A Conservative and Multidisciplinary Approach to Boerhaave Syndrome: A Case Report.

Boerhaave's syndrome is a life-threatening spontaneous esophageal rupture, usually in its distal part. It generally develops after situations that suddenly increase the intraesophageal pressure, such as, during or after persistent vomiting. Despite it being a rare condition in clinical practice, it has a high mortality rate (18-39%). Treatment can be approached conservatively, endoscopically, or surgically. The more invasive the treatment, the worse the prognosis. This paper presents a healthy 62-year-old man who resorted to the emergency department complaining of lower back and left scapular pain, after two non-bilious episodes of vomiting. There was no history of any trauma, vigorous physical exercise or previous similar episodes. He was alert, hemodynamically stable, and without any airway compromise or respiratory distress. At the physical exam, non-painful subcutaneous crepitations were palpable in the left cervical region without palpable masses. Chest examination finds reduced air entry on the left pulmonary base. Hence, Boerhaave's syndrome was suspected. CT scan revealed a pneumomediastinum and a left pulmonary collection. Oxygen therapy, blood cultures, empirical antibiotic therapy, and thoracic tube drainage were performed. The upper digestive endoscopy revealed the perforation in the distal esophagus, and an over-the-scope clip, a covered endoprosthesis and nasojejunal tube feeding were placed. The patient was admitted to the Intermediate Care Unit for stabilization. He was discharged home on the 33rd day and remains well at two months of follow-up. Delayed diagnosis and treatment are the principal causes of high mortality in Boerhaave's syndrome. There is no standard treatment option. In this case report, given the patient's stable clinical condition, the authors used a non-surgical conservative treatment, allowing for a delayed esophageal repair.

Analyzing hate speech dynamics on Twitter/X: Insights from conversational data and the impact of user interaction patterns.

This paper investigates the pervasive issue of hate speech within Twitter/X Portuguese network conversations, offering a multifaceted analysis of its characteristics. This study utilizes a mixed-method approach, combining several methodologies of network analysis (triad census and participation shifts) over the network of interaction between users. Qualitative manual content annotation was applied to the dataset to dissect different patterns of hate speech on the platform. Key findings reveal that the number of users followed by an individual and potentially reads is a relevant predictor for a user's propensity to post aggressive content. We concluded also that during a conversation thread, hate speech happens significantly more within the first 2 h of interaction. Transitivity of interactions and individual expression are considerably lower as more hate speech is prevalent in conversations. Our research confirms that hate speech is usually expressed by external individuals who intrude into conversations. Conversely, the expression of hate speech of indirect type by third parties interfering in conversations is uncommon. We also found that counter-speech discourse is strongly correlated with a type of discourse that typically avoids conflict and is not privately held.

Membranous urethral length is the single independent predictor of urinary continence recovery at 12 months following Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

The influence of anatomical parameters on urinary continence (UC) after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) remains uncharted. Our objective was to evaluate their association with UC at 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Data from patients who underwent RS-RARP were prospectively collected. Continence was defined as no pad use. Anatomic variables were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of UC at each time point. We included 158 patients with a median age of 60 years, most of whom had a localized tumor (≤ cT2). On multivariate analyses, at 3 months post-surgery, urinary incontinence (UI) rises with age, odds ratio (OR) 1.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.004-1.142] and with prostate volume (PV), OR 1.029 (95% CI 1.006-1.052); it reduces with longer membranous urethral length (MUL), OR 0.875 (95% CI 0.780-0.983) and with higher membranous urethral volume (MUV), OR 0.299 (95% CI 0.121-0.737). At 6 months, UI rises with PV, OR 1.033 (95% CI 1.011-1.056) and decreases with MUV, OR 0.1504 (95% CI 0.050-0.444). Significantly, at 12 months post-surgery, the only predictor of UI is MUL, OR 0.830 (95% CI 0.706-0.975), establishing a threshold associated with a risk of UI of 5% (MUL > 15 mm) in opposition to a risk of 25% (MUL < 10 mm). This single institutional study requires external validation. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective cohort study supporting MUL as the single independent predictor of UC at 12 months post-surgery. By establishing MUL thresholds, we enable precise patient counseling.

Effect of toothbrushing with conventional and whitening dentifrices on monolithic zirconia after finishing procedures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of toothbrushing with conventional and whitening dentifrices on the color difference (ΔE00), gloss (Δgloss), and surface roughness (SR) of stained stabilized zirconia with 5 mol% of yttrium oxide (5Y-TZP) after polishing or glazing. METHODS: Specimens were divided into four groups (n=20): C (control), S (staining), SG (staining and glazing) and SP (staining and polishing). 50,000 toothbrushing cycles were performed with conventional (n=10) and whitening (n= 10) dentifrice slurries. The ΔE00 and Δgloss were measured using a spectrophotometer and CIEDE2000 system while SR was measured by laser confocal microscope. The ΔE00 and Δgloss data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA, and SR data were analyzed using the linear repeated measures model, with Bonferroni's complementary test (α= 0.05). RESULTS: The ΔE00 values were beyond the acceptability threshold and no differences were found among the groups. There was no difference among groups to Δgloss after toothbrushing with conventional dentifrice while SP presented the highest values of Δgloss after toothbrushing with whitening dentifrice. Conventional dentifrice decreased the SR of stained groups and whitening dentifrice decreased SR of S and SG. The toothbrushing with conventional and whitening dentifrices promoted color difference, but did not impair gloss and surface roughness of stained 5Y-TZP. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Monolithic zirconia has been routinely used for esthetic restorations, however the type of finishing procedures that is carried out on it must be taken into consideration, in addition to the fact that brushing can influence the color difference of the material as well as interfere with surface roughness and gloss.

Evaluation of Vertical Misfit and Torque Loss of Different Abutments for Tri-Channel Type Internal Connection Dental Implants After Mechanical Cycling.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of UCLA and Mini-conical abutments for implants with Tri-channel connections regarding torque loss and vertical misfit. Twenty 3-element metal-ceramic fixed partial dentures (FPD) supported by 2 implants were manufactured and divided into 2 groups (n = 10): UCLA (group 1) and Mini-conical Abutments (group 2). The evaluation of torque loss was carried out before and after mechanical cycling, while the vertical fit was evaluated throughout the different stages of manufacturing the prostheses, as well pre- and postcycling (300,000 cycles, 30 N). Statistical analyses of torque loss and vertical misfit were performed using the linear mixed effects model. Both groups showed torque loss after mechanical cycling (P < .05); however, there was no significant percentage differences between them (P = .795). Before cycling, the groups showed a significant difference in terms of vertical misfit values (P < .05); however, this difference was no long observed after cycling (P = .894). Both groups showed torque loss after the cycling test, with no significant difference (P > .05). There was no significant difference in vertical misfit after mechanical cycling; however, in group 1 (UCLA) there was accommodation of the implant-UCLA abutment interface, while group 2 (Mini-conical abutment) did not show changes in the interface with the implant after the test. Both groups behaved similarly regarding the torque loss of the prosthesis retention screws pre- and postmechanical cycling, with greater loss after the test.

Singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical detection of miRNAs in prostate cancer patients' plasma: A novel diagnostic tool for liquid biopsy.

Dysregulation of miRNA expression occurs in many cancers, making miRNAs useful in cancer diagnosis and therapeutic guidance. In a clinical context using methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the limited amount of miRNAs in circulation often limits their quantification. Here, we present a PCR-free and sensitive singlet oxygen (1O2)-based strategy for the detection and quantification of miRNAs in untreated human plasma from patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. A target miRNA is specifically captured by functionalised magnetic beads and a detection oligonucleotide probe in a sandwich-like format. The formed complex is concentrated at the sensor surface via magnetic beads, providing an interface for the photoinduced redox signal amplification. The detection oligonucleotide probe bears a molecular photosensitiser, which produces 1O2 upon illumination, oxidising a redox reporter and creating a redox cycling loop, allowing quantification of pM level miRNA in diluted human plasma within minutes after hybridisation and without target amplification.

Derotational high tibial osteotomy in cases of anterior knee pain and/or patellofemoral instability: a systematic review.

IMPORTANCE: Derotational high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a surgical intervention for correcting rotational malalignments in the lower limb, which may contribute to anterior knee pain (AKP) and/or patellofemoral instability (PFI). This surgical technique is not yet widely implemented and requires a systematic evaluation of its outcomes. AIM: To assess the effectiveness of derotational HTO in correcting rotational malalignments of the lower limb in patients with AKP and/or PFI through radiological, clinical, and patient-reported outcome measures. EVIDENCE REVIEW: Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to March 3, 2023, to identify studies utilizing derotational HTO in patients with AKP and/or PFI. The primary outcome measures of interest were measurements of lower limb angular correction. Other radiological, clinical, and patient-reported outcome measures were also analyzed. The risk of bias was judged with the RoBANS tool. FINDINGS: A total of 8 studies were included, comprising 215 patients (27.0 â€‹± â€‹3.9 years) and 245 knees. The most reported angle was tibial torsion (k â€‹= â€‹6 studies, n â€‹= â€‹173 knees), with a mean difference between postoperative and preoperative values (postsurgical correction) ranging from -37.8° to -10.8°. Patient-reported outcome measures showed significant improvements in the postoperative moment, exceeding the minimal clinically important difference in almost all cases, and with high patient satisfaction (93.6%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Derotational HTO allows the correction of rotational malalignments of the lower limb (tibial torsion) and promotes patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Derotational distal femoral osteotomy corrects excessive femoral anteversion in patients with patellofemoral instability: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Patellofemoral instability (PFI) is a common condition that can be caused from multiple factors, including lower limb rotational malalignments. Determining precise criteria for performing corrective torsional osteotomy can be a daunting task due to the lack of consensus on normal and excessive values and the limited evidence-based data in the postoperative results. The purpose was to assess the clinical, functional and imaging outcomes following derotational distal femoral osteotomy (DDFO) in patients with PFI and/or anterior knee pain (AKP) associated with lower limb rotational malalignments. METHODS: Searches were conducted on PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases up to October 2023. Studies reporting outcomes after DDFO in patients with PFI and/or AKP were eligible for the systematic review. The primary outcome was imaging metrics, especially femoral anteversion. Secondary outcomes included the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (clinical and functional). Quantitative synthesis involved the use of weighted averages to calculate pre- to postoperative mean differences (MD) and compare them against the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). RESULTS: Ten studies (309 knees) were included with a mean follow-up of 36.1 ± 11.7 months. Imaging outcomes consistently indicated the correction of femoral anteversion (MD = -19.4 degrees, 95% confidence interval: -20.1 to -18.7) following DDFO. PROMs showed significant improvements in most studies, exceeding the MCID. Patient satisfaction with the DDFO was high (93.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The DDFO was an effective treatment option for correcting excessive femoral anteversion in patients with PFI associated with clinically relevant functional and clinical improvement and a high satisfaction rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of level II-IV studies.

Erythrocyte alterations in specimens of Danio rerio caused by exposure to metformin.

The antidiabetic drug metformin is widely prescribed around the world. However, its permanence in different environmental concentrations has been associated with adverse toxicological effects in organisms that do not target its therapeutic action. In the aquatic environment, fish such as the Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been considered potential bioindicators of environmental impacts and used as experimental models in toxicological studies due to the sensitivity of these species to different types of contaminants, including pharmaceuticals. Thus, this study aimed to analyze metformin's cytotoxic effects on Danio rerio erythrocytes. The animals were submitted to different concentrations of the drug (50 µg/L, 100 µg/L, 150 µg/L, and 10000 µg/L) for 365 days and subsequently observed employing light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the alterations that occurred. Exposure of animals to metformin led to significant erythrocyte cell abnormalities across all tested concentrations, with a particularly pronounced effect at the higher concentration previously defined as the NOEC (No Observed Effect Concentration). Remarkable abnormalities included cytoplasmic vacuoles, echinocytes, and vesicle-like cytoplasmic fragments. These findings suggest that metformin, even at concentrations similar to those found in nature and at the NOEC level, exhibits cytotoxic potential in D. rerio, raising concerns about its potential health impacts.

Therapeutic Potential of Marine-Derived Cyclic Peptides as Antiparasitic Agents.

Parasitic diseases still compromise human health. Some of the currently available therapeutic drugs have limitations considering their adverse effects, questionable efficacy, and long treatment, which have encouraged drug resistance. There is an urgent need to find new, safe, effective, and affordable antiparasitic drugs. Marine-derived cyclic peptides have been increasingly screened as candidates for developing new drugs. Therefore, in this review, a systematic analysis of the scientific literature was performed and 25 marine-derived cyclic peptides with antiparasitic activity (1-25) were found. Antimalarial activity is the most reported (51%), followed by antileishmanial (27%) and antitrypanosomal (20%) activities. Some compounds showed promising antiparasitic activity at the nM scale, being active against various parasites. The mechanisms of action and targets for some of the compounds have been investigated, revealing different strategies against parasites.

Self-modulation of the sense of agency via neurofeedback enhances sensory-guided behavioral control.

The sense of agency is a fundamental aspect of human self-consciousness, whose neural correlates encompass widespread brain networks. Research has explored the neuromodulatory properties of the sense of agency with noninvasive brain stimulation, which induces exogenous manipulations of brain activity; however, it is unknown whether endogenous modulation of the sense of agency is also achievable. We investigated whether the sense of agency can be self-regulated with electroencephalography-based neurofeedback. We conducted 2 experiments in which healthy humans performed a motor task while their motor control was artificially disrupted, and gave agency statements on their perceived control. We first identified the electrophysiological response to agency processing, and then applied neurofeedback in a parallel, sham-controlled design, where participants learnt to self-modulate their sense of agency. We found that behavioral measures of agency and performance on the task decreased with the increasing disruption of control. This was negatively correlated with power spectral density in the theta band, and positively correlated in the alpha and beta bands, at central and parietal electrodes. After neurofeedback training of central theta rhythms, participants improved their actual control over the task, and this was associated with a significant decrease in the frequency band trained via neurofeedback. Thus, self-regulation of theta rhythms can improve sensory-guided behavior.

Nitrous oxide and methane emissions from a Ferralsol as affected by loblolly pine cultivation time in subtropical Brazil.

We hypothesized that the age of loblolly pine stands influences soil methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. This is a relevant topic to be studied in subtropical Brazil, where the pine plantation area is increasing considerably. We evaluated N2O and CH4 emissions for two years in a Ferralsol under loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stands of 1, 9 and 18 year-olds and a native forest (NF). We calculated the net CO2eq emission by considering the N2O and CH4 emissions from soil and the carbon (C) accumulation as litter in the forest floor. The soil N2O emission reduced gradually over the loblolly pine cultivation years, whereas CH4 uptake rates showed no clear pattern. Soil N2O emission showed a positive relationship with soil temperature in NF, and with soil ammonium and nitrate intensities in the pine stands. Soil CH4 uptake was inversely related to water-filled pore space in the pine stands, but this relationship was not observed in NF. The soil CH4 uptake rate was 4.6 times higher (p < 0.10) in NF than the average uptake in loblolly pine stands. On the other hand, soil N2O emissions in 9 and 18-year-old stands were similar (p > 0.10) to those in NF (1.3 kg N ha-1 yr-1). Our results suggest that cultivation with loblolly pine for 18 years can reduce soil N2O emission, and the uptake of CH4 in this system offsets 17 % of N2O emissions. Furthermore, the C accumulation as litter in the forest floor of the mature pine stands (9- and 18-year-old) generated a net emission of -1.6 Mg CO2eq ha-1 yr-1, showing to be an expressive offsetting mechanism. Therefore, we conclude that aged loblolly forests can reach N2O emissions levels comparable to those of NF, and the C sequestration in these forests floor can significantly contribute to offset N2O emissions and act as sink for net atmospheric CO2eq.

Urinary continence recovery after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in relation to surgeon experience.

Urinary incontinence is one of the main concerns for patients after radical prostatectomy. Differences in surgical experience among surgeons could partly explain the wide range of frequencies observed. Our aim was to evaluate the association between the surgeons` experience and center caseload with relation to urinary continence recovery after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP). Prospective observational single-center study. Five surgeons consecutively operated 405 patients between July 2017 and February 2022. Continence recovery was evaluated with pad count and by employing the short form of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF), pre- and postoperatively at 1 year. Non-parametric tests were used. Median age was 63 years, 30% of patients presented with local advanced disease; the positive surgical margin rate (over 3 mm length) was 16%. Complication rate was 1% (Clavien-Dindo > II). One year after surgery, continence was assessed in 282 patients, of whom 87% were pad free and 51% never leaked (ICIQ-SF = 0). With respect to the mean annual number of procedures per surgeon, divided in < 20, 20-39 and ≥ 40, pad-free rates were achieved in 93%, 85%, and 84% and absence of urine leak rates in 47%, 62% and 48% of patients, respectively. Postoperative median ICIQ-SF was five. We acknowledge the limitation of a 12-month follow-up and the fact that we are a medium-volume center. There is no statistically significant association between continence recovery, surgeon's experience and center caseload. Continence recovery at 1 year after surgery is adequate and robust to surgeon's experience.

Influence of Torque on Platform Deformity of the Tri-Channel Implant: Two- and Three-Dimensional Analysis Using Micro-Computed Tomography.

Background and Objectives: The insertion of the dental implant in the bone is an essential step in prosthetic rehabilitation. The insertion torque has the potential to distort the prosthetic platform, which can cause future biomechanical problems with the continuous action of occlusal forces. The aim of this study is to evaluate different insertion torques in the deformation of tri-channel platform connections through two- and three-dimensional measurements with micro-CT. Materials and Methods: A total of 164 implants were divided into groups (platform diameter and type): 3.5, 3.75, and 4.3 mm NP (narrow platform), and 4.3 mm RP (regular platform). Each implant-platform group was then divided into four subgroups (n = 10) with different torques: T45 (45 Ncm), T80 (80 Ncm), T120 (120 Ncm), and T150 (150 Ncm). The implant-abutment-screw assemblies were scanned and the images obtained were analyzed. Results: A significant difference was observed for the linear and volume measures between the different platforms (p < 0.01) and the different implant insertion torques (p < 0.01). Qualitative analysis suggested a higher deformation resistance for the 3.75 NP compared to the 3.5 NP, and RP was more resistant compared to the NP. Conclusions: The 0.25 mm increment in the implant platform did not increase the resistance to the applied insertion torques; the 4.3 mm implant was significantly stronger compared to the 3.5 mm implant; and the proposed micro-CT analysis was considered valid for both the 2D and 3D analyses of micro-gaps, qualitatively and quantitatively.

Development of an electrochemiluminescent oligonucleotide-based assay for the quantification of prostate cancer associated miR-141-3p in human serum.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small oligonucleotides (18-25 bases), biologically relevant for epigenetic regulation of key processes, particularly in association with cancer. Research effort has therefore been directed towards the monitoring and detection of miRNAs to progress (early) cancer diagnoses. Traditional detection strategies for miRNAs are expensive, with a lengthy time-to-result. In this study we develop an oligonucleotide-based assay using electrochemistry for the specific, selective and sensitive detection of a circulating miRNA (miR-141) associated with prostate cancer. In the assay, the excitation and readout of the signal are independent: an electrochemical stimulation followed by an optical readout. A 'sandwich' approach is incorporated, consisting of a biotinylated capture probe immobilised on streptavidin-functionalised surfaces and a detection probe labelled with digoxigenin. We show that the assay allows the detection of miR-141 in human serum, even in the presence of other miRNAs, with a LOD of 0.25 pM. The developed electrochemiluminescent assay has, therefore, the potential for efficient universal oligonucleotide target detection via the redesign of capture and detection probes.

Bacterial Detection, Deformation, and Torque Loss on Dental Implants with Different Tapered Connections Compared with External Hexagon Connection after Thermomechanical Cycling.

The relationship between bacterial infiltration and internal conical Implant-Abutment Interfaces (IAIs) with different conicities still requires investigations that can offer valuable information in the clinical understanding of peri-implant health. The present study aimed to verify the bacterial infiltration of two internal conical connections with an angulation of 11.5° and 16° with the external hexagonal connection as a comparative after thermomechanical cycling using saliva as a contaminant. Test (n = 10) and control (n = 3) groups were set up. Evaluations were made on torque loss, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Micro Computerized Tomography (MicroCT) after performing 2 × 106 mechanical cycles (120 N) and 600 thermal cycles (5°-55° C) with 2 mm lateral displacement. The contents of the IAI were collected for microbiological analysis. There was a difference (p < 0.05) in torque loss of the groups tested; groups from the 16° IAI obtained a lower percentage of torque loss. All groups presented contamination and the analysis of the results shows that the microbiological profile of the IAI differs qualitatively from the profile found in the saliva used for contamination. The mechanical loading affects the microbiological profile found in the IAIs (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the IAI environment may favor a microbiological profile different from that of saliva and the thermocycling condition may alter the microbial profile found in the IAI.

Teaching and learning pharmacology in Brazil before COVID-19 pandemic: a case study in Rio de Janeiro.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of pharmacology is crucial for physicians to perform rational and safe medicine. Medical professionals are responsible for prescribing drugs and a weak performace of those can result in medication errors leading to disability, hospitalization, and death, among other situations. It occurs worldwide, including in Brazil, so that learning pharmacology impacts on public health service. We aim to investigate the current pharmacology educational practices in medical schools in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: We surveyed 14 of 22 medical schools in Rio de Janeiro. Pharmacology teachers (n=16) and medical students (n=89) answered a semi-structured questionnaire that included questions about the staff characteristics, pharmacology content, teacher's concepts, and common practices and resources that were used in pharmacology classes. RESULTS: Our results revealed that the medical schools had similar overall curriculums. Pharmacology teachers work more than 30hs a week (75%) and conducted both research and teaching (62.5%). We also found that the multimedia projector was the most common resource (71.9%), and passive pedagogical methodologies (e.g., expository classes) remain a current strategy in pharmacology classes (89.9%). In general, medical students are poorly motivated (55%), which may be related to their performance in assessments. In addition, students believe that pharmacology is a complex (52%) or very complex subject (46%) since for its full understanding the student needs concepts from other disciplines, which can have an impact on the performance and motivation of students. As a result, these medical students do not fully understand the integration between pharmacology's basic concepts and their clinical applications. CONCLUSION: These data seem to demonstrate that the adopted teaching and learning pharmacology strategies and methodologies can be improved in Rio de Janeiro.

Mechanical comparison of milled fiber-reinforced resin composite and Co-Cr frameworks with different connector cross-sectional geometries: An in vitro study.

This study compared the effect of using milled fiber-reinforced resin composite and Co-Cr (milled wax and lost-wax technique) frameworks for 4-unit implant-supported partial fixed dental prostheses; and also, evaluated the influence of the connector's cross-sectional geometries on the mechanical behavior. Three groups of milled fiber-reinforced resin composite (TRINIA) for 4-unit implant-supported frameworks (n = 10) with three connectors geometries (round, square, or trapezoid), and three groups of Co-Cr alloy frameworks manufactured by milled wax/lost wax and casting technique, were analyzed. The marginal adaptation was measured before cementation using an optical microscope. Then, the samples were cemented, thermomechanical cycled (load of 100 N/2 Hz, 106 cycles; 5, 37, and 55 ᵒC, a total of 926 cycles at each one), and cementation and flexure strength (maximum force) analyzed. Analysis of stress distribution in framework veneered considering resin and ceramic properties for fiber-reinforced and Co-Cr frameworks, respectively, implant, and bone was by finite element analysis under three contact points (100 N) on the central region. ANOVA and Multiple paired test-t with Bonferroni adjustment (α = 0.05) were used for data analysis. Fiber-reinforced frameworks showed better vertical adaptation (mean ranged from 26.24 to 81.48 µm) compared to the Co-Cr frameworks (mean ranged from 64.11 to 98.12 µm), contrary to horizontal adaptation (respectively, means ranged from 281.94 to 305.38 µm; and from 150.70 to 174.82 µm). There were no failures during the thermomechanical test. Cementation strength showed three times higher for Co-Cr compared to fiber-reinforced framework, as well as flexural strength (P < .001). Regarding stress distribution, fiber-reinforced had a pattern of concentration in the implant-abutment complex. There were no significant differences in stress values or changes observed among the different connector geometries or framework materials. Trapezoid connector geometry had a worse performance for marginal adaptation, cementation (fiber-reinforced 132.41 N; Co-Cr 255.68 N) and flexural strength (fiber-reinforced 222.57 N; Co-Cr 614.27 N). Although the fiber-reinforced framework showed lower cementation and flexural strength, considering the stress distribution values and absence of failures in the thermomechanical cycling test, it can be considered for use as a framework for 4-unit implant-supported partial fixed dental prostheses in the posterior mandible. Besides, results suggest that trapezoid connectors mechanical behavior did not perform well compared to round or square geometries.

Diachronic profile of startup companies through social media.

Social media platforms have become powerful tools for startups, helping them find customers and raise funding. In this study, we applied a social media intelligence-based methodology to analyze startups' content and to understand how their communication strategies may differ during their scaling process. To understand if a startup's social media content reflects its current business maturation position, we first defined an adequate life cycle model for startups based on funding rounds and product maturity. Using Twitter as the source of information and selecting a sample of known Portuguese IT startups at different phases of their life cycle, we analyzed their Twitter data. After preprocessing the data, using latent Dirichlet allocation, topic modeling techniques enabled the categorization of the data according to the topics arising in the published contents of the startups, making it possible to discover that contents can be grouped into five specific topics: "Fintech and ML," "IT," "Business Operations," "Product/Service R&D," and "Bank and Funding." By comparing those profiles against the startup's life cycle, we were able to understand how contents change over time. This provided a diachronic profile for each company, showing that while certain topics remain prevalent in the startup's scaling, others depend on a particular phase of the startup's cycle. Our analysis revealed that startups' social media content differs along their life cycle, highlighting the importance of understanding how startups use social media at different stages of their development.