Differences in the intensity of light-induced fluorescence emitted by resin composites

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to compare the intensities of fluorescence emitted by different resin composites as detected using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology, and to compare the fluorescence intensity contrast with the color contrast between a restored composite and the adjacent region of the tooth.MethodsSix brands of light-cured resin composites (shade A2) were investigated. The composites were used to prepare composite discs, and fill holes that had been prepared in extracted human teeth. White-light and fluorescence images of all specimens were obtained using a fluorescence camera based on QLF technology (QLF-D) and converted into 8-bit grayscale images. The fluorescence intensity of the discs as well as the fluorescence intensity contrast and the color contrast between the composite restoration and adjacent tooth region were calculated as grayscale levels.ResultsThe grayscale levels for the composite discs differed significantly with the brand (p < 0.001): DenFil (10.84 ± 0.35, mean ± SD), Filtek Z350 (58.28 ± 1.37), Premisa (156.94 ± 1.58), Grandio (177.20 ± 0.81), Charisma (207.05 ± 0.77), and Gradia direct posterior (211.52 ± 1.66). The difference in grayscale levels between a resin restoration and the adjacent tooth was significantly greater in fluorescence images for each brand than in white-light images, except for the Filtek Z350 (p < 0.05). However, the Filtek Z350 restoration was distinguishable from the adjacent tooth in a fluorescence image.ConclusionsThe intensities of fluorescence detected from the resin composites varied. The differences between the composite and adjacent tooth were greater for the fluorescence intensity contrast than for the colors observed in the white-light images.     

Development and validation of a novel predictive scoring model for microvascular invasion in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

PurposeMicrovascular invasion (MVI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cannot be accurately predicted preoperatively. This study aimed to establish a predictive scoring model of MVI in solitary HCC patients without macroscopic vascular invasion.MethodsA total of 309 consecutive HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy were divided into the derivation (n = 206) and validation cohort (n = 103). A predictive scoring model of MVI was established according to the valuable predictors in the derivation cohort based on multivariate logistic regression analysis. The performance of the predictive model was evaluated in the derivation and validation cohorts.ResultsPreoperative imaging features on CECT, such as intratumoral arteries, non-nodular type of HCC and absence of radiological tumor capsule were independent predictors for MVI. The predictive scoring model was established according to the β coefficients of the 3 predictors. Area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of the predictive scoring model was 0.872 (95% CI, 0.817-0.928) and 0.856 (95% CI, 0.771-0.940) in the derivation and validation cohorts. The positive and negative predictive values were 76.5% and 88.0% in the derivation cohort and 74.4% and 88.3% in the validation cohort. The performance of the model was similar between the patients with tumor size ≤5 cm and >5 cm in AUROC (P = 0.910).ConclusionsThe predictive scoring model based on intratumoral arteries, non-nodular type of HCC, and absence of the radiological tumor capsule on preoperative CECT is of great value in the prediction of MVI regardless of tumor size.     

Clinical assessment of oral malodor using autofluorescence of tongue coating

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether a new method using quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital (QLF-D) was appropriate for the diagnosis of oral malodor by quantifying the fluorescence of tongue coating.MethodsThis study examined 103 healthy subjects who have an oral malodor as a main complaint. The levels of oral malodor were measured by organoleptic scores (OLS) and volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels. The fluorescent tongue coating images captured by QLF-D were quantified as the integrated fluorescence score (IF score) by multiplying the intensity and area of fluorescence. The correlations between the fluorescence parameters and OLS as well as VSC levels and the diagnostic accuracy of the IF score were evaluated.ResultsThe IF score of tongue coating showed a significant positive correlation with the OLS (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) and the VSC levels (r = 0.49, p < 0.01). This score was significantly differed with the level of oral malodor (p < 0.001), and its AUC was 0.72 in identifying the patient with definite oral malodor (≥OLS 2).ConclusionsA new method quantifying tongue coating fluorescence detected by QLF-D can be used to diagnose oral malodor and assess its severity in the clinical practice.     

Heart rate and blood lactate responses during Taekwondo training and competition

ObjectiveThe study investigated physical fitness characteristics of elite Taekwondo (TKD) players as well as their heart rate (HR) response and blood lactate concentration changes during TKD specific exercises and simulated competition.MethodsAnaerobic and aerobic power has been evaluated in eight elite TKD players (age: 20 ± 1 years, body mass: 70.8 ± 6 kg, Ht: 179.9 ± 4 cm). We also measured heart rate and blood lactate concentration during competition and specific-exercises (front kicks during 10 s, 1 and 3 min).ResultsMaximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and peak anaerobic power (Wpeak) averaged 56.22 ± 2.57 ml min^–1 kg^–1 and 12.1 ± 1.7 W kg^–1, respectively. HR and blood lactate [La] concentrations increased significantly during competition (F = 19.4, P < 0.001; F = 21.3, P < 0.001) compared to the resting value. HR and [La] values were significantly correlated with those measured during 10 s (R = 0.85, P < 0.05 and R = 0.79, P < 0.05, respectively) and 3-min specific exercises (R = 0.95, P < 0.01 and R = 0.76, P < 0.05).ConclusionsTKD requires high levels of both aerobic and anaerobic physical fitness. The correlation between specific exercises and competition is of practical interest for TKD players and trainers.     

Monitoring fitness,fatigue and running performance during a pre-season training camp in elite football players

ObjectivesTo examine the usefulness of selected physiological and perceptual measures to monitor fitness, fatigue and running performance during a pre-season, 2-week training camp in eighteen professional Australian Rules Football players (21.9 ± 2.0 years).DesignObservational.MethodsTraining load, perceived ratings of wellness (e.g. fatigue, sleep quality) and salivary cortisol were collected daily. Submaximal exercise heart rate (HRex) and a vagal-related heart rate variability index (LnSD1) were also collected at the start of each training session. Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 2 test (Yo-YoIR2, assessed pre-, mid- and post-camp, temperate conditions) and high-speed running distance during standardized drills (HSR, >14.4 km h^?1, 4 times throughout, outdoor) were used as performance measures.ResultsThere were significant (P < 0.001 for all) day-to-day variations in training load (coefficient of variation, CV: 66%), wellness measures (6–18%), HRex (3.3%), LnSD1 (19.0%), but not cortisol (20.0%, P = 0.60). While the overall wellness (+0.06, 90% CL (?0.14; 0.02) AU day^?1) did not change substantially throughout the camp, HRex decreased (?0.51 (?0.58; ?0.45) % day^?1), and cortisol (+0.31 (0.06; 0.57) nmol L^?1 day^?1), LnSD1 (+0.1 (0.04; 0.06) ms day^?1), Yo-YoIR2 performance (+23.7 (20.8; 26.6) m day^?1, P < 0.001), and HSR (+4.1 (1.5; 6.6) m day^?1, P < 0.001) increased. Day-to-day ΔHRex (r = 0.80, 90% CL (0.75; 0.85)), ΔLnSD1 (0.51 (r = 0.40; 0.62)) and all wellness measures (0.28 (?0.39; ?0.17) < r < 0.25 (0.14; 0.36)) were related to Δtraining load. There was however no clear relationship between Δcortisol and Δtraining load. ΔYo-YoIR2 was correlated with ΔHRex (r = 0.88 (0.84; 0.92)), ΔLnSD1 (r = 0.78 (0.67; 0.89)), Δwellness (r = 0.58 (0.41; 0.75), but not Δcortisol. ΔHSR was correlated with ΔHRex (r = ?0.27 (?0.48; ?0.06)) and Δwellness (r = 0.65 (0.49; 0.81)), but neither with ΔLnSD1 nor Δcortisol.ConclusionsTraining load, HRex and wellness measures are the best simple measures for monitoring training responses to an intensified training camp; cortisol post-exercise and LnSD1 did not show practical efficacy here.     

Fibular taping does not influence ankle dorsiflexion range of motion or balance measures in individuals with chronic ankle instability

ObjectivesTo determine the effects of fibular taping on ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and dynamic balance in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI).DesignSingle-blind, randomized crossover.MethodsTwenty-three individuals (age = 23.4 ± 2.5 years, height = 171.6 ± 12.4 cm, mass = 71.5 ± 13.1 kg) with CAI were allocated to either a fibular taping intervention or sham taping intervention (tape applied without tension) over the course of two visits. Weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion ROM and components of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) were measured before and after intervention.ResultsThere was not a significant change in ankle dorsiflexion ROM when comparing the taping interventions (F_1,43 = 1.03, P = .32), but both interventions resulted in a small increase (F_1,43 = 8.07, P = .007) in dorsiflexion ROM (pre = 36.7° ± 6.9°, post = 37.7° ± 6.2°). This increase in ROM did not exceed the established minimal detectable change for dorsiflexion ROM. Fibular taping with tension produced an increase (F_1,41 = 5.84, P = .02) (pre = 69.0 ± 9.1%, post = 70.6 ± 8.6%) in posterolateral reach distance when compared to taping without tension (pre = 72.7 ± 11.0%, post = 71.4 ± 9.6%), but this increase did not exceed the established minimal detectable change. There was not a significant change in dynamic balance between groups for the anterior (F_1,41 = 2.33, P = .14) and posteromedial (F_1,41 = .41, P = .53) reach directions.ConclusionsAlthough small changes in ankle dorsiflexion ROM and posterolateral reach distances were observed, these changes did not exceed established minimal detectable change values for these measures. These results suggest that the benefits of fibular taping are not related to an increase in ankle dorsiflexion ROM or dynamic balance.     

Effects of a school-based physical activity program on retinal microcirculation and cognitive function in adolescents

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of combined aerobic and coordinative exercise on retinal microcirculation and its association with changes in cognitive performance in healthy adolescents.DesignUsing cluster-randomization (on class-level), 36 participants were allocated to an exercise group (EX) performing a 20-min aerobic and coordinative exercise session on each school day over a period of 8 weeks or a control group, which was encouraged to have social interactions (CON).MethodPrior to and following the intervention period, central retinal arteriolar (CRAE) and venular diameters (CRVE) were assessed by use of a static vessel analyzer. Additionally, a computer-based version of the Stroop Color-Word task was administered to assess inhibitory control.ResultsThe statistical analysis revealed that EX compared to CON showed higher CRAE at post-test, when pre-test values were accounted for, F(1,32) = 4.92, p = 0.036, η² = 0.130. In contrast, no such effect was reported for CRVE. With regard to cognitive performance, a greater reduction of reaction time on the Stroop task was observed in EX relative to CON, F(1,30) = 8.58, p = 0.006, η² = 0.222. The increase in CRAE was significantly correlated with a decrease of reaction time on trials demanding inhibitory control, even after adjusting for covariates, r(31) = −0.438, p = 0.011.ConclusionsA structured exercise program leads to a widening of retinal arteriolar diameters, which is associated with improvements in inhibitory control. Consequently, daily exercise sessions performed during the school break-time can be recommended for promoting both cardiovascular and cognitive health in adolescents.     

Dual-modal computer-assisted evaluation of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients on both real-time elastography and B-mode ultrasound

PurposeTo propose a computer-assisted method for quantifying the hardness of an axillary lymph node on real-time elastography (RTE) and its morphology on B-mode ultrasound; and to combine the dual-modal features for differentiation of metastatic and benign axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients.Materials and methodsA total of 161 axillary lymph nodes (benign, n = 69; metastatic, n = 92) from 158 patients with breast cancer were examined with both B-mode ultrasound and RTE. With computer assistance, five morphological features describing the hilum, size, shape, and echogenic uniformity of a lymph node were extracted from B-mode, and three hardness features were extracted from RTE. Single-modal and dual-modal features were used to classify benign and metastatic nodes with two computerized classification approaches, i.e., a scoring approach and a support vector machine (SVM) approach. The computerized approaches were also compared with a visual evaluation approach.ResultsAll features exhibited significant differences between benign and metastatic nodes (p < 0.001), with the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.803 and the highest accuracy (ACC) of 75.2% for a single feature. The SVM on dual-modal features achieved the largest AUC (0.895) and ACC (85.7%) among all methods, exceeding the scoring (AUC = 0.881; ACC = 83.6%) and the visual evaluation methods (AUC = 0.830; ACC = 84.5%). With the leave-one-out cross validation, the SVM on dual-modal features still obtained an ACC as high as 84.5%.ConclusionDual-modal features can be extracted from RTE and B-mode ultrasound with computer assistance, which are valuable for discrimination between benign and metastatic lymph nodes. The SVM on dual-modal features outperforms the scoring and visual evaluation methods, as well as all methods using single-modal features. The computer-assisted dual-modal evaluation of lymph nodes could be potentially used in daily clinical practice for assessing axillary metastasis in breast cancer patients.     

Expression of ferrochelatase has a strong correlation in protoporphyrin IX accumulation with photodynamic detection of bladder cancer

BackgroundThe mechanism underlying the increased levels of protoporphyrin IX in bladder cancer remains unclear. Here, we focus on proteins associated with protoporphyrin IX accumulation in bladder cancer cells and investigate the protein that plays a key role in increased protoporphyrin IX accumulation in bladder cancer cells.MethodsWestern blotting was used to determine the expression of peptide transporter 1, hydroxymethylbilane synthase, ferrochelatase, ATP-binding cassette 2, and heme oxygenase-1 in bladder cancer cell line cells. We evaluated the correlation between the expression of each protein and accumulated protoporphyrin IX in these cells using Pearson's correlation analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to estimate the expression of the same five proteins in samples from 75 patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumors. The correlation between the expression of each protein in cells from resected bladder specimens and accumulated protoporphyrin IX in bladder cancer cells in voided urine was evaluated using Pearson's correlation analysis.ResultsThe expression of ferrochelatase showed a significant negative correlation with protoporphyrin IX accumulation in vitro (p = 0.04). The expression of peptide transporter 1 (p < 0.01, R = 0.39), heme oxygenase-1 (p < 0.01, R = 0.33), and ferrochelatase (p < 0.01, R = 0.75) in resected bladder specimens by immunohistochemistry was correlated with protoporphyrin IX accumulation in bladder cancer cells in voided urine. On multivariate analysis, the expression of ferrochelatase (p = 0.03) was significant factors to predict positive 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced fluorescent cytology.ConclusionThe expression of ferrochelatase has a strong correlation in protoporphyrin IX accumulation with photodynamic detection of bladder cancer.     

Élaboration d'un nouveau protocole incrémental en rampe pour estimer la vitesse maximale aérobie en course à pied

IntroductionThe aim was to elaborate a new shuttle run field test to improve the reliability of the estimation of maximal aerobic speed. The new protocol uses incremental ramp speed and no verbal clue concerning the achieved speed or stage is given as opposed to classical multistage tests.ResultsMaximal oxygen uptake was significantly correlated to the maximal velocity (MS) of the shuttle ramp test (r = 0.75) and the two trials of the multistage shuttle step tests (r = 0.71 and r = 0.62). The maximal velocity of the shuttle ramp test was superior (Δ = 0.5 and 0.6 km.h⁻¹; P < 0.05) to those of two multistage shuttle step tests.ConclusionThe new ramp protocol provided a MS superior to those obtained from incremental step tests with the advantages of facilitating the testing procedures and avoiding some sources of measurement error.     

Balance dysfunction in hereditary and spontaneous spastic paraparesis

ObjectiveTo determine how postural sway is affected in people with spastic paraparesis (pwSP) and the impact of different impairments.MethodsIn 20 pwSP and 18 matched healthy controls standing postural sway was measured with eyes open and closed. Vibration threshold, isometric ankle and hip muscle strength and ankle stiffness with the participant at rest or preactivating the muscle was measured.ResultsAntero-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) sway was higher in pwSP. Muscle strength was reduced and ankle stiffness increased in pwSP. Increased vibratory threshold was seen in 35% of participants. Higher total ankle stiffness (R² = 0.44) was associated with lower AP sway with eyes open whilst hip abductor weakness was associated with increased ML sway with eyes open (R² = 0.36) or closed (R² = 0.47) or AP sway with the eyes closed (R² = 0.48).ConclusionsThe degree of postural sway was related to muscle paresis of the hip abductors particularly in the ML direction and under conditions of reduced sensory input. People with higher total ankle stiffness have less AP sway suggesting that this may help to stabilise the body.     

Y-chromosome STR haplotypes in males from Greenland

A total of 272 males from Greenland were typed for 11 Y-chromosome STRs DYS19, DYS385a/b, DYS389-I, DYS389-II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS437, DYS438 and DYS439 with the PowerPlex^® Y System (Promega). A total of 146 different haplotypes were observed and the haplotype diversity was 0.9887. The number of haplotypes seen once was 108 and the most common haplotype was observed in 12 males. A significant F_ST value was observed (F_ST = 0.012, P < 0.00001) when comparing the population of 15 locations in Greenland assigned to 7 groups. The significance could mainly be attributed to the subpopulation of males from Tasiilaq (East of Greenland). The R_ST value was not statistically significant (R_ST = 0.016, P = 0.15).     

Antimicrobial efficacy of photodynamic therapy,Nd:YAG laser and QMiX solution against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm

BackgroundLasers have been recommended in final root canal disinfection protocol, however, there is no clear evidence about their efficacy against bacteria in biofilms. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the disinfection effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), Nd:YAG laser and QMiX solution against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 65 dentine slices, which were inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated anaerobically for three weeks. The dentine discs were randomly allocated to one of the following experimental groups: aPDT (100 mW, 10 mg/ml phenothiazinium chloride, 1 min), Nd:YAG laser (2 W, 15 Hz, 4 × 5 s), QMiX solution (1 min). Positive controls did not receive any treatment and negative controls were treated with 5.25% NaOCl. To harvest surviving adherent cells, each dentine sample was transffered to a test tube containing of TSB, serial ten-fold dilutions were made and aliquot of 1 ml was plated onto blood agar plates and incubated for 48 h. Colony forming units grown were counted and transformed into actual counts based on the dilution factor. The remaining viable cells after each protocol were analysed by FISH.ResultsThe aPDT and the QMiX solution were equally effective, with the reduction rate of E. faecalis CFUs of 98.8% and 99.3% respectively (p = 1.107). The Nd:YAG laser caused 96% reduction of E. faecalis (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe aPDT and the QMiX solution showed similar antibacterial efficacy against old E. faecalis biofilm, followed by Nd:YAG irradiation.     

Value of multislice CT coronary arteries calcification scoring in the prediction of coronary arteries pathology in chronic kidney disease patients

PurposeTo determine the value of multislice CT coronary artery calcification (CAC) scoring in the prediction of future cardiac events in known chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients using conventional coronary angiography as the standard reference.Patients and methodsFifty-eight patients with CKD on hemodialysis underwent CT CAC scoring using multislice scanner and conventional coronary angiography. Results of CAC scoring were compared to the findings of conventional coronary angiography.ResultsMean CAC scoring in patients with significant coronary arteries stenotic lesions was higher than in patients with no significant coronary arteries stenotic lesions with significant difference (P < 0.001).Mean patient CAC scoring was strongly correlated with the number of coronary arteries with significant stenotic lesions (r = 0.910).ConclusionCT CAC scoring is a non-invasive technique which can be used in the evaluation and follow up of CKD patients’ coronary arteries without the use of contrast medium reducing the number of invasive coronary angiography needed.     

Functional performance deficits associated with ligamentous instability at the ankle

ObjectivesTo examine whether ankle anterior drawer ligament laxity is associated with deficits in performance testing among otherwise healthy sportspeople.DesignCross-sectional cohort study.MethodsEighty-six volunteers from among sports participants at a military academy consented to the use of their pre-participation musculoskeletal screening information for the lower limb, and to an additional test of ankle proprioception. The lower limb screening included tests of ankle ligament laxity, dorsiflexion range of movement, single leg hop-for-distance, hexagon agility hopping test, and hop-and-hold landing stability test.ResultsThere was a significant difference between lax and stable ankles on the 4 screening tests when they were examined together with MANOVA (F = 3.52, df = 4, 167, p = 0.009, Wilks’ Lambda = 0.92). Independent t-tests showed worse performance on the hop-for-distance (p = 0.001), hexagon hop (p = 0.039) and the proprioception tests (p = 0.033) associated with laxity. Comparing stable and unstable ankles in the same individual, paired t-tests showed significantly lower hop counts for lax ankles on the hexagon hop test (p = <0.001).ConclusionsAnkle ligament laxity is associated with persisting deficits in explosive power, agility and proprioception, as demonstrated by less hopping distance, fewer hops in hexagon hop testing, and reduced proprioceptive acuity, despite ongoing participation in sport. Attention to maximising sport-related performance in the late stages of rehabilitation is suggested as an essential addition to clinical management of these injuries.     

Video based analysis of dynamic midfoot function and its relationship with Foot Posture Index scores

IntroductionVarious studies have demonstrated significant as well as non-significant relationships between static evaluation of foot posture and injury likelihood. Therefore, the relationship of static and dynamic measures needs to be established as in clinical settings time consuming dynamic methods are often not feasible.PurposeAssess reliability of a new method to quantify midfoot movement and validate the use of Foot Posture Index (FPI) classification as predictor of dynamic foot function during walking.MethodFoot type was classified using FPI in 280 randomly selected adult participants (mean age 43.4 years). A Video Sequence Analysis (VSA) system was used to quantify midfoot kinematics during walking. Navicula drop (ΔNH) and minimal navicula height (NHL) were compared with FPI.ResultsThe Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) for ΔNH and NHL ranged from 0.65 to 0.95 with a coefficient of repeatability of 1.4 mm for ΔNH and 4.5 mm for NHL. System precision was estimated at 0.99 mm for ΔNH and 3.18 mm for NHL. ΔNH was significantly positively correlated with FPI scores while NHL decreased with increasing FPI. However, the FPI model predicted only 13.2% of the variation in ΔNH and 45% of the variation in NHL during walking (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe VSA was proven as a reliable and precise method to quantify midfoot kinematics. FPI scores and individual components of the FPI show strong statistical relationships to dynamic measures but individual predictions remain questionable. Dynamic midfoot measures are recommended for clinical foot assessments.     

Effects of obstacle height on obstacle crossing in mild Parkinson's disease

The aim of this study was to compare the locomotor behavior of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy older adults during obstacle negotiation, both in the approaching and crossing phases. Twelve people with idiopathic PD, with mild to moderate disease, and 12 healthy individuals (CG) walked across an 8 m pathway for three obstacle conditions: no obstacle, low obstacle and high obstacle. Each performed five trials for each obstacle condition. Performance was more disturbed for the high obstacle than the low obstacle. During the approach phase, people with PD demonstrated shorter stride length (F_1,22 = 8.55, P = 0.008) and greater stride duration (F_1,22 = 7.371, P = 0.013) than controls. Those with PD also increased their stance phase durations (F_1,22 = 7.426, P = 0.012) for both obstacle conditions, while the CG maintained comparable step durations for all conditions. For the crossing phase, people with PD demonstrated shorter step length (F_1,22 = 9.699, P = 0.005) over the obstacle. Leading limbs were closer to the obstacle, before and after crossing. Thus PD hypokinesia compromises the approach and crossing phases of obstacle negotiation.