T1ρ-based fibril-reinforced poroviscoelastic constitutive relation of human articular cartilage using inverse finite element technology

BackgroundMapping of T1ρ relaxation time is a quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) method and is frequently used for analyzing microstructural and compositional changes in cartilage tissues. However, there is still a lack of study investigating the link between T1ρ relaxation time and a feasible constitutive relation of cartilage which can be used to model complicated mechanical behaviors of cartilage accurately and properly.MethodsThree-dimensional finite element (FE) models of ten in vitro human tibial cartilage samples were reconstructed such that each element was assigned by material-level parameters, which were determined by a corresponding T1ρ value from MR maps. A T1ρ-based fibril-reinforced poroviscoelastic (FRPE) constitutive relation for human cartilage was developed through an inverse FE optimization technique between the experimental and simulated indentations.ResultsA two-parameter exponential relationship was obtained between the T1ρ and the volume fraction of the hydrated solid matrix in the T1ρ-based FRPE constitutive relation. Compared with the common FRPE constitutive relation (i.e., without T1ρ), the T1ρ-based FRPE constitutive relation indicated similar indentation depth results but revealed some different local changes of the stress distribution in cartilages.ConclusionsOur results suggested that the T1ρ-based FRPE constitutive relation may improve the detection of changes in the heterogeneous, anisotropic, and nonlinear mechanical properties of human cartilage tissues associated with joint pathologies such as osteoarthritis (OA). Incorporating T1ρ relaxation time will provide a more precise assessment of human cartilage based on the individual in vivo MR quantification

Genetic elements associated with antimicrobial resistance in enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) from Brazil

Background: We recently observed an association of resistance with a certain enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) serotypes and identified a conjugative plasmid, similar to plasmid pED208, that was conserved among archival O111:H2/NM and O119:H2 strains of diverse geographical origin. in this study, we sought to determine the prevalence and distribution of this plasmid among a collection of EPEC isolates from Brazil, as well as to study the susceptibilities of these isolates to antimicrobial agents.Results: Resistance was more commonly seen in typical EPEC than atypical strains. the most prevalent resistances were to ampicillin, tetracycline, streptomycin and the sulfonamides. Markers for the EPEC conjugative multiresistance plasmid, were detected in 21 (30%) of typical but only 4 (5%) of atypical strains (p=0.001, Chi-squared test). This plasmid, previously reported from only O111 and O119 strains was found in O55 and O127 strains and was associated with the presence of class 1 integrons.Conclusion: Our data suggest a limited but expanding host range for the EPEC resistance plasmid.Branco Weiss FellowshipFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)NSFUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Pediat, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilHaverford Coll, Dept Biol, Haverford, PA 19041 USAUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Immunol & Parasitol, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Pediat, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilNSF: 0516591Web of Scienc

Detection and genetic analysis of the enteroaggregative Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (EAST1) gene in clinical isolates of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) strains

Background: the enteroaggregative E. coli heat-stable enterotoxin 1 (EAST1) encoded by astA gene has been found in enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) strains. However, it is not sufficient to simply probe strains with an astA gene probe due to the existence of astA mutants (type 1 and type 2 SHEAST) and EAST1 variants (EAST1 v1-4). in this study, 222 EPEC (70 typical and 152 atypical) isolates were tested for the presence of the astA gene sequence by PCR and sequencing.Results: the astA gene was amplified from 54 strains, 11 typical and 43 atypical. Sequence analysis of the PCR products showed that 25 strains, 7 typical and 18 atypical, had an intact astA gene. A subgroup of 7 atypical strains had a variant type of the astA gene sequence, with four non-synonymous nucleotide substitutions. the remaining 22 strains had mutated astA gene with nucleotide deletions or substitutions in the first 8 codons. the RT-PCR results showed that the astA gene was transcribed only by the strains carrying either the intact or the variant type of the astA gene sequence. Southern blot analysis indicated that astA is located in EAF plasmid in typical strains, and in plasmids of similar size in atypical strains. Strains carrying intact astA genes were more frequently found in diarrheic children than in non-diarrheic children (p < 0.05).Conclusion: in conclusion, our data suggest that the presence of an intact astA gene may represent an additional virulence determinant in both EPEC groups.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Reumatol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Microbiol Imunol & Parasitol, BR-04023062 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Reumatol, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

UNATI/FOSJC/UNESP: Promobiendo la ciudadania y la salud de las personas de la tercera edad

Objetivou-se avaliar a autopercepção dos idosos pertencentes à UNATI/FOSJC/UNESP quanto as condições da saúde bucal, por meio da entrevista semidiretiva e da aplicação do Índice de Gohai. O resultado obtido mostra uma condição bucal considerada de “regular” para “boa”. Esse resultado deriva da autopercepção que os entrevistados têm da própria boca, gengivas e dentes, e que justificam pelo fato de 59,26% não usarem próteses totais, apenas 20,40% portarem próteses parciais e 55,56% manterem, por seus critérios, boas condições das gengivas. Quando se relaciona a condição bucal à classe social a qual o idoso pertence, reafirma-se que ela é satisfatória, assim como relatam os diferentes estudos revisados. Apenas 5,26% dos pertencentes à classe média se auto-avaliam como “excelente”, enquanto 34,22% dessa classe e 10,53% dos pertencentes à chamada classe trabalhadora se auto-avaliam com “boa” condição bucal. Quanto ao perfil do entrevistado, 16,67% pertencem ao gênero masculino e 83,33% ao feminino e 51,85% são casados. Com relação à UNATI, 40,74% dos idosos a reconhecem como um centro de convivência, como espaço de atualização do conhecimento e rede de auxílio para novas amizades. Concluiu-se que: (1) o conhecimento sobre a autopercepção dos idosos da UNATI se revela pelo Índice de Gohai como “satisfatória”, segundo os critérios subjetivos, e pela ausência de qualquer incômodo nos últimos meses, devido a bons hábitos bucais, higienização e escolha do creme e da escova dental; (2) é necessário o conhecimento dos fatores epidemiológicos, por meio de exames clínicos, para colaborar na compreensão da auto-avaliação e também para identificar qualquer discrepância entre os critérios subjetivos e os técnicos e, assim, facilitar a elaboração de um programa e de ações educativas direcionando ao autodiagnóstico e autocuidado.The objective was to evaluate the self-perception of the elderly pertaining ones tothe UNATI/FOSJC/UNESP regarding buccal health, by means of the half-directiveinterview and of the application of the Index of Gohai. The result is that the oralhealth was considered as between "regular" and "good". This result comes fromthe self-perception that the interviewed ones have of their own mouths, gingivasand teeth and justified by the fact that 59,26% do not to use complete denture, only20.40% to carry partial dentures; 55,56% to keep, at their discretion, goodcondition of gingiva. Regarding to oral health to the social classroom which theelderly belongs, it is reaffirmed that it is satisfactory, as well as tell the differentrevised studies. But 5.26% of the pertaining ones to the middle classes if selfassessmentas being "excellent", while 34.22% in these classrooms and 10.53% ofpertaining to the calls the diligent classrooms if auto-assessment as having "good"oral health. As of the profile of the interviewed ones, 16.67% are from male genderand 83.33% to the female, and 51.85% are married. With relation to UNATI,40.74% of elder consider it as a aging center, as space of update of theirknowledge and network for new friendships. One concluded that: (1) theknowledge on the self-perception of the aged ones of the UNATI is considered"satisfactory" according to the Index of Gohai, subjective criteria, and for theabsence of any bother in the last months, for the factors as good buccal habits, forthe hygienic cleaning and the choice of the dental cream and the dental brush; (2)the epidemiologistic factors knowledge by means of clinical examinations isnecessary to help understanding of the self-assessment, as well to identify anydiscrepancies between subjective and technician criteria, thus to facilitate theelaboration of a program and educative actions directing to the self-diagnosis andself-care.El objetivo es evaluar la autopercepción de las personas de la tercera edad, pertenecientes a UNATI/FOSJC/UNESP, en relación a las condiciones de la salud bucal, realizado por médio de una entrevista semidirecta y de la aplicación del Índice de Gohai. El resultado obtenido muestra una condición bucal considerada de "regular" para "buena". Ese resultado deriba de la autopercepción que los entrevistados tienen de la propia boca, encias y dientes, y justifican por el hecho de que 59.26% no usaron prótesis total, apenas 20.4% usaron prótesis parcial y 55.56% mantubieron, por sus propios criterios buenas condiciones de las encias. Cuando se relaciona la condición bucal a la clase social a la cual el idoso pertenece, se afirma que ella es satisfactoria, como describen los diferentes estudios analisados. Apenas 5.26% de los pertenecientes a la clase media se autoevaluan como "excelentes", en cuanto que 34.22% de esa clase y 10.53% delos pertenecientes a la llamada clase trabajadora se autoevaluan como condición bucal "buena". En relación al perfil del entrevistado, 16.67% pertenecen al género masculino y 83.33% al femenino y 51.85% son casados. En relación al UNATI, 40,74% de los de la tercera edad lo reconocen como un centro de convivência, como espacio de actualización del conocimiento y red de auxilio para nuevas amistades. Concluimos que: (1) el conocimiento sobre la autopercepción de los dela tercera edad de la UNATI se rebela por el índice de Gohai como "satisfactoria", según los criterios subjetivos, y por la ausencia de cualquier incómodo en los últimos meses, debido a buenos hábitos bucales, higiene y elección de la crema dental y cepillo de dientes; (2) es necesario el conocimiento de los factores epidemiológicos por medio de exames clínicos, para colaborar en la comprensiónde la auto-avaliación y tambien para identificar cualquier conflicto entre los criterios subjetivos y los técnicos y, facilitar la colaboración de un programa y de acciones educativas direccionadas al autodiagnóstico y autocuidado

UNATI/FOSJC/UNESP: Promobiendo la ciudadania y la salud de las personas de la tercera edad

Objetivou-se avaliar a autopercepção dos idosos pertencentes à UNATI/FOSJC/UNESP quanto as condições da saúde bucal, por meio da entrevista semidiretiva e da aplicação do Índice de Gohai. O resultado obtido mostra uma condição bucal considerada de “regular” para “boa”. Esse resultado deriva da autopercepção que os entrevistados têm da própria boca, gengivas e dentes, e que justificam pelo fato de 59,26% não usarem próteses totais, apenas 20,40% portarem próteses parciais e 55,56% manterem, por seus critérios, boas condições das gengivas. Quando se relaciona a condição bucal à classe social a qual o idoso pertence, reafirma-se que ela é satisfatória, assim como relatam os diferentes estudos revisados. Apenas 5,26% dos pertencentes à classe média se auto-avaliam como “excelente”, enquanto 34,22% dessa classe e 10,53% dos pertencentes à chamada classe trabalhadora se auto-avaliam com “boa” condição bucal. Quanto ao perfil do entrevistado, 16,67% pertencem ao gênero masculino e 83,33% ao feminino e 51,85% são casados. Com relação à UNATI, 40,74% dos idosos a reconhecem como um centro de convivência, como espaço de atualização do conhecimento e rede de auxílio para novas amizades. Concluiu-se que: (1) o conhecimento sobre a autopercepção dos idosos da UNATI se revela pelo Índice de Gohai como “satisfatória”, segundo os critérios subjetivos, e pela ausência de qualquer incômodo nos últimos meses, devido a bons hábitos bucais, higienização e escolha do creme e da escova dental; (2) é necessário o conhecimento dos fatores epidemiológicos, por meio de exames clínicos, para colaborar na compreensão da auto-avaliação e também para identificar qualquer discrepância entre os critérios subjetivos e os técnicos e, assim, facilitar a elaboração de um programa e de ações educativas direcionando ao autodiagnóstico e autocuidado.The objective was to evaluate the self-perception of the elderly pertaining ones tothe UNATI/FOSJC/UNESP regarding buccal health, by means of the half-directiveinterview and of the application of the Index of Gohai. The result is that the oralhealth was considered as between "regular" and "good". This result comes fromthe self-perception that the interviewed ones have of their own mouths, gingivasand teeth and justified by the fact that 59,26% do not to use complete denture, only20.40% to carry partial dentures; 55,56% to keep, at their discretion, goodcondition of gingiva. Regarding to oral health to the social classroom which theelderly belongs, it is reaffirmed that it is satisfactory, as well as tell the differentrevised studies. But 5.26% of the pertaining ones to the middle classes if selfassessmentas being "excellent", while 34.22% in these classrooms and 10.53% ofpertaining to the calls the diligent classrooms if auto-assessment as having "good"oral health. As of the profile of the interviewed ones, 16.67% are from male genderand 83.33% to the female, and 51.85% are married. With relation to UNATI,40.74% of elder consider it as a aging center, as space of update of theirknowledge and network for new friendships. One concluded that: (1) theknowledge on the self-perception of the aged ones of the UNATI is considered"satisfactory" according to the Index of Gohai, subjective criteria, and for theabsence of any bother in the last months, for the factors as good buccal habits, forthe hygienic cleaning and the choice of the dental cream and the dental brush; (2)the epidemiologistic factors knowledge by means of clinical examinations isnecessary to help understanding of the self-assessment, as well to identify anydiscrepancies between subjective and technician criteria, thus to facilitate theelaboration of a program and educative actions directing to the self-diagnosis andself-care.El objetivo es evaluar la autopercepción de las personas de la tercera edad, pertenecientes a UNATI/FOSJC/UNESP, en relación a las condiciones de la salud bucal, realizado por médio de una entrevista semidirecta y de la aplicación del Índice de Gohai. El resultado obtenido muestra una condición bucal considerada de "regular" para "buena". Ese resultado deriba de la autopercepción que los entrevistados tienen de la propia boca, encias y dientes, y justifican por el hecho de que 59.26% no usaron prótesis total, apenas 20.4% usaron prótesis parcial y 55.56% mantubieron, por sus propios criterios buenas condiciones de las encias. Cuando se relaciona la condición bucal a la clase social a la cual el idoso pertenece, se afirma que ella es satisfactoria, como describen los diferentes estudios analisados. Apenas 5.26% de los pertenecientes a la clase media se autoevaluan como "excelentes", en cuanto que 34.22% de esa clase y 10.53% delos pertenecientes a la llamada clase trabajadora se autoevaluan como condición bucal "buena". En relación al perfil del entrevistado, 16.67% pertenecen al género masculino y 83.33% al femenino y 51.85% son casados. En relación al UNATI, 40,74% de los de la tercera edad lo reconocen como un centro de convivência, como espacio de actualización del conocimiento y red de auxilio para nuevas amistades. Concluimos que: (1) el conocimiento sobre la autopercepción de los dela tercera edad de la UNATI se rebela por el índice de Gohai como "satisfactoria", según los criterios subjetivos, y por la ausencia de cualquier incómodo en los últimos meses, debido a buenos hábitos bucales, higiene y elección de la crema dental y cepillo de dientes; (2) es necesario el conocimiento de los factores epidemiológicos por medio de exames clínicos, para colaborar en la comprensiónde la auto-avaliación y tambien para identificar cualquier conflicto entre los criterios subjetivos y los técnicos y, facilitar la colaboración de un programa y de acciones educativas direccionadas al autodiagnóstico y autocuidado

Erica: Prevalences Of Hypertension And Obesity In Brazilian Adolescents

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)To estimate the prevalence of arterial hypertension and obesity and the population attributable fraction of hypertension that is due to obesity in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: Data from participants in the Brazilian Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), which was the first national school-based, cross-section study performed in Brazil were evaluated. The sample was divided into 32 geographical strata and clusters from 32 schools and classes, with regional and national representation. Obesity was classified using the body mass index according to age and sex. Arterial hypertension was defined when the average systolic or diastolic blood pressure was greater than or equal to the 95th percentile of the reference curve. Prevalences and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of arterial hypertension and obesity, both on a national basis and in the macro-regions of Brazil, were estimated by sex and age group, as were the fractions of hypertension attributable to obesity in the population. RESULTS: We evaluated 73,399 students, 55.4% female, with an average age of 14.7 years (SD = 1.6). The prevalence of hypertension was 9.6% (95% CI 9.0-10.3); with the lowest being in the North, 8.4% (95% CI 7.7-9.2) and Northeast regions, 8.4% (95% CI 7.6-9.2), and the highest being in the South, 12.5% (95% CI 11.0-14.2). The prevalence of obesity was 8.4% (95% CI 7.9-8.9), which was lower in the North region and higher in the South region. The prevalences of arterial hypertension and obesity were higher in males. Obese adolescents presented a higher prevalence of hypertension, 28.4% (95% CI 25.5-31.2), than overweight adolescents, 15.4% (95% CI 17.0-13.8), or eutrophic adolescents, 6.3% (95% CI 5.6-7.0). The fraction of hypertension attributable to obesity was 17.8%. CONCLUSIONS: ERICA was the first nationally representative Brazilian study providing prevalence estimates of hypertension in adolescents. Regional and sex differences were observed. The study indicates that the control of obesity would lower the prevalence of hypertension among Brazilian adolescents by 1/5.501Brazilian Department of Science and Technology at the Secretariat of Science and TechnologyStrategic Inputs of the Ministry of Health (Departamento de Ciencia e Tecnologia da Secretaria de Ciencia e Tecnologia e Insumos Estrategicos do Ministerio da Saude - Decit/SCTIE/MS)Health Fund Sector (Fundo Setorial de Saude - CT-health) at the Ministry of science, Technology and Innovation (Ministerio da Ciencia, Tecnologia e Inovacao - MCTI)FINEP [01090421]CNPq [2010/565037-2]hospital research incentive fund for Clinics in Porto Alegre (fundo de incentivo a Pesquisa do Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre - HCPA) [405,009/FIPE-2012-7]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Erica: Prevalence Of Metabolic Syndrome In Brazilian Adolescents

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: We evaluated 37,504 adolescents who were participants in the Study of Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), a cross-sectional, school-based, national study. The adolescents, aged from 12 to 17 years, lived in cities with populations greater than 100,000 inhabitants. The sample was stratified and clustered into schools and classes. The criteria set out by the International Diabetes Federation were used to define metabolic syndrome. Prevalences of metabolic syndrome were estimated according to sex, age group, school type and nutritional status. RESULTS: Of the 37,504 adolescents who were evaluated: 50.2% were female; 54.3% were aged from 15 to 17 years, and 73.3% were from public schools. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 2.6% (95% CI 2.3-2.9), slightly higher in males and in those aged from 15 to 17 years in most macro-regions. The prevalence was the highest in residents from the South macro-region, in the younger female adolescents and in the older male adolescents. The prevalence was higher in public schools (2.8% [95% CI 2.4-3.2]), when compared with private schools (1.9% [95% CI 1.4-2.4]) and higher in obese adolescents when compared with nonobese ones. The most common combinations of components, referring to 3/4 of combinations, were: enlarged waist circumference (WC), low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c) and high blood pressure; followed by enlarged WC, low HDL-c and high triglycerides; and enlarged WC, low HDL-c, high triglycerides and blood pressure. Low HDL was the second most frequent component, but the highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome (26.8%) was observed in the presence of high triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: ERICA is the first Brazilian nation-wide study to present the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and describe the role of its components. Despite the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome being low, the high prevalences of some components and participation of others in the syndrome composition shows the importance of early diagnosis of this changes, even if not grouped within the metabolic syndrome.501Department of Science and Technology of the Secretariat of Science, Technology and Strategic Inputs of the Ministry of Health (Decit/SCTIE/MS)Health Sectorial Fund (Fundo Setorial de Saude - CT-Saude) of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI)FINEP [01090421]CNPq [2010/565037-2]Research Incentive Fund of the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre - (Fundo de Incentivo a Pesquisa do Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre - FIPE-HCPA) [405.009/2012-7]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq