Full scale, microscopically resolved tomographies of sandstone and carbonate rocks augmented by experimental porosity and permeability values.

We report a dataset containing full-scale, 3D images of rock plugs augmented by petrophysical lab characterization data for application in digital rock and capillary network analysis. Specifically, we have acquired microscopically resolved tomography datasets of 18 cylindrical sandstone and carbonate rock samples having lengths of 25.4 mm and diameters of 9.5 mm. Based on the micro-tomography data, we have computed porosity-values for each imaged rock sample. For validating the computed porosity values with a complementary lab method, we have measured porosity for each rock sample by using standard petrophysical characterization techniques. Overall, the tomography-based porosity values agree with the measurement results obtained from the lab, with values ranging from 8% to 30%. In addition, we provide for each rock sample the experimental permeabilities, with values ranging from 0.4 mD to above 5D. This dataset will be essential for establishing, benchmarking, and referencing the relation between porosity and permeability of reservoir rock at pore scale.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and measurement properties of three implementation measures into Brazilian-Portuguese.

BACKGROUND: To translate and cross-culturally adapt into Brazilian-Portuguese, and to test the measurement properties of the following items of implementation outcome measures: Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM) and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM). METHODS: This was a measurement properties study in accordance with the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). We conducted a translation and cross-cultural adaptation of three implementation measures according to guidelines for translation and cross-cultural adaptation, then we collected information from patients who had participated in remotely delivered physical therapy treatment for musculoskeletal condition. The patients answered the translated versions of the implementation outcome measures. The measurement properties of the three implementation outcome measures were collected in a test-retest assessment, with an interval of 7 to 14 days.. The measurement properties evaluated in this study were interpretability, measured using Ceiling and Floor Effects, reliability in test-retest evaluation, measured using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient, internal consistency, measured using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and construct validity, measured using Pearson Correlation. RESULTS: We included 104 participants (76 female). The average age of the sample was 56.8 (SD 14.8) years old. The items of implementation outcome measures (AIM, IAM, and FIM) showed 66.39%, 63.11%, and 63.93% of ceiling effects. The items of implementation outcome measures showed adequate internal consistency measured using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient (AIM: 0.89, IAM: 0.91, FIM: 0.93) and values of Standard Error of Measurement between 5 and 10%, showing good measurement error. The results of AIM and IAM was classified as moderate reliability and the FIM as substantial reliability. In a total 96 correlations, > 75% of correlations met our prior hypothesis. CONCLUSION: The three Brazilian-Portuguese versions of items of implementation outcome measures had adequate internal consistency, measurement error and construct validity. The three implementation outcome measures showed moderate to substantial reliability values. The Ceiling Effect was observed in the three measures, showing maximum values ​​in more than 15% of the evaluations.

Physical therapists and public perceptions of telerehabilitation: An online open survey on acceptability, preferences, and needs.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation allowed the continuation of physical therapy care in parallel with public health measures to prevent the virus spread. However, in low- and middle-income countries including Brazil, telerehabilitation was unfamiliar to most of the population. OBJECTIVE: To investigate acceptability, preferences, and needs in telerehabilitation by Brazilian physical therapists and the general population. METHODS: We conducted an observational cross-sectional study with an online survey consisting of 13 multiple-choice items. Items were distributed among acceptability, preferences, and needs sections, and encompassed confidence in delivering or receiving telerehabilitation, its perceived efficacy and costs, and suitable content. RESULTS: A total of 1107 responses were registered, 717 from physical therapists. Half of them self-reported confidence in conducting telerehabilitation through the internet (synchronous or asynchronous). The same proportion disagreed that telerehabilitation is as effective as in-person interventions. Physical therapists agreed telerehabilitation should contain educational, self-management strategies, and exercises information, but the general population endorsed the provision of technical advice on exercise execution. The general population mostly reported that telerehabilitation could help their specific health condition (86%), but only 14% of respondents would pay the same as they pay for in-person consultations. Participants reported an overall preference for synchronous communication and concern about the lack of a hands-on approach. CONCLUSION: Physical therapists and the general population appear to demonstrate apprehension towards telerehabilitation. Insufficient preparation or inadequate knowledge might influence participants' acceptance, preferences, and needs.

Immunity of sugarcane cultivars to Meloidogyne enterolobii / Imunidade de cultivares de cana-de-açúcar a Meloidogyne enterolobii

Brazil is currently the world's largest producer and exporter of sugarcane, and the crop has high socioeconomic importance in the country. Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are one of the major limiting factors in sugarcane production. These plant parasites have wide geographic distribution, high damage potential, and are difficult to control. Recently, the species Meloidogyne enterolobii was identified in sugarcane crops in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Given the importance of genetic resistance for integrated nematode management and the lack of research on the M. enterolobii­sugarcane pathosystem, this study aimed to assess the response of sugarcane cultivars to M. enterolobii. Thirteen cultivars were evaluated for their resistance to M. enterolobii based on the nematode reproduction factor. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in a completely randomized design, with 14 replicates. Pre-sprouted sugarcane seedlings were transplanted to 5 L pots, and each pot was considered an experimental unit. At 15 days after transplanting, the seedlings were inoculated with 5,000 eggs and second-stage juveniles of M. enterolobii. Tomato and okra plants were also inoculated to test the viability of the inoculum. At 240 days after inoculation, plant roots were processed and evaluated for nematode number. This parameter was used to calculate the nematode reproduction factor on each cultivar. All sugarcane cultivars were found to be immune to M. enterolobii, with a reproduction factor of 0.

O Brasil é atualmente o maior produtor e exportador mundial de cana-de-açúcar, tendo a cultura grande impacto socioeconômico no país. Dentre os diversos fatores que podem afetar sua produção se destacam os nematoides de galha (Meloidogyne spp.), por apresentarem ampla distribuição geográfica, alto potencial danoso e difícil controle. Recentemente a espécie Meloidogyne enterolobii foi identificada parasitando a cultura da cana-de-açúcar em Pernambuco. Dada à importância da resistência genética no manejo integrado de fitonematoides e a falta de trabalhos envolvendo o estudo desta espécie na cultura, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a resposta de cultivares de cana-de-açúcar a M. enterolobii. Foram avaliadas 13 cultivares quanto a sua resistência a esta espécie com base no fator de reprodução do nematoide. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 14 repetições, e mantido em casa de vegetação. Foram utilizadas mudas pré-brotadas de cana-de-açúcar, transplantadas para vasos de 5L, sendo cada vaso considerado uma unidade experimental. Cada unidade experimental foi inoculada com 5.000 ovos e juvenis de segundo estádio de M. enterolobii 15 dias após os transplantio. Plantas de tomateiro e quiabeiro também foram inoculadas para atestar a viabilidade do inoculo utilizado no experimento. Decorridos 240 dias da inoculação as raízes foram processadas para obtenção da população final e cálculo do fator de reprodução do nematoide de cada tratamento. Todas as cultivares de cana-de-açúcar avaliadas foram resistentes/imunes à M, enterolobii, apresentando fator de reprodução igual a zero.

Near-infrared fluorescent coatings of medical devices for image-guided surgery.

Rapidly expanding field of image-guided surgery needs new materials for near-infrared imaging with deep tissue penetration. Here, we introduce near-infrared coating of equipment (NICE) for image-guided surgery based on a series of lipophilic cyanine-7.5 dyes with bulky hydrophobic counterions and a biocompatible polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate). The NICE material exhibits superior brightness (15-20-fold higher) and photostability compared to fluorescent coatings based on commonly used indocyanine green (ICG). It can be deposited on different surfaces and devices, such as steel and gold fiducials, silicone and PVC catheters, polymeric surgical sutures and gauzes. Such coated medical devices show excellent stability in air and buffer for ≥150 days. Accelerated ageing revealed their shelf-life of ≥3 years. They are also stable in serum-containing media, whereas ICG-based coating shows rapid dye leakage. NICE is compatible with standard sterilization protocols based on ethylene oxide and vapor. Moreover, our coating material is biocompatible, where cultured cells spread effectively without signs of cytotoxicity. Ex vivo studies suggest that NICE on fiducials can be visualized as deep as 0.5 cm, and NICE on catheters enables their visualization inside ureters and esophagus. Finally, NICE on different medical devices has been validated for image-guided surgery in porcine and human cadaver models. Thus, the developed NIR coating material emerges as a powerful tool for a variety of medical applications.

Influence of exposure to phosphoric and polyacrylic acids on selected microscopic and physical/chemical properties of calcium hydroxide cements.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate if the contact of calcium hydroxide cements with polyacrylic and phosphoric acids would alter selected microscopic and physical and chemical properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemically activated (Hydro C and Dycal Advanced Formula II) and resin-modified photoactivated (Ultra-blend Plus) calcium hydroxide cements were examined after exposure to the following different strategies: contact with no substance (control group); rinsing with water and drying; contact with polyacrylic acid, rinsing with water, and drying; and contact with phosphoric acid, rinsing with water, and drying. Surface morphology, determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water sorption and solubility, and the release of hydroxyl ions were evaluated. RESULTS: SEM showed a greater impact of the conditioning acids on the surface of the chemically activated cements. Ultra-blend Plus obtained the highest value of sorption (516.8 µg/mm3) and solubility (381.1 µg/mm3) and Hydro C had the lowest values 251.9 µg/mm3 and 206.3 µg/mm3 respectively. Considering the release of hydroxyl ions in comparison with time, Hydro C and Ultra-blend Plus presented significant statistical difference for polyacrylic and phosphoric acid subgroups. CONCLUSION: Hydro C and Dycal presented intensification of surface irregularities after contact with conditioning acids. The chemically activated materials suffered a decrease in sorption and solubility. The action of the conditioning acids promotes greater increase of the release of hydroxyl ions for Hydro C and Dycal.

Muscle stretching changes neuromuscular function involved in ankle stability.

It has been postulated that the mechanical and neurophysiological effects induced by stretching decrease maximal muscle strength and power. Additionally, the reduction in neural input and muscle stiffness can affect the joint stabilization process. However, there is no evidence available to support this hypothesis. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the influence of static stretching on dynamic joint stability. Twenty physically active female university students (22.8 ± 5.3 years; 58 ± 8.8 kg; 1.62 ± 0.07 m) performed a series of static-passive stretching exercises for the peroneus longus and brevis muscles (four repetitions of 30 s). Before and after the stretches, electromyography was performed on both muscles during simulated ankle sprain. Mathematical algorithms calculate the latency and the electromyography activity (RMS). After stretching, the latency increased from 66ms to 73 ms (p = 0.003) for the peroneus brevis muscle and from 70 ms to 79 ms (p = 0.001) for the peroneus longus muscle. The RMS, calculated 100 ms after the simulation, decreased in the peroneus brevis muscle, from 25.05 to 18.16 (p = 0.001), and in the peroneus longus muscle, from 22.84 to 15.61 (p = 0.001). Muscle stretching changed the motor responses of both muscles. The increase in latency and the decrease in RMS indicate that static stretching influences the neuromuscular function involved in the joint stabilization process.

The influence of fatigue in evertor muscles during lateral ankle sprain.

Ankle sprain in plantarflexion and inversion is one of the most common injuries occurring in daily activities and sports. Although acute symptoms may resolve quickly, many individuals have reported persistent pain and instability. Thus, understanding the factors that contribute to the occurrence of this type of injury is extremely important. Although sprains are multifactorial, a relationship can be established between sprain and fatigue. Therefore, the present study examined the latency and intensity of activation of the peroneus longus and brevis muscles under conditions of fatigue. Twenty-three women participated in the study, including 12 with functional instability of the ankle and 11 without a history of sprain. To induce fatigue, the volunteers maintained the force of eversion and plantarflexion at 70% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction for as long as possible until a 10% decline in the rated force occurred. Ten simulations of ankle sprains were performed before and after fatigue at random for each side, with simultaneous recordings of the electromyographic signals, using a simulator platform for inversion sprain and plantarflexion. As a result, after fatigue, no change in latency was observed. However, a reduction in the intensity of contraction of the muscles analyzed in both groups was observed. Neuromuscular control was concluded to be compromised in situations of fatigue, while differences in muscle behavior were not observed between stable and unstable ankles.

Fluorescence lymphangiography-guided full-thickness oncologic gastric resection.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the feasibility of a novel hybrid endoscopic/laparoscopic non-exposed, full-thickness, single-wall gastric resection technique guided by a fluorescence lymphangiography to identify the lymphatic pathway and the sentinel node basin. METHODS: Eight large white pigs (4 acute and 4 survival models) were included. Indocyanine green was injected submucosally around a pseudo-tumor at four points (1 ml, 0.1 mg/ml). The lymphatic spreading pathway was identified by the means of near-infrared (NIR) laparoscopic camera, and the resection line was planned outside of the fluorescent signals, to include all the potential lymphatic channels. Lymph node (LN) dissection was performed at greater curvature side and the infrapyloric area preserving the infragastric artery for all pigs. At the lesser curvature, 3-4 branches of the gastric artery were preserved in all acute and in two survival (group A), while in the remaining animals, 1-2 branches were preserved (group B). Perfusion of the remaining stomach was examined by NIR angiography. The gastric motility and function were evaluated by the means of a dynamic MRI immediately after the procedure and repeated after 1 week in surviving animals. RESULTS: The hybrid full-thickness resection with bilateral sentinel LN basin dissection were successfully performed with no intra-operative or post-operative complications. The removed specimen was including all the area with florescent signal. The remaining stomach demonstrated a good perfusion at the NIR angiography. The dynamic MRI revealed a preserved emptying function in the acute animals and in the group A, and a loss of function in the group B. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence-lymphangiography guided hybrid resection was feasible to remove a relatively large part of the stomach including the lymphatic spreading pathway and sentinel basin. The extent of dissection in the lesser curvature side can affect the post-operative function and further researches are warranted to optimize the concept.

Host status of crispy-leaf lettuce cultivars to root-knot nematodes / Reação de cultivares de alface do grupo crespa aos nematoides de galhas

Lettuce is the main leafy vegetable grown in the world, being the crispy-leaf lettuce type predominant. With consecutive cultivation in the same area, several factors may impair yield, highlighting the damage caused by root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. This study aimed at evaluating the reaction of twenty crispy-leaf lettuce cultivars to Meloidogyne incognita race 3, M. javanica and M. enterolobii. Three experiments were conducted, one for each nematode species. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse, in pots with sterilized substrate. The design was completely randomized with five replications. Seedlings were inoculated with 1.000 eggs and second-stage juveniles of nematode per pot, on the day of transplantation of seedlings. The tomato 'Rutgers' was used as inoculum viability control for each specie tested. The variables evaluated were: reproduction factor (FR), total number of eggs and second-stage juveniles (NTOJ) and number of eggs and second-stage juveniles per gram of root (NOJGR), 60 days after inoculation. The results showed that the cultivars Veronica, Grand Rapids and Crespa para Verão are resistant to the three nematode species. The cultivars Thaís, SRV 2005 and Marisa are resistant to M. incognita race 3 and M. javanica. The cultivar Black Seed Simpson is resistant to M. enterolobii. The cultivars Vanda and Mônica SF 31 are resistant to M. incognita race 3. The cultivars Crespa, Rubia, Cinderela and Veneranda are resistant to M. javanica.

A alface é a principal hortaliça folhosa cultivada no mundo, sendo o tipo crespa mais comercializada. Com o cultivo consecutivo na mesma área, vários fatores podem prejudicar a produtividade, se destacando os danos causados pelos nematoides de galha, Meloidogyne spp. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar vinte cultivares de alface, do grupo crespa, quanto a reação à Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica e Meloidogyne enterolobii. Foram realizados três ensaios, um para cada espécie de nematoide. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em casa de vegetação, em vaso com substrato autoclavado. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições. As plantas foram inoculadas com 1.000 ovos e eventuais juvenis de segundo estágio do nematoide, no dia do transplantio das cultivares. O tomateiro 'Rutgers' foi utilizado como padrão de viabilidade do inóculo de cada espécie de nematoide. As variáveis avaliadas foram: número total de ovos e juvenis do segundo estádio (NTOJ), fator de reprodução (FR) e número de ovos e juvenis de segundo estádio por grama de raízes (NOJGR) avaliadas 60 dias após a inoculação. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que as cultivares Verônica, Grand Rapids e Crespa para Verão foram resistentes as espécies M. enterolobii, M. incognita, M. javanica. As cultivares Thaís, SRV 2005 e Marisa foram resistentes as espécies M. incognita e M. javanica. A cultivar Black Seed Simpson foi resistente à M. enterolobii. Vanda e Mônica SF 31 foram resistentes à M. incognita. As cultivares Crespa, Rubia, Cinderela e Veneranda foram resistentes à M. javanica.

Identifying resistance to root-knot nematodes in Capsicum genotypes / Identificação de genótipos de Capsicum resistentes a nematoides de galha

The present study aimed to evaluate Capsicum accessions for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita race 3, Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne enterolobii. Two experiments with different genotypes of hot and sweet peppers were carried out in a completely randomized design. The first experiment was conducted in a 31 x 3 factorial scheme with 27 genotypes of Capsicum annuum, two cultivars of hot pepper, one line of Capsicum frutescens and tomato 'Santa Cruz Kada', and three species of nematodes (M. incognita race 3, M. javanica and M. enterolobii). In the second experiment, we used a factorial scheme 39 x 3 with 36 accessions of C. annuum, two hot pepper cultivars and the 'Santa Cruz Kada' tomato and three nematodes species mentioned earlier. The total number of eggs and second-stage juveniles (TNEJ), number of eggs and second-stage juveniles per gram of root (NEJGR), reproduction index (RI) and reproduction factor (RF) were evaluated. Based on RI and RF, the genotypes CNPH 185, CNPH 187 and CNPH 680 were resistant and very resistant to M. incognita race 3 and M. javanica, simultaneously. The C. frutescens line presented resistance to the three root-knot nematode species.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar acessos de Capsicum quanto à resistência a Meloidogyne incognita raça 3, Meloidogyne javanica e Meloidogyne enterolobii. Foram realizados dois experimentos, com diferentes genótipos de pimentas e pimentões, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado sendo o primeiro em esquema fatorial 31 x 3 com 27 genótipos de Capsicum annuum, duas cultivares de pimenta, uma linhagem de Capsicum frutescens, o tomateiro 'Santa Cruz Kada' e três espécies de nematoides (M. incognita raça 3, M. javanica e M. enterolobii). No segundo experimento foi utilizado esquema fatorial 39 x 3 com 36 acessos de C. annuum, duas cultivares de pimenta, o tomateiro 'Santa Cruz Kada' e três espécies de nematoides mencionadas anteriormente. Avaliou-se o número total de ovos e juvenis de segundo estádio (NTOJ), número de ovos e juvenis de segundo estádio por grama de raízes (NOJGR), índice de reprodução (IR) e fator de reprodução (FR). Com base no FR e IR os genótipos CNPH 185, CNPH 187 e CNPH 680 foram resistentes e muito resistentes a M. incognita raça 3 e M. javanica, simultaneamente. A linhagem de C. frutescens apresentou resistência às três espécies de nematoides de galha.

Cholelithiasis and its complications in sickle cell disease in a university hospital.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease are related to the polymerization of hemoglobin S. The chronic hemolysis caused by this condition often causes the formation of gallstones that can migrate and block the common bile duct leading to acute abdomen. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the profile of patients with sickle cell disease and cholelithiasis. METHODS: Patients with sickle cell disease were separated into groups according to the presence or absence of cholelithiasis. Socioepidemiological and clinical characteristics, such as gender, age, use of hydroxyurea and the presence of other hemoglobinopathies were researched in the medical records of patients. RESULTS: A hundred and seven patients with sickle cell anemia were treated at the institution. Of these, 27 (25.2%) had cholelithiasis. The presence of cholelithiasis was higher in the 11-29 age group than in younger than 11 years and over 29 years. No association was found for the presence of cholelithiasis with gender, use of hydroxyurea or type of hemoglobinopathy (hemoglobin SS, hemoglobin SC or sickle beta-thalassemia). Sixteen of the patients had to be submitted to cholecystectomy with 14 of the surgeries being performed by laparoscopy. Complications were observed in three patients and one patient died for reasons unrelated to the surgery. CONCLUSION: A quarter of patients with sickle cell disease had gallstones, more commonly in the 11- to 29-year age range. Patients should be monitored from childhood to prevent cholelithiasis with preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative care being crucial to reduce the risk of complications in these patients.

Biomechanical Parameters in Children with Unilateral and Bilateral Clubfoot during Vertical Jumps

Abstract Gait analysis may offer information to choose the best exercise-based clinical intervention for the children with clubfoot. However, other motor abilities are not commonly investigated. The aim of this research was to analyze the biomechanics of countermovement vertical jumping in clubfooted children who had undergone surgery. Fourteen children with idiopathic clubfoot were selected and the control group consisted of 11 children. Clubfooted children showed less dorsiflexion in the jump preparation phase. In the impulse phase, this group showed more knee flexion and less plantarflexion associated with less magnitude of vertical reaction force and less muscular activity in the gastrocnemius medialis. In the landing phase, for clubfoot group, we found high loading rate for the first peak of vertical force, less plantarflexion and more knee flexion. Understanding the biomechanical changes of vertical jump landing should assist in better targeting of physical and sporting activities of this population.(AU)

Cholelithiasis and its complications in sickle cell disease in a university hospital

Abstract Introduction: The clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease are related to the polymerization of hemoglobin S. The chronic hemolysis caused by this condition often causes the formation of gallstones that can migrate and block the common bile duct leading to acute abdomen. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the profile of patients with sickle cell disease and cholelithiasis. Methods: Patients with sickle cell disease were separated into groups according to the presence or absence of cholelithiasis. Socioepidemiological and clinical characteristics, such as gender, age, use of hydroxyurea and the presence of other hemoglobinopathies were researched in the medical records of patients. Results: A hundred and seven patients with sickle cell anemia were treated at the institution. Of these, 27 (25.2%) had cholelithiasis. The presence of cholelithiasis was higher in the 11–29 age group than in younger than 11 years and over 29 years. No association was found for the presence of cholelithiasis with gender, use of hydroxyurea or type of hemoglobinopathy (hemoglobin SS, hemoglobin SC or sickle beta-thalassemia). Sixteen of the patients had to be submitted to cholecystectomy with 14 of the surgeries being performed by laparoscopy. Complications were observed in three patients and one patient died for reasons unrelated to the surgery. Conclusion: A quarter of patients with sickle cell disease had gallstones, more commonly in the 11- to 29-year age range. Patients should be monitored from childhood to prevent cholelithiasis with preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative care being crucial to reduce the risk of complications in these patients.

Handling topological changes during elastic registration : Application to augmented reality in laparoscopic surgery.

PURPOSE: Locating the internal structures of an organ is a critical aspect of many surgical procedures. Minimally invasive surgery, associated with augmented reality techniques, offers the potential to visualize inner structures, allowing for improved analysis, depth perception or for supporting planning and decision systems. METHODS: Most of the current methods dealing with rigid or non-rigid augmented reality make the assumption that the topology of the organ is not modified. As surgery relies essentially on cutting and dissection of anatomical structures, such methods are limited to the early stages of the surgery. We solve this shortcoming with the introduction of a method for physics-based elastic registration using a single view from a monocular camera. Singularities caused by topological changes are detected and propagated to the preoperative model. This significantly improves the coherence between the actual laparoscopic view and the model and provides added value in terms of navigation and decision-making, e.g., by overlaying the internal structures of an organ on the laparoscopic view. RESULTS: Our real-time augmentation method is assessed on several scenarios, using synthetic objects and real organs. In all cases, the impact of our approach is demonstrated, both qualitatively and quantitatively ( http://www.open-cas.org/?q=PaulusIJCARS16 ). CONCLUSION: The presented approach tackles the challenge of localizing internal structures throughout a complete surgical procedure, even after surgical cuts. This information is crucial for surgeons to improve the outcome for their surgical procedure and avoid complications.

Robust augmented reality registration method for localization of solid organs' tumors using CT-derived virtual biomechanical model and fluorescent fiducials.

BACKGROUND: Augmented reality (AR) is the fusion of computer-generated and real-time images. AR can be used in surgery as a navigation tool, by creating a patient-specific virtual model through 3D software manipulation of DICOM imaging (e.g., CT scan). The virtual model can be superimposed to real-time images enabling transparency visualization of internal anatomy and accurate localization of tumors. However, the 3D model is rigid and does not take into account inner structures' deformations. We present a concept of automated AR registration, while the organs undergo deformation during surgical manipulation, based on finite element modeling (FEM) coupled with optical imaging of fluorescent surface fiducials. METHODS: Two 10 × 1 mm wires (pseudo-tumors) and six 10 × 0.9 mm fluorescent fiducials were placed in ex vivo porcine kidneys (n = 10). Biomechanical FEM-based models were generated from CT scan. Kidneys were deformed and the shape changes were identified by tracking the fiducials, using a near-infrared optical system. The changes were registered automatically with the virtual model, which was deformed accordingly. Accuracy of prediction of pseudo-tumors' location was evaluated with a CT scan in the deformed status (ground truth). In vivo: fluorescent fiducials were inserted under ultrasound guidance in the kidney of one pig, followed by a CT scan. The FEM-based virtual model was superimposed on laparoscopic images by automatic registration of the fiducials. RESULTS: Biomechanical models were successfully generated and accurately superimposed on optical images. The mean measured distance between the estimated tumor by biomechanical propagation and the scanned tumor (ground truth) was 0.84 ± 0.42 mm. All fiducials were successfully placed in in vivo kidney and well visualized in near-infrared mode enabling accurate automatic registration of the virtual model on the laparoscopic images. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary experiments showed the potential of a biomechanical model with fluorescent fiducials to propagate the deformation of solid organs' surface to their inner structures including tumors with good accuracy and automatized robust tracking.

Parâmetros biomecânicos da marcha em crianças com pé torto congênito unilateral e bilateral / Biomechanical gait parameters in children with unilateral and bilateral clubfoot

Resumo Uma variedade de disfunções congênitas pediátricas demonstra que deformidades do pé interferem na capacidade de locomoção. No entanto, há em muitas vezes incertezas sobre os seus reais efeitos mecânicos. O pé torto congênito é um exemplo de uma disfunção pouco conhecida no que diz respeito as suas influências na locomoção de crianças. Desta forma, uma melhor compreensão da marcha destas crianças pode auxiliar no melhor no direcionamento de futuras ações na tentativa de minimizar ou corrigir tais possíveis desequilíbrios. O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar parâmetros cinéticos e cinemáticos da marcha de crianças com pé torto congênito unilateral e bilateral submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico. Artigo Científico Original Observacional. O protocolo consistiu da investigação da marcha em velocidade auto-selecionada, com identificação de parâmetros em forças de reação do solo vertical e antero-posterior, além de parâmetros angulares do tornozelo e do joelho. Testes estatísticos não-paramétricos foram utilizados na análise dos resultados. As crianças com pé torto mostraram maiores desequilíbrios nos parâmetros investigados, com ênfase para as diferenças entre o grupo de pé torto unilateral e controle. Nesta comparação, no início da fase de apoio, foram encontradas maior primeiro pico da força vertical e alterações angulares do joelho e tornozelo; no médio apoio, foram observados aumento da flexão do joelho e dorsiflexão do tornozelo, além de menor magnitude da força vertical; na fase de propulsão foram encontrados menores valores na força antero-posterior e no segundo pico da força vertical, além de menor flexão plantar. Crianças com pé torto unilateral apresentam maiores desequilíbrios em parâmetros biomecânicos da marcha em comparação com crianças acometidas bilateralmente. As alterações encontradas nos parâmetros da marcha no presente estudo podem contribuir nas compreensões dos desequilíbrios e fornecer informações para entender os movimentos dos membros inferiores durante a marcha em crianças pé torto.(AU)

Abstract A variety of congenital pediatric disorders have demonstrated that foot deformities interfere in locomotion ability. However, there are uncertainties about the mechanical effects of this deformity. Quantitative gait analysis allows the measurement and assessment of walking biomechanics, which facilitates the recommendation of treatment alternatives. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze gait parameters in unilateral and bilateral clubfoot children after operative therapy. Observational Original Scientific Article. The protocol consisted of self-selected speed gait investigation with parameter identification in vertical and antero-posterior ground reaction forces and ankle and knee angles. Non-parametric statistics tests were used in analysis of the results. Children with clubfoot showed larger imbalances in parameters with an emphasis towards the greatest differences occurring between unilateral clubfoot group and controls. For initial stance phase, we found higher first vertical force peak and knee and ankle angular alterations. For midstance, we observed more knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion, and less vertical force. For propulsion phase, there were smaller values in antero-posterior force, second vertical force peak and plantarflexion. Unilateral clubfoot presents more imbalances in gait biomechanical parameters compared with bilateral clubfoot children. The alterations in gait parameters in this study help to understand the imbalances and provide information to understand the lower extremity movements during gait in clubfoot children.(AU)

Análise eletromiográfica de músculos da coluna vertebral durante a marcha em diferentes formas de carregar o bebê / Electromyographic analysis of the spinal muscles during the gait in different ways to carry a baby

Introdução: A forma de carregar o bebê pode causar desequilíbrios em músculos relacionados à coluna vertebral. Objetivos: Investigar a atividade elétrica dos músculos trapézio fibras descendentes e eretores lombares durante a marcha na simulação de carregar um bebê. Métodos: 20 voluntárias, destras e saudáveis participaram das coletas durante a marcha em esteira na simulação do ato de carregar o bebê em diferentes formas: 1) posição horizontal; 2) posição vertical; 3) suporte tipo "canguru" e 4) suporte tipo "sling". Os resultados eletromiográficos foram analisados pela análise da intensidade do sinal eletromiográfico dos músculos trapézio fibras descendentes e eretores espinhais lombares bilateralmente. Resultados: A ANOVA de dois fatores indicou que a forma de carregar (F(4,59)=17,1 p<0,001) e lado (F(1, 59)=89,6 p<0,001) afetaram a intensidade da atividade do músculo eretor espinhal e também a forma de carregar (F(4, 59)=6,4 p<0,001) e lado (F(1, 59)=59,9 p<0,001) do músculo trapézio fibras descendentes. Conclusões: O suporte canguru gerou menor ativação em músculos espinhais durante a quando comparado a outras situações.

Introduction: The way to carry the baby may cause imbalances in muscles related to the spine. Objectives: To investigate the electrical activity of the muscles trapezius descending fibers and lumbar erector during the simulation of carrying a baby. Methods: 20 volunteers right-handed and healthy participate of the study during walking on a treadmill to simulate the act of carrying the baby in different ways: 1) horizontal position; 2) vertical position; 3) Support Type "kangaroo" and 4) Support Type "sling". The EMG results were analyzed by analysis of the intensity of the electromyographic signal of the muscles trapezius fibers descendants and spinal lumbar erector bilaterally. Results: A two-way ANOVA indicated that the way of loading (F(4, 59)=17.1 p <0,001) and next (F(1, 59)=89.6 p <0.001) affected the intensity of the activity spinal erector muscles and also the way of loading (F(4, 59)=6.4 p <0.001) and next (F(1, 59)=59.9 p <0.001) of the trapezius muscle fibers descendants. Conclusions: Kangaroo support generated less activation in spinal muscles during when compared to other situations.