Reconstrução óssea de defeito crítico com a utilização de tela de titânio: relato de caso / Bone reconstruction of a critical defect using titanium mesh: case report / Reconstrucción ósea de un defecto crítico con malla de titanio: reporte de caso

Introdução: O uso de membranas de barreira de exclusão de epitélio para regeneração óssea guiada tem sido apresentado na literatura como abordagem de tratamento bem sucedida, essas barreiras irão impedir a incorporação de células de tecidos moles no enxerto ósseo ou no es paço criado pelo defeito e permitir que apenas as células osteogênicas estejam presentes. Relato de caso: Trata-se de um caso clinico de um paciente que evoluiu com perda óssea significativa por lesão Endo-periodontal levando a perda dentaria, para a reabilitação com implantes se fez necessário uma reconstrução de um defeito crítico com a utilização de tela de titânio para arcabouço ósseo de mistura de enxerto autógeno e biomaterial e recobrimento com membrana de colágeno, o enxerto autógeno foi removido de área doadora na mandíbula e utilizado de forma particulada. Conclusão: As telas de titânio apresentam viabilidade e previsibilidade no aumento ósseo vertical, horizontal e tridimensional em decorrência da sua ampla aplicabilidade, elasticidade, plasticidade adequadas e boas propriedades mecânicas. Avanços na diminuição de suas taxas de exposição e risco de complicações no período de cicatrização melhoram a cada dia a previsibilidade da técnica, bem como a associação com outros materiais como os hemoderivados... (AU)

Introduction: The use of epithelial exclusion barrier membranes for guided bone regeneration has been presented in the literature as a successful treatment approach, these barriers will prevent the incorporation of soft tissue cells into the bone graft or the space created by the defect and allow that only osteogenic cells are present. Case report: This is a clinical case of a patient who evolved with significant bone loss due to an endo-periodontal lesion leading to tooth loss, for rehabilitation with implants it was necessary to reconstruct a critical defect using mesh titanium for bone framework of mixture of autogenous graft and biomaterial and covering with collagen membrane, the autogenous graft was removed from the donor area in the mandible and used in a particulate form. Conclusion: Titanium meshes are viable and predictable in vertical, horizontal and three-dimensional bone augmentation due to their wide applicability, adequate elasticity and plasticity, good mechanical properties. Advances in reducing their exposure rates and risk of complications during the healing period improve the predictability of the technique every day, as well as the association with other materials such as blood products... (AU)

Introducción: El uso de membranas de barrera de exclusión epitelial para la regeneración ósea guiada se ha presentado en la literatura como un enfoque de tratamiento exitoso, estas barreras evitarán la incorporación de células de tejido blando al injerto óseo o el espacio creado por el defecto y permitirán que solo presencia de células osteogénicas. Reporte de caso: Este es un caso clínico de un paciente que evolucionó con una pérdida ósea importante debido a una lesión endo-periodontal que lo llevó a la pérdida de un diente, para rehabilitación con implantes fue necesario reconstruir un defecto crítico utilizando malla de titanio para armazón óseo de mezcla de injerto autógeno y biomaterial y cubriendo con membrana de colágeno, el injerto autógeno se extrajo del área donante en la mandíbula y se usó en forma de partículas. Conclusión: Las mallas de titanio son viables y predecibles en el aumento óseo vertical, horizontal y tridimensional debido a su amplia aplicabilidad, adecuada elasticidad y plasticidad, buenas propiedades mecánicas. Los avances en la reducción de sus tasas de exposición y riesgo de complicaciones durante el periodo de cicatrización mejoran día a día la predictibilidad de la técnica, así como la asociación con otros materiales como los hemoderivados... (AU)

Problemas internalizantes e externalizantes de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística / Internalizing and externalizing problems of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis / Problemas de internalización y externalización de niños y adolescentes con fibrosis quística

A fibrose cística é uma doença genética, ainda sem cura, provocada por mutações cromossômicas, que pode afetar vários sistemas, dentre os quais o respiratório e o digestivo são os mais comumente atingidos. O adoecimento crônico traz alterações psicológicas para os pacientes e seus cuidadores. Com o objetivo de avaliar problemas internalizantes e externalizantes, e também competências de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística, foram entrevistados 31 cuidadores familiares, majoritariamente mães de pacientes na faixa etária de 6 a 18 anos, em salas de espera de três centros de referência no tratamento da doença na cidade de São Paulo. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Inventário de Comportamentos da Infância e da Adolescência e diário de campo. Os resultados apontaram a prevalência de problemas internalizantes em adolescentes com fibrose cística. A análise do diário de campo indicou dificuldades na adesão ao tratamento e demandas de atendimento psicológico não assistidas em pacientes e seus cuidadores familiares. A ausência de profissional de Psicologia nas equipes multiprofissionais configurou-se como um prejuízo frente as condições psicológicas dos pacientes de fibrose cística e seus cuidadores familiares.(AU)

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease, still without cure, caused by chromosomal mutations that can affect various systems, the respiratory and digestive systems being the most common. Chronic illness brings psychological changes to patients and their caregivers. Aiming to evaluate internalizing and externalizing problems, and competences of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis, we interviewed 31 family caregivers, mostly mothers, of patients aged 6 to 18 years in waiting rooms of three Reference Centers in the treatment of the disease in the municipality of São Paulo, state of São Paulo. The instruments used were: Child behavior checklist and Field Diary. The results pointed out the prevalence of internalizing problems in patients with cystic fibrosis in adolescence. Field diary analysis indicated difficulties in adherence to treatment and unassisted demands for psychological care in patients and their family caregivers. The absence of a Psychology professional in the multiprofessional teams showed to be prejudicial to the psychological conditions of cystic fibrosis patients and their family caregivers.(AU)

La fibrosis quística es una enfermedad genética, aún sin cura, causada por mutaciones cromosómicas y que puede afectar varios sistemas, entre ellos los sistemas respiratorio y digestivo son los más comunes. La enfermedad crónica trae cambios psicológicos a los pacientes y sus cuidadores. Para evaluar los problemas de internalización y externalización, así como las competencias de niños y adolescentes con fibrosis quística, se entrevistó a 31 cuidadores familiares, en su mayoría madres de pacientes de 6 a 18 años de edad, en salas de espera de tres centros de referencia en el tratamiento de la enfermedad en la ciudad de São Paulo. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: Inventario del Comportamiento de Niños y Adolescentes y diario de campo. Los resultados mostraron la prevalencia de problemas de internalización en pacientes con fibrosis quística en la adolescencia. El análisis del diario de campo indicó dificultades en la adherencia al tratamiento y demandas de asistencia psicológica no asistida en pacientes y sus cuidadores familiares. Se hace necesario un profesional de psicología en los equipos multiprofesionales ante las condiciones psicológicas de los pacientes con fibrosis quística y sus cuidadores familiares.(AU)

Mefloquine synergism with anti-tuberculosis drugs and correlation to membrane effects: Biologic, spectroscopic and molecular dynamics simulations studies.

Studies displaying the combination of mefloquine (MFL) with anti-tuberculosis (TB) substances are limited in the literature. In this work, the effect of MFL-association with two first-line anti-TB drugs and six fluoroquinolones was evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistant strains. MFL showed synergistic interaction with isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and several fluoroquinolones, reaching fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICIs) ranging from 0.03 to 0.5. In order to better understand the observed results, two approaches have been explored: (i) spectroscopic responses attributed to the effect of MFL on physicochemical properties related to a liposomal membrane model composed by soybean asolectin; (ii) molecular dynamics (MD) simulation data regarding MFL interaction with a membrane model based on PIM2, a lipid constituent of the mycobacterial cell wall. FTIR and NMR data showed that MFL affects expressively the region between the phosphate and the first methylene groups of soybean asolectin membranes, disordering these regions. MD simulations results detected high MFL density in the glycolipid interface and showed that the drug increases the membrane lateral diffusion, enhancing its permeability. The obtained results suggest that synergistic activities related to MFL are attributed to its effect of lipid disorder and membrane permeability enhancement.

Development and validation of an instrument (CSII - Brazil) to assess users' conceptual and procedural knowledge of continuous subcutaneous infusion systems

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop, adapt and validate an instrument named "CSII - Brazil" to assess users' conceptual and procedural knowledge of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion systems. Materials and methods: Methodological and exploratory study developed in three stages: a) instrument development; b) content validation and cultural adaptation (evaluation by a committee of experts and pre-test with CSII users); c) psychometric validation through instrument application in a sample of 60 patients by means of the web tool e-Surv. Internal consistency and reproducibility analyses were performed within IBM SPSS Statistics 20 programming environment. Results: The 16 multiple-choice question instrument successfully attained a content validity index of 0.97, showing satisfactory internal consistency, with 0.61 Cronbach's alpha [95% CI 0.462-0.746] and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.869 [95% CI: 0.789-0.919] between the test and retest scores. Conclusion: The CSII - Brazil instrument is considered adequate and validated to assess continuous subcutaneous infusion system users' conceptual and procedural knowledge.

Development and validation of an instrument (CSII - Brazil) to assess users' conceptual and procedural knowledge of continuous subcutaneous infusion systems.

OBJECTIVE: To develop, adapt and validate an instrument named "CSII - Brazil" to assess users' conceptual and procedural knowledge of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion systems. METHODS: Methodological and exploratory study developed in three stages: a) instrument development; b) content validation and cultural adaptation (evaluation by a committee of experts and pre-test with CSII users); c) psychometric validation through instrument application in a sample of 60 patients by means of the web tool e-Surv. Internal consistency and reproducibility analyses were performed within IBM SPSS Statistics 20 programming environment. RESULTS: The 16 multiple-choice question instrument successfully attained a content validity index of 0.97, showing satisfactory internal consistency, with 0.61 Cronbach's alpha [95% CI 0.462-0.746] and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.869 [95% CI: 0.789-0.919] between the test and retest scores. CONCLUSION: The CSII - Brazil instrument is considered adequate and validated to assess continuous subcutaneous infusion system users' conceptual and procedural knowledge.

Características clínicas de usuários abusivos de substâncias psicoativas internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva / Clinical characteristics of drug users hospitalized in an intensive care unit / Características clínicas de consumidores de drogas internados en unidad de terapia intensiva

OBJETIVO: descrever as causas de internação e comorbidades de pacientes com diagnóstico de abuso/dependência de substâncias psicoativas internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. MÉTODO: estudo retrospectivo, descritivo-exploratório, transversal e quantitativo. RESULTADOS: pesquisaram-se 865 prontuários entre 2012 e 2015, e a prevalência de uso de substâncias foi de 51,9%. Destes, 22% são usuários de álcool e 48,7%, de tabaco. Entre os usuários com dependência diagnosticada, as principais causas de internação encontradas foram doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (100%) e hemorragia digestiva (84%), e a maioria dos pacientes apresentou mais do que uma comorbidade simultaneamente. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados apontaram inúmeras causas de internação e comorbidades que demonstraram o comprometimento físico e psíquico que pode estar relacionado ao consumo excessivo de substâncias psicoativas.

OBJECTIVE: to describe causes of hospitalization and comorbidities of patients diagnosed with substance abuse / dependence admitted to an Intensive Care Unit. METHOD: retrospective, descriptive-exploratory, cross-sectional and quantitative study. RESULTS: a total of 865 medical records were analyzed between 2012 and 2015. The prevalence of substance use was 51.9%, of these 22% of total alcohol users and 48.7% tobacco. Among the users with diagnosed dependence, the main causes of hospitalization were Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (100%) and digestive hemorrhage (84%) and most patients presented more than one comorbidity simultaneously. CONCLUSION: the results showed numerous causes of hospitalization and comorbidities that demonstrated the physical and mental impairment that may be related to excessive consumption of psychoactive substances.

OBJETIVO: describir las causas de internación y comorbilidades de los pacientes con diagnóstico de abuso / dependencia de sustancias ingresados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. MÉTODO: estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo-exploratorio, transversal y cuantitativo. RESULTADOS: se examinaron 865 registros médicos entre 2012 y 2015, la prevalencia de uso de sustancias fue de 51.9%, de estos 22% consumidores de alcohol y 48.7% de tabaco. Entre los usuarios con dependencia diagnosticada, las principales causas de hospitalización fueron la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (100%) y la hemorragia digestiva (84%) y la mayoría de los pacientes presentaron más de una comorbilidad simultáneamente. CONCLUSIÓN: los resultados mostraron numerosas causas de hospitalización y comorbilidades que demostraron el deterioro físico y mental que puede estar relacionado con el consumo excesivo de sustancias psicoactivas.

Chronic transfusion therapy effectiveness as primary stroke prophylaxis in sickle cell disease patients

Abstract Introduction About 10% of sickle cell anemia patients will have ischemic stroke. Adams showed stroke incidence reduction in children receiving monthly erythrocyte transfusions by reducing transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocities. Since then, chronic transfusion is recommended as primary stroke prophylaxis. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of chronic transfusions as stroke prophylaxis. Method Retrospective study, reviewing medical records from 15 sickle cell anemia patients undergoing chronic transfusion. Data collected were age, sex, adverse reactions, stroke, hemoglobin, reticulocytes, ferritin, HbS and TCD values (baseline, after 12 and 24 months of treatment). Results The mean age was 118.67 ± 41.40 months; six patients experienced allergic reactions. No stroke was recorded. One patient had alloimmunization. There was a decrease in the HbS rate and an increase in hemoglobin values in the first 12 months. Values were maintained after 24 months, but with no improvement of data. Before treatment, the mean HbS rate was 75.18%±11.69; after 12 months, 41.63 ± 14.99 and after 24 months, 43.78 ± 10.6. Thirteen patients initiated chelation after 12 months from the beginning of chronic transfusions and ferritin decline after 24 months. Pre-transfusional TCD velocities were 204.28 ± 9.41 cm/s (right) and 198.85 ± 33.37 cm/s (left). After a 12-month treatment, these values were 158.5 ± 28.89 cm/s and 157.62 ± 34.43 cm/s, respectively, and this reduction was statistically significant (p = 0.002 right and p = 0.02 left). After 24 months, these values were 149.63 ± 26.95 cm/s (right) and 143.7 ± 32.27 cm/s (left). Conclusion Significant reduction of TCD velocity occurred after treatment with chronic transfusion in sickle cell anemia patients, leading to a normal or conditional test and reducing stroke risk in all but one patient.

Chronic transfusion therapy effectiveness as primary stroke prophylaxis in sickle cell disease patients.

INTRODUCTION: About 10% of sickle cell anemia patients will have ischemic stroke. Adams showed stroke incidence reduction in children receiving monthly erythrocyte transfusions by reducing transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocities. Since then, chronic transfusion is recommended as primary stroke prophylaxis. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of chronic transfusions as stroke prophylaxis. METHOD: Retrospective study, reviewing medical records from 15 sickle cell anemia patients undergoing chronic transfusion. Data collected were age, sex, adverse reactions, stroke, hemoglobin, reticulocytes, ferritin, HbS and TCD values (baseline, after 12 and 24months of treatment). RESULTS: The mean age was 118.67±41.40 months; six patients experienced allergic reactions. No stroke was recorded. One patient had alloimmunization. There was a decrease in the HbS rate and an increase in hemoglobin values in the first 12months. Values were maintained after 24months, but with no improvement of data. Before treatment, the mean HbS rate was 75.18%±11.69; after 12months, 41.63±14.99 and after 24months, 43.78±10.6. Thirteen patients initiated chelation after 12months from the beginning of chronic transfusions and ferritin decline after 24months. Pre-transfusional TCD velocities were 204.28±9.41cm/s (right) and 198.85±33.37cm/s (left). After a 12-month treatment, these values were 158.5±28.89cm/s and 157.62±34.43cm/s, respectively, and this reduction was statistically significant (p=0.002 right and p=0.02 left). After 24months, these values were 149.63±26.95cm/s (right) and 143.7±32.27cm/s (left). CONCLUSION: Significant reduction of TCD velocity occurred after treatment with chronic transfusion in sickle cell anemia patients, leading to a normal or conditional test and reducing stroke risk in all but one patient.

Dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine/genistein molecular interactions: A physico-chemical approach to anti-glioma drug delivery systems.

Regarding free genistein small delivery to the central nervous system, physico-chemical parameters of dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine liposome-loaded genistein were investigated, as well as its in vitro activity against the DPPH radical and glioma cells. Data obtained by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Dynamic Light Scattering were used to characterize the liposomal system with respect to motion restriction, hydration degree, trans-gauche isomerization and phase state. In vitro antitumoral effects were monitored through conting and viability assays. Genistein hydroxyl group and lipid hydrogen bonds may have important role in dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine phosphate and choline motion restriction. Genistein-induced choline restriction may be also related to a decrease in the group rotation rate. Genistein: dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine system showed higher molecular package at the acyl chains region compaired to empty liposomes, and it may be related to a decrease in gauche bonds quantity and system size. Lipid acyl chain length seems to influence different genistein effects on membranes, due to the presence of gauche conformers. Genistein: dimiristoylphosphatidylcholine liposome was more efficient as DPPH reducting system than the free-Gen. Liposomal system, at genistein 100 µM, was so efficient as the correspondent free-form genistein, probably showing higher stability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Genistein and the lipid did not show an additive activity against glioma cells. Antioxidant and anti-glioma genistein-loaded liposome potential may be related to the isoflavone location and its restriction effect in the lipid molecular motion. Anti-glioma activity may also be related to a decrease of system size and trans-gauche isomerization.

Estratégias sócio-afetivas utilizadas por familiares de mulheres usuárias de crack / Socio-affective strategies used by families of women who are crack users

Objetivo: conhecer as estratégias socioafetivas utilizadas por familiares durante o processo de maternidade de mulheres usuárias de crack. Método: estudo qualitativo realizado a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas com cinco familiares de mães usuárias de crack. Os dados foram produzidos na residência de cada participante e analisados a partir da técnica de Análise de Conteúdo, na modalidade Análise Temática. Resultados: alguns familiares apresentaram sobrecarga em relação aos cuidados da criança e referiram que deixaram as suas atividades de lado para prestar cuidado e apoio às crianças e às usuárias durante esse processo. Conclusão: acredita-se que as necessidades dos familiares devem ser priorizadas pelos serviços de saúde e também por pesquisadores, especialmente, por serem eles a principal rede de apoio das mulheres usuárias de crack durante o processo de maternidade.(AU)

New insights into the genetic composition and phylogenetic relationship of wolves and dogs in the Iberian Peninsula.

This study investigates the gene pool of Portuguese autochthonous dog breeds and their wild counterpart, the Iberian wolf subspecies (Canis lupus signatus), using standard molecular markers. A combination of paternal and maternal molecular markers was used to investigate the genetic composition, genetic differentiation and genetic relationship of native Portuguese dogs and the Iberian wolf. A total of 196 unrelated dogs, including breed and village dogs from Portugal, and other dogs from Spain and North Africa, and 56 Iberian wolves (wild and captive) were analyzed for nuclear markers, namely Y chromosome SNPs, Y chromosome STR loci, autosomal STR loci, and a mitochondrial fragment of the control region I. Our data reveal new variants for the molecular markers and confirm significant genetic differentiation between Iberian wolf and native domestic dogs from Portugal. Based on our sampling, no signs of recent introgression between the two subspecies were detected. Y chromosome data do not reveal genetic differentiation among the analyzed dog breeds, suggesting they share the same patrilineal origin. Moreover, the genetic distinctiveness of the Iberian wolf from other wolf populations is further confirmed with the description of new mtDNA variants for this endemism. Our research also discloses new molecular markers for wolf and dog subspecies assignment, which might become particularly relevant in the case of forensic or noninvasive genetic studies. The Iberian wolf represents a relic of the once widespread wolf population in Europe and our study reveals that it is a reservoir of unique genetic diversity of the grey wolf, Canis lupus. These results stress the need for conservation plans that will guarantee the sustainability of this threatened top predator in Iberia.

Exploitation promotes earlier sex change in a protandrous patellid limpet, Patella aspera Röding, 1798.

Exploitation of organisms can prompt the reduction in the number and size of target populations consequently affecting reproductive output and replenishment. Here, we investigated the effects of exploitation on the population structure of a protandrous patellid limpet, Patella aspera, an overexploited Macaronesian endemic. Timed dives were used to collect animals across eleven islands of Macaronesia. Individuals were inspected for sex, size, and gonad stage. Using catch effort (time per person) per island coastal perimeter as a surrogate for exploitation intensity, we found that limpet abundance (CPUE) and mean size tended to decrease with exploitation intensity. When considering the sex of animals separately, the size of the largest male, but not females, decreased with exploitation. In contrast, the size of the smallest male remained relatively consistent, whereas the size of the smallest female decreased significantly with exploitation. As exploitation is mostly targeting larger individuals, results suggest that males are compensating the removal of larger females, by undergoing sex change at smaller and presumably earlier sizes. These results have wider implications for the conservation of P. aspera, as a reduction in female size will likely affect the numbers of oocytes produced, hence fecundity. Regulations promoting the protection of the larger-sized animals should be enforced to safeguard the replenishment of the population.

Parametric and non-parametric analysis for determining the adaptability and stability of soybean genotypes in three sowing periods / Análises paramétricas e não paramétricas para determinação da adaptabilidade e estabilidade de genótipos de soja em três épocas de semeadura

The use of different evaluation methods of adaptability and stability in a breeding program is essential to obtain more accurate results of the lines that have been studied. The purpose of this research is to study the adaptability and stability of 25 soybean lines derived from the soybean breeding program, and for that, it was used parametric and non-parametric analysis at the Federal University of Uberlandia. The experiment was set up in randomized complete block design with three replications in three sowing periods (November 2006, November 2007 and November 2008) and conducted in Campo Alegre de Goias, Brazil. Thirty soybean genotypes were evaluated, including 25 late-cycle lines and five cultivars (BRS/MG Garantia, UFUS Impacta, UFUS Xavante UFUS Milionária and M-Soy 8914) as controls). Grain productivity was determined for each block. The average yield was 3104.201 kg ha-1. Adaptability and stability were determined using Eberhart and Russel (1966), Lin and Binns (1988) modified by Carneiro (1998) and Centroide (ROCHA, 2005) methods. The UFUS 6 and UFUS 21 lines and the UFUS Impacta and UFUS Xavante cultivars stood out because they had the highest average grain yield, highest adaptability and stability regardless of evaluation method.

A utilização de diferentes métodos para avaliação da adaptabilidade e estabilidade em um programa de melhoramento genético é essencial para a obtenção de resultados mais precisos das linhagens estudadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a adaptabilidade e a estabilidade de 25 linhagens de soja oriundas do Programa de Melhoramento de Soja da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia através dos métodos paramétricos e não paramétricos. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos completos casualizados, com três repetições, em três épocas de semeadura, em novembro de 2006, novembro de 2007 e novembro de 2008, no município de Campo Alegre de Goiás-GO. Avaliaram-se 30 genótipos de soja, sendo 25 linhagens de ciclo tardio e cinco cultivares como testemunhas (BRS/MG Garantia, UFUS Impacta, UFUS Xavante, UFUS Milionária e M-Soy 8914). Em cada parcela, foi determinada a produtividade de grãos. A média da produtividade foi de 3104,201 kg ha-1. Para o estudo sobre adaptabilidade e estabilidade utilizaram-se os métodos de Eberhart e Russel (1966), Lin e Binns (1988) modificado por Carneiro (1998) e Centroide (ROCHA, 2005). As linhagens UFUS 6, UFUS 21 e as cultivares UFUS Impacta e UFUS Xavante se destacaram por apresentarem elevadas médias de produtividade de grãos, ampla adaptação e alta estabilidade por todos os métodos estudados

The influence of simulated exploitation on Patella vulgata populations: protandric sex change is size-dependent.

Grazing mollusks are used as a food resource worldwide, and limpets are harvested commercially for both local consumption and export in several countries. This study describes a field experiment to assess the effects of simulated human exploitation of limpets Patella vulgata on their population ecology in terms of protandry (age-related sex change from male to female), growth, recruitment, migration, and density regulation. Limpet populations at two locations in southwest England were artificially exploited by systematic removal of the largest individuals for 18 months in plots assigned to three treatments at each site: no (control), low, and high exploitation. The shell size at sex change (L 50: the size at which there is a 50:50 sex ratio) decreased in response to the exploitation treatments, as did the mean shell size of sexual stages. Size-dependent sex change was indicated by L 50 occurring at smaller sizes in treatments than controls, suggesting an earlier switch to females. Mean shell size of P. vulgata neuters changed little under different levels of exploitation, while males and females both decreased markedly in size with exploitation. No differences were detected in the relative abundances of sexual stages, indicating some compensation for the removal of the bigger individuals via recruitment and sex change as no migratory patterns were detected between treatments. At the end of the experiment, 0-15 mm recruits were more abundant at one of the locations but no differences were detected between treatments. We conclude that sex change in P. vulgata can be induced at smaller sizes by reductions in density of the largest individuals reducing interage class competition. Knowledge of sex-change adaptation in exploited limpet populations should underpin strategies to counteract population decline and improve rocky shore conservation and resource management.

Co-activation of upper limb muscles during reaching in post-stroke subjects: an analysis of the contralesional and ipsilesional limbs.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the change in antagonist co-activation ratio of upper-limb muscle pairs, during the reaching movement, of both ipsilesional and contralesional limbs of post-stroke subjects. Nine healthy and nine post-stroke subjects were instructed to reach and grasp a target, placed in the sagittal and scapular planes of movement. Surface EMG was recorded from postural control and movement related muscles. Reaching movement was divided in two sub-phases, according to proximal postural control versus movement control demands, during which antagonist co-activation ratios were calculated for the muscle pairs LD/PM, PD/AD, TRIlat/BB and TRIlat/BR. Post-stroke's ipsilesional limb presented lower co-activation in muscles with an important role in postural control (LD/PM), comparing to the healthy subjects during the first sub-phase, when the movement was performed in the sagittal plane (p<0.05). Conversely, the post-stroke's contralesional limb showed in general an increased co-activation ratio in muscles related to movement control, comparing to the healthy subjects. Our findings demonstrate that, in post-stroke subjects, the reaching movement performed with the ipsilesional upper limb seems to show co-activation impairments in muscle pairs associated to postural control, whereas the contralesional upper limb seems to have signs of impairment of muscle pairs related to movement.

Prevalence of morphometric vertebral fractures in old men and the agreement between different methods in the city of Recife, Brazil.

Osteoporosis is relatively common in men and has a great impact on quality of life. Despite the importance of the subject, there are few studies regarding the prevalence of morphometric vertebral fractures in men and the associated risk factors. To determine the prevalence of morphometric vertebral fractures in elderly men by three different methods and the agreement between them, 234 asymptomatic men aged >60 years (mean age 69.4 ± 6.5 years) were evaluated using lateral thoracolumbar radiograph that were analyzed by two experienced radiologists according to semiquantitative (SQ) Genant and algorithm-based qualitative (ABQ) Jiang methods. A third senior radiologist adjudicated Genant's method. The highest prevalence of fractures in ABQ Jiang and SQ Genant methods were 37.6 and 36.8 %, respectively (both examiner 2). The lowest prevalence rates were 26.5 % in ABQ Jiang method and 5.6 % in SQ Genant (both examiner 1). The prevalence found by the Genant adjudicated was 31.6 %. The agreement between the examiners were 69.2 % in ABQ Jiang method (κ 0.30; 95 % CI 0.17-0.43) and 65.5 % in SQ Genant (κ 0.09; 95 % CI 0.01-0.17). We evaluated skin phototype, waist circumference, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), history of fracture, calcium intake, serum 25 OHD and sun index. After multivariate regression analysis, we found that lower BMI (prevalence ratio = 1.41; p = 0.024; 95 % CI 1.05-2.03) and sun index (prevalence ratio = 1.45; p = 0.049; 95 % CI 1.01-1.95) were independently associated with morphometric vertebral fractures.

Low-cost wearable data acquisition for stroke rehabilitation: a proof-of-concept study on accelerometry for functional task assessment.

BACKGROUND: An increasingly aging society and consequently rising number of patients with poststroke-related neurological dysfunctions are forcing the rehabilitation field to adapt to ever-growing demands. Although clinical reasoning within rehabilitation is dependent on patient movement performance analysis, current strategies for monitoring rehabilitation progress are based on subjective time-consuming assessment scales, not often applied. Therefore, a need exists for efficient nonsubjective monitoring methods. Wearable monitoring devices are rapidly becoming a recognized option in rehabilitation for quantitative measures. Developments in sensors, embedded technology, and smart textile are driving rehabilitation to adopt an objective, seamless, efficient, and cost-effective delivery system. This study aims to assist physiotherapists' clinical reasoning process through the incorporation of accelerometers as part of an electronic data acquisition system. METHODS: A simple, low-cost, wearable device for poststroke rehabilitation progress monitoring was developed based on commercially available inertial sensors. Accelerometry data acquisition was performed for 4 first-time poststroke patients during a reach-press-return task. RESULTS: Preliminary studies revealed acceleration profiles of stroke patients through which it is possible to quantitatively assess the functional movement, identify compensatory strategies, and help define proper movement. CONCLUSION: An inertial data acquisition system was designed and developed as a low-cost option for monitoring rehabilitation. The device seeks to ease the data-gathering process by physiotherapists to complement current practices with accelerometry profiles and aid the development of quantifiable methodologies and protocols.