Habitually Barefoot Children Inadvertently Resigned To Wear Ill-Fitting School Shoes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Research shows that ill-fitting shoes can negatively impact the development of the pediatric foot, in a very direct manner. The primary aim of the study was to determine if the dimensions of available prescribed school shoes fit the foot dimensions of habitually barefoot South African children and adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted where static standing foot measurements of children and adolescents from urban and rural schools were obtained with a mobile caliper. The maximum heel-toe-length (HTL) and foot width (FW) with an added 10 mm (millimetres) toe and width fit allowance to each participant, were compared to the corresponding school shoe length and shoe width available in retail. A mixed model ANOVA was used to compare foot dimensions between gender, age and side. Results Six hundred and ninety-eight school children (N=698) (431 girls; 267 boys; average age 10.86 years, SD=2.55) were participants. A total of seventy-seven (N=77) black coloured prescribed school shoes currently available in retail ranging from different styles and brands were measured. Results show that, comparing the shoe length (SL) and HTL of participants, as well as taking a10 mm toe allowance into account, fifty-nine percent (59%) of children wore shoes that were not the correct length. With regards to the shoe width (SW) and the added 10 mm of width fit allowance, ninety-eight percent (98%) of the shoes worn by participants were too narrow for their feet. Conclusions Results confirmed that school shoes currently available in retail, are not suited for the habitually barefoot population studied. It is recommended that the shoe manufacturing industry should consider the shoe width of school shoes for children and adolescents in habitually barefoot populations to avoid the long-term negative effect of ill-fitting shoes on the pediatric foot.

Prolonged Load Carriage Impacts Magnitude and Velocity of Knee Adduction Biomechanics

Background: This study determined whether prolonged load carriage increased the magnitude and velocity of knee adduction biomechanics and whether increases were related to knee varus thrust or alignment. Methods: Seventeen participants (eight varus thrust and nine control) had knee adduction quantified during 60-min of walking (1.3 m/s) with three body-borne loads (0 kg, 15 kg, and 30 kg). Magnitude, average and maximum velocity, and time to peak of knee adduction biomechanics were submitted to a mixed model ANOVA. Results: With the 0 and 15 kg loads, varus thrust participants exhibited greater magnitude (p ≤ 0.037, 1.9–2.3°), and average (p ≤ 0.027, up to 60%) and maximum velocity (p ≤ 0.030, up to 44%) of varus thrust than control, but differences were not observed with the 30 kg load. The 15 and 30 kg loads led to significant increases in magnitude (p ≤ 0.017, 15–25%) and maximum velocity (p ≤ 0.017, 11–20%) of knee adduction moment, while participants increased magnitude (p ≤ 0.043, up to 0.3°) and maximum velocity (p ≤ 0.022, up to 5.9°/s and 6.7°/s) for knee adduction angle and varus thrust at minutes 30 and 60. Static alignment did not differ between groups (p = 0.412). Conclusion: During prolonged load carriage, all participants increased the magnitude and velocity of knee adduction biomechanics and the potential risk of knee OA.

Comparative evaluation of radiographic density of different endodontic material

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the densities of four different brands of root canal sealers using three different intraoral imaging receptors. Four different root canal sealers used were – AH Plus (Dentsply Germany, Resin based), Epiphany (Pentron USA, Resin based), U/P (Sultan Healthcare, Zinc oxide eugenol based) and Apexit (Ivoclar / Vivadent, Calcium hydroxide based). The sealers were mixed according to manufacturer instructions and six specimens of each material were fabricated. All the specimens were imaged using three different intraoral #2 sized imaging receptors-D and E speed film and storage phosphor plates. D and E speed films were digitized and stored in JPEG format. All the images were exported into the Image J software (rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/) and the mean grey values and integrated density of each material was calculated from four random areas of each image and averaged. Mixed model ANOVA was performed. Pair wise comparison of mean grey values between the three imaging receptors and integral densities recorded by the receptors showed high statistical significance for all the four different root canal sealers. Results showed that the four different types of root canal sealers showed different optical densities on all the three receptors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the optical densities of four different brands of root canal sealers using three different intraoral imaging receptors.

The Effect of a Functional Strength Training Intervention on Movement Quality and Physical Fitness in Adolescents

This study compared a 12 week Functional Strength Training (FST) program on functional movement and physical performance to typical physical education (PE) classes for middle school (MS) and high school (HS) students. We randomly assigned 266 participants ( M age = 14.35, SD = 0.57 years; M height = 164.82, SD = 6.13 cm; M mass = 55.09, SD = 12.19 kg; M BMI = 20.11, SD = 3.54 kg/m2) into an FST or control group. The FST group trained in flexibility and stability, functional movement patterns, and health-related functional strength. The control group continued regular physical education (PE) classes. Each group trained three-times/week in 45 minute sessions for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included the Functional Movement Screen protocol and seven physical performance tests, assessed every four weeks over a 12 week period. We employed a mixed model ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests to examine differences between and within groups. Compared to the control group, the FST group significantly ( p < 0.01) improved Functional Movement Screen total scores (25.7%), curl-ups (70.4%), pull-ups (281.6%), and flexibility (83.6%). We suggest including the FST program in the MS and HS PE curriculum.

Multidisciplinary Evaluation of Pacifier Removal on Oro-Dentofacial Structures: A Controlled Clinical Trial

It is well recognized that pacifier habit leads to occlusal and orofacial functional changes in children. However, the effects of the interruption of prolonged pacifier habit on the development of the dento-facial complex has not yet been fully characterized. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pacifier removal on aspects of oro-dentofacial morphology and function in preschool children. For that, a pacifier group (n = 28) and a control group (n = 32) of 4-year-old children with and without pacifier habit, respectively, were followed up by a group of dentists and speech therapists at baseline, 6 and 12 months after habit removal. Bite force and lip pressure were assessed using digital systems, and the evaluation of breathing and speech functions was performed using validated protocols, together with the measurements of dental casts and facial anthropometry. The Two-way mixed model ANOVA was used in data analysis. After 12 months, a decrease in malocclusion frequency was observed in pacifier group. Additionally, a change over time was observed in facial, intermolar and palate depth measurements, as well in bite and lip forces and speech function scores, increasing in both groups (p &lt; 0.01). The upper and lower intercanine widths and breathing scores differed between groups at baseline and changed over time reducing the differences. The presence of speech distortions was more frequent in the pacifier group at baseline and decreased over time (p &lt; 0.05). The interruption of pacifier habit improved the maxillary and mandibular intercanine widths, as well as the breathing and speech functions, overcoming the oro-dentofacial changes found.Trial Registration: This clinical trial was registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC; http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/), protocol no. RBR-728MJ2.

A-145 Tunnel Vision: A Novel Investigation of the Effect of Depression on Field of View

Objective This study examined the effects of depression on field of view and memory as it relates to cognitive remittance of depression. Depressed individuals possess a negativity bias producing a narrowed field of view, attentional bias, and enhanced memory for negative emotional information. Methods The study investigated whether formerly depressed (remitted) individuals are truly cognitively remitted and display the same emotional and attention inhibitions and memory as depressed individuals, specifically under a negatively mood induced state. Female participants aged 39–85 were grouped into non-depressed (healthy) and remitted categories. The study followed a 3-day testing procedure which included diagnostic verification on the first day, and eye-tracking methods on the second and third day looking at a series of emotionally valenced images. The study employed a 2 x 3 x 2 mixed model ANOVA. Results Results suggested that remitted individuals possess a narrower field of view, especially when subjected to a negative mood induction as seen in Figure 1. Results also suggested that a negative mood induction results in greater visual exploration (attention) to negatively valenced information for formerly depressed individuals. Results showed that remitted individuals continued to demonstrate significantly different viewing patterns (i.e., saccade amplitudes and number of fixations) to emotionally valenced information under a negative mood induction but, this did not impact recognition memory. Conclusion Taken together, the results of the study support the idea that formerly depressed individuals experience a perceptual and cognitive tunnel vision that elaborates on their inhibited negative cognitive schemas and puts them at risk for relapse into further episodes of depression.

Force Degradation of Elastomeric Chains after Storage Time and Mechanical Brushing

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the force decrease of different elastomeric chains after different times: initial, 10 minutes, 1 day, 28 days and after mechanical brushing. Twenty orthodontic elastomeric chains segments were utilized for each commercial brand. Initially, the elastomeric chain of 15mm long were immediate stretched up to 20 mm in an Instron and the force was measured in gf. After all specimens were placed stretched on rectangular acrylic jigs with distance of 20 mm, immersed in deionized water at 37oC for 10 minutes and the force (gf) was measured again. Five test measurements of remaining force were made at the following time intervals: initial, 10 minutes, 1 day, 28 days and mechanical brushing. After 28 days, the acrylic plates with the specimens were adapted in the mechanical brushing machines (MSCT 3) and the elastomeric chains were submitted to mechanical brushing and the force (gf) measure again. The force (gf) was submitted to mixed-model ANOVA and Sidak post-hoc test (α=0.05). A statistically significant reduction in the force was found for all orthodontic elastomeric chain types after 1 day, 28 days and mechanical brushing (p<0.05). Morelli and 3M Unitek elastomeric chains showed significantly higher force than Abzil and GAC (p<0.05) after 1 day, 28 days and mechanical brushing. In conclusion, the force delivered by all elastomeric chains decayed rapidly over time. Morelli and 3M Unitek elastomeric chains consistently had a significantly greater force after mechanic brushing, while GAC the lowest.

Brief telephone intervention for caregivers of medically complex patients during COVID-19

The VA Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) program consists of an interdisciplinary team, including psychology, serving veterans with complex medical conditions who are supported by live-in caregiver(s). HBPC psychologists may work with caregivers to address caregiver stress. Some veterans enrolled in HBPC attend Adult Day Care (ADC) programs, allowing respite for caregivers. At the onset of COVID19 pandemic, ADC centers closed to minimize spread of the virus. The authors identified these caregivers to be at high risk for burnout and sought to develop a protocol to assist these caregivers via telephone and evaluate outcomes. PreCOVID-19 caregiver stress was known via a 4-item Zarit Caregiver Burden annual screening (Bédard et al., 2001). Following ADC closures, caregivers of veterans enrolled in ADC programs were contacted and re-administered the Zarit to determine impact of COVID-19 on caregiver stress. Caregivers of veterans not attending ADC were also contacted for comparison. Contacted caregivers were provided a brief CBT-based intervention via telephone, and post-intervention Zarit screening was administered after two weeks. Ultimately, 4 ADC caregivers and 4 non-ADC caregivers were contacted and provided with services before ADC centers reopened. Statistical analysis via mixed model ANOVA did not yield significant results, likely due to small sample size, although there was a large effect size (η_p^2 =.566). ADC caregivers generally reported increased stress from baseline following ADC closure and reduced stress following provision of intervention. The authors will present caregiver feedback about aspects of telephone intervention that were helpful, and not helpful, as well as authors impression.

109 Phytate supplementation has minimal impact on mineral digestibility in horses

Phosphorus in equine rations is supplied by inorganic mineral fortification or naturally-occurring P in forages and grains. Up to 70% of P in plant material is bound to phytate. In monogastrics like poultry and swine, phytate can reduce absorption of P and divalent cations, but the extent that this occurs in horses is unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that phytate decreases mineral digestibility in horses. Six mature Quarter Horse geldings (mean ± SE, 586 ± 19 kg, 10 ± 1.5 y) were randomly assigned to two treatments applied in a cross-over design: IP6 (Ca-Mg-phytate isolated from rice bran fed at 15 mg phytic acid/kg BW) or CON (equivalent Ca, Mg and P from inorganic minerals to match intake from IP6). The level of phytate added represented an amount present in grain-rich rations typically fed to broodmares, growing horses and performance athletes. Supplements were added to a basal diet (1.75% BW, DM basis) consisting of 75% timothy hay and 25% roughage-based concentrate. Each 14-d period had an 11-d treatment adaptation followed by a 3-d total fecal collection. After acid digestion, P was determined colorimetrically and other minerals were determined by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Data were analyzed using mixed model ANOVA. Intakes of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Cu and Fe were similar between treatments (140, 72, 40, 1.05, 0.24, and 1.78 mg/kg BW respectively). Apparent P digestibility (18.8 and 17%, SEM 1.9; P = 0.41) and estimates of true P digestibility (32.8 and 30.8%, SEM 1.9; P = 0.39) were similar between CON and IP6. Apparent digestibilities of other minerals were also not affected by IP6 supplementation. Findings suggest horses have sufficient microbial phytase activity in the gastrointestinal tract to mitigate impacts of dietary phytate. Higher levels or different forms of phytate and marginal mineral intake may yield different results.

PSI-25 The effect of growth rate on the uterine environment in beef heifers

Replacement heifers provide the foundation of breeding herds by incorporating new and improving genetics. Growth rate (GR) manipulation during heifer development may alter the uterine environment via immune response impacting reproductive function. Angus-crossbred heifers (n = 48) were blocked into 4 weight classes and randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) control (CON) fed to gain 0.68 kg/day for 120 d, 2) fast to slow (F/S) fed to achieve 1.25 kg/day for 57 d, then 0.11 kg/day for 63 d, and 3) slow to fast (S/F) fed to achieve 0.11 kg/day for 57 d, then 1.25 kg/day for 63 d. Heifers were supplemented (75% dry distillers grain and 25% corn) four times weekly to achieve desired GR and offered ad libitum forage and water. Blood, BW and BCS were taken every two wks beginning at the start of treatment (d 0) and supplements were adjusted following BW measurement. Uterine and vaginal flushes were taken at d 0, 57, and 120 to determine cytokine and hormone presence. Mixed model ANOVA utilized fixed effects of treatment, day, and their interaction to analyze influence of GR on BW, BCS, average daily gain (ADG), and feed:gain (F:G). All BW were similar until the GR switch; CON and S/F decreased for 3 samples and then returned to similarity (P=0.06). ADG was lower in CON and S/F immediately following GR switch; however, all treatments were similar before and after this event (P=0.0054). All maintained similar F:G until F/S decreased after GR switch (P=0.01). Total F:G was similar for all treatments (CON=18.3, F/S=26.5, S/F=22.7; P=0.25) In conclusion, altering GR during development will allow producers to hit growth thresholds but may impact the uterine environment. We plan to further elucidate the immune profile via cytokine and hormone concentrations from uterine and vaginal flushes.