Global Body Posture Evaluation in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

AIM: To identify the relationship between anterior disc displacement and global posture (plantar arches, lower limbs, shoulder and pelvic girdle, vertebral spine, head and mandibles). Common signs and symptoms of anterior disc displacement were also identified. INTRODUCTION: Global posture deviations cause body adaptation and realignment, which may interfere with the organization and function of the temporomandibular joint. METHODS: Global posture evaluation was performed in a group of 10 female patients (20 to 30 years of age) with temporomandibular joint disc displacement and in a control group of 16 healthy female volunteers matched for age, weight and height. Anterior disc displacement signs, symptoms and the presence of parafunctional habits were also identified through interview. RESULTS: Patients with disc displacement showed a higher incidence of pain in the temporomandibular joint area, but there were no differences in parafunctional habits between the groups. In the disc displacement group, postural deviations were found in the pelvis (posterior rotation), lumbar spine (hyperlordosis), thoracic spine (rectification), head (deviation to the right) and mandibles (deviation to the left with open mouth). There were no differences in the longitudinal plantar arches between the groups. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a close relationship between body posture and temporomandibular disorder, though it is not possible to determine whether postural deviations are the cause or the result of the disorder. Hence, postural evaluation could be an important component in the overall approach to providing accurate prevention and treatment in the management of patients with temporomandibular disorder

Reforço à flexão de vigas de concreto armado com Tecido de Polímero Reforçado com Fibras de Carbono (PRFC) aderido a substrato de transição constituído por compósito cimentício de alto desempenho

Resistance to corrosion, high tensile strength, low weight, easiness and rapidity of application, are characteristics that have contributed to the spread of the strengthening technique characterized by bonding of carbon fibers reinforced polymer (CFRP). This research aimed to develop an innovate strengthening method for RC beams, based on a high performance cement-based composite of steel fibers (macro + microfibers) to be applied as a transition layer. The purpose of this transition layer is better control the cracking of concrete and detain or even avoid premature debonding of strengthening. A preliminary study in short beams molded with steel fibers and strengthened with CFRP sheet, was carried out where was verified that the conception of the transition layer is valid. Tests were developed to get a cement-based composite with adequate characteristics to constitute the layer transition. Results showed the possibility to develop a high performance material with a pseudo strain-hardening behavior, high strength and fracture toughness. The application of the strengthening on the transition layer surface had significantly to improve the performance levels of the strengthened beam. It summary, it was proven the efficiency of the new strengthening technique, and much information can be used as criteria of projects for repaired and strengthened structures

Prebiotic effects: metabolic and health benefits

The different compartments of the gastrointestinal tract are inhabited by populations of micro-organisms. By far the most important predominant populations are in the colon where a true symbiosis with the host exists that is a key for well-being and health. For such a microbiota, 'normobiosis' characterises a composition of the gut 'ecosystem' in which micro-organisms with potential health benefits predominate in number over potentially harmful ones, in contrast to 'dysbiosis', in which one or a few potentially harmful micro-organisms are dominant, thus creating a disease-prone situation. The present document has been written by a group of both academic and industry experts (in the ILSI Europe Prebiotic Expert Group and Prebiotic Task Force, respectively). It does not aim to propose a new definition of a prebiotic nor to identify which food products are classified as prebiotic but rather to validate and expand the original idea of the prebiotic concept (that can be translated in 'prebiotic effects'), defined as: 'The selective stimulation of growth and/or activity(ies) of one or a limited number of microbial genus(era)/species in the gut microbiota that confer(s) health benefits to the host.' Thanks to the methodological and fundamental research of microbiologists, immense progress has very recently been made in our understanding of the gut microbiota. A large number of human intervention studies have been performed that have demonstrated that dietary consumption of certain food products can result in statistically significant changes in the composition of the gut microbiota in line with the prebiotic concept. Thus the prebiotic effect is now a well-established scientific fact. The more data are accumulating, the more it will be recognised that such changes in the microbiota's composition, especially increase in bifidobacteria, can be regarded as a marker of intestinal health. The review is divided in chapters that cover the major areas of nutrition research where a prebiotic effect has tentatively been investigated for potential health benefits. The prebiotic effect has been shown to associate with modulation of biomarkers and activity(ies) of the immune system. Confirming the studies in adults, it has been demonstrated that, in infant nutrition, the prebiotic effect includes a significant change of gut microbiota composition, especially an increase of faecal concentrations of bifidobacteria. This concomitantly improves stool quality (pH, SCFA, frequency and consistency), reduces the risk of gastroenteritis and infections, improves general well-being and reduces the incidence of allergic symptoms such as atopic eczema. Changes in the gut microbiota composition are classically considered as one of the many factors involved in the pathogenesis of either inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. The use of particular food products with a prebiotic effect has thus been tested in clinical trials with the objective to improve the clinical activity and well-being of patients with such disorders. Promising beneficial effects have been demonstrated in some preliminary studies, including changes in gut microbiota composition (especially increase in bifidobacteria concentration). Often associated with toxic load and/or miscellaneous risk factors, colon cancer is another pathology for which a possible role of gut microbiota composition has been hypothesised. Numerous experimental studies have reported reduction in incidence of tumours and cancers after feeding specific food products with a prebiotic effect. Some of these studies (including one human trial) have also reported that, in such conditions, gut microbiota composition was modified (especially due to increased concentration of bifidobacteria). Dietary intake of particular food products with a prebiotic effect has been shown, especially in adolescents, but also tentatively in postmenopausal women, to increase Ca absorption as well as bone Ca accretion and bone mineral density. Recent data, both from experimental models and from human studies, support the beneficial effects of particular food products with prebiotic properties on energy homaeostasis, satiety regulation and body weight gain. Together, with data in obese animals and patients, these studies support the hypothesis that gut microbiota composition (especially the number of bifidobacteria) may contribute to modulate metabolic processes associated with syndrome X, especially obesity and diabetes type 2. It is plausible, even though not exclusive, that these effects are linked to the microbiota-induced changes and it is feasible to conclude that their mechanisms fit into the prebiotic effect. However, the role of such changes in these health benefits remains to be definitively proven. As a result of the research activity that followed the publication of the prebiotic concept 15 years ago, it has become clear that products that cause a selective modification in the gut microbiota's composition and/or activity(ies) and thus strengthens normobiosis could either induce beneficial physiological effects in the colon and also in extra-intestinal compartments or contribute towards reducing the risk of dysbiosis and associated intestinal and systemic pathologies

Otimização do processo de síntese e caracterização de MCM-48 / Synthesis process optimization and characterization of the MCM-48

As sílicas mesoporosas com geometrias regulares têm recebido atenção, devido à sua importância científica e potencial em aplicações práticas como catálise, adsorção, separação, sensoriamento, uso médico, ecológico e nanotecnológico. Em trabalho anterior do nosso grupo de pesquisa foram sintetizadas nanopartículas de sílica mesoporosa coloidal tipo MCM-48, porém estas se apresentaram agregadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a otimização do processo de síntese de MCM-48 para obtenção de nanopartículas desagregadas, assim como a caracterização do produto obtido. Para tanto, foi conduzido um estudo experimental com preparação de MCM-48 baseada no método de Stöber modificado. Após a síntese, os ensaios para avaliar estado de agregação, forma, tamanho e pureza do produto foram realizados por meio de análise de fase por espalhamento de luz (PALS), análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e fluorescência de raio-X (EDX). Como resultado, as nanopartículas esféricas de MCM-48 foram sintetizadas (lote 1 e lote 2 com dimensões médias < 300 nm) e o rendimento foi de aproximadamente 2 %(m/m). A síntese das nanopartículas mesoporosas, esféricas e desagregadas foi alcançada neste trabalho, portanto houve otimização do processo. O rendimento do processo foi maior quando comparado ao obtido em trabalho anterior do nosso grupo de pesquisa. Na literatura pesquisada o rendimento dos processos similares não se encontrou divulgado. 

Environmental perception analysis of inhabitants and visitors of Broa, Itirapina and Brotas reservoir, SP, Brasil

A importância de se entender as percepções e atitudes da população frente aos problemas ambientais e sociais consistem no fato de que esses resultados podem ser considerados como indicadores para formulação das políticas públicas locais. O estudo de percepção ambiental torna-se importante para compreender a maneira como o ser humano se interage com seu entorno, relacionando à qualidade ambiental e a de vida. O trabalho em questão teve como objetivo analisar a percepção ambiental de moradores e visitantes da Represa do Broa, Itirapina – Brotas, São Paulo – Brasil. Trata-se de um ambiente com significativo valor ambiental, pois seu entorno caracteriza-se por apresentar vegetação nativa conservada, além da represa estar inserida na Área de Proteção Ambiental Corumbataí/Botucatu/Tejupá. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de questionários, observação sistemática, fotodocumentação e análises dos pesquisadores referentes aos dados obtidos. A percepção analisada na Represa do Broa mostrou que moradores de sítios, chácaras e do bairro Santo Antônio, assim como os turistas que frequentam o local, possuem uma visão contextualizada das fragilidades e potencialidades da área necessárias para melhorias da região, que podem ser mitigadas através de aumento de infraestrutura básica, além de iniciativas para projetos e associações que visem ações educativas e comunitárias e o desenvolvimento sustentável para a região. Estas análises podem ser consideradas na proposição de políticas públicas e evidenciam a importância da participação das comunidades locais nas tomadas de decisão em prol das demandas e do anseio comum.Asociación de Universidades Grupo Montevide

Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins modulates splicing

The biological functions of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are not well understood. However, it is known that hnRNPs are involved in the regulation of alternative splicing for many genes, including the Ddc gene in Drosophila. Therefore, we first confirmed that poly(ADP-ribose) (pADPr) interacts with two Drosophila hnRNPs, Squid/hrp40 and Hrb98DE/hrp38, and that this function is regulated by Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase 1 (PARP1) and Poly(ADP-ribose) Glycohydrolase (PARG) in vivo. These findings then provided a basis for analyzing the role of pADPr binding to these two hnRNPs in terms of alternative splicing regulation. Our results showed that Parg null mutation does cause poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of Squid and hrp38 protein, as well as their dissociation from active chromatin. Our data also indicated that pADPr binding to hnRNPs inhibits the RNA-binding ability of hnRNPs. Following that, we demonstrated that poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of Squid and hrp38 proteins inhibits splicing of the intron in the Hsrω-RC transcript, but enhances splicing of the intron in the Ddc pre-mRNA. Taken together, these findings suggest that poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation regulates the interaction between hnRNPs and RNA and thus modulates the splicing pathways

Association Between Insulin Resistance and Development of Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes: A prospective cohort study

[[abstract]]OBJECTIVE An association between insulin resistance and microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes has often been found in cross-sectional studies. We aimed to reassess this relationship in a prospective Taiwanese cohort of type 2 diabetic subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We enrolled 738 normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic subjects, aged 56.6 +/- 9.0 years, between 2003 and 2005 and followed them through the end of 2009. Average follow-up time was 5.2 +/- 0.8 years. We used urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio to define microalbuminuria and the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) to assess insulin resistance. The incidence rate ratio and Cox proportional hazard model were used to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and development of microalbuminuria. RESULTS We found incidences of microalbuminuria of 64.8, 83.5, 93.3, and 99.0 per 1,000 person-years for the lowest to highest quartiles of HOMA-IR. Compared with those in the lowest quartile of HOMA-IR, the incidence rate ratio for those in the 2nd, 3rd, and highest quartiles were 1.28 (95% CI 0.88-1.87), 1.44 (0.99-2.08), and 1.52 (1.06-2.20), respectively (trend test: P < 0.001). By comparison with those in the lowest quartile, the adjusted hazard ratios were 1.37 (0.93-2.02), 1.66 (1.12-2.47), and 1.76 (1.20-2.59) for those in the 2nd, 3rd, and highest HOMA-IR quartiles, respectively. CONCLUSIONS According to the dose-response effects of HOMA-IR shown in this prospective study, we conclude that insulin resistance could significantly predict development of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients

Essential data variables for a minimum dataset for head and neck cancer trials and clinical research:HNCIG consensus recommendations and database

The Head and Neck Cancer International Group (HNCIG) has undertaken an international modified Delphi process to reach consensus on the essential data variables to be included in a minimum database for HNC research. Endorsed by 19 research organisations representing 34 countries, these recommendations provide the framework to facilitate and harmonise data collection and sharing for HNC research. These variables have also been incorporated into a ready to use downloadable HNCIG minimum database, available from the HNCIG website