A review of exposure assessment methods for epidemiological studies of health effects related to industrially contaminated sites.

Background: this paper is based upon work from COST Action ICSHNet. Health risks related to living close to industrially contaminated sites (ICSs) are a public concern. Toxicology-based risk assessment of single contaminants is the main approach to assess health risks, but epidemiological studies which investigate the relationships between exposure and health directly in the affected population have contributed important evidence.

gene polymorphism is associated with bone mass measured by quantitative ultrasound in young adults.

Due to the increased prevalence of osteoporosis and direct health care cost of osteoporosis-related fractures, there is a growing interest in identifying genetic markers associated with osteoporosis phenotypes in order to develop genetic screening strategies. We aimed to analyze the possible associations between calcaneal Quantitative ultrasound (QUS), a valuable screening tool for assessing bone status in clinical practice, and rs7524102, rs6426749) (rs2016266) and rs9533090) genes. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 550 healthy individuals of Caucasian ancestry (381 females and 169 males, median age 20.

Multifunctional capacity and therapeutic potential of lactoferrin.

Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein with high functional versatility that is found in most body fluids. The objective of this study was to gather and update information on the properties attributed to LF. According to this review, LF is a good immunomodulatory agent that acts on both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Genetic association analysis of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and obesity-related phenotypes.

Vitamin D has been established as a key factor in the development of obesity through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of the VDR gene to obesity-related phenotypes in a population of Caucasian young adults. The study population consisted of 701 healthy Spanish young adults (mean age 20.

Association study of estrogen receptor alpha gene polymorphisms with bone mass assessed by quantitative ultrasound in young adults.

Different genetic variants in estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) have been shown to influence bone phenotypes including quantitative bone ultrasound in elderly. We aimed to investigate the role of ESR1 polymorphisms in bone mass assessed by calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in a population of young adults. The study sample consisted of 466 healthy individuals of Caucasian ancestry (315 females and 152 males) aged 18 and 25 years (median age 20.

A new physical performance classification system for elite handball players: cluster analysis.

The aim of the present study was to identify different cluster groups of handball players according to their physical performance level assessed in a series of physical assessments, which could then be used to design a training program based on individual strengths and weaknesses, and to determine which of these variables best identified elite performance in a group of under-19 [U19] national level handball players. Players of the U19 National Handball team (n=16) performed a set of tests to determine: 10 m (ST) and 20 m (ST) sprint time, ball release velocity (BRv), countermovement jump (CMJ) height and squat jump (SJ) height. All players also performed an incremental-load bench press test to determine the 1 repetition maximum (1RM), the load corresponding to maximum mean power (Load), the mean propulsive phase power at Load (PMP) and the peak power at Load (PMP).

Effects of Fatigue on Throwing Performance in Experienced Team Handball Players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of central and peripheral physiological fatigue on throwing accuracy and ball release velocity in team handball. Twenty male subjects (age 24.7 ± 3.

The 1 Baltic Osseointegration Academy and Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Consensus Conference 2016. Summary and Consensus Statements: Group II - Peri-Implantitis Diagnostics and Decision Tree.

Introduction: The task of Group 2 was to review and update the existing data concerning clinical and genetic methods of diagnostics of peri-implantitis. Special interest was paid to the peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) overview including analysis of enzymes and biomarkers and microbial profiles from implants.

Material And Methods: The main areas of interest were as follows: effect of smoking and history of periodontitis, prosthetic treatment mistakes, excess cement, overloading, general diseases influence on peri-implantitis development.

Microbial Profiles and Detection Techniques in Peri-Implant Diseases: a Systematic Review.

Objectives: To describe the microbial profiles of peri-implant diseases and the main detection methods.

Material And Methods: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed database to identify studies on microbial composition of peri-implant surfaces in humans published in the last 5 years. Studies had to have clear implant status definition for health, peri-implant mucositis and/or peri-implantitis and specifically study microbial composition of the peri-implant sulcus.

Towards a Decision Quality Model for Shot Selection in Basketball: an Exploratory Study.

We take the first steps towards a shot selection quality model in basketball that incorporates decisional cues that might be predictive, not only of proximal results (e.g., scoring), but also of distal results (e.

The retrieval and selection of arithmetic facts in oral arithmetic.

We examined the co-activation and the selection of arithmetic facts in oral arithmetic. In two experiments, participants had to verify whether simple additions were correct or not. In Experiment 1, additions were presented in the auditory-verbal format; in Experiment 2, additions were presented in the digit format but simulating the temporal sequence of auditory problems of Experiment 1.

Acute Physiological and Thermoregulatory Responses to Extended Interval Training in Endurance Runners: Influence of Athletic Performance and Age.

This study aimed to describe the acute impact of extended interval training (EIT) on physiological and thermoregulatory levels, as well as to determine the influence of athletic performance and age effect on the aforementioned response in endurance runners. Thirty-one experienced recreational male endurance runners voluntarily participated in this study. Subjects performed EIT on an outdoor running track, which consisted of 12 runs of 400 m.

OVERWEIGHT OBESITY AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN MENOPAUSAL TRANSITION.

Introduction: the hormonal decline that is characteristic of the menopause, in conjunction with the associated weight gain, is considered a determinant factor of cardiovascular risk.

Objetive: to examine weight status in relation to clinical symptoms during the menopausal transition, in women referred from primary care to an endocrinology specialist, to determine potential cardiovascular risk profiles.

Method: observational analytic cross-sectional study, conducted with data from medical records created at time of referral.

Polymorphisms of the WNT16 gene are associated with the heel ultrasound parameter in young adults.

Summary: Bone mineral content is influenced by genetic factors. We investigated the role of WNT16 in bone properties determined using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) on young adults. Three WNT16 genetic markers (rs2908007, rs2908004, and rs2707466) were found to have a significant association with the broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) measurement, suggesting that WNT16 influences bone mass in young adults.

Relationship between menopause and periodontal disease: a cross-sectional study in a Portuguese population.

Background: Menopause is associated with important systemic and oral changes. Many researchers have tried to evaluate the influence of hormonal changes associated with menopause in the periodontium, however results are contradictory.

Objective: Evaluate the possible effects of menopause on the severity of periodontal disease and tooth loss, by considering several general, oral and periodontal parameters.

In vitro characterization of a nanostructured fibrin agarose bio-artificial nerve substitute.

Neural tissue engineering is focused on the design of novel biocompatible substitutes to repair peripheral nerve injuries. In this paper we describe a nanostructured fibrin-agarose bioartificial nerve substitute (NFABNS), based on nanostructured fibrin-agarose hydrogels (FAHs) with human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HADMSCs). These NFABNSs were mechanically characterized and HADMSCs behaviour was evaluated using histological and ultrastructural techniques.

Antimicrobial residual effects of irrigation regimens with maleic acid in infected root canals.

Background: The success of endodontic treatment depends largely on the control of microorganisms present in infected root canals. The aim of this study was to determine the residual antimicrobial activity of several final irrigation protocols with 7% maleic acid (MA) alone and combined with chlorhexidine (CHX), cetrimide (CTR) or both, in root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis. Biofilms of E.

Predicting Power Output of Upper Body using the OMNI-RES Scale.

The main aim of this study was to determine the optimal training zone for maximum power output. This was to be achieved through estimating mean bar velocity of the concentric phase of a bench press using a prediction equation. The values for the prediction equation would be obtained using OMNI-RES scale values of different loads of the bench press exercise.

The ANIBES Study on Energy Balance in Spain: design, protocol and methodology.

Energy Balance (EB) is an important topic to understand how an imbalance in its main determinants (energy intake and consumption) may lead to inappropriate weight gain, considered to be "dynamic" and not "static". There are no studies to evaluate EB in Spain, and new technologies reveal themselves as key tools to solve common problems to precisely quantify energy consumption and expenditure at population level. The overall purpose of the ANIBES ("Anthropometry, Intake and Energy Balance") Study was to carry out an accurate updating of food and beverage intake, dietary habits/behaviour and anthropometric data of the Spanish population (9-75 years, n=2009), as well as the energy expenditure and physical activity patterns.

Differences in food intake and nutritional habits between Spanish adolescents who engage in ski activity and those who do not.

Background: Increasing obesity among adolescents in the industrialized world may result from poor nutritional habits and inadequate exercise.

Aim: To determine differences in food intake, nutritional habits, and body mass index between Spanish adolescents who engage in ski activity and those who do not.

Methods: A socio-demographic survey, food frequency questionnaire, 24-hr dietary recall, and physical activity questionnaire were completed by 300 Spanish schoolchildren aged 10 to 18 yrs.

High-protein diet induces oxidative stress in rat brain: protective action of high-intensity exercise against lipid peroxidation.

Introduction: It is well established that soy protein diets as well as aerobic exercise could promote antioxidant capacity and consequently reduce free radicals overproduction on brain. However, little is know regarding to the high-protein diets and high intensity exercise on oxidative stress production. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of high-protein diets and high-intensity exercise (HIE) on brain oxidative stress markers.

Influence of adhesive systems on microtensile bond strength of resin-based endodontic sealers to the root dentin.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the microtensile bond strength to root dentin of AH Plus™ and EndoREZ® with Clearfil Liner Bond 2V and Optibond Solo™ Plus adhesive systems.

Study Design: The coronal and middle thirds of six single rooted bovine teeth was split longitudinally in a mesio-distal direction. The two halves were joined with AH Plus or EndoREZ, with and without the use of Clearfil Liner Bond 2V and Optibond Solo™ Plus adhesive systems.

Physical activity, hydration and health.

Since the beginning of mankind, man has sought ways to promote and preserve health as well as to prevent disease. Hydration, physical activity and exercise are key factors for enhancing human health. However, either a little dose of them or an excess can be harmful for health maintenance at any age.

Association between magnesium-deficient status and anthropometric and clinical-nutritional parameters in posmenopausal women.

Background: During menopause occurs weight gain and bone loss occurs due to the hormone decline during this period and other factors such as nutrition. Magnesium deficiency suggests a risk factor for obesity and osteoporosis.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and nutritional magnesium status in a population of postmenopausal women, assessing intake and serum levels of magnesium in the study population and correlation with anthropometric parameters such as body mass index (BMI) and body fat, and biochemical parameters associated.