Experimental Subgroups Research Articles

Effects of Essential Oils-Based Supplement and Salmonella Infection on Gene Expression, Blood Parameters, Cecal Microbiome, and Egg Production in Laying Hens.

Simple SummarySalmonellosis is one of the most severe zoonotic diseases transmitted to humans through animal products (especially poultry meat and eggs). Essential oils (EOs)-based feed additives in poultry nutrition are a possible alternative replacement of antimicrobials to fight this infection. In the present study on laying hens, we tested a phytobiotic, Intebio®, and elucidated formation of immune response and changes in cecal microbiocenosis and biochemical/immunological variables in blood caused by Salmonella. Changes in differential gene expression were observed at both one and seven days post-inoculation in the hens’ intestines, revealing similarities with known mammalian/human tissue-specific expression. The results of this study suggest that the challenge of birds with Salmonella had a negative effect, while phytobiotic intake had a positive effect on the status of their gastrointestinal microbiome, their level of metabolism, and their performance.One of the main roles in poultry resistance to infections caused by Salmonella is attributed to host immunity and intestinal microbiota. We conducted an experiment that involved challenging Lohmann White laying hens with Salmonella Enteritidis (SE), feeding them a diet supplemented with an EOs-based phytobiotic Intebio®. At 1 and 7 days post-inoculation, the expression profiles of eight genes related to immunity, transport of nutrients in the intestine, and metabolism were examined. Cecal microbiome composition and blood biochemical/immunological indices were also explored and egg production traits recorded. As a result, the SE challenge of laying hens and Intebio® administration had either a suppressive or activating effect on the expression level of the studied genes (e.g., IL6 and BPIFB3), the latter echoing mammalian/human tissue-specific expression. There were also effects of the pathogen challenge and phytobiotic intake on the cecal microbiome profiles and blood biochemical/immunological parameters, including those reflecting the activity of the birds’ immune systems (e.g., serum bactericidal activity, β-lysine content, and immunoglobulin levels). Significant differences between control and experimental subgroups in egg performance traits (i.e., egg weight/number/mass) were also found. The phytobiotic administration suggested a positive effect on the welfare and productivity of poultry.

EVALUATION OF IMPACT STRENGTH OF HEAT CURE ACRYLIC RESIN REINFORCED WITH NYLON FIBER MESH WITH AND WITHOUT PRESTRESSING (IN VITRO STUDY)

INTRODUCTION: Acrylic resin prostheses are liable to high levels of forces due to their frequent removal by patients and accidental slippage. Hence, the impact strength of acrylic denture base material is of major significance in providing long-term functional prostheses.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reinforcing effect of prestressed nylon fiber meshwork and the specimen thickness increase on the impact strength of heat cure acrylic resin.MATERIALS AND METHODS: 72 specimens were divided into 3 groups (I, II and III) which were heat cure acrylic resin (control), Nylon mesh reinforced acrylic resin and prestressed-nylon mesh reinforced acrylic resin. Each group was formed of 24 specimens, which were further subdivided into 3 subgroups (A, B and C) of different dimensions; 75 mm × 10 mm × 3 mm and 75 × 10 × 4 mm and 75 x 10 x 5 mm. Thus, the specimens were divided into 9 experimental subgroups (n=8 per subgroup). A Charpy’s impact tester was used to measure the impact strength of acrylic resin. The data were analyzed using Anova-test (p≤0.05).RESULTS: The mean impact strength of groups II and III was higher than the control group I impact strength. The difference between the reinforced groups and control group was statistically significant for all specimen thicknesses.CONCLUSIONS: The impact strength of heat cure acrylic resin was increased by the incorporation of nylon fiber mesh whether prestressed or not.

Shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets using orthodontic and restorative self-etching primer. An in vitro study

Background and Aim: Self-etching primers (SEPs) are used to reduce the chair side time. However, there are different SEPs that are used in orthodontics. This study is aimed to test the shear bond strength of brackets bonded using SEPs used in restorative dentistry in comparison to orthodontic SEPs. Settings and Design: Department of Orthodontics, Post-graduate dental college, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory, in vitro study. Methods and Material: Seventy-five freshly extracted human maxillary first premolar teeth were used in this study. Orthodontic maxillary first premolar McLaughlin Bennett Trevisi (MBT) metal brackets (3M Unitek) were used to bond the teeth. The study consisted of two groups. Group A: 25 teeth were etched with Orthodontic SEP Transbond Plus (3M Unitek). Group B: Experimental group which is divided into two subgroups, Experimental subgroup a and Experimental subgroup b. Subgroup a: 25 teeth were etched with Restorative purpose SEP Adper SE Plus (3M ESPE). Sub group-b: 25 teeth were etched with Restorative purpose SEP Adper Easy One (3M ESPE). In all the groups, the same adhesive material, Transbond XT (3M Unitek) was used for fixing the brackets. All the 75 teeth were subjected to shear force to test shear bond strength by using Instron machine. Statistical Analysis: ANOVA & Scheffe multiple comparison test were used. Results and Conclusion: Shear bond strength of brackets using orthodontic purpose SEP, Transbond Plus, is more than the SEPs used for restorative purpose, i.e., Adper SE Plus and Adper Easy One. Restorative purpose SEPs are not suitable for orthodontic bonding of brackets. Orthodontic bonding, self-etching primer (SEP), shear bond strength (SBS)

Nutraceutical Supplementation Based on Colostrum as Osteoporosis Treatment: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Naturally based treatments for osteoporosis are currently limited. The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain whether bovine colostrum supplementation can improve bone health in humans. Methods: In total 63 individuals volunteered in a 4-month supplementation project. They were stratified into three groups: 1) healthy post-menopausal women (n = 24); 2) individuals with osteopenia (n = 25); 3) people with osteoporosis (n = 14). Participants of each group were randomly assigned into two experimental sub-groups: a) the bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation (200 mL/day; 5 days/week); b) the placebo sub-group. Before and after the 4-month supplementation, blood samples were obtained and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) was performed on three different anatomical sites: lumbar spine (LS), left femur neck (FN), and left forearm (Arm). Bone health markers (bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide (CTX-I), deoxypyridinoline (DPD)) as well as immunological markers (interleukin 6 (IL6) and immunoglobulin E (IgE)), were assessed in blood serum with enzyme immunoassays, at baseline and 4-months after BC supplementation. Results: No significant changes were found in bone densitometry factors (p > 0.05), for all studied blood parameters and their calculated effect sizes. Conclusions: It is concluded that, as studied herein, BC does not seem to affect human bone health. This pilot study though warrant the need for further research into the efficacy of BC in patients with osteoporosis.

REPARATIVE REGENERATION OF PERIAPICAL TISSUES IN CHRONIC GRANULOMATOUS PERIODONTITIS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF COMPOSITION BASED ON CALCIUM HYDROXYAPATITE

The aim: To establish the dynamics of reparation processes in periapical tissues in chronic granulomatous periodontitis under the influence of the developed composition based on calcium hydroxyapatite in comparison with the generally accepted drug MTA. Materials and methods: The main group included 52 individuals, and the comparison group - 19 patients with chronic granulomatous periodontitis. In the first experimental subgroup, patients were obturated of the tooth root apical area with the proposed composition, and in the second experimental subgroup patients were performed obturation of the root canal apical area with additional transcanal withdrawal of the composition into the periapical area. In the comparison group, the tooth root apex was obturated with MTA material. Results: Clinical studies have shown that the composition based on calcium hydroxyapatite, having osteoconductive, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, activates the synthesis of organic and mineral components, that promotes the bioreparation and regeneration processes of periapical tissues in chronic granulomatous periodontitis, which occurred most intensively during the first 6 months after treatment. At the same time, with additional transcanal removal of the filling composition based on calcium hydroxyapatite into the periapical area in patients with chronic granulomatous periodontitis with acquired wide tooth root apex was observed in 1.6 time better results than the method of creating an apical root canal obturation (p <0,05), indicating a high therapeutic effect. Conclusions: Composition based on calcium hydroxyapatite, having osteoconductive, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, activates the synthesis of organic and mineral components, which promotes the processes of bioreparation and regeneration of periapical tissues, especially in the early stages. And additional transcanal removal of the filling composition into the periapical space causes the acceleration of the period of periodontal tissues revitalization, bioreparation and regeneration compared to the creation of the apical obturation within the physiological tooth root apex.

Effect of pediatric drugs on color stability of various esthetic restorations in pediatric dentistry

Background: Maintenance of color throughout the functional lifetime of restorations in teeth is needed for its durability. Color changes have been considered as the major problem of dental restorations. Long-term usage of pediatric liquid medications can stain the tooth as well as the restorative materials whose longevity and acceptability are directly proportional to its color stability.Aim: The present study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of pediatric drugs on the color stability of different esthetic restorations.Methodology: Three different restorative materials such as glass-ionomer cement, composite, and ACTIVA KIDS were used to prepare a total of 150 (50 from each) specimens. These specimens were divided into five experimental subgroups (n = 10), which were immersed in 5 different liquid medicines. The color stability of all specimens was evaluated by colorimeter before and after the immersion period.Results: Composites in iron supplements showed the highest color changes, and the least changes were seen in the ACTIVA KIDS - Ibuprofen group.Conclusion: ACTIVA KIDS is found to be the most resistant to discoloration followed by GIC and composite. Iron supplements showed the highest staining ability among all the medications.

Oxidative stress is involved in LLLT mechanism of action on skin healing in rats

The skin injury healing process involves the main phases of homoeostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The present study aimed to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on hematological dynamics, oxidative stress markers, and its relation with tissue healing following skin injury. Wistar rats were divided into control, sham, skin injury, and skin injury LLLT. The biochemical and morphological analyses were performed in the inflammatory (1 and 3 days) and regenerative phases (7, 14, and 21 days) following injury. The skin injury was performed in the dorsal region, between the intrascapular lines, using a surgical punch. LLLT (Al-Ga-In-P, λ=660 nm, energy density of 20 J/cm2, 30 mW power, and a time of 40 s) was applied at the area immediately after injury and on every following day according to the experimental subgroups. LLLT maintained hematocrit and hemoglobin levels until the 3rd day of treatment. Surprisingly, LLLT increased total leukocytes levels compared to control until the 3rd day. The effects of LLLT on mitochondrial activity were demonstrated by the significant increase in MTT levels in both inflammatory and regenerative phases (from the 1st to the 7th day), but only when associated with skin injury. The results indicated that LLLT modulated the inflammatory response intensity and accelerated skin tissue healing by a mechanism that involved oxidative damage reduction mostly at early stages of skin healing (inflammatory phase).

236. Incorporating Clinical Guidance into Computerized Prescriber Order Entry May Reduce Fluoroquinolone Utilization for the Treatment of Diverticulitis at a Rural Community Health System

BackgroundFluoroquinolones are associated with many adverse effects. As a result, many hospitals are investigating methods to reduce fluoroquinolone use. Computerized prescriber order entry (CPOE) provides an opportunity to develop and implement clinically guided order sets that discourage the use of fluoroquinolones. To date, there are few studies investigating the effect of clinically guided order sets on medication utilization. This study aims to investigate the hypothesis that incorporating clinical guidance and leveraging antimicrobial stewardship into a CPOE diverticulitis order set would reduce fluoroquinolone use in the treatment of diverticulitis.MethodsA diverticulitis order set was revised to provide guided antibiotic selection based on a patient’s penicillin allergy. Patients were split into two groups based on admission date relative to the implementation date of the revised order set. Fluoroquinolone use was compared between both groups. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who were ordered a fluoroquinolone-containing regimen during their stay. The secondary outcome was the percentage of regimens that contained a fluoroquinolone. A subgroup analysis was conducted exclusively on patients whose antibiotics were ordered with the diverticulitis order set.Results494 patients were included in the study. 316 patients in the pre-order set group, 178 patients in the post-order set group. 56% of patients in the pre-group received a fluoroquinolone in their regimen versus 46% of patients in the post-group (RR=0.82; 95% CI 0.68–0.99, p = 0.028). 49% of regimens in the control group contained a fluoroquinolone versus 39% of regimens in the experimental group (RR=0.78; 95% CI 0.64–0.95; p = 0.012). 77.5% of patients in the control subgroup received a fluoroquinolone in their regimen versus 42.4% of patients in the experimental subgroup (RR=0.55; 95% CI 0.36–0.84, p = 0.0062). Fluoroquinolone days of therapy decreased from 90.6 to 58.6 from 2018–2019. Clostridioides difficile infections also decreased during this time frame.Table 1: Average fluoroquinolone days of therapy per 1000 patient days Figure 1: Percentage of Diverticulitis Orders by Antibiotic Regimen: Pre- and Post-Order Set Change. CFP=cefepime, Metro=metronidazole, PIP-TZ=piperacillin-tazobactam, AM-SB=ampicillin-sulbactam, CIP=ciprofloxacin, Levo=levofloxacin, FQ=fluoroquinolone Figure 2: Fluoroquinolone days of therapy per 1000 patient days from 2016–2020. ConclusionOur findings support the hypothesis that incorporating clinical guidance into a CPOE order set would reduce fluoroquinolone use for the treatment of diverticulitis.Figure 3: Indicence of Clostridioides difficile infection per 1000 patient days Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

The features of proliferative processes in the thyroid gland of the Wistar rat’s offspring after intrauterine action of dexamethasone

The features of proliferative processes in the thyroid gland of the Wistar rat’s offspring after intrauterine action of dexamethasone were studied. Animals were divided into 3 groups: I – intact rats; II – control – animals, which on the 18th day of the dated pregnancy transuterine, transdermal, subcutaneously in the interscapular area was injected with 0.9 % saline in the amount of 0.05 ml; III – experimental group – animals, which during laparotomy by intrauterine, transdermal subcutaneous injection in the interscapular area was injected with a solution of dexamethasone at a dose of 0.05 ml at a dilution of 1:40 intrauterinely on the 18th day of pregnancy (Ukrainian patent No.112288). In the experimental subgroups used the allowable, generally accepted number of animals for statistical processing and obtaining reliable results – 6 animals. The thyroid gland with the tracheal area was removed on the 21st, 30th, 45th, 60th, 90th, 120th days of life. Immunohistochemical study was performed according to the protocol recommended for a particular antibody manufacturer. Monoclonal antibodies ki-67 (Ki-67), Fox-1 Antibody (A-12) were used to assess proliferative activity, the company Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc. (USA). The study found that the thyroid gland of rats of infantile period, which prenatally exposed to dexamethasone, is structurally represented by chaotically located follicles of different diameters with a predominance of large with desquamated cells in the lumen, and proliferative changes aimed at forming extrafollicular which is confirmed immunohistochemically by the presence of Ki-67-positive cells. Intracellularly, protein- synthesizing organelles of thyrocytes also proliferate, to which there is a clear cytoplasmic and nuclear reaction with Fox-1 antibodies. Dining the juvenile period, proliferative processes in the thyroid gland of animals of the experimental group are stabilized while maintaining the morphological structure of the hypofunctional type, and remain lower compared to the control and intact groups. Morphological signs of functional tension of the thyroid gland animals exposed prenatally to dexamethasone, which correlate with a decrease in proliferative activity, indicate a functional compensatory response of synthetic and hormone-producing function, but suppression of proliferative processes, despite the slight manifestations. The thyroid gland of morphological hypofunctional type after prenatal action of dexamethasone in young rats, indicates an adaptogenic compensatory response and morphofunctional immaturity of the organ during this period, which may be the basis for provoking the preservation of such morphogenetic factors under the influence of stressors. Keywords: thyroid gland, proliferation, dexamethasone, experiment, rats.

Online and Recovery-Oriented Support Groups Facilitated by Peer Support Workers in Times of COVID-19: Protocol for a Feasibility Pre-Post Study.

BackgroundIn times of pandemics, social distancing, isolation, and quarantine have precipitated depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. Scientific literature suggests that patients living with mental health problems or illnesses (MHPIs) who interact with peer support workers (PSWs) experience not only the empathy and connectedness that comes from similar life experiences but also feel hope in the possibility of recovery. So far, it is the effect of mental health teams or programs with PSWs that has been evaluated.ObjectiveThis paper presents the protocol for a web-based intervention facilitated by PSWs. The five principal research questions are whether this intervention will have an impact in terms of (Q1) personal-civic recovery and (Q2) clinical recovery, (Q3) how these recovery potentials can be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, (Q4) how the lived experience of persons in recovery can be mobilized to cope with such a situation, and (Q5) how sex and gender considerations can be taken into account for the pairing of PSWs with service users beyond considerations based solely on psychiatric diagnoses or specific MHPIs. This will help us assess the impact of PSWs in this setting.MethodsPSWs will lead a typical informal peer support group within the larger context of online peer support groups, focusing on personal-civic recovery. They will be scripted with a fixed, predetermined duration (a series of 10 weekly 90-minute online workshops). There will be 2 experimental subgroups—patients diagnosed with (1) psychotic disorders (n=10) and (2) anxiety or mood disorders (n=10)—compared to a control group (n=10). Random assignment to the intervention and control arms will be conducted using a 2:1 ratio. Several instruments will be used to assess clinical recovery (eg, the Recovery Assessment Scale, the Citizenship Measure questionnaire). The COVID-19 Stress Scales will be used to assess effects in terms of clinical recovery and stress- or anxiety-related responses to COVID-19. Changes will be compared between groups from baseline to endpoint in the intervention and control groups using the Student paired sample t test.ResultsThis pilot study was funded in March 2020. The protocol was approved on June 16, 2020, by the Research Ethics Committees of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute. Recruitment took place during the months of July and August, and results are expected in December 2020.ConclusionsStudy results will provide reliable evidence on the effectiveness of a web-based intervention provided by PSWs. The investigators, alongside key decision makers and patient partners, will ensure knowledge translation throughout, and our massive open online course (MOOC), The Fundamentals of Recovery, will be updated with the evidence and new knowledge generated by this feasibility study.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04445324; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04445324International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/22500

COMPARISON BETWEEN NANO-HYBRID COMPOSITE AND RESIN REINFORCED GLASS IONOMER IN FLUORIDE RELEASE AND RECHARGE CAPACITY (IN VITRO STUDY)

Introduction: Caries prevention and eradication has been the greatest dentists’ challenge world wide. As fluoride has been identified as one of the protective factors that tilt the caries balance towards the positive side. Therefore, fluoride releasing materials were elaborated with the purpose of reducing the incidence of caries. Objectives: to compare between the amount of fluoride releasing and recharging capacity of fluoride releasing nano-hybrid composite and resin reinforced glass ionomer. Materials and methods: Two hundred and seventy two round specimens (n=136 for each material) were used to prepare the required samples. Each 4 specimens immersed in 5 ml of artificial saliva were considered as one sample of total number sixty eight samples (n=34 for each group).The samples were divided randomly into two groups according to the materials used: Group І (experimental): reliaFIL light cure nano-hybrid composite and Group Π (control): Riva light cure resin reinforced glass ionomer. The amount of fluoride released in each sample was recorded on day 1, 7 and day 15 by using fluoride ion selective electrode. After 15 days each group was divided into 2 subgroups (n=17): Subgroup A: experimental subgroup (treated with ClinproTM white varnish) and Subgroup B: control subgroup (no fluoride varnish treatment). The amount of fluoride re-release was recorded at the same time intervals. Then, the recharge capacity was calculated as the difference in the fluoride release between experimental and the control subgroups. Results:As for the fluoride release there was a statistical significant difference between two groups (P=0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the fluoride re-release and recharge capacity (P=0.05). Conclusions: Fluoride releasing nano-hybrid composite had demonstrated a capacity of fluoride release and a recharge capacity comparable to resin reinforced glass ionomer.

Monitoring Overeruption Pattern of Young vs Adult Unopposed Molars in the Rat.

To investigate the overeruption of unopposed molars and the adaptation of alveolar bone height in young and adult rats. A total of 56 4-week-old (young) and 26-week-old (adult) male Wistar rats were followed up longitudinally. In each age group (n = 28), 16 rats were included in the experimental subgroup, in which all the maxillary right molars were extracted, and 12 rats were included in the control subgroup. All rats were scanned at regular intervals with in vivo microcomputed tomography for a 12-week period, and the eruption rate of the mandibular first molars and the surrounding bone were measured, with the reference point at the mandibular canal. The molar categories were unopposed right molars and overloaded left molars in the experimental group and control molars in the control group. The young unopposed molars had the highest mean eruption rate (172 ± 67 μm/day). The overeruption was most marked during the first 3 weeks postextraction, thereafter gradually returning to a level comparable to controls (12.9 ± 6.8 μm/day). The overloaded adult molars did not erupt during the experimental period. Alveolar bone height also increased in young unopposed molars, but at a slower pace than overeruption, causing an increase in clinical crown height. Unopposed young molars overerupt at a higher pace than adult molars during the first weeks postextraction. The alveolar bone grows in response to the tooth eruption but to a lesser extent, which leads to a constant increase in clinical crown height at the same rate in young and adult rats. The increase of clinical crown height was 4.5-fold higher in young unopposed molars compared to control molars.

In Vitro Evaluation of Different Irrigation Protocols on Intracanal Smear Layer Removal in Teeth with or without Pre-Endodontic Proximal Wall Restoration.

To investigate the influence of pre-endodontic coronal wall restoration on smear layer removal during different root canal irrigation strategies, single-root premolars were prepared with a mesio-occlusal cavity. Half were left untreated (G1), while the mesial walls of the remaining half were reconstructed using a resin composite (G2). The specimens were divided into control (ctrl) groups, which used the conventional needle irrigation method, and four experimental subgroups according to irrigation strategy: Sonic activation using the Endoactivator, sonic activation using the EQ-S, mechanical activation using the XP-Endo finisher, and ultrasonic activation using the EndoUltra. Smear layer removal was assessed through SEM and the results were statistically analyzed. At the coronal and middle thirds, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was detected for G1 and G2, except for the control subgroups (G1ctrl vs G2 ctrl) at the middle third. At the apical third, the smear layer removal was significantly greater for G2 than G1. In G1, both at the middle and apical level, EQ-S and EndoUltra showed greater smear layer removal (p < 0.05) compared to the others G1 subgroups. In G2, at the apical level, the EQ-S and EndoUltra were the most effective in smear layer removal. Pre-endodontic coronal wall restoration may improve the smear layer removal during root canal irrigation.

Can frozen-thawed human ovary withstand refreezing-rethawing in the form of cortical strips?

The aim of this study was to elucidate whether ovarian tissue is able to withstand a double freezing-thawing procedure. Human ovarian cortical biopsies from 4 thawed whole ovaries were divided into 4 experimental subgroups: (a) frozen-thawed non-grafted group, (b) frozen-thawed xenografted group, (c) refrozen-rethawed non-grafted group, and (d) refrozen-rethawed xenografted group. Xenografting was performed using 8 severe combined immunodeficient mice for a total duration of 21days. The following analyses were conducted: classic hematoxylin and eosin staining, Ki67 immunolabeling, transmission electron microscopy, Masson's green trichrome, and double CD34 immunostaining. Morphologically normal preantral follicles were detected in all groups. We observed a dramatic decline of more than 65% in early preantral follicle survival rates after grafting of both frozen-thawed (p< 0.0001) and refrozen-rethawed (p< 0.0001) ovarian tissue. However, mean follicle densities remained comparable between the frozen-thawed and refrozen-rethawed non-grafted groups, as well as both grafted groups. Equivalent proportions of proliferating early preantral follicles were identified in frozen-thawed and refrozen-rethawed samples, whether the tissue was grafted or not. Furthermore, we did not observe any significant difference in atretic follicle rates between any of the four groups, and the ultrastructural quality of follicles appeared unaffected by the refreezing procedure. Similar proportions of fibrosis were noted in the frozen-thawed and refrozen-rethawed groups, irrespective of grafting. Finally, no significant differences were witnessed in terms of vascularization. We were able to demonstrate, for the first time, that refrozen-rethawed ovarian tissue has the same functional characteristics as frozen-thawed ovarian tissue.

Shear bond strength of a self-adhesive resin cement to dentin surface treated with Nd:YAG and femtosecond lasers.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of Nd:YAG and femtosecond lasers irradiation on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a self-adhesive resin cement to the human dentin surface. One hundred extracted third molar teeth were randomly divided into 10 experimental groups according to dentin surface treatments; with and without the bonding agent, Nd:YAG 302J/cm2 and 440J/cm2, femtosecond 4J/cm2 and 7J/cm2, and control groups were prepared. After surface treatments, a self-adhesive resin cement was luted by using a bonding jig (Ultradent Products Inc.). The specimens were then subjected to shear test at a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min, and failure loads were recorded as megapascal (MPa). Two-way analysis of variance and Tukey HSD tests were performed (p˂0.05). Representative specimens from each experimental subgroup were examined by means of SEM. The highest SBS values were obtained in Group 302J/cm2 Nd:YAG with bonding agent, and there is no statistical difference between Group 440J/cm2 Nd:YAG with bonding and Group 7J/cm2 femtosecond with bonding (p > 0.05). The lowest SBS values were observed in Group control without bonding agent. Nd:YAG and femtosecond laser treatments improved the adhesion between the dentin surface and the self-adhesive resin cement.

Image quality and clinical usefulness of automatic tube current modulation technology in female chest computed tomography screening.

The study was aimed to evaluate the image quality and radiation dose during female chest computed tomography (CT) screening using organ-based tube current modulation technology X-ray combined applications to reduce exposure (XCARE).Five hundred sixty female individuals undergoing chest CT scan were prospectively enrolled and divided into 4 groups based on body mass index (BMI). Then they were randomly and equally divided into control and experimental subgroup and respectively accepted conventional low-dose and XCARE technology spiral CT scan with same parameters. Signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were calculated. The quality of the images was evaluated by 2 radiologists using a 5-point scale.Among experimental subgroups of the 4 BMI groups, Signal-to-noise ratios, CT dose index of volume, dose-length product, effective dose, and contrast-to-noise ratio all displayed significant differences, as well as in control subgroups (P < .001). Both the experimental and control subgroups showed an increasing trend in radiation dose with the increasing of BMI. Parameters of image quality and radiation dose displayed no significant differences between control and experimental subgroups in the 4 groups. In multiple linear regression analysis, age and scanning protocol were not associated with radiation dose (P > .05), while BMI was significantly associated with increased CT dose index of volume (P < .05). The display of the lesions for the patients in the control and experimental subgroups of the 4 groups with different BMIs exhibited no statistically significant difference.The same image quality and radiation dose can be obtained using XCARE technology compared to conventional chest CT scans, which can be used regularly in female patients.Advances in knowledge: Using automatic tube current modulation technology to reduce exposure in breast. In this study, we sought a radiation protection method for sensitive tissue in chest CT screening.

Associations of short sleep duration with appetite-regulating hormones and adipokines: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In the current study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to summarize and assess whether short sleep duration is associated with appetite-regulating hormones and adipokine levels. Reference databases were searched for studies related to sleep and appetite-regulating hormones and adipokines. Qualitative and quantitative syntheses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between sleep duration and the level of appetite-regulating hormones and adipokines, including leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, resistin, and orexin. Twenty-one of 3536 studies, covering a total of 2250 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Leptin, ghrelin, and adiponectin were included in the meta-analysis. Ghrelin levels were higher in the short sleep group (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.14, 95% CI [0.03, 0.25], p = 0.01). Significant differences between the short sleep group and recommended sleep group were also noted in leptin level experimental subgroup studies (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI [0.03, 0.35], p = 0.02) and ghrelin level cross-sectional subgroup studies (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI [0.02, 0.27], p = 0.03). A rise in leptin and ghrelin levels were also observed in sleep deprivation groups (SMD = 0.24, 95% CI [0.10, 0.39], p = 0.001 and SMD = 0.18, 95% CI [0.04, 0.33], p = 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, short sleep duration is associated with an increased ghrelin level, while sleep deprivation had a significant effect on the levels of both leptin and ghrelin.

Функциональная и корреляционная зависимость между показателями метаболической активности нейтрофилов и α-дефензинов у животных различных возрастных групп в динамике острой соматической боли

В последние годы все чаще встречаются штаммы микроорганизмов, устойчивые к антибиотикам. Необходим поиск новых средств, обеспечивающих надежный антибактериальный эффект. Актуальным является изучение антимикробных полипептидов. Возникает вопрос, α-дефензины активируются только при микробной атаке или существуют и иные триггеры их вовлечения в иммунологический процесс. Если исходить из того, что любая рана всегда болезненна, но не любая острая боль связана с внешним повреждением тканей, встает вопрос о возможности вовлечения нейтрофилов и α-дефензинов в долорогенный процесс как таковой. Цель работы - выявление кореляционной связи и особенностей вовлечения нейтрофилов и α-дефензинов в острый долорогенный процесс на этапах онтогенеза. Методика. Объект исследования - белые беспородные крысы 3 возрастных групп: месячные (30-35-дневные, n=36), взрослые половозрелые (2-3 месячные, n=36), старые (старше 1 года, n=36).). Каждая группа делилась на контрольную и экспериментальную подгруппы. В экспериментальных подгруппах моделировали острую соматическую боль методом электростимуляции. После болевого воздействия брали материал для исследования через 2, 30-60, 120-180 мин. Содержание α-дефензинов в сыворотке крови определяли методом иммуноферментного анализа. Для оценки микробицидной активности нейтрофилов использовали спонтанный и стимулированный НСТ - тест. Для оценки корреляционной связи между изучаемыми показателями применяли метод ранговой корреляции Спирмена. Результаты. Острая краткосрочная соматическая боль активирует кислородзависимые механизмы микробицидности нейтрофилов и приводит к увеличению уровня α-дефензинов в периферической крови. В онтогенезе реакция имеет свои особенности, но ее стандартный и непродолжительный характер очевидны. Установлена прямая корреляционная зависимость между функциональной активностью нейтрофилов и уровнем α-дефензинов в периферической крови у 30-35-дневных и 2-3-месячных животных. Заключение. Полученные данные имеют значение при разработке препаратов на основе α-дефензинов и их применении пациентами различного возраста при наличии в анамнезе острого болевого синдрома. Microorganism strains resistant to antibiotics have become more common. This fact prompts searching for new means that would provide a reliable antibacterial effect. Studying antimicrobial polypeptides is relevant. A question arises whether α-defensins are activated only during a microbial attack or there are other triggers for their involvement in the immunological process. Since any wound is always painful but acute pain is not always associated with an external injury, the question is whether neutrophils and α-defensins can be involved in the dolorogenic process as such. The aim of the study was to determine correlation and features of neutrophil and α-defensin involvement in an acute dolorogenic process at stages of ontogenesis. Methods. The study was performed on white rats divided into three age groups (30-35-day-old, 2-3-month-old, and older than one year). Each group was divided into control and experimental subgroups. In experimental subgroups, acute somatic pain was modeled by electrostimulation. Material was collected at 2, 30-60, and 120-180 min after electrostimulation. Serum content of α-defensins was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Neutrophil microbicidal activity was evaluated using the spontaneous and stimulated NBT tests. Values were compared using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test, and correlations were analyzed using the Spearman rank correlation test. Results. Acute short-term somatic pain activated oxygen-dependent mechanisms of neutrophil microbicidity and induced increased levels of α-defensins in peripheral blood. This reaction has specific features in ontogenesis but it is obviously standard and short-term. The functional activity of neutrophils was directly correlated with the level of α-defensins in peripheral blood of 30-35-day-old and 2-3-month-old animals. Conclusion. At stages of ontogenesis, oxygen-dependent neutrophil microbicidity and peripheral blood content of α-defensins increase in response to acute, short-term somatic pain. The type of response is determined by age-related features. The study results are important for development of α-defensin-based drugs and prescribing them to patients of different age with a history of acute pain.

Histological and Immunohistochemical Analysis of Green Coffee Aqueous Extract Effect on Parotid Salivary Gland in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a very common disorder of carbohydrate metabolism whose complications affect widely the quality of life, longevity and healthcare costs. Green coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide and is one of the main sources of chlorogenic acid (CGA) especially in its green form with various biological benefits.Aim: To evaluate the possible effect of green coffee beans aqueous extract on parotid gland (PG) of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic albino rats.Material and Methods: Forty two adult male albino rats were divided equally into 3 main groups. Group I (control) rats received 0.2-0.25ml citrate buffer. This group was subdivided equally into 2 subgroups IA and IB in which rats were sacrificed corresponding to their experimental subgroups. Group II (diabetic) rats were injected by single dose of STZ (40mg/kg). Group III (diabetic treated) rats were received green coffee at a dose of 93mg/kg in form of aqueous extract 1.24-1.55ml orally once a day from the development of diabetes till the day of sacrifice. In groups II and III rats were subdivided into subgroups A and B (rats sacrificed after 1 and 2 weeks of diabetes development respectively). PGs were dissected and examined histologically and immunohistochemically.Results: Histologically, serous acini of group II showed histological deterioration in form of pleomorphic nuclei and cytoplasmic vacuolations. In group III, serous acini showed less nuclear changes and minimal vacuolations. Immunohistochemically, PGs of group II showed diffuse cytoplasmic reactions of caspase-3 in their parenchymal elements, while the nuclear reactions were localized in group III. Statistically, area% of both anti-active caspase-3 antibody and inter-acinar spaces showed significant increase in subgroup IIB and significant decrease in subgroup IIIB.Conclusions: Green coffee aqueous extract can enhance the deteriorative effects of diabetes on PGs in time dependent manner.

Flexural Fatigue of Unicone, Navigator Evo and Protaper Next Files in Reciprocate and Continuous Rotary Systems in Simulated Curved Canals—An In Vitro Study

This study investigated the cyclic fatigue resistance of three brands of nickel-titanium rotary files—Unicone (size 25 0.06; Medin), Navigator Evo (W-4; size 25 0.06; Medin) and Protaper Next (X2; size 25 0.06 Dentsply Tulsa Dental)—in reciprocating and continuous motion, during artificial canal instrumentation. Seventy-two samples—Unicone (n = 24), Navigator Evo (n = 24), and Protaper Next (n = 24)—each measuring 25 mm in length, were allocated to reciprocating (n = 36) and continuous motion (n = 36) experimental subgroups, and rotated in a simulated steel curved canal until fracture occurred. Fracture times and fragment lengths of samples in the experimental subgroups were recorded. One of the Unicone, Navigator Evo and Protaper Next fractured samples was randomly selected and analyzed for topographic characteristics by using scanning electron microscopy. Times to fracture and fragment lengths of samples were evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey’s tests. Independent sample t test was used to compare mean values between the different groups. Protaper Next samples displayed significantly higher resistance to cyclic fatigue in reciprocating motion than Unicone and Navigator Evo samples (p &lt; 0.001). Unicone samples exhibited the least fracture-resistant in continuous and reciprocating motion.