Group A1 Research Articles

Сравнительный анализ эффективности некоторых методов интенсивной терапии у беременных с тяжелой и крайне тяжелой формами коронавирусной инфекции

Objective: to analyze the effectiveness of intensive care methods for severe forms of coronavirus infection in pregnant women. Material and methods: a cohort single-center prospective-retrospective study was conducted, including 83 completed clinical cases of the retrospective part and 54 patients of the prospective part. All patients were divided into 3 risk groups for an unfavorable outcome (low, medium and high), based on the value of the prognostic index. The group of patients with medium and high risk was divided into subgroups depending on the intensive care provided. The effectiveness of treatment in the study groups was assessed based on mortality rates, the duration of treatment of patients in the intensive care unit and intensive care unit, as well as the frequency of transferring the patient to artificial ventilation. Results. In the medium-risk group, the use of surfactant (group 2A) and the combined use of surfactant and a single administration of tocilizumab (group 2B) in addition to basic therapy turned out to be more effective than basic treatment alone (group 2B). At the same time, no statistical differences in the effectiveness of these two approaches were found. In the high-risk group, a comprehensive approach (group 3B), including extracorporeal treatment methods and multicomponent anti-inflammatory therapy, turned out to be more effective than anti-inflammatory therapy alone: tocilizumab twice (group 3A) and tocilizumab in combination with pulse therapy with methylprednisolone. Conclusion. Dividing patients into prognostic groups and conducting early complex therapy helps to reduce maternal mortality, the duration of treatment in the intensive care unit, and prevent excessive therapeutic aggression.

All-solid-waste cementitious materials for grouting: Effects of alkali content and elemental ratios on performance and sustainability

The use of all-solid waste cementitious materials (ACM) in coal mine grouting backfill offers substantial green, low-carbon, and energy-saving benefits. This study systematically examines the effects of combining carbide slag (CS), fly ash (FA), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) on the strength, workability, hydration characteristics, and microstructure of ACM. The utilization of sulfur-containing CS was achieved. The detrimental effects of delayed FA reaction and prolonged setting time can be mitigated by the introduction of high alkalinity or an increase in the Ca/Si ratio. The compressive strength may also be enhanced. The addition of excessive alkalinity (10 %) will result in a prolongation of the setting time. The primary hydration products include calcium aluminum silicate hydrate and magnesium-aluminum layered double hydroxide. Low Ca/Si ratios favor alkali metal ion charge balance, facilitating the transformation of silicate gels from single to double chains, while excessively high ratios reduce polymerization. Gmelinite forms when the (Ca+Na)/(Al+Si) ratio exceeds 1.6, and high NaOH concentrations inhibit ettringite formation. Validation shows that a GGBS:FA:CS= 3:1:3 mix with 4 % alkali binder (Group A2) meets mine grouting backfill criteria, with 80 % lower carbon emissions, 68 % lower energy intensity, and 50 % lower cost than cement. This research offers a viable pathway for the comprehensive utilization of multi-solid waste in mining applications.

Pain level and analgesic requirements in patients who underwent vaginal pelvic floor surgery following general or spinal anesthesia.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate postoperative pain levels and analgesic drug requirements in women who underwent GA or SA during vaginal pelvic floor surgeries. A retrospective cohort study. Women aged 18 or above who underwent vaginal pelvic floor surgery between 2019 and 2021 were included in the study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed separately for vaginal wall repair and stress urinary incontinence surgery. During the study period, 101 women underwent surgery under SA, and 99 women underwent surgery under GA. Intravenous analgesia administration rates were significantly lower under SA for both vaginal wall repair (20.2% vs. 38.9%, P=0.017) and mid-urethral sling placement (20.2% vs. 37.8%, p=0.007). Multivariate analysis revealed that intravenous analgesia requirement was significantly lower in the SA group than in the GA group after controlling for patient's age, concurrent hysterectomy, and mesh placement for vaginal wall repair (aOR= 0.33, p=0.008) and mid-urethral sling placement (aOR= 0.37, p=0.004). Limitaions: This is a rerospective study, thus the choice of anesthesia may be biased. SA is associated with less postoperative pain and intravenous analgesia requirement in women who undergo vaginal pelvic floor surgeries. However, further research is needed to determine the preferred anesthesia method for specific types of pelvic floor surgeries. GENERAL ANESTHESIA; SPINAL ANESTHESIA, ANALGESIA, PELVIC FLOOR SURGERY, PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE, STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE, ERAS. Vaginal pelvic floor surgeries under spinal anesthesia is associated with less postoperative pain and intravenous analgesia requirement.

Abnormal ReHo and ALFF values in drug-naïve depressed patients with suicidal ideation or attempts: Evidence from the REST-meta-MDD consortium

BackgroundThe assessment of suicide risk in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) is somewhat subjective in clinical diagnosis and may lead to diagnostic bias and serious consequences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether MDD patients with suicidal ideation or suicide attempts exhibited local brain functional synchrony and spontaneous activity intensity, thus providing certain imaging basis for suicide assessment. MethodsThis study was conducted using ReHo and ALFF analyses on 213 first episode drug-naïve MDD patients from the REST-meta-MDD consortium. All patients were categorized into MDD with SI or SA group and MDD without SI and SA. A voxel-based two-sample t-test was then used to identify brain regions with significant differences in ReHo or ALFF values. Finally, Reho or ALFF values of those brain regions in MDD with SI or SA group were extracted for correlation analysis with suicide severity. ResultsCompared with MDD patients without SI or SA, MDD patients with SI or SA had increased ReHo in the triangular part of left inferior frontal gyrus, orbital part of right inferior frontal gyrus and right precuneus gyrus, and increased ALFF in the middle occipital gyrus. All of these brain region characteristics were positively correlated with suicide severity on the HAMD 3th item score and HAMD 9th item score. ConclusionOur findings suggest that abnormalities of regional spontaneous brain activity were found in IFG, precuneus gyrus, and MOG among MDD patients with suicidal thoughts or attempts, which provides a reliable imaging basis for identifying and preventing suicide.

Histological and Enzymatic Changes of the Liver in Common Carp(Cyprinus carpio L. 1758) After Chronic Exposure to A Mixture of Goldate and Alexander Pesticides

Pesticides are man-made chemical compounds, widely used in agriculture to control different types of pests, product crops and prevent diseases which damage them. This experiment used herbicide Goldate, insecticide Alexander and their mixture with different concentrations exposed to common carp in 40L glass aquaria. The results showed that there was a significant increase in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) means value of mixture pesticides compared with control. The liver tissues of the fish exposure to pesticides groups G1, A1, M1 and M2 showed different degrees of jaundice, cellular swelling, necrosis hepatocytes and vascular degeneration of pancreatic acini and aggregation of bile pigments. These effects increased with the increase in pesticides concentrations and exposure time. These effects also increased when exposure was to more than one pesticide at the same time. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of two pesticides as mixture, study the chronic toxicity of Goldate, Alexander and their mixture by assessing ALT, AST and liver histological changes. This study concluded that the Goldate + Alexander mixture had adverse effects more than each one alone.

Molecular characterization of circulating infectious bursal disease viruses in chickens from different Egyptian governorates during 2023

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) induces severe immunosuppression in chickens, leading to significant economic losses in the global poultry industry. This study investigated 52 chicken flocks, including commercial broilers, layers, and baladi, from various Egyptian governorates in 2023. These flocks exhibited symptoms of depression, along with kidney and bursa lesions, indicative of IBDV infection. Pooled Bursal homogenates were tested using RT-PCR with VP2-specific primers, revealing that 20 flocks tested positive for IBDV. Six representative samples were selected from 20 positive flocks for isolation in embryonated chicken eggs. The embryonic lesions observed included haemorrhage, skull swelling, and liver necrosis with a pale-yellow appearance, in addition to congestion and thickening in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Partial amplification of the VP2 gene from the harvested embryo suspensions of the six IBDV isolates was performed for sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences revealed that five IBDV isolates (VV4, VV5, VV6, VV10, and VV16) belonged to the very virulent strain group A3 cluster, whereas one isolate (VV2) clustered with Chinese Variant strains in the A2d group. Sequence analysis of the hypervariable region (HVR) of VP2 compared to that of Egypt-USC-IBD-1-2019 and vvIBDV/Beh21/Egypt/18 highly virulent IBDV strains revealed several amino acid mutations. The VP2 HVR of all isolates maintained the serine-rich heptapeptide sequence SWSASGS, which is adjacent to the major hydrophilic peak B and serves as a virulence marker. Histopathological examination revealed that bursae from chickens infected with vvIBDV exhibited marked interlobular oedema and lymphoid depletion. In contrast, bursae from chickens infected with Variant IBDV showed massive lymphoid depletion, with hyperplasia of the bursal capsule. These findings highlight the circulation of both virulent and Variant IBDV strains in Egyptian chicken flocks, complicating disease control. Consequently, there is a need to update vaccination programs and vaccine strains for IBDV in Egypt.

Removable denture use, fit, and all-cause mortality in older adults with reduced occlusal support: The OHSAKA study

Statement of problemAs the global population ages, tooth loss among older adults has become increasingly prevalent, impacting oral function and overall health. Although removable dentures have been used to improve masticatory function, the long-term effects of denture conditions on mortality are unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to clarify the association between removable denture condition and the mortality rate in older adults with reduced occlusal support. Material and methodsThis longitudinal study analyzed survival data (up to 2022) for 186893 individuals aged ≥75 years who underwent dental examinations through public healthcare services between 2018 and 2020. The participants were categorized into 10 groups (A1 to A3, B1 to B4, and C1 to C3) based on their occlusal support status using the Eichner index. Denture conditions were assessed by private practice dentists and classified into 3 categories: well-fitting, poorly fitting, and not used. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between denture conditions and mortality by considering the following control variables: age, sex, history of chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and dementia), smoking habits, and body mass index for the entire study population and within each of the B1 to B4 and C1 to C3 groups. ResultsSignificantly higher hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality were observed with occlusal support deterioration, poorly fitting dentures, and nonusage, with the peak observed in the C3 group with no dentures. The HRs (with 95% confidence intervals) of well-fitting dentures were consistently the lowest across all groups as follows: 0.98 (0.90 to 1.06) in B1, 1.02 (0.95 to 1.10) in B2, 1.11 (1.03 to 1.19) in B3, 1.14 (1.07 to 1.22) in B4, 1.15 (1.05 to 1.26) in C1, 1.28 (1.21 to 1.37) in C2, and 1.58 (1.46 to 1.72) in C3, with the A1 to A3 group as the reference. Poorly fitting or no dentures were associated with increased HRs in the Eichner groups B3 to C3, compared with well-fitting dentures. ConclusionsThis large population-based cohort study found that well-fitting dentures were associated with lower mortality risk in older adults with reduced posterior occlusal support. Nonusage or poorly fitting dentures were associated with an increased risk of mortality as occlusal support deteriorated.

The Effect of Latanoprostene Bunod 0.024% on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Newly Diagnosed Open Angle Glaucoma.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of topical latanoprostene bunod 0.024% applied once daily on intraocular pressure and macular vessel density in newly diagnosed primary and pseudoexfoliative open angle glaucoma patients. A total of 66 patients with newly diagnosed open angle glaucoma were included in this study (group 1). Thirty-four patients had primary (POAG, group 1A) and 32 patients had secondary (pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, PXG, group 1B) open angle glaucoma. Thirty-two healthy participants (group 2) were included in this single-center, prospective study. In group 1, the mean IOP decrease in first month of treatment with LBN was 7.7mm Hg and IOP change was -30.8%. In the superficial slab, the vessel density (VD) in the superior and nasal quadrants was lower in group 1B compared to group 1A in the first month of treatment (P=0.038, P=0.019, respectively). In the choriocapillaris slab, the VD in the superior quadrant at baseline (before treatment) was statistically lower in both groups compared to the VD in the superior quadrant in the first month of treatment (P<0.001, for both). In conclusion, treatment with LBN ophthalmic solution 0.024% reduced IOP by an average of 29.9% and 31.8% in patients with POAG and PXG, respectively, and improved VD in different quadrants in all slabs. Therefore, the importance of LBN in the treatment of glaucoma is likely to be that it increases macular microcirculation, possibly via NO, independent of its IOP-reducing effect.

Efficacy of acupuncture for pregnancy with early-onset ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: study protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial

IntroductionAlthough ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a common complication primarily seen in patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation-embryo transfer, there is no recognised effective treatment to manage it, especially for pregnant...

Impact of artificial feeding on the phenolic composition of Mandaçaia honey (Melipona quadrifasciata)

This pioneering study explored juçara fruit formulations as an artificial feeding strategy for Mandaçaia bees (Melipona quadrifasciata) with three main objectives: to develop different juçara artificial feeding formulations, evaluate their acceptability by the bees, and assess their influence on the honey’s phenolic profile. Artificial feeding has been an increasingly valuable practice that supports bee nutrition and honey production, particularly in regions facing seasonal nectar shortages. Two groups of juçara-based formulations were designed: one using a juçara stock solution (1:1; m/v) diluted with water in varying proportions - T1 (50:50; v/v), T2 (30:70; v/v), and T3 (10:90; v/v), and another combining the juçara stock solution (1:1; m/v) with syrup - T4 (50:50; v/v), T5 (30:70; v/v), and T6 (10:90; v/v). Among these, T1 (A1) and T4 (A2) were chosen for the feeding trials, along a standard syrup solution as the control (A3). Feeding treatments A1 and A2 were associated with an increase in glycosylated compounds (hesperidin, rutin, kaempferol, and kaempferol-3-rutinoside) compared to control honey, suggesting potential deglycosylation of these compounds during honey maturation. Most samples met honey maturity standards, with one exception in the A1 group. Although a definitive statistical correlation between phenolic profile and specific feeding formulations was not established, juçara-based feedings significantly elevated total phenolic levels in the honey. These results provide critical insights into the application of juçara formulations, establishing a basis for future research into enhanced feeding strategies to optimize honey production and quality.

Choice and motor impulsivity in Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury with and without history of suicide attempt

Traumatic brain injury is associated with increased risk for suicide, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. One candidate mechanism is impulsivity, which includes both choice impulsivity (e.g., preference for smaller, immediate rewards) and motor impulsivity (inability to inhibit prepotent motor responding). We evaluated these facets of impulsivity in Veterans classified according to their history of mild TBI (mTBI) and/or prior suicide attempt. 99 Veterans were classified as having no mTBI or suicide attempt (control, n = 35), mTBI but no suicide attempt (mTBI, n = 42), or mTBI and prior attempt (mTBI+SA, n = 22). A computerized temporal discounting task (Monetary Choice Questionnaire) assessed choice impulsivity and a Go/No-go task assessed motor impulsivity. On temporal discounting, the control group showed less choice impulsivity than the mTBI group. Temporal discounting was not associated with suicide attempt history. However, among the mTBI+SA group, those with high-lethality suicide attempts showed less choice impulsivity than those with low-lethality attempts. No group differences emerged on the Go/No-go task. The findings are consistent with choice impulsivity as a potential pathway by which mTBI affects risk for suicide. The finding that high-lethality attempts were associated with greater willingness to wait for reward supports the emerging view of heterogeneous underlying pathways to suicide risk, with distinct phenotypes that implicate different therapeutic options.

Estimation of Population Attributable Fraction by Hormone and Reproductive Factors on Female Cancer in the Republic of Korea, 2015 to 2030.

Population attributable fractions (PAFs) for hormone and reproductive factors have been estimated in several countries. IARC designated as Group 1 and Group 2A carcinogen for hormone factors in breast, ovarian, endometrial and uterine cervix cancer. This study aimed to estimate the PAFs of hormone/reproductive factor attributed to cancer incidence and deaths in Korean women and projected trends from 2015 to 2030. The PAF was estimated with using the 2005 standardized prevalence rates and 2020 incidence and deaths with a 15-year latency. Based on the Levin's formula, prevalence rates were calculated using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and the relative risks (RRs), which were the risk of selected female cancer associated with oral contraceptive, hormone replacement therapy and duration of breastfeeding, were estimated from the meta-analysis of studies performed in Korean women population. Studies based on the Asian and Global populations were calculated as a sensitivity analysis. The estimation PAFs for hormone was 1.02% with 1,192 cases and reproductive was 2.67% with 3,112 cases. Moreover, 0.40% (125 deaths) and 1.09% (342 deaths) in female-related cancer deaths in order. EP combined HRT accounted the most proportion in hormone factors and breastfeeding in reproductive factors. Also, the breast cancer had the highest percent in both hormone and reproductive factors. Through this study, 1.02% and 2.67% of female-related cancer incidence will be reduced by encouraging avoiding the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breastfeeding for more than 6 months in reproductive factors. Additionally, among four selected female cancers in this study, breast cancer was observed to be a significant level of prevention.

High mobility group A1 (HMGA1) promotes the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer by increasing lipid synthesis

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, enabling tumor cells to meet the high energy and biosynthetic demands required for their proliferation. High mobility group A1 (HMGA1) is a structural transcription factor and frequently overexpressed in human colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we show that HMGA1 promotes CRC progression by driving lipid synthesis in a AOM/DSS-induced CRC mouse model. Using conditional knockout (Hmga1△IEC) and knock-in (Hmga1IEC-OE/+) mouse models, we demonstrate that HMGA1 enhances CRC cell proliferation and accelerates tumor development by upregulating fatty acid synthase (FASN). Mechanistically, HMGA1 increases the transcriptional activity of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) on the FASN promoter, leading to increased lipid accumulation in intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, a high-fat diet exacerbates CRC progression in Hmga1△IEC mice, while pharmacological inhibition of FASN by orlistat reduces tumor growth in Hmga1IEC-OE/+ mice. Our findings suggest that targeting lipid metabolism could offer a promising therapeutic strategy for CRC.

Intraperitoneal Administration of S100A8 Ameliorates Experimental Acute Colitis in Rats.

S100A8 is a protein that is abundant in neutrophils and macrophages (MΦ), but its role in inflammation remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the immunological role(s) of S100A8 in acute intestinal inflammation in rats and its role in MΦ. Rat recombinant S100A8 (rr-S100A8, 1.0 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered daily to rats with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) (DSS + A8 group)-induced experimental acute colitis. The histological severity score (6.50 ± 0.51, p = 0.038) in the DSS + A8 group rats remained lower than that (9.75 ± 1.48) of the rats without S100A8 (DSS group) administration. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production in the colon tissues of the rats in the DSS + A8 group (4.76 ± 0.90 pg/mL/g, p = 0.042) was significantly suppressed, compared with that of the DSS group (10.45 ± 2.04 pg/mL/g). To stimulate rat peritoneal MΦ, rr-S100A8, the anti-rat S100A8 antibody, and a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used in the in vitro experiments. In the MΦ stimulated with rr-S100A8 for 2 h, the mRNA level of intracellular S100A8 (47.41 ± 24.44, p = 0.002) increased in an autocrine manner, whereas that of S100A9 (0.24 ± 0.43, p = 0.782) was not significant. The TNF-α mRNA level in the MΦ treated with LPS and the anti-rat S100A8 antibody significantly increased (102.26 ± 18.60, p = 0.001) compared to that with LPS alone (16.9 ± 8.56). These results indicate that S100A8 can serve as an anti-inflammatory protein in acute inflammation by negatively regulating S100A9 and TNF-α production through inflammatory signaling pathways in MΦ.

Effect of STIN2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene on background EEG in aged subjects depends on the intellectual environment of professional activity

Previously, we found that associations between the STin2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene and cognitive characteristics during aging depend on the intellectual environment of professional activity. In this regard, the present study was aimed to investigate the age-related characteristics of the electrical activity of the brain depending on this polymorphism and long-term intellectual training. We examined EEG power indicators in subjects of the younger (YG, 18–35 years, N = 261) and older (OG, 55–80 years, N = 142) age groups. According to the intellectual richness of the professional activity environment, the subjects were divided into scientists (SA) and those engaged in non-scientific activities (NSA). All subjects were genotyped for the STin2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene. It was found that the power of delta-beta1 rhythms in older carriers of the 10/10 and 12/12 genotypes was opposite in SA and NSA groups (in the SA group 10/10 12/12, in the NSA 12/12 10/10) while similar effects in young subjects were absent. In the absence of cognitive training, genetic differences were determined by an age-related decrease in the power of delta-alpha3 rhythms in carriers of the 10/10 genotype with no age-related differences in carriers of the 12/12 genotype, suggesting the resistance of the 12/12 genotype to age-related changes. In contrast, under cognitive training conditions, there were no age differences in the 10/10 genotype, and a decrease in power was observed in the 12/12 genotype, suggesting an effect of cognitive training on both homozygous genotypes. The decrease in power observed for the 10/10 NSA and 12/12 SA genotypes appears to have different physiological significance, since it was accompanied by changes in attentional efficiency only in the NSA group. The work shows for the first time that the background EEG features associated with the STin2VNTR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene in elderly people are under the modulating influence of long-term cognitive training, determined by the specificity of professional activity.

Implicit affective responses to suicide-related stimuli: Differences as a function of suicide attempt history and concurrent substance use.

Individuals who are depressed, have suicide attempts, and a substance use disorder (SUD) may have different patterns of suicidal thoughts and behaviors and respond differently to cues associated with suicide and death. Implicit affective reactions to visual cues suggestive of suicide and death (as well as to pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral cues), were compared among three groups of hospitalized adults: (a) depressed patients without the histories of suicidal behavior (depression only), (b) depressed patients with suicide attempts, but no current substance abuse disorder (SA), and (c) depressed patients with both suicide attempts and substance use disorder (SA + SUD). The SA group demonstrated higher positive evaluations of visual cues associated with suicide and death when compared to the SA + SUD group. The SA + SUD group demonstrated the lowest positive evaluation of suicide-related stimuli as well as less positive evaluation of visual cues of generally unpleasant stimuli. Differences observed between SA and SA + SUD participants underscore differences in responses to cues related to suicide, which may reflect differences in mechanisms of risk.

CSF flow measurement in the mesencephalic aqueduct using 2D cine phase-contrast MRI in dogs with communicating internal hydrocephalus, ventriculomegaly, and physiologic ventricular spaces.

Brachycephalic dogs are overrepresented with ventricular enlargement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics are not completely understood. MRI techniques have been used for the visualization of CSF dynamics including phase-contrast imaging. This study aimed to determine a causality between CSF flow and ventriculomegaly or hydrocephalus and to compare CSF flow dynamics among dogs with ventriculomegaly, internal hydrocephalus, and physiologic ventricles. A total of 51 client-owned dogs were included in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based FLASH sequences and phase-contrast images of the brain were obtained, and the ROI was placed at the level of the mesencephalic aqueduct. ECG monitoring was performed parallel to MRI acquisition. Evaluation of flow diagrams and processing of phase-contrast images were performed using commercially available software (Argus VA80A, Siemens AG Healthcare Sector, Erlangen, Germany). Dogs were divided into three groups: Group 1 consisted of brachycephalic dogs with ventriculomegaly (group 1A) or internal hydrocephalus (group 1B), group 2 consisted of brachycephalic dogs with normal ventricles, and group 3 consisted of meso- to dolichocephalic dogs with normal ventricles. Group 1 had a higher median Vrost (4.32 cm/s; CI: 2.94-6.33 cm/s) and Vcaud (-6.1 cm/s, CI: 3.99-9.33 cm/s) than group 2 (Vrost: 1.99 cm/s; CI 1.43-2.78 cm/s; Vcaud: 2.91 cm/s, CI: 2.01-4.21 cm/s; p = 0.008; p = 0.03) and group 3 (Vrost:1.85 cm/s, CI: 1.31-2.60 cm/s; Vcaud - 2.46 cm/s, CI 1.68-3.58 cm/s; p = 0.01; p = 0.02). The median Volcaud of group 1 (-0.23 mL/min, CI: 0.13-0.42 mL/min) was higher than that of group 2 (-0.09 mL/min, CI: 0.05 mL/min and 0.15 mL/min) (p = 0.03). Groups 1A and 1B did not differ in Vcaud, Vrost, Volcaud, and Volrost. Group 1A and 1B showed a higher median Vrost (4.01 cm/s, CI: 2.30-7.05 cm/s; 5.94 cm/s, CI: 2.16-7.88 cm/s) than group 2 (1.85 cm/s, CI: 1.24-2.80 cm/s.) (p = 0.03; p = 0.004). Increased CSF flow velocities in rostral and caudal directions are present in dogs with ventriculomegaly and internal hydrocephalus compared to normal controls.

Glass Ionomer Modified with Bacterial Cellulose Nanocrystals. An In Vitro Analysis Assessing Shear Bond Strength and Microleakage Scores in Deciduous Dentition

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) and microleakage of bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs) incorporated into conventional glass ionomer cement (CGIC) when bonded to deciduous dentin. Sixty primary first and second molars with class I cavitated dentinal lesions were preserved and randomly allocated into two groups based on the technique used for caries removal. Group 1 utilized the conventional approach for caries removal, while Group 2 used Carie Care™ for caries removal. Each of these groups was further divided into two subgroups based on the type of restoration received. Microleakage and failure mode assessments were performed using a stereomicroscope, while SBS testing was conducted using a universal testing machine. The SBS and microleakage scores were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test with a significance level of p=0.05. Specimens from Group 1A (conventional approach+CGIC) presented the highest scores of marginal leakage, while Group 1B (conventional approach+BCNCs-modified CGIC) demonstrated the lowest values of microleakage. Additionally, samples from Group 2B (Carie Care™+BCNCs-modified CGIC) revealed the highest bond integrity scores. The incorporation of BCNCs into CGIC had a positive impact on both shear bond strength and marginal leakage when bonded to the dentin substrate. This modification improved the performance of the glass ionomer cement, enhancing its applicability in dental restorations.

Investigation of the relation between surfactant head group size and formation of different types of lyotropic structures in two surfactants/dye systems

Lyotropic phase properties of novel mixtures of some dodecylalkylammonium bromide surfactants (DAABr) in the mixtures of 1-dodecanol (DDeOH)/Sunset Yellow dye (SSY)/water were investigated. DAABr surfactants were chosen as dodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDMABr), dodecyldimethylethylamonium bromide (DDMEABr) and dodecyltriethylammonium bromide (DTEABr). In lyotropic mixtures, both surfactants were used in the mixtures, i.e., DDMABr/DDMEABr and DDMEABr/DTEABr to control the average number of the methylene (−CH2) groups in their head groups (navg) at the aggregates’ surfaces. By changing the relative concentrations of each surfactant in the mixtures at constant total surfactant and mixture compositions, lyotropic mixtures presenting lamellar, nematic, and hexagonal phases were obtained. The textures and types of lyotropic phases were analyzed by polarizing optical microscopy (POM), also confirmed by Small-angle X-ray scattering data. Uniaxial-to-biaxial nematic phase transitions were determined from the temperature dependence of the birefringences via laser conoscopy. Temperature-navg partial phase diagrams of the mixtures were constructed by combining the POM and laser conoscopy results. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was performed to determine the structural parameters. The results indicate that there is a close relation between the stabilization of different lyotropic structures and the average size per surfactant head group (a0) and the navg values.

Frankia [NiFe] uptake hydrogenases and genome reduction: different lineages of loss.

Uptake hydrogenase (Hup) recycles H2 formed by nitrogenase during nitrogen fixation, thereby preserving energy. Among root nodule bacteria, most rhizobial strains examined are Hup-, while only one Hup- Frankia inoculum had been identified. Previous analyses had led to the identification of two different [NiFe] hydrogenase syntons. We analysed the distribution of different types of [NiFe] hydrogenase in the genomes of different Frankia species. Our results show that Frankia strains can contain four different [NiFe] hydrogenase syntons representing groups 1f, 1h, 2a and 3b according to Søndergaard et al. (2016); no more than three types were found in any individual genome. The phylogeny of the structural proteins of groups 1f, 1h and 2a follows Frankia phylogeny; the phylogeny of the accessory proteins does not consistently. An analysis of different [NiFe] hydrogenase types in Actinomycetia shows that under the most parsimonious assumption, all four types were present in the ancestral Frankia strain. Based on Hup activities analysed and the losses of syntons in different lineages of genome reduction, we can conclude that groups 1f and 2a are involved in recycling H2 formed by nitrogenase while group 1h and group 3b are not.