting in a potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, among other benefits. Condensed tannin (CT) supplementation may alter ruminal fermentation and mitigate methane (CH4) emissions. This study's objective was to determine the effect of quebracho CT extract [QT; Schinopsis quebracho-colorado (Schltdl.) F.A. Barkley & T. Meyer] within a roughage-based diet on ruminal digestibility and kinetic parameters by using the in situ and in vitro gas production techniques, in addition to blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and ruminal (volatile fatty acid [VFA], NH3-N, and protozoa count) parameters. Twenty rumen-cannulated steers were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: QT at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of dry matter (DM; QT0: 0% CT, QT1: 0.70% CT, QT2: 1.41% CT, and QT3: 2.13% CT). The in situ DM digestibility increased linearly (P = 0.048) as QT inclusion increased, whereas in situ neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) was not altered among treatments (P = 0.980). Neither total VFA concentration nor acetate-to-propionate ratio differed among dietary treatments (P = 0.470 and P = 0.873, respectively). However, QT3 had lower isovalerate and isobutyrate concentrations compared with QT0 (P ≤ 0.025). Ruminal NH3 and BUN tended to decline (P ≤ 0.075) in a linear fashion as QT inclusion increased, suggesting decreased deamination of feed protein. Ruminal protozoa count was reduced in quadratic fashion (P = 0.005) as QT inclusion increased, where QT1 and QT2 were lower compared with QT0 and QT3. Urinary N excretion tended to reduce in a linear fashion (P = 0.080) as QT increased. There was a treatment (TRT) × Day interaction for in vitro total gas production and fractional rate of gas production (P = 0.013 and P = 0.007, respectively), and in vitro NDFD tended to be greater for QT treatments compared with no QT inclusion (P = 0.077). There was a TRT × Day interaction (P = 0.001) on CH4 production, with QT3 having less CH4 production relative to QT0 on day 0 and QT2 on days 7 and 28. Feeding QT up to 3% of the dietary DM in a roughage-based diet did not sacrifice the overall DM digestibility and ruminal parameters over time. Still, it is unclear why QT2 did not follow the same pattern as in vitro gas parameters. Detailed evaluations of amino acid degradation might be required to fully define CT influences on ruminal fermentation parameters and CH4 production.

Correlation between muscle strength and the degrees of functionality and kinesiophobia reported by patients with chronic hip pain / Correlação entre força muscular e graus de funcionalidade e cinesiofobia relatada por pacientes com dor crônica no quadril

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the association between hip muscle strength and the scores from subjective functional and psychological evaluation questionnaires in patients with chronic hip pain. METHODS: Fifty-fivepatients with painful hip injuries (30 males) performed isometric peak strength tests of the abductors, extensors, and internal and external rotators of the hips with a hand-held dynamometer. The degree of functionality was measured by the Hip Outcome Score (HOS) and Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), pain was estimated by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and kinesiophobia was calculated using the Tampa questionnaire. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used (alfa=5%) to test the associations between the muscle strength and the scores from the questionnaires. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between the strength of all four hip muscles and the HOS (r>0.29). Only the hip external rotators showed a significant correlation with pain (r=-0.30). No significant correlations were found for LEFS (r<0.24) and Tampa questionnaires (r¬0.15). CONCLUSION: The reduction in peak strength of the hip extensors, abductors and external rotators was associated with a reduction in the level of hip functionality but did not correlate with neither the level of overall functionality of the lower limbs nor the degree of kinesiophobia. Also, a reduction of hip external rotators strength was related to an increase in the intensity of pain.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a associação entre a força muscular do quadril e os escores de questionários subjetivos de avaliação funcional e psicológica em pacientes com dor crônica no quadril. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta e cinco pacientes com lesões dolorosas no quadril (30 homens) realizaram testes isométricos do pico de força de abdutores, extensores e rotadores internos e externos do quadril com um dinamômetro portátil. O grau de funcionalidade foi medido pelo Hip Outcome Score (HOS) e Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), a dor foi avaliada pela escala analógica visual (EAV) e a cinesiofobia foi calculada pelo questionário de Tampa. O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foi utilizado (alfa=5%) para testar as associações entre a força muscular e os escores dos questionários. RESULTADOS: Houve correlações significativas entre a força de todos os quatro músculos do quadril e o HOS (r>0,29). Apenas os rotadores externos do quadril apresentaram correlação significativa com a intensidade da dor (r=-0,30). Nenhuma correlação significativa foi encontrada para LEFS (r<0,24) e questionário de Tampa (r¬0,15). CONCLUSÃO: A redução no pico de força dos extensores, abdutores e rotadores externos do quadril foi associada à redução no nível de funcionalidade do quadril, mas não se correlacionou com o nível de funcionalidade geral dos membros inferiores ou com o grau de cinesiofobia. Além disso, uma redução da força dos rotadores externos do quadril foi relacionada a aumento na intensidade da dor.

Validação de um instrumento de avaliação de habilidades de manejo de cadeira de rodas / Validation of a skill assessment instrument wheelchair management

Habilidades de manejo em cadeira de rodas são fundamentais para independência funcional de pessoas usuárias de cadeira de rodas. Ensiná-las, requer dos profissionais instrumentos que possam aferir a condição inicial do aprendiz permitindo verificar sua evolução durante o processo de intervenção. Objetivo: Validar um protocolo de avaliação de HMCR, com critérios dentro de conceitos e conhecimentos científicos existentes da psicometria. Método: Para construção e validação do instrumento, utilizamos o método Delphi de Survey e validade de conteúdo. Os participantes da pesquisa foram seis especialistas na área de atividades em cadeira de rodas com titulação de mestres ou doutores, usamos para medir a consistência interna do instrumento o alfa de Cronbach (α), índice de validade de conteúdo (IVC), Coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI) e teste T de uma amostra com nível de 5% de significância. Resultados: Nos 17 itens obtivemos os critérios de clareza (CVI= 0,865±0,059; α= 0,834; CCI= 0,828; P<0,05), pertinência (CVI= 0,902±0,071; α= 0,774; CCI= 0,779; P<0,05), simplicidade (CVI= 0,918±0,054; α= 0,705; CCI= 0,694; P<0,05), objetividade (CVI= 0,888±0,067; α= 0,856; CCI= 0,850; P<0,05) e precisão (CVI= 0,922±0,060; α= 0,742; CCI= 0,721; P<0,05). Conclusão: Os itens na construção do instrumento de avaliação demonstram por meio da psicometria ser válido e garante medir aquilo que se propõe medir. A consistência interna dos itens garante que o desenvolvimento de uma escala se faz necessária para avaliação de pessoas com LM que utilizam CR, o que propõe novos estudos de aplicação do teste para concluirmos o processo de validação

Wheelchair management skills are essential for the functional independence of people using wheelchairs. Teaching them requires professionals to assess the initial condition of the apprentice, allowing them to verify their evolution during the intervention process. Objective: Validate an HMCR evaluation protocol, with criteria within existing concepts and scientific knowledge of psychometry. Method: For construction and validation of the instrument, we used the Delphi Survey method and content validity. The research participants were six specialists in the area of wheelchair activities with a master's or doctor's degree. We used Cronbach's alpha (α), content validity index (CVI), correlation coefficient to measure the internal consistency of the instrument intraclass (ICC) and T test of a sample with a 5% significance level. Results: 17 items we obtained for the criteria of clarity (CVI= 0.865 ± 0.059; α= 0.834; ICC= 0.828; P <0.05), relevance (CVI= 0.902 ± 0.071; α= 0.774; CCI= 0.779; P <0 , 05), simplicity (CVI= 0.918 ± 0.054; α= 0.705; CCI= 0.694; P <0.05), objectivity (CVI= 0.888 ± 0.067; α= 0.856; CCI= 0.850; P <0.05) and accuracy (CVI= 0.922 ± 0.060; α= 0.742; CCI= 0.721; P <0.05). Conclusion: Items in the construction of the assessment instrument demonstrate, by means of psychometry, to be valid and guarantee to measure what it is proposed to measure. Internal consistency of the items ensures that the development of a scale is necessary for the evaluation of people with SCI who use CR, which proposes new studies of application of the test to conclude the validation process

Comparison of in situ techniques to evaluate the recovery of indigestible components and the accuracy of digestibility estimates.

Indigestible components, including indigestible dry matter (iDM) and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF), play an integral role as internal markers for determining ruminal kinetics and digestibility estimations. However, the accuracy of internal markers is dependent upon the incubation technique utilized as bag type (BT) and incubation length (IL) can be significant sources of error. Previous studies have primarily focused on iDM and iNDF as digestibility markers, but few studies have compared digestibility estimates to those of acid detergent insoluble ash (ADIA). Therefore, our objective was to investigate the effect of BT (F57, F58, and Dacron) and IL (288 and 576 h) on iDM and iNDF residues, DM and NDF digestibilities, and fecal recoveries when using in situ incubations. Additionally, we evaluated the accuracy of digestibility estimates when using iDM, iNDF, and ADIA. For iDM and iNDF, feed residues demonstrated a BT × IL interaction (P < 0.01). However, fecal residues were only influenced by the main effects of BT and IL (P < 0.01), with the F58 BT and 288-h IL having the greatest residues for both iDM and iNDF. The variation in residues was greatly reduced when using iNDF compared with iDM. Fecal recovery estimates most closely approximated 100% recovery when utilizing ADIA and iDM using the F57 × 576 h incubation method (P < 0.01), although recovery was overestimated for all incubation combinations. Fecal NDF recovery estimates better represented the excretion profiles when the F57 × 576 h combination was used with iDM as the internal marker (P < 0.01). Estimates of DM and NDF digestibility were the most accurate when utilizing ADIA (P < 0.01) relative to all other treatments. Our results indicate that the proper methodological application is specific to the purpose of the inferences. When evaluating fecal recoveries and digestibility, ADIA or iDM with F57 at 576-h in situ incubation provides the greatest accuracy.

Do hip strength, flexibility and running biomechanics predict dynamic valgus in female recreational runners?

BACKGOUND: Dynamic valgus has been the focus of many studies to identify its association to an increased risk of running-related injuries. However, it is not known which physical and biomechanical variables are associated with this movement dysfunction. RESEARCH QUESTION: This study aimed to test the correlation between strength, flexibility and biomechanical variables and dynamic valgus in female runners. METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy females ran on a treadmill at 2.92 m/s and performed strength, range of motion and endurance tests. Pelvic, hip and ankle kinematics were measured with a 3D motion analysis system. Six multiple linear regression models were used to identify the ability of physical and biomechanical variables to predict excursion and peak of contralateral pelvic drop, hip adduction and internal rotation. RESULTS: Contralateral pelvic drop and hip adduction were positively correlated to ankle eversion and step cadence. Hip internal rotation had a negative correlation with ankle eversion. Despite significance, predictor variables explained less than 30% of dynamic valgus variance during running. No interest variable had significant correlation with the hip strength and hip and ankle passive range of motion. SIGNIFICANCE: The results showed that distal joint kinematics and spatiotemporal variables should be considered during biomechanical running analysis to identify their possible relationship with joint overload caused by dynamic valgus. Caution should be taken when linking hip disorders during running to posterolateral hip strength and stiffness, core endurance, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion since no correlation occurred amongstthese variables in this sample of female runners.

Breastfeeding: what do women who participate in a prenatal group think?

OBJECTIVES: to understand breastfeeding meanings and practices produced by women attending prenatal care at a Basic Health Unit in the Brazilian Northeast. METHODS: a social research characterized as participant research. A Focal Group was conducted with nine pregnant women who had other children. For the analysis, Discursive Practices and Production of Meanings in Everyday Life perspectives were worked out. RESULTS: prenatal care, mother-baby relationship, family, and pain/suffering categories were produced. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: breastfeeding benefits for the child, wife, family and society are numerous, but it is necessary for the woman to have access to a prenatal care and a qualified puerperium so that she feels supported by a perspective of comprehensive care.