Goniometric Analysis Research Articles

Chemical Synthesis and Characterization of Fatty Acid-Capped ZnO Nanoparticles

In the current study, ZnO nanoparticles were obtained using a chemical process employing zinc acetate as the precursor, followed by thermal processing in air. To prevent agglomeration and increase the stability of ZnO nanoparticles, two unsaturated acids (e.g., elaidic acid and linoleic acid) and two saturated acids (e.g., stearic acid and lauric acid) were selected as capping agents. ZnO nanoparticles were investigated before and after surface modification with different fatty acids. Structural and morphological analyses of the samples were performed using FTIR and RAMAN spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, SEM microscopy, and wetting capacity. Characterization studies revealed that the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles present well-defined crystalline structures, with crystallite sizes varying between 26 and 28 nm, and the average particle size was in the range of 10–55 nm (depending on the type of fatty acids used). The goniometric analysis followed the wetting capacity of the sample surface. The study results reveal that the capping agents have a considerable impact on the surface modification of the nanoparticles by increasing the contact angle. By producing nanoparticles with hydrophobic behavior, there is the possibility of opening up future research for their use in various applications across many industrial fields.

Reconsidering the Gold Standard for the Assessment of Spastic Equinus Foot.

To determine whether differences exist in the measured range of motion (ROM) by the goniometer, equinometer, and 3-dimensional (3D) gait analysis in different settings (under general anesthesia (GA) or in the clinic) among patients with cerebral palsy. A prospective comparative cohort study was conducted at our orthopaedics center, where 15 patients with diplegic cerebral palsy (30 limbs) were evaluated, all of whom had Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I and II. ROM was measured by (1) goniometer under GA (benchmark), (2) goniometer analysis during clinical examination, (3) equinometer under GA, (4) equinometer in the clinic, and (5) 3D gait analysis. ROM was measured during both knee flexion and extension. Subgroup analysis based on the GMFCS level was performed. Nine patients were male with GMFCS level I and a mean age of 14.3 (SD=7.2) years. Statistically significant differences were noted between all studied measurement techniques in terms of ROM, dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion during both knee flexion and extension. The GMFCS level was an effect modifier of ROM measurements. The ROM parameters during both knee flexion and extension differed from one measurement device/technique to another. The GMFCS level played a notable effect-modifying role on the ROM parameters.

Formulation and Characterization of Niacinamide and Collagen Emulsion and Its Investigation as a Potential Cosmeceutical Product

Cosmeceuticals are one of the fast-growing areas of the natural personal care industry. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with medicinal or drug-like benefits that can affect the biological functioning of the skin depending on the ingredients in the composition. The development of one formulation acting on the dermis and stimulating the collagen production is very important for the hydration of the skin. The association of collagen with other ingredients can have a positive effect on increasing the natural production of collagen in the skin. An example of such an ingredient is niacinamide, which, having a recognized nutritional value, has been quite recently studied. Considering these aspects, this study focused on developing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, based on natural ingredients (vegetable oils, floral waters, and essential oils) and hydrolyzed collagen and niacinamide as active ingredients, and on evaluating the stability, pH, optical, superficial, rheological and textural properties, as well as microbiological tests of the emulsions, in order to investigate their potential as a cosmeceutical product. All the obtained emulsions proved to be stable at variable temperatures and had a pH value compatible with natural pH of the skin, allowing their safe application. Over goniometric analysis, a partial wetting and a hydrophilic character of the emulsions were emphasized. Following the rheological analyses, all dermatocosmetic emulsions exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior and a thixotropic character, these properties being very important for their production process and their application on the skin surface to generate an optimal therapeutic effect. The textural characteristics recorded for all emulsions indicated adequate spreadability at the application site. All tested samples respected the Pharmacopoeia limits of microbiological contamination. All prepared emulsions have good stability, are safe for the skin and have appropriate physicochemical and microbiological characteristics; therefore, they can be used as a cosmeceutical product.

Comparative Assessment of Robotic versus Classical Physical Therapy Using Muscle Strength and Ranges of Motion Testing in Neurological Diseases.

The use of robotic systems in physical rehabilitation protocols has become increasingly attractive and has been given more focus in the last decade as a result of the high prevalence of motor deficits in the population, which is linked to an overburdened healthcare system. In accordance with current trends, three robotic devices have been designed, called ParReEx Elbow, ParReEx Wrist, and ASPIRE, which were designed to improve upper-limb medical recovery (shoulder, elbow, forearm, and wrist). The three automated systems were tested in a hospital setting with 23 patients (12 men and 11 women) suffering from motor deficits caused by various neurological diseases such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The patients were divided into three groups based on their pathology (vascular, extrapyramidal, and neuromuscular). Objective clinical measures, such as the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale, goniometry, and dynamometry, were used to compare pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments for both robotic-aided and manual physical rehabilitation therapy. The results of these tests showed that, with the exception of a few minor differences in muscular strength recovery, the robotic-assisted rehabilitation methods performed equally as well as the manual techniques, though only minor improvements were validated during short-term rehabilitation. The greatest achievements were obtained in the goniometric analysis where some rehabilitation amplitudes increased by over 40% in the vascular group, but the same analysis returned regressions in the neuromuscular group. The MRC scale analysis returned no significant differences, with most regressions occurring in the neuromuscular group. The dynamometric analysis mostly returned improvements, but the highest value evolution was 19.07%, which also in the vascular group. While the results were encouraging, more research is needed with a larger sample size and a longer study period in order to provide more information regarding the efficacy of both rehabilitation methods in neurological illnesses.

Liquid low-level radioactive wastes treatment by using hydrophobized track-etched membranes

In this paper, we present the results of liquid low-level radioactive wastes (LLLRW) treatment by direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) track-etched membranes (TeMs). PET TeMs were modified by styrene and triethoxyvinylsilane (TEVS) using UV-induced grafting. Modification led to increase in the contact angle to 99° of PET TeMs (pore size from 150 to 300 nm). Hydrophobic PET TeMs were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), goniometric analysis, gas permeability test, liquid entry presser (LEP) analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Prepared membranes were tested in treatment of LLLRW by DCMD. The influence of pore size on water flux and rejection degree was studied. Rejection degree was evaluated by conductometry and atomic emission methods. Decontamination factors (evaluated by gamma-ray spectroscopy) for 60Co, 137Cs, and 241Am were found to be 85, 1900 and 5 respectively. In most cases degree of rejection of Cs, Mo, Sr, Sb, Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg and Na ions were more than 90% and close to 100%. The use of TeMs with a narrow pores size distribution and without tortuous channels allowed us to achieve better purification from radioactive wastes in comparison with hollow-fiber membranes.

Rapid and sensitive microassay for trace determination and speciation of Cu2+ on commercial book-paper printed with nanolitre arrays of novel chromogenic reagent

A simple paper-based colorimetric assay for trace determination and speciation of Cu2+ in water samples has been developed. The proposed method was based upon the use of a commercial book-paper patterned with miniaturized spots of 3‑(5‑hydroxy‑4‑carboxyphenylimino)‑5‑fluoro indol-2(H)one (HCFI) reagent. Book-paper was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, EDAX and goniometer analysis, where the latter analysis confirmed hydrophobic character (θ ~ 114°). The low wettability of the platform confined Cu2+ droplet onto the HCFI spot to form a visually distinct colored complex even at trace level (10−3 μg mL−1) concentration. The limit of detection of the proposed probe was 3-orders of magnitude lower as compared to similar assay executed on pristine filter paper. An excellent linear dynamic range (10−2 – 101 μg mL−1) was achieved with good regression coefficient (R2 = 0.9987). Due to high selectivity of HCFI reagent for Cu2+, the developed method showed minimum interference towards diverse ions, textile colored dyes as well as surfactants. The proposed method was also applied for speciation of trace labile and complexed fractions of Cu2+ in standard solutions and environmental water samples as well. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time Cu2+ speciation has been demonstrated on paper-based platform in such a facile manner.

Hydrophobization of PET track-etched membranes for direct contact membrane distillation

Membrane distillation is a promising method for water desalination and wastewater treatment. This method requires membrane with high hydrophobicity, efficiency and low cost. In this study, track-etched membranes based on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET TeMs) with hydrophobic surface were prepared by modification using dichlorodimethylsilane and 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorododecyltrichlorosilane. Modification of the surface of PET TeMs with pore size of 221 nm and thickness of 12 μm led to increasing of contact angle up to 134°. Prepared membranes were investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), goniometric analysis, liquid entry presser (LEP) analysis and gas permeability test. The performance of the membranes at different salinities was evaluated using direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) process. The results show maximum permeate flux of 1189, 812, 510, and 125 g/m2 · h (dT = 75 °C) during 24 h saline solution operation (1.5, 10, 15 and 30 g l−1 respectively) with efficiency of 99.5%.

Preparation of PET track-etched membranes for membrane distillation by photo-induced graft polymerization

New type of membranes with appropriate mechanical strength, thermal and chemical stability, high efficiency and hydrophobic surface are requisite for the development of membrane distillation (MD) applications. In this study hydrophobic track-etched membranes (TeMs) with pore size of 180 nm and thickness of 12 μm based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were prepared using photo-induced graft polymerization of silicon monomer such as triethoxyvinylsilane leading to increasing of contact angle up to 104°. The effect of monomers and additives concentration, time of grafting and aging on the surface morphology, pore size and contact angle were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and goniometric analysis. The performance of the membranes was evaluated using direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) process. The results show maximum permeate flux of 700 g/m2·h and 180 g/m2 h (dT = 75 °C) during 24 h saline solution operation (15 and 30 g/l respectively) with efficiency up to 99.3%.

Playing the Clarinet: Influence of Body Posture on Muscle Activity and Sound Quality.

Musculoskeletal complaints are highly prevalent in clarinetists and are related to high arm load while playing. It is hypothesized that postural exercise therapy may be used to adapt muscle activity patterns while playing and thus contribute to better sound quality. The goal of the present study was to investigate the relationship between body posture, muscle activity, and sound quality in clarinetists while playing the instrument in two different postures, their habitual sitting posture (control, CO) vs an experimental sitting posture (EXP) based on Mensendieck postural exercise therapy, method Samama. Twenty healthy professional and student clarinet players, aged 18-60 years, were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants played a 60-second musical excerpt in CO, followed by instruction on the EXP body posture, and then played in the EXP condition. Two-dimensional goniometric analysis was used to calculate body posture; muscle activity was measured bilaterally using surface electromyography. In EXP, a significantly smaller low thoracic angle, smaller high thoracic angle, and larger pelvic tilt angle (all p<0.001) were found. EMG results indicated that the left and right erector spinae L3 and left and right lower trapezius were more active in EXP compared to CO, whereas left upper trapezius and right brachioradialis were less active in EXP than CO. Most participants experienced better sound quality in EXP, whereas blinded experts found no consistent pattern between body posture and sound quality. To conclude, it seems that postural exercise therapy may change muscle activity patterns. By increasing stability, a decrease in activity of the upper extremity muscles can be induced.

Measuring and predicting the diffraction properties of cylindrically bent potassium acid phthalate, KAP(001), crystals.

This report presents the results from measuring the X-ray diffraction properties of a curved potassium acid phthalate (KAP(001)) spectrometer crystal using two measurement methods. One method used a diode type X-ray source and a dual goniometer analysis system, utilizing a flat, perfect KAP(001) crystal as the monochromator. The second method used a synchrotron source and dual crystal Si(111) monochromator. Bent crystals are used in X-ray spectrometers as dispersion elements. These crystals are bent into a circular cylinder section, and this bending can alter the rocking curve properties. The crystal rocking curves were measured for spectral energies ranging from 1250 to 4500 eV. A multi-lamellar model was compared to the measurements and showed good quantitative agreement. This provides a valuable tool for predicting the changes to the KAP (001) for any radius of curvature when the crystal is bent into a cylindrical section.

Periodically patterned germanium surfaces modified to form superhydrophobic, IR-transmissive substrates

Various periodically patterned, infrared (IR) transmissive germanium substrates were surface modified to alter the surface wettability. Goniometric analysis showed that the surface modification rendered the substrates superhydrophobic. Following the surface modification, it was determined that the desirable IR transmission properties were maintained. Both the hydrophobicity and the IR transmission capabilities of the modified, patterned germanium substrates were shown to be significantly enhanced in comparison to a germanium substrate that underwent the same processes, but was devoid of nanostructures on its surface. The results of this work provide an opportunity for the development of enhanced utility infrared transmissive optics in wet or humid conditions.

Camptocormia in Parkinson disease: an epidemiological and clinical study

Background:Camptocormia is an abnormal flexion of the thoracolumbar spine during standing and walking that abates in the recumbent position.Methods:In a single-centre epidemiological and clinical study, the prevalence of camptocormia in...

Determinations of 15N Chemical Shift Anisotropy Magnitudes in a Uniformly 15N,13C-Labeled Microcrystalline Protein by Three-Dimensional Magic-Angle Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Amide 15N chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) tensors provide quantitative insight into protein structure and dynamics. Experimental determinations of 15N CSA tensors in biologically relevant molecules have typically been performed by NMR relaxation studies in solution, goniometric analysis of single-crystal spectra, or slow magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR experiments of microcrystalline samples. Here we present measurements of 15N CSA tensor magnitudes in a protein of known structure by three-dimensional MAS solid-state NMR. Isotropic 15N, 13C alpha, and 13C' chemical shifts in two dimensions resolve site-specific backbone amide recoupled CSA line shapes in the third dimension. Application of the experiments to the 56-residue beta1 immunoglobulin binding domain of protein G (GB1) enabled 91 independent determinations of 15N tensors at 51 of the 55 backbone amide sites, for which 15N-13C alpha and/or 15N-13C' cross-peaks were resolved in the two-dimensional experiment. For 37 15N signals, both intra- and interresidue correlations were resolved, enabling direct comparison of two experimental data sets to enhance measurement precision. Systematic variations between beta-sheet and alpha-helix residues are observed; the average value for the anisotropy parameter, delta (delta = delta(zz) - delta(iso)), for alpha-helical residues is 6 ppm greater than that for the beta-sheet residues. The results show a variation in delta of 15N amide backbone sites between -77 and -115 ppm, with an average value of -103.5 ppm. Some sites (e.g., G41) display smaller anisotropy due to backbone dynamics. In contrast, we observe an unusually large 15N tensor for K50, a residue that has an atypical, positive value for the backbone phi torsion angle. To our knowledge, this is the most complete experimental analysis of 15N CSA magnitude to date in a solid protein. The availability of previous high-resolution crystal and solution NMR structures, as well as detailed solid-state NMR studies, will enhance the value of these measurements as a benchmark for the development of ab initio calculations of amide 15N shielding tensor magnitudes.

Avaliação da função motora em crianças com distrofia muscular congênita com deficiência da merosina

Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by early onset of hypotonia and weakness. Almost 50% of the cases are caused by primary deficiency of a protein named merosin (MD), and present a homogenous phenotype with a severe motor and respiratory involvement. Eleven children with clinical and histological diagnosis of CMD-MD, aged of 3 to 15 years, were studied using the manual muscle testing (Medical Research Council), goniometric analysis, motor ability and day life activities (Barthel index) scales, with the objective to characterize the main motor function limitations. The muscular groups most affected were cervical flexors, paravertebral and proximal portions of limbs. The muscular groups of upper limbs were as affected as the lower limbs, and the extensors were more affected than the flexors groups. All children had severe muscular retractions on the hip, knee and elbow. Other frequent deformities were scoliosis and equinus-varum feet. No children presented the motor ability to walk, stand up and crawl; and all of them were classified as dependents or semi-dependents in the day life activities scale. Our findings confirm the severe and diffuse involvement of skeletal muscle in CMD-MD patients, producing serious motor limitations and deformities.

Wetting of a liquid surface by another immiscible liquid in microgravity

The investigation of interfacial properties is essential to the development of new drugs either on earth or, particularly, in the absence of gravity. Under the reduced gravity conditions of parabolic flights, we have shown that, using an appropriate cell setup in order to control liquid surfaces, a liquid drop can be expanded onto and withdrawn from another immiscible liquid, which permits the measurement of the contact angle of this system. Surface energies of liquids being easily measurable, this technique allows a verification of numerous models used in interface science. During each parabola, 20 s of microgravity measurements permitted the acquisition of video pictures of these drops. Contact angles have been obtained from goniometric analysis of the recorded images. Generally, the drops obtained satisfied the equilibrium state predicted by Neumann's equations. However, unexpected long lasting metastable drops have also been observed on a curved unconfined liquid surface. The existence of a drop-sinking barrier, larger for a curved liquid surface, is proposed to explain this observation.

An evaluation of cervical orthoses in limiting hyperextension and lateral flexion in football

Three cervical orthoses often used in football to prophylactically limit motion and prevent the nerve injury known as "burners" were evaluated to determine their performance in limiting both hyperextension and lateral bending of the cervical spine. These orthoses have been used almost entirely on an empiric basis with little objective data to evaluate performance. A rope and pulley mechanism was used to pull the neck into hyperextension and lateral motion, with the only restraint being the various products tested. These trials were videotaped and the restriction provided by the collars was calculated from goniometric analysis of the projected images. These tests were performed to determine which products limit the mechanisms of the "burner" injury and thereby assess which braces might reduce or prevent the occurrence of these injuries. The results of the investigation indicate that all braces studied provided some degree of limitation in one of the mechanisms of injury, hyperextension. One brace performed superiorly in this respect. However, the other mechanism of injury, lateral bending, is inconsistently limited.

Role of vif during Packing of the Core of HIV-1

The viral infectivity factor gene vif of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been shown to enhance the cellfree infectivity of HIV-1 virus particles. Previous studies have demonstrated that vif increases viral infectivity at the time of virus production, most likely by affecting viral protein processing, virus assembly, or virus maturation. The effect of vif on the assembly and maturation of HIV-1 propagated in CEM, Jurkat, and SupT1 cells was examined by electron microscopy and goniometer analysis. CEM and Jurkat cells are nonpermissive and partially permissive for the replication of vif- defective viruses, respectively, while SupT1 cells are completely permissive. In CEM and Jurkat cultures, the morphology of immature vif+ and vif- virions was similar but immature virus particles were observed at a slightly higher frequency in cultures infected with the vif- virus. At later stages of virus maturation, however, nonhomogeneous packing of the core was detected in the majority of vif- virus particles produced in CEM and Jurkat cells. In the absence of vif, the cone-shaped virus core contained dense material in its broad end but, in contrast to vif+ virions, the material inside its narrow end appeared transparent. The narrow part of the vif- virus core was surrounded by a shell and was attached to the viral envelope by a core-envelope link structure. Vif - virus particles with a lateral body of core material adjacent to the viral envelope were also observed more frequently in CEM and Jurkat cultures. In contrast, in SupT1 cultures the morphology of mature vif+ and vif- virus particles was similar. These results suggest that vif is associated with an effect during the final stages of packing of the viral nucleoprotein core. This effect may be important for the infectivity of HIV-1 virus particles.

Microstructural and textural characterization of a commercial aluminium-lithium alloy

A chemical and textural investigation into the grain-banding effect found through 1.6 mm gauge aluminium-lithium aerospace sheet is presented. Wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to measure the copper content profile through the sheet whilst laser-induced ion mass analysis was used to establish the lithium profile. The pole figures derived by X-ray goniometric analysis are given at 400, 530 and 800 μm through the sheet, together with pole figures, collected via the electron backscattering technique. Both illustrate the textural data of grains at the surface and centre of the alloy sheet.

Studies of the guinea pig epididymis. II. Intercellular junctions of principal cells.

The junctional complexes of the principal cells in the guinea pig epididymis were analyzed using freeze fracture and ultrathin section goniometric techniques. Replicas of the seven regions (I to VII) investigated reveal a continuous decrease in the number of tight junctional strands, ranging from 15.73 +/- 3.54 in zone I (proximal) to 4.39 +/- 0.78 in zone VII (distal tubule). The distance from the adluminal to the basolateral strand also diminishes from proximal, 0.73 +/- 0.02 micron to distal, 0.19 +/- 0.03 micron. The junctional strands appear on the P-face and anastomose forming compartments which are larger in the basolateral areas than those in the apical. The network of strands frequently form terminal loops and blind endings towards the more basal parts of the lateral membrane. Freeze fracture images also exhibit randomly distributed particulate aggregations which correspond to maculae adhaerentes, the highest number of which are found in zone IV, V, and VII. Desmosomal figures are found not only below, but also adjacent and intermingled among the tight junctional strands. This special junctional arrangement is confirmed upon goniometric analysis of ultrathin sections from zones IV, V, and VII. Electron dense desmosomal plaques are seen parallel and directly subjacent to the membranes of the tight junctions, following the strands in both directions to finally converge on the punctiform connections. Goniometry also reveals a dense feltwork of material closely applied along the lateral cell border. These zonulae adhaerentes are seen to be of greatest length and density in zones I, VI, and VII.

Studies on the ultrastructure and permeability of the hemotrichorial placenta

The distribution of lanthanum chloride and horseradish peroxidase within the full-term chorioallantoic placenta of the rat was investigated 1 to 20 min after administration of these tracers into the maternal blood circulation. Both tracers rapidly penetrate trophoblastic layer I and diffuse into the interspace between layers I and II. They are localized in extensive infoldings and caveolae of the outer surface of layer II. The syncytial character of layer II is confirmed at this development stage of the placenta. There is no vesicular uptake or penetration beyond layer II until 20 min after tracer administration. Our results indicate that trophoblastic layer II is the main barrier in the chorioallantoic rat placenta preventing the permeation of macromolecules from maternal to fetal compartments. With freeze-fracturing, particulate strutures of variable arrangement and size are found between adjacent cells of layer I. With goniometric analysis small gaps between the appositions of the membrane are observed. These structures are interpreted as tight and/or gap junctions during stages of assembly or disassembly.