Group SB Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Shear Bond Strength in Orthodontic Brackets Between Milled and 3D-Printed Definitive CAD/CAM Restorations

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different surface treatment methods on the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal brackets bonded to two types of CAD/CAM composite restorations: milled and 3D-printed. Materials and Methods: A total of 160 flat-shaped specimens (10 × 10 × 2 mm3) were prepared from four different CAD/CAM composites; two milled (Lava Ultimate™ [LU] and Grandio™ [GR]) and two 3D-printed (Crowntec™ [CT] and C&B Permanent™ [CB]). These specimens underwent thermocycling (5000 cycles at 5–55 °C), then were categorized based on the surface treatment into four groups (n = 10): Group C (control, no surface treatment), Group HF (treated with 9.6% hydrofluoric acid), Group DB (mechanical roughening by a diamond bur), and Group SB (sandblasting using aluminum oxide). Metal brackets were bonded using Transbond XT Primer and universal adhesive, stored in artificial saliva for 24 h, then thermocycled again. Shear bond strength (SBS) was tested using a universal testing machine until bracket debonding occurred. The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was assessed using a stereomicroscope to quantify the residual adhesive following debonding. Result: Regarding material, GR and LU restorations had significantly higher SBS values compared to CT and CB, ranging from 13.90 MPa to 20.35 MPa. Regarding surface treatment, SB and HF groups showed significantly higher SBS values. The ARI scores showed different adhesive modes of failure, with higher instances of scores 0 and 1, which indicate no or minimal adhesive remaining. Conclusions: Both milled and 3D-printed materials had adequate SBS for clinical use, with milled materials showing superior results. Surface treatments like sandblasting and HF significantly improved bond strength, with adhesive failure being common.

Efficacy of ShotBlocker device versus vapocoolant spray for spinal needle pain relief during spinal anaesthesia in elective caesarean section - A randomised controlled trial.

Apprehension of pain due to a spinal needle is often a cause of anxiety and refusal. ShotBlocker provides non-painful physical stimulation, inhibiting pain perception. The vapocoolant spray contains ethyl chloride vapours, rapidly raising the skin temperature and hampering the transmission of noxious stimuli. The present study compared the effectiveness of the ShotBlocker device and the vapocoolant spray in reducing spinal needle-associated pain in primigravida women undergoing elective lower-segment caesarean section (LSCS). We enroled 144 primigravida women undergoing elective LSCS and were randomised to Group SB (the ShotBlocker device was firmly pressed over the skin, and the spinal needle was inserted through its slit), Group V (the vapocoolant spray was applied at the puncture site before spinal needle insertion), and Group C (received local infiltration before spinal anaesthesia (SA)). The groups were compared for needle-associated pain and patient satisfaction using a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) and a 3-point Likert scale. The mean (standard deviation) [95% confidence interval (CI)] VAS scores of Group SB 3.85 (0.74) [3.64, 4.07] and Group V 3.04 (0.74) [2.83, 3.26] were significantly lower than that of Group C 5.19 (0.92) [3.28, 3.62]). On the Likert scale, the maximum number of patients in the vapocoolant group (64.6%) responded satisfactorily, while in the control group, the majority (62.5%) of participants responded dissatisfied (P < 0.001). Both the ShotBlocker and vapocoolant spray reduce needle puncture-associated pain before SA in primigravida patients undergoing elective LSCS. However, the vapocoolant spray is more beneficial in reducing spinal needle-associated pain than the ShotBlocker device.

Stability of novel cow-hitch suture button coracoid bone graft fixation in Latarjet procedures: a biomechanical study

The Latarjet procedure is widely used to address anterior shoulder instability, especially in case of glenoid bone loss. Recently, cortical suture button fixation for coracoid transfer has been used to mitigate complications seen with screw placement. The aim of this biomechanical study was to evaluate the stability of a novel and cost-effective cow-hitch suture button technique, designed to be performed through a standard open deltopectoral approach, and compare this to a well-established double suture button technique. We randomly assigned 12 fresh frozen cadaveric shoulders to undergo the Latarjet procedure with either 4 suture button (S&N EndoButton) fixations (SB group; n=6, age 72±9.8 years) or cow-hitch suture button technique using a 1.7-mm FiberTape looped sequentially in 2 suture buttons (Arthrex Pectoralis Button) placed from anterior on the posterior glenoid (CH-SB group; n=6, age 73±9.3 years). After fixation, all shoulders underwent biomechanical testing with direct loading on the graft via a material testing system. Cyclic loading was performed for 100 cycles (10-100 N) to determine axial displacement with time; each graft was then monotonically loaded to failure. The maximum cyclic displacement was 4.3±1.6 mm for the cow-hitch suture button technique and 5.0±1.7 mm for the standard double suture button technique (P=.46). Ultimate load to failure and stiffness were, respectively, 190±82 N and 221±124 N/mm for the CH-SB technique and 172±48 N and 173±34 N/mm for the standard double SB technique (P=.66 and .43). The most common failure mode was suture cut-through at the anteroinferior aspect of the glenoid for both fixation groups. The cow-hitch suture button technique resulted in a similar elongation, stiffness, and failure load compared to an established double suture button technique. Therefore, this cost-effective fixation may be an alternative, eligible for open approaches, to the established double suture button techniques.

Peri-operative Outcomes of Dexmedetomidine as an Additive to Subtenon Block Compared with Intravenous Dexmedetomidine for Patients Undergoing Vitreoretinal Surgery under General Anesthesia

Background: Several medications such as dexmedetomidine can be used as adjuvants with anesthesia to reduce the stress response during surgery resulting in good post-operative outcomes and safe recovery times. Aims: To compare the peri-operative outcomes of subtenon block with or without dexmedetomidine versus dexmedetomidine infusion as adjuvants to general anesthesia in subjects undertaking retinal operations. Design: A prospective randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial Patients and methods: Through the use of sealed opaque envelopes, 120 participants were randomly divided into three groups. Group SB received subtenon bupivacaine and lidocaine and IV infusion of normal saline. Group SD received subtenon bupivacaine, lidocaine, and dexmedetomidine and IV infusion of normal saline, whereas Group DI received subtenon saline and IV infusion of dexmedetomidine. Peri-operative hemodynamics and intra-ocular pressure were measured and recorded. Intra-operative bleeding, recovery times, post-operative sedation and pain scores, first analgesic times, total analgesic requirements, and the incidence of PONV and OCR were also assessed and documented. Statistical analysis: A prospective analysis of the collected data was performed using the SPSS program for Windows (version 22). Results: The results showed that IV dexmedetomidine has decreased cardiovascular responses to surgery as signified by decreased HR and MAP with a significant drop in IOP measurements before induction and after intubation, in comparison to other groups. Administering dexmedetomidine either or IV in the subtenon block led to a significant reduction in pain scores of the first post-operative six hours, the total pethidine consumption, and the surgical bleeding. Conclusion: When used as a supplement to general anesthesia during retinal surgery, dexmedetomidine is effective at reducing the airway response to tracheal intubation and extubation and maintaining peri-operative hemodynamic stability. Dexmedetomidine is also an efficient method for lowering intraocular pressure, surgical bleeding, and postoperative analgesic consumption with a better recovery profile. It can be administered either through IV infusion or combined with local anesthetics in subtenon block.

Accuracy assessment of implant placement with versus without a CAD/CAM surgical guide by novices versus specialists via the digital registration method: an in vitro randomized crossover study

BackgroundMany studies demonstrated that surgical guides might reduce discrepancies compared with freehand implant placement. This randomized crossover study aimed to assess the effects of approaches, practitioners’ experience and learning sequences on the accuracy of single tooth implantation via digital registration method. No similar study was found.MethodsThis in vitro randomized crossover study enrolled 60 novice students (Group S) and 10 experienced instructors (Group I). Sixty students were randomly and evenly assigned to two groups (Group SA and SB). In Group SA, 30 students first performed single molar implant on a simulation model freehand (Group SAFH), and then with a CAD/CAM surgical guide (Group SASG). In Group SB, another 30 students first performed guided (Group SBSG) and then freehand (Group SBFH). Ten instructors were also divided into Group IAFH/IASG (n = 5) and IBSG/IBFH (n = 5) following the same rules. The accuracy of implant placement was assessed by the coronal and apical distance (mm) and angular (°) deviations using the digital registration method. T tests and nonparametric tests were used to compare the results among different groups of approaches, experience and sequences.ResultsFor students, the coronal and apical distance and the angular deviations were significantly lower in surgical guide group than freehand group in total and in learning freehand first subgroup, but for learning surgical guide first subgroup the apical distance deviation showed no significant difference between two approaches. For students, the angular deviation of freehand group was significantly lower in learning surgical guide first group than learning freehand first group.For instructors, the coronal and apical distance and angular deviations showed no significant difference between two approaches and two sequences.For freehand approach, the coronal and apical distance and the angular deviations were significantly higher in student group than instructor group, while not significantly different between two groups for surgical guide approach.ConclusionsFor novices, using a surgical guide for the first implant placement may reduce the potential deviations compared with freehand surgery, and may reach a comparable accuracy with that of specialists. For simple single molar implantation, the surgical guide may not be significantly helpful for experienced specialists.

Experimental demonstration of an optics-based 4-PSK half-adder using nonlinear wave mixing.

We experimentally demonstrate an optics-based half-adder of two 4-phase-shift-keying (4-PSK) data channels using nonlinear wave mixing. The optics-based half-adder has two 4-ary phase-encoded inputs (i.e., SA and SB) and two phase-encoded outputs (i.e., Sum and Carry). The input quaternary base numbers {0,1,2,3} are represented by 4-PSK signals A and B with four phase levels. Along with the original signals A and B, the phase-conjugate signal copies A* and B*and phase-doubled signal copies A2 and B2 are also generated to form two signal groups SA(A, A*, A2) and SB(B, B*, B2). All of the above signals in the same signal group are (a) prepared in the electrical domain with a frequency spacing of Δf and (b) generated optically in the same IQ modulator. When combined with a pump laser, group SA mixes with group SB in a periodically poled lithium niobate nonlinear (PPLN) device. At the output of the PPLN device, both the Sum (A2B2) and the Carry (AB + A*B*) are simultaneously generated with four phase levels and two phase levels, respectively. In our experiment, the symbol rates can be varied between 5 Gbaud and 10 Gbaud. The experimental results show that (i) the measured conversion efficiency of two 5-Gbaud outputs is approximately -24 dB for Sum and approximately -20 dB for Carry, and (ii) the measured optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) penalty of the 10-Gbaud Sum and Carry channels is <10 dB and <5 dB, compared with that of the 5-Gbaud channels at the BER of 3.8 × 10-3.

Influence of surface treatment on repair bond strength of CAD/CAM long-term provisional restorative materials: an in vitro study

BackgroundThe surface treatment to improve the repair bond strength may vary because CAD/CAM provisional restoration polymers exhibit a variety of microstructures. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of surface treatments on the repairability of three different CAD/CAM polymers for long-term provisional restorations.MethodsThirty specimens from each provisional restorative materials (CAD-Temp, Everest C-Temp, and PEEK) were divided into three groups: C: surfaces received no treatment; SB: surfaces were airborne particle abraded with 50 μm aluminum oxide; SB-T: surfaces received the same conditions as group SB in addition to thermocycling before and after treatment. Primer and nanohybrid repair resin composite were applied to the prepared CAD /CAM surfaces. The shear bond strength and the mode of failure were assessed. ANOVA and Tukey’s significant difference tests were used to evaluate the data.ResultsThe SB group had significantly higher repair SBS values (p < .001) compared to the other groups (C and SB-T). Everest C-Temp significantly recorded the highest repair SBS (17.84 ± 0.19 MPa) in group SB, while the lowest repair SBS values (5.51 ± 1.14 MPa) for CAD-Temp were recorded in group C. PEEK significantly recorded the second highest repair SBS (15.96 ± 0.18) in the SB group.ConclusionsEverest C-Temp had the highest repair SBS after an airborne abrasion particle. Thermocycling had no significant effect on the repair SBS for PEEK. Everest C-Temp and PEEK are recommended as long-term durable provisional materials for clinical use.

Effect of femtosecond laser and sllica-coating on zirconia framework-veneering ceramic bonding, surface chemistry and crystallographic changes

The aim of this study was the assessment of various surface conditioning methods upon zirconia framework veneering ceramic bonding, crystallographic changes, and surface chemistry. 91 prepared zirconia specimens were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 18) according to conditioning method: Group SB: Air-borne-particle abrasion with 50 µm Al2O3; Group R: Tribochemical silica coating; Group FL: Femtosecond-laser application; Group Si25: argon/oxygen plasma (8:1 in flux) film deposition on the zirconia surface for 25 min and Group Si49: as in Si25 but only 49 min. The veneering ceramic was fired upon the zirconia surface and the interface of the framework-veneer assemblies were subjected to shear force using a Universal Testing Machine (1 mm/min). Three specimens from every group were analyzed with profilometry and SEM. Data were statistically analyzed using a One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05). Failure modes were obtained and SEM-EDX was used to identify tetragonal to monoclinic transformation phase change. Group Si49 (32 ± 3) presented the highest mean bond strength values (MPa) followed by Group Si25 (28 ± 6) being not significant from one another (p > 0.05). Groups SB (15 ± 5) and R (16 ± 5) did not show significant difference (p > 0.05), being significantly less than that of Group FL (22 ± 6) (p < 0.05). All groups presented predominantly mixed failures. Silica-based coating was most effective in terms of bond strength, minimal flaws and transformation in the zirconia tested.

Effect of femtosecond laser zirconia surface treatment on cement shear bond strength

It was aimed to evaluate the effects of conventional surface treatment techniques and femtosecond (FS) laser on shear bond strength (SBS) between zirconia and resin cement. 84 zirconia blocks (2 × 10 × 10 mm) (Zirkonzahn, Zirkonzahn USA Inc, USA) were divided into six groups (n = 14): group FS, FS laser application; group SB-FS, sandblasting followed by FS laser treatment; group FS-SB, FS laser treatment followed by sandblasting, group PS, plasma sputtering; group R, tribochemical silica coating; group SB, sandblasting with 110 µm Al2O3. The resin cement (Panavia F 2.0, Kuraray Medical Inc., Tokyo, Japan) was applied to the samples and polymerized with a LED curing light. SBS test was performed on 72 samples (12 samples from each group) with a universal testing machine. The other two samples of each group were analyzed with SEM and profilometer. For statistical analysis, ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests were used. Although, there were no significant differences between the group SB (7.66 ± 2.04 MPa), group PS (7.39 ± 2.98 MPa) and group R (5.62 ± 1.39 MPa) (p > 0.05), the SBS values of the group FS (13.35 ± 2.48 MPa), group SB + FS (13.23 ± 1.84 MPa) and group FS + SB (11.31 ± 2.07 MPa) were higher than them with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). SEM images showed differences in surface morphology among the groups. According to the 3-D profilometer images, the Ra values of Group SB, Group R, Group PS, Group FS, Group FS-SB and Group SB-FS were 0.93, 0.98, 0.16, 6.40, 10.70 and 9.11, respectively. The FS laser surface treatment provided a significantly higher bond strength than the conventional techniques. It is not recommended to combine FS laser treatment with sandblasting.

Effects of hippocampal Na+-K+-2C1- cotransporter on sevoflurane-induced neurobehavioral impairments in neonatal rats

Objective To discuss the effects of hippocampal Na+-K+ -2C1- cotransporter (NKCC1) on sevoflurane-induced neurobehavioral impairments in neonatal rats. Methods Thirty six 6-day-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n=12), according to the random number table method: a control group (group C), a sevoflurane group (group S), and a sevoflurane + bumetanide group (group SB). Group C inhaled 30% oxygen for 6 h, while groups S and SB inhaled 2.1% sevoflurane+30% oxygen for 6 h. Group SB was intraperitoneally injected with bumetanide (1.82 mg/kg) 15 min before sevoflurane inhalation. Then, 4 weeks later, the elevated plus maze and prepulse inhibition (PPI) tests were performed. One week after behavior tests, the hippocampus was harvested. Quantitative real time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the levels of NKCC1 mRNA and protein. Results In the elevated plus maze test, no significant difference was observed in total movement distance among the three groups (P<0.05). Compared with group C, group S spent shortened time of stay in the open arms, presented decreased PPI% corresponding to PP3 and PP6 (P<0.05), and produced increased amounts of hippocampal NKCC1 mRNA and protein (P<0.05). Compared with group S, group SB presented extended time in the open arms, increased PPI% corresponding to PP3 and PP6, and declined amounts of hippocampal NKCC1 mRNA and protein (P<0.05). Conclusions Sevoflurane may cause neurobehavioral damages in neonatal rats, which may be associated with NKCC1. Key words: Sevoflurane; Na+-K+ -2C1- cotransporter; Hippocampus; Neuroethology; Neonatal rats

Saddle block versus subarachnoid block for transurethral resection of prostate surgery: A randomized comparative study

Background: Regional anesthesia is usually preferred over general anesthesia for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Spinal anesthesia increases the risk of hypotension. Saddle block provides a block that is dense in lumbosacral and lower thoracic dermatomes; hence, hemodynamic derangement will be less. In this study, we aimed at comparing the hemodynamic stability and anesthetic efficacy of subarachnoid block versus saddle block in patients undergoing TURP. Patients and Methods: After obtaining written informed consent, a prospective randomized comparative study was conducted in 90 patients, 50–70 years, of ASA physical status 1–2 scheduled for TURP. They were randomly allocated into two groups of 45 each. Group SA received spinal and Group SB received saddle block using the same volume (2.5 ml) of hyperbaric bupivacaine. Hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate (HR), systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (BP), and height of block were recorded in both groups. If hypotension was present, ephedrine bolus intravenously was administered, and the total requirement of vasopressor was noted. Results: Maximum decrease in HR from baseline was low in Group SB (P = 0.008). Maximum fall in systolic, diastolic, and mean BP was also found to be low (P = 0.005), (P = 0.001), and (P = 0.001), respectively, in Group SB. In Group SB, time to achieve T10 sensory level was delayed, whereas the level of motor blockade was low according to the modified Bromage score. Ephedrine consumption was also low in Group SB (P = 0.001) versus Group SA. Conclusion: Saddle block can be safely administered in TURP for elderly patients, with the reduced hemodynamic imbalance and vasopressor requirement.

A practical method to improve preoxygenation: Using the APL valve

Aim: After induction of anesthesia hypoxemia may rapidly develop due to hypoventilation, apnea and decrease in functional residual capacity. Thus, preoxygenation should be administered to every patient before anesthesia induction since airway management may unexpectedly be difficult. Applying positive airway pressure is reported to improve preoxygenation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of applying positive pressure via the adjustable pressure limiting valve (APL) on preoxygenation. Material and Methods: 40 patients aged from 18 to 80 years to be operated under general anesthesia were included in this prospective randomized controlled study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups and preoxygenation was administered with anesthesia facemask in the supine position using two different techniques. In both techniques, the anesthesia circuit was flushed with O2 flush for 30 seconds and then preoxygenation was performed with 100% oxygen and 12 L/min of fresh gas flow for 3 min in spontaneous breathing. In Group APL the APL valve was set at 5 cmH2O pressure position. In Group SB, the APL valve was set at open (spontaneous) position. Results: The percentage of patients with an FeO2 of ≥ 90% at 3rd min was higher in Group APL than in Group SB (75% vs 40%, p=0.006). The mean FeO2 value at 3rd min was statistically significantly higher in Group APL (89.6 vs 88.2, p=0.001). The degree of the difficulty of the technique was reported to be higher in Group APL. Conclusion: In conclusion, we have shown that applying 5 cmH2O positive pressure by APL valve improved preoxygenation compared with spontaneous breathing.

Influence of Surface Modification Protocol and Type of Luting Cement on Bonding of Monolithic Zirconia to Dentin Substrate

To assess microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of two types of luting cement to monolithic zirconia and dentin following various surface modifications and aging. Monolithic zirconia blocks were divided into four main groups. Group N: no surface modification; Group SB: sandblasted using 50 μm Al2O3 particles. Group GH: glazed with a thin film of low-fusing porcelain glaze and etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 60 seconds. Group CJ: sandblasted with CoJet sand. Surface-treated ceramic blocks were bonded to dentin using either self-adhesive cement or resin-modified glass ionomer cement and submitted to 3 or 150 days of water storage protocol with aging. The specimens were subjected to tensile force until de-bonding. Surface roughness (Ra, μm) was assessed after surface treatment. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests followed by Tukey's tests were used to analyze the data (α = 0.05). Surface modification using selective infiltration etching (SIE) showed significantly higher μTBS (p < 0.05) compared to tribochemical silica coating, sandblasting, and no treatment groups. The surface roughness of the SB and CJ groups were statistically higher compared to GH and N groups. Selective glass infiltration etching was an effective method in altering the surface properties, creating a strong and durable bond to monolithic zirconia. Surface treatment procedures using SIE techniques combined with the use of universal 10-Methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP)-containing adhesives could establish a long-lasting and strong bonding to monolithic zirconia restorations. Resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC) is an alternative luting cement for monolithic zirconia based on the assessment of its bond strength and bond durability.

T-dualities and Doubled Geometry of the Principal Chiral Model

The Principal Chiral Model (PCM) defined on the group manifold of SU(2) is here investigated with the aim of getting a further deepening of its relation with Generalized Geometry and Doubled Geometry. A one-parameter family of equivalent Hamiltonian descriptions is analysed, and cast into the form of Born geometries. Then O(3, 3) duality transformations of the target phase space are performed and we show that the resulting dual models are defined on the group SB(2, ℂ) which is the Poisson-Lie dual of SU(2) in the Iwasawa decomposition of the Drinfel’d double SL(2, ℂ). A parent action with doubled degrees of freedom and configuration space SL(2, ℂ) is then defined that reduces to either one of the dually related models, once suitable constraints are implemented.

Effects of Various Chairside Surface Treatments on Zirconia-Resin Cement Bond Strength

Introduction: Various surface treatments have been used to improve the adhesion of resin cement to zirconia restorations. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different surface treatments on the bond strength of resin cement to zirconia (Y-TZP) in clinical practice. Methods: thirty square Y-TZP samples were classified into three groups of 10, including group SB (50 µm sandblasted Al2O3 particles), group B (diamond burs), and group C (control). One sample from each group was subjected to X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and profilometer analysis. The shear bond strength (SBS) of zirconia-resin cement was measured using a universal testing machine at the crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until bonding failure. SBS values were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s HSD test (α=0.05). Results: According to the results of ANOVA, SBS was significantly affected by the treatment method. Tukey’s HSD test showed significant differences between the groups (P 0.05). In addition, SEM evaluations indicated morphological differences between the Y-TZP samples. According to the results of X-ray diffractometer, monoclinic phase transformation was observed in group SB only (28%). Conclusion: According to the results, grinding and sandblasting were both effective in chairside surface treatments for improving the bond strength of the resin cement to Y-TZP. However, it should be considered that sandblasting may cause phase transformation.

Transcriptomes reveal genes involved in covering and sheltering behaviors of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius exposed to UV-B radiation

Although the potential link exists between behavioral responses to UV-B radiation and the maximization of fitness, molecular mechanisms of these UV-B induced behaviors remain poorly understood. For the first time, we investigated the transcriptomes of covered (CB), sheltered (SB) and non-protected (NA) sea urchins Strongylocentrotus intermedius exposed to UV-B radiation. A total of 330 differentially expressed genes were revealed by transcriptome comparisons. By comparing with the group NA, we found 79 up-regulated and 118 down-regulated genes in SB group, as well as 26 up-regulated and 67 down-regulated genes in group CB. There were 34 up-regulated genes and 52 down-regulated genes in group SB, compared with group CB. These differentially expressed genes failed to enrich either Gene Ontology (GO) or Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), only except an enrichment in KEGG. We highlighted TRPA1 and Opsin as key neurobiological genes involved in the molecular mechanisms of covering and sheltering behaviors of sea urchins exposed to UV-B radiation. What's more, other identified genes provide valuable resources for future investigations on the molecular basis of covering and sheltering behaviors of sea urchins.

Diazoxide induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-related neuroprotection mediated by p38 MAPK against Aβ25-35 insults.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) -resident caspase-12 was identified as a mediator of Aβ neurotoxicity. Recent evidence indicates that mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel openers mediate their neuroprotective role by adjusting ER stress pathways, but the molecular details remain largely unknown and have been investigated. In this study, the protein expression levels of calreticulin (CRT) and caspase-12 activation and phosphorylated p38 MAPK were observed by immunoblotting in cultured PC12 cells from different groups: treatment with Aβ25-35 (group Aβ25-35), treatment with diazoxide (group diazoxide), pretreatment with diazoxide and then exposure to Aβ25-35 (group diazoxide + Aβ25-35), pretreatment with p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 203580 and then exposure to diazoxide and Aβ25-35 (group SB 203580 + diazoxide + Aβ25-35), and the control (group control). In response to the treatment with Aβ25-35 (10 µM) for 24 h, the protein expression levels of CRT and caspase-12 activation were increased and phosphorylated p38 MAPK was decreased significantly. Diazoxide reduced CRT overexpression and caspase-12 activation and increased the up-regulation of phosphorylated p38 MAPK. When SB 203580 was presented before exposure to diazoxide and Aβ25-35, CRT expression was markedly suppressed, and the inhibition effect of diazoxide on caspase-12 activation was almost eliminated. We showed that diazoxide induced ERS-related neuroprotection mediated by p38 MAPK against Aβ25-35 insults. From the clinical point of view, these results are of considerable importance for the understanding of AD pathogenesis. However, further studies are required to explore more detailed mechanisms of the observed effects.

Comparing Masticatory Efficiency of Mandibular Bar-Supported Overdentures with Different Loading Protocols

Purpose: The study aimed to compare progression of masticatory efficiency associated with mandibular bar-supported overdentures either retained by immediately or delayed loaded two implants.Material and Methods: A total 12 completely edentulous patients with persistent complaints from their complete mandibular dentures were chosen. Each participant received two dental implants of (3.8 mm x 12 mm) bilaterally using computer-guided flapless surgery. The participants were grouped according to the bar attachment design into two equal groups. Group SB: six participants received mandibular overdenture supported by immediately loaded two implants connected with prefabricated SFI-Bar system. Group CB: six participants received mandibular overdentures supported by delayed loaded two implants splinted with conventional cast Co-Cr bar attachment. Glucose extraction method was performed to objectively measure the masticatory efficiency for each patient at different time points including; including; one week after implant-bar connections connections (T0), six months after implant-bar connections (T6), and 12 months after implant-bar connections (T12). Results: There were statistically significant difference of masticatory efficiency between the (SB) and, (CB) (P=.004 and P=.001 respectively). Starting from T0, the findings showed highly statistical significance (P=0.000) in improving the masticatory efficiency at (T6) and (T12) respectively. Conclusion Regardless the limitations of this clinical study, it can be conclude that restoring edentulous patient with mandibular overdenture assisted with bar improves the masticatory efficiency with a noticeable statistical improvement of masticatory efficiency for immediate versus delayed loading protocol.

Effect of different thoracic anesthesia on postoperative cough.

The objective of the study is to retrospectively analyze the cough status after double lumen tube (DLT) and spontaneous respiration thoracic anesthesia, to compare the degree of influence of anesthesia and surgical factors, and to investigate whether spontaneous respiration anesthesia can reduce the incidence of cough. Postoperative follow-ups were performed on 1,162 patients from July 2011 to December 2015 who meet the selected conditions, whose surgical approach is limited to VAST bullectomy, wedge resection, segmentectomy, or lobectomy. Patients' probability of cough in 1st day (T1), 2nd days (T2), 3rd days (T3), 1st month (T4), 3rd months (T5), 6th months (T6) and 12th months (T7) after thoracoscopic surgery were recorded, as well as the Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ) survey results, visual cough score (VAS), and cough symptom scores. All cases were divided into double-lumen endotracheal tubes anesthesia group (group T, n=925 cases) and spontaneous respiratory anesthesia group (group S, n=456 cases), and group S was further divided into intravenous composite intercostal nerve block anesthesia group (group SB, n=157 cases) and intravenous combined epidural anesthesia group (group SE, n=299 cases). The probability of cough decreases with the increasing of postoperative time (P<0.05). The probability of cough is similar between group SE and group SB (P>0.05). The probability of cough in group T is significantly higher than other groups at any time point (P<0.05). In group T, the symptom of cough is the most severe, the scores of physiological, psychological, and social parts of LCQ are the lowest, and the VAS score is the highest (P<0.05), but all these are similar in group SE and group SB (P>0.05). The duration of antibiotic application, the days of chest drainage tube indwelling, and the days of hospital stay are all lower in group S than in group T (P<0.05). There is a correlation between pulmonary surgery and postoperative cough. The probability of postoperative cough is higher in the more invasive patients. The probability of coughing is approximately 27% to 36% at 3 months after surgery, and approximately 2.6% to 7.9% in one year after surgery. The combination of surgery and anesthesia methods increases the probability of cough from 48.9% to 65.1% at 3 months after surgery, and about 20.5% to 22.8% in 1 year after surgery. Spontaneous respiration anesthesia can significantly reduce the probability of cough, improve postoperative recovery, and improve postoperative quality of life.

Effects of fluoride-modified titanium surfaces with the similar roughness on RUNX2 gene expression of osteoblast-like MG63 cells.

Chemical modification of titanium surfaces by hydrofluoric acid (HF) is an effective method to improve bone responses on titanium implant surfaces. In this study, titanium disks were sandblasted with titanium oxide grits and modified with 0.2% and 0.4% of diluted HF under different exposure times of 40 and 60 s. Surface characteristics, such as surface chemical composition, surface topography, and surface wettability, were investigated. To examine MG63 osteoblast-like cell responses to fluoride-modified titanium surfaces with roughness similar to that of nonmodified surfaces, a cell proliferation assay was performed and gene expression levels of Runx2 were evaluated using real-time PCR. Fluoride-modified titanium surfaces revealed no significant roughness difference but with hydrophilic properties than control group SB. Moreover, the relative atomic concentration percentages of fluoride were 0.7, 1.5, and 2.8. As fluoride concentrations increased, surface wettability increased and cell proliferation began earlier. However, the gene expression levels of Runx2 increased earlier on surfaces with 1.5% fluoride, with significantly high surface skewness. There seems to be an optimal fluoride concentration percentage when gene expression levels of Runx2 were taken into consideration. In addition, surface parameters, such as surface wettability and surface skewness, seem to be important factors in the enhancement of osteoblast differentiation by HF. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3102-3109, 2017.