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Assessing the sustainability of agriculture is a relevant methodological issue with practical implications. In this study, a systematic approach is followed to develop a composite indicator that ranks the sustainability performance of Spanish reference farms at the NUTS 2 level. The classical three-dimension approach is considered under a deductive point of view to represent sustainability. Multicriteria techniques suitable to model the trade-offs between individual attributes are used to weigh and aggregate the three dimensions’ attributes, allowing for different normative standpoints to be expressed. The sensitivity and uncertainty arising from the methodological choices are assessed using a variance-based technique. The ordinary least squares technique is applied to evaluate the sensitivity of the composite indicator to shifts in the consumption of relevant inputs. The results show that the trade-off level does not leverage most analysed units. In addition, the ranking obtained made it possible to discriminate the herbaceous farms as those with the worst sustainability performance. Methodologically, the most influential parameters in the indicator are related to the ethical complexity of evaluating overall sustainability. In addition, the indicator shows a high sensitivity to shifts in the consumption of machinery fuel and irrigation resources. In short, the indicator developed represents a relevant input to improve the interpretation of the sustainability performance of agriculture as a multidimensional issue, emphasising its normative character.

Secure data aggregation is essential in wireless sensor networks for lowering the amount of data transmitted and extending the lifetime of the network. The foundation underlying significantly greater industrial internet of things applications is primarily wireless sensor nodes. Sensors that have already been integrated within can be used to sense data in any form of real-time IoT application. In real-time physical surroundings, sensors utilize as little power as feasible to conduct operations including sensing, communicating, and processing data. Many investigations are being carried out to improve sensor node energy efficiency and network lifetime. To save energy, more attention must be paid to the clustering and routing aspects of communication. In this paper, we introduce Energy Efficient Greedy Tree based Data Aggregation (EE–GTDA) algorithm for efficient data aggregation with increased reliability and reduced energy consumption. It is a two-fold homogeneous technique that supervises safe energy-efficient connectivity and data aggregation with the greedy tree based solution that emphasizes multi-objective function. These methodologies are based on minimizing sensor energy consumption to maximize network lifetime simultaneously decreasing communication overhead. A trade-off between energy and safety is accomplished in order to increase efficient energy consumption with a higher packet delivery ratio.

Estimating the average environmental impacts of a representative crop in a specific region is a helpful starting point from which to propose improvements in the agricultural sector. However, data collection from official representative sources is complex, and often they require subsequent treatment to be transformed into meaningful inventory data. This article shows a comprehensive dataset for obtaining inventory data and developing an environmental life cycle impact assessment of representative agricultural production corresponding to reference holdings at a regional level (NUTS 2) in Spain. The dataset comprises Excel files with the data compiled from secondary sources to be used in the assessment and the R code scripts to transform the data into relevant inventory data to estimate the environmental impacts of the reference holdings. This dataset is a reliable tool for researchers and other potential users to be used as a secondary information source for further studies. It can also be used to estimate the environmental impacts of the farming activity of agri-food products in other regions or countries by collecting similar data for the specific region and adjusting the R code.

Gut microbiota has been described as a new ‘organ’ that interferes with host physiology by its metabolites produced from the utilization and biotransformation of undigested food components. Fu Ling (FL), the sclerotia of fungi Wolfiporia cocos, contains β-glucan, which is a known natural polysaccharide with strong medicinal efficacy. This study endeavors to evaluate the fermentability of FL and polysaccharides extracted from its sclerotia. An in vitro fermentation of structurally characterized FL and its β-glucan by human fecal microbiota was conducted. Total bacterial count, pH change, short-chain fatty acid profile and microbiota profile were assessed post-fermentation. FL containing over 70% of β-(1 → 3) and (1 → 6)-glucans with a low degree of branching of 0.24 could enhance acetic acid (a major microbial metabolite) production. Both FL and its extracted β-glucan had similar modulation on microbial composition. They enriched Phascolarctobacterium faecium, Bacteroides dorei and Parabacteroides distasonis, all of which are shown to possess anti-inflammatory effects. FL polysaccharide can be utilized as a natural whole food for its potential health benefits to human gut bacteria.

Accurate and rapid diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is essential for timely administration of appropriate treatment and reducing the spread of the disease. We examined the performance of the new Alinity m STI assay, a qualitative real-time multiplex PCR test for simultaneous identification of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) run on the fully automated Alinity m platform.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease nowadays. Currently, there is no officially approved drug to treat NAFLD. In view of the increasing global prevalence of NAFLD and an absence of treatments, the development of effective treatments is of utmost importance. β-glucan, a natural bioactive polysaccharide, has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in NAFLD prevention and treatment. This review solely focuses on gathering the published preclinical animal studies that demonstrated the anti-liver injury, anti-steatotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and antioxidant activities of β-glucan. The impact of β-glucan on gut microbiota and its metabolites including short-chain fatty acids and bile acids as the underlying mechanism for its bioactive beneficial effect on NAFLD is also explored. Given the limited knowledge of β-glucan on anti-fibrotic activity, bile acid metabolism, and gut microbiota function, additional relevant research is highly encouraged to lay a solid foundation for the use of food-derived β-glucan as a functional food for NAFLD. It is envisaged that further investigation of food-derived β-glucan in human clinical studies should be carried out for its wider utilization.

Pension plans play a vital role in the economy by impacting savings, consumption, and investment allocation. Despite declining mortality rates and increasing life expectancy, pension enrollment remains low, affecting the long-term financial stability and well-being of populations. To address this issue, this study was conducted to explore the potential of predictive modeling techniques in improving pension participation. The study utilized three tree-based machine learning algorithms and a logistic regression classifier to analyze data from a nationally representative 2019 Kenya FinAccess Household Survey. The results indicated that ensemble tree-based models, particularly the random forest model, were the most effective in predicting pension enrollment. The study identified the key factors that influenced enrollment, such as National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) usage, monthly income, and bank usage. The findings suggest that collaboration among the NHIF, banks, and pension providers is necessary to increase pension uptake, along with increased financial education for citizens. The study provides valuable insight for promoting and optimizing pension participation.

The role of insurance in financial inclusion and economic growth, in general, is immense and is increasingly being recognized. However, low uptake impedes the growth of the sector, hence the need for a model that robustly predicts insurance uptake among potential clients. This study undertook a two phase comparison of machine learning classifiers. Phase I had eight machine learning models compared for their performance in predicting the insurance uptake using 2016 Kenya FinAccessHousehold Survey data. Taking Phase I as a base in Phase II, random forest and XGBoost were compared with four deep learning classifiers using 2019 Kenya FinAccess Household Survey data. The random forest model trained on oversampled data showed the highest F1-score, accuracy, and precision. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was furthermore highest for random forest; hence, it could be construed as the most robust model for predicting the insurance uptake. Finally, the most important features in predicting insurance uptake as extracted from the random forest model were income, bank usage, and ability and willingness to support others. Hence, there is a need for a design and distribution of low income based products, and bancassurance could be said to be a plausible channel for the distribution of insurance products.

This study reports on observed interaction patterns between 20 children with autism and mixed intellectual disabilities (mean chronological age = 11:4 years; language age = 4:7 years) and their nine teachers working with a specially developed multimedia program aiming to increase literacy skills. An increase in verbal expression was found over time for the total group. Children with autism also showed increased enjoyment and willingness to seek help from their teachers. Teachers for both diagnostic groups reduced their instructions on how to handle the computer during the program but the decrease was greater in the teachers for children with autism. When the total group of children was subdivided according to language age (high versus low), it appears that those with a low language age showed an increase in verbal expressiveness from start to end of training. Those with a high language age showed increased enjoyment. It is concluded that more detailed studies of the interaction patterns between teachers and children are needed, and these should be related to children's language level as well as to diagnostic group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may resolve (viral clearance), persist without complications, or cause end-stage liver disease (ESLD). The frequency and determinants of these outcomes are poorly understood.Objective: To assess the incidence and determinants of viral clearance and ESLD among persons who acquired HCV infection from injection drug use.Design and Setting: Community-based prospective cohort study with enrollment in 1988-1989 and a median follow-up of 8.8 years.Subjects: A total of 1667 persons aged 17 years or older with a history of injection drug use and an HCV antibody-positive test result during follow-up.Main Outcome Measures: Viral clearance was assessed in a subset of 919 patients and defined as failure to detect HCV RNA in at least 2 consecutive samples collected 5 or more months apart. End-stage liver disease was assessed at semiannual visits and by review of medical records and death certificates and defined by the presence of ascites, esophageal varices, or hepatic encephalopathy, or when ESLD was stated as a cause of death.Results: Viral clearance was observed in 90 persons who were compared with 722 with persistent viremia, while the viremia of 107 was not resolved. Viral clearance occurred more often in nonblacks (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 5.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.60-10.17) and those not infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (adjusted OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.26-3.47). Forty cases of ESLD were observed throughout follow-up (incidence, 3.1 per 1000 person-years). In a multivariate model, risk of ESLD was higher for persons aged 38 years or older at enrollment (adjusted relative incidence, 3.67; 95% CI, 1.96-6.88) and who reported ingestion of more than 260 g of alcohol per week (adjusted relative incidence, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.73-7.52). Of 210 patients without ESLD randomly selected for biopsy, only 2 had cirrhosis.Conclusions: Our results indicate that although HCV infection can be self-limited or associated with ESLD, the majority of adults have persistent viremia without clinically demonstrable liver disease. Further research is needed to explain the less frequent clearance of HCV infection among black persons and to improve utilization of treatment for those infected in the context of injection drug use. JAMA. 2000;284:450-456 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the treatment results from 20 patients who underwent an alternative osteosynthesis method as definitive treatment for pelvic ring fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a series of 20 patients with pelvic ring fractures (Tile type C) and a high risk of postoperative infection, who were treated at Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo between August 2004 and December 2012. The patients underwent percutaneous supra-acetabular external fixation in association with cannulated 7.0 mm iliosacral screws. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 40 years (range 22-77 years) and the mean length of follow-up was 18.5 months (range 3-69 months). At the end of the treatment, ten patients (50%) were classified as having good results, nine patients (45%) had fair results and one patient (5%) did not have any improvement. Six patients presented complications, and paresthesia of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was the most frequent of these (two patients). CONCLUSION: Supra-acetabular external fixation in association with iliosacral percutaneous osteosynthesis is a good definitive treatment method for patients with a high risk of postoperative infection.

Articles in this issue are reviewed. American Sign Language (ASL) bilingual approaches are shown to support substantial progress by deaf children in English text skills. At the same time, it is clear that there are many different ways to conduct bilingual programs. In addition, there are a number of theoretical explanations for how bilingual contexts may contribute to progress in English literacy and also to progress in spoken English. A theoretical framework from Rare Event Learning theory is presented, with an emphasis on the complex ways in which social, emotional, expectancy, strategy, and motivational conditions dynamically mix with the particular language challenges encountered by deaf learners. Copyright (c) 1998 by Aspen Publishers, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the concept of chronic neglect is used in child welfare practice, studies have not differentiated chronic cases of neglect from those of more recent onset. In this study three groups of families referred to a large metropolitan county child welfare agency for child neglect are considered: those known to the agency for three years or more (chronic group), those more recently referred and substantiated (newly neglecting group), and those in which neglect was not substantiated (unconfirmed group). Significant differences among the three study groups included family size and composition, numbers and kinds of problems, neighborhood characteristics, family relationships, parenting knowledge and expectations, and mental health. Findings demonstrate the need for changes in social policy and social services delivery systems to supplement intervention with individual families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews recent studies of family preservation and related family-strengthening programs, estimates the effect sizes of outcomes in studies with control or comparison conditions, and discusses the status of research on family preservation services. A set of core services that characterize innovative family preservation programs in child welfare, multisystemic family treatment in juvenile justice, and family-based psychoeducation in mental health is identified. Family preservation services may be useful in preventing youth violence; family-based psychoeducation in mental health may prevent or delay relapse and hospitalization; and aside from promising data on family reunification programs, the findings in child welfare are equivocal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a small minority of children with prelingually severe to profound hearing impairments in any country acquire either high spoken-language skills or high literacy skills. This article discusses English acquisition in relation to multiple language domains and multiple language modes for cultures in which English is the majority language. We argue that learning is complex and that at some developmental points there will be mutually facilitating progress in syntax, phonology, narrative, and other language domains, but that at other developmental points short-term negative trade-offs can be expected. To support progress by hearing-impaired children with quite varied profiles of language skills, 'tricky mixes' of converging learning conditions must be identified and maintained more often than in past typical educational practices. Such dynamic tricky mixes repeatedly combine new language challenges with cognitive enhancers of effective processing. In addition, these complex contextual mixes include social-emotional factors that favorably affect children's self-esteem, mood, and expectancy of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Thailand the epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is of recent origin. Because of the high seroprevalence of HIV among sex workers, the Ministry of Public Health began a program in 1990 and 1991 to promote the use of condoms during commercial sex. We evaluated the effect of this and other programs to prevent HIV infection in Thailand. Methods: Using direct interviews, we studied five cohorts of 21-year-old men from northern Thailand who were conscripted into the army by a lottery in 1991, 1993, and 1995. In all, 4311 men were tested for HIV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with confirmation by Western blot assay. Results: In the 1991 and 1993 cohorts, the prevalence of HIV infection was 10.4 to 12.5 percent. In 1995, it fell to 6.7 percent (P < 0.001). The seroprevalence was only 0.7 percent among men who did not have sexual relations with a sex worker before 1992. Over the study period, the proportion of men who reported having sexual relations with a sex worker fell from 81.4 percent to 63.8 percent (P < 0.001). From 1991 to 1995, the men's reported use of condoms during the most recent sexual contacts with sex workers increased from 61.0 percent to 92.5 percent (P < 0.001); and in 1995, 15.2 percent of men had a history of a sexually transmitted disease, as compared with 42.2 percent in 1991 (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Public health programs in Thailand have led to substantial changes in sexual behavior among young men, especially an increased use of condoms, and the rate of new HIV infections has declined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The epidemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection led blood banks to initiate donation deferral criteria based on self-reported risk factors. However little information is available on the differences in reporting risk factors before and after HIV status is known.Methods: Between April and July 1994, blood donors in a provincial hospital in northern. Thailand were interviewed at the time of donation, about their demographic characteristics and risk factors. All donors had agreed to learn their test results and were called back for post-test counselling and reinterview.Results: HIV-positive blood donors were more likely to change from 'denying' to 'acknowledging' risk factors while HIV-negatives were more likely to change from 'acknowledging' to 'denying'. The differences between risk factors obtained before and after test results were known resulted in stronger, weaker or even opposite risk measures.Conclusion: The study results raise questions about the impact of the differences in reporting HIV-related risk factors by the donors on how effective donation deferral criteria can be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cohort of Royal Thai Army (RTA) conscripts was followed in civilian life after completing 2 years of military service, to determine whether such a cohort might be suitable for HIV vaccine trials. Objectives were to identify correlates of participation and to determine the occurrence of risk behaviors for HIV infection after discharge from the military. The cohort was selected from among conscripts who had participated in HIV studies from 1991 to 1993. Risk factors were surveyed at 3, 9, and 15 months after discharge (1993-1995). Change in risk was evaluated based on deviations from expected distributions of risk categories for sentinel behaviors, assessed with chi-square analysis. HIV seroconversion rates (SR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A total of 380 men returned after discharge. Seven men seroconverted after discharge; the SR (95% CI) was 2.02/100 person-years (0.81-4.17). Among changes in risk were reduced visits to commercial sex workers (CSWs), more condom use with CSWs, and less alcohol use prior to CSW visits. Behaviors associated with increased risk of HIV seroconversion declined after military service. Thus, sufficient numbers of outcome events for vaccine trials may not be attained with this type of cohort. Nonetheless, these findings provide data on the dynamics of the HIV epidemic in Thailand and the development of HIV vaccine cohorts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) assay that simultaneously detects the three major causes of genital ulcer disease (GUD), Haemophilus ducreyi, Treponema pallidum, and herpes simplex virus, was used to evaluate swab specimens for 38 sequential patients with GUD at a Thai sexually transmitted disease clinic. Subjects received clinical diagnoses and syndromic treatment. Swab specimens for H. ducreyi cultures and M-PCR were obtained. No H. ducreyi cultures were positive. Of 38 M-PCR specimens, 31 (81.6%) were positive for HSV, 1 (2.3%) for both HSV and T. pallidum, and none for H. ducreyi or T. pallidum alone; 6 (15.8%) were negative for all 3 pathogens. Clinical diagnoses corresponded poorly to M-PCR findings; none of 5 suspected cases of chancroid were positive by M-PCR and none of 1 for syphilis, but 21 of 24 suspected herpes lesions were confirmed by M-PCR. Human immunodeficiency virus infection status was known for 24 of 38 subjects; 11 (45.8%) were seropositive, and all 11 had HSV by M-PCR. HSV appeared to be the most common pathogen overall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a survey of 1,057 active intravenous drug users in Baltimore, MD, who were recruited through extensive community outreach, 12 reported endocarditis and 113 reported subcutaneous abscesses in the 6 months before being interviewed. Of all the persons surveyed, 556 reported cleaning their skin prior to injection at any time and 173 reported cleaning their skin all the time in the 6 months before the interview. The frequency of subcutaneous abscesses was lower among those who reported skin cleaning all the time; a similar trend was noted for frequency of endocarditis. The relatively simple procedure of encouraging intravenous drug users to clean their skin prior to injection will not eliminate but might reduce the frequency of these serious and expensive infectious complications of intravenous drug use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: This was an epidemiological study on fractures of the proximal third of the femur in elderly patients who were treated at a teaching hospital in the central region of São Paulo. METHODS: The subjects were patients over the age of 60 years who were attended over a 1-year period. A questionnaire seeking basic sociodemographic data and information on comorbidities presented and medications used was drawn up. The circumstances of the fractures and their characteristics, the treatment instituted and the intra-hospital mortality rate were evaluated. RESULTS: The 113 patients included in the study presented a mean age of 79 years. The ratio between the sexes was three women to each man. Only 30.4% of the patients reported having osteoporosis and only 0.9% had had treatment for the disease. Low-energy trauma was the cause of 92.9% of the fractures. Femoral neck fractures accounted for 42.5% of the fractures and trochanteric fractures, 57.5%. Five patients did not undergo operations; 39 underwent joint replacement; and 69 underwent osteosynthesis. The mean length of hospital stay was 13.5 days and the mean length of waiting time until surgery was 7 days. The intra-hospital mortality rate was 7.1%. CONCLUSION: The patients attended at this institution presented an epidemiological profile similar to what is found in the Brazilian literature. Chronic kidney failure is a significant factor with regard to intra-hospital mortality. Preventive measures such as early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and regular physical activity practices were not implemented.

Hip arthroscopy has been popularized over the last decade and, with technical advances regarding imaging diagnostics, understanding of the physiopathology or surgical techniques, several applications have been described. Both arthroscopy for intra-articular conditions and endoscopy for extra-articular procedures can be used in diagnosing or treating different conditions. This updated article has the objective of presenting the various current possibilities for hip arthroscopy.

The pelvic ring fractures comprise 2 -8% of all skeletal injuries. As the incidence rises to 25% in polytrauma and represents a negative prognostic factor with regard to morbidity and mortality of patients, we sought with this work to establish the profile of these, compared to an alteration in the profile of patients with pelvic ring fractures in recent decades. To this end, we evaluated the epidemiological profile, mechanism of injury and types of fractures. By reviewing the literature indexed in the databases related to the theme, 20 papers were selected that contained the requirements for the study. For the period between January 1987 and December 1999 (first decade), and another period in January 2000 and December 2010 (second decade), data were analyzed by Mann -Whitney test. The ratings Tile, Young and Burgess AO were adequate to permit their categorization. The research in each decade was homogeneous. At first the lesions were more prevalent in men with 62.5% with a tendency to reverse this pattern given the increase of women in the second decade (p = 0.286). The average age in the first decade was 39.3 years, an increase in the second (p = 0.068). The most prevalent mechanisms of trauma were related to traffic in both periods as well as fractures classified as type A (p = 0.203 and p = 0.457, respectively), having mortality rates decreased (p = 0.396). We conclude that there was a tendency to increase in the average age of patients (p = 0.068); however the increasing involvement of women (p = 0.286) and decreased mortality (p = 0.396) were not significant.

Female patient, 42 years old with a history of low back pain on the left for seventeen years in which the definitive diagnosis of the etiology of pain was evident after the completion of neurography magnetic resonance imaging of the sciatic nerve. In this test it was identified the presence of an anatomical variation in the relationship between the piriformis muscle and sciatic nerve. We discuss details of this imaging technique and its importance in the frames of refractory low back pain. We also describe the treatment given to the case.Paciente do sexo feminino, 42 anos, com histórico de lombociatalgia à esquerda havia 17 anos. O diagnóstico definitivo da etiologia da dor só foi evidenciado após a neurografia por ressonância magnética do ciático. Nesse exame identificou-se a presença de variação anatômica entre o músculo piriforme e o nervo ciático. Descrevemos detalhes sobre a técnica de imagem e sua importância nos quadros de lombociatalgia refratária, como também o tratamento instituído para o caso.

OBJETIVO: O MHOT14/33 é um instrumento de avaliação específico para pacientes jovens com problemas no quadril. O objetivo deste trabalho é traduzir e adaptar culturalmente este questionário para a língua portuguesa. MÉTODO: Foram realizadas tradução e adaptação transcultural conforme metodologia descrita por Guillemin: tradução inicial, retro tradução, versão pré-final, aplicação em pacientes e confecção da versão final. RESULTADOS: A versão de consenso foi aplicada em 30 pacientes jovens com problemas no quadril, sendo verificadas dificuldades no entendimento de algumas palavras e expressões, as quais foram substitu��das por termos de mais fácil entendimento. Na reaplicação do questionário com a nova versão houve entendimento pela totalidade dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: A confecção da versão brasileira do MAHORN Hip Outcome Tool 14/33 permitiu a disponibilização nacional deste questionário para avaliação de pacientes jovens com problema no quadril, tendo boa aceitação e compreendimento pelos pacientes testados. Nível de evidência II, Desenvolvimento de critérios diagnósticos em pacientes consecutivos (com padrão de referência "ouro" aplicado).OBJECTIVE: MHOT14/33 is an outcome tool designed for young patients with hip problems. The objective of this study is to translate and establish a cross-cultural adaptation of this questionnaire to Portuguese. METHOD: The Guillemin guidelines were followed for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation consisting on: translation, back-translation, prefinal version, administration of the Questionnaire, and editing of the final version. RESULTS: The prefinal version was applied to 30 young patients with hip problems. Some difficulties in understanding some of the words and expressions were noted, and these were replaced with simpler ones, achieving the patient's full acceptability in the final version of the Questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The creation of the Brazilian version of the MAHORN Hip Outcome Tool 14/33 enables this questionnaire to be used in the evaluation of patients with hip problems in Brazil, and was clearly understood, with good acceptance by the patients tested. Level of evidence II - Development of diagnostic criteria on consecutive patients (with universally applied reference "gold" standard).

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a confiabilidade inter-avaliadores do Método Merle d'Aubigné e Postel Modificado. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 45 pacientes, com média de idade de 57,93(+13,35), submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril. Todos foram avaliados por três pesquisadores, os quais receberam treinamento para uniformizar seus critérios. Realizou-se a avaliação pelo Método Merle d'Aubigné e Postel Modificado (associação dos prefixos A, B e C), no mesmo dia de forma aleatória, e os pesquisadores não se comunicaram durante as avaliações. Para avaliação da mobilidade, foram realizados movimentos passivos do quadril e mensurados pelo goniômetro universal. A análise estatística foi tratada com o Teste de Cronbach (pOBJECTIVE: To assess the inter-evaluator reproducibility of the Modified Merle d'Aubigné and Postel Method. METHOD: Forty-five patients took part in the study, with a mean age of57.93 (±13,35) who underwent total hip arthroplasty. All were evaluated by three researchers, who received training to standardize their criteria. The evaluation was held by the Modified Merle d'Aubigné and Postel Method (association of prefixes A, B and C) the same day at random, and the researchers did not report to one another throughout the evaluations. For mobility assessment, passive hip movements were performed and measured with the universal goniometer. The statistical analysis was carried out by the Cronbach Test (p

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do método de interpretação radiográfica das fraturas de acetábulo, segundo a classificação de Judet e Letournel, por um grupo de médicos residentes de Ortopedia de um hospital universitário. MÉTODO: Foram selecionados aleatoriamente 10 residentes de ortopedia e divididos em dois grupos, um deles recebeu treinamento de uma metodologia para a classificação de fraturas do acetábulo, que consiste em transpor as imagens radiográficas para uma representação gráfica em duas dimensões. Foram classificados 50 casos de fratura acetábulo em dois momentos distintos e verificada a concordância intra e interobservador. RESULTADO: O índice de acerto médio no grupo treinado foi de 16,2% (10-26%), no grupo não treinado foi de 22,8% (10-36%). O coeficiente kappa médio intraobservador e interobservador do grupo treinado foi respectivamente de 0,08 e 0,12, e o do grupo não treinado foi de 0,14 e 0,29. CONCLUSÃO: O treinamento do método de interpretação radiográfica das fraturas do acetábulo não foi efetivo para auxiliar na classificação das fraturas do acetábulo. Nível de evidência II, Teste de critérios diagnósticos desenvolvimento anteriormente em pacientes consecutivos (com padrão de referência "ouro" aplicado).OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the method of radiographic interpretation of acetabular fractures, according to the classification of Judet and Letournel, used by a group of residents of Orthopedics at a university hospital. METHODS: We selected ten orthopedic residents, who were divided into two groups; one group received training in a methodology for the classification of acetabular fractures, which involves transposing the radiographic images to a graphic two-dimensional representation. We classified fifty cases of acetabular fracture on two separate occasions, and determined the intraobserver and interobserver agreement. RESULT: The success rate was 16.2% (10-26%) for the trained group and 22.8% (10-36%) for the untrained group. The mean kappa coefficients for interobserver and intraobserver agreement in the trained group were 0.08 and 0.12, respectively, and for the untrained group, 0.14 and 0.29. CONCLUSION: Training in the method of radiographic interpretation of acetabular fractures was not effective for assisting in the classification of acetabular fractures. Level of evidence I, Testing of previously developed diagnostic criteria on consecutive patients (with universally applied reference "gold" standard).

OBJETIVO: Relatar os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico artroscópico de um grupo de pacientes que desenvolveram sintomas após atividades físicas repetitivas, movimentando o quadril em uma posição de hiperflexão, como leg press e agachamento. MÉTODOS: O grupo do estudo compreendeu 47 indivíduos (48 quadris) que desenvolveram o início dos sintomas dolorosos associados a exercícios de hiperflexão de quadril (leg press ou agachamento) e submetidos a tratamento artroscópico. Os pacientes foram avaliados radiográfica e clinicamente segundo o Harris Hip Score modificado por Byrd (MHHS), nos períodos pré e pós-operatório, questionados sobre seu retorno às atividades esportivas e os achados cirúrgicos. RESULTADOS: A média do MHHS nos períodos pré e pós-operatório foi, respectivamente, 60 pontos (DP 11,0, faixa 38,5-92,4) e 95,9 pontos (DP 7,7, faixa 63,8-100), aumento de 35,9 pontos (P < 0,001). Em relação à atividade física, 30 indivíduos (71,5%) retomaram as atividades esportivas após a cirurgia, 25 (83,4%) destes com o mesmo nível anterior, seis indivíduos (12,8%) não retornaram devido à dor persistente. Na artroscopia, 48 quadris (100%) apresentaram lesões do lábio acetabular e 41 quadris (85,4%), lesões condrais acetabulares. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes com sintomas dolorosos após os exercícios de hiperflexão do quadril associados ao impacto femoroacetabular apresentaram melhora após o tratamento artroscópico.OBJECTIVE: Describe the results from arthroscopic surgical treatment on a group of patients who developed symptoms after repetitive physical activity of moving their hips in a position of hyperflexion, as in leg presses and squats. METHODS: The study group comprised 47 individuals (48 hips) who developed the onset of painful symptoms associated with hip hyperflexion exercises (leg presses or squats) and underwent arthroscopic treatment. The patients were evaluated radiographically and clinically according to the "Harris Hip Score", as modified by Byrd (MHHS), pre and postoperatively, and were asked about their return to sports activities and the surgical findings. RESULTS: The mean preoperative and postoperative MHHS, respectively, were 60 points (SD 11.0, range 38.5 to 92.4) and 95.9 points (SD 7.7, range 63.8 to 100), with an increase of 35.9 points (P < 0.001). Regarding physical activity, 30 individuals (71.5%) resumed sports activities after surgery, and 25 of them (83.4%) at the previous level. Six patients (12.8%) did not resume activities because of persistent pain. During arthroscopy, 48 hips (100%) presented lesions of the acetabular labrum, and 41 hips (85.4%) had acetabular chondral lesions. CONCLUSION: The patients with painful symptoms after hip hyperflexion exercises associated with femoroacetabular impingement presented improvements after arthroscopic treatment.

Crystalline tellurium undergoes amorphization after irradiation with strong femtosecond pulses. Steady-state reflectivity and single-shot transient reflectivity studies suggest the amorphization is due to thermal melting rather than non-thermal switching.

O diagnóstico das afecções do quadril e da pelve é baseado em história clínica detalhada, exame físico e exames complementares adequados para cada afecção. A radiografia simples ainda constitui o exame inicial de escolha e, diante da sua importância, existe a necessidade da realização de estudos radiográficos padronizados, tanto na sua execução quanto nas séries radiográficas, de acordo com as diferentes afecções. O objetivo deste artigo é propor a padronização das principais incidências radiográficas do quadril e da pelve, realização de séries específicas para diferentes afecções e orientação técnica quanto à realização das mesmas.Diagnoses of hip and pelvis disorders are based on the detailed medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests, as appropriate for each condition. Plain radiography is still the initial examination of choice and, because of its importance, there is a need to standardize radiographic studies, both in relation to execution and in radiographic series, according to the different pathological conditions. The aim of this paper was to propose standardization for the main radiographic views of the hip and pelvis, and with regard to performing specific series for different pathological conditions, and to provide technical guidance for achieving these aims.

OBJETIVO: As artroscopias do quadril têm sido utilizadas tanto para fins diagnósticos, como para fins terapêuticos, fazendo parte do arsenal rotineiro dos cirurgiões do quadril. Devido a necessidade de avaliação dos resultados artroscópicos, Byrd propôs a modificação do "Harris Hip Score", realizando a avaliação da dor e função. O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir e adaptar transculturalmente o protocolo de avaliação do "Harris Hip Score" modificado por Byrd, utilizado nas artroscopias do quadril. MÉTODO: O método utilizado constituiu em: 1) tradução inicial, 2) retrotradução, 3) pré - teste e 4) teste definitivo. RESULTADOS: A versão em português foi aplicada em 30 pacientes com afecções do quadril para verificar o nível de compreensão do protocolo. Foram realizadas mudanças e substituições de termos e expressões que não foram entendidas pelos pacientes durante o pré-teste e realizada a versão final em consenso. Novamente a versão final do questionário foi aplicada com 100% de entendimento pelos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: disponibiliza-se assim a versão final em português do questionário "Harris Hip Score" modificado por Byrd. A validação desta versão já está em desenvolvimento.OBJECTIVE: Hip arthroscopy has been used for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes, and it is part of the daily arsenal of hip surgeons. Due to the need for arthroscopic evaluation of the results, Byrd proposed a modification of the Harris Hip Score by assessing pain and function. This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the evaluation protocol of the modified Harris Hip Score used in hip arthroscopies. METHOD: The method used consisted of: 1) an initial translation, 2) a back translation, 3) a pre-test and 4) a final test. RESULTS: The Portuguese version was used with 30 patients with hip disorders to determine the level of comprehension of the protocol. Expressions which were not understood by patients during the pre-test were modified or replaced, and the final version was obtained by consensus. The final version of the questionnaire was used once again, with 100% understanding by patients. CONCLUSION: Thus we arrived at the final Portuguese version of the modified Harris Hip Score questionnaire. Verification of the validity of this version is already in progress.

OBJETIVO: O Harris Hip Score é instrumento de avaliação específica, desenvolvido originalmente para avaliar os resultados da artroplastia total de quadril. O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir e adaptar culturalmente este instrumento para a língua portuguesa. MÉTODO: O método de tradução e adaptação cultural do Harris Hip Score envolveu quatro etapas: 1 - tradução inicial; 2 - retrotradução; 3 - apreciação das versões com elaboração da versão de consenso; 4 - pré-teste comentado com elaboração da versão final. RESULTADOS: A versão de consenso foi aplicada em 30 pacientes com afecção do quadril, sendo verificadas dificuldades no entendimento de algumas expressões, as quais foram substituídas por termos de mais fácil entendimento. Na reaplicação do questionário com a nova versão houve entendimento por 100% dos pacientes no que diz respeito ao sentido semântico, idiomático e contextual. CONCLUSÃO: A versão brasileira do Harris Hip Score permitiu a disponibilização de mais este instrumento para avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes com afecções do quadril. Há necessidade de um estudo de avaliação da confiabilidade e validade da versão adaptada culturalmente, a qual já está em desenvolvimento.OBJECTIVE: The Harris Hip Score is a specific evaluation tool, originally developed to assess the results of hip arthroplasty. The objective of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Harris Hip Score for the Portuguese language. METHOD: The method of translating and culturally adapting the Harris Hip Score involved four steps: 1 - initial translation, 2 - back-translation, 3 - evaluation of the pre-final versions with the development of a consensus version, 4 - commented pre-test with development of the final version. RESULTS: The consensus version was applied to thirty patients with hip disorders. Some difficulties were identified in understanding some expressions, which were replaced by more commonly-used expressions. When the questionnaire was re-applied, it was understood by 100% of the patients, in relation to the semantic, idiomatic and conceptual meanings. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the Harris Hip Score provides another important tool for assessing quality of life of patients with hip disorders. A further study is currently underway to evaluate the reliability and validity of the culturally adapted version.

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer diretrizes para o tratamento das fraturas da cabeça femoral e determinar a melhor via de acesso nos casos tratados cirurgicamente. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos os resultados clínicos e radiográficos de 13 pacientes (13 fraturas) tratados cirurgicamente entre maio de 1986 e julho de 1996 no Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo (SCMSP), Pavilhão "Fernandinho Simonsen". RESULTADOS: Entre as seis fraturas Pipkin 1, cinco foram submetidas à ressecção do fragmento, o que nos levou a quatro resultados excelentes e um bom, sendo este com fixação do fragmento. Três pacientes apresentaram fraturas Pipkin 2 e todas foram fixadas, observados dois excelentes resultados e um regular. Dois pacientes Pipkin 3 foram submetidos à artroplastia primária. Dos dois pacientes com lesão Pipkin 4, um foi tratado com redução e osteossíntese da fratura do acetábulo, sem abordar o fragmento da cabeça que estava bem reduzido e resultou em artrose precoce, e o outro foi submetido à artroplastia total como tratamento primário. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos após comparação da revisão da literatura com a análise dos nossos casos, que o tratamento da fratura da cabeça femoral deve ser cirúrgico e a escolha da via de acesso vai depender do tipo de fratura.OBJECTIVE: To establish guidelines for the treatment of femoral head fractures and to determine the best form of access in cases treated surgically. METHODS: We evaluated the clinical and radiological results of 13 patients (13 fractures) treated surgically, between May 1986 and July 1996, at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo (SCMSP), Fernandinho Simonsen Pavillion. RESULTS: Among six Pipkin 1 fractures, five had resection of the fragment, resulting in four excellent and one good result. The good result had fixation of the fragment. All three Pipkin 2 fractures had fixation of the fragment, resulting in two excellent and one regular result. Two Pipkin 3 patients had primary arthroplasty. Among Two Pipkin 4 patients, one was treated with open reduction and internal fixation of the acetabulum, without addressing the head fragment that had reduced significantly, resulting in early arthrosis, and the other patient was treated with primary total hip replacement. CONCLUSION: Upon comparing the literature review and our patients' treatment results, we concluded that the femoral head fracture treatment must be surgical and that the choice surgical access depends on the type of fracture.

OBJETIVO: Realizar avaliação epidemiológica e clínica dos pacientes com fratura desviada do colo femoral, que foram submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico, com artroplastia parcial do quadril cimentada. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados, de forma retrospectiva, todos os pacientes com fratura desviada do colo do fêmur (Garden III e IV) submetidos à artroplastia parcial do quadril com prótese unipolar (Thompson), cimentada pela via de acesso posterolateral do quadril, no período de junho de 2005 a setembro de 2008. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados, inicialmente, 70 pacientes. A média de idade foi de 83,1 anos. Houve predomínio de pacientes do sexo feminino (84,3%). Houve acompanhamento ambulatorial de 36 pacientes, cujo tempo de seguimento variou de 10 a 48 meses (média de 26,5 meses). Houve perda de seguimento de 15 pacientes. Dezenove pacientes foram a óbito, com uma taxa de mortalidade no primeiro ano de 25,4%. Os pacientes classificados como ASA III apresentaram taxa de 25,7%, enquanto os pacientes ASA II, uma taxa de 12,1%. Dois pacientes apresentaram trombose venosa profunda sintomática; um paciente, infecção do sítio operatório; e nenhum paciente apresentou luxação do quadril. A maioria dos pacientes evoluiu sem dor. Doze pacientes (33%), durante a evolução, apresentaram piora na capacidade de deambulação. CONCLUSÃO: Nenhum caso de luxação do quadril foi observado. Os pacientes classificados como ASA III apresentaram um índice de mortalidade mais elevado, em relação aos pacientes ASA I e II. Houve uma piora da capacidade de deambular em 33% dos pacientes. Não foi necessária revisão de nenhum paciente por soltura ou dor. Trinta pacientes não apresentavam dor (83,3%), quatro apresentavam dor moderada (11,1%) e dois apresentavam dor intensa (5,5%).OBJETIVE: To epidemiologically and clinically evaluate patients with displaced femoral neck fractures that had surgical treatment with cemented hemiarthroplasty. METHODS: We evaluated, retrospectively, all patients with displaced femoral neck fractures (Garden III and IV) that had surgical treatment with cemented partial hip replacement (Thompson), using the posterior approach, from June 2005 to September 2008. RESULTS: We initially evaluated 70 patients. The mean age was 83.1 years. Most of the patients were female (84.3%). Thirty-six patients were monitored for a period ranging from 10 to 48 months (mean follow-up period of 26.5 months). Fifteen patients were lost to follow-up. Nineteen patients died within the first year, with a mortality rate of 25.4%. Patients classified as ASA III had a mortality rate of 25.7% and ASA II patients, a 12.1% rate. Two patients had symptomatic deep vein thrombosis; one patient had a superficial wound infection; no patient had dislocation. Most of the patients did not experience pain. Twelve patients (33%) showed deterioration in their walking ability. CONCLUSION: There was no hip dislocation. Patients classified as ASA III had a higher death rate than ASA I or II. There was a worsening of walking ability in 33% of the patients. No revision was necessary due to loosening or pain. Thirty patients didn't present pain (83.3%), four presented with moderate pain (11.1%), and two presented with intense pain (5.5%).

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a evolução radiográfica pós-operatória com as variáveis que acompanham as fraturas do acetábulo, a fim de definir o que tem valor preditivo no aparecimento do colapso segmentar da cabeça femoral. MÉTODOS: Realizada análise retrospectiva de prontuários de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de redução aberta e fixação interna do acetábulo. Em aproximadamente 35 anos, 596 pacientes foram tratados por fratura do acetábulo; 267 foram acompanhados pelo menos por dois anos. Os demais foram excluídos por não ter sido acompanhados pelo tempo mínimo, não haver dados suficientes no prontuário ou ter sido submetidos a tratamento não operatório. O acompanhamento dos pacientes foi feito por um de três cirurgiões do grupo, utilizando a escala clínica de Merle d'Aubigné e Postel e estudos radiológicos. RESULTADOS: Somente duas variáveis estudadas, idade e qualidade da redução pós-operatória, apresentaram correlação estatisticamente significante com o colapso da cabeça femoral. CONCLUSÕES: A qualidade da redução, anatômica ou com desvio residual de até dois milímetros, apresenta evolução radiográfica satisfatória, diminuindo a probabilidade do colapso segmentar da cabeça femoral, achado que tem significância estatística.OBJECTIVE: Correlate the postoperative radiographic evaluation with variables accompanying acetabular fractures in order to determine the predictive factors for segmental impaction of femoral head. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medial files of patients submitted to open reduction surgery with internal acetabular fixation. Within approximately 35 years, 596 patients were treated for acetabular fractures; 267 were followed up for at least two years. The others were excluded either because their follow up was shorter than the minimum time, or as a result of the lack of sufficient data reported on files, or because they had been submitted to non-surgical treatment. The patients were followed up by one of three surgeons of the group using the Merle d'Aubigné and Postel clinical scales as well as radiological studies. RESULTS: Only tow studied variables - age and amount of postoperative reduction- showed statistically significant correlation with femoral head impaction. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of reduction - anatomical or with up to 2mm residual deviation - presents a good radiographic evolution, reducing the potential for segmental impaction of the femoral head, a statistically significant finding.

OBJETIVO: Confirmar a importância terapêutica da artroscopia do quadril em atletas cuja dor impede a função desportiva da articulação do quadril, sendo capaz de minimizá-la a ponto de ajudar o retorno à atividade esportiva em níveis satisfatórios. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 49 pacientes que praticam esporte (51 quadris), submetidos à artroscopia do quadril que apresentavam dor e incapacidade para a prática esportiva. O seguimento mínimo foi de 12 meses e o máximo de 74 meses (média de 39,0 meses). No período pré-operatório avaliou-se a localização da dor, sua intensidade segundo a Escala de Expressão Facial (EEF) e o grau de incapacidade utilizando-se o critério de Harris Hip Score modificado (HHS). Anotaram-se diferentes diagnósticos que levaram à indicação da artroscopia, como impacto femoroacetabular, lesão do lábio acetabular não secundária ao impacto femoroacetabular e outros. No período pós-operatório, os pacientes foram avaliados pelos mesmos métodos do período pré-operatório e pela análise subjetiva de retorno ao esporte. RESULTADOS: Baseando-se no HHS e EEF pré e pós-operatórios, a análise estatística mostrou significância entre os valores. Observou-se alguma melhora em todos os casos e retorno ao esporte, de forma satisfatória, na maioria deles. CONCLUSÃO: Diante do que foi estudado, confirmamos que a artroscopia em atletas com lesões localizadas no quadril é técnica eficaz, capaz de promover o retorno à prática esportiva na maioria dos casos, sem dor e com função articular efetiva, desde que bem indicada.OBJECTIVE: To confirm the therapeutic importance of hip arthroplasty in athletes whose pain precludes sportive function of the hip joint, being able to minimize it to the extent of helping on the return of sports practice at satisfactory levels. METHODS: 49 athlete patients (51 hips) submitted to hip arthroscopy complaining of pain and inability to practice sports were assessed. Follow-up time ranged from 12 to 74 months (mean: 39.0 months). Preoperatively, pain site, severity according to Facial Expression Scale (FES) and the degree of disability using the modified Harris Hip Score (HHS) were assessed. Different diagnoses were provided, which led to the indication of arthroscopy, such as femoral-acetabular impact, acetabular lip injury not secondary to femoral-acetabular impact, etc. Postoperatively, the patients were assessed by using the same methods as used at baseline and by the subjective analysis of return to sports activities. RESULTS: Based on pre-and postoperative HHS and FES, the statistical analysis showed significance between values. We found some improvement in all cases and return to sports activities at a satisfactory level in most of the cases. CONCLUSION: As a result of our study, we confirm that arthroscopy in athletes with local hip injuries is an effective technique, able to promote the return to sports practice in most of the cases, without pain, and with an effective joint function, provided well indicated.