Integrated assessment of water conservation practices for sustainable management strategies

Miami-Dade County implemented a series of water conservation programs, which included rebate/exchange incentives to encourage the use of high efficiency aerators (AR), showerheads (SH), toilets (HET) and clothes washers (HEW), to respond to the environmental sustainability issue in urban areas. This study first used panel data analysis of water consumption to evaluate the performance and actual water savings of individual programs. Integrated water demand model has also been developed for incorporating property’s physical characteristics into the water consumption profiles. Life cycle assessment (with emphasis on end-use stage in water system) of water intense appliances was conducted to determine the environmental impacts brought by each practice. Approximately 6 to 10 % of water has been saved in the first and second year of implementation of high efficiency appliances, and with continuing savings in the third and fourth years. Water savings (gallons per household per day) for water efficiency appliances were observed at 28 (11.1%) for SH, 34.7 (13.3%) for HET, and 39.7 (14.5%) for HEW. Furthermore, the estimated contributions of high efficiency appliances for reducing water demand in the integrated water demand model were between 5 and 19% (highest in the AR program). Results indicated that adoption of more than one type of water efficiency appliance could significantly reduce residential water demand. For the sustainable water management strategies, the appropriate water conservation rate was projected to be 1 to 2 million gallons per day (MGD) through 2030. With 2 MGD of water savings, the estimated per capita water use (GPCD) could be reduced from approximately 140 to 122 GPCD. Additional efforts are needed to reduce the water demand to US EPA’s “Water Sense” conservation levels of 70 GPCD by 2030. Life cycle assessment results showed that environmental impacts (water and energy demands and greenhouse gas emissions) from end-use and demand phases are most significant within the water system, particularly due to water heating (73% for clothes washer and 93% for showerhead). Estimations of optimal lifespan for appliances (8 to 21 years) implied that earlier replacement with efficiency models is encouraged in order to minimize the environmental impacts brought by current practice.

Prolonged Rehabilitation of Jones Fracture in Division I-A Collegiate American Football Player: A Case Report

Objective: To describe the prolonged rehabilitation program for a Jones fracture in a Division I-A American football player. Background: A 21 year old, African American, collegiate football player (body mass= 264 lb; height= 76.5 in; body fat= 16.0%) complained of a sharp pain at the dorsal aspect of the left foot. The athlete experiences a compressive force to the fifth metatarsal and upon evaluation, mild swelling was present along the lateral aspect of the foot. Differential Diagnosis: Jones fracture, metatarsal fracture, bone contusion. Treatment: An intramedullary fixation surgery was scheduled two weeks post injury, to correct and stabilize the fracture. Intramedullary fixation is a method of mending the bone internally with a screw, wire, or metal plate along the fractured bone length wise. Following surgery the athlete continued use of crutches for ambulation and was placed in a removable walking boot for 5 weeks. Uniqueness: This case presented a unique challenge in the rehabilitation program, as the athlete experienced slow formation of the bone callus and therefore a prolonged rate of recovery. The athlete was in a walking boot longer than expected (2 weeks longer than anticipated) which inhibited advancement in his rehabilitation due to a slow bone callus formation. A soft callus usually begins to form at day 5 following injury, but documentation was incomplete, and a hypothesis for slow bone callus formation could be secondary to lengthened time between injury occurrence and injury reporting. The athlete may have been weight bearing during the early callus formation, but healing may have been prohibited. Also, vascularization in the area is already limited and may also have played a role in delayed bone growth. Conclusions: Although the return to participation was longer than expected, the rehabilitation program was successful in returning the athlete to competition.

Effect of acetyl resin retentive arms on the retentive force ofcircumferential clasps: an in vitro study.

PURPOSE: To compare and to evaluate the stability of the retentive force of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) circumferential clasps (control) to those with an acetyl resin retentive arm. METHODS: Sixteen specimens with a couple of circumferential clasps were made using Co-Cr over a metal model providing 0.25 mm undercuts. Eight specimens were fabricated without the anterior retentive arm, which was made later using acetyl resin (Dental D). Insertion and removal simulation test was performed through 7250 cycles. The retentive force was recorded in Newtons (N) for periods corresponding to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years. The data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey test to compare periods and to Student's t test to compare groups (α=0.05). RESULTS: Mean (SD) is presented for Co-Cr and resin groups, respectively: 8.09(3.05) and 2.79(1.57) in period 0; 10.48(4.25) and 3.32(1.92) in 1 year; 10.09(4.15) and 3.47(1.81) in 2 years; 9.87(4.30) and 3.46(1.87) in 3 years; 9.46(3.93) and 3.27(1.59) in 4 years; 9.63(3.79) and 3.41(1.59) in 5 years. There were significant differences for Co-Cr between periods of 0 and 1 (p<0.001), 0 and 2 (p<0.01) and 0 and 3 (p<0.05). In the resin group, no significant differences were found between periods (p>0.05). Comparisons between the groups showed statistical differences for all tested periods: 0 (p=0.0012), 1 (p=0.0013), 2 (p=0.0019), 3 (p=0.0031), 4 (p=0.0027) and 5 years (p=0.0014). CONCLUSIONS: Acetyl resin retentive arms, even if only in the anterior clasps, can significantly reduce the retentive force, but this force remained stable after 5 years of simulated use.

Does a mandibular RDP and new maxillary CD improve masticatory efficiency and quality of life in patients with a mandibular Kennedy class I arch?

Objectives To evaluate the change in masticatory efficiency and quality of life of patients treated with mandibular Kennedy class I removable partial dentures (RPDs) and maxillary complete dentures at the Department of Dentistry of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. Materials and methods A total of 33 Kennedy class I patients were rehabilitated with maxillary complete dentures, and mandibular RPDs were selected for this non-randomized prospective intervention study. The patients had a mean age of 59.1 years. Masticatory efficiency was evaluated by colorimetric assay using fuchsin capsules. The measurements were conducted at baseline and 2 and 6 months after prosthesis insertion. Quality of life was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) at baseline and 6 months after denture insertion. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test was applied. Masticatory efficiency was evaluated by repeated measures ANOVA. Oral health-related quality of life was compared using the paired t test. Results There was no statistically significant difference in masticatory efficiency after denture insertion (p = 0.101). Significant differences were found (p = 0.010) for oral health-related quality of life. A significant improvement in psychological discomfort (p < 0.01) and psychological disability (p < 0.01) was observed. Mean difference value (95 % confidence interval) was 6.8 (3.8 to 9.7) points, reflecting a low impact of oral health on quality of life, considering the 0–56 range of variation of the OHIP-14 and a Cohen’s d of 1.13. Conclusion According to the results of the present study, rehabilitation with Kennedy class I RPDs and complete dentures did not influence masticatory efficiency but improved oral health-related quality of life. Clinical relevance The association between the patient’s quality of life and the masticatory efficiency is important for treatment predictability.

Prótese parcial removível retida por implantes: relato de caso

A ausência de dentes posteriores inferiores representa dificuldades no planejamento e controle de próteses parciais removíveis, pois o suporte é proporcionado por dentes e mucosa, que apresentam características anatômicas diferentes. O planejamento de próteses parciais removíveis apoiadas sobre implantes na região distal torna a prótese dento-implanto-suportada e não dento-muco-suportada sendo, uma opção aos casos de extremidade livre. Por meio deste relato de caso, um paciente portador de arco classe II de Kennedy foi reabilitado com prótese parcial removível apoiada sobre implante na região distal. A colocação do implante resultou em uma oclusão mais estável, o que melhorou a funcionalidade da prótese e proporcionou maior conforto ao paciente. Observou-se que esta resolução pode ser uma alternativa viável de tratamento, pois apresenta custo reduzido em relação à prótese fixa sobre implantes, entretanto, requer um acompanhamento em longo prazo com uma série de casos para tornar-se um método rotineiro de tratamento.

Prótese parcial removível retida por implantes: relato de caso

A ausência de dentes posteriores inferiores representa dificuldades no planejamento e controle de próteses parciais removíveis, pois o suporte é proporcionado por dentes e mucosa, que apresentam características anatômicas diferentes. O planejamento de próteses parciais removíveis apoiadas sobre implantes na região distal torna a prótese dento-implanto-suportada e não dento-muco-suportada sendo, uma opção aos casos de extremidade livre. Por meio deste relato de caso, um paciente portador de arco classe II de Kennedy foi reabilitado com prótese parcial removível apoiada sobre implante na região distal. A colocação do implante resultou em uma oclusão mais estável, o que melhorou a funcionalidade da prótese e proporcionou maior conforto ao paciente. Observou-se que esta resolução pode ser uma alternativa viável de tratamento, pois apresenta custo reduzido em relação à prótese fixa sobre implantes, entretanto, requer um acompanhamento em longo prazo com uma série de casos para tornar-se um método rotineiro de tratamento.

Avaliação do planejamento de prótese parcial removível em modelos recebidos por laboratórios de João Pessoa-PB

Objective: To evaluate the planning and quality of plaster models for fabricati on of removable parti al dentures received from three commercial prosthodonti c laboratories located in the city of João Pessoa, PB, Brazil, which perform the casting procedures in their facilities. Methods: Forty 40 plaster models were photographed per laboratory, totalizing 120 models. The evaluation was performed using two questi onnaires, one designed for the dental prosthesis technicians, and another applied by the investigator for the visual evaluati on of the models. Data were analyzed using the SPSS soft ware version 13.0. Results: Ninety-two (76.7%) models did not present planning. In addition, no model presented references of insertion plane or guide pins. Calculati on of the mouth preparati on index (MPI) to evaluate the distribution of the oclusal and cingulum abutments or rests showed that 86 (71.7%) models were classifi ed as poor, 23 (19.2%) models as good and only 11 (9,.2%) models as acceptable. Defects were found in 102 (85%) models. Conclusion: The prosthodontists are not preparing the mouth of their pati ents, neglecti ng the planning of removable partial dentures, and passing this responsibility to the dental prosthesis technicians. In addition, the quality of the models sent to the laboratories was unsatisfactory.

Avaliação do planejamento de prótese parcial removível em modelos recebidos por laboratórios de João Pessoa-PB

Objective: To evaluate the planning and quality of plaster models for fabricati on of removable parti al dentures received from three commercial prosthodonti c laboratories located in the city of João Pessoa, PB, Brazil, which perform the casting procedures in their facilities. Methods: Forty 40 plaster models were photographed per laboratory, totalizing 120 models. The evaluation was performed using two questi onnaires, one designed for the dental prosthesis technicians, and another applied by the investigator for the visual evaluati on of the models. Data were analyzed using the SPSS soft ware version 13.0. Results: Ninety-two (76.7%) models did not present planning. In addition, no model presented references of insertion plane or guide pins. Calculati on of the mouth preparati on index (MPI) to evaluate the distribution of the oclusal and cingulum abutments or rests showed that 86 (71.7%) models were classifi ed as poor, 23 (19.2%) models as good and only 11 (9,.2%) models as acceptable. Defects were found in 102 (85%) models. Conclusion: The prosthodontists are not preparing the mouth of their pati ents, neglecti ng the planning of removable partial dentures, and passing this responsibility to the dental prosthesis technicians. In addition, the quality of the models sent to the laboratories was unsatisfactory.

Reabilitação Oclusal com Prótese Parcial Removível Provisória Tipo “Overlay” – Relato de Caso

An appropriate design of a prosthetic rehabilitation should not impute the restoration of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) to new prostheses, at the risk of the patient does not adapt to a new condition, since a certain amount of time is often necessary for adaptation to a new OVD. This article performed prosthetic rehabilitation with an overlay provisional removable partial denture prior to definitive treatment because the patient showed a considerable decrease in the OVD. Three techniques for OVD determination were used. It is possible to conclude that the use of interim removable partial dentures is of great importance at the beginning of the rehabilitation treatment in order to adapt the patient to a new occlusal condition.

Reabilitação Oclusal com Prótese Parcial Removível Provisória Tipo “Overlay” – Relato de Caso

An appropriate design of a prosthetic rehabilitation should not impute the restoration of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) to new prostheses, at the risk of the patient does not adapt to a new condition, since a certain amount of time is often necessary for adaptation to a new OVD. This article performed prosthetic rehabilitation with an overlay provisional removable partial denture prior to definitive treatment because the patient showed a considerable decrease in the OVD. Three techniques for OVD determination were used. It is possible to conclude that the use of interim removable partial dentures is of great importance at the beginning of the rehabilitation treatment in order to adapt the patient to a new occlusal condition.

Estudo Clínico Longitudinal Comparativo da Condição Periodontal de Pilares Diretos de Próteses Parciais Removíveis Dento- Suportada e Dento-Muco-Suportada

Objective: To perform a long-term clinical evaluation of the periodontium of removable parti al denture (RPD) wearers, comparing the direct pillar teeth of tooth-supported and toothtissue supported RPDs. Method: Fifty patients with mean age of 45 years were enrolled in the study. The individuals were examined by a single examiner at the moment of denture installation and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. In each exam, the following parameters were verified: gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) e amount kerati nized mucosa (KM). All patients received oral hygiene instructions and prophylaxis and, when necessary, scaling and root planing. An analysis from the confidence interval was done to evaluate the endpoints regarding the type of denture in the direct pillar group. Results: The tooth-tissue supported dentures showed significantly higher GR, GI and PI values, and significantly lower KM values. Over time, neither of the types of denture presented statistically significant difference from the initial to the final examination for the parameters GR, PD, KM and GI, while the PI was significant only for the tooth-supported dentures. Conclusion: Pillar teeth adjacent to free ends presented a less favorable periodontal conditi on than the pillar teeth adjacent to intercalated spaces. However, the use of RPD did not aggravate the initial condition, after a follow-up period of 12 months. The findings of the study indicate that, within 1 year, there were no significant differences between the direct pillars of the toothsupported and tooth-ti ssue supported dentures, and suggest the need of professional follow up for a longer period.

Estudo Clínico Longitudinal Comparativo da Condição Periodontal de Pilares Diretos de Próteses Parciais Removíveis Dento- Suportada e Dento-Muco-Suportada

Objective: To perform a long-term clinical evaluation of the periodontium of removable parti al denture (RPD) wearers, comparing the direct pillar teeth of tooth-supported and toothtissue supported RPDs. Method: Fifty patients with mean age of 45 years were enrolled in the study. The individuals were examined by a single examiner at the moment of denture installation and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. In each exam, the following parameters were verified: gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) e amount kerati nized mucosa (KM). All patients received oral hygiene instructions and prophylaxis and, when necessary, scaling and root planing. An analysis from the confidence interval was done to evaluate the endpoints regarding the type of denture in the direct pillar group. Results: The tooth-tissue supported dentures showed significantly higher GR, GI and PI values, and significantly lower KM values. Over time, neither of the types of denture presented statistically significant difference from the initial to the final examination for the parameters GR, PD, KM and GI, while the PI was significant only for the tooth-supported dentures. Conclusion: Pillar teeth adjacent to free ends presented a less favorable periodontal conditi on than the pillar teeth adjacent to intercalated spaces. However, the use of RPD did not aggravate the initial condition, after a follow-up period of 12 months. The findings of the study indicate that, within 1 year, there were no significant differences between the direct pillars of the toothsupported and tooth-ti ssue supported dentures, and suggest the need of professional follow up for a longer period.

Utilização do titâneo na confecção de estruturas metálicas em prótese parcial removível

Due to properties such as excellent biocompatibility, high resistance to corrosion and low specific weight, titanium has been considered a material of great interest for Dentistry. It has been widely used in implants and orthognathic surgeries. Recently, titanium has been seen as a feasible alternative for the fabrication of removable partial denture frameworks, either in pure titanium (99.75%) or in titanium alloy forms (Ti-6Al-4V; Ti-6A1-7Nb). Based on a review of the literature, this work studied the use of titanium for the fabrication of removable partial denture frameworks, focusing on its advantages and disadvantages as well as its characteristics. It was concluded that the use of titanium is a convenient option for partially edentulous arches rehabilitation with quite satisfactory and promising clinical results. However, the need for highly-equipped laboratories increases the cost, preventing its large scale use.

Utilização do titâneo na confecção de estruturas metálicas em prótese parcial removível

Due to properties such as excellent biocompatibility, high resistance to corrosion and low specific weight, titanium has been considered a material of great interest for Dentistry. It has been widely used in implants and orthognathic surgeries. Recently, titanium has been seen as a feasible alternative for the fabrication of removable partial denture frameworks, either in pure titanium (99.75%) or in titanium alloy forms (Ti-6Al-4V; Ti-6A1-7Nb). Based on a review of the literature, this work studied the use of titanium for the fabrication of removable partial denture frameworks, focusing on its advantages and disadvantages as well as its characteristics. It was concluded that the use of titanium is a convenient option for partially edentulous arches rehabilitation with quite satisfactory and promising clinical results. However, the need for highly-equipped laboratories increases the cost, preventing its large scale use.

Bioengineering of nisin to enhance functionality against dairy pathogens

The bacteriocin class of antimicrobial peptides have emerged as a viable alternative to at least partially fill the void created by the end of the golden age of antibiotic discovery. Along with this potential use in a clinical setting, bacteriocins also play an important role as bio-preservatives in the food industry. This thesis focuses on a specific bacteriocin group, the lantibiotics (Lanthionine-containing antibiotics). Their numerous methods of appliance in a food setting and how their gene-encoded nature can be modified to improve on overall bioactivity and functionality are explored here. The use of a lantibiotic (lacticin 3147) producing starter culture to control the Crohn’s disease-linked pathogen Mycobacterium paratuberculosis was assessed in a raw milk cheese. Although lacticin 3147 production did not effectively control the pathogen, the study provided an impetus to employ a variety of PCR-based mutagenesis techniques with a view to the creation of enhanced lantibiotic derivatives. Through the use of these techniques, a number of enhanced derivatives were generated from the ‘hinge’ region of the nisin peptide. Furthermore, a derivative in which the three hinge amino acids were replaced with three alanines represents the first enhanced derivative of nisin to have been designed through a rational process. This derivative also formed the backbone for the creation of an active, trypsin resistant, variant. Through the employment of further mutagenesis methods a derivative was created with potential use as an oral anti-bacterial in the future. Finally a number of lead nisin derivatives were investigated to assess their anti- Streptococcus agalactiae ability, a mastitis associated pathogen. Also a system was developed to facilitate the large scale production of these candidates, or other nisin derivatives, from dairy substrates.