Significant Greater Decrease Research Articles

Behavioural therapy for shift work disorder improves shift workers' sleep, sleepiness and mental health: A pilot randomised control trial.

The present study evaluates the efficacy of behavioural therapy adapted for shift work disorder with a randomised control design in a healthcare population. Forty-three night shift workers (m. age: 34 years; 77% women) experiencing shift work disorder were randomised to either the behavioural therapy for shift work disorder (BT-SWD) or a waiting-list control group offered after the waiting period. Participants completed questionnaires on insomnia, sleepiness and mental health pre- and post-treatment, pre- and post-waiting, and at follow-up, and a sleep diary. As night shift workers alternate between sleeping during the day after their night shifts and transitioning to nighttime sleep on days off, insomnia severity and sleep variables were analysed for daytime and nighttime sleep. The BT-SWD involved sleep restriction therapy, stimulus control and fixed sleep periods in the dark. Statistical analyses were performed under intent-to-treat and per-protocol approaches. Repeated-measures two-way ANCOVA analysis, controlling for age, sex and pre-treatment daytime total sleep time, was performed with Bonferroni corrections, and between-group effect sizes computed. Fourteen participants dropped out after randomisation. Under the intent-to-treat analysis, BT-SWD participants had a significant greater decrease in daytime insomnia severity and an increase in daytime total sleep time at post-treatment than the control group, with large between-group effect sizes (-1.25 and 0.89). These corresponding results were also significant with large effect sizes under the per-protocol analysis. Sleepiness, anxiety and depression levels improved at post-treatment and maintained at follow-up when the BT-SWD treated controls were added to the BT-SWD group. The behavioural therapy for shift work disorder can be used to improve the sleep and mental health of healthcare night workers.

The impact of CHOP versus bendamustine on bone mineral density in patients with indolent lymphoma enrolled in the GALLIUM study.

Standard CHOP treatment includes a high cumulative dose of prednisone, and studies have shown increased fracture risk following CHOP. It is unclear whether reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) are caused by glucocorticoids or by the combination with chemotherapy. Our objective was to determine the effect of obinutuzumab (G)/rituximab (R)-bendamustine versus G/R-CHOP on BMD in follicular lymphoma patients. Patients in this GALLIUM post hoc study were ≥60 years old and in complete remission at induction treatment completion (ITC), following treatment with G or R in combination with bendamustine or CHOP. To assess BMD, Hounsfield units (HU) were measured in lumbar vertebra L1 on annual computed tomography. Furthermore, vertebral compression fractures were recorded. Of 173 patients included, 59 (34%) received CHOP and 114 (66%) received bendamustine. At baseline, there was no difference in HU between groups. The mean HU decrease from baseline to ITC was 27.8 after CHOP and 17.3 after bendamustine, corresponding to a difference of 10.4 (95% CI: 3.2-17.6). Vertebral fractures were recorded in 5/59 patients receiving CHOP and in 2/114 receiving bendamustine. CHOP was associated with a significant greater decrease in BMD and more frequent fractures. These results suggest that prophylaxis against BMD loss should be considered.

Temporal changes in intensity and volume of external training loads during a 1 × 1 short-bout, small-sided games in elite youth soccer players

This study compared external training load (ETL) and its temporal changes across repetitions during a speed endurance production (SEP) training comprised of 1 × 1 short-bout, small-sided games (SSGs) in elite youth soccer players. Twenty U18 players were divided into two groups (SEP1 and SEP2) performing six 30 s and 45 s bouts of SSG (work-to-rest ratio 1:4) on a 10 by 15 m field. ETL was characterized by the total distance covered, Player Load, the total number of accelerations/decelerations, and their relative values (per minute). Significant overall decreases in the ETL parameter values across six repetitions in both SSG groups were observed relative to the measurement in the first set beginning in 3rd (SEP1) or 4th (SEP2) repetitions. Significant greater decreases in Player Load (F(5.90) = 2.99, p < 0.05, η P2 = 0.14), Player Load per minute (F(5,90) = 11.32, p < 0.001, η P2 = 0.39), total distance per minute (F(3.43,61.73) = 7.72, p < 0.001, η P2 = 0.30) and accelerations per minute (F(5,90) = 2.59, p < 0.05, η P2 = 0.13) were observed in the 30-s games than in the 45-s games. In conclusion, the use of SSGs in SEP training is associated with a decrease in the effectiveness of physical work performed across repetitions. In practice, due to the decrease in the measured ETL indicators already in the 3rd or 4th repetition (especially in the SEP1 group), the work-to-rest ratio could be increased from the applied 1:4 to 1:6.

Comparative analysis of anesthetic agents used in pre-operative therapy for pearl culture in the red abalone Haliotis rufescens (Swainson, 1822)

In pearl culture, the proper selection of anesthetic agents may be a key step to reduce stress and facilitate handling of the organisms, either bivalves (pearl oysters) or gastropods (abalone). This study evaluated the visual (rate of relaxation and recovery, selection of organisms suitable for bead-nucleation) and physiological (glycogen and mucopolysaccharide indices) responses in the red abalone Haliotis rufescens exposed to different types and concentrations of anesthetics. The treatments were: Eugenol at 0.15 mL L−1 (EUA) and 0.25 mL L−1(EUB); Phenoxyethanol at 1.5 mL L−1 (PEA) and 3.0 mL L−1(PEB); Benzocaine at 0.15 g L−1 (BZA) and 0.30 g L−1(BZB); and CO2 to saturation. A different treatment with abalone maintained in fresh seawater without anesthetics was included as the control group. EUB, PEB and CO2 promoted higher proportions of anesthetized abalone (>80%) and abalone suitable for seeding surgery. Mortalities only occurred with the use of Eugenol at both concentrations. With CO2 in particular, 90% of the abalone were suitable for seeding, fully recovered in 168 min, and showed no side effects. The greatest significant decrease in the glycogen index occurred in the abalone treated with EUB, compared to the control group and the rest of treatments. The same trend occurred with the mucopolysaccharide index, where a maximum increase occurred in those abalone anesthetized with EUB, whereas PEB and CO2 showed similar values to the control. Based on these results, the therapy with CO2 is recommended to anesthetize H. rufescens prior to pearl culture; conversely, we suggest avoiding Eugenol as anesthetic due to its various side effects.

Recycling of Blast Furnace and Coal Slags in Aided Phytostabilisation of Soils Highly Polluted with Heavy Metals

(1) Background: The growing demand for developing new methods of degraded land remediation is linked to the need to improve the soil environment, including post-industrial soils. Biological methods such as the aided phytostabilisation technique are the most common methods applied to achieve effective remediation. This study aimed to determine the technical potential of methods using novel or yet not used soil amendments, such as blast furnace slag (BFS) and coal slag (CS), with Dactylis glomerata L. as a test plant. (2) Methods: The experiment was conducted on post-industrial area soil with high concentrations of Cu (761 mg/kg), Cd (23.9 mg/kg), Pb (13,539 mg/kg) and Zn (8683 mg/kg). The heavy metal content in roots and the above-ground parts of plants and soil was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. (3) Results: The addition of BFS to the soil was the most effective in increasing Dactylis glomerata L. biomass yield. The Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations were higher in the roots than in the above-ground parts of the plants. BFS and CS induced a considerable increase in soil pH, compared to the control treatment. The addition of BFS also produced the greatest significant decrease in the Pb content in soil following the phytostabilisation process. (4) Conclusions: In view of the above, the use of BFS in the aided phytostabilisation in soils contaminated with high levels of Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn can be recommended for larger-scale in situ projects.

Metabolic and hormonal effects of melatonin and/or magnesium supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age. This study was designed to investigate the effects of melatonin and/or magnesium supplementation on metabolic profile and levels of sex hormones in PCOS women.MethodsIn an 8-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 84 subjects with PCOS aged 18–40 years were randomly assigned based on the random block procedure to take magnesium, melatonin, magnesium plus melatonin, and placebo. Fasting blood samples were obtained at the beginning and end of the study.ResultsAfter intervention, the mean Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index score decreased significantly in both co-supplementation and melatonin groups (P < 0.001). Magnesium supplementation in combination with melatonin resulted in a significant greater decrease in testosterone concentrations compared with the placebo (P < 0.05). Co-supplementation of magnesium-melatonin had significantly reduced serum insulin levels (geometric means difference: − 1.11 (mIU/mL) (percent change: − 15.99)), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (− 0.28 (− 18.66)), serum cholesterol (mean difference: − 16.08 (mg/dl) [95% CI − 24.24, − 7.92]), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) − 18.96 (mg/dl) [− 28.73, − 9.20]) and testosterone levels (− 0.09 (ng/ml) (− 25.00)), as compared to the baseline values (P < 0.05). An increase in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels was also observed following the administration of the melatonin alone (2.76 (mg/dl) [0.57, 4.95]) or in combination with magnesium (2.19 (mg/dl) [0.61, 3.77]) (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCo-supplementation with magnesium and melatonin had beneficial effects on sleep quality and total testosterone. Additionally, melatonin supplementation alone was found to be associated with a significant reduction in PSQI score. Moreover, combined melatonin and magnesium supplementation was more effective in improving serum levels of cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and insulin, and HOMA-IR.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial. http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20191130045556N1, January 2020.

Effects of drying and extraction methods on bioactive properties of plums

Plums are a popular fruit whose large quantities are subjected to processing, which contributes to changes in the physicochemical parameters, and the magnitude of these changes is determined by the technology applied. The study aimed to analyse the bioactive compound content and the antioxidant capacity of plums of the Bluefree, Stanley and Sweet Common Prune (Węgierka Zwykła) varieties, depending on the drying and extraction processes applied. Significant differences in the bioactive compound content and the antioxidant capacity were found between the varieties under study. The convection drying process resulted in the greatest significant decrease in both the anthocyanin pigment content (by an average of 82%) and the total polyphenol content (by an average of 41%). The average losses of phenolic acids reached 34%, and the greatest decrease was noted for chlorogenic acid (an average of 69%). As regards flavan-3-ols and flavonols, the drying processes caused their losses by an average of 56%. The vacuum drying and lyophilisation processes applied were softer for the tested bioactive compounds. Moreover, these processes reduced the ABTS and FRAP antioxidant capacity. The ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction increased the total anthocyanin content by an average of 29%. These methods yielded significantly greater amounts of all four determined anthocyanins in the tested fruit. The results show that the search for a safe, inexpensive raw material drying method is still a current research issue.

Nematode Population Dynamics after Applications of Plant Extracts and Trichoderma Species as Soil Amendments in Tomato Field

Three different plant extracts (Khaya ivorensis, Azadirachta indica and Daniella oleifera) and two Trichoderma species (T. harzianum and T. atroviride), singly and in combination, were assessed on nematode population changes and also in the control of plant parasitic nematodes on tomato under field condition during 2018 and 2019 planting seasons. During each trial, plant parasitic nematodes encountered in the field were Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Xiphinema and Helicotylenchus species. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with 4 x 3 factorial scheme and five replications. Factor A being plant extracts (Khaya ivorensis, Azadirachta indica, Daniella oleifera) and control, and factor B being bio-control agents (Trichoderma harzianum, T. atroviride) and control, resulting in 12 treatments. Significant reductions were observed on the population of the plant parasitic nematodes at all treatment levels with neem plant extract, in combination with either T. harzianum or T. atroviride resulted in the greatest significant decrease. Applications of different plant extracts and Trichoderma species, singly and in combination, enhanced the growth and yield of tomato infected with parasitic nematodes.

Oddziaływania ultradźwięków o niskiej intensywności stosowanych na okolicę stawu skroniowo-żuchwowego w leczeniu czynnościowym wad zgryzu klasy II – randomizowane badanie kontrolowane

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is considered one of the techniques used to improve the mandibular growth. Many animal studies have reported that significant results can be obtained using LIPUS therapy with functional appliances. This research aimed to evaluate the dentoskeletal changes produced by the combination of LIPUS therapy and functional treatment during the correction of skeletal class II malocclusion. Forty-five patients aged 10.5-14 years with skeletal class II division 1 malocclusion were randomly divided into 3 equal groups: the LIPUS group, treated with a Twin-Block appliance in combination with LIPUS therapy; the TB group, treated with a Twin-Block appliance only; and the control group, which was observational and received no treatment. Cephalometric changes were compared between the 3 groups using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc tests at p < 0.05. A greater significant decrease in the ANB (A point, nasion, B point) angle was observed in the treated groups (-2.67° for the LIPUS group and -2.11° for the TB group) as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). A greater improvement in the mandibular length and position was observed in the LIPUS group than in the TB group (p < 0.001). The changes in the control group as a result of continuing growth were minimal and clinically non-significant. The application of LIPUS therapy in combination with functional treatment can have a great effect on growth stimulation during the correction of class II malocclusion. In addition, LIPUS was effective in reducing the duration of functional treatment.

Quantification of regional myocardial mean intracellular water lifetime: A nonhuman primate study in myocardial stress.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is typically associated with early metabolic remodeling. Noninvasive imaging biomarkers that reflect these changes will be crucial in determining responses to early drug interventions in these patients. Mean intracellular water lifetime (τi ) has been shown to be partially inversely related to Na, K-ATPase transporter activity and may thus provide insight into the metabolic status in HFpEF patients. Here, we aim to perform regional quantification of τi using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the nonhuman primate (NHP) heart and evaluate its region-specific variations under conditions of myocardial stress in the context of perturbed myocardial function. Cardiac stress was induced in seven naïve cynomolgus macaques using a dobutamine stepwise infusion protocol. All animals underwent 3 T cardiac dual-bolus DCE and tagging MRI experiments. The shutter-speed model was employed to quantify regional τi from the DCE-MR images. Additionally, τi values were correlated with myocardial strains. During cardiac stress, there was a significant decrease in global τi (192.9 ± 76.3 ms vs 321.6 ± 70 ms at rest, P < 0.05) in the left ventricle, together with an increase in global peak circumferential strain (-15.4% ± 2.7% vs -10.1% ± 2.9% at rest, P < 0.05). Specifically, slice-level analysis further revealed that a greater significant decrease in mean τi was observed in the apical region (ΔτI = 182.4 ms) compared with the basal (Δτi = 113.2 ms) and midventricular regions (Δτi = 108.4 ms). Regional analysis revealed that there was a greater significant decrease in mean τi in the anterior (Δτi = 243.9 ms) and antero-lateral (Δτi = 177.2 ms) regions. In the inferior and infero-septal regions, although a decrease in τi was observed, it was not significant. Whole heart regional quantification of τi is feasible using DCE-MRI. τi is sensitive to regional changes in metabolic state during cardiac stress, and its value correlates with strain.

Comparison of high-intensity laser therapy and combination of ultrasound treatment and transcutaneous nerve stimulation in patients with cervical spondylosis: a randomized controlled trial

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and a combination of ultrasound (US) treatment and transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional activity in patients with cervical spondylosis (CS). A total of 84 patients with a mean age of 51.54years (52 women and 32 men) affected by CS were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group A (42 subjects), patients received 12 sessions of HILT plus exercise, while in group B (42 subjects), they received a combination of US, TENS, and exercise. The outcomes measured were cervical segment ROM, pain level measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), and functional activity measured by neck disability index (NDI) at the end of the therapy. The level of statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. In the two groups, cervical ROM, VAS, and functional scores showed significant changes. Both HILT plus exercise and US/TENS plus exercise effectively increased cervical ROM and reduced pain (with a significant greater decrease in group A). Statistically significant differences in NDI scores were observed after treatment sessions with better results for participants enrolled in group A (HILT plus exercise) Both therapeutic modalities demonstrated analgesic efficacy and improved function in patients affected by cervical spondylosis 4weeks after the therapy. HILT plus exercise was more effective than US/TENS plus exercise. HILT can be promoted and used in this pathology with positive outcomes. However, further studies are needed to optimize the dose and duration of HILT therapy.

Contribution of environmental forcings to US runoff changes for the period 1950–2010

Runoff in the United States is changing, and this study finds that the measured change is dependent on the geographic region and varies seasonally. Specifically, observed annual total runoff had an insignificant increasing trend in the US between 1950 and 2010, but this insignificance was due to regional heterogeneity with both significant and insignificant increases in the eastern, northern, and southern US, and a greater significant decrease in the western US. Trends for seasonal mean runoff also differed across regions. By region, the season with the largest observed trend was autumn for the east (positive), spring for the north (positive), winter for the south (positive), winter for the west (negative), and autumn for the US as a whole (positive). Based on the detection and attribution analysis using gridded WaterWatch runoff observations along with semi-factorial land surface model simulations from the Multi-scale Synthesis and Terrestrial Model Intercomparison Project (MsTMIP), we found that while the roles of CO2 concentration, nitrogen deposition, and land use and land cover were inconsistent regionally and seasonally, the effect of climatic variations was detected for all regions and seasons, and the change in runoff could be attributed to climate change in summer and autumn in the south and in autumn in the west. We also found that the climate-only and historical transient simulations consistently underestimated the runoff trends, possibly due to precipitation bias in the MsTMIP driver or within the models themselves.

Thought stopping and supportive therapy can reduce postpartum blues and anxiety parents of premature babies

The parents of premature baby tend to be at risk undergoing postpartum blues and anxiety. It is due to many problems faced by postpartum mother of premature baby. This research is aim to identifying influence of thought stopping and supportive therapy of postpartum blues and anxiety parents of premature babies. This is quantitative with quasi-experiment with control group pretest-posttest design and consecutive sampling method. Sample in this research are 62 postpartum mothers of premature babies in perinatal NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). The results show that there is significant decrease of postpartum blues and anxiety (p value = 0.000) in the group that was treated by using nursing intervention, thought stopping and supportive therapy and greater significant decrease than the group that was only treated by nursing intervention. Thought stopping and supportive therapy are able to decrease postpartum blues and anxiety parents of premature babies.

Routine resting energy expenditure measurement increases effectiveness of dietary intervention in obesity.

Primary outcome of this observational study was to compare weight changes in two groups of overweight and obese individuals: subjects who had a diet prescribed on the base of resting energy expenditure (REE) measured by indirect calorimetry and subjects whose REE was estimated by a predictive equation. In addition, we analyzed differences in weight and metabolic parameter variation in subjects with and without an adequate to predicted REE. We retrospectively analyzed data of 355 overweight and obese patients: 215 on a diet based on REE measured by indirect calorimetry and 140 following a diet based on REE estimated by the Harris-Benedict equation. Anthropometric and metabolic parameters were evaluated for 18months from baseline. Propensity score adjustment was used to adjust for known differences between the groups being compared. A significant greater decrease in body weight was observed in the group that underwent indirect calorimetry compared to the group that did not undergo it (p<0.001). No significant differences were observed between patients with not adequate to predicted REE compared to patients with adequate to predicted REE. A weight reduction program based on REE measurement appears more effective than a dietary program based on predictive formulas. This study suggests the routine use of indirect calorimetry in all weight reduction procedures.

Internet Based Treatment of Depressive Symptoms – A Health Economic Evaluation of Costs and Benefits

Despite differentiated guidelines, depressive episodes often stay undiagnosed or are treated inadequately. Online-based self-help-, consulting- and treatment-services may reduce deficits in treating depressive disorders and reduce disease-related costs. This study aimed to examine the potential of the internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy “deprexis” to reduce total costs of statutory health insurance. Secondary, changes in depression severity, health-related quality of life and impairment in functioning were examined. Participants with mild to moderate depressive symptoms were recruited from a huge German sickness fund and randomized to either a 12-week internet intervention (deprexis) or care as usual (CAU). The primary outcome measure was costs of statutory health insurance (excluding outpatient costs), secondary outcomes were depression severity (PHQ-9), health-related quality of life (SF-12 and EQ-5D-3L) and impairment in functioning (Work and Social Adjustment Scale). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, three months and six months, using an online based questionnaire. Additionally, health insurers’ administrative data were included in the analyses. A total of 3.806 participants were randomized. In both groups, total costs of statutory health insurance decreased during the study period, but the changes from baseline differed significantly between groups. In the intervention group the total costs decreased by 32% from 3.139€ per year at baseline to 2.119€ in the study year (vs. a mean reduction in total costs of 13% in CAU-group; p<0.002). In comparison to the CAU-group, the intervention group also showed a significant greater reduction in PHQ-9, a significant greater decrease in impairment in functioning and a significant greater increase in health-related quality of life. The study underlines the potential of innovative e-mental-health programs in treating depressive disorders. The results suggest that the use of deprexis over a period of 12 weeks leads to a significant improvement of symptoms with a simultaneous reduction in cost of statutory health insurance.

Crossing the bridge – A prospective comparative study of the effect of communication between a hospital based consultation-liaison service and primary care on general practitioners' concordance with consultation-liaison psychiatrists' recommendations

ObjectiveConcordance with consultation-liaison (CL) psychiatrists' recommendations by general practitioners (GP) has hardly been studied systematically. We studied if telephone calls or written notes from a hospital based CL-service to GPs, whose patients were treated on medical-surgical wards, can improve GP-concordance, as compared to the usual communication pathway by standard discharge letters written by hospital physicians, and if higher GP-concordance improves outcomes of depressive and anxious symptoms. Methods116 inpatients of a general hospital referred to a CL-service with depression and anxiety were allocated to three groups of communication pathways between CL-service and GPs: (1) A telephone call (TC) by CL-psychiatrists with GPs, (2) a copy of the psychiatric consultation report (CR) was handed out to patients, (3) GPs received standard discharge letters of the hospital physicians (communication as usual, CAU). Six weeks after the CL-episode, patients were phoned at home and asked about implementation of recommendations by their GP's. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to monitor anxious and depressive symptoms. ResultsGP-concordance was highest in the TC group, followed by the CR group with significant improvements in medication and psychotherapeutic recommendations compared to CAU. Higher concordance was associated with a significant greater decrease in HADS depression scores but not anxiety scores after 6weeks. ConclusionTelephone communication between CL-psychiatrists and GPs improve GPs' concordance with psychiatric recommendations. This easy-to-implement intervention takes about 10min time but prevents loss of information. It may enhance quality of GPs' mental health care and lead to improved outcomes.

Knee instability

Over 125,000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur each year in the United States. External loads on the knee in coronal plane, specifically knee abduction moment (KAM), predict ACL injury risk with high sensitivity and specificity. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine if biomechanical and neuromuscular risk factors could place athletes into distinct risk profiles, if neuromuscular training (NMT) would affect these risk variables and if risk groups would react differentially to NMT. The hypotheses tested were that these factors would: (1) place subjects into 3 distinct risk profiles, (2) decrease with NMT and (3) would decrease to a greater extent in higher risk (III > II > I) profiles. A total of 624 female athletes from 52 basketball, soccer and volleyball teams were screened prior to their competitive season. During the screening, the athletes were asked to perform two different types of tasks for which biomechanical measures were taken: DVJ and SCD. For each task, 3 trials were performed. Validation of profile group involved examination as an independent predictor of KAM. and used the latent profile analysis (LPA). Statistical analyses were conducted using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Differences were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. The LPA resulted in three profiles. The three profiles are significantly different in most of the pair wise comparisons of the means for these variables studies. The RCT analysis showed that the NMT decreased specific biomechanical and neuromuscular risk factors. The RCT analysis also showed that profile group was significantly associated with alterations in risk factors III = II > I. Profiles II and III had a significant greater decrease than Profile I, both with and without adjustment for age and pubertal stage. To the investigators’ knowledge, this is the first study to use LPA analysis of biomechanical landing data to create KAM and potentially ACL injury risk profiles using an RCT approach. LPA provided greater group separation using multiple combined movement analyses and three distinct profiles were observed using peak measures. Group differences in peak KAM across the profiles were significant (II > I and III > I), whether unadjusted or adjusted for age and pubertal stage. The RCT analysis showed that NMT decreased specific biomechanical and neuromuscular risk factors. The RCT analysis also showed that profile group was significantly associated with alterations in risk factors. These findings begin to explain the clinical incidence of LPA groups; yet, further study is needed to investigate this phenomenon. We continue to examine LPA models and will validate them post-intervention to determine potential emergent profiles that result from neuromuscular training. Further large cohort multicenter studies of prediction of biomechanical and neuromuscular risk factors, combined with ACL injury risk, with measured and demonstrably high validity and reliability will be the focus of future analyses.

Effect of beverages and mouthwashes on the hardness of polymers used in intraoral prostheses.

The mechanical properties of acrylic resins used in intraoral prostheses may be altered by frequent exposure to liquids such as beverages and mouthwashes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of thermocycling and liquid immersion on the hardness of four brands of acrylic resins commonly used in removable prostheses (Onda Cryl, QC-20, Clássico, Lucitone). For each brand of resin, seven specimens were immersed in each of six solutions (coffee, cola, red wine, Plax-Colgate, Listerine [LI], Oral B), and seven more were placed in artificial saliva (control). The hardness was tested using a microhardness tester before and after 5000 thermocycles and after 1, 3, 24, 48, and 96 hours of immersion. The results were analyzed using three-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The hardness of the resins decreased following thermocycling and immersion in the solutions. Specimens immersed in cola and wine exhibited significant decreases in hardness after immersion for 96 hours, although the greatest significant decrease in hardness occurred in specimens immersed in LI. However, according to American Dental Association specification 12, the Knoop hardness of acrylic resins for intraoral prostheses should not be below 15. Thus, the median values of superficial hardness observed in most of the acrylic resins in this study are considered clinically acceptable. The microhardness of polymers used for intraoral prostheses decreases following thermocycling. Among specimens immersed in beverages, those immersed in cola or wine experienced the greatest decrease in microhardness. Immersion of acrylic resins in LI significantly decreased the microhardness in relation to the initial value. Among the resins assessed, QC-20 exhibited the lowest initial hardness.

Experimental subsoiling by in-line shallow and deep tines

Conventional soil ripping has high fuel consumption because it involves high draft force and may produce large soil clods. This experiment compares the use of shallow leading tines ahead of the main tine with use of a conventional single-tine ripper. The study showed that attaching a single, shallow leading tine ahead of, and in line with, the main tine and 25–40% shallower in depth gave the greatest significant decrease in specific draft force. This led to a fuel reduction from 13.6 to 11.5 L/ha, or a saving of 15% when ripping a moist loamy sand soil to 330 mm depth. Attaching more than one shallow lead tine ahead of the ripper did not significantly affect specific draft forces, whether the shallow lead tines were in line or offset. Other advantages of using the shallow leading tine ripper over the conventional ripper are: improved soil tilth by significantly decreasing soil clod size; potentially a wider moisture range for ripping the soil (as soil clods are smaller and drier soil increases clod size) thus increasing the time available for the operation; and decreased depreciation of ripping components.

Zinc and Zinc Related Enzymes in Precancerous and Cancerous Tissue in the Colon of Dimethyl Hydrazine Treated Rats

Trace element zinc deficiency or excess is implicated in the development or progression of some cancers. The exact role of zinc in the etiology of colon cancer is unclear. To cast light on this question, an experimental model of colon carcinogenesis was applied here. Six week old rats were given sub cutaneous injections of DMH (30 mg/kg body weight) twice a week for three months and sacrificed after 4 months (precancer model) and 6 months (cancer model). Plasma zinc levels showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) at 4 months and a greater significant decrease at 6 months (p<0.01) as compared with controls. In the large intestine there was a significant decrease in tissue zinc levels (p<0.005) and in CuZnSOD, and alkaline phosphatase activity (p<0.05) in the pre-cancerous model and a greater significant decrease in tissue zinc (p<0.0001), and in CuZnSOD and alkaline phosphatase activity (p<0.001), in the carcinoma model. The tissue zinc levels showed a significant decrease in the small intestine and stomach (p<0.005) and in liver (p<0.05) in the cancer model. 87% of the rats in the precancer group and 92% rats in the cancer group showed histological evidence of precancerous lesions and carcinomas respectively in the colon mucosa. This study suggests that the decrease in plasma zinc, tissue zinc and activity of zinc related enzymes are associated with the development of preneoplastic lesions and these biochemical parameters further decrease with progression to carcinoma in the colon.