O efeito do consumo abusivo de álcool no torque de remoção de implante de titânio

Studies have reported that alcohol may lead to imbalance in bone formation and resorption, however, its effects on osseointegration of titanium implants continues to be an inconclusive subject. In this context, the aim of this study was to make a biomechanical evaluation of the effect of abusive alcohol consumption on the removal torque of osseointegrated titanium implants. Male Wistar rats (n=30) were divided into two experimental groups (15 each) receiving only water (Control) or 36% alcohol solution oral administration. Thirty days later, all animals were submitted to titanium implant (2.2 mm x 4 mm) placement in the right and left tibiae. The surgical alveoli were prepared with a 2 mm drill mounted in a counter-angle hand-piece (20:1 ratio, 35 Ncm torque at 1200 rpm) under abundant cooling. Five animals from each group were euthanized at 15, 30, and 60 days. Tibiae were submitted to reverse torque analysis. Data obtained were submitted to statistical analysis by the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn Tests (p < 0.05). Animals in the alcohol group presented lower removal torque values when compared with control group animals for all periods tested (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that abusive alcohol consumption can reduce the removal torque of titanium implants placed in rat tibiae, suggesting that alcohol may interfere in the osseointegration process of titanium implants.

Teste de aceitação em amostras de cachaça: avaliação de métodos estatísticos e de número mínimo de julgadores

Based on data of global impression acceptance tests of 4 cachaças samples, sensory evaluated by 120 judges, statistical parametric and non-parametric proceedings were compared. In this way, based on the sensory acceptance obtained data, 5400 systematic samples were created with different judges numbers and submitted to the established statistical proceedings. The obtained results showed that ANOVA, with two factors and Friedman tests, were equivalent to determine signifi cant differences among the cachaça samples, and in relation to the number of judges, the results pointed out 45 as the minimum necessary to detect signifi cative differences.

Potenciais corticais auditivos e modulação autonômica cardíaca em mulheres saudáveis

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Envelhecimento e novas tecnologias: a inclusão digital e tecnológica na preparação para a aposentadoria e sua influência na qualidade de vida

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Consumo de hidroxiprolina e amido e supersaturação urinária para oxalato de cálcio em gatos

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Nível de atividade física, estado nutricional e níveis de BACE 1 e BACE 2 em idosos neurologicamente saudáveis e com doença de Alzheimer

Pós-graduação em Ciências da Motricidade - IBRC

Evaluation of the flexural strength and elastic modulus of resins used for temporary restorations reinforced with particulate glass fibre

Objective: The flexural strength and the elastic modulus of acrylic resins, Dencor, Duralay and Trim Plus II, were evaluated with and without the addition of silanised glass fibre. Materials and methods: To evaluate the flexural strength and elastic modulus, 60 test specimens were fabricated with the addition of 10% ground silanised glass fibres for the experimental group, and 60 without the incorporation of fibres, for the control group, with 20 test specimens being made of each commercial brand of resin (Dencor, Duralay and Trim Plus II) for the control group and experimental group. After the test specimens had been completed, the flexural strength and elastic modulus tests were performed in a universal testing device, using the three-point bending test. For the specimens without fibres the One-Way Analysis of Variance and the complementary Tukey test were used, and for those with fibres it was not normal, so that the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was applied. Results: For the flexural strength test, there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between each commercial brand of resin without fibres [Duralay 84.32(+/- 8.54), Trim plus 85.39(+/- 6.74), Dencor 96.70(+/- 6.52)] and with fibres (Duralay 87.18, Trim plus 88.33, Dencor 98.10). However, for the elastic modulus, there was statistical difference (p > 0.01) between each commercial brand of resin without fibres [Duralay 2380.64 (+/- 168.60), Trim plus 2740.37(+/- 311.74), Dencor 2595.42(+/- 261.22)] and with fibres (Duralay 3750.42, Trim plus 3188.80, Dencor 3400.75). Conclusion: The result showed that the incorporation of fibre did not interfere in the flexural strength values, but it increased the values for the elastic modulus.

Impact of a participatory program to reduce noise in a Neonatal Unit

This study evaluated the impact of a participatory program to reduce noise in a neonatal intermediate care unit of a university hospital. A time-series quasi-experimental design was used, in which sound pressure levels were measured before and after the intervention was implemented using the Quest-400 dosimeter. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to compare noise with the level of significance fixed at 5%. Results showed significant reduction of sound pressure levels in the neonatal unit after the intervention program was implemented (p<0.0001). The average Leq before the intervention was 62.5dBA and was reduced to 58.8dBA after the intervention. A reduction of 7.1dBA in the average Lmax(from 104.8 to 87.7dBA) and of 30.6dBA in the average Lpeak(from 138.1 to 107.5dBA) was observed. The program was proven to be effective in significantly reducing noise levels in the neonatal unit, although levels were still more intense than recommended.

Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive Protein (CRP) as severe systemic infection markers in febrile neutropenic adults

Abstract Background Procalcitonin (PCT) is an inflammatory marker that has been used as indicator of severe bacterial infection. We evaluated the concentrations of PCT as a marker for systemic infection compared to C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients neutropenic febrile. Methods 52 adult patients were enrolled in the study. Blood sample was collected in order to determine the serum concentrations of PCT, CRP and other hematological parameters at the onset of fever. The patients were divided into 2 groups, one with severe infection (n = 26) and the other in which the patients did not present such an infection (n = 26). Then PCT and CRP concentrations at the fever onset were compared between groups using non parametric statistical tests, ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results The mean of PCT was significantly higher in the group with severe infection (6.7 ng/mL versus 0.6 ng/mL – p = 0.0075) comparing with CRP. Serum concentrations of 0.245 ng/mL of PCT displayed 100% de sensitivity and 69.2% specificity. PCT concentrations of 2,145 ng/mL presented a likelihood ratio of 13, which was not observed for any concentration of CRP. Conclusion PCT seems to be an useful marker for the diagnosis of systemic infection in febrile neutropenic patients, probably better than CRP.

Comparative study of classic friction among different archwire ligation systems

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare three alternative methods for controlling classical friction: Self-ligating brackets (SLB), special brackets (SB) and special elastomeric ligatures (SEB). METHODS: The study compared Damon MX, Smart Clip, In-Ovation and Easy Clip self-ligating bracket systems, the special Synergy brackets and Morelli's twin bracket with special 8-shaped elastomeric ligatures. New and used Morelli brackets with new and used elastomeric ligatures were used as control. All brackets had 0.022 x 0.028-in slots. 0.014-in nickel-titanium and stainless steel 0.019 x 0.025-in wires were tied to first premolar steel brackets using each archwire ligation method and pulled by an Instron machine at a speed of 0.5 mm/minute. Prior to the mechanical tests the absence of binding in the device was ruled out. Statistical analysis consisted of the Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple non-parametric analyses at a 1% significance level. RESULTS: When a 0.014-in archwire was employed, all ligation methods exhibited classical friction forces close to zero, except Morelli brackets with new and old elastomeric ligatures, which displayed 64 and 44 centiNewtons, respectively. When a 0.019 x 0.025-in archwire was employed, all ligation methods exhibited values close to zero, except the In-Ovation brackets, which yielded 45 cN, and the Morelli brackets with new and old elastomeric ligatures, which displayed 82 and 49 centiNewtons, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Damon MX, Easy Clip, Smart Clip, Synergy bracket systems and 8-shaped ligatures proved to be equally effective alternatives for controlling classical friction using 0.014-in nickel-titanium archwires and 0.019 x 0.025-in steel archwires, while the In-Ovation was efficient with 0.014-in archwires but with 0.019 x 0.025-in archwires it exhibited friction that was similar to conventional brackets with used elastomeric ligatures.

Multi-Country Event Study Methods

Which event study methods are best in non-U.S. multi-country samples? Nonparametric tests, especially the rank and generalized sign, are better specified and more powerful than common parametric tests, especially in multi-day windows. The generalized sign test is the best statistic but must be applied to buy-and-hold abnormal returns for correct specification. Market-adjusted and market-model methods with local market indexes, without conversion to a common currency, work well. The results are robust to limiting the samples to situations expected to be problematic for test specification or power. Applying the tests that perform best in simulation to merger announcements produces reasonable results.

Integrazione di tecnologie non distruttive per la caratterizzazione di rocce ornamentali

ABSTRACT: The dimension stone qualification through the use of non-destructive tests (NDT) is a relevant research topic for the industrial characterisation of finite products, because the competition of low-costs products can be sustained by an offer of highqualification and a top-guarantee products. The synthesis of potentialities offered by the NDT is the qualification and guarantee similar to the well known agro-industrial PDO, Protected Denomination of Origin. In fact it is possible to guarantee both, the origin and the quality of each stone product element, even through a Factory Production Control on line. A specific disciplinary is needed. A research developed at DICMA-Univ. Bologna in the frame of the “OSMATER” INTERREG project, allowed identifying good correlations between destructive and non-destructive tests for some types of materials from Verbano-Cusio-Ossola region. For example non conventional ultrasonic tests, image analysis parameters, water absorption and other measurements showed to be well correlated with the bending resistance, by relationships varying for each product. In conclusion it has been demonstrated that a nondestructive approach allows reaching several goals, among the most important: 1) the identification of materials; 2) the selection of products; 3) the substitution of DT by NDT. Now it is necessary to move from a research phase to the industrial implementation, as well as to develop new ND technologies focused on specific aims.

Operator variability using different polishing methods and surface geometry of a nanohybrid composite

This study evaluated the operator variability of different finishing and polishing techniques. After placing 120 composite restorations (Tetric EvoCeram) in plexiglassmolds, the surface of the specimens was roughened in a standardized manner. Twelve operators with different experience levels polished the specimens using the following finishing/polishing procedures: method 1 (40 ?m diamond [40D], 15 ?m diamond [15D], 42 ?m silicon carbide polisher [42S], 6 ?m silicon carbide polisher [6S] and Occlubrush [O]); method 2 (40D, 42S, 6S and O); method 3 (40D, 42S, 6S and PoGo); method 4 (40D, 42S and PoGo) and method 5 (40D, 42S and O). The mean surface roughness (Ra) was measured with a profilometer. Differences between the methods were analyzed with non-parametric ANOVA and pairwise Wilcoxon signed rank tests (?=0.05). All the restorations were qualitatively assessed using SEM. Methods 3 and 4 showed the best polishing results and method 5 demonstrated the poorest. Method 5 was also most dependent on the skills of the operator. Except for method 5, all of the tested procedures reached a clinically acceptable surface polish of Ra?0.2 ?m. Polishing procedures can be simplified without increasing variability between operators and without jeopardizing polishing results.

First trimester markers for pre-eclampsia: placental vs. non-placental protein serum levels

BACKGROUND/AIM: Parallel investigation, in a matched case-control study, of the association of different first-trimester markers with the risk of subsequent pre-eclampsia (PE). METHOD: The levels of different first trimester serum markers and fetal nuchal translucency thickness were compared between 52 cases of PE and 104 control women by non-parametric two-group comparisons and by calculating matched odds ratios. RESULTS: In univariable analysis increased concentrations of inhibin A and activin A were associated with subsequent PE (p < 0.02). Multivariable conditional logistic regression models revealed an association between increased risk of PE and increased inhibin A and translucency thickness and respectively reduced pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and placental lactogen . However, these associations varied with the gestational age at sample collection. For blood samples taken in pregnancy weeks 12 and 13 only, increased levels of activin A, inhibin A and nuchal translucency thickness, and lower levels of placenta growth factor and PAPP-A were associated with an increased risk of PE. CONCLUSIONS: Members of the inhibin family and to some extent PAPP-A and placental growth factor are superior to other serum markers, and the predictive value of these depends on the gestational age at blood sampling. The availability of a single, early pregnancy 'miracle' serum marker for PE risk assessment seems unlikely in the near future.

COVARIATE-ADJUSTED NONPARAMETRIC ANALYSIS OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGES USING MARKOV CHAIN MONTE CARLO

Permutation tests are useful for drawing inferences from imaging data because of their flexibility and ability to capture features of the brain that are difficult to capture parametrically. However, most implementations of permutation tests ignore important confounding covariates. To employ covariate control in a nonparametric setting we have developed a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm for conditional permutation testing using propensity scores. We present the first use of this methodology for imaging data. Our MCMC algorithm is an extension of algorithms developed to approximate exact conditional probabilities in contingency tables, logit, and log-linear models. An application of our non-parametric method to remove potential bias due to the observed covariates is presented.