Micro-mechanical bond strength tests for the assessment of the adhesion of GIC to dentine

Abstract Background. The aim of this study is to critically evaluate the bond strength (BS) of Glass-Ionomer Cements (GIC) to dentine with microtensile (μTBS) and microshear (μSBS) BS tests by assessing their rankings and failure patterns. Methods. Samples were made on flat dentine surfaces and submitted to μTBS and μSBS. The materials used were: high viscosity GIC (Ketac(?) Molar Aplicap-KM), resin-modified GIC (Fuji II-FII), nano-filled resin-modified GIC (Ketac(?) N100-N100) and an etch-and-rinse adhesive system with a composite resin (Adper(?) Single Bond 2 and Z100(?)-Z100). All tests were performed with a Universal Testing Machine (24 h water storage, crosshead speed of 1 mm/min). Debonded surfaces were examined with a stereomicroscope (×40) to identify the failure mode. The data was analyzed with two-way ANOVA (p < 0.05) and LSD test. Results. Means were statistically different regarding the tests and materials, indicating that values for BS obtained for each material depend on the test performed. Failure analysis revealed that failures produced by μTBS were mainly cohesive for KM and FII. μSBS failures were mainly adhesive or mixed for all materials. For the μTBS, the rank was Z100 > FII > KM = N100, whereas for the μSBS it was Z100 = FII = KM > N100. Conclusion: It may be concluded that distinct micro-mechanical tests present different failure patterns and rankings depending on the material to be considered.     

Interpreting studies of cognitive function following cardiac surgery: a guide for surgical teams

Patients with coronary disease and related health care providers are faced with confusing and often conflicting information with regards to the neurocognitive impact of different strategies for coronary revascularization. Studies involving the measurement of postoperative cognitive deficit (POCD) have significant limitations that may ultimately impact on their interpretation and clinical relevance. In this review, we have described the origin of these tests and delineated the rationale for the design of testing that is commonly used in cardiac surgery patients. In general, neurocognitive tests assess domains of memory/new learning, psychomotor speed/dexterity and attentional capacity/mental control. Pre- and post-intervention tests in each domain can be evaluated either by the measurement of mean change scores (Group Comparison Model) for the entire group as continuous data, or by using categorical or continuous data to examine patterns of individual decline (Individual Comparison Model). This latter approach requires a specific definition of what constitutes a decline, which can be criticized as being arbitrary. There are limitations to each of these approaches that necessitate that critical information in trial design is available to the reviewer to facilitate interpretation. For example, the impact of factors such as test/re-test reliability and practice effect can be mitigated by the use of an appropriately chosen control population. Liberal parlance of neurocognitive outcome as a rationale for therapeutic choice must be tempered by wise interpretation of these tests. It is only through the understanding of their limitations and the implications of trial design that we can translate these results to provide the best therapeutic options for our patients in unbiased manner.     

Mixed-integer quadratic programming for automatic walking footstep placement,duration, and rotation

This paper presents a mixed-integer model predictive controller for walking. In the proposed scheme, mixed-integer quadratic programs (MIQP) are solved online to simultaneously decide center of mass jerks, footsteps positions, durations, and rotations while respecting actuation, geometry, and contact constraints. Most walking controllers require preplanned footstep rotations to avoid dealing with the nonlinearity introduced by foot rotation decision. The main contribution of this work is an optimization formulation where feet rotations are automatically planned to attain a reference speed rotation. Finally, simulation results are shown to present and discuss the capabilities of the proposed formulation.     

Bevacizumab versus triamcinolone for persistent diabetic macular edema: a randomized clinical trial

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - To evaluate 24-week visual acuity and anatomic outcomes of two “pro re nata” (prn) treatment strategies (intravitreal...     

Analysis of blink activity and anomalous eyelid movements in patients with hemifacial spasm

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - To assess spontaneous blinking and anomalous eyelid movements in patients with hemifacial spasm with an emphasis on interocular...     

Towards Successful Dissemination of Psychological First Aid: A Study of Provider Training Preferences

Dissemination of Psychological First Aid (PFA) is challenging considering the complex nature of disaster response and the various disaster mental health (DMH) trainings available. To understand challenges to dissemination in community mental health centers (CMHCs), interviews were conducted with nine DMH providers associated with CMHCs. Consensual qualitative analysis was used to analyze data. Interviews were targeted toward understanding organizational infrastructure, DMH training requirements, and training needs. Results clarified challenges to DMH training in CMHCs and factors that may promote buy-in for trainings. For example, resources are limited and thus allocated for state and federal training requirements. Therefore, including PFA in these requirements could promote adoption. Additionally, a variety of training approaches that differ in content, style, and length would be useful. To conclude, a conceptual model for ways to promote buy-in for the PFA Guide is proposed.     

Weight loss behaviors in Brazilian mixed martial arts athletes

Sport Sciences for Health - The aim of this study was to investigate the weight loss behaviors among Brazilian professional mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. One hundred and seventy nine Brazilian...