BT Group Research Articles

Demineralized bone matrix combined bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, bone morphogenetic protein-2 and transforming growth factor-β3 gene promoted pig cartilage defect repair.

ObjectivesTo investigate whether a combination of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) infected with adenovirus-mediated- bone morphogenetic protein (Ad-BMP-2) and transforming growth factor-β3 (Ad-TGF-β3) promotes the repair of the full-thickness cartilage lesions in pig model.MethodsBMSCs isolated from pig were cultured and infected with Ad-BMP-2(B group), Ad-TGF-β3 (T group), Ad-BMP-2 + Ad-TGF-β3(BT group), cells infected with empty Ad served as a negative group(N group), the expression of the BMP-2 and TGF-β3 were confirmed by immunofluorescence, PCR, and ELISA, the expression of SOX-9, type II collagen(COL-2A), aggrecan (ACAN) in each group were evaluated by real-time PCR at 1w, 2w, 3w, respectively. The chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs was evaluated by type II collagen at 21d with immunohistochemical staining. The third-passage BMSCs infected with Ad-BMP-2 and Ad-TGF-β3 were suspended and cultured with DBM for 6 days to construct a new type of tissue engineering scaffold to repair full-thickness cartilage lesions in the femur condyles of pig knee, the regenerated tissue was evaluated at 1,2 and 3 months after surgery by gross appearance, H&E, safranin O staining and O'driscoll score.ResultsAd-BMP-2 and Ad-TGF-β3 (BT group) infected cells acquired strong type II collagen staining compared with Ad-BMP-2 (B group) and Ad-TGF-β3 (T group) along. The Ad-BMP-2 and Ad-TGF-β3 infected BMSCs adhered and propagated well in DBM and the new type of tissue engineering scaffold produced hyaline cartilage morphology containing a stronger type II collagen and safranin O staining, the O'driscoll score was higher than other groups.ConclusionsThe DBM compound with Ad-BMP-2 and Ad-TGF-β3 infected BMSCs scaffold has a good biocompatibility and could well induce cartilage regeneration to repair the defects of joint cartilage. This technology may be efficiently employed for cartilage lesions repair in vivo.

Influence of transgenic rice expressing a fused Cry1Ab/1Ac protein on frogs in paddy fields.

As genetic engineering in plants is increasingly used to control agricultural pests, it is important to determine whether such transgenic plants adversely affect non-target organisms within and around cultivated fields. The cry1Ab/1Ac fusion gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has insecticidal activity and has been introduced into rice line Minghui 63 (MH63). We evaluated the effect of transgenic cry1Ab/1Ac rice (Huahui 1, HH1) on paddy frogs by comparing HH1 and MH63 rice paddies with and without pesticide treatment. The density of tadpoles in rice fields was surveyed at regular intervals, and Cry1Ab/1Ac protein levels were determined in tissues of tadpoles and froglets collected from the paddy fields. In addition, Rana nigromaculata froglets were raised in purse nets placed within these experimental plots. The survival, body weight, feeding habits, and histological characteristics of the digestive tract of these froglets were analyzed. We found that the tadpole density was significantly decreased immediately after pesticide application, and the weight of R. nigromaculata froglets of pesticide groups was significantly reduced compared with no pesticide treatment, but we found no differences between Bt and non-Bt rice groups. Moreover, no Cry1Ab/1Ac protein was detected in tissue samples collected from 192 tadpoles and froglets representing all four experimental groups. In addition, R. nigromaculata froglets raised in purse seines fed primarily on stem borer and non-target insects, and showed no obvious abnormality in the microstructure of their digestive tracts. Based on these results, we conclude that cultivation of transgenic cry1Ab/1Ac rice does not adversely affect paddy frogs.

Patient-reported gastrointestinal symptoms among long-term survivors after radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Background and purposeWith modern radiotherapy technology we have the means to substantially reduce late gastrointestinal toxicities after radiation therapy for prostate cancer. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the spectrum of patient-reported gastrointestinal symptoms after such treatment. Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using a study-specific questionnaire to survey gastrointestinal symptoms 2–14years after prostate cancer radiation therapy. We included 985 men treated between 1994 and 2006 with primary (EBRT) or salvage (POSTOP) external beam radiation therapy or EBRT and high-dose rate brachytherapy (EBRT BT). We also included 350 non-irradiated population-based controls randomly matched 1:3 for age and area of residence. ResultsSurvey participation rate was 89% (874/985) for survivors and 73% (243/332) for controls. We found significant increased prevalence ratios for 13/34 symptoms in the primary EBRT group, 10/34 symptoms in the EBRT BT group and 9/34 symptoms in the POSTOP group, several of which have not been described previously. Bother due to these symptoms increased with increasing symptom intensity and was highest for fecal leakage and defecation urgency. ConclusionsOur results can be used to inform clinical evaluation and future studies of long-term gastrointestinal toxicity after radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Assessment of Visual Information Processing Ability in Elite Racket Sport Players

The present study aimed to investigate the abilities of visual information processing in racket sport players, and to compare the differences with their peers. Fifty-four male college-aged athletes were recruited and divided into two racket sport groups, including table tennis (TT, n = 22) and badminton (BT, n = 32) groups. Additionally, 22 healthy college students without regular physical activities were randomly selected and served as control subjects. The covert orienting of visuo-spatial attention tasks was used to evaluate the abilities of visual information processing. The data including the reaction time (RT) and response error rate (RER) were recorded and analyzed. Results showed that the athletes in TT and BT groups performed significantly better than the control subjects in the reaction time. In addition, RT of upper limbs, lower limbs, dominant side and non-dominant side was significantly different between the groups, and RT of upper limbs was quicker than that of lower limbs in both groups. Except control group, the RT of dominant side was quicker than that of non-dominant side. In conclusion, elite racket sport players had quicker RT than their peers, but those players seemed not to perform better in RER. It is recommended to recruit more athletes participating in different sports to acquire further information on sport-specific characteristics of visual information processing. Furthermore, it is undisputable for the selection of efficient talent athletes to establish the database of visual information processing abilities in different kinds of sports.

Inhibitory effects of bortezomib on platelet aggregation in patients with multiple myeloma

IntroductionMultiple myeloma (MM) therapy affects prothrombotic and anticoagulant processes. Patients receiving thalidomide, especially in combination with steroids, are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), while the incidence of VTE on bortezomib is low. In vitro studies indicate that bortezomib causes a reduction in ADP-induced platelet aggregation. ObjectivesTo analyse the influence of bortezomib on platelet aggregation induced by various agonists in patients with MM. Patients and MethodsA total of 30 patients (median age 57.5years) with relapsed/refractory MM receiving bortezomib-based regimens were analysed. Optical platelet aggregometry was performed with the agonists collagen, ADP and ristocetin and measured over two 21-day cycles. The results from two groups: those treated with bortezomib and thalidomide (BT group, n=11) and those without thalidomide (B group, n=19) were analysed. ResultsDuring the second cycle, significantly decreased platelet aggregation was observed in the B group: 5μM ADP (p=0.0285, day 1 versus 8); 3.5μM ADP (p=0.0005, day 1 versus 8 and day 1 versus 11), collagen (p=0.0014, day 4 versus 8, day 4 versus 11), 1.25mg/ml ristocetin (p=0.0017, day 1 versus 8 and day 1 versus 11). Agonist-induced platelet aggregation tended to be reduced over time during the 1st cycle in group B. In the thalidomide group, significant platelet aggregation inhibition by collagen only was found. Transient reduction in platelet count was observed in all patients, but more prominently in group B. ConclusionThe inhibitory effects of prolonged exposure of bortezomib on platelet aggregation were demonstrated in relapsed/refractory MM patients, but antithrombotic activity of bortezomib should be clarified in further prospective studies.

The prognosis and treatment of primary thyroid cancer occurred in breast cancer patients: comparison with ordinary thyroid cancer.

PurposeDue to the increased prevalence of thyroid cancer, it has been frequently detected in breast cancer patients recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics of thyroid cancer in breast cancer patients with respect to prognosis and treatment.MethodsFrom August 1998 to September 2012, 101 breast cancer patients were diagnosed with thyroid cancer (BT group). One hundred ninety-three female patients with a thyroid malignancy that underwent thyroidectomy in 2008 were recruited as controls (oT group). The clinicopathologic results of these two groups were compared.ResultsPatients were older (51.40 vs. 47.16, P < 0.001), mean tumor size was smaller (0.96 cm vs. 1.43 cm, P < 0.001), and extrathyroidal extension was less common in the BT group. In both groups, papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common type of thyroid malignancy. T and N classifications of thyroid cancer were less severe in the BT group, but group TNM stages were similar. Endoscopic thyroid surgery was performed in 12.9% of patients in the BT group and in 6.7% of patients in the oT group. Postoperative radioactive iodine ablation was performed less often in the BT group (P < 0.001). Group recurrence rates were not significantly different.ConclusionThyroid cancer in breast cancer patients was diagnosed at earlier status than ordinary thyroid cancer. However, the prognosis of thyroid cancer in breast cancer patients was not superior to that in patients with thyroid cancer alone. Radioactive iodine ablation was performed less often and endoscopic surgery could be performed in breast cancer patients.

Feeding Study with Bt Corn (MON810: Ajeeb YG) on Rats: Biochemical Analysis and Liver Histopathology

Bt corn “MON810: Ajeeb YG” produces delta endotoxins in the whole plant due to the genetic modification process. The chemical analysis of this variety showed significant differences from its conventional counterpart “Ajeeb”. Further, feeding studies on rats were designed to complete assessing the safety of “MON810: Ajeeb YG”. Three groups of rats (6 males and 6 females’ rats/group) were fed on control diet, non-Bt corn and Bt corn for 1.5 months and 3 months. After 1.5 months, 3 males and 3 females from each group were sacrificed, and after another 1.5 months, 3 males and 3 females from each group and their offspring were sacrificed. Histopathological examination, blood haematology and serum biochemical analysis were determined. Results indicated significant differences among the tested parameters in the three groups especially Bt group. Severe changes in the liver of Bt group after 3 months were observed.

New alkylselenyl substituted benzodithiophene-based solution-processable 2D π-conjugated polymers for bulk heterojunction polymer solar cell applications

We have introduced 2-ethylhexylselenophene as a side chain substituent on benzodithiophene (BDT) unit, where the selenophene ring is attached to 4th and 8th positions of the phenyl ring in BDT to obtain BDTSe as an electron rich moiety. A new bisbenzothiadazole (BBT) derivative was also synthesized namely, 3,3'-diheptyl-3,4-propylenedioxythienyl-BBT, in which 3,3'-diheptyl-3,4-propylenedioxythienyl group is inserted between two BT groups. 3,3'-Diheptyl-3,4-propylenedioxythienyl-BBT and 1,3-dibromo-5-(2-ethylhexyl)-5H-thieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione (TPD) were used as acceptor segments for the synthesis of donor–acceptor (D–A) polymers, represented by P1 and P2, respectively. Thin film transistors were fabricated using the thin films of P1 and P2 and the field effect hole mobilities are 2.7×10–3 and 4.2×10–4cm2V–1s–1, respectively. A bulk heterojunction polymer solar cell (BHJ PSC) that contain P1 delivered high power conversion efficiency (PCE) value of 4.51% (with 1vol% DIO) and 4.16% (with 1vol% CN) with high short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 11.7 and 10.96mA/cm2, respectively.

Temporal Patterns of Change in Panic Disorder during Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: An Indian Study

CBT has been proven to be effective in the treatment of panic disorder; however, attempts to study the process of change are limited. The study evaluated the temporal patterns of change in the panic symptoms, cognitions, behaviours, and anxiety sensitivity in subjects with panic disorder being treated with CBT. Thirty subjects with panic disorder were allocated to two groups: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT, n = 15) and Behaviour Therapy (BT, n = 15). Assessments were carried out weekly for five consecutive weeks using the Semi-Structured Interview Schedule, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, the Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire, and the Texas Panic Attack Record Form. The CBT group received comprehensive CBT and the BT group received psycho-education and Applied Relaxation. Following intervention the change was continuous and gradual on all the variables in the CBT group and the scores reduced to a functional range after 4-5 weeks of therapy. Such a change was not evident in the BT group. Significant change was evident in cognitive domains following the introduction of the exposure and cognitive restructuring within the CBT group. Both cognitive and behavioural techniques contributed to the overall change. CBT had an impact on the cognitive domains and significant changes were evident corresponding to the addition of cognitive restructuring and exposure techniques in the 3rd to 5th week. Both cognitive and behavioural components are therefore crucial for overall improvement to occur.

Cross-generational feeding of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)-maize to zebrafish (Danio rerio) showed no adverse effects on the parental or offspring generations

In the present study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were fed casein/gelatin-based diets containing either 19% Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)-maize or its parental non-Bt (nBt)-maize control for two generations (F0: sixty fish; F1: forty-two to seventy fish per treatment). The study focused on growth and reproductive performance, liver CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, gene transcript levels targeting important cellular pathways in the liver and mid-intestine, histomorphological evaluation of the intestine, differential leucocyte counts, offspring larva swimming activity and global DNA methylation in offspring embryos. No significant effects were observed in the parental generation. The offspring were either fed the same diets as those fed to their parents (Bt-Bt or nBt-nBt) or switched from the Bt diet to the nBt diet (Bt-nBt). The Bt-Bt offspring exhibited a significantly higher body mass increase, specific growth rate and feed utilisation than fish fed the nBt-nBt diet and/or fish fed the Bt-nBt diet. Liver and mid-intestinal gene transcript levels of CuZn SOD were significantly higher in fish fed the nBt-nBt diet than in those fed the Bt-Bt diet. Liver gene transcript levels of caspase 6 were significantly lower for the nBt-nBt group than for the Bt-Bt group. Overall, enhanced growth performance was observed in fish fed the Bt diet for two generations than in those fed the nBt diet for one and two generations. Effects observed on gene biomarkers for oxidative stress and the cell cycle (apoptosis) may be related to the contamination of nBt-maize with fumonisin B1 and aflatoxin B1. In conclusion, it is suggested that Bt-maize is as safe and nutritious as its nBt control when fed to zebrafish for two generations.

Comparison of Bone Tunnel and Suture Anchor Techniques in the Modified Broström Procedure for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

Background: The modified Broström procedure is frequently used to treat chronic lateral ankle instability. There are 2 common methods of the modified Broström procedure, which are the bone tunnel and suture anchor techniques. Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes of the modified Broström procedure using the bone tunnel and suture anchor techniques. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Eighty-one patients (81 ankles) treated with the modified Broström procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability constituted the study cohort. The 81 ankles were divided into 2 groups, namely, a bone tunnel technique (BT group; 40 ankles) and a suture anchor technique (SA group; 41 ankles). The Karlsson score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, anterior talar translation, and talar tilt angle were used to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes. The BT group consisted of 32 men and 8 women with a mean age of 34.8 years at surgery and a mean follow-up duration of 34.2 months. The SA group consisted of 33 men and 8 women with a mean age of 33.3 years at surgery and a mean follow-up duration of 32.8 months. Results: Mean Karlsson scores improved significantly from 57.0 points preoperatively to 94.9 points at final follow-up in the BT group and from 59.9 points preoperatively to 96.4 points at final follow-up in the SA group. Mean AOFAS scores also improved from 64.2 points preoperatively to 97.8 points at final follow-up in the BT group and from 70.3 points preoperatively to 97.4 points at final follow-up in the SA group. Mean anterior talar translations in the BT group and SA group improved from 9.0 mm and 9.2 mm preoperatively to 6.5 mm and 6.8 mm at final follow-up, respectively. Mean talar tilt angles were 12.0° in the BT group and 12.5° in the SA group preoperatively and 8.8° at final follow-up for both groups. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of the Karlsson score, AOFAS score, anterior talar translation, and talar tilt angle. Conclusion: The bone tunnel and suture anchor techniques of the modified Broström procedure showed similar good functional and radiographic outcomes. Both techniques appear to be effective and reliable methods for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability.

Ulinastatin, a protease inhibitor, may inhibit allogeneic blood transfusion-associated pro-inflammatory cytokines and systemic inflammatory response syndrome and improve postoperative recovery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ulinastatin, a protease inhibitor, and blood transfusion on perioperative surgical complications, changes of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) scores, and levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in patients undergoing liver resection. Patients aged 18-65 years were enrolled and divided into four groups (12 patients in each group): a control group, a group given ulinastatin (UTI group), a group given blood transfusion (BT group), and a group given both blood transfusion and ulinastatin (BT+UTI group). Patients were randomised to receive ulinastatin or not, whereas blood transfusion was administered based on a transfusion trigger. Ulinastatin was given at a dose of 100,000 units/10 kg, infused 15 min before allogeneic blood transfusion or after completion of the liver resection. The patients were followed up for 3 days to record surgical complications, SIRS scores and levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. Forty-four patients were included in the data analysis. The SIRS rate (SIRS scores≥2) was significantly higher in the BT groups than in the control group at 6 hours and on day 3 after surgery and was significantly lower in the BT+UTI group than in the BT group on day 3 after surgery. Allogeneic blood transfusion significantly increased and ulinastatin significantly decreased postoperative levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. The length of stay in hospital was significantly longer in the BT groups than in the control group but was not significantly different between the BT+UTI and BT groups. A single dose of ulinastatin before allogeneic blood transfusion may lower the rate of postoperative SIRS and levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α associated with allogeneic blood transfusion and improve patients' postoperative recovery.

Does frequency of resistance training affect tibial cortical bone density in older women? A randomized controlled trial

SummaryThis randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of resistance training frequency (0, 1, and 2 times/week) on cortical volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) at the tibia in older women. There was no mean difference in change in tibial cortical vBMD in older women who engaged in resistance training (RT) one or two times/week compared with the control group over 12 months after adjusting for baseline values.IntroductionNational guidelines recommend RT two to three times/week to optimize bone health. Our objective was to determine the effect of a 12-month intervention of three different RT frequencies on tibial volumetric cortical density (CovBMD) in healthy older women.MethodsWe randomized participants to the following groups: (1) 2×/week balance and tone group (i.e., no resistance beyond body weight, BT), (2) 1×/week RT (RT1), and (3) 2×/week RT (RT2). Treatment allocation was concealed, and measurement team and the bone data analyst were blinded to group allocation. We used peripheral quantitative computed tomography to acquire one 2.3-mm scan at the 50 % tibia, and the primary outcome was CovBMD. Data were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months, and we used linear mixed modeling to assess the effect at 12 months.ResultsWe assessed 147 participants; 100 women provided data at all three points. Baseline unadjusted mean (SD) tibial CovBMD (in milligrams per cubic centimeter) at the 50 % site was 1,077.4 (43.0) (BT), 1,087.8 (42.0) (RT1), and 1,058.7 (60.4) (RT2). At 12 months, there were no statistically significant differences (−0.45 to −0.17 %) between BT and RT groups for mean difference in change in tibial CovBMD for exercise interventions (BT, RT1, RT2) after adjusting for baseline tibial CovBMD.ConclusionWe note no mean difference in change in tibial CovBMD in older women who engaged in RT one or two times/week compared with the control group over 12 months. It is unknown if RT of 3× or 4×/week would be enough to promote a statistically significant difference in change of bone density.

Anti‐obesity Effect of microalgal oil Supplementation in C57BL/6N Mice Fed a High Fat Diet

This study investigated the antiobesity effects of microalgal oil in C57BL/6J mice with diet‐induced obesity (DIO). Sixty male C57BL/6N mice aged 4 weeks were divided into 6 groups; ND (normal diet control), HD (high fat diet control 60% fat kcal), BT (high fat diet &amp; beef tallow, 5g/kg), CO (high fat diet &amp; corn oil, 5g/kg), FO (high fat diet &amp; fish oil, 5g/kg), and MO (high fat diet &amp; microalgal oil, 5g/kg). Mice in the DIO group were fed a high fat diet to induce obesity. The experiment was carried out for 12 weeks including diet program. The FO and MO groups have significantly decreased body weight gain, epididymal fat pad weights and serum TG, TC levels compared to the HD group and BT group. These results were supported by real time PCR analysis for mRNA expression of genes (ACO, CPT‐I, PPAR‐γ, SREBP‐1, FAS, SCD‐1) related to lipid metabolism. These results indicate that microalgal polyunsaturated oil might have an antiobesity effect on high fat diet‐ induced obese mice. All in all, n‐3 PUFA‐rich oil from microalgae is as good as fish oil regarding chemoprevention in diet induced obesity mice (This work was supported from Korea research institute of Bioscience &amp; Biotechnology, open innovation project).

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study on Multiple Neoadjuvant Treatments for Patients With Stage IB2 to IIA Cervical Cancer

Patients with stage IB2 to IIA cervical cancer have a poor survival regardless of what primary treatment is performed. We conducted a study to demonstrate whether neoadjuvant treatment could offer survival benefits to those patients. Between January 2006 and December 2009, 123 patients with stage IB2 to IIA cervical cancer were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive 1 of the following 4 treatments: radical surgery alone (arm RS), brachytherapy with a total dose of 15Gy to point A followed by radical surgery (arm BT), intravenous chemotherapy with cisplatin 50 mg/m plus 5-fluorouracil 750 mg/m at a 2-week interval for 2 courses followed by radical surgery (arm IVCT), or intra-arterial chemotherapy with the same regimen as the IVCT arm followed by radical surgery (arm IACT). Two weeks after neoadjuvant treatment, all patients underwent evaluation for response and operability. Those who were not amenable to surgery received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. With a mean follow-up of 34.8 months, 120 patients were evaluable. Baseline characteristics were similarly distributed in the 4 arms. Clinical overall response rates were 61.3%, 42.9%, and 79.3% in the BT, IVCT, and IACT groups, respectively. Two patients achieved pathological complete response. Three-year progression-free survival rates were 70.7%, 66.3%, 81.5%, and 79.7% in the RS, BT, IVCT, and IACT arms, respectively (P = 0.354). Three-year overall survival was 73.3%, 68.3%, 82.9% and 80.4%, respectively (P = 0.431). Multivariate analysis showed that only lymph node status correlated with progression-free survival. Neoadjuvant treatment had no significant impact on the outcomes of patients with stage IB2 to IIA cervical cancer.

Postoperative pain after one-visit root-canal treatment on teeth with vital pulps: Comparison of three different obturation techniques

Objectives. To investigate and compare postoperative pain after one-visit root canal treatment (RCT) on teeth with vital pulps using three different obturation techniques. Study Design. Two hundred and four patients (105 men and 99 women) aged 12 to 77 years were randomly assigned into three treatments groups: cold lateral compaction of gutta-percha (LC), Thermafil technique (TT), and Backfill - Thermafil obturation technique (BT). Postoperative pain was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 0 - 10 after 2 and 6 hours, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 days. Data were statistically analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. In the total sample, 87% of patients experienced discomfort or pain in some moment between RCT and the seventh day. The discomfort experienced was weak, light, moderate and intense in 6%, 44%, 20% and 6% of the cases, respectively. Mean pain levels were 0.4 ± 0.4, 0.4 ± 0.3, and 1.4 ± 0.7 in LC, BT, and TT groups, respectively. Patients of TT group experienced a significantly higher mean pain level compared to other two groups (p < 0.0001). In TT group, all patients felt some level of pain at six hours after RCT. Conclusions. Postoperative pain was significantly associated with the obturation technique used during root canal treatment. Patients whose teeth were filled with Thermafil obturators (TT technique) showed significantly higher levels of discomfort than patients whose teeth were filled using any of the other two techniques. Key words:Postoperative pain, root-canal obturation, root-canal treatment, Thermafil.

Effect of bleaching on tooth discolouration from food colourant in vitro

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bleaching on tooth discolouration from neutral food colourant media (NFCM). MethodsFreshly extracted human molar teeth (n=32) were divided into four groups (n=8): non-bleached treatment-NBT, non-bleached control-NBC, bleached treatment-BT and bleached control-BC. Bleached teeth specimens were subjected to 20% carbamide peroxide bleaching agent for 10h. Colour measurements (pre-test) were done using a non-contact spectroradiometer. The teeth specimens were immersed in a neutral buffer solution. NBT and BT groups had 0.025% red food colour (Red 40) added to the buffer solution. The immersed specimens were incubated for 4h at 37°C. Colour was again measured after immersion/incubation (post-test) and after subsequent polishing using plain-pumice slurry (post-polish). Differences in CIE a* (redness parameter) were analysed by repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni-corrected t-tests for the pairwise comparisons of interest. ResultsTooth discolouration was measured as total stain (mean difference in a* between post-test minus pre-test), extrinsic stain (mean difference in a* post-polish minus post-test) and intrinsic stain (mean difference in a* post-polish minus pre-test) A statistically significant difference in the mean Δa* was observed (P=0.009) between staining treatment for bleached and non-bleached teeth. Also, a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) was noted between control and treatment groups of bleached teeth that were subjected to staining. ConclusionsBleaching resulted in total and extrinsic tooth discolouration by the NFCM. Clinical significanceIt might be beneficial to avoid highly pigmented foods immediately following bleaching in order to optimize the effects of tooth whitening.

Whitening Effect of Black Tea Water Extract on Brown Guinea Pig Skin

To evaluate the whitening effect of black tea water extract (BT), BT was topically applied to artificially hyperpigmented spots on the back skins of brown guinea-pigs (weight: 450~500 g) induced by 1,500 mJ/ cm2 of ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. The test compounds of 30 μl were applied twice a day, six days a week, for four weeks. The artificially hyperpigmented spots were divided into 5 groups: control (UVB + saline, C), vehicle control [UVB + propylene glycol: ethanol: water (5 : 3 : 2), VC], positive control (UVB + 2% hydroquinone, PC), experimental 1 (UVB + 1% BT), experimental 2 (UVB + 2% BT). After 4-week application, the spots were removed by biopsy punch under anesthetic condition and used as specimens for the histological examination. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of BT were 104 and 91 mg/g, respectively. The electron-donating ability of BT revealed a dose-dependent response, showing the excellent capacities of 86% at 800 μg/ml. The artificially hyperpigmented spots treated with the PC and BT were obviously lightened compared to the C and VC groups. At the fourth week, the melanin indices for the PC and BT groups were significantly lower (p < 0.00l) than those of the C and VC groups. In histological examination, PC and BT groups were significantly reduced in the melanin pigmentation, the proliferation of melanocytes and the synthesis of melanosomes compared to the C and VC groups. It is found that BT inhibits the proliferation of melanocytes and synthesis of melanosomes in vivo using brown guinea pigs, thereby showing a definite skin whitening effect.

Increased incidence of monozygotic twins following blastocyst stage transfer

Blastocyst transfer increases implantation rates and supports eSET but may increase imprinting disorders and monozygotic twins (MZT). We investigated MZT rates following BT or cleavage stage (CT) embryo transfer for all fresh IVF cycles performed between 2007-10. Retrospective data review MZT were identified by routine ultrasound at 6-8 weeks as 2 fetal hearts/sac or fetal hearts > no. transferred embryos. MZT rate = MZT events/total clinical pregnancies. Comparisons used t-tests with significance set at p <0.05. Of 4696 ETs, 710 (15.1%) were BT and 3986 (84.9%) were CT. Women in the BT group were younger (35 ± 4, [23-48 yrs] vs 36 ± 4, [22-47]) with more oocytes retrieved (15.4 ± 6, [3-41] vs 9.0 ± 5, [1-43]) compared with the CT group. The mean number of embryos transferred (1.9) was the same in both groups. BT resulted in higher implantation rates (41.6% vs 22.8%), clinical pregnancy rate/ET (53.2% vs 34.2%) and multiple pregnancy rates (42.1% vs 28.0%) compared with CT. Overall MZT rate (1.78 % - 31/1741) differed with ET stage. The 4.5% (17/378) MZT rate after BT was 4 times higher than the 1.03% (14/1363) observed in CT cycles and 10 times that for natural conceptions (0.4%). There was no difference in the MZT rate between ICSI (17/957 = 1.78%) and IVF (14/763 = 1.83%) clinical pregnancies. No difference in overall MZT rate was observed between two different culture media used during the study period (1.94 % (5/258) - Vitrolife and 1.75 % (26/1483) - Sage media). MZT rates following successful embryo biopsy, assisted hatching (AH) and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles were 4.26% (2/47), 2.22% (1/45) and 0% (0/131) respectively. We observed increased MZT following ART which is significantly higher if using blastocyst transfer. We plan to continue monitoring MZT rates and further investigate culture media and specific ART procedures (e.g. biopsy). Patients need to be advised appropriately since MZT carry additional risks beyond those of DZT.

Phase III, randomized, open-label study of triweekly versus biweekly docetaxel (T) as a treatment for advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC): Final analysis of the Finnish Uro-oncological Group Study 1-2003.

4527 Background: T administered at 3-week intervals is standard treatment for advanced HRPC. We compared 2-weekly to 3-weekly T as first-line chemotherapy of advanced HRPC (prior estramustine phosphate allowed). Methods: 361 pts were entered in this prospective, randomized multicenter trial from March 2004 to May 2009. 346 pts were eligible and received at least one T cycle. The pts were centrally randomly assigned to receive T i.v. either 75 mg/m² d1 q3 wks (tT) or 50 mg/m² d1 and d 14, q4 wks (bT). Prednisolon 10 mg/d was administered orally in both groups. The groups were well balanced with the WHO performance status, mean age (69.3 yrs, range 45-87 yrs vs. 68 yrs, range, 46-85 yrs), and the median serum PSA content at study entry (108.5 µg/L, range 11-1230 vs. 116 µg/L, range 12-1870, respectively). The primary end point was time to treatment failure (TTTF). The planned sample size was 348 pts (α 0.05, 1-ß 0.80, 2-sided log-rank test). Study identifier: NCT00255606. Results: The 346 eligible pts who received at least one dose of docetaxel (tT, 176; bT, 170) are included in the analysis. 1249 and 1051 T cycles were administered in the tT and bT groups, respectively. Serious adverse events were reported more often with the 3-weekly schedule (5.9 vs. 9.4 % of cycles, p=0.002). The median TTTF was longer in the bT group compared to tT (5.6 vs. 4.9 mos, respectively; p=0.016). PSA response was equally frequent in both groups (CR+PR 23%; SD 46%). Overall survival did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (median, 11.2 vs. 11.8 mos, respectively, p=0.164). Conclusions: T administered every 2 weeks was better tolerated than 3-weekly administration and resulted in a longer TTTF, but did not improve survival.