Tukey's Multiple Comparison Research Articles

Osteopontin Facilitated Dental Pulp Cell Adhesion and Differentiation: A Laboratory Investigation.

To investigate the effects of osteopontin (OPN) on cultured human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) in relation to adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Subcultured hDPCs isolated from healthy human wisdom teeth were inoculated on noncoated (NC, control) and OPN-coated nontissue culture-treated polystyrene plates (Non-TCPS). Cell adhesion and proliferation were analyzed by crystal violet staining and the CCK-8 assay, respectively. Expressions of cell adhesion-related protein markers such as FAK and Akt were visualized by the Western blot. Expressions of tooth-related mRNA markers were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The localization of the OPN protein in reparative dentine formation was visualized using immunofluorescence staining. Data were analyzed using the Tukey's multiple comparison test. Cell adhesion was significantly higher in OPN 1 μg/mL-coated group of the OPN, which is also comparable to that of the positive control (COL-1 group). Cell proliferation data showed a similar tendency. pFAK was activated as early as 3 h after cell inoculation in the 1 μg/mL-coated group of the OPN and COL-1 group. Moreover, the OPN stimulated hDPC mineralization in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Regarding the qPCR results, it was shown that OPN stimulated DMP-1 and DSPP expression on days 10 and 14. The RNA sequencing data implicated that the OPN promoted the gene expression of HLA-DRA, CD74, ENSG00000283390, MRPL53, NOP2, and KRTAP1-3. Finally, pulp exposure wound healing in SD rats showed that OPN expression was primarily localized in the forming reparative dentine instead of formed reparative dentine. Coated OPN promoted hDPC adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization.

Measurement of volumetric wear of printed polymer resin and milled polymer infused ceramic network definitive restorative materials.

Currently there is no regulatory requirement or international standard for the wear resistance of dental materials and therefore no need to test prior to market launch. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the total volumetric wear characteristics of milled polymer infiltrated ceramic network (MPICN) and printed polymer resin (PPR) as substrates opposing five antagonists, human enamel (EN), lithium disilicate (LD), zirconia (ZR), MPICN, and PPR, and to evaluate and compare the volumetric wear of these same materials as antagonists. Ten of each antagonist for a total of 50 EN, LD (IPS e.max CAD), ZR (IPS e.max ZirCAD MT), MPICN (Crystal Ultra), and PPR (Crowntec for NextDent) were shaped into spherical heads and were tested against 2 disk-shaped substrates, MPICN (Crystal Ultra) and PPR (Crowntec for NextDent). Specimens were tested in a wear machine with a third-body food substitute and loaded with a force of 20 to 70N at 1Hz for 100 000 cycles. The total wear volume was digitally measured by comparing scans before and after cycling. The area of the wear facet of the antagonists was measured in a similar way and used to estimate the total volume loss of the antagonists. Data were analyzed using 2-way and 1-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey multiple comparisons post hoc test (α=.05). Antagonist type was found to significantly affect the total volume wear of the substrate (P=.022). EN was found to cause significantly more wear in opposing substrates than ZR and PPR. Substrate material did not significantly affect the wear rate of the substrates (P=.345) nor did the interaction between substrate and antagonist type (P=.150). Antagonist wear was significantly affected by antagonist type (P<.001), with ZR showing no visible signs of wear and MPICN showing the most wear overall; substrate type (P=.002), with antagonists opposing MPICN showing more wear than PPR; and their interaction (P=.031). Differences in the wear resistance of milled polymer infiltrated ceramic network and printed polymer resin definitive restorative materials were found but varied depending on the opposing material. No material showed superior wear resistance across all tests. Overall, printed polymer resins created less wear in opposing antagonists than milled polymer infiltrated ceramic network materials.

Polymerization characteristics of orthodontic adhesives: a study on degree of conversion

Relevance. Adhesive materials play a crucial role in orthodontic treatment. The introduction of universal bonding agents to the dental market offers greater flexibility in choosing adhesive protocols for clinical use. However, many studies evaluating the mechanical properties of adhesives, such as shear and tensile bond strength, fail to address the degree of conversion of polymerized bonding materials beneath brackets.Objective. To compare the degree of conversion between a universal adhesive system and a total-etch system for orthodontic applications.Materials and methods. The study compared the Transbond XT total-etch system (3M Unitek, USA) with the Tetric N-Bond Universal system (Vivadent Ivoclar, Liechtenstein). Four groups of five samples each (n = 5) were analyzed. Groups 1 and 2 involved polymerization without brackets, while Groups 3 and 4 involved polymerization under metal brackets (Gemini, 3M Unitek, USA). Spectra were recorded immediately after polymerization for 15 minutes using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Statistical analysis included the Shapiro–Wilk test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's multiple comparison test, with a significance level of p &lt; 0.05.Results. The mean degree of conversion in the control groups was 55.9% ± 0.44 for Group 1 and 66.72% ± 0.15 for Group 2. A reduction in conversion was observed in specimens polymerized under metal brackets compared to the control groups. The mean conversion in Group 3 was 36.02% ± 0.19, which was 1.1% lower than in Group 4 (37.1% ± 0.16).Conclusion. The universal adhesive Tetric N-Bond Universal demonstrated superior polymerization performance for orthodontic applications compared to the total-etch adhesive system.

Effect of obstructive sleep apnea risk on sialorrhea in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Our aim was to determine the effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) risk on sialorrhea in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). A total of 75 patients with PD (mean age 66.36 ± 8.07) were included. Sialorrhoea was evaluated using the "Sialorrhoea Clinical Scale for Parkinson's Disease" and OSAS risk was determined using the STOP-Bang questionnaire. Diurnal and nocturnal sialorrhoea, drooling severity, speech impairment, eating impairment frequency of drooling, and social discomfort were evaluated. Patients were classified as having low, moderate, or high risk of OSAS. One-way analysis of variance, Tukey's multiple comparison test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Bonferroni-Dunn tests, and Fischer's exact test were used to compare groups according to the normality of the data. Patients were classified as low risk (n = 10), intermediate risk (n = 29) and high risk (n = 36). The clinical characteristics were similar in all risk groups. The highest rate of nocturnal sialorrhea was observed in all risk groups. The lowest-risk group scored 4.30 ± 3.09, whereas the intermediate- and high-risk groups scored 4.21 ± 4.46, 6.94 ± 4.81 respectively for sialorrhea (p = 0.034). A significant difference in sialorrhea between the groups was found in the intermediate and high-risk groups (p = 0.034). This study showed that sialorrhea changes were significant in patients with PD in the intermediate-and high-risk OSAS groups. It may be suggested that sialorrhoea be assessed and included in the treatment program in patients at high risk of OSAS or that PD patients with high levels of sialorrhoea should be tested for OSAS. Patients may benefit from treatment methods that address both conditions.

Influence of edentulous areas on the accuracy of the maximum intercuspal position recorded by using different intraoral scanners or an artificial intelligence-based program.

Intraoral scans can be articulated in maximum intercuspal position (MIP) by using an artificial intelligence (AI) based program; however, the impact of edentulous areas on the accuracy of the MIP located using this AI-based program is unknown. The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the impact of edentulous areas (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 posterior mandibular teeth) on the accuracy of the MIP located using 3 intraoral scanners (IOSs) and an AI-based program. Stone casts articulated in MIP in an articulator were digitized (T710). Five groups were created: no edentulous area (Group 0) or edentulous area of 1 (Group 1), 2 (Group 2), 3 (Group 3), or 4 (Group 4) posterior mandibular teeth. A maxillary and mandibular scan were obtained from the reference casts with 3 IOSs: Primescan, Aoralscan3, and i700. The nonarticulated scans were duplicated 20 times. Six subgroups were created based on the program used to locate the MIP: 3 IOS subgroups: PrimeScan, AoralScan3, and i700 and 3 subgroups for the AI-based program (Bitefinder) (Primescan-AI-articulated, Aoralscan3-AI articulated, and i700-AI articulated) (n=10). In the Group 0-Primescan subgroup, the 10 duplicated corresponding scans were articulated by recording a bilateral occlusal record. In the Group 0-Primescan-AI articulated subgroup, the 10 duplicated corresponding scans were automatically articulated in MIP by the AI-based program. In the Group 0-Aoralscan3 and Group 0-i700 subgroups, the same procedures were completed as in the Group 0-Primescan. In the Group 0-Aoralscan3-AI articulated and Group 0-i700-AI articulated subgroups, the same procedures were accomplished as in the Group 0- Primescan-AI articulated. For the data acquisition of Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, the right mandibular posterior teeth were removed sequentially. The same procedures were completed as in Group 0. A program (Geomagic Wrap) was selected to compute interlandmark measurements on the digitized articulated casts (control) and each articulated specimen. Two-way ANOVA and pairwise multiple comparison Tukey tests were used to analyze trueness (α=.05). The Levene and pairwise multiple comparison Wilcoxon rank tests were used to analyze precision (α=.05). Trueness and precision discrepancies were found between the groups (P<.001) and subgroups (P<.001), with a significant interaction group×subgroup (P<.001). Groups 0, 1, and 2 obtained the best trueness and precision, while Group 4 demonstrated the worst trueness and precision. Primescan and Aoralscan3 obtained better trueness than the i700. The AI-based program obtained lower MIP trueness and precision when compared with the IOSs tested. The AI-based program revealed the best MIP accuracy when articulating scans recorded by using the i700 and the worst with the Aoralscan3. Edentulous areas impacted the trueness and precision of the MIP recorded by using the IOSs or AI-based program tested. Edentulous spaces involving 1 or 2 posterior teeth did not impact the MIP accuracy. An edentulous space of 4 teeth revealed the worst accuracy values captured by using the IOSs assessed or AI-based program. The performance of the AI-based program was influenced by the IOS system used to record the nonarticulated digital scans.

Evaluation of bone loss in implants adjacent to a tooth or edentulous area in peri-implantitis and control murine models.

To investigate the differences in bone loss and inflammation between implants placed adjacent to a tooth or edentulous area in a ligature-induced PI model. Three-week-old C57BL/6J male mice underwent maxillary first (AT; n=12) or first and second (AE; n=8) left molar extractions. In both groups, implants were placed in the first molar region eight weeks after tooth extraction. Each group was further divided into control (C) or ligature (PI) four weeks after osseointegration. The mice were euthanized 12-14 days after ligature placement. The samples were analyzed using micro-computed tomography and histology. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparison test (p<0.05). Radiographic linear analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in bone levels between the C and PI groups. Linear bone loss was significantly greater in the PI group than in the C group. Volumetric analysis yielded similar results. Histologically, hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed no notable differences between the C and PI groups. The PI group showed increased levels of inflammatory infiltrates and bone resorption. Qualitative assessment of collagen through picrosirius red staining demonstrated increased collagen disorganization in the PI group compared with that in the C group. No notable differences were observed between the AT and AE groups. The presence or absence of an adjacent tooth does not influence PI-induced soft and hard tissue alterations.

Physicochemical and functional properties of a novel clodronate-containing chelating gel: A comparative invitro study.

All commercial chelating gels contain EDTA which reacts chemically with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). This research aimed to develop a non-EDTA clodronate gel and to measure physicochemical and functional gel properties of the novel and commercial gels. A 1.37 M clodronate gel was made by combining polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 and tetrasodium clodronate. File-Eze™, Glyde™, Odontoprep®, RC-Prep®, SlickGel™ ES and the clodronate gel were tested in pH, density and viscosity experiments. pH: A pH meter was used at 23°C. Viscosity: A rheometer recorded viscosity at a shear rate of 10/s at 35°C. Free available chlorine (FAC): NaOCl reactivity with the clodronate gel was compared to a 4% NaOCl control by measuring FAC with iodometric titration. Tissue Dissolution: File-Eze, Glyde, RC-Prep and clodronate gel mixtures with 4% NaOCl, PBS (phosphate buffered saline) (negative control) and 4% NaOCl (positive control) were tested. Percentage weight losses of porcine palatal mucosa were recorded over 5 min at 35°C. Smear Layer Removal (SLR): Scanning electron micrography and ImageJ software assessed the SLR ability of File-Eze, Glyde, RC-Prep, clodronate gel, PBS (negative control) and 15% EDTA (positive control) by calculating the area fraction percentage of the image occupied by open dentinal tubules (AF%). pH: Values ranged from 5.78 ± 0.09 (RC-Prep) to 11.34 ± 0.05 (clodronate gel). Viscosity: Ranges were 6390 ± 290 (File-Eze) to 714 ± 50 mPa.s (Odontoprep). FAC: The clodronate gel differed significantly from 4% NaOCl (p < 0.0001, two-way anova, Šídák's tests), albeit with small absolute differences. Tissue Dissolution: All gel-NaOCl mixtures, except for clodronate gel-NaOCl, differed significantly to 4% NaOCl (p < 0.0001, one-way AVOVA, Tukey's multiple comparisons test). Weight losses were: 4% NaOCl, 30.0 ± 3.7%; clodronate gel-4% NaOCl, 29.2 ± 3.5%; whilst other gel-4% NaOCl mixtures ranged from 2.8 ± 2.0% to -0.6 ± 4.5% and PBS was -0.13 ± 3.3%. SLR Ability: Median AF%s were: 15% EDTA-9.7%; File-Eze-8.7%; clodronate gel-5.8%; Glyde-2.5%; RC-Prep-2.2%; PBS-0.22%. All gels differed to 15% EDTA (p < 0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn's tests) except File-Eze. The gels varied in physical properties, but none of them both dissolved organic tissue in NaOCl mixtures and removed smear layer well. Thus, none of the gels tested possessed all functional properties required of a chelating gel for glide path creation.

Withdrawal Effects on Antioxidative and Histochemical Deficits in Acetaminophen Induced Neurotoxicity in Cerebellar Cortex of Adult Wistar Rats

Introduction: Neurotoxicity refers to the harmful effects of chemical, biological, or physical agents on the nervous system. Acetaminophen, a common pain reliever whose abuse has been linked to neurotoxicity at high doses, causing oxidative stress and neuronal damage. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the withdrawal effects of Acetaminophen use on the Cerebellar cortex of adult wistar rats. Methodology: Thirty (30) Adult wistar rats weighing 200±50g were assigned into three groups (n=10) of Control (C), Treatment 1(T1) and Treatment 2 (T2). The control group C received distilled water, while Treatment groups T1 and T2 received 200mg/kg of acetaminophen for 4 weeks. However, treatment group T2 were allowed a 2-week acetaminophen withdrawal period. At the end of exposure, all animals were sacrificed via cervical dislocation and eventual removal of cerebellar specimens which were processed for some Neurohistochemical staining reactions as well as Biochemical Quantifications of LDH enzyme and Antioxidative stress markers (SOD &amp; CAT). Quantitative analyses of all data obtained including Body weight, brain weight and Cerebellum weight were analysed using GraphPad® (version 8) and plotted using ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test. Significance was set at p&lt;0.05* (95% confidence interval). Result: Results showed a significant increase in body weight (P=.05) and a decrease in cerebellum weight (P=.01) in both acetaminophen groups. SOD and CAT activity decreased significantly (P=.01) in the T1 groups while T2 groups shows a significant increase, LDH activities decreased significantly (P=.01) in both groups. The Neurohistochemical findings showed severe degeneration, loss of the Purkinje neurons and poorly differentiated DNA on the T1 group compared to control group C while the withdrawal group showed onset of regenerative changes in neurons improved differentiation in DNA stained. Conclusion: The study's findings suggest that long-term acetaminophen use can lead to neurotoxic effects on the cerebellum, but partial recovery is possible upon withdrawal.

Investigation of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the cockle shell-derived calcium silicate-based pulp capping material: a pilot study.

Hard-setting calcium hydroxide-based materials, e.g., Dycal and Life, have been widely used for direct pulp capping. However, various studies have shown undesirable effects such as high solubility and unpredictable dentine bridge formation. Bioceramic, mainly composed of tricalcium and dicalcium silicates, e.g., mineral trioxide aggregate and Biodentine, have provided more desirable physical and biological properties. This study aims to measure the physical properties, chemical properties, and biological response of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) on three dental pulp-capping materials, Dycal, Life, and cockle shell-derived tricalcium silicate pulp capping material (C-Cap). C-Cap was prepared from cockle shells and rice husk ash. Its chemical composition was identified using X-ray diffractometry. The setting time, flow, solubility, and radiopacity tests were performed following the International Organization for Standardization 6876:2012. pH and calcium ion release were measured. The materials were subjected to an extraction medium at various concentrations and subsequently measured for cytotoxicity and migration on HDPCs, from three healthy, mature permanent teeth from different donors. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by examining alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity and alizarin red staining assay. The data were tested for a normal distribution. The differences among groups were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test (p < 0.05). The setting time of each material was approximately 1-2 min. C-Cap showed the lowest solubility (10.27% ± 1.02%) compared to Dycal (12.67% ± 0.94%) and Life (12.74% ± 1.33%), with a significant difference (p < 0.05). All materials exhibited radiopacity ranging from 2.4 to 2.9 mm of aluminum. C-Cap had the highest flow, alkalinity, and calcium ion release. C-Cap was significantly less cytotoxic than Dycal and Life (p < 0.05). The migration of HDPCs cultured in C-Cap extraction medium (27.74% ± 0.12%) was comparable to that in serum-free medium (27.09% ± 0.08%) with a significant difference (p < 0.05). The mineralization by HDPCs maintained in C-Cap extraction medium was significantly higher than those in Dycal and Life extraction mediums with a significant difference (p < 0.05). C-Cap, a tricalcium silicate-based pulp capping material has potential for further development. C-Cap exhibited comparable physical properties and superior biological properties when compared to Dycal and Life.

Impact of scanning interruptions on accuracy of implant-supported full-arch scans: An in-vitro pilot study.

To assess the impact of involuntary interruptions (simulating tracking loss by moving the scanner out of its focal distance) and voluntary interruptions (pressing the scanner's turn-on button) on the accuracy of implant-supported full-arch scans using an intraoral scanner (TRIOS 5, version 22.1.10; 3Shape; Copenhagen, Denmark). An edentulous model with four implants was digitized with an industrial scanner (Artec Micro II; Artec 3D) to create a reference scan. Four groups (n = 30) were established based on the number of interruptions during scanning: Zero Group (no interruptions; control group), 6-V Group (six voluntary interruptions), 6-I Group (six involuntary interruptions), and 12-I Group (twelve involuntary interruptions). Primary outcome was accuracy assessed by the Root Mean Square (RMS) method. Secondary outcomes included scanning time and the number of photograms. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey multiple comparison tests (α=0.05). A total of 120 digital scans were conducted. The Zero group achieved a RMS error of 291 ± 47 µm, a scanning time of 68 ± 6s, and 1320 ± 129 photograms. 6-V group significantly reduced RMS error (MD -102 µm [IC 95 %: -141, -63]), decreased scanning time (MD -20s [IC 95 %: -25, -17]), and reduced photograms (MD -415 photograms [IC 95 %: -506, -324]) compared to the control group (P<.001). Simulations of 6 or 12 involuntary interruptions did not affect accuracy compared to the control group (P>.05). Voluntary interruptions during scanning, achieved by pressing the scanner's turn-on button, appear to enhance accuracy due to image preprocessing, while involuntary interruptions had no significant impact on the accuracy of implant-supported full-arch scans. Voluntary stop during scanning implant-supported full-arches may result in better-fitting prostheses owing to higher scan accuracy and efficiency.

Comparison of the effectiveness of botulinum toxin, dry needling, pharmacological treatment, and manual therapy for bruxism-induced myalgia: a prospective randomized study.

Bruxism is a significant phenomenon that should not be underestimated, given its prevalence and consequences. The major symptoms associated with bruxism include myalgia, decreased quality of life, and limited mandibular movements. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of four treatment methods for managing bruxism-related symptoms: botulinum toxin (BoNT-A), dry needling (DN), pharmacological therapy (PT), and manual therapy (MT). Eighty patients with bruxism (44 female, 36 male) were randomly assigned to four groups of 20 patients each. All therapies were administered by the same maxillofacial surgeon. Measurements were recorded at baseline (pre-treatment) and at 2, 4 and 12 weeks post-treatment. The metrics assessed included the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, maximum painless mouth opening (MMO), and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed-design repeated measures two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare changes within and among the groups over time. Tukey's multiple comparison test was applied for further analysis. The results indicated that both objective and subjective clinical outcomes were similar across all treatment groups. Considering their competitive efficiency, non-invasiveness or minimal invasiveness, and cost-effectiveness, DN, MT and PT appear to be promising alternatives for managing bruxism and its symptoms, especially in the early stages. ClinicalTrials ID: NCT06583551.

Reducing Dietary Branched-Chain Amino Acids Intake Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Pain Sensitization and Postoperative Pain in Male Mice.

Poor dietary intake is associated with peripheral pain sensitization and postoperative pain. Given the limited research on diet and pain, it is essential to examine the possible analgesic effects of dietary interventions in preclinical studies. This study aimed to elucidate the role of high-fat diet (HFD) on pain sensitivity and postoperative pain, and determine the potential effects of modulating branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) intake on pain phenotypes. Four-week-old male mice were fed a purified control diet (CD) or HFD for 10 wk, followed by a hind paw incision. Four-week-old male mice were initially fed a CD or HFD for 8 wk, then switched to the high or low BCAA diet, and underwent a hind paw incision at 10 wk of these diets. Pain behaviors were assessed. Several proinflammatory genes in the lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was used to estimate nerve fiber density at the incision site. Two-tailed unpaired Student's t-test, 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni posttests, and 1-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons test were used for data analysis. HFD consumption induced pain sensitization and worsened postoperative pain in male mice (P < 0.0001). In CD group, mice switching to high or low BCAA diet displayed minor impacts on pain phenotypes. In HFD mice, switching to high BCAA diet exacerbated hyperalgesia and postsurgical pain (P < 0.05), leading to proinflammatory responses in the DRG and the reduction of nerve fiber density near the incision site on day 3 postsurgery (P < 0.05); whereas low BCAA diet intake alleviated these effects (P < 0.05). High BCAA intake has negative impacts on pain sensitivity and postoperative pain in HFD-fed mice. Reducing dietary BCAA may be a novel nonpharmacological therapeutic to relieve pain in individuals on a conventional HFD.

Severe murine schistosomiasis results from disrupted CD4+ T-cell modulation by immunodominance of a single egg epitope.

This study examined the correlation between immunodominance of the major egg antigen Sm-p40234-246, a robust Th1/Th17 anti-egg CD4 T-cell response, and severe liver immunopathology in experimental murine schistosomiasis. It serves as a platform to analyze how varying degrees of immunodominance affect CD4+ T cell modulation and disease outcomes. We used a murine model of schistosomiasis to investigate the effects of immunodominance. Infected mice were divided into two groups: one treated with a combination of epitopes targeting immunodominance of the major egg antigen Sm-p40 and the other with a mock mixture of non-immunogenic epitopes. Liver granuloma area, a hallmark of schistosomiasis pathology, was quantified using histological and morphometric analyses. The average granuloma areas between the treated and untreated groups were compared using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparison test. Additionally, we isolated CD4+ T cells from mesenteric lymph nodes, stimulated them with specific egg antigens, and collected purified supernatants to assess their signature cytokine secretion profiles for each treatment group. Results showed that strong immunodominance of a single egg epitope undermines effective CD4+ T-cell modulation, promoting a strongly polarized Th1/Th17 pathogenic response. Conversely, neutralizing this immunodominance produces the opposite restorative effect. Immunodominance is an important pathogenic component that influences CD4+ T cell modulation in experimental murine schistosomiasis. Moreover, immunodominance can be used to treat these and other important CD4+ T cell-mediated diseases.

Efficacy and Safety of Sovateltide in Patients with Acute Cerebral Ischaemic Stroke: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicentre, Phase III Clinical Trial.

Sovateltide (Tycamzzi™), an endothelin-B (ET-B) receptor agonist, increases cerebral blood flow, has anti-apoptotic activity, and promotes neural repair following cerebral ischaemic stroke. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sovateltide in adult participants with acute cerebral ischaemic stroke. This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, Phase III clinical trial of sovateltide in participants with cerebral ischaemic stroke receiving standard of care (SOC) in India. Patients aged 18-78 years presenting up to 24 h after the onset of symptoms with radiologic confirmation of ischaemic stroke and a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) of ≥ 6were enrolled. Patients with recurrent stroke, receiving endovascular therapy, or with intracranial haemorrhage were excluded. The study drug (saline or sovateltide [0.3 µg/kg] was administered intravenously in three doses at 3 ± 1 h intervals on Days 1, 3, and 6, and follow-up was 90 days). The Multivariate Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE) was used to impute the missing assessments on the endpoints. An unpaired t-test, two-way analysis of variance with Tukey's multiple comparison test, and the Chi-square test were used for the statistical analysis. The objective was to determine at Day 90 (1) the number of patients with a modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) 0-2, and (2) the number of patients with an NIHSS 0-5 at 90 days. Patients were randomised with 80 patients in the sovateltide and 78 in the control group. Patients received the investigational drug at about 18 h of stroke onset in both control and sovateltide groups. The median NIHSS at randomisation was 10.00 (95% CI 9.99-11.65) in the control group and 9.00 (95% CI 9.11-10.46) in the sovateltide group. Seventy patients completed the 90-day follow-up in the control group and 67 in the sovateltide group. The proportion of intention-to-treat (ITT) patients with mRS 0-2 score at Day 90 post-randomisation was 22.67% higher (odds ratio [OR] 2.75, 95% CI 1.37-5.57); similarly, the proportion of patients with NIHSS score of 0-5 at Day 90 was 17.05% more (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.27-5.90) in the sovateltide group than in the control group. An improvement of ≥ 2 points on the mRS was observed in 51.28% and 72.50% of patients in the control and sovateltide groups, respectively (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.29-4.81). Seven of 78 patients (8.97%) in the control group and 7 of 80 (8.75%) in the sovateltide group developed intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). The adverse events were not related to sovateltide. The sovateltide group had a greater number of cerebral ischaemic stroke patients with lower mRS and NIHSS scores at 90 days post-treatment than the control group. This trial supported the regulatory approval of sovateltide in India, but a multinational RESPECT-ETB trial will be conducted for US approval. Clinical Trials Registry, India (CTRI/2019/09/021373) and the United States National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04047563).

In vitro analysis of flowable and high viscosity bulk fill composite versus conventional composite in core build up of endodontically treated teeth

This study aimed to test the load to fracture of flowable and high viscosity bulk-fill composites compared to a convetional (packable) composite used to build up pulpless teeth. 45 endodontically treated premolars were restored with fiber posts then divided into three groups (N = 15) according to the core build-up material. SDR group: (Smart Dentine Replacement), (BF): Filtek One Bulk Fill and (CC) Filtek Z350 packable composite. After core build up the teeth received full coverage crowns. Load to fracture (Newton) was recorded for each specimen. One-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparisons test were used. The highest load at fracture was shown by (CC) group (1067 N), followed by (BF) group (879 N), and the SDR group (838 N). One way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparisons test demonstrated no significant differences between CC, SDR, and BF groups (p > 0.05). The three materials showed comparable load to fracture. Further studies with simulation to occlusal forces and oral temperature are required.

Alpha-lipoic acid-mediated inhibition of LTB4 synthesis suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition, modulating functional and tumorigenic capacities in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells

BackgroundLeukotriene B4 (LTB4) plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process associated with tumor progression. The synthesis of LTB4 is mediated by leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), and it binds to the receptors BLT1 and BLT2. Dysregulation in LTB4 production is linked to the development of various pathologies. Therefore, the identification or design of inhibitors of LTB4 synthesis or receptor antagonists represents an ongoing challenge. In this context, our laboratory previously demonstrated that alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) inhibits LTA4H. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ALA on the expression of canonical EMT markers and the functional and tumorigenic capacities induced by LTB4 in A549 cells. MethodsThe expression of cPLA2, 5LOX, FLAP, LTA4H, BLT1, and LTB4 production in human adenocarcinomic alveolar basal epithelial A549 cells was assessed using Western blot, RT-qPCR, and ELISA, respectively. Subsequently, the expression of canonical EMT markers was evaluated by Western blot. Functional assays were performed to assess cell viability, proliferation, invasion, migration, and clonogenicity using MTT, Western blot, Transwell assays, and colony formation assays, respectively. Results were expressed as median with interquartile range (n≥3) and analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis or Tukey multiple comparisons tests. ResultsA549 cells express key proteins involved in LTB4 synthesis and receptor binding, including LTA4H and BLT1, and ALA inhibits the production of LTB4. Additionally, LTA4H and BLT1 were detected in lung adenocarcinoma tissue samples. LTB4 was found to induce EMT, whereas ALA treatment enhanced the expression of epithelial markers and reduced the expression of mesenchymal markers. Furthermore, ALA treatment resulted in a decrease in LTB4 levels and attenuated the functional and tumorigenic capacities of A549 cells, including their viability, migration, invasion, and clonogenic potential. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that ALA may offer therapeutic potential in the context of lung cancer, as it could be integrated into conventional pharmacological therapies to enhance treatment efficacy and mitigate the adverse effects associated with chemotherapy. Further studies are warranted to confirm the clinical applicability of ALA as an adjunctive treatment in lung cancer.

The Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Bond Strength of Calcium Silicate-Based Sealer: An In Vitro Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of the calcium silicate-based sealer (CSS) modified with the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the single-cone technique (SC) and the continuous wave condensation (CWC) technique, measured by a universal testing machine. The AgNPs and the modified sealers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. One hundred single-rooted extracted human permanent teeth with a single root canal were cleaned and shaped with a Protaper Next system. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n = 25) as follows: Group 1, canals were obturated using the SC technique with TotalFill® BC Sealer. Group 2, canals were obturated using the SC technique with TotalFill® BC Sealer mixed with AgNPs. Group 3, canals were obturated using the CWC technique with TotalFill® HiFlow BC Sealer. Group 4, canals were obturated using the CWC technique with TotalFill® HiFlow BC Sealer mixed with AgNPs. After two weeks, 1 mm-thick dentin slices were cut and exposed to a push-out bond strength test using a universal testing machine. Specimens were examined under a digital microscope to determine the mode of failure. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison tests (p &lt; 0.05). The nanoparticle characterization revealed a spherical morphology with no obvious aggregations. The results showed that group 4 had the highest dislodgement resistance compared to all groups (p &lt; 0.05). Group 4 was significantly higher in push-out bond strength value than group 1 (p &lt; 0.001) and group 3 (p &lt; 0.003), but not significantly higher than group 2. Cohesive failure was the most prevalent failure mode among all groups. It can be concluded that the incorporation of silver nanoparticles into the calcium silicate-based sealer significantly increased the bond strength. The warm obturation approach demonstrated significantly higher resistance to dislodgment as compared to the single-cone technique.

Analysis of Mannose-Binding Lectin Protein and mRNA Levels on Selected Chicken Breeds in South Africa.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key component of the innate immune system that plays a crucial role in binding to the microbial sugar surface to recognize and eliminate pathogens by activating the complement system. To detect and quantify the MBL protein concentration and chicken MBL expression in selected chicken breeds in South Africa. Forty-five blood samples from three indigenous chicken breeds, Ovambo (OV=9), Venda (VD=9) and Potchefstroom Koekoek (PK=9), and two exotic chicken breeds, Rhode Island Red (RIR=9) and Lohmann Brown (LB=9), were used for MBL protein concentration using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Also 20 liver samples from symptomatic two indigenous chicken breeds, OV (5) and PK (5), and two exotic chicken breeds, RIR (5) and LB (5), were used for MBL expression using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques. A general linear model was done using Tukey's multiple comparison post hoc test. The findings revealed MBL protein concentration from 5.26 to 18.56µg/mL. The LB breed had the lowest mean 6.40±0.80µg/mL, whereas the PK breed had the highest mean MBL concentration of 17.70±0.24µg/mL of MBL protein concentration. At 12, 25 and 35 weeks, the MBL proteins of OV, VD, PK, RIR and LB varied significantly at p≤0.05. The mRNA MBL expression of OV and LB breeds showed a 1-fold decrease in MBL expression, while RIR showed a 2-fold increase in MBL expression, and the PK showed more than a 3-fold increase in MBL expression relative to the control. The least-squares means for OV, LB, PK and RIR mRNA MBL expression were 0.54±0.19, 0.68±0.30, 4.46±2.76 and 2.89±0.19µg/mL, respectively. MBL protein was detected and quantified with distinct differences in concentration and expression levels at the presence of mycoplasma gallisepticum among the sampled South African chicken breeds. This highlights the genetic diversity of MBL as a tool for disease prevention in South African chicken breeds.

No evidence of "weekend effect" for complications of medical and surgical care

We performed an electronic search in CDC WONDER online database (years 2018-2022) to explore whether the higher risk of dying during the weekends may be related to complications of medical and surgical care. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test revealed no significant variation in mean number of deaths during the seven days of the week in the US. No significant difference was observed between the mean number of deaths during the weekend and those recorded during the weekdays (675±130 vs. 711±112; p=0.339). The mean ratio of mortality due to complications of medical and surgical care to the total number of deaths was not significantly different on weekends and weekdays (151 vs. 158×100,000 deaths; p=0.255). The results of this analysis suggest that the so-called “weekend effect” may not be apparently attributable to complications of medical and surgical care and may hence be more related to patient-specific factors.

Self-Etching Ceramic Primer Affects Surface Topography and Roughness of Two Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Ceramics.

This article evaluates the etching efficacy of a self-etching ceramic primer (SECP) on zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramics. Celtra Duo (DeguDent GmbH, Hanau-Wolfgang, Germany) and Vita Suprinity (Vita Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) were used in this study. A total of 36 ceramic slices were prepared from each ceramic material and randomly distributed into three groups according to the surface treatment applied (n = 12 per group). Group 1 (polished) was polished with silicon carbide paper discs and did not undergo any surface treatment; group 2 (SECP) was surface treated with SECP (Monobond Etch and Prime, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein); group 3 (hydrofluoric acid [HF]) was surface treated with 4.7% HF etching. Half of the specimens (n = 6) from each group were gold-sputtered, and the surface topographic alterations were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy at magnifications of 5,000× and 10,000 × . The surface roughness of the other half (n = 6) from each group was tested using a three-dimensional optical profiler. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparisons test. Both SECP and HF etching surface treatments resulted in a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in the surface roughness of both ceramic materials, compared to that of their respective control group specimens (polished). HF etching resulted in a significant dissolution of the glassy phase of each ceramic. SECP can effectively etch ZLS ceramics. The etching patterns created after the application of SECP were mild compared to those produced by HF etching. The topographic surface features of ceramics are affected by both, surface treatment and material composition.