Detection of Upper Limb Asymmetries in Athletes According to the Stage of the Season—A Longitudinal Study

Sports injuries can affect the performance of athletes. For this reason, functional tests are used for injury assessment and prevention, analyzing physical or physiological imbalances and detecting asymmetries. The main aim of this study was to detect the asymmetries in the upper limbs (right and left arms) in athletes, using the OctoBalance Test (OB), depending on the stage of the season. Two hundred and fifty-two participants (age: 23.33 ± 8.96 years old; height: 178.63 ± 11.12 cm; body mass: 80.28 ± 17.61 kg; body mass index: 24.88 ± 4.58; sports experience: 12.52 ± 6.28 years), practicing different sports (rugby, athletics, football, swimming, handball, triathlon, basketball, hockey, badminton and volleyball), assessed with the OB in medial, superolateral, and inferolateral directions in both arms, in four moments of the season (May 2017, September 2017, February 2018 and May 2018). ANOVA test was used with repeated measures with a p ≤ 0.05, for the analysis of the different studied variances. Significant differences were found (p = 0.021) in the medial direction of the left arm, between the first (May 2017) and fourth stages (May 2018), with values of 71.02 ± 7.15 cm and 65.03 ± 7.66 cm. From the detection of asymmetries, using the OB to measure, in the medial, superolateral and inferolateral directions, mobility and balance can be assessed. In addition, it is possible to observe functional imbalances, as a risk factor for injury, in each of the stages into which the season is divided, which will help in the prevention of injuries and in the individualization of training.

The Impact of Pain on Functionality, Postural Control and Fall Risk in Woman Aged 45 to 64 Years Old

Background: Ageing in women is associated with chronic degenerative pain leading to a functional decrease and therefore increase fall risk. It is therefore essential to detect early functional decreases in the presence of pain related to osteoarthritis. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the impact of pain on functionality, postural control and fall risk in women aged between 45 to 64 years old. Methods: Twenty-one (21) women aged 45 to 64 were evaluated by clinical and functional measures such as a pain questionnaire (Lequesne Index), functional tests (Stair Step Test, 5 times sit-to-stand, 6MWD, Timed-up and Go) and postural performance (under force platform). Women were classified into 2 groups from the Lequesne Pain Index (PI): low pain (score ≤ 9) and strong pain (score ≥ 10) for subsequent comparisons on functionality (physical and postural control performance). Results: A significant impact was observed between the pain index (strong PI) and 3 of the 4 functional tests carried out including Stair Step Test (p = 0.001; g = 1.44), walking distance (p = 0.003; g = 1.31) and Timed-up and Go (p = 0.04; g = −0.93). The group with a strong PI score reported further poor postural control under force platform compared to the weak pain group. Conclusion: Pain and severity based on the PI index negatively modulate physical and postural control performance in women aged 45 to 64 years old.

Impact of Ultra-Low Viscosity Fluids on Drivetrain Functionality and Durability

Increasing automotive powertrain electrification is impacting drivetrain complexity and the profiles of the fluids needed. Since the millennium, drivetrain fluid viscosities have been reduced for better efficiency, but this new challenge is driving them to unprecedented low levels. This paper assesses some of the potential implications of ultra-low viscosity fluids on drivetrain functionality and durability. Model formulations have been prepared from a variety of base fluids combined with additive packages. These have been evaluated in typical automotive drivetrain rig tests, as well as with some selected functional tests. In addition, the thermo-oxidative stability and electrical and thermal properties of the fluids were compared. Based on the results, the impact of low viscosity fluids on drivetrain functionality and durability varies depending on the performance parameter evaluated. For example, gear scuffing and bearing wear is highly dependent on additives, whilst gear and bearing fatigue is mainly affected by fluid viscosity. However, by carefully balancing base fluids and additives, acceptable component and fluid durability can be achieved. With respect to new electric drivetrain performance needs, the thermal properties of the finished fluid are essentially dependent on the base fluid composition, whilst its electrical properties are more influenced by additive chemistry, with some secondary impact from base fluid composition.

Biosimilars: evolution of approaches to the development, regulation, life cycle control and interchangeability management

The legal framework for biosimilar medicinal product was first established in 2004 in the European Union and later in the USA. Since then, based on the scientific and regulatory experience with biosimilarity assessment, regulatory approaches have evolved considerably. A clear understanding of the capabilities of each development stage in assessing comparability in terms of power to identify differences and assess their relevance to the final clinical outcome gradually accumulated. In addition to the commitment to the biosimilarity approach, it is important to comply with the general requirements applicable to any drugs produced at an industrial scale. Experience showed that the demonstration of biosimilarity based on a range of analytical and functional tests and mainly clinical pharmacological studies is universal and allows extrapolating therapeutic indications. The establishment of biosimilar interchangeability, since the active substance by definition is a version of the active substance of the corresponding reference biological product, can introduce additional difficulties. A single approach to the establishment of biosimilar interchangeability has not yet been developed.

On the issue of critical arterial stenosis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. The main contribution to the structure of mortality from CVD is made by atherosclerosis. Indications for surgical treatment of patients with diseases caused by atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries are set taking into account the degree of their stenosis. Angiography has been considered the gold standard for screening patients with CVD for many years. Numerous studies carried out over the past several decades have revealed the weak side of this method in assessing the significance of borderline stenosis. Therefore, to analyze such changes, functional tests were introduced to clarify the indications for surgical intervention. Currently, criteria for the significance of stenosis of the iliac, renal and coronary arteries have been determined. The significance of stenosis of the arteries supplying the brain and intestines is still a matter of debate and requires further study.

Responses of different functional tests in candidates for bariatric surgery and the association with body composition, metabolic and lipid profile

Individuals with obesity can have metabolic disorders and may develop impairments that affect the ability to exercise. The maximal incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test is widely used to assess functional capacity. However, submaximal tests such as the two-minute step test (2MST) and the six-minute walk test (6MWT) also allow this assessment. We propose to analyze whether body composition, metabolic and lipid profile influence the maximal and submaximal performance, and investigate these variables in response to different functional tests. Forty-four individuals with obesity, aged 18–50 years, underwent analysis of body composition, metabolic and lipid profile, incremental treadmill test (ITMT), 6MWT, and 2MST. One-way ANOVA, Pearson or Spearman correlation, and Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed. ITMT induced a greater metabolic, ventilatory, cardiovascular, and perceived exertion demand when compared to the 6MWT and 2MST (p < 0.05). In addition, 2MST elicited a higher chronotropic (HR) and metabolic (V̇O2) demand when compared to the 6MWT (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were found between tests and body composition, metabolic and lipid profile. Fat mass and low-density lipoprotein can explain 30% of the V̇O2 variance in the ITMT; and fat mass, glucose, and performance in the 2MST can explain 42% of the variance of the distance walked in the ITMT. Obesity and its metabolic impairments are capable of influencing responses to exercise. ITMT generated greater demand due to the high stress imposed, however, 2MST demanded greater metabolic and chronotropic demand when compared to the 6MWT.

Automatic Fire Detection and Extinction with Infrared Multispectrum Electro-Optical Technology with Watch-Dog Timer Control, for a 220KV to 33KV Transformer

The present research aims to design an automatic fire detection and extinction system, developed with infrared multi-spectrum electro-optical technology with watch-dog timer control, for an electrical transformer from 220KV to 33KV. Upon its development, it is concluded that the automatic detection and extinction system has a deluge system with sprayed water, which will be activated by a detection system with flame sensors, this system has infrared multispectrum Electro-Optical Technology and will be controlled by through the Timer Watch-Dog, which will automatically detect and report any failure in the state-of-theart microprocessor. By subjecting the detection and extinguishing system to operational and functional tests, an optimal response of the deluge sprinklers was obtained, through the pressure and flow parameters, also a coefficient of determination R2 equal to 0.991 is obtained, which represents that the design is optimal, evidencing feasibility from the operational and functional point of view. Keywords— Detection, Extinction, Automatic, ElectroOptical, Multispectral, Infrared, Timer Watch-Dog, Transformer

Correlation Scale, Functional Tests and Comorbidities with Episodes in Cerebrovascular Accident

Introduction: In assessing patients with a stroke sequel, tonic and postural changes are generally evaluated, but other important information, such as functional capacity, risk of falls, and gait, should also be taken into account. Objective: To correlate the impairment level determined by Brunnstrom's scale, the results of functional tests and analyze the characteristics of the sample as being affected by comorbidities, time and number of strokes occurred. Methods: Cross-sectional evaluation of 50 patients (convenience) at a center of public rehabilitation, using Brunnstrom's scale (1-6, better limb ability closer to 6), Time Up and Go (TUG) (significant mobility deficit and in risk of falls above 20 seconds), Upright Motor Control Test (UMCT) (1-3, bellow 3 are household walkers), Step Test (ST) (disparity between member refers to slower individuals), registration of comorbidity and the time since the stroke happened and the number of episodes. Results: Grade "4" rated for upper and lower limbs by Brunnstrom's Scale, achieving over 20 seconds in TUG, level 2 in UMCT, and commitment of paretic member related to non-paretic on the ST (p<0.01). There was no influence of the time or number of strokes suffered. The main associations found were hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Conclusion: The Brunnstrom's scale appointed moderate level function impairment for upper and lower limbs. Wherein association with functional tests determines slower and vulnerable individuals, with disability in changing the load support between members, neuromuscular control and balance deficit, fall risk and compromised walking ability.

Non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease determination criteria by functional tests: a predictive model based on multivariate analysis

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in 2009 presented a prevalence of 11.5% in Venezuela. It is a complex, multifactorial disease that is difficult to define, since it consists of several signs and symptoms that may or may not coexist together, both in the presence and absence of the disease.Methods: A prospective study was conducted that consisted of a group of 85 patients diagnosed with non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (NERD) and 20 asymptomatic volunteers. Functional tests were conducted on both groups that included high resolution manometry, 24-hour pH-metry - impedance study. The chi-square independence test, principal component analysis and multiple correspondence analysis were applied to identify which variables showed greater association and importance for the diagnosis of NERD.Results: The results indicated that it is possible to establish a rapid diagnostic test based on the solid drink test, distal contraction index, peristaltic jumps and presence of heartburn with a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 90%.Conclusions: It is possible to establish a NERD rapid diagnostic test based on functional tests.