IC Group Research Articles

Fractal dimension in the evaluation of different treatments of muscular injury in rats.

To evaluate alterations from different therapies in muscular injury using the Fractal Dimension (FD) method. 35 animals were allocated in Control Group (C), Injury Control Group (IC), Injury Low Level Laser Therapy Group (ILT), Injury Platelet Rich Plasma Group (IP), and Injury LLLT and PRP Group (ILP). The animals suffered a stretch injury in gastrocnemius muscle and after that IP and ILP groups received PRP application. The ILT and ILP groups received daily LLLT applications for seven days. After seven days the animals were euthanized and the gastrocnemius muscle removed and frozen. The muscles were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) and Picrosirius Red, for observation of the morphology of the injury and semi-quantitative and quantitative analysis through the Fractal Dimension (FD) method. In the qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis, in relation to IC group, the ILT presented a reduction in rounded fibers and the IP in angular fibers. The ILP group demonstrated a reduction in both polymorphic fibers and inflammatory infiltrate. The FD of the muscles stained with HE was higher in the groups that suffered the injury when compared to the C group (p < 0.05); the FD of the collagen demonstrated no statistical difference between the groups. Both treatments were able to accelerate injury repair, and the association of both presented better results than the isolated applications. However, the FD method showed no sensitivity to differentiate the treatments, either in the histological aspects or the injury in collagen.

Is the new distribution of early esophageal adenocarcinoma stages improving the prognostic prediction of the 8th edition of the TNM staging system for esophageal cancer?

The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)/Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) staging system released in 2017 reclassified the pTNM stage of early esophageal adenocarcinoma from stage IA in the 7th edition to stage IA and IB and from stage IB in the 7th edition to stage IC. In this study, we analyzed the reliability of the new staging system through clinical data analysis. We selected patient data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. From 2004 to 2014, data for a total of 714 patients were included in the study and were divided into groups representing stage IA (n=84), IB (n=386) and IC (n=244) according to the 8th edition. In the 8th edition, there was no significant difference between groups IA and IB in overall survival (OS) (P=0.331) or esophageal cancer-specific survival (ECSS) (P=0.341). However, the long-term survival rates of groups IA and IB were significantly higher than those of group IC. Cox regression analysis indicated that the use of new staging system does not affect prognosis. We also attempted to stratify the tumors by T stage and histological grade but found no significant difference. We used the SEER database to compare the staging of early esophageal adenocarcinomas between the 8th and 7th editions of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system. Based on our data, the 8th edition is not superior to the 7th edition.

Return-to-Work after depression - evaluation of a retrospective case-control study of an operational integrated care model

A retrospective group comparison of patients with depression receiving IC in a psychiatric outpatient clinic (N=64) and a control group with standard care in the same clinic (N=64) was performed. Primary outcome was return to work. Patients of the IC group returned to work significantly more often (Odds Ratio 11.9; p<0.001) and 91.2 days earlier (p=0.010) than those of the group that received standard care. Specific measures of an IC program might accelerate the process of return to work.

Comparison of analgesic efficacy between two approaches of paravertebral block for thoracotomy: A randomised trial

Although several approaches for ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block have been introduced, little is known regarding the differences in analgesic efficacy. We conducted this prospective randomised trial to examine whether the type of approach for ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block could affect analgesic quality in thoracotomy. Patients scheduled for video-assisted thoracotomy were randomly allocated into two groups by block technique: the intercostal approach (group IC) or the paralaminar approach (group PL). At the start and end of surgery, 20mL of 0.5% ropivacaine was injected, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 5mL h-1 . We also started intravenous fentanyl patient-controlled analgesia at 0.5μg kg-1 h-1 and bolus dose of 15μg. The main outcome was the number of rescue fentanyl use. We also evaluated postoperative pain scores and number of blocked dermatomes showing a reduced sensation. Enrolment was ceased because of implementation of a minimally invasive surgical method. Overall, 42 subjects completed the trial for analysis. The number of rescue fentanyl use in group PL was significantly less than that in group IC at 3, 6, 12 and 24hour postoperatively. The numerical rating scale (NRS) at rest in group PL was significantly lower at 1, 3, 6, and 12hour postoperatively. Patients in Group PL developed significantly wider sensory block level (median (IQR [range]); 4 (4-5 [2-7])) than those in Group IC (3 (3-3 [2-9])). We suggested that paralaminar approach provided superior analgesia for thoracotomy rather than the intercostal approach.

Dietary curcumin supplementation attenuates inflammation, hepatic injury and oxidative damage in a rat model of intra-uterine growth retardation.

Rats with a normal birth weight (NBW) or intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) were fed basic diets (NBW and IUGR groups) or basic diets supplemented with curcumin (NC and IC groups) from 6 to 12 weeks. The body weight of IUGR rats was lower (P<0·05) than that of the controls. Rats with IUGR showed higher (P<0·05) concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6; higher (P<0·05) activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in their serum; and increased (P<0·05) concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHDG) in the liver compared with the NBW rats. The livers of IUGR rats exhibited a lower (P<0·05) superoxide dismutase activity and decreased (P<0·05) metabolic efficiency of the hepatic glutathione redox cycle compared with those of the NBW rats. In response to dietary curcumin supplementation, concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and activities of AST and ALT in the serum and MDA, PC and 8-OHDG in the liver were lower (P<0·05), and the hepatic glutathione redox cycle in the liver was improved (P<0·05) in the IC group than in the IUGR group. These results were associated with lower (P<0·05) phosphorylated levels of the NF-κB pathway and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and higher (P<0·05) mRNA expression of genes involved in the nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2 (Nfe2l2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway in the liver of the IC rats than that of the IUGR rats. Maternal undernutrition decreased birth weight and led to inflammation, oxidative damage and injury in rats. Curcumin appeared to be beneficial in preventing IUGR-induced inflammation, oxidative damage and injury by activating the expression of the NF-κB, JAK/STAT and Nfe2l2/ARE pathways in the liver.

A novel rat model of stable posttraumatic joint stiffness of the knee

BackgroundAnimal models of posttraumatic joint stiffness (PTJS) are helpful in understanding underlying mechanisms, which is important for developing specific treatments and prophylactic therapies. Existing rat models of PTJS in the knee failed to show that the created contracture does not resolve through subsequent remobilization. Our objective was to establish a rat model of persisting PTJS of the knee and compare it to existing models.MethodsThirty skeletally immature male Sprague Dawley rats underwent surgical intervention with knee hyperextension, extracartilaginous femoral condyle defect, and Kirschner (K)-wire transfixation for 4 weeks with the knee joint in 146.7° ± 7.7° of flexion (n = 10 per group, groups I–III). After K-wire removal, group I underwent joint angle measurements and group II and group III were allowed for 4 or 8 weeks of free cage activity, respectively, before joint angles were measured. Eighteen rats (n = 6 per group, groups Ic–IIIc) served as untreated control.ResultsArthrogenic contracture was largest in group I (55.2°). After 4 weeks of remobilization, the contracture decreased to 25.7° in group II (p < 0.05 vs. group I), whereas 8 weeks of remobilization did not reduce the contracture significantly (group III, 26.5°, p = 0.06 vs. group I). Between 4 and 8 weeks of remobilization, no increase in extension (26.5° in group III, p = 0.99 vs. group II) was observed. Interestingly, muscles did not contribute to the development of contracture.ConclusionIn our new rat model of PTJS of the knee joint, we were able to create a significant joint contracture with an immobilization time of only 4 weeks after trauma. Remobilization of up to 8 weeks alone did not result in full recovery of the range of motion. This model represents a powerful tool for further investigations on prevention and treatment of PTJS. Future studies of our group will use this new model to analyze medical treatment options for PTJS.

Regenerative effect of microcurrent according to intensity on calf muscle atrophy in immobilised rabbit

The intensity of microcurrent therapy is important in the treatment of muscle damage. In one study, when an intensity of 100–500 μA was applied after muscle damage, the healing process, including amino acid transport, triphosphate generation, and protein synthesis, increased by 30–40% above the control level. On the contrary, when the intensity exceeded 1000 μA, these biostimulatory effects were reversed. Therefore, we aims to investigate the regenerative effect of microcurrent electric stimulation according to intensity on gastrocnemius (GCM) muscle atrophy in rabbits induced by cast immobilization Fifteen male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into 3 groups of 5 rabbits. Right GCM muscle was used for immobilization by cast for 2 weeks (IC). IC (group 1), IC and Microcurrent stimulation (MS: 25 μA) for 2 weeks after CR (group 2), and IC and Microcurrent stimulation (MS: 5000 μA) for 2 weeks after CR (group 3). Atrophic change of Rt. calf circumference, Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of Rt. tibial nerve, thickness of Rt. GCM by ultrasound was calculated. Muscle composition of GCM muscle and cross sectional area (CSA) of muscle fibers was measured. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) positive cell ratio was calculated as the number of BrdU positive cells per muscle fiber. Mean atrophic changes of Rt. calf circumference, amplitude of CMAP on Rt. tibial nerve, and Rt. medial and lateral GCM muscle thickness in group 2 was significantly lesser than those in group 1 and 3 ( P < .05). Mean CSA of medial GCM type 1 muscle fibers and PCNA and BrdU ratio in group 2 were significantly greater than those in group 1 and group 3, respectively ( P < .05). The result shows that a low-intensity microcurrent promotes more effectively than high-intensity in regeneration of GCM type 1 muscle atrophy.

Effects of arsenic methylation and metabolism on the changes of arsenic-related skin lesions.

Little was known about the arsenic metabolism and arsenic methylation associated with the changes of skin lesions after reducing the arsenic in drinking water (WAs). Therefore, urinary concentrations and proportions of arsenic species were determined for recovery (RC), improvement (IC), persistent (PE), aggravation (AC), new incidence (NC), and no sign (HC) groups based on the changes of skin lesions between before (in 2004) and after (in 2017) WAs reduction. The results indicate that the urinary concentrations of inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and total arsenic (TAs) were much higher for RC and IC groups than for the other groups in 2004, while these values varied slightly among the groups in 2017. The urinary %iAs of all the groups was significantly decreased after WAs reduction. In contrast, the urinary %DMA of RC, IC, AC, and NC groups was increased. From 2004 to 2017, the PE and HC groups had lower decrease rate of %iAs and %MMA, and increase rate of %DMA, primary methylation index (PMI), and secondary methylation index (SMI) after WAs reduction. The adjusted odd ratios (ORs) showed that the RC, IC, AC, and NC groups were positively related with %iAs and %MMA and were negatively correlated with %DMA, PMI, and SMI before WAs reduction. It can be concluded that higher urinary %iAs and %MMA before WAs reduction increased the probability of skin lesions recovery and improvement, and the risks of skin lesions aggravation and incidence. Higher increase rate of urinary %DMA was positively associated with of skin lesions recovery and improvement. Moreover, higher urinary %iAs and %MMA or lower increase rate of urinary %DMA might increase the risk of skin lesions aggravation.

A comparison of intracoronary treatment strategies for thrombus burden removal during primary percutaneous coronary intervention: a COCTAIL II substudy.

Manual thrombus aspiration and local drug delivery of abciximab have been proposed as a strategy to reduce thrombus burden during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction; however, the effectiveness of these approaches, is uncertain. In this COCTAIL II substudy, we compared the effect of these strategies on prestenting and poststenting thrombus burden assessed by optical coherence tomography. COCTAIL II trial enrolled patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction randomized to intralesion (IL, by the ClearWay catheter) versus intracoronary (IC, by the guide catheter) abciximab bolus with or without aspiration thrombectomy (AT). The following parameters were used to quantify atherothrombotic burden: thrombus volume (TVol), maximum thrombus area (TA), and thrombus burden (TB). Primary endpoint was the comparison of prestenting TVol after the use of local drug delivery (group IL+IL abciximab plus AT) versus nonlocal drug delivery (group IC abciximab plus AT+IC). The final population consisted of 59 patients undergoing both prestenting and poststenting optical coherence tomography assessment. The amount of thrombus was not significantly different in the groups with local drug delivery of abciximab versus nonlocal drug delivery in both prestenting (TVol: 18.87±26.70 vs. 19.02±18.45; TB: 26.73±12.8 vs. 25.18±13.25; and maximum TA: 59.25±18.84 vs. 53.34±19.30) and poststenting (TVol: 8.46±9.15 vs. 8.05±6.81; TB: 6.68±3.54 vs. 6.24±3.66; and maximum TA: 15.47±7.61 vs. 16.52±11.55) evaluations. A good correlation between thrombus measurements after thrombus removal techniques and intrastent thrombus was observed. Either local drug delivery of abciximab or manual thrombus aspiration showed comparable results in terms of prestenting and poststenting thrombus burden removal.

Index versus delayed cholecystectomy in mild gallstone pancreatitis: results of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDelayed cholecystectomy is associated with increased risk of biliary events. The objectives of the study were to confirm the superiority of index cholecystectomy over delayed operation in mild gallstone pancreatitis. MethodsPatients with mild gallstone pancreatitis were randomized into index–or delayed cholecystectomy (IC vs. DC). IC was performed within 48 h from randomization provided a stable or improved clinical condition. The primary outcome was gallstone-related events. Secondary outcomes were rates of cholecystectomy complications, common bile duct stones (CBDS) detected at cholecystectomy and patient reported quality-of-life and pain. ResultsSixty-six patients were randomized into IC (n = 32) or DC (n = 34) between May 2009 and July 2017. There were significantly higher rates of gallstone-related events in the DC compared with the IC group (nine patients vs. one patient, p = 0.013). No statistically significant differences could be demonstrated in cholecystectomy complications (p = 0.605) and CBDS discovered during cholecystectomy (p = 0.302) between the groups. Pain and emotional well-being measured by SF-36 were improved significantly in the IC group at follow-up. ConclusionsDelayed cholecystectomy in mild gallstone pancreatitis can no longer be recommended since it is associated with an increased risk for recurrent gallstone-related events and impaired patient's reported outcomes.Trial registration number:clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT02630433).

Correlation of thrombocytopenia with grading of esophageal varices in chronic liver disease patients

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of thrombocytopenia with esophageal variceal grading in chronic liver disease patients. Background Esophageal varices (EVs) are a serious consequence of portal hypertension in patients with chronic liver disease. Several studies have evaluated possible noninvasive predictors for the presence and size of varices, including platelet count. Materials and methods This study included 210 patients who presented with chronic liver disease in Menouf Fever Hospital. The diagnosis was based on history, clinical, laboratory, and imaging data. They were divided into two groups: group I and group II. Group I included 140 patients with EVs and was subdivided into group IA, which included 60 patients with grade I, group IB, which included 40 patients with grade II, and group IC, which included 40 patients with grade III, and group II included 70 patients without EVs. Correlation of thrombocytopenia with the grading of EVs was assessed using Spearman's correlation. Results Platelet count was significantly lower in patients with EV grades I, II, and III (mean ± SD; 100.5 ± 19.8, 65.2 ± 13.0, and 60.3 ± 14.1 × 103/mm3, respectively) than in those without EVs (152.1 ± 17.1 × 103/mm3). Moreover, it was significantly lower in patients with grades II and III (large EVs) (65.2 ± 13.0 and 60.3 ± 14.1 × 103/mm3, respectively) than in patients with grade I (small EVs) (100.5 ± 19.8 × 103/mm3) (P Conclusion Thrombocytopenia is a good noninvasive predictor for the presence and size of EVs in chronic liver disease patients. There was a significant negative correlation between platelet count and grading of EVs.

EVALUATION OF KIDNEY DRAINAGE OF THE IN ACUTE OBSTRUCTIVE PYELONEPHRITIS

Introduction . Currently, there are no generally recognized indications for the choice of methods of drainage of the upper urinary tract in obstructive uropathy. Both external and internal drainage involve a number of shortcomings affecting the quality of life of the patient. Purpose of research . To evaluate the effectiveness of internal stenting (IC) and puncture nephrostomy (PN) as a method of temporary drainage of the upper urinary tract in acute obstructive pyelonephritis. Materials and methods . During 2012-2017 we observed 156 patients of both sexes aged from 25 to 74 years with the clinic of acute obstructive pyelonephritis against the background of urolithiasis. To restore the passage of urine is made stenting jj-stent or puncture nephrostomy. Materials and methods. During 2012-2017, we observed 156 patients of both sexes aged 25 to 74 years with a clinical picture of acute obstructive pyelonephritis on the background of urolithiasis. To restore the passage of urine is made stenting jj-stent or puncture nephrostomy. Results . Clinically, fever in the PN group was stopped for 1.8±0.5 days, and in the IC group this indicator was 5.5±2.8. In the IC group, 18 (58.1%) patients complained of irritative symptoms of varying severity, and in 9 (29.0%) patients pain syndrome in the lower back associated with myction was noted. No similar complications were observed in the PN group. The inability to install and inadequate function of the IC group in 45.5% of cases required conversion in the PN group. The need for revision of the kidney after the PN group was noted in 0.8% of cases (p<0.01). Conclusion . Subject to adequate techniques of puncture of the kidney and the combined (ultrasonic and radiographic) control the conduct of puncture nephrostomy is a safe method of drainage of the kidney in acute obstructive pyelonephritis, ensuring laying of drainage is of adequate diameter that allows you to get the best results for the relief of pyelonephritis in comparison with the inner stent.

Early and Remote Results of Surgical Treatment of Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis

The objective of the research was to estimate the early and remote results of surgical treatment in patients with deep vein thrombosis of the inferior vena cava.Material and methods. The results of treating 790 patients with lower limb deep vein thrombosis and thrombosis of the inferior vena cava were analyzed. Depending on treatment, all the patients were divided into the following groups: Group IA consisted of 380 (68.5%) patients with deep vein thrombosis who underwent open complete or partial thrombectomy with or without surgical prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism; Group IB consisted of 50 (9.0%) patients with deep vein thrombosis who received combined treatment with surgical prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism; Group IC consisted of 125 (22.5%) patients with transfascial thrombosis who underwent thrombectomy of the apical thrombotic masses of deep veins followed by radical venectomy; Group II consisted of 235 (29.7%) patients with deep vein thrombosis who received conservative anticoagulant therapy only.For investigation of patients, there were used the following laboratory methods of examination: duplex ultrasound scanning, X-ray phlebography, computer tomography, echocardioscopy and radionuclide phleboscintigraphy.Results. The results of surgical and combined methods of treating deep vein thrombosis in clinical subgroups were evaluated using a three-point scale - good, satisfactory and unsatisfactory. The cumulative analysis of the results of the postoperative period during 3 years of follow-up showed that good and satisfactory results were observed in 89.3% of patients of Group IA, 81.7% of patients of Group IB, 88.4% of patients of Group IC, and 35.3% of patients of Group II. Three years after treatment, the signs of chronic venous insufficiency were found in 51.6% of patients who underwent conservative treatment, 36.4% of patients who received combined treatment, 10.2% of patients who underwent partial thrombectomy, 2.9% of patients who received surgical treatment of transfascial thrombosis; they were absent in patients who underwent radical thrombectomy.Conclusions. In quantitative evaluation of the early and remote results of treating deep vein thrombosis of the inferior vena cava, a significant improvement in the patients’ condition in all parameters was observed in the main group as compared to the control one.

Elevated Urine Levels of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Inflammatory Bladder Conditions: A Potential Biomarker for a Subgroup of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Patients

To investigate whether urinary levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) are elevated in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patients with Hunner lesions and also whether urine MIF is elevated in other forms of inflammatory cystitis. Urine samples were assayed for MIF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Urine samples from 3 female groups were examined: IC/BPS patients without (N = 55) and with Hunner lesions (N = 43), and non-IC/BPS patients (N = 100; control group; no history of IC/BPS; cancer or recent bacterial cystitis). Urine samples from 3 male groups were examined: patients with bacterial cystitis (N = 50), radiation cystitis (N = 18) and noncystitis patients (N = 119; control group; negative for bacterial cystitis). Urine MIF (mean MIF pg/mL ± standard error of the mean) was increased in female IC/BPS patients with Hunner lesions (2159 ± 435.3) compared with IC/BPS patients without Hunner lesions (460 ± 114.5) or non-IC/BPS patients (414 ± 47.6). Receiver operating curve analyses showed that urine MIF levels discriminated between the 2 IC groups (area under the curve = 72%; confidence interval 61%-82%). Male patients with bacterial and radiation cystitis had elevated urine MIF levels (2839 ± 757.1 and 4404 ± 1548.1, respectively) compared with noncystitis patients (681 ± 75.2). Urine MIF is elevated in IC/BPS patients with Hunner lesions and also in patients with other bladder inflammatory and painful conditions. MIF may also serve as a noninvasive biomarker to select IC/BPS patients more accurately for endoscopic evaluation and possible anti-inflammatory treatment.

Observations on biotic parameters of Angora rabbit breed under controlled conditions in different housing systems

Aim:The aim of the present study was to compare the body weight (BW) gain and physiological parameters such as temperature, respiratory rate (RR), and heart rate (HR) of Angora rabbit reared in different housing systems.Materials and Methods:A total of 30 angora rabbits (age 4-6 months), weight 1.5 kg in average were divided into three groups, i.e., (outdoor control [OC], indoor in cages [IC], and indoor open [IO]). All rabbits were reared for 10 weeks. Feed and water were given ad libitum. BW gain and physiological parameters such as temperature, RR, and HR were recorded.Results:All parameters showed some degree of variations. The BW differed significantly (p<0.05). The mean BW in kilogram (kg) of OC group was 1.59±0.03 obtained during the experimental period, while the BW of IC group shows a decrease of 1.43±0.05 and IO group it was 1.49±0.06 kg. The body temperature (BT) of the control group was 38.83±1.07°C, but IC and IO groups show increased in BT (39.10±0.78°C) and (39.33±1.24°C), indicated no significant difference among the groups (p=0.05). The RR in breaths/min of OC group recorded was 40.3±5.20, but the RR recorded for IC and IO groups was 41.2±7.29 and 39.3±6.30 breaths/min, respectively, showed less variation. The HR obtained in beat/min of OC group was 136.9±15.22, IC group (139.1±16.42) and IO group were (139.6±19.90 beat/min) showed less substantial variation.Conclusion:The present study clearly indicates that housing rabbits in cages and stress condition is a cause of poor welfare due to movement constraint, it will affect the body biotic parameters such as normal temperature, respiration as well as it can reduce the growth performance of animals significantly but housing system may not affect HR.

Correlation between Central Corneal Thickness and Degree of Myopia

Aim of the work: this study aimed to determine the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and myopia. Methods: one hundred and eight (108) Egyptian subjects were included in this study. They were not presenting with any eye disease and had never undergone eye surgery. The total number of subjects meeting the inclusion criteria was 108 (216 eyes) 87 were myopes and 21 were emmetrope. They were categorized into two main groups: myopic group (Group I) and the control group (Group II). The CCT was measured with the pentacam. Results: the present study comprised 59 males (54.6 %) and 49 females (45.4%). Their age ranged between 19 and 58 years. The mean CCT was 538.2 right eye and 536.3 left eye in group Ia, 522.3 right eye and 523.7 left eye in group Ib, 542.0 right eye and 550.3 left eye in group Ic, and 529.0 right eye and 526.8 left eye in the control group (Group II). Conclusion: this clinical study showed that there was no difference in CCT between emmetropic and myopic eyes. CCT did not correlate with the degree of myopia.

The impact of β-thalassemia major on dental maturity in children at different stages of dental development (In TDJ, we do not quey for manuf details)

Purpose Assess the dental maturity in B thalassemic children at different stages of dental development. Patients and methods Fifty-four β-thalassemia patients were enrolled and classified into: group Ia, 16 patients with age range 3–6 years; group Ib, 18 patients with age 6–12 years; and group Ic, 20 patients older than 12 years. Another 25 healthy children were enrolled as controls. All involved children were subjected to clinical examination stressing on the anthropometric measures, complete blood count, serum ferritin, and oral panoramic radiograph to assess the dental age which is plotted on the charts to assess the dental age centile and dental maturity score. Results Significant differences were found between patients and control regarding serum ferritin (P = 0.001), hemoglobin level (P = 0.001), height (P = 0. 001), BMI (P = 0.009), dental age centile (P = 0.02). Dental age was positively correlated with age (P = 0.001, r = 0.9) and serum ferritin level (P = 0.009, r = 0.4). Dental age centile was negatively correlated with age (P = 0.001, r=−0.5) and serum ferritin level (P = 0.001, r=−0.6). Dental maturity score was positively correlated with age (P = 0.001, r = 0.9), age of start transfusion (P = 0.008, r = 0.4) and serum ferritin level (P = 0.002, r = 0.4).

Influences of Light-emitting Diode Illumination Bleaching Technique on Nanohardness of Computer-aided Design and Computer-aided Manufacturing Ceramic Restorative Materials

This study evaluated the effect of light-emitting diode (LED) illumination bleaching technique on the surface nanohardness of various computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ceramic materials. Twenty disk-shaped samples (width, length, and thickness = 10, 15, and 2 mm) were prepared from each of the ceramic materials for CAD/CAM, including Lava™ Ultimate (LV), Vita Enamic® (En) IPS e.max® CAD (Me), inCoris® TZI (IC), and Prettau® zirconia (Pr). The samples from each type of ceramic were randomly divided into two groups based on the different bleaching techniques to be used on them, using 35% hydrogen peroxide with and without LED illumination. The ceramic disk samples were bleached according to the manufacturer's instruction. Surface hardness test was performed before and after bleaching using nanohardness tester with a Berkovich diamond indenter. The respective Vickers hardness number upon no bleaching and bleaching without or with LED illumination [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] for each type of ceramic were as follows: 102.52 ± 2.09, 101.04 ± 1.18, and 98.17 ± 1.15 for LV groups; 274.96 ± 5.41, 271.29 ± 5.94, and 268.20 ± 7.02 for En groups; 640.74 ± 31.02, 631.70 ± 22.38, and 582.32 ± 33.88 for Me groups; 1,442.09 ± 35.07, 1,431.32 ± 28.80, and 1,336.51 ± 34.03 for IC groups; and 1,383.82 ± 33.87, 1,343.51 ± 38.75, and 1,295.96 ± 31.29 for Pr groups. The results indicated surface hardness reduction following the bleaching procedure of varying degrees for different ceramic materials. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant reduction in surface hardness due to the effect of bleaching technique, ceramic material, and the interaction between bleaching technique and ceramic material (p < 0.05). Bleaching resulted in a diminution of the surface hardness of dental ceramic for CAD/CAM. Using 35% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent with LED illumination exhibited more reduction in surface hardness of dental ceramic than what was observed without LED illumination. Clinicians should consider protection of the existing restoration while bleaching.

Influence of infiltration technique and selected demineralization methods on the roughness of demineralized enamel: An in vitro study.

The decalcification of enamel leads to an increase in tissue roughness. The development of carious lesions may be halted or these lesions may heal, which results in a smoother surface. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of selected agents on the roughness of demineralized enamel on the smooth surfaces of teeth. A total of 25 samples with exposed enamel surfaces were examined in the study. The samples were randomized into groups and they were exposed to a demineralizing solution, after which the following agents were applied: Icon (Ic), Elmex gel (El), GC Tooth Mousse (TM), Colgate Total (K+) - a positive control group, and distilled water as a negative control group (K-). The impact of selected agents on the roughness of demineralized enamel was assessed with a profilometer. The parameters Ra, Rz and Rq were analyzed. Following infiltration and demineralization, the Ra coefficient declined in groups Ic, TM, K+ and K-, Rz decreased in groups Ic, TM and Rq was lower in groups Ic, TM and Kafter using agents when compared with demineralization. The lowest Ra, Rz and Rq values, i.e. the highest degree of surface smoothness, were observed in group Ic. An increase in all coefficients (Ra, Rz and Rq) was noted in group El. Demineralized enamel can be smoothed out through the one-time application of Icon resin or the long-term application of GC Tooth Mousse. The least effective agents turned out to be those with a high fluoride content.

Carbon Monoxide Exposure in Youth Ice Hockey.

To examine the effect of ice resurfacer type on carboxyhemoglobin levels in youth hockey players. We hypothesized that players in arenas with electric resurfacers would have normal, stable carboxyhemoglobin levels during games, whereas those in arenas with internal combustion engine (IC) resurfacers would have an increase in carboxyhemoglobin levels. Prospective cohort study. Enclosed ice arenas in the northeastern United States. Convenience sample of players aged 8 to 18 years old in 16 games at different arenas. Eight arenas (37 players) used an IC ice resurfacer and 8 arenas (36 players) an electric resurfacer. Carboxyhemoglobin levels (SpCO) were measured using a pulse CO-oximeter before and after the game. Arena air was tested for carbon monoxide (CO) using a metered gas detector. Players completed symptom questionnaires. The change in SpCO from pregame to postgame was compared between players at arenas with electric versus IC resurfacers. Carbon monoxide was present at 6 of 8 arenas using IC resurfacers, levels ranged from 4 to 42 parts per million. Carbon monoxide was not found at arenas with electric resurfacers. Players at arenas with IC resurfacers had higher median pregame SpCO levels compared with those at electric arenas (4.3% vs 1%, P < 0.01). Players in the IC group also had a significant increase in their SpCO level during a hockey game compared with those in the electric group (2.8% vs 1%, P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in symptom scores. Players at arenas operating IC resurfacers had significantly higher SpCO levels. Youth hockey players in arenas with IC resurfacers have an increase in carboxyhemoglobin during games and have elevated baseline carboxyhemoglobin levels compared with players at arenas with electric resurfacers. Electric resurfacers decrease the risk of CO exposure.