Analysis of the interface formed among the poli (viniilidene) fluoride (piezoelectric and non-piezoelectric) and the bone tissue of rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the interface formed between the poli (viniilidene) fluoride (PVDF-piezoelectric and non-piezoelectric) and cap rats' bone tissue. Twenty tubes of PVDF [P (VDF-TrFE)] piezoelectric, (d3h = 2,5 pC/N and capacitance 800 pF/m), and twenty tubes of non-piezoelectric PVDF were implanted in the intercondilian notch of the left femur of 40 rats. The animals of both groups were subdivided in four subgroups, followed up for 7 days, 3, 6 and 12 weeks. The interface found between bone and tubes was studied by conventional optical microscopy (MOC) (n=28) and by backscattered electronic scanning microscopy (MEV) (n=12). Bone tissue growth was observed inside the tubes of piezoelectric PVDF followed up during 12 weeks, both by MOC and by MEV backscattering. The results indicate that the piezoelectric effect had an important role in the new bone tissue formation inside the piezoelectric tubes. Probably, that bone formation was a result from the electrets effect or from micro deformations produced in the piezoelectric tubes, due to the intra-articular pressure variation on the knee movement during gait.O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a interface formada entre o polifluoreto de vinilideno (PVDF - piezelétrico e não piezelétrico) e o tecido ósseo do rato. Foram implantados em 40 ratos, na região intercondiliana do fêmur esquerdo, vinte tubos de PVDF [P(VDF-TrFE)] piezelétricos, (d3h = 2,5 pC/N e capacitância 800 pF/m), e vinte tubos de PVDF não piezelétricos. Os animais de ambos os grupos foram subdivididos em quatro subgrupos, seguidos por 7 dias, 3, 6 e 12 semanas. A interface formada pelos tubos com o tecido ósseo foi estudada por microscopia óptica convencional (MOC) (n=28) e pela microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) por retroespalhamento (n=12). No interior dos tubos de PVDF piezelétricos seguidos por 12 semanas foi constatado, tanto pela MOC como pela MEV por retroespalhamento, crescimento de tecido ósseo. Os resultados indicam que a piezeletricidade teve papel importante na neoformação do tecido ósseo no interior dos tubos piezelétricos. Provavelmente, essa formação óssea foi decorrente ou do efeito eletreto, ou das microdeformações produzidas nos tubos piezelétricos, devido à variação da pressão intra articular do joelho durante a marcha.16016

ADAPTAÇÃO BRASILEIRA DAS ESCALAS RENZULLI (SRBCSS-III): CARACTERÍSTICAS MUSICAIS E TEATRAIS

Screening tools have been widely used in the process of identifying high ability / giftedness (AH / S), in this context, the Scales for Rating the Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students - SRBCSS III stands out worldwide. Given its relevance, this study aims to present evidence of content validity, translation and adaptation of two subscales of the instrument, namely: musical and theatrical, into Brazilian Portuguese and the investigation of evidence of content validity. The translation and back-translation processes were performed by four translators, giving rise to a synthesis version developed by the researchers. This version was initially analyzed by judges in order to identify evidence of content validity and, subsequently, by the target audience: regular teachers and specialists (pilot study). The results demonstrated adequacy and clarity of the scale items, and suitability for use with the target audience. Further studies aimed at investigating other psychometric qualities are recommended.Ferramentas de triagem vêm sendo amplamente utilizadas no processo de identificação das altas habilidades/superdotação (AH/S), nesse contexto, a Scales for Rating the Behavioral Characteristics of Superior Students - SRBCSS III se destaca mundialmente. Dada sua relevância, o presente estudo visa apresentar as evidências de validade de conteúdo tradução e adaptação de duas subescalas do instrumento, a saber: musical e teatral, para o português brasileiro, bem como a investigação das evidências de validade de conteúdo. Os processos de tradução e retrotradução foram realizados por quatro tradutores, dando origem a uma versão síntese, elaborada pelos autores. Tal versão foi analisada inicialmente por juízes visando identificar evidências de validade de conteúdo e, posteriormente, pelo público-alvo: professores regulares e especialistas (estudo piloto). Os resultados demonstraram adequação e clareza dos itens das escalas, bem como adequação para uso junto ao público-alvo. Estudos posteriores, voltados à investigação de outras qualidades psicométricas são recomendados

Boron Supply and Water Deficit Consequences in Young Paricá (Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum) Plants

Boron (B) is a very important nutrient required by forest plants; when supplied in adequate amounts, plants can ameliorate the negative effects of abiotic stresses. The objective of this study was to (i) investigate gas exchange, (ii) measure oxidant and antioxidant compounds, and (iii) respond how B supply acts on tolerance mechanism to water deficit in young Schizolobium parahyba plants. The experiment employed a factorial that was entirely randomised, with two boron levels (25 and 250 µmol L-1, simulating conditions of sufficient B and high B, respectively) and two water conditions (control and water deficit). Water deficit induced negative modifications on net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and water use efficiency, while B high promoted intensification of the effects on stomatal conductance and water use efficiency. Hydrogen peroxide and electrolyte leakage of both tissues suffered non-significant increases after B high and when applied water deficit. Ascorbate levels presented increases after water deficit and B high to leaf and root. Our results suggested that the tolerance mechanism to water deficit in young Schizolobium parahyba plants is coupled to increases in total glutathione and ascorbate aiming to control the overproduction of hydrogen peroxide and alleviates the negative consequences on electrolyte leakage and gas exchange. In relation to B supply, this study proved that sufficient level promoted better responses under control and water deficit conditions

Postural adjustments and kinematic index finger features in frail older adults under different equilibrium constraints

Background: Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) are significantly affected by age and may represent restrictions on functional independence. Previous studies in young adults have already highlighted that changing postural stability (i.e., seated vs. upright posture) affects the motor planning and APAs. In frail older adults (FOAs), the effect of these different conditions of postural stability have not yet been established, and the present study aimed to disentangle this issue. Methods: Participants executed an arm-pointing task to reach a diode immediately after it turned on, under different conditions of stability (seated with and without foot support and in an upright posture). A kinematic profile of the index finger and postural electromyographic data were registered in their dominant-side leg muscles: Tibialis anterior, soleus, rectus femoris, and semitendinosus. Results: The main finding of this study was that the adopted posture and body stabilization in FOAs did not reflect differences in APAs or kinematic features. In addition, they did not present an optimal APA, since postural muscles are recruited simultaneously with the deltoid. Conclusion: Thus, FOAs seem to use a single non-optimal motor plan to assist with task performance and counterbalance perturbation forces in which they present similar APAs and do not modify their kinematics features under different equilibrium constraints

Atividade eletromiográfica durante exercícios de propriocepção de tornozelo em apoio unipodal

Propriocepção refere-se à percepção dos mecanorreceptores para discriminar a posição do corpo e movimentos articulares, bem como tensões sobre os tendões na fase estática ou dinâmica da marcha. Objetivou-se avaliar por eletromiografia a ativação muscular do gastrocnêmio e tibial anterior em diferentes exercícios de propriocepção do tornozelo em apoio unipodal, comparando graus de dificuldade. Foram selecionados 54 voluntários, sedentários, destros, do sexo masculino (20-35 anos). Exercícios foram feitos no balancinho, prancha de equilíbrio, cama elástica e solo, à razão de três repetições de 15 segundos cada, com intervalo de 15 segundos entre as repetições. Ao final dos testes os voluntários indicaram a maior dificuldade. A atividade elétrica de ambos os músculos foi significativamente maior durante o teste no balancinho. No solo, ambos os músculos apresentaram menor atividade, mas apenas no gastrocnêmio essa diferença foi significativa. No exercício na prancha de equilíbrio e na cama elástica não se encontrou diferença quanto à ativação dos músculos. Na análise intermúsculo foi observada maior atividade do tibial anterior, exceto no balancinho. Assim, para o treino do apoio unipodal na aquisição do ganho proprioceptivo, o equipamento adotado deve ser escolhido com cuidado: no balancinho é maior o recrutamento dos músculos tibial anterior e gastrocnêmio, assim como é maior o grau de dificuldade para manutenção do equilíbrio.Proprioception refers to the ability of mechanoreceptors to discriminate body position and joint movements, as well as tensions during static or dynamic phases. The aim of this study was to assess, by means of surface electromyography, activation patterns of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles in proprioception exercises, also comparing difficulty levels. Fifty-four sedentary, right-handed, 20-to-35 year-old male volunteers performed single-leg stance exercises on the balance board, wobble board, elastic trampoline and on the floor, at the rate of three 15-second repetitions each, with a 15-second interval between repetitions. After the exercises, volunteers pointed out the highest difficulty felt. Electrical activity of both muscles was significantly higher during the test on the balance board. On the floor, both muscles showed less activity, but only for gastrocnemius muscle this difference was significant. No differences were found in muscle activation during exercises on the wobble board and the elastic trampoline. Inter-muscle analysis showed greater activity of the tibialis anterior muscle, except on the balance board. This study suggests that, when planning one-leg stance exercise for proprioceptive training, the balance board is the equipment that most requires activation of gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles, being also the most difficult one

Smartphone-based evaluation of static balance and mobility in long-lasting COVID-19 patients

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to a variety of persistent sequelae, collectively known as long COVID-19. Deficits in postural balance have been reported in patients several months after COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the static balance and balance of individuals with long COVID-19 using inertial sensors in smartphones.MethodsA total of 73 participants were included in this study, of which 41 had long COVID-19 and 32 served as controls. All participants in the long COVID-19 group reported physical complaints for at least 7 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants were evaluated using a built-in inertial sensor of a smartphone attached to the low back, which recorded inertial signals during a static balance and mobility task (timed up and go test). The parameters of static balance and mobility obtained from both groups were compared.ResultsThe groups were matched for age and BMI. Of the 41 participants in the long COVID-19 group, 22 reported balance impairment and 33 had impaired balance in the Sharpened Romberg test. Static balance assessment revealed that the long COVID-19 group had greater postural instability with both eyes open and closed than the control group. In the TUG test, the long COVID-19 group showed greater acceleration during the sit-to-stand transition compared to the control group.ConclusionThe smartphone was feasible to identify losses in the balance motor control and mobility of patients with long-lasting symptomatic COVID-19 even after several months or years. Attention to the balance impairment experienced by these patients could help prevent falls and improve their quality of life, and the use of the smartphone can expand this monitoring for a broader population

The rapid spread of SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant in Italy reflected early through wastewater surveillance

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant emerged in South Africa in November 2021, and has later been identified worldwide, raising serious concerns. A real-time RT-PCR assay was designed for the rapid screening of the Omicron variant, targeting characteristic mutations of the spike gene. The assay was used to test 737 sewage samples collected throughout Italy (19/21 Regions) between 11 November and 25 December 2021, with the aim of assessing the spread of the Omicron variant in the country. Positive samples were also tested with a real-time RT-PCR developed by the European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), and through nested RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Overall, 115 samples tested positive for Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. The first occurrence was detected on 7 December, in Veneto, North Italy. Later on, the variant spread extremely fast in three weeks, with prevalence of positive wastewater samples rising from 1.0% (1/104 samples) in the week 5–11 December, to 17.5% (25/143 samples) in the week 12–18, to 65.9% (89/135 samples) in the week 19–25, in line with the increase in cases of infection with the Omicron variant observed during December in Italy. Similarly, the number of Regions/Autonomous Provinces in which the variant was detected increased fromone in the first week, to 11 in the second, and to 17 in the last one. The presence of the Omicron variant was confirmed by the JRC real-time RT-PCR in 79.1% (91/115) of the positive samples, and by Sanger sequencing in 66% (64/97) of PCR amplicons

The rapid spread of SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant in Italy reflected early through wastewater surveillance

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant emerged in South Africa in November 2021, and has later been identified worldwide, raising serious concerns. A real-time RT-PCR assay was designed for the rapid screening of the Omicron variant, targeting characteristic mutations of the spike gene. The assay was used to test 737 sewage samples collected throughout Italy (19/21 Regions) between 11 November and 25 December 2021, with the aim of assessing the spread of the Omicron variant in the country. Positive samples were also tested with a real-time RT-PCR developed by the European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), and through nested RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Overall, 115 samples tested positive for Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. The first occurrence was detected on 7 December, in Veneto, North Italy. Later on, the variant spread extremely fast in three weeks, with prevalence of positive wastewater samples rising from 1.0% (1/104 samples) in the week 5–11 December, to 17.5% (25/143 samples) in the week 12–18, to 65.9% (89/135 samples) in the week 19–25, in line with the increase in cases of infection with the Omicron variant observed during December in Italy. Similarly, the number of Regions/Autonomous Provinces in which the variant was detected increased from one in the first week, to 11 in the second, and to 17 in the last one. The presence of the Omicron variant was confirmed by the JRC real-time RT-PCR in 79.1% (91/115) of the positive samples, and by Sanger sequencing in 66% (64/97) of PCR amplicons. In conclusion, we designed an RT-qPCR assay capable to detect the Omicron variant, which can be successfully used for the purpose of wastewater-based epidemiology. We also described the history of the introduction and diffusion of the Omicron variant in the Italian population and territory, confirming the effectiveness of sewage monitoring as a powerful surveillance tool

The rapid spread of SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant in Italy reflected early through wastewater surveillance

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant emerged in South Africa in November 2021, and has later been identified worldwide, raising serious concerns. A real-time RT-PCR assay was designed for the rapid screening of the Omicron variant, targeting characteristic mutations of the spike gene. The assay was used to test 737 sewage samples collected throughout Italy (19/21 Regions) between 11 November and 25 December 2021, with the aim of assessing the spread of the Omicron variant in the country. Positive samples were also tested with a real-time RT-PCR developed by the European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), and through nested RT-PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Overall, 115 samples tested positive for Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant. The first occurrence was detected on 7 December, in Veneto, North Italy. Later on, the variant spread extremely fast in three weeks, with prevalence of positive wastewater samples rising from 1.0% (1/104 samples) in the week 5-11 December, to 17.5% (25/143 samples) in the week 12-18, to 65.9% (89/135 samples) in the week 19-25, in line with the increase in cases of infection with the Omicron variant observed during December in Italy. Similarly, the number of Regions/Autonomous Provinces in which the variant was detected increased from one in the first week, to 11 in the second, and to 17 in the last one. The presence of the Omicron variant was confirmed by the JRC real-time RT-PCR in 79.1% (91/115) of the positive samples, and by Sanger sequencing in 66% (64/97) of PCR amplicons. In conclusion, we designed an RT-qPCR assay capable to detect the Omicron variant, which can be successfully used for the purpose of wastewater-based epidemiology. We also described the history of the introduction and diffusion of the Omicron variant in the Italian population and territory, confirming the effectiveness of sewage monitoring as a powerful surveillance tool

Analise da interface formada entre o poli (fluoreto de vinilideno), piezeletrico e não piezeletrico e o tecido muscular e osseo de ratos

Orientador : William Dias BelangeroDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências MédicasResumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a interface formada entre o poli(fluoreto de vinilideno) (PVDF - piezelétrico e não piezelétrico) e o tecido muscular e ósseo do rato. Foram utilizados 40 tubos de PVDF [P(VDF-TrFE)] piezelétricos com coeficiente de piezeletricidade de d3h = 2,5 pC/N e capacitância 800 pF/m e 40 tubos de PVDF não piezelétricos. Em vinte animais foram implantados 40 tubos de PVDF piezelétricos e nos outros vinte, 40 tubos de PVDF não piezelétricos, seguidos por 7 dias, 3, 6 e 12 semanas. Os tubos foram implantados na região intercondiliana do fêmur da pata posterior esquerda e no corpo do músculo tríceps sural da pata posterior direita. A interface formada pelos tubos com o tecido muscular (n=40) e ósseo (n=32) foi estuda por microscopia óptica convencional e os tubos retirados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (n= 72). A MEV por retroespalhado foi realizada para o estudo da interface entre o tubo e o tecido ósseo não descalcificado (n = 8). Ao redor dos tubos implantados no tecido muscular houve formação de cápsula com ausência de macrófagos e células gigantes. A retirada dos tubos piezelétricos, tanto do tecido muscular quanto do tecido ósseo, foi sempre mais difícil do que a dos tubos não piezelétricos, devido à aderência dos primeiros no leito receptor. A microscopia eletrônica de varredura demonstrou maior aderência e crescimento de tecido conjuntivo sobre os tubos de PFVD piezelétricos. Ao redor e no interior dos tubos de PVDF piezelétricos implantados no tecido ósseo pode se observar, após 12 semanas, crescimento evidente de tecido ósseo, principalmente no interior do tubo. A microscopia eletrônica por retroespalhamento também demonstrou a presença de tecido ósseo somente no interior dos tubo piezelétricos, após 12 semanas. Os resultados indicam que a piezeletricidade teve papel importante na neoformação, tanto do tecido ósseo quanto do tecido conjuntivo denso. Provavelmente, essa neoformação foi decorrente de microdeformações produzidas nos tubos piezelétricos, oriundas da contração do músculo tríceps sural e da pressão intraarticular gerada pelo movimento articular e pela marchaAbstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the interface formed between the poli(vinilidene) fluoride (PVDF ¿ piezelectric and non piezelectric) and bone rats tissue. Were used 40 PVDF [P(VDF-TrFE)] piezelectric tubes and 40 PVDF [P(VDF-TrFE)] non piezelectric tubes. In 20 animals were implanted 40 piezelectric PVDF tubes and in the other 20 animals, 40 non piezelectric PVDF tubes, followed for 7 days, 3, 6, and 12 weeks. The tubes were implanted in the femoral interncondilian region in the left foot and in the triceps muscle in the right foot. The interface formed by the tubes and the muscular tissue (n=40) and bone (n=32) was achieved by conventional optic microscopy and the removed tubes by scanning electron microscopy (n= 72). The SEM bacskattered was used to access the interface between the tube and the bone tissue without decalcifying (n=8). Around the muscular implanted tubes, there was a capsule formation without macrofage and giant cells. The piezelectric tubes removal, even from the muscular or bonetissue, was always more difficut than the non piezelectric tubes removal. It occured because there was greater tissue adhesion. The SEM showed greater adhesion and connective tissue growth around the piezelectric tubes. Around and inside the piezelectric tubes in the bone tissue, after 12 weeks, we could observe evident bone growth inside the tube. The SEM backscattered showed the boné tissue presence only inside the piezelectric tubes, after 12 weeks. The results indicate that the piezelectric effect had and important role in the new formation, even for bone or connective tissue. Probably, this new formation was due to small deformations in the piezelectric tubes, provided from the triceps contraction and from the articular movement during the marchMestradoPesquisa ExperimentalMestre em Cirurgi