Seven-day Intervals Research Articles

Efeito da terapia LED na disfunção temporomandibular: estudo de caso

*** Effect of LED therapy on temporomandibular disorder: a case study ***AIMS: To evaluate the effect of light emitting diode (LED) therapy on temporomandibular disorder.CASE DESCRIPTION: A woman diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder was subjected to four LED therapy sessions at a seven-day interval. In the initial examination of the temporomandibular joint the patient presented a mouth opening without pain of 23 mm, a maximum opening of 25 mm and a maximum opening with the aid of 27 mm. After the treatment, there was an increase of 7 mm in the opening without pain between the first and last evaluation, while the maximum opening of the mouth and the maximum opening with aid increased 6 mm between the first and last evaluation. After 21 days of treatment, a 50% reduction in painful sites was detected on the palpation examination. After the end of the treatment, the visual analog pain scale detected a decrease in pain intensity on both sides, and there was a decrease in the total mean pain intensity. By analyzing the responses to the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), of the eight quality of life domains evaluated, four showed improvement. CONCLUSIONS: In this case study, after LED therapy there was reduction in pain intensity and increase of the mandibular range of motion. The resolution of the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder resulted in patient’s better quality of life.

Comparing canopy temperature and leaf water potential as irrigation scheduling criteria of potato in water-saving irrigation strategies

Irrigation scheduling is important in irrigation water management. In this study, full (FI),deficit (DI) and partial root drying (PRD) irrigation strategies were applied in Agria and Ramospotato cultivars. Canopy temperature (CT) and leaf water potential (LWP) were assessed as thepotential tools for irrigation scheduling during the vegetative and productive growth stages.LWP varied between ca. -1.4 and -1.6 MPa and was not significantly different between FI, DIand PRD irrigation treatments. The LWP and CT values were not significant between the twopotato cultivars during the measurements, but CT was frequently significant between theirrigation treatments such that the PRD treatments were significantly 5 and 2 oC warmer than FIand DI treatments, respectively. Higher CT in PRD caused significant yield penalty such that DIand FI produced almost two times higher fresh tuber yield. Analysis revealed that CT hadsignificantly higher correlation (r=0.66) with water productivity (weight of fresh tuber yielddivided by volume of applied irrigation water) than LWP, which its correlation was notsignificant (r=0.40). This showed that crop water productivity could be better controlled by CT.Moreover, it was realized that the seven-day irrigation interval was far longer than required andpotatoes in all irrigation treatments were under water stress, especially in PRD, that mightpartially explain the 50% yield penalty of PRD compared to DI. The reason was that due to highatmospheric demand, soil water in the wet part of the root system would be completely depletedearlier by the time of next irrigation event. Conclusively, the CT is recommended as a morereliable crop water status and irrigation scheduling indicator than LWP in response to differentwater-saving irrigation managements.

Bacillus velezensis YP2의 겨자채 흰가루병의 생물적 방제

Bacillus velezensis YP2 균주는 쌈채소에서 분리한 Cercospora sp. 1~3, Septoria sp., Colletotrichum sp., Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Phoma sp., Botrytis cinerea에 대하여 균사생육을 억제하였다. B. velezensis YP2 균주의 LB배양액을 10배 희석액은 적겨자와 청겨자에 발생하는 Erysiphe cruciferarm에 의한 흰가루병을 91.8%와 80.9% 방제효과을 보였다. B. velezensis YP2 균주의 배양액을 10배 희석하여 5일 간격 4회 처리구가 적겨자 흰가루병을 70.6%, 7일 간격 3회 처리구는 65.0%, 10일 간격 2회 처리구는 49.5% 방제하였다. 또한 B. velezensis YP2 균주는 적겨자 종자 발아를 증가시켜고 생육을 촉진하였다. 이상의 결과에서 YP2 균주는 겨자채 흰가루병 방제에 매우 효과적이었다. Bacillus velezensis YP2 inhibited the mycelial growth of several plant pathogens including Cercespora spp., Septoria sp., Phoma sp., Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia scleotiorum occurring in leafy vegetables. Control efficacy for powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe cruciferarm on red leaf mustard and cheong mustard by treatment of spraying with 10-fold diluted Luria-Bertani (LB) broth of B. velezensis YP2 was 91.8% and 80.9%, respectively. When B. velezensis YP2 was treated four times with five-day interval, three times at seven-day interval and two times at ten day interval in the greenhouse test, the control effect of red leaf mustard powdery mildew was 70.6%, 65.0% and 40.9%, respectively. Also B. velezensis YP2 could promote the seed germination and plant growth of led leaf mustard. The results showed that the culture broth of B. velezensis YP2 was very effective to control the powdery mildew of leaf mustard.

Impact of Water Management on Rice Varieties, Yield, and Water Productivity under the System of Rice Intensification in Southern Taiwan

The system of rice intensification (SRI) uses less water and enhances rice yield through synergy among several agronomic management practices. This claim was investigated to determine the effects of crop growth, yield and irrigation water use, using two thirds of the recommended SRI practices and two rice varieties, namely Tainan11 (TN11) and Tidung30 (TD30). Irrigation regimes were (a) intermittent irrigation with three-day intervals (TD303 and TN113); (b) intermittent irrigation with seven-day intervals (TD307 and TN117) and (c) continuous flooding (TD30F and TN11F). Results showed that intermittent irrigation of three- and seven-day intervals produced water savings of 55% and 74% compared with continuous flooding. Total water productivity was greater with intermittent irrigation at seven-day intervals producing 0.35 kg·grain/m3 (TN117) and 0.46 kg·grain/m3 (TD307). Average daily headed panicle reduced by 166% and 196% for TN113 and TN117 compared with TN11F, with similar reduction recorded for TD303 (150%) and TD307 (156%) compared with TD30F. Grain yield of TD30 was comparable among irrigation regimes; however, it reduced by 30.29% in TN117 compared to TN11F. Plant height and leaf area were greater in plants exposed to intermittent irrigation of three-day intervals.

Romiplostim for Treatment and Prevention of Chemotherapy-Associated Thrombocytopenia

Introduction Romiplostim is a fusion protein agonist of the thrombopoietin receptor, approved by the US FDA for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) after failure of glucocorticoid therapy. This agent has been examined in other settings, including its use in the management of the thrombocytopenic surgical patient (Marshall et al., Transfusion 2015) and its use for the treatment of refractory aplastic anemia (Gill et al., Br J Haematol 2016). Thrombocytopenia is a complication of chemotherapy in cancer patients that may lead to treatment delays, dose reductions, and discontinuation of therapy (Kuter DJ, Oncology 2015). This study is a retrospective, single-center review of cancer patients who either developed thrombocytopenia as a result of chemotherapy or who had an underlying pre-existing thrombocytopenic disorder (such as ITP or chronic liver disease) who were supported with romiplostim during all or part of their chemotherapy. Methods We performed a retrospective review of patients with solid tumor malignancies who received at least two sequential weekly doses of romiplostim concurrently with chemotherapy. We collected patient demographics, dates and doses of romiplostim administration with corresponding platelet (Plt) counts, and outcomes of therapy, including ability of the treating oncologist to administer chemotherapy before initiating and during use of romiplostim as measured by number of treatment cycles administered, number and duration of delays in therapy, and number and extent of clinically necessary dose reductions. Results Review of pharmaceutical dispensation records from at our institution from January 1, 2010 through April 1, 2016 revealed 19 patients concurrently treated with romiplostim and chemotherapy, with 15 meeting our inclusion criteria (Table 1). At initiation of romiplostim, 40% of patients had a Plt count ≥75 x 109/L and 26.7% of patients had a Plt count ≥100 x 109/L, with a median Plt count of 72 x 109/L (range, 21-145 x 109/L). Patients were treated with weekly injections of romiplostim, with platelet count measured at the time of drug administration; the most common starting dose was 3 mcg/kg. The average duration of romiplostim therapy required to achieve a platelet count ≥75 x 109/L was 13.6 days, and the average time to achieve a platelet count ≥100 x 109/L was 21.1 days. During treatment with romiplostim, 85.3% and 73.2% of all platelet counts measured were ≥75 x 109/L and ≥100 x 109/L, respectively (Figure 1). All patients were able to receive two or more cycles (range, 2-18) of chemotherapy while on romiplostim. Twelve patients (80%) had delays in receiving antineoplastic therapy attributed to thrombocytopenia prior to initiation of romiplostim, with an average per-patient cumulative delay time of 4.7 weeks; 5 patients (33.3%) concurrently treated with romiplostim and chemotherapy had such delays (p=0.010 by Pearson's chi-squared test), with an average per-patient cumulative delay time of 1 week. Eleven patients (73.3%) required at least 1 dose-reduction in chemotherapy attributed to thrombocytopenia prior to initiation of romiplostim; 4 patients (26.7%) required at least 1 such dose-reduction while receiving romiplostim (p=0.011 by Pearson's chi-squared test). Three patients required platelet transfusion and 10 patients required red blood cell (RBC) transfusion while receiving romiplostim, though 8 of the patients received RBC transfusions only for chemotherapy-associated anemia or fatigue. While receiving romiplostim, no patient suffered a thrombotic event, and 3 patients suffered from bleeding (1 patient developed grade 1 mucosal bleeding and 2 patients developed grade 3 gastrointestinal bleeding). Conclusion In patients with solid tumor malignancies with chemotherapy-associated thrombocytopenia or who have co-existing thrombocytopenic disorders (such as ITP or chronic liver disease), this study provides evidence that romiplostim is safe and increases the platelet count sufficiently in a majority of patients to allow subsequent chemotherapy to be given at full dose and on schedule. Table 1 Patient Characteristics. Table 1. Patient Characteristics. Fgure 1 Platelet Count Over Time. The dotted lines represent the platelet count trend of individual patients. The solid black line represents the platelet count trend of the study population (platelet counts averaged together over seven-day intervals). Fgure 1. Platelet Count Over Time. The dotted lines represent the platelet count trend of individual patients. The solid black line represents the platelet count trend of the study population (platelet counts averaged together over seven-day intervals). Disclosures Kuter: Protalex: Research Funding; ONO: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; 3SBios: Consultancy; Eisai: Consultancy; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy; Shire: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Paid expert testimony; Shionogi: Consultancy; Rigel: Consultancy, Research Funding; Syntimmune: Consultancy; MedImmune: Consultancy; CRICO: Other: Paid expert testimony.

BET Bromodomain Inhibition Selectively Targets the Epstein-Barr Virus Oncogene LMP1 While Promoting Virus-Specific, Adaptive Anti-Tumor Activity

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpesvirus that infects over 90% of the world's population and is associated with a wide-range of diseases. EBV has evolved to manipulate host cellular networks in the absence of proper immune function and is linked to malignant lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) such as Hodgkin's lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. The lack of standard or effective therapeutic approaches for individuals with these aggressive and clinically complicated diseases represents an important unmet need.We have recently demonstrated EBV-induced B cell transformation to be dependent upon the dysregulation of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), an epigenetic writer that functions as a global transcriptional repressor. We hypothesize that epigenetic readers, writers and erasers are similarly dysregulated following EBV infection of B cells and that these enzymes represent novel therapeutic candidates. The bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein bromodomain 4 (BRD4) is an epigenetic reader that binds acetylated lysine residues and promotes transcription of genes that drive cell growth and survival. Here, we evaluate the relevance of BRD4 to EBV-driven B cell transformation and identify it as a potential therapeutic target for EBV-LPD. We used the highly selective and potent BRD4 inhibitor (BRD4i), JQ1, as a model to examine the relevance of BRD4 in EBV-driven lymphoproliferative disease (LPD).JQ1 treatment of, EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) led to reduced proliferation, but not direct cytotoxicity. However, similar concentrations of JQ1 in a more physiologically-relevant co-culture setting of EBV-LCLs cultured with autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBMC), resulted in a robust depletion of LCLs, loss of suppressive myeloid populations (TAM/M2 phenotype) and expansion of anti-tumor adaptive, memory CD3/CD8 immune effector cells. Using a single dose of JQ1 (500nM) in a co-culture of LCLs and autologous PBMCs, there was a marked expansion of activated, effector memory (CD3+, CD8+, CD45RO+, CD62L-) cytotoxic T-cell population as compared to vehicle-treated co-cultures. Furthermore, a dramatic reduction in both CD19+ LCLs and suppressive myeloid populations (CD33+, CD11b, HLADR+, CD206+, PD-L1+) was observed after 10 days. Despite the depletion of myeloid cell subsets by CD33 depletion, we still saw the outgrowth of cytotoxic T cell population in the presence of JQ1.In order to delve into the causes of this heightened immune response, we looked at the changes in the expression of highly immunogenic EBV specific proteins. BRD4 inhibition led to upregulation of the EBV oncoprotein, latent membrane protein 1(LMP1), as well as MHC class I antigen presentation machinery in LCLs. The enhanced expression of LMP1 in LCLs with BRD4i, led to modulation of downstream signaling networks driven by this oncogene including PI3K/pAKT (decreased), NF-ĸB (canonical down/non canonical up) and pSTAT3 (decreased). Because LMP1 oncogenic activity is vital for EBV-driven B cell immortalization and transformation, we next conducted in-vitro assays where primary, naïve B cells were infected with EBV in the presence and absence of JQ1 (50, 500nM) treatment. Selective BRD4i was introduced in separate transformation cultures in seven-day intervals following EBV infection and absolute cell counts were monitored. At all timepoints BRD4i prevented EBV-driven transformation of purified naïve B-lymphocytes.Our findings highlight the utility of BRD4i as an experimental therapeutic strategy for EBV-driven lymphomas as it functions to target pathways initiating and sustaining transformed B cell outgrowth and survival while supporting anti-tumor host memory, immune networks. Collectively, these experiments identify BRD4 as a key driver of cell cycle progression, oncogene activation, and a potential immune checkpoint modulator in transformed B lymphoblasts. Furthermore, BRD4i enhances host immunity by eliminating suppressive myeloid cell populations permitting the activation and expansion of memory CD3+/CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. This work demonstrates BRD4i is an attractive therapeutic strategy as it sensitizes malignant cells while enhancing the responsiveness of the host immune system, making it an ideal candidate to be used in future trials with T cell immune therapies. DisclosuresBaiocchi:Essanex: Research Funding.

과일추출물 처리에 따른 치아수복물의 색조 및 표면변화

본 연구에서는 과일즙이 복합레진의 표면부식과 착색에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 일상적으로 많이 섭취하는 과일 중 산도가 높고 색깔이 있는 포도, 레몬, 오렌지, 자몽, 키위 5종을 선정하고 레진시편을 제작하여 과일즙에 침지하였다. 레진시편은 <TEX>$37^{\circ}C$</TEX>에서 과일즙에 3일, 7일 간격으로 침지하였다. 대조군은 과일즙에 침지하지 않은 레진으로 하였다. 시간에 따른 표면의 변화는 주사전자현미경을 이용하여 관찰하였으며 착색정도의 변화는 분광광도계를 이용하여 측정하였다. 주사전자현미경으로 레진의 표면변화를 관찰한 결과, 대조군에 비해 실험군은 표면 입자간의 홈의 크기가 증가하였고 직사각형모양의 막대상의 구조가 생겨났으며 작게 돌출된 돌기상의 입자가 사라지는 양상을 보였다. 분광광도계로 레진의 착색정도를 측정한 결과, 실험군 간의 차이는 포도즙에 침지한 경우 명도가 가장 어두운 것을 볼 수 있었다. At this study, we select five colorful and high-acid fruits: grape, lemon, orange, grapefruit and kiwi, and we made a composite resin specimen and dipped into fruit juice in order to figure out influence that affects on surface corrosion and coloring. We dipped resin specimen into fruit juice by three-day and seven-day interval at <TEX>$37^{\circ}C$</TEX>. Control group used the resin that was not dipped into fruit juice. For surface change according to the time, it was observed by using scanning electron microscopy, and it was measured by using spectrophotometer for change of coloring degree. As a result of surface change of resin by using scanning electron microscopy, furrow size between surface particles increased, and rectangular rod-shape structure was emerged, and small prominent particles on bumps disappeared. As a result of coloring degree of resin by measuring spectrophotometer, a difference between experimental group appears with the darkest brightness in the case where it is dipped into grape extracts.

Persistence of chloramphenicol residues in chicken muscle tissue after a therapeutic dose administration

ABSTRACTOne-day-old chickens were individually orally treated with chloramphenicol at a dose of 100 mg per kg of body weight per day for three consecutive days. After the final treatment, the groups of six birds were sacrificed in seven-day intervals up to 42 days. The muscle tissue collected from the breasts and legs of each bird was individually examined for the presence of chloramphenicol residues using a GC/MS-NCI analytical method, which was validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The decision limit (CCα) obtained for the method was 0.05 ng g−1. The results showed a rapid decrease of chloramphenicol concentration in the muscle tissue after termination of the treatment, but also showed a relatively long persistence of low residue concentrations. Levels of chloramphenicol in muscle tissue averaged 64 ng g−1 seven days after the final treatment and fell to 0.21 ng g−1 after 35 days. All animals tested on the 35th day after the final treatment showed detectable chloramphenicol concentrations above the decision limit of the method used. No residues were detected in the animal tissues 42 days after the end of the treatment.

Hemostatic effects of two desogestrel-containing combined oral contraceptive regimens: a multinational, multicenter, randomized, open-label study

Purpose of investigation: To compare the effects of desogestrel (DSG) 150 mcg/ethinyl estradiol (EE) 20 mcg for 21 days followed by either seven days of EE ten mcg (21/7-active) or no treatment (DSG/EE+no Tx) on hemostatic markers. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized, multicenter, open-label study that enrolled healthy premenopausal women. Non-inferiority of 21/7-active to DSG/EE+no Tx was determined if the upper limit of the two-sided 95% CI of the mean treatment difference in prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2) over 24 weeks between groups was Results: 246 subjects (n=125, 21/7-active; n=121, DSG/EE+no Tx) comprised the primary analysis. Mean F1+2 levels increased in both 21/7-active and DSG/EE+no Tx regimens (least square [LS] mean changes +45 pmol/L and +56.8 pmol/L, respectively). LS mean treatment difference was -11.8 pmol/L (95% CI: -54.8, 31.2). Conclusion: The effect of adding EE ten mcg to the seven-day hormone-free interval of DSG/EE on F1+2 levels was non-inferior to traditional DSG/EE.

Avaliação clínica, laboratorial e anatomopatológica do sistema urinário de ovinos confinados com ou sem suplementação de cloreto de amônio

Resumo: A acidificação urinária com cloreto de amônio (CA) é um método preventivo eficiente em urolitíase obstrutiva em ovinos. Os objetivos deste estudo com ovinos confinados, que receberam dieta concentrada com elevado teor proteico, foram: verificar o efeito da dieta sobre a formação de urólitos e o desenvolvimento da doença; analisar as características macroscópicas e histopatológicas do sistema urinário; relacionar os achados clínicos, laboratoriais e necroscópicos com a presença de urólitos. Utilizaram-se 60 ovinos machos: grupo CA (n=40), 400 mg/kg CA/dia, tratados via oral, por 42 dias consecutivos; grupo-controle (n=20), não tratado. Determinaram-se sete momentos de colheita de amostras com intervalos de sete dias, no total de 56 dias de confinamento. Encontraram-se microcálculos na pelve renal em cinco animais de ambos os grupos. As lesões renais microscópicas mais relevantes foram congestão vascular e necrose tubular. Concluiu-se que a dieta rica em concentrado provocou lesão renal em ambos os grupos, embora sem alterar a função renal, o que foi comprovado em testes pela ureia e creatinina séricas. O cloreto de amônio fornecido ao grupo CA não impediu a calculogênese, mas reduziu sua prevalência em relação ao grupo-controle. Os ovinos do grupo-controle tiveram maior comprometimento renal, pela alta incidência de cristalúria e pela necrose tubular, induzidas pelo consumo da dieta rica em grãos.

Effect of bleaching agents on enamel surface of bovine teeth: A SEM study.

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate changes in the enamel surface of bovine teeth after whitening with exogenous bleaching agents: 10% carbamide peroxide (group 1), 16% carbamide peroxide (group 2) and 35% hydrogen peroxide activated by a light-emitting diode (LED) (group 3). The evaluations were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Material and MethodsNinety bovine teeth were divided into five groups (n = 18). The bleaching agents 10% and 16% carbamide peroxide were applied for eight hours a day for 14 consecutive days. The third agent, LED-activated 35% hydrogen peroxide, was used four times at seven-day intervals. Each of the four time points consisted of three applications of 10 minutes each. A 37% phosphoric acid solution and artificial saliva were used as positive and negative controls, respectively.ResultsThe evaluations by SEM showed changes in the enamel surfaces of the specimens. Based on the Mann-Whitney statistical test, the data showed significant differences (p<0.05) between groups 1 and 2 and between groups 2 and 3. However, no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed between groups 1 and 3.ConclusionsBased on these results, it can be concluded that bleaching agents can cause changes in the structure of tooth enamel and that these changes are related to the concentration and the duration of contact with the tooth surface. Key words:Bovine teeth, carbamide peroxide, enamel, hydrogen peroxide, scanning electronic microscopy.

Effect of grapevine rootstocks on qualitative parameters of the Cerason variety

Tethal J., Baroň M., Sotolař R., Ailer S., Sochor J. (2015): Effect of grapevine rootstocks on qualitative parameters of the Cerason variety. Czech J. Food Sci., 33: 570–579. The Cerason variety is a hybrid from the cross of Merlan × Fratava varieties and its registration took place in 2008. In the category of fungus-resistant (PIWI) grapevine varieties, Cerason represents a very prospective variety. This study deals with effects of seven selected rootstock varieties (K 125AA, Amos, Borner, CR2, K5BB, K1SO4, and T5C) on qualitative parameters of Cerason juice. This experiment was established in 2011 in vineyards of Mendel University in Lednice. In the juice of the berries, the following parameters were monitored: concentrations of sugar, total acids, tartaric acid, malic acid, ratio of tartaric to malic acid (β-ratio), concentration of yeast assimilable nitrogen, and pH value. These parameters were monitored in seven-day intervals in the period of 6 weeks. The aim of this study was to identify those rootstock varieties that would be the most suitable for the given locality on the basis of contents of the aforementioned important substances. The best results were recorded in K125AA and K5BB rootstock varieties.

English

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and somatic cells count (SCC) of milk from Holstein / Braunvieh (HB) cows of five different grade crossing (genetic groups): Seven ½ blood HB, 14 5/8 blood HB, 16 3/4 blood HB, 86 7/8 blood HB and 28 15/16 blood HB cows were used. Six samplings at seven-day intervals were performed. The quality of milk was assessed according to the fat, protein, lactose and defatted dry solids (DDE), urea and casein levels and somatic cells count. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in fat content of milk among blood levels; however, the other nutrients in milk differed (P<0.05) among blood levels studied (lactose, DDE, protein, casein, urea). SCC was higher in milk produced by cows of 3/4 blood HB genetic composition. Variations in milk production among genetic groups were also verified, with 1/2 blood HB animals being more productive compared to other genetic compositions. Correlation of genetic composition, production volume, days in lactation, number of deliveries and SCC with the chemical components of milk was found. A positive correlation between genetic composition and DDE and negative with production volume and number of deliveries was found and the SCC value of 13.41% was above the recommended by Brazilian legislation for milk quality. Key words: Casein, fat, genetics, mastitis, urea.

Validation of a Brazilian Portuguese Version of the Walking Estimated-Limitation Calculated by History (WELCH).

BackgroundThe Walking Estimated-Limitation Calculated by History (WELCH) questionnaire has been proposed to evaluate walking impairment in patients with intermittent claudication (IC), presenting satisfactory psychometric properties. However, a Brazilian Portuguese version of the questionnaire is unavailable, limiting its application in Brazilian patients.ObjectiveTo analyze the psychometric properties of a translated Brazilian Portuguese version of the WELCH in Brazilian patients with IC.MethodsEighty-four patients with IC participated in the study. After translation and back-translation, carried out by two independent translators, the concurrent validity of the WELCH was analyzed by correlating the questionnaire scores with the walking capacity assessed with the Gardner treadmill test. To determine the reliability of the WELCH, internal consistency and test-retest reliability with a seven-day interval between the two questionnaire applications were calculated.ResultsThere were significant correlations between the WELCH score and the claudication onset distance (r = 0.64, p = 0.01) and total walking distance (r = 0.61, p = 0.01). The internal consistency was 0.84 and the intraclass correlation coefficient between questionnaire evaluations was 0.84. There were no differences in WELCH scores between the two questionnaire applications.ConclusionThe Brazilian Portuguese version of the WELCH presents adequate validity and reliability indicators, which support its application to Brazilian patients with IC.

Seven-day intensity and intensity spread predictions for western North Pacific tropical cyclones

Our weighted-analog intensity (WANI) technique for predicting western North Pacific tropical cyclone intensity and with intensity spread guidance has been extended from five days to seven days. A perfect-prog approach that utilizes the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) best-tracks is adopted and the 10 best historical track analogs are selected from the 1945–2009 JTWC best-track file. A development sample from the 2000–2009 seasons is used to develop an intensity bias correction and an intensity spread calibration. Tests with an independent sample from the 2010–2014 seasons demonstrate that the intensity mean absolute errors and the correlation coefficients of the WANI forecast intensities with the verifying intensities essentially remain constant in the five-day to seven-day forecast interval. After calibration of the raw intensity spreads among the 10 historical analogs each 12 h, the uncertainty estimates about the WANI intensity forecasts also do not increase during the five-day to seven-day forecast intervals. The conclusion is that the seven-day WANI will provide intensity and intensity spread predictions of western North Pacific tropical cyclones with a similar performance as our five-day WANI technique. Examples of the performance for this seven-day WANI for westward-moving and northwestward-moving cyclones that make landfall, or for recurving storms that begin decay after rrecurvature over the ocean, demonstrate the value of constraining the intensities at the end of the WANI forecast. Less satisfactory WANI forecasts occur for rapid intensification, rapid decay, and for cyclones with extended periods of non-intensification.

Melatonin Suppression under LED Lighting Focused on Spectral Power Distribution Differences

Changes in melatonin concentration levels by differences in CCT of white LED light focused on Spectral Power Distribution (SPD) differences compared to the same CCT of conventional fluorescent light were analyzed. For this, melatonin concentration levels in saliva samples were taken over four different experiments at seven-day intervals. In 71.4% of participants, it was confirmed that melatonin concentration is suppressed by exposure to light, and a slight difference was observed by different CCTs. In addition, Experiment II with a high CCT was relatively high in terms of the melatonin suppression rate compared to Experiment III. A key finding was the possibility that different SPDs under a particular CCT of white LED light compared to the same CCT of conventional fluorescent light could have the same effect on the melatonin suppression.

Biomass reduction of Salvinia molesta exposed to copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O)

Copper in the aquatic ecosystem may remain adsorbed or be incorporated into the biomass and undergo biomagnification causing unwanted effects to aquatic macrophyte communities. This study evaluated the biomass reduction of Salvinia molesta (Mitchell) exposed to copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O) under laboratory conditions. Approximately 20.5 g of fresh mass (FM) of S. molesta (0.74 g dry matter, DM) were placed in glass tanks with different concentrations (n = 3) of CuSO4.5H2O as follows: 0.0; 2.0; 4.0; 6.0; and 8.0 mg L-1 for 28 days. The dry mass was determined after each seven-day interval over 28 days and submitted to repeated ANOVA measures, followed by a Tukey test (P

Translation, Adaptation, and Reliability of Modern Standard Arabic Version of the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire

Purpose: To culturally translate and test the reliability and validity of the Modern Standard Arabic version of Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) for chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP) in the Arabic-speaking population. Background: The RMDQ is a popular reliable and validated tool for measuring functional disability in low back pain. However, a reliable Modern Standard Arabic version is not available. Methods: The RMDQ Modern Standard Arabic translation and cross-cultural adaptation was performed using the “forward translation/backward translation” method. The final version was tested among Arabic-speaking chronic nonspecific LBP patients. The internal consistency was assessed by means of the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The convergent validity was assessed calculating Pearson’s correlation coefficient comparing the RMDQ’s results with the amount of pain that was assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the range of movement of the spine by fingertip-floor length test (FFL). Results: A total of 40 participants (mean age 44.4 years (SD: 12.51), 65% female) were enrolled in the study. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) within a seven-day interval was 0.948 indicating adequate acceptance. The RMDQ's convergent validity showed positive correlation with the VAS (r: 0.299; P<0.061) and with the FFL (r: 0.292; P<0.067). Conclusion: The Modern Standard Arabic version of the RMDQ has good internal consistency and reliability to be a useful clinical and research tool for the assessment of functional disability caused by LBP among the Arabicspeaking population.

Persistence of two-, three- and four-ring of PAHs in sewage sludge deposited in different light conditions

The aim of the investigations was to determine the changes in the concentration of PAHs in sewage sludge stored under various light conditions. The sewage sludge samples were stored under aerobic conditions in dark, in laboratory conditions and exposed to UV rays. The changes in the concentration of PAHs were analysed in three series: in sludge samples taken from treatment plant, in sludge with the addition of a standard PAH mixture and in sewage sludge with the addition both a standard mixture and with added sodium azide (abiotic samples). Changes in 10 PAHs concentration in sewage sludge samples were studied at seven-day intervals for four weeks. The concentration of PAHs was determination using gas chromatograph–mass spectrometry. The losses of 10 hydrocarbons after four weeks of storing were in the range of 12–99%. The half-life of hydrocarbons was in the range of 5–953 d in sewage sludge taken from treatment plant. In sewage sludge amended with standard mixture, half-life of PAHs was not exceed 137 d.

Application of thermovision in assessment of superficial tissue temperature changes under the influence of 1 MHz and 3 MHz ultrasounds wave

Ultrasound wave is a physical method commonly used in the rehabilitation process. Biological effects of ultrasound wave are complex, and they have been subject of several studies for many years. It is assumed that ultrasound wave causes an increase in tissue temperature; however, some study results stay in opposition to this statement. Thermal imaging is a method that helps to determine, in a precise way, the temperature distribution of the tested body surface area, which allows us to verify whether ultrasound waves always have thermal effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in temperature distribution depicted by thermal imaging, after the use of ultrasonic waves with two different values of frequency (1 and 3 MHz) in the area of Achilles tendon. The study involved 50 healthy students group in which there were 28 women and 22 men. The average age in the group was 20.54 years (±1.09). All study participants underwent ultrasound treatment with two different values of frequency. Skin temperature of the tested area was recorded with the use of thermographic camera. Ultrasound wave was applied to the area of Achilles tendon. Each person had the procedure performed twice with a seven-day time interval. There were ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 1 MHz applied one time and then ultrasonic wave with a frequency of 3 MHz applied once for the second time. Paraffin oil was used as a coupling medium. The result of Student’s t test showed a statistically significant difference in mean temperature values measured immediately after treatment (3.3341) and 5 min after the treatment (2.6037) for a frequency of 3 and 1 MHz. A comparison of temperature values for both frequencies 10 min after the treatment and 15 min after the treatment was not statistically relevant. The results of the studies indicate that only ultrasonic treatment at a frequency of 3 MHz has influence on an increase of surface temperature.