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We aimed to assess the available evidence on the biophysics of the tennis serve, mapping the populations, interventions, contexts and other relevant information to highlight what is already known and to identify gaps in the literature. Systematic scoping review with evidence gap map. The protocol was designed according to PRISMA 2020, Prisma-ScR guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook. The searches were conducted on July 20, 2022 and updated on April 1, 2023, in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (core collection). The risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochranes method for nonrandomized studies (RoBANS) and a narrative synthesis of the main findings was performed and supplemented with an evidence gap map. Most trials were found on serve kinematics and kinetics (95 %), analyzing only flat serves (84 and 72 %, respectively). Few trials focused on physiology (20 %; e.g. biomarkers), under-19, left or both-handed, female and intermediate beginner or starter players (29, 17, 8 and 7 %, respectively). We found a preponderance of low and unclear risk of bias (63 and 31 %, respectively) and only 7 % high, particularly, on the assessment of confounding variables. The current scoping review reveals a few trials on physiological rather than biomechanical variables, as well as the absence of the kick and slice serve, foot-back and foot-up serve, and left-handed, female, and young player analyses. We did not find systematic mistakes or limitations in the design, conduct, or analysis that would distort the results, since only 7 % presented a high risk of bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improved diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) from electrocardiograms (ECG) may help prevent their severity. Since Deep Learning (DL) became popular, several DL methods have been developed for ECG classification. In this work, we compare how different methods for ECG signal representation perform in the multi-label classification of CVDs, including recent attention-based strategies. Furthermore, multimodal fusion strategies are employed to improve the prediction capacity of individual representation networks. The publicly available PTB-XL ECG dataset, which contains 21,837 records and labels for the diagnosis of 4 CVDs, was used for the task. Two DL strategies using different processing approaches were compared. Recurrent Neural Network-based models take advantage of the temporal dependence between raw signal values, namely through Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) and 1D-Convolutional Neural Network models. Additionally, the raw ECG was converted into image representations, based on recent work, and the classification was performed using distinct 2D-Convolutional Neural Networks. The potential of multimodal DL was then studied through early, late and joint data fusion strategies, to evaluate the benefit of resorting to multiple representations. Results based on the 1D ECG representation outperform image-based approaches and multimodal models. The best model, GRU, achieved sensitivity and specificity of 79.67% and 81.04%, respectively. • 1D multi-heartbeat ECG signals were converted into 2D representations. • 1D, 2D and multimodal fusion methods were compared for ECG classification. • 1D-RNNs outperformed 2D-CNNs in cardiovascular disease classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We comment on the series solutions presented in the paper "Newtonian Poiseuille flow in ducts of annular-sector cross-sections with Navier slip" for the no-slip case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speed of sound and attenuation are essential for characterizing reference materials such as biological tissue-mimicking materials (TMMs) used in ultrasonic applications. There are many publications on the manufacture of TMMs and the measurement of their properties. However, no studies in the literature have applied the metrological approach of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Guide 35 to certify biological ultrasound TMMs as candidates for reference materials (RMs). The work described here was aimed at studying the process for manufacturing fat, muscle and aorta artery TMMs, including the study of the homogeneity, stability, trend and characterization of TMMs. The properties of interest were the speed of sound (SoS) and attenuation coefficient (AttC) at 7.5 MHz, with target expanded uncertainty of 40 m/s and 0.3 dB/cm, respectively. The short-term stability study was 2 mo at 4°C and 40°C (simulating possible transportation conditions). The long-term stability study lasted an additional 4 mo with the TMM at 22°C (simulating possible storage conditions). Homogeneity was evaluated before the stability study. Uncertainties associated with homogeneity, stability, characterization and trend were duly calculated. No trend was observed in this study, but the AttC spread widely during the stability test, substantially enlarging the final uncertainty. Therefore, this property could not be used to certify TMM candidates as RMs. However, the SoSs for most TMMs lay within the target uncertainty, disclosing viability to certify TMMs as RMs for this property. Assigned values for SoS were 1560 m/s for aorta TMM with an average expanded uncertainty for certificate validity of 12 mo (Ue;12=20 m/s), 1552 m/s for muscle TMM (Ue;12=20 m/s) and 1494 m/s for fat TMM (Ue;12=11 m/s). Thus, TMMs were proved suitable to be certified as RMs for SoS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To state that the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has broadly and deeply impacted our lives is an understatement. Since it first showed up on our radar in December 2019, the new coronavirus has wreaked havoc on virtually all businesses and industries across the globe. The impact is equally felt in developing, developed, industrialized, rural, rich, and poor countries and communities, irrespective of how well-prepared those countries and communities felt they were 9 months ago. To this day we are still learning to prepare for, respond to, and adapt to the broad and deep impact of this virus. This essay presents different perspectives on the impact of the novel coronavirus to dentistry, through the lenses of a private practice-based general dentist, a nursing home-based public health dentist, and a school of dentistry clinical director. The goal of the essay is to share our experiences and challenges, as well as highlight our capacity to respond to a crisis with resilience, determination, creativity, inventivity, and, most importantly, humility and altruism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A direct relationship has been reported between yttria concentration and translucency in zirconia restorations. However, increased yttria concentration also increases the cubic phase of the zirconia, which reduces its strength. The effect of increased yttria content on the fracture resistance of zirconia as a function of material thickness after fatigue testing requires evaluation. The purpose of this in vitro study was to use the biaxial flexural test to evaluate the effect of yttria concentration on the mean fracture load (N) before and after fatiguing and thermocycling as a function of zirconia thickness. Disk-shaped specimens of 5 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ, BruxZir Anterior Solid Zirconia) and 3 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (3Y-PSZ, BruxZir Shaded Zirconia) were prepared to thicknesses of 1.2 and 0.7 mm. For each thickness, the biaxial flexural test was used to measure the fracture load (N) before and after fatigue testing, with 1.2 million cycles at a 110-N load and simultaneous thermocycling at 5 °C to 55 °C (n=20). The data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA (α=.05). Yttria concentration, thickness, and exposure to fatiguing had a statistically significant effect on the mean biaxial flexural load (yttria concentration: P <.001; thickness: P <.001; fatiguing: P =.004 for the 3Y-PSZ). One of the major findings in this study was that 30% of the 1.2-mm-thick 5Y-PSZ specimens and 80% of the 0.7-mm-thick 5Y-PSZ specimens fractured during fatiguing. All specimens of the 3Y-PSZ groups survived the fatiguing protocol. The 3Y-PSZ groups had statistically significant higher flexural loads than the 5Y-PSZ groups. The 1.2-mm thickness groups had statistically significant higher flexural loads than the 0.7-mm thickness groups. Yttria concentration had a significant effect on the strength of zirconia. 5Y-PSZ was considerably less resistant to fracture before and after fatigue testing than 3Y-PSZ. Decreasing the thickness of zirconia reduces its fracture resistance, regardless of the zirconia type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Dog and child aEPEC isolates of the same serotype have a similar virulence profiles. • Six sequence types were observed (STs 10, 206, 327, 398, 517 and 6113). • The canine strain 47 (O156:H-/ST327) presented all PAI-O122 genes searched. • Our results point to the circulation of aEPEC strains between dog and child hosts. Abstract Recent studies point atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (aEPEC) to be an important agent in childhood diarrhoea in Brazil. aEPEC are commonly found in various animal species, including dogs. Although the true zoonotic risk remains unknown, some strains recovered from dogs present the same serotypes and carry the same virulence genes implicated in human disease. In this study, we compared the virulence and genetic relationship among a set of aEPEC strains previously isolated from diarrheic faeces from companion dogs and humans. A total of 17 strains, 12 from puppies and five from children, were studied. The strains were assessed for: (i) presence of virulence-associated genes (a total of 31 genes) using PCR assays; (ii) genetic relationship by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) and Pulsed-field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE); and (iii) adherence pattern in intestinal Caco-2 cells. The occurrence of virulence genes was similar between the canine and human isolates presenting the same serotype. The fimbrial genes ecpA and fimH were the most frequently detected, followed by hcpA, tccP, tccP2, lpfA1, lpfA2, astA and toxB genes. Several nle genes were also detected, with one canine strain (O156:H- / ST327) showing all PAI O-122 genes investigated (efa-1, nleB, nleE and ent/espL2). Canine and human strains of the same serotype were grouped into a single cluster by RAPD and PFGE, in which the ST10 and ST206 were identified. Additionally, most of the strains exhibited a localized adherence-like phenotype when interacting with Caco-2 cells. The results showed that some canine aEPEC strains share virulence genes commonly found in human pathogenic strains. Moreover, strains of the same serotype, isolated from dogs and children, share virulence genes and are phylogenetically close, suggesting a potential zoonotic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract White adipose tissue (WAT) regulates energy homeostasis by releasing adipokines and modulating cell maintenance. Nutrient excess affects adipocyte hypertrophy directly in WAT by increasing excessively the activity of autophagy systems, generating proinflammatory markers and increasing infiltration of macrophages, causing metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Evidences suggest that cathepsin B (CTSB), a papain-like cysteine peptidase protein, can modulate autophagy processes in adipocytes. This review will focus on the role of CTSB in autophagy under conditions of obesity. Graphical abstract During obese conditions, white adipose tissue (WAT) accumulation causes adipocyte hypertrophy and cathepsin B (CTSB) release, which leads to an excessive increase of autophagy in adipocytes and enhancing of inflammation and macrophage infiltration, therefore contributing to metabolic syndrome. Unlabelled Image Highlights • Cathepsin B (CTSB) modulates autophagy process in adipocytes. • CTSB expression increases during obesity conditions. • CTSB expression modulates inflammatory markers under conditions of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bartonella spp. was screened in 155 rodents from Chile, mainly the invasive rats Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus. A total of 155 spleen and 50 blood samples were analyzed through real-time PCR for Bartonella spp. (nuoG gene). Positive samples were subjected to amplification of fragment of loci gltA , rpoB and ITS by conventional PCR (cPCR). Overall, 43 spleen samples (27.7%) and 6 rodent blood samples (12%) were positive for nuoG - Bartonella spp. Positive samples were found in R. norvegicus , R. rattus , Abrothrix olivacea and Oligoryzomys longicaudatus. Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified by cPCR in 16 samples, resulting in 21 sequences (6 gltA , 5 ITS and 10 rpoB). Sequencing and phylogenic analyses identified genotypes from Rattus spp., potentially belonging to Bartonella coopersplainsensis , Bartonella henselae , Bartonella tribocorum , and an undescribed Bartonella sp. From native rodents, one sequence was identified, being related B. machadoae. In conclusion, this work describes diverse and potentially zoonotic Bartonella spp. genotypes in Rattus spp. Additionally, this is the first report of Bartonella in O. longicaudatus , including a potentially novel Bartonella genotype or species. [Display omitted] • Bartonella spp. was detected in rodents from Central and Southern Chile • Bartonella genotypes potentially belonging to four different species were identified • Bartonella species found in Rattus spp. are commonly documented elsewhere • This is the first report of Bartonella spp. in the rodent O. longicaudatus [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first parasitological-epidemiological survey with Thoroughbreds horses in Brazil. • Strongyles and Parascaris spp. were the parasites detected in the feces of horses. • Younger horses showed higher frequency and OPG values for strongyles. • Comparison of different flotation solutions used in the Mini-FLOTAC was carried out. • Mini-FLOTAC using NaCl was the best technique for diagnosing and counting parasites. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of helminths in Thoroughbred horses in Rio de Janeiro; make correlations with risk factors for these infections; and compare the efficiency of three floatation solutions applied in the quantitative Mini-FLOTAC technique. Fecal samples from 520 horses were collected from six training centers between 2019 and 2021. These were subjected to the Mini-FLOTAC technique using three solutions: NaCl (density = 1.200 g/mL), ZnSO 4 (1.350 g/mL) and ZnSO 4 (1.200 g/mL); and also to qualitative techniques. Information on the horses' sex and age of horses was retrieved from the studbook; data on management from a questionnaire. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 71.9%, with significant differences between training centers (P ≤.05). On farm C, 87.7% of the samples presented strongylids and 38.7% had Parascaris spp., with the highest egg counts per gram of feces (EPG), of 358.33 and 40.41 respectively. Horses less than 3 years of age were about eight times more likely to be parasitized by strongylids and eleven times more likely to have EPG ≥500. The NaCl solution used in Mini-FLOTAC enabled recovery of the greatest number of samples with high EPG and reached the highest sensitivity values in the diagnosis when compared to the other solutions. Moreover, in the diagnoses, the levels of agreement between the results from the solutions used in Mini-FLOTAC were substantial. However, in estimating the EPG, full agreement between the results from the solutions used in Mini-FLOTAC was not obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healing therapies that make use of ultrasound are based on raising the temperature in biological tissue. However, it is not possible to heal impaired tissue by applying a high dose of ultrasound. The temperature of the tissue is ultimately the physical quantity that has to be assessed to minimize the risk of undesired injury. Invasive temperature measurement techniques are easy to use, despite the fact that they are detrimental to human well being. Another approach to assessing a rise in tissue temperature is to derive the material's general response to temperature variations from ultrasonic parameters. In this article, a method for evaluating temperature variations is described. The method is based on the analytical study of an ultrasonic image, in which gray-level variations are correlated to the temperature variations in a tissue-mimicking material. The physical assumption is that temperature variations induce wave propagation changes modifying the backscattered ultrasound signal, which are expressed in the ultrasonographic images. For a temperature variation of about 15°C, the expanded uncertainty for a coverage probability of 0.95 was found to be 2.5°C in the heating regime and 1.9°C in the cooling regime. It is possible to use the model proposed in this article in a straightforward manner to monitor temperature variation during a physiotherapeutic ultrasound application, provided the tissue-mimicking material approach is transferred to actual biological tissue. The novelty of such approach resides in the metrology-based investigation outlined here, as well as in its ease of reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of problem Trueness and precision are used to evaluate the accuracy of intraoral optical impressions. Although the in vivo precision of intraoral optical impressions has been reported, in vivo trueness has not been evaluated because of limitations in the available protocols. Purpose The purpose of this clinical study was to compare the accuracy (trueness and precision) of optical and conventional impressions by using a novel study design. Material and methods Five study participants consented and were enrolled. For each participant, optical and conventional (vinylsiloxanether) impressions of a custom-made intraoral Co-Cr alloy reference appliance fitted to the mandibular arch were obtained by 1 operator. Three-dimensional (3D) digital models were created for stone casts obtained from the conventional impression group and for the reference appliances by using a validated high-accuracy reference scanner. For the optical impression group, 3D digital models were obtained directly from the intraoral scans. The total mean trueness of each impression system was calculated by averaging the mean absolute deviations of the impression replicates from their 3D reference model for each participant, followed by averaging the obtained values across all participants. The total mean precision for each impression system was calculated by averaging the mean absolute deviations between all the impression replicas for each participant (10 pairs), followed by averaging the obtained values across all participants. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (α=.05), first to assess whether a systematic difference in trueness or precision of replicate impressions could be found among participants and second to assess whether the mean trueness and precision values differed between the 2 impression systems. Results Statistically significant differences were found between the 2 impression systems for both mean trueness ( P =.010) and mean precision ( P =.007). Conventional impressions had higher accuracy with a mean trueness of 17.0 ±6.6 μm and mean precision of 16.9 ±5.8 μm than optical impressions with a mean trueness of 46.2 ±11.4 μm and mean precision of 61.1 ±4.9 μm. Conclusions Complete arch (first molar-to-first molar) optical impressions were less accurate than conventional impressions but may be adequate for quadrant impressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an experimental method that can be used to identify the possible adulteration in gasoline using ultrasonic attenuation and the ultrasonic propagation velocity. The experiments and measurement uncertainties were assessed according to the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement, JCGM 100:2008. The test samples were mixtures of gasoline and different chemical products: ethanol with gasoline concentrations varying from 52.3% to 80.3% in mass; a ternary mixture of gasoline, ethanol, and hexane, a ternary mixture containing gasoline, ethanol, and toluene; a ternary mixture of gasoline, ethanol, and turpentine; pure gasoline; and commercial gasoline purchased from a local supplier. For the ethanol mixtures, the correlation coefficient between the gasoline concentrations and the ultrasonic propagation velocity was 0.96, and the maximum combined uncertainty was 0.81 m⋅s −1 . With regard to attenuation, the correlation coefficient was 0.99, and the maximum combined uncertainty was 0.066 dB⋅cm −1 . Regarding the mixture of gasoline and ethanol, the quantification limit range for a typical maximum concentration (E25 or 75% of gasoline plus 25% of ethanol) was between 73.8% and 76.2%, with expanded uncertainty 0.62 m⋅s −1 (coverage probability p = 0.95), considering the propagation velocity as the parameter. In the case of gasoline adulteration with organic solvents, the results were not conclusive, mainly because of the ultrasonic physical-chemical properties of those products and the blends of gasoline and ethanol. Nevertheless, adulteration with those chemicals was easily identifiable for pure gasoline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The speed of sound and attenuation are important properties for characterizing reference materials such as biological phantoms used in ultrasound applications. There are many publications on the manufacture of ultrasonic phantoms and the characterization of their properties. However, few studies have applied the principles of metrology, such as the expression of the uncertainty of measurement. The objective of this study is to validate a method for characterizing the speed of sound and the attenuation coefficient of tissue-mimicking material (TMM) based on the expression of the measurement of uncertainty. Six 60-mm-diameter TMMs were fabricated, three 10 mm thick and three 20 mm thick. The experimental setup comprised two ultrasonic transducers, acting as transmitter or receiver depending on the stage of the measurement protocol, both with a nominal center frequency of 5 MHz and an element diameter of 12.7 mm. A sine burst of 20 cycles and 20-V peak-to-peak amplitude at 5 MHz excited the transmitter transducer, producing a maximum pressure of 0.06 MPa. The measurement method was based on the through-transmission substitution immersion technique. The speed of sound measurement system was validated using a calibrated stainless-steel cylinder as reference material, and normalized errors were <0.8. The attenuation coefficient measurement method was validated using replicated measurements under repeatability conditions. The normalized error between the two measurement sets was <1. The proposed uncertainty models for the measurements of the speed of sound and the attenuation coefficient can help other laboratories develop their own uncertainty models. These validated measurement methods can be used to certify a TMM as a reference material for biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermochromic test bodies are promising tools for qualitatively evaluating the acoustic output of ultrasound physiotherapy systems. Here, a novel phantom, made of silicone mixed with thermochromic powder material, was developed. Additionally, a procedure was developed to evaluate the stability and homogeneity of the phantom in a metrologic and statistical base. Twelve phantoms were divided into three groups. Each group was insonated by a different transducer. An effective intensity of 1.0 W/cm(2) was applied to each phantom; two operators performed the procedure three times in all phantoms. The heated area was measured after image processing. No statistical difference was observed in the heated areas for different samples or in the results for different operators. The heated areas obtained using each transducer were statistically different, indicating that the thermochromic phantom samples had sufficient sensitivity to represent the heated areas of different ultrasonic transducers. Combined with the evaluation procedure, the phantom provides an approach not previously described in the literature. The proposed approach can be used to quickly assess changes in ultrasonic beam cross-sectional shape during the lifetime of ultrasound physiotherapy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oculomotor accessory nucleus, often referred to as the Edinger–Westphal nucleus [EW], was first identified in the 17th century. Although its most well known function is the control of pupil diameter, some controversy has arisen regarding the exact location of these preganglionic neurons. Currently, the EW is thought to consist of two different parts. The first part [termed the preganglionic EW—EWpg], which controls lens accommodation, choroidal blood flow and pupillary constriction, primarily consists of cholinergic cells that project to the ciliary ganglion. The second part [termed the centrally projecting EW—EWcp], which is involved in non-ocular functions such as feeding behavior, stress responses, addiction and pain, consists of peptidergic neurons that project to the brainstem, the spinal cord and prosencephalic regions. However, in the literature, we found few reports related to either ascending or descending projections from the EWcp that are compatible with its currently described functions. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to systematically investigate the ascending and descending projections of the EW in the rat brain. We injected the anterograde tracer biotinylated dextran amine into the EW or the retrograde tracer cholera toxin subunit B into multiple EW targets as controls. Additionally, we investigated the potential EW-mediated innervation of neuronal populations with known neurochemical signatures, such as melanin-concentrating hormone in the lateral hypothalamic area [LHA] and corticotropin-releasing factor in the central nucleus of the amygdala [CeM]. We observed anterogradely labeled fibers in the LHA, the reuniens thalamic nucleus, the oval part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the medial part of the central nucleus of the amygdala, and the zona incerta. We confirmed our EW–LHA and EW–CeM connections using retrograde tracers. We also observed moderate EW-mediated innervation of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the posterior hypothalamus. Our findings provide anatomical bases for previously unrecognized roles of the EW in the modulation of several physiologic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of problem Monolithic zirconia restorations are increasingly common. Dual-polymerizing cements have been advocated for cementation. The opacious nature of zirconia restoration can attenuate light, compromising optimal resin polymerization and eventually restoration debonding. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of material thickness on light irradiance, radiant exposure, and the degree of monomer conversion (DC) of 2 dual-polymerizing resin cements light-polymerized through different brands of monolithic zirconia. Material and methods Dual-polymerizing resin cements (RelyX Ultimate; 3M-ESPE, and Variolink II; Ivoclar, Vivadent) were mixed according to the manufacturers’ instructions with a film thickness of 40 μm, placed under a 10×10 mm specimen of monolithic zirconia (Prettau Anterior by Zirkonzahn, Katana by Noritake, BruxZir by Glidewell, and Zenostar by Wieland) and a zirconia core control (ICE zirkon by Zirkonzahn) at various thicknesses (0.50, 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00 mm, n=5 of each thickness). Each specimen was irradiated for 20 seconds (RelyX Ultimate) and 40 seconds (Variolink II) with Elipar S10 (3M-ESPE, 1200 mW/cm 2 ). The amount of irradiance and radiant exposure was quantified for each specimen. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to measure the DC from the bottom surface of the resin. Statistical analysis was performed with 2-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey honest significant difference (HSD) tests (α=.05). Results Light irradiance and radiant exposure decreased as the thickness of the specimen increased ( P <.05) regardless of the brand. The ranking from least to highest was BruxZir

Objective Septic arthritis of the facet joint is a rare clinical entity. We report 11 cases of facet joint infections diagnosed in our institution. Patients and method Patients were identified via the computerized patients record (PMSI). Their features were collected and compared with published data. Results The clinical symptoms are similar to those of infectious spondylodiscitis: back pain with stiffness (11/11), fever (9/11), radicular pain (5/11), and asthenia. Ten patients presented with lumbar infection and 1 with dorsal infection. An inflammatory syndrome was observed in every case. A rapid access to spine MRI allowed making the diagnosis in every case, and assessing a potential extension of infection (epidural extension 5/11, paraspinal extension 5/11). Blood culture (8/11) or culture of spinal samples allowed identifying the causative bacterium in every case and adapting the antibiotic treatment. The bacteria identified in our series were different from previously reported ones, with less staphylococci. The origin of the infection was found in 4 cases. Another localization of infection was observed in 4 cases. The outcome was favorable with medical treatment in 10 cases. An abscess was surgically drained in 1 case. None of our patients presented with neurological complications, probably because of the rapid diagnosis. Conclusion Assessing the facet joint is essential in case of inflammatory back pain, and the radiologist must be asked to perform this examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diesel exhausts are partly responsible for the deleterious effects on human health associated with urban pollution, including cardiovascular diseases, asthma, COPD, and possibly lung cancer. Particulate fraction has been incriminated and thus largely investigated for its genotoxic properties, based on exposure conditions that are, however, not relevant for human risk assessment. In this paper, original and more realistic protocols were used to investigate the hazards induced by exhausts emitted by the combustion of standard (DF0) vs . bio-diesel fuels (DF7 and DF30) and to assess the impact of exhaust treatment devices (DOC and DPF). Mutagenicity and genotoxicity were evaluated for (1) resuspended particles (“off line” exposure that takes into account the bioavailability of adsorbed chemicals) and for (2) the whole aerosols (particles + gas phase components) under continuous flow exposure (“on line” exposure). Native particles displayed mutagenic properties associated with nitroaromatic profiles (YG1041), whereas PAHs did not seem to be involved. After DOC treatment, the mutagenicity of particles was fully abolished. In contrast, the level of particle deposition was low under continuous flow exposure, and the observed mutagenicity in TA98 and TA102 was thus attributable to the gas phase. A bactericidal effect was also observed in TA102 after DOC treatment, and a weak but significant mutagenicity persisted after DPF treatment for bio-diesel fuels. No formation of bulky DNA-adducts was observed on A549 cells exposed to diesel exhaust, even in very drastic conditions (organic extracts corresponding to 500 μg equivalent particule/mL, 48 h exposure). Taken together, these data indicate that the exhausts issued from the bio-diesel fuels supplemented with rapseed methyl ester (RME), and generated by current diesel engines equipped with after treatment devices are less mutagenic than older ones. The residual mutagenicity is linked to the gas phase and could be due to pro-oxydants, mainly for RME-supplemented fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This in vitro study compared the remineralization effect on white spot lesions of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate crème, or CPP-ACP (MI PasteTM), 1.1% NaF dentifrice containing 5000 ppm of fluoride (ControlRXTM), or CPP-ACP creme with 900 ppm of fluoride (MI Paste PlusTM) with that of a control. Methods: Artificial white spot lesions were created on smooth enamel surfaces of sound molars using a previously reported demineralization model. Specimens were randomly assigned to four treatments (n = 35) with a pH-cycling model over 30 days: Control (no treatment); MI Paste (10% CPP-ACP crème); F5000 (1.1% NaF dentifrice); or MI Paste Plus (10% CPP-ACP plus 900 ppm fluoride crème). Products were applied following manufacturers' directions. Changes in mean lesion depth expressed by percent fluorescence loss (ΔF%), and lesion area (mm²) from baseline to after treatment were measured with light-induced fluorescence (QLF). Mean values of each parameter were compared between groups (p < 0.05). Results: The remineralization pattern for the F5000 group was unique with marked initial remineralization during the first 10 days and little subsequent change. Based on mean lesion area, the F5000 demonstrated greater remineralization than Control, MI Paste and MI Paste Plus groups. Based on mean fluorescence loss, the F5000 group showed improved remineralization relative to MI Paste Plus, but did not differ statistically from the Control at the end of 30 days. Conclusions: The 1.1% NaF dentifrice demonstrated overall greater remineralization ability than 10% CPP-ACP crème. However, the 1.1% NaF dentifrice was only as effective as the Control to reduce fluorescence loss. Clinical significance: This study showed that a 1.1% NaF dentifrice (5000 ppm) demonstrated greater remineralization ability than the CPP-ACP topical tooth crème and that the addition of fluoride to its formulation seems to enhance remineralization. Saliva also has the ability to exert an important remineralization effect over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]