Aged Group Research Articles

ESTIMATION FOLLICULAR FLUID CONTENTS AND SERUM IN AGEING IRAQI WOMEN-DURING IVF/ICSI CYCLES

This study was aimed to estimate the effects of women age on oocytes quantity and quality and to determine whether there is a correlation between serum and follicular hormone levels. The samples were collected in the higher institute for the diagnosis of infertility and assisted reproduction techniques, Baghdad, Iraq. The 60 participants were split into two age groups, G1involved women younger than 35, while G2 involved women older than 35 years of age. The levels of FSH, LH, AMH, and GH in the serum and follicular fluid (FF) could be measured using (ELISA). The results demonstrated differences in the serum levels of FSH, LH, AMH, and GH between the young and elderly groups of infertile women on the day of oocyte extraction. The results proved statistically highly significant (P≤0.01) drop in the mean levels of hormones in the aged women group (FSH 21.67±0.53; LH 62.12±0.54; AMH 1370.74±94.59; GH 9.76±0.32 mIU/ML) compared with the younger women group (FSH 33.86±0.72; LH 85.072±2.70; AMH 3310.92±83.87; GH 30.40±0.45 mIU/ML). in this study the level of studied hormones in FF were significantly decreased with increasing women age, the mean of (FSH 19.59 ±0.28; LH 63.34 ±0.27; AMH 1769.46 ±17.92; GH 7.86 ±027 mIU/ML) in comparison with those levels in the younger group (FSH 31.40 ±0.95; LH 95.07 ±2.58; AMH 2547.35 ±124.09; GH 23.33 ±0.67 mIU/ML).

Determination of Heavy Metals in the Hair of Some Occupational Workers in Some Local Government of Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in hair samples of occupational workers (mechanics, electricians, and welders) in the Mubi, Gombi, and Numan local government areas of Adamawa State. The hair sample was washed with non-ionic detergent and acetone to remove contamination and digested with 20cm3 of 3:1 mixture of concentrated nitric acid and perchloric acid. The sample was later analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for the determination of heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), Zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu). The results of this study show that heavy metals in hair samples from different subjects accumulate differently based on exposure. The concentrations of heavy metals in welder workers' hair are the highest values among other occupations (mechanics and electricians), except in Mubi where mechanics workers have the highest concentration. The levels of all the metals increase with respect to age except age 26 – 40 in Mubi which is even higher than the aged group 41 – 55. This research shows that there is a statistically significant relationship between the type of work or workplace and the heavy metal concentration detected in hair samples. There is an instantaneous need for public awareness about the hazards of this occupation to enable occupational workers to take necessary precautionary measures. Keywords: Heavy metals, Human hair, Occupational workers (welders, mechanics, and electricians)

Targeting microbiota–immune–synaptic plasticity to explore the effect of tea polyphenols on improving memory in the aged type 2 diabetic rat model

ABSTRACT Objectives The study aimed to explore whether TP could improve memory in the aged type 2 diabetic rat model by regulating microbiota-immune-synaptic plasticity axis. Methods The experiment was divided into two parts. Firstly, to investigate the effects of TP on the physiopathology of the aged T2DM model rats, rats were randomly divided into the Normal control group, the aged group, the Aged T2DM model group, the TP 75, 150, 300 mg/kg groups, the 150 mg/kg Piracetam group and the 3 mg/kg Rosiglitazone group. Then, to further verify whether TP improved memory in aged T2DM rat model by regulating intestinal flora, the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from the rats in the 300 mg/kg TP group into the rats in the aged T2DM model group was carried out. Effects on gut microbiota, colonic integrity (epithelial tight junction proteins), and endotoxemia (serum LPS) were examined, along with synaptic structure, synaptic plasticity-related structural proteins and inflammation signaling of the hippocampus in our study. Results Our results demonstrated that TP alleviated memory impairments in the aged T2DM rat model. The specific outcomes were as follows: TP 300 mg/kg corrected the gut dysbacteriosis, alleviated intestinal permeability reduction and peripheral/central inflammation, inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Meanwhile, TP improved the synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of the aged T2DM model rats, whose expressions of SYN, PSD 95, NMDAR1 and GluR1 in hippocampus were significantly up-regulated. Surprisingly, rats of the FMT group displayed the same changes. Discussion TP improves the memory in aged T2DM rat model. The mechanism may be related to the alteration of gut flora, which can inhibit hippocampal TLR4/NF-κB signaling to attenuate neuroinflammation, then improve synaptic plasticity. The study proposes that TP interventions aimed at manipulating the gut microbiota may hold great potential as an effective approach for preventing and treating this disease.

Exploring Aesthetic Perception in Impaired Aging: A Multimodal Brain-Computer Interface Study.

In the field of neuroscience, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are used to connect the human brain with external devices, providing insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processes, including aesthetic perception. Non-invasive BCIs, such as EEG and fNIRS, are critical for studying central nervous system activity and understanding how individuals with cognitive deficits process and respond to aesthetic stimuli. This study assessed twenty participants who were divided into control and impaired aging (AI) groups based on MMSE scores. EEG and fNIRS were used to measure their neurophysiological responses to aesthetic stimuli that varied in pleasantness and dynamism. Significant differences were identified between the groups in P300 amplitude and late positive potential (LPP), with controls showing greater reactivity. AI subjects showed an increase in oxyhemoglobin in response to pleasurable stimuli, suggesting hemodynamic compensation. This study highlights the effectiveness of multimodal BCIs in identifying the neural basis of aesthetic appreciation and impaired aging. Despite its limitations, such as sample size and the subjective nature of aesthetic appreciation, this research lays the groundwork for cognitive rehabilitation tailored to aesthetic perception, improving the comprehension of cognitive disorders through integrated BCI methodologies.

Crop Contamination and Human Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances around a Fluorochemical Industrial Park in China.

Due to their significant environmental impact, there has been a gradual restriction of the production and utilization of legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), leading to continuous development and adoption of novel alternatives. To effectively identify the potential environmental risks from crop consumption, the levels of 25 PFAS, including fourteen perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), two precursor substances and nine novel alternatives, in agricultural soils and edible parts of various crops around a fluoride industrial park (FIP) in Changshu city, China, were measured. The concentration of ΣPFAS in the edible parts of all crops ranged from 11.64 to 299.5 ng/g, with perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) being the dominant compound, accounting for an average of 71% of ΣPFAS. The precursor substance, N-methylperfluoro-octanesulfonamidoacetic acid (N-MeFOSAA), was detected in all crop samples. Different types of crops showed distinguishing accumulation profiles for the PFAS. Solanaceae and leafy vegetables showed higher levels of PFAS contamination, with the highest ΣPFAS concentrations reaching 190.91 and 175.29 ng/g, respectively. The highest ΣAlternative was detected in leafy vegetables at 15.21 ng/g. The levels of human exposure to PFAS through crop consumption for various aged groups were also evaluated. The maximum exposure to PFOA for urban toddlers reached 109.8% of the standard value set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). In addition, short-chained PFAAs and novel alternatives may pose potential risks to human health via crop consumption.

Heterogenous effect of early adulthood stress on cognitive aging and synaptic function in the dentate gyrus.

Cognitive aging widely varies among individuals due to different stress experiences throughout the lifespan and vulnerability of neurocognitive mechanisms. To understand the heterogeneity of cognitive aging, we investigated the effect of early adulthood stress (EAS) on three different hippocampus-dependent memory tasks: the novel object recognition test (assessing recognition memory: RM), the paired association test (assessing episodic-like memory: EM), and trace fear conditioning (assessing trace memory: TM). Two-month-old rats were exposed to chronic mild stress for 6 weeks and underwent behavioral testing either 2 weeks or 20 months later. The results show that stress and aging impaired different types of memory tasks to varying degrees. RM is affected by combined effect of stress and aging. EM became less precise in EAS animals. TM, especially the contextual memory, showed impairment in aging although EAS attenuated the aging effect, perhaps due to its engagement in emotional memory systems. To further explore the neural underpinnings of these multi-faceted effects, we measured long-term potentiation (LTP), neural density, and synaptic density in the dentate gyrus (DG). Both stress and aging reduced LTP. Additionally, the synaptic density per neuron showed a further reduction in the stress aged group. In summary, EAS modulates different forms of memory functions perhaps due to their substantial or partial dependence on the functional integrity of the hippocampus. The current results suggest that lasting alterations in hippocampal circuits following EAS could potentially generate remote effects on individual variability in cognitive aging, as demonstrated by performance in multiple types of memory.

Deciphering the Involvement of Chronic Inflammation in Osteoarthritis: Evaluation of Complement 3 and Cathepsin D in Osteoarthritic Patients—A Retrospective Case Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as the prevailing degenerative joint condition, and although it is widely observed, its precise causes are not fully understood. The main focus of the study was to assess the role of Complement C3 and Cathepsin D in the development of knee osteoarthritis (OA), which is the most prevalent degenerative joint disease. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in 20 patients with knee OA and 20 healthy control group. OA knee (Grade II/III, Radiological Kellgren and Lawrence (K/L) classification), aged between 40 and 65 years were able to walk with a painful knee. The study also included healthy age-matched controls. The concentration of Complement C3 and Cathepsin D in serum was determined. Results: The results of the present study demonstrated significantly (P < 0.001) higher concentrations of C3 and Cathepsin D in OA patients in comparison to that of the healthy aged matched control group. Conclusions: The analysis showed that inflammatory markers, Complement C3 as well as Cathepsin D may be used as diagnostic markers of knee OA. The observations suggest that the activation of the complement system mainly affects processes within the joints, while C3 appears to play a central role in generating a systemic inflammatory response.

Seroprevalence of brucellosis antibodies and associated risk factors among the hospitalized patient, Aleppo, Syria: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Brucellosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world, especially in developing countries. Recent reports show that Syria is among the top ten countries where brucellosis is most prevalent. The purpose of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis antibodies among the hospitalized patients, in one of the largest hospitals in northern Syria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the hospitalized patients. The authors used a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and brucellosis-related data from the patients. The authors also collected blood samples from these patients to be screened for brucellosis antibodies using Wright Coombs Agglutination and 2-mercaptoethanol tests, during the period from November 2021 and March 2022. Among the 776 patients who were recruited in the study, the seroprevalence of brucellosis antibodies was 13.1% (n=776). The highest prevalence was among the female sex (16.7%, n=298), middle aged group 12-40 years (24.1%, n=116), and patients with history of brucellosis (30.1%, n=53). Among the positive samples, the findings of 2-mercaptoethanol tests show that (14.7%, n=102) were positive (presence of IgG Antibodies), and (75.5%, n=102) were negative. This study is the first to describe the epidemiology of brucellosis in northern Syria. It clearly shows high rates of positivity, which reflects immense challenges facing the public health sector in Syria. The best next step in light of this crisis is to raise awareness among population about brucellosis and its risk factor.

Effects of saponins Rb1 and Re in American ginseng combined intervention on immune system of aging model.

Aging is a major risk factor for the development of many pathological processes, such as reduced immunity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases or neurodegenerative diseases, while age-related chronic diseases are the most common causes of death. This paper studies the effects of American ginseng saponin Rb1 and Re alone and combined intervention on the immune system of aging mouse models, by using 30mg/kg Rb1, 15mg/kg Re, and Rb1 + Re (30mg/kg Rb1 and 15mg/kg Re (co-intervention) was used to intervene in the aging model, and immune indicators such as thymus index, spleen index, interleukin and interferon were detected to evaluate the impact of Rb1 and Re on immune function. The results show that Rb1 and Re intervention alone can increase the spleen index by 7%-12% and the thymus index by 12%-19% in the aging model. After Rb1 or Re alone intervened, the apoptotic cells in the thymus were slightly reduced, and the proportion of apoptotic cells was reduced. The combination of Rb1 + Re can promote the thymus index and spleen index to increase by 23.40% and 25.5% respectively, which is more advantageous than Rb1 or Re alone. In addition, Rb1 and Re intervention can reduce the level of interferon INF to a level comparable to that of young mice. Rb1 + Re can not only reduce the INF content, but also reduce the TNF content. The above results show that American ginseng saponin Rb1 and Re can delay the decline of the immune system in the aging model, and the combined intervention of the two is significantly better than individual intervention in the recovery of the immune system. This paper can provide theoretical basis and data support for the development of American ginseng nutritional supplements and its application in aging groups products to improve immunity.

Effects of aging on attachment of Candida albicans to conventional heat-polymerized, CAD-CAM milled, and CAD-CAM 3D-printed acrylic resin bases.

The aim of this study was to assess Candida albicans attachment on conventionally fabricated (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA), CAD-CAM milled, and 3D-printed acrylic resin bases pre- and post-simulated thermal aging, along with examining material surface changes after aging. Forty-six samples (10mm×10mm×2mm) for each of four material groups (conventional heat-polymerized PMMA, CAD-CAM milled acrylic resin base, CAD-CAM 3D-printed methacrylate resin base, CAD-CAM 3D-printed urethane methacrylate resin base) were subjected to 0, 1, or 2 years of simulated thermal aging. Microscopic images were taken before and after aging, and C. albicans attachment was quantified using cell proliferation assay (XTT). Statistical analysis employed analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Two-way factorial analysis showed no significant differences based on acrylic resin type or thermal aging (p=0.344 and p=0.091 respectively). However, C. albicans attachment significantly differed between 0- and 2-year thermally aged groups (p=0.004), mainly due to elevated initial attachments on CAD-CAM milled acrylic resin base and CAD-CAM 3D-printed urethane methacrylate resin base. Regardless of the fabrication technique and material combination, no significant differences were found in C. albicans adhesion pre- or post- thermal aging. Milled and 3D-printed bases compared favorably with heat- polymerized PMMA in their affinity for C. albicans attachment and surface characteristics after aging. These findings indicate that the risk of patients developing denture stomatitis might not be linked to the type of acrylic resin or fabrication method used.

Gap in Noise Auditory Brainstem Responses: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: The gap in noise auditory brainstem responses (GIN-ABR) is a valuable assessment tool for auditory temporal processing, offering non-invasive and objective measurements encompassing the entire auditory system from the cochlea to the brainstem. This method has been utilized in investigating various factors, including age-related effects, hearing loss, and tinnitus. This systematic review was conducted to present a thorough examination of (GIN-ABR), encompassing its methodology, applications, and inherent limitations. Methods: This study was conducted based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Cochrane, PubMed, and Ovid databases were used to extract English articles from 1990 to June 2023. The search terms used were “gap in noise auditory brainstem response”, “ABR gap detection”, “ABR gap duration”, “ABR gap threshold”, and “ABR temporal processing”. Articles were included if gap-evoked ABR was used, investigating the effect of any factor on the responses, and using any gapped stimulus type. Articles whose evoked potentials did not include ABR waves were excluded. The outcome of interest was gap-evoked ABR in different participant groups. Results: A total of 10 studies were deemed suitable for inclusion in the review. The articles were reviewed that including the study population, the methods, and the results. Despite the variability in the results of the studies, in the aged group, longer latency shifts and decreased peak amplitude were reported compared to the young group. Correspondence of behavioral thresholds with GIN-ABR has also been mentioned in studies. Conclusion: The GIN-ABR method has been extensively utilized in investigating various factors, including age-related effects, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Notably, GIN-ABR has several clinical advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, shorter test duration, independence from alertness levels, attention, sleep depth fluctuations, or medication. Additionally, it has shown its compatibility with psychophysical tests. Further research is warranted to explore the impact of various factors on different components of GIN-ABR. Consequently, with its promising findings and growing body of research, the gap in noise test has the potential to be gradually integrated into the set of audiological clinical evaluations.

(142) Double Pause: Understanding Couple Intimacy Through Health Care Provider Lens – A Qualitative Survey

Abstract Introduction At midlife and beyond, both men and women face organic changes that can affect their sexual functioning. Women may suffer from vaginal dryness, irritation/itching, inadequate lubrication, and dyspareunia due to ovarian exhaustion. Whilst erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunctions, and testosterone deficiency may affect sexual activity in men. Objective To understand the perceptions and changes in sexual intimacy in middle-aged couple (40 years and above) and their evolution over time. To explore the supportive role of partner and health care professionals (HCPs) during this evolution. Methods 30 HCPs in the space of sexual health and couple intimacy across six countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany and Spain) participated in this survey. An in-depth interview (45–60 minutes) was conducted about key issues that middle-aged couple face about sexual/couple intimacy, the language used to initiate conversations with patients, how issues evolve over time, as well as the role that a partner and HCP can play in providing support, guidance, and treatment. Results Interviews with HCPs showed that despite some progress, couple intimacy continues to be a taboo topic. HCPs play a crucial role in initiating conversations amongst the 40 and above aged group, especially before pausing their sexual activities. Many HCPs have developed their own personal style to explore the couple intimacy topic but they believe they need more education. To effectively address sexual dysfunction in couples, a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach is crucial. This involves recognizing and addressing the unique challenges each gender faces, particularly considering the healthcare providers’ biases that disproportionately affect women compared to men. However, distinct challenges do not imply an individualistic approach to treatment, as HCPs recognize the benefits of involving both partners. While HCPs offer some resources to help patients understand intimacy issues, patients can also encounter unreliable information on social media and within society, particularly when there is inaccurate information available. Misconceptions about intimacy treatments can be a significant barrier to solving the issue, with the disparity in HCPs’ conversations with women compared to men being a significant contributing factor. HCPs face several challenges when approaching the subject of couple intimacy with patients, ranging from time constraints to a lack of psychological training. Additionally, their professional networks are often limited to referrals, and inadequate training of practitioners can further complicate their clinical duties Conclusions To effectively address sexual dysfunction in couples, a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach is crucial. This involves recognizing and addressing the unique challenges each gender faces, particularly considering the HCP’s biases that disproportionately affect women compared to men. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Viatris Inc. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: 1Mental Health Centre Copenhagen and University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

(051) Urodynamic Profiles of Young Aged Women with Genital Pain Disorder

Abstract Introduction It is not uncommon in young female patients with genital pain disorder, they also complain urethral discomfort or unusual sensitivity, bothering symptoms on their urethra and genital area with LUTS. Although urodynamic studies or pressure flow studies are one of very optional studies of diagnostic steps, pressure flow studies provide detailed information of patient bladder-urethral synergistic function that may contribute proper function of the pelvic floor and related organs. However, studies are limited providing their relationship between urethral functional status and etiology of pain. Objective In this study, we aimed to evaluate female patients pressure flow profiles, urethral pressure profiles (UPP) in particular and to investigate their correlation of clinical symptoms in terms of genital pain disorder in 20’s-30’s aged young female. Methods Data of 30 female patients age between 20–39 years old with genital pain and LUTS for more than 6 months were retrospectively analyzed. Pressure flow study (PFS) with free uroflowmetry, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), visual analogue scale (VAS), female sexual function index (FSFI) were retrospectively analyzed according to aged groups of 20’s and 30’s. Data were statistically analyzed using t-test (p<0.05). Results We divided the subject patients into 2 groups; age of 20’s (n=16, 20–28, median 25 years old) and age of 30’s (n=14, 30–39, median 34 years old). Average MUCP of all patients was 104 cmH2O. In the group of aged 20’s, mean MUCP was 98.75 cmH2O, mean VAS was 5.81; in the group of aged 30’s, mean MUCP was 111.07 cmH2O, mean VAS was 5.57, respectively. All of the data showed high pressure of MUCP in PFS, >60 cmH2O. In group of 30’s, all the parameters of PFS showed higher compared with 20’s. Mean OAB symptom scores (OABSS) showed 3.63 (20’s) and 3.07 (30’s) respectively (p>0.05) Conclusions Urethral pressure, PdetQmax and Qmax showed significantly high in young females with genital pain. This study suggests that increased urethral tone or resistance may contribute to urethral/genital pain. Proper evaluation of urethral pressure profile and pelvic floor tone would be helpful to provide optimal management of genital pain disorder. Disclosure No.

Household carbon footprints of age groups in China and socioeconomic influencing factors

China has a large fastest-aging population, which would reshape household consumption patterns and influence global CO2 emissions. This study examines global CO2 emissions driven by household consumption (i.e., household carbon footprints, HCFs) of 34 age groups in China's 30 provinces and uncovers relevant socioeconomic influencing factors. Results show that China's population aging (i.e., the proportion of the elderly population) is conducive to global CO2 emission reduction during 2011–2014. This trend is mainly due to the relatively lower per capita HCFs of the elderly (1.7 t in 2014). In contrast, the per capita HCFs of the youth group are higher (3.3 t in 2014), mainly affected by the large expenditure on residence and transportation & communication. In addition, the HCFs of all age groups have increased during 2011–2014. Per capita expenditure is the most significant driver of this increase. The decline in CO2 emission intensity makes the largest contribution to reducing the HCFs of the youth group. For the aged group, expenditure structure change is the largest contributor to HCFs reduction. These findings reveal the differentiated impacts of China's household consumption by age on global CO2 emissions. This study lays the scientific foundation for deriving amelioration policies and achieving emission reduction targets in the process of population aging.

Evidence supporting correlation between aging and dengue severity: A retrospective analysis on the 2010 dengue outbreak in Brazil

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the role of aging and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as potential risk factors for severe clinical manifestations of dengue. This investigation was conducted within a cohort of patients from the 2010 epidemic in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Methods: A total of 144 subjects diagnosed with dengue were categorized into two groups, representing the early and late (critical) stages of the disease. Further stratification was performed based on age, distinguishing between young and aged subjects. NCD subjects were also divided into young and aged groups. The symptomatology, previous clinical history, age, and presence of NCDs were inquired. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of platelet, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. The Mann-Whitney test was explored for the comparison of two groups, whereas the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for the analysis of differences among the multiple groups. Categorical variables were examined by Chi-square test. Correlation assessments were conducted using binary logic regression analysis with a 95% confidence interval. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Compared to the younger subjects with NCDs, aged subjects exhibited a more severe form of dengue during the critical phase. The presence of NCDs was not associated with a worse dengue outcome in younger individuals, suggesting that aging itself maybe an important contributor to the severity of dengue. Conclusions: In the studied cohort, we emphasize that aging is a significant factor associated with severe manifestations of dengue. While we do not discard the potential role of NCDs in exacerbating disease progression, it may be more prominently impact the aged groups.

Effect of aging and bleaching on the color stability and surface roughness of a recently introduced single-shade composite resin

ObjectivesTo assess the effects of aging and bleaching procedures on the color stability and surface roughness of a new single-shade composite versus multi-shade composite resins. MethodsA single-shade composite resin (Charisma Diamond One, CDO) and 3 multi-shade composite resins (Tetric NCeram, Filtek Z350 XT, Clearfil Majesty Posterior) were tested. Thirty specimens of each material were subjected to one of the aging procedures respectively: immersion in distilled water (12 days/37 °C), immersion in coffee (12 days/37 °C), or water thermocycling (10,000 cycles/5–55 °C). All specimens underwent in-office bleaching after aging. Kruskal-Wallis tests and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis (α=0.05). ResultsAll materials exhibited a change of color (ΔE00), translucency (RTP), whiteness (WID) and surface roughness parameters (Sa,Sv) after aging and bleaching procedures. CDO showed the highest ΔE00 among all resins with the highest RTP value, regardless of the aging procedures. Immersion in coffee led to the significantly highest ∆E00 values and lowest RTP values for nearly all resins. Positive ΔWID1 (WID(bleaching)−WID(baseline)) values were found in distilled water immersion and thermocycling groups, while negative ΔWID1 values were found in the coffee immersion group for all materials. Besides, positive ΔWID2 (WID(bleaching)−WID(aging)) values were found in all aging groups for nearly all materials. All materials showed an increasing trend in Sa and Sv after bleaching. ConclusionsCDO showed more pronounced discoloration than multi-shade composite resins. Although the whiteness of all resins increased after bleaching, none was completely restored in the coffee immersion group. Bleaching significantly increased the surface roughness of all materials. Clinical significanceCharisma Diamond One is more susceptible to discoloration, which may affect its long-term success rate. Bleaching could partially reduce the color change of the composite resins but did not return them completely to their original state. The roughness of the resins increased after bleaching, prompting dentists to repolish them after bleaching.

Binocular function in the aging visual system: fusion, suppression, and stereoacuity.

Changes in vision that occur in normal healthy aging can be seen in fundamental measures of monocular vision. However, the nature of the changes in binocular vision with age remain unclear. A total of 28 older (53-66 years) and 28 younger adults (20-31 years) were enrolled in this study. We performed a battery of tests to assess differences in monocular contrast thresholds and various binocular visual functions including dichoptic masking weight and strength, the binocular balance point for fused stimuli, and stereoacuity in the aging and control groups. Aging significantly increased monocular contrast thresholds (p < 0.001). Although this suggests that aging reduces the effective "input gain" to vision, we also found a significantly elevated contribution of those weaker signals to interocular suppression (p < 0.001). Consequently, there was no significant net difference in the strength of interocular suppression (p = 0.065). We did not find a significant difference of absolute balance point between the two groups (p = 0.090). Lastly, the mean stereoacuity was worse in the older group compared to the younger group (p = 0.002). Our findings confirm previous results showing differences in contrast sensitivity and stereoacuity with aging. Furthermore, we find a change in interocular suppression that is a possible consequence of the change in contrast sensitivity. It is suggestive of a cortical system that maintains a homeostatic balance in interocular suppression across the lifespan.

Ecological pollution features and health risk exposure to heavy metals via street dust and topsoil from Nkpor and Onitsha in Anambra, Nigeria.

The manuscript presents the investigation results on the pollution and risk of metal mines, and it is considered an important report on environmental pollution near mines in Nigeria, with archival value. The research involved soil sampling and heavy metal analysis for about 12 months in three metal mines. Based on these results, the paper provides information on pollution levels and hazards using well-known methods like pollution and ecological risk indexes. The increasing population in urban communities attracted by various industrial, economic and social activities causes contamination of atmospheric environment that can affect human health. We investigated heavy metal distributions, correlation coefficient among elements, ecological indices and probable health risk assessment in street dust and topsoil from Nkpor and Onitsha urban suburb, Nigeria. The mean concentration of heavy metals in car dust from Onitsha and Nkpor suburb follows thus: Fe > Mn > Cu > As > Pb > Ni > Cr. The decreasing trend of heavy metal in rooftop dust from both area: Fe > Mn > Cu > Pb > As > Ni > Cr whereas metal contents in topsoil were: Fe > Mn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > As for both areas. The degree of pollution indices was characterized by contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation factor (I-geo), pollution load index (PLI), Nemerow (PN), ecological and potential ecological risk index (ER and PERI) which indicated low pollution in the urban street environment. The results of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) showed that the estimated heavy metals displayed sources from atmospheric deposition, natural origin and anthropogenic sources. Risk assessment revealed that ingestion of dust and soil was the significant route for heavy metals exposure to the populace followed by inhalation, then dermal contact. Considering all factors, non-cancer risk was more prominent in children than adults and no significant health hazard could be attributed to both aged groups as of the period of study except for As and Ni that needs constant monitoring to avoid exceeding organ damaging threshold limit of 1 × 10-4.

Comparing Various Resin Luting Cement Systems in Different Etching Modes Through Bond Durability and Morphological Features.

This study aimed to investigate bond performance of various resin luting cement (RLC) systems on enamel and dentin in different etching modes and to compare the RLC-tooth interface morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The self-adhesive RLC systems used in combination with universal adhesives were as follows: Scotchbond Universal Adhesive Plus + RelyX Universal (3M Oral Care) and Clearfil Universal Bond Quick ER + SA Luting Multi (Kuraray Noritake Dental). These RLC systems were also used alone as self-adhesive RLC systems without universal adhesives (self-adhesive mode). The conventional RLC systems for comparison materials were as follows: BeautiBond Xtream + ResiCem EX (Shofu) and Tooth Primer + Panavia V5 (Kuraray Noritake Dental). Twelve specimens were prepared for each group to measure shear bond strength (SBS) in different etching modes. A stainless-steel rod was used as a substitute for indirect restorations. Bonded specimens were allocated to baseline (stored for 24 hours) and artificially aged (thermocycling [TC] for 10,000 cycles) groups. Representative treated tooth surfaces and RLC-tooth interfaces were observed using SEM. Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that all the factors (etching mode, storage period, and RLC system) had a significant influence on the enamel SBS values (p<0.05). Enamel SBS was significantly higher in etch-&-rinse (ER) mode than in self-etch (SE) mode, regardless of RLC system or storage period. Three-way ANOVA showed that all the factors had a significant influence on the dentin SBS values (p<0.001). Most RLC systems showed significantly higher dentin SBS in SE mode than in ER mode, regardless of storage period. However, the combination with Scotchbond Universal Adhesive Plus and RelyX Universal showed no significant difference in SBS values between etching modes at the baseline and showed a significantly higher SBS value in ER mode than in SE mode after TC. The self-adhesive RLC systems with universal adhesives tended to show higher enamel and dentin bond performance than the self-adhesive RLC systems alone. The morphology of treated tooth surfaces and resin cement-tooth interfaces were dependent on the RLC system and etching mode used. The RLC systems with primer application showed a thin, high-density layer above the intact dentin in both etching modes, suggesting chemical interaction.

Comparison of the Flexural Strength of Three Different Aged and Nonaged 3D-Printed Permanent Crown Resins.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the flexural strength properties of three different aged and nonaged 3D-printed resins built by different 3D printing systems used in dental applications. Bars (2 × 2 × 25 mm) were additively fabricated using a 3D printer and different dental crown resins (Saremco Crowntec, Senertek P-Crown V2, and Senertek P-Crown V3) per the manufacturers' recommendations. Each subgroup was divided into aged and nonaged subgroups (n = 10 bars per group). Thermocycling procedures (5° to 55°C; 5,000 cycles) were performed under favorable conditions for the aged subgroups from each material. Flexural strength (MPa) was measured in all samples using a universal test machine. When both aged and nonaged resins are compared, significant differences were found in flexural strength measurements (P < .001). The highest flexural strength was observed in the Saremco Crowntec group, while the lowest flexural strength was observed in the Senertek P Crown V2 group. The flexural strength measurements of Saremco Crowntec and Senertek P Crown V3 displayed no significant difference between their aged and nonaged groups (P > .05), while Senertek P Crown V2 (P = .039) showed significant differences between its aged and nonaged groups. Saremco Crowntec showed the highest flexural strength both in aged and nonaged groups, while Senertek P Crown V2 had the lowest strength. The artificial aging process decreased flexural strength values in all 3D-printed resin groups.