Open Time Research Articles

Neoproterozoic basin evolution of the northern Tarim craton from back-arc rift to passive continental margin: Implications for the opening of the South Tianshan Ocean

The Neoproterozoic strata in the northern Tarim craton holds valuable tectono-sedimentary insights regarding the opening time and mechanisms of the South Tianshan Ocean, as well as the tectonic reconstruction of the Tarim craton during the breakup of Rodinia. However, debates remain around the Cryogenian–Ediacaran proto-basin type and evolution, as well as the lack of regional geological correlation at a basin scale. In this study, we employed seismic, drilling and outcrop data to conduct a combined tectono-stratigraphic and sedimentary filling analysis of the Cryogenian–Ediacaran strata in the northern Tarim craton, aiming to decipher the Neoproterozoic basin evolution. Our findings show that the deposition of the Cryogenian strata was controlled by normal faults, representing a rift basin receiving sedimentary materials from both the northern Tarim craton and the Central Tianshan block. In contrast, the Ediacaran developed as a depression basin featured by a wedge-shaped deposition with frequent sea-level fluctuations and simple detrital input from the northern Tarim craton, indicative of a passive margin basin. Such a Neoproterozoic basin evolution of the northern Tarim craton, from the Cryogenian rift to the Ediacaran passive margin, likely resulted from a back-arc extension due to the separation of the Central Tianshan arc from the Tarim craton. These results provide new constraints on the initial opening time of the South Tianshan Ocean at ca. 633 Ma and reveal the Neoproterozoic tectonic affinity of the Central Tianshan block and the northern Tarim craton. Our work also implies that the Tarim craton was located on the periphery of Rodinia, and the South Tianshan Ocean may not be a primary ocean basin of the Paleo-Asian Ocean.

Comparative evaluation of efficacy of guided endodontic technique with and without sleeve for access cavity preparation: An In Vitro study

BackgroundCalcific metamorphosis in root canals is common and presents challenges in gaining access. Guided endodontics offers a solution to overcome these difficulties. The PriciGuide® system is a patented guided endodontic technique claiming superior precision compared to sleeve-based guides. This study aims to compare deviation between the PriciGuide® system and the guide with sleeve. MethodsA patient with calcified canal underwent CBCT scanning to obtain a DICOM file. Using the DICOM file, 3D models were printed. The patient's cast was scanned to obtain an STL file. Using DICOM and STL files, the guide with sleeve was designed using BlueSkyBio software and 3D printed. The PriciGuide® system was obtained from Roots to Cusps® Private Limited. Access opening was performed using conventional method, guide with sleeve and guide without sleeve (PriciGuide® system).Samples underwent radiograph scans to measure coronal, apical, and angular deviations, as well as procedural time. ResultsOne-Way ANOVA and Post Hoc Bonferroni's test revealed that coronal, apical, and angular deviations were lowest in the guide without sleeve group. However, access opening times were similar in both guided technique groups. ConclusionsThe PriciGuide® system offers precise access cavity preparation for calcified canals, showing minimal deviation compared to the sleeve-based guides. It facilitates accurate root canal access regardless of the dentist's experience level. This study utilized 3D-printed teeth that do not fully replicate the complexities of natural teeth, further research is needed to validate the PriciGuide® system's performance on natural teeth and assess deviation using CBCT for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Identification of characteristics of conceptual prototype of microprocessor resource-saving relay protection system

The object of the study is the conceptual prototype of a microprocessor resource-saving relay protection system. Currently, relay protection ensures electrical networks reliable and efficient work, however, the traditional architecture is proprietary, not allowing to fix and replace damaged parts without a company specialist. Therefore, the open-architecture relay protection is a very pressing issue, but the problem lies in meeting the relay protection requirements. The data transmission protocols nRF and ESP-NOW, Hall sensors evaluation for AC current measurement determination and sensor accuracy improvement was implemented. Experimental validation demonstrated that nRF and ESP-NOW protocols meet the delay and reliability requirements, however, the nRF protocol is more suitable due to its flexibility and obstacle penetration. The data demonstrated that the most effective conditions are without obstacles at 15 meters from the modem and with obstacles 5 meters from the modem. The experiment of Hall sensors characteristics determination demonstrated the accuracy of current measurement with the set values of the opening and closing currents. Nevertheless, it is not accurate (12.45 %) for the relay protection application. Therefore, the application of the changing values of the opening and closing currents is more effective and accuracy reaches 6.92 %. As a result, the service life of the Hall sensor was determined, and even after 10 million openings, the open state time remained unchanged. Therefore, the approximation function for current amplitude determination depending on open state time was found. On the other hand, Hall sensors may suffer from temperature drift and require further optimization to be fully reliable. The study limitation is the current range from 0 to 800 A

Influence of Opening Time Interval of Gate Signals on Suppression of Horizontally Polarized Signal of Infrared Pulsed Laser.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, infrared Nd:YVO4 pulsed lasers have been widely applied, especially in some actual industrial processes. In the working process of a laser-aided etching device, the "match-head" effect must be effectively controlled by suppressing the first giant pulse for a solid-state Q-switched laser. In the process of optimizing the infrared Nd:YVO4 pulsed laser by adjusting the slope parameters of the radio frequency (RF) modulation to suppress the first giant pulse, it has been found that an abnormal horizontally polarized emission with a very short time appears before the formal vertically polarized emission when the gate signal is artificially started. Actually, abnormal horizontally polarized emissions will bring some unexpected machining traces during the production process and even greater dangers. The experimental results show that with the increase in the slope duration of an RF signal, the existence time of abnormal output horizontally polarized light will be shortened, and the horizontal giant pulse and vertical giant pulse are well suppressed. When the slope duration is greater than 0.18 ms, both horizontal and vertical giant pulses will disappear. The horizontally polarized light can be thoroughly suppressed when the slope duration is greater than 13.7 ms. Compared with the method of adding a polarizer to eliminate abnormal output horizontally polarized light, this method does not add elements in the laser, ensuring that the laser volume is relatively small, and does not affect the quality of the normal output laser. The research conclusion is thought to be of great practical significance, especially for processing transparent materials.

Revealing Physiological Basis for Floret Opening Difference Between Indica and Japonica Rice: Based on Floral Structure, Transcriptome, and Endogenous Floret Opening Regulator

Background: The differing floret opening times between subsp. indica and subsp. japonica in rice limit the potential for increased hybrid seed production. Objectives: To elucidate the physiological basis underlying the differences in floret opening time between indica and japonica rice. Materials: A comparative analysis involved nine indica and ten japonica rice varieties. Methods: Using paraffin sectioning, transcriptome sequencing, RT-PCR, and endogenous substance quantification, we investigated the structural variations in floral organs, the differences in the initiation timing of floret opening regulatory pathways, and endogenous regulators. Results: The results indicated insignificant differences in lemma thickness, lodicule thickness, lodicule area, and the coupling-lodicule length between indica and japonica rice. However, japonica rice exhibited larger lodicule-lemma gaps and more vascular bundles compared to indica rice. Within the 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. interval, the expression of OsAOS1 in α-linolenic acid metabolism and OsISA3 in starch and sucrose metabolism notably increased in indica rice, with no significant change in japonica rice. Additionally, the endogenous JA and α-amylase surged more significantly in indica rice than in japonica rice. The increase in soluble carbohydrate in indica rice is greater than in japonica rice, but the difference is not significant. Conclusions: These findings suggest that in the process of the floret opening, the α-linolenic acid metabolism and starch and sucrose metabolism are initiated earlier in indica rice, accompanied by a more pronounced elevation in endogenous JA and α-amylase. Furthermore, the smaller lodicule-lemma gap in indica rice contributes to earlier floret opening compared to japonica rice.

Large-range dynamic characteristic adjustment of high-speed on-off valve for water hydraulic manipulators based on multistage voltage and double sliding mode control

High-speed on–off valves (HSVs) are highly adaptable and can control proportional flow, making them ideal for water hydraulic manipulators. In this paper, a water hydraulic HSV is specifically designed for water hydraulic manipulators. To enhance the dynamic characteristics of the HSV, a multistage voltage control combined with double sliding mode control (MVSMC) is proposed. A control system based on an H-bridge circuit is designed to implement the MVSMC algorithm. Simulations and experiments are conducted to evaluate the HSV’s rapid switching and adjustment of dynamic characteristics. The MVSMC algorithm enables quick switching of the HSV, even under fluctuating driving voltages in simulations. The sliding mode controller can control the dynamic characteristics of the HSV over a wide range by adjusting the pre-opening current and holding current. Experimental results show that, driven by the MVSMC algorithm, the opening time and closing time of the HSV are only 1.2 ms and 1.4 ms, respectively. The total non-adjustable opening time and closing time of the HSV are 0–1.2 ms and 0–1.4 ms, respectively. In other ranges, the switching time of the HSV is adjustable. Compared to conventional pulse width modulation (CPWM) control, the MVSMC algorithm offers extreme switching speed for the HSV. The MVSMC algorithm can adjust the dynamic characteristics of the HSV in a wide range, making it suitable for various working conditions requiring different dynamic characteristics.

Preparedness and Public Health: an Italian Local Health Authority plan for a mass gathering in 2023

Abstract Issue Mass gatherings represent an important Public Health challenge. The increased number of people present in a specific area puts local health systems under stress (i.e.workload of emergency services, environmental health and food safety) and at the same time it rises the risks of a potential mass casualty incident. Effective planning and disaster preparedness have to be achieved through collaboration among local health authorities(LHA) and other stakeholders (event planners, law enforcement, local transportation services). Problem Every year, for 3 days, the Italian Alpine troops gather in a different city to remember First World War fallen. During those days, the city centre transit is not allowed to car (in specific areas even to emergency vehicles).In May 2023 this event occurred in Udine, a city in the North East of Italy with almost 100.000 inhabitants. For that year at least 300.000 participants were expected. LHA had to reorganize preparing itself to manage a temporary quadrupled catchment area. Results In the previous months, local authorities met local health representatives and other stakeholders in order to define a single emergency response plan. For healthcare services it was decided to: institute first aid points within the city; reorganise patients’ emergency transport system; increase hospitals’ treatment capacity (beds, life support equipment); increase healthcare professional availability; empower drugstores (opening times, drugs procurement); strengthen human and animal health surveillances;activate alternative communication systems. During the event, LHA updated other authorities involved three times a day about hospital and emergency system situation. At the end of the event,a multiprofessional debriefing meeting was held and no critical situations were reported. Lessons Preparedness requires a great commitment in terms of resources and time, but it is confirmed to be essential to guarantee adequate assistance even in extraordinary conditions. Key messages • Mass gathering s events put under stress all the main areas of public health system. • Public health preparedness cannot be effective without a strong involvement of other public and private stakeholders.

Effect of acupuncture on AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway of hippocampus in chronic stress-induced depression rats

To observe the effect of manual acupuncture stimulation on changes of behavior and hippocampal signaling pathways of AMP-activated kinase (AMPK)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) in rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression, so as to explore its molecular mechanism underlying improvement of depression. Thirty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, acupuncture and medication (fluoxetine) groups, with 8 rats in each group. The depression model was established by using CUMS (fasting, water depredation, restraint, swimming in cold water, crowding, stroboscope stimulation, and tail clipping, each of which was used once a week) for 6 weeks. Manual acupuncture stimulation was applied to "Baihui"(GV20) and "Yintang"(EX-HN3) for 10 min, once daily, 6 times a week for 6 weeks before every-day modeling. Rats of the medication group received gavage of fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) once a day for 6 weeks before every-day modeling. The percentage of sucrose preference, and the percentages of open arm times and open arm time in the elevated plus maze experiments were detected. The expression levels of AMPK, phosphorylated (p)-AMPK, ULK1, p-ULK1, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p-mTOR proteins in the hippocampus tissue were detected by Western blot, and the expression of autophagy effecting protein (Beclin-1) and the selective autophagy receptors (p62) mRNA in the hippocampal tissue was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, respectively. Compared with the normal group, the percentage of sucrose preference, percentage of times of entering the open arm and percentage of open arm time, the expression levels of p-AMPK /AMPK ratio, p-ULK1 /ULK1 ratio of proteins, and Beclin-1 mRNA were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the expression levels of p-mTOR /mTOR ratio and p62 mRNA were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the percentage of sucrose preference, percentage of open arm times and open arm time, the expression levels of p-AMPK /AMPK ratio, p-ULK1/ULK1 ratio of proteins, and Beclin-1 mRNA were significantly increased in both acupuncture and medication groups (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the expression levels of p-mTOR /mTOR ratio of proteins, and p62 mRNA were markedly decreased only in the medication group (P<0.05). Acupuncture treatment can alleviate depression-like behavior in CUMS rats, which may be related to its functions in up-regulating AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway to induce cellular autophagy in the hippocampus.

NAGK regulates the onset of puberty in female mice

This study examines the role of N-acetylglucosamine kinase (NAGK) in initiating puberty in female mice. We employed real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence to measure NAGK expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis across various developmental stages: infant, prepuberty, puberty, and adult. We further investigated the impact of Nagk gene knockdown on puberty in female mice. This included assessing the expression of puberty-related genes both in vivo and in vitro, GT1-7 cells proliferation and apoptosis, concentrations of GnRH and Kisspeptin, puberty onset timing, serum levels of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2), and ovarian morphology. Results revealed that Nagk mRNA is present in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovaries throughout different developmental stages in female mice. In the hypothalamus, Nagk mRNA levels were comparable during infant and prepuberty, lowest during puberty, and highest in adult. In the pituitary, Nagk mRNA peaked in adult, with no significant variation between infant, prepuberty, and puberty. In the ovaries, Nagk mRNA levels increased during puberty and peaked in adult. NAGK is predominantly located in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), periventricular nucleus (PeN), dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), adenohypophysis, and in the ovarian oocytes, interstitium, and granulosa cells across all developmental stages in female mice. Nagk knockdown in GT1-7 cells decreased the transcriptional level of Gnrh, Kiss1, Gpr54, Igf1 and Mapk14 mRNA and cell proliferation but increased the level of β-catenin mRNA and cell apoptosis, while reducing GnRH secretion. Following ICV injection, Nagk gene knockdown mice exhibited delayed the timing of vaginal opening (VO) and reduced hypothalamic levels of Gnrh, Kiss1, Gpr54, Igf1, Mapk14, and β-catenin mRNA. Additionally, serum concentrations of E2 in Nagk gene knockdown mice were significantly lower compared to the control group. These findings indicate that Nagk regulates the expression of Gnrh and Kiss1 mRNA in GT1-7 cells, affects hypothalamus Gnrh mRNA levels and serum E2 concentration, and that its knockdown can delay puberty onset in female mice.

Interlayer bonding performance of 3D printed engineered cementitious composites (ECC): Rheological regulation and fiber hybridization

The weak interlayer adhesion caused by the layer-by-layer 3D printing (3DP) process and the incorporation of organic fiber in Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC), detrimentally impacts the integrity of 3DP-ECC structures, particularly for large-scale structures requiring extended open time. To optimize the printing quality and extent the operation time, cellulose filaments (CF) were employed as nano-reinforcement, viscosity modifier and water retainer, and were hybridized with polyethylene fiber (PE) and steel fiber (ST). The highest bonding strength was raised up to 3.51 MPa. The time-dependent escalation of rheological parameters was mitigated, reducing interlayer porosity to 0.56 % and limiting the reduction in bonding strength to 12.01 % within 60 min open time. The compressive anisotropy was almost eliminated, verifying the potential of CF in modifying interlayer adhesion. A linear correlation between rheological behavior and interlayer bonding performance was established, and a 0.508 Pa s/min plastic viscosity growth rate was suggested to avoid cold joint and ensure printing quality.

Conservation of the Charge in Signal from Drift Tube Ion Mobility Spectrometers.

Quantitative information obtained from drift tube detectors used in ion mobility spectrometry is contained in the area of peaks forming the drift time spectrum. The area of all peaks corresponds to the total charge of ions entering the drift section of the spectrometer. It was found that this charge is not conserved when the ion composition changes. This work is devoted to studying the causes of this phenomenon. Experimental research consisted of recording drift time spectra for 2-pentanone and n-heptanone, at various analyte concentrations and different opening times of the shutter grid. Measurements of the total ion current were also performed in static mode with an open grid. The research results indicated that the reasons for the lack of ion charge conservation in the drift time spectrum are ion recombination, mutual repulsion, and mobility-dependent transmission of ions through the shutter grid. The explanation of the relationships obtained experimentally was based on a simple theoretical model, which considered the phenomenon of ion transport along the reaction section and the penetration of ions through the shutter. The developed model provides a good description of the measurement results and allows the estimation of ion currents and ion concentrations in the reaction section upstream of the grid. This information is important for proper quantitative analysis as well as when the ion mobility spectrometer is used in quantitative studies of chemical ionization processes.

Acupoint catgut embedding: a potential intervention strategy for obesity-related precocious puberty.

Obesity-related precocious puberty is induced by obesity, and acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) therapy is known to treat obesity. This study aims to validate the hypothesis that ACE can delay the onset of obesity-related precocious puberty. Female Sprague-Dawley rats, 21 days old, were randomly divided into three groups: the high-fat diet combined with ACE treatment group (ACE), the high-fat diet group (HFD), and the normal control diet group (NCD), with 8 rats in each group. The vaginal opening (VO) time was monitored, and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and total estradiol (E2) were measured, followed by statistical analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, with VO as the endpoint, showed that vaginal opening was delayed in the ACE group compared to the HFD group, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). The changes in levels of FSH, LH, and E2 indicated that sexual development was delayed in the ACE group compared to the HFD group and was more similar to the NCD group. Combining the vaginal opening time and changes in hormone levels, this study confirms the potential role of ACE in delaying the onset of obesity-related precocious puberty.

Methodology for Testing Selected Parameters of Low-Current Vacuum Electric Arc

This article presents the author’s methodology for testing selected parameters of a low-current vacuum arc, implemented using an innovative test stand based on a vacuum discharge chamber with a contact system mounted inside. In order to verify the validity of the adopted research methodology, as well as the correctness of the operation of the developed laboratory bench, measurements and calculations were made, among other things, of the energy and burning time of the vacuum arc, depending on selected factors, such as pressure and the delay time of the contact opening, calculated from the “passage through zero” of the sinusoid of the current flowing through the system. The tests were performed at 230 V and a current of 5 A for two pressure values: p1 = 1.00 × 105 Pa (atmospheric pressure) and p2 = 4.00 × 10−3 Pa (high vacuum environment). It was found that the vacuum insulation technique allows a significant reduction in the value of the arc energy and the burning time of the arc. It was also observed that in the case of a high vacuum environment, the ignition of the vacuum arc occurs after a time equal to about 3 ms from the “passage through zero” of the current flowing through the system. Below this value, the phenomenon did not occur. The results obtained provide an opportunity for the design and manufacturing of vacuum switchgear, where there is the prospect of reducing the negative effects associated with the arc burning process in the contact gap.

7849 The EDC Mixture “NeuroMix” Has Developmental, Anxiolytic, And Obesogenic Effects In Rats

Abstract Disclosure: E. Morales-Grahl: None. L. M. Thompson: None. E.N. Hilz: None. A.C. Gore: None. Humans are exposed to a variety of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on a daily basis through drinking water, food, and contact with everyday objects. Safety guidelines aim to keep exposure to individual EDCs below certain levels but don’t take into account the potentially unpredictable effects of simultaneous exposure to multiple EDCs. Furthermore, EDCs may exhibit non-monotonic dose responses. The present study assessed the effect of an EDC mixture at three different doses on two sets of behaviors implicated in EDC research: anxiety, and high fat and sugar consumption. Beginning in early pregnancy and until pups were weaned at day 21, Sprague Dawley rats were fed daily with NeuroMix, our lab’s EDC mixture containing 9 common industrial chemicals, at three doses (0.1x, 1x, 10x). The base dose (1x) contained EDCs below the no observed adverse effect level in humans (NOAEL). In adulthood, the female and male offspring were then subjected to an open field and light/dark test, followed by a high fat and high sucrose preference test. 0.1x NeuroMix exposure advanced the timing of vaginal opening in female offspring, while all doses increased anogenital distance in males, marking differences in sexual development. 1x NeuroMix exposure in male rats increased their time in the open field corners and their time immobile in the corners, indicating higher anxiety. No difference was seen in sucrose preference. Female rats exposed to 1x NeuroMix showed a higher preference for a high-fat diet, and gained more weight compared to the controls while on this diet. These findings demonstrate that a mixture of human-relevant chemicals, when administered perinatally to rats, have developmental, anxiogenic and obesogenic effects in a sexually dimorphic manner. We also show a non-monotonic response to our chemical mixture, with the 1x dose showing greater effects than the 10x dose. Overall, we provide evidence that even at levels considered safe for individual EDCs, there are adverse developmental and behavioral effects of EDCs when combined. Grant support: R35 ES035024, F32 ES034257. Presentation: 6/1/2024

How do fish miss? Attack strategies of threespine stickleback capturing non-evasive prey.

Most predators rely on capturing prey for survival, yet failure is common. Failure is often attributed to prey evasion, but predator miscalculation and/or inaccuracy may also drive an unsuccessful event. We addressed the latter using threespine stickleback as predators and bloodworms (non-evasive) as prey. High-speed videography of the entire attack allowed us to determine the strike tactics leading to successful or missed strikes. We analyzed movements and morphological traits from 57 individuals. Our results reveal that kinematics drive the strike outcome and that failed strikes primarily arise from incorrect timing of mouth opening, often beginning too far from the prey for suction to be effective. This likely stems from the lack of integration between locomotion and feeding systems. Our study begins to unravel the important link between behavior and success in fish feeding.

Norharmane potentiated anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like responses induced by imipramine and citalopram: an isobologram analysis.

β-carboline compounds display a therapeutic property for treating depression and anxiety behaviors. Imipramine and citalopram play an important role in the modulation of anxiety and depression behaviors. We investigated the effects of norharmane, imipramine, and citalopram on anxiety- and depression-like effects and their interactions. Elevated plus maze and forced swimming test were used for the assessment of anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in male mice. The results revealed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of norharmane (10 mg/kg) increased percentage of open arm time (%OAT) in the elevated plus maze test and decreased immobility time in the forced swimming test, proposing anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects. Injection of imipramine (5 mg/kg; i.p.) enhanced %OAT and decreased immobility time, suggesting anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects. Moreover, norharmane potentiated the anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like responses induced by imipramine by increasing %OAT and decreasing immobility time. The results revealed additive anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects between norharmane and imipramine in mice. Alone, the administration of citalopram (5 mg/kg; i.p.) enhanced %OAT and reduced immobility time, causing anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects. When citalopram and norharmane were coinjected, norharmane augmented the anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects induced by citalopram by increasing %OAT and reducing immobility time. These results indicated additive anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects between norharmane and antidepressant drugs such as imipramine and citalopram on the modulation of anxiety and depression processes in mice.

A Randomized Controlled Study Comparing And Evaluating The Peri-Operative Outcomes Of Using Straight Versus Angled Handpieces During The Surgical Extraction Of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars

Introduction: The straight handpiece is one of the most commonly used instruments in third molar surgeries. However, its use has been suggested to carry a potential risk of soft tissue injury, possibly due to its design limitations leading to direct positioning and excessive heating, which could contribute to soft tissue damage. Direct positioning can sometimes cause excessive heating, leading to potential soft tissue damage. Additionall its design might limit accessibility in the confined surgical area, making it more difficult to maneuver effectively. This study aims to evaluate whether using an angled handpiece enhances accessibility and reduces the risk of soft tissue damage during surgical procedures. AIM: Comparison and evaluation of the use of straight and angled handpieces on perioperative outcomes in operative removal of obstructed lower third molars. Materials and Methods: This research included 30 healthy participants aged 18 to 40, all of whom were undergoing extraction of impacted lower third molars at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups.: Group A, where the extraction was carried out using an angled handpiece, and Group B, where a straight handpiece was employed. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in postoperative pain, edema, mouth opening, or surgical time between the angled and straight handpiece groups. Conclusion: The findings of our research indicate that there were no notable statistical differences observed between the two groups in relation to post-operative outcomes such as pain, edema, mouth opening, or surgical time. The lack of statistical significance may be attributed to the small sample size, emphasizing the importance of larger cohorts for a more accurate assessment of the clinical impact. However, operator comfort was reported to be better with angled handpieces in certain cases. Category: Dentistry, Pain Management, Patient Care

Novel use of clinical pathways to improve clinical trial accrual.

414 Background: Fewer than 10% of adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials. Clinical pathways platforms have traditionally sought to improve trial accrual by displaying available trials for eligible patients. Our team explored how Pathways navigation data can also be used to identify eligible patients of poorly accruing trials and provide study investigators with a near real-time data feed of those patients. Methods: Providers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute are asked to navigate the pathways decision-support platform and order systemic cancer therapies 7 days in advance of administration to assist with authorization. We invited Principal Investigators (PIs) of poorly accruing trials to collaborate with our Pathways data team through our Pathways to Accrual to Clinical Trials (PACT) service. Through PACT, PIs are informed of patients who were navigated to nodes involving the trial in question but received standard therapy instead. PIs are given access to a Tableau Dashboard that is updated with new data daily and receive weekly reminders about the dashboard. The current analysis includes two trials that have been using PACT for at least one year. We reviewed monthly trial accrual rates from the time of the trials opening until March 2024. The dataset did not meet criteria for Poisson analysis, so Fischer’s exact test was used to compare accrual rates. We ensured the denominator of potentially eligible patients was relatively consistent. Results: DF-21-519 accrued 16 patients over 14 months prior to PACT and 33 patients over 12 months using PACT. DF-22-028 accrued 0 patients over 6 months prior to PACT and 12 patients over 14 months using PACT. Collectively, use of PACT more than doubled accrual rates for the involved trials (one-tailed p = 0.048). Conclusions: A real-time Pathways data feed can be used to identify patients for appropriate clinical resources. Here, we show how our PACT program helped to more than double clinical trial accrual for the involved studies. Scaling this technology across a broader swath of clinical trials could be an important advance for trial participation for users of this pathways platform. Trial Accruals, Pre PACT Accrual Rate, Pre PACT (Accruals/month) Accruals, Post PACT Accrual Rate, Post PACT (Accruals/month) DF-21-519 16 accruals in 14 mo 1.14 33 accruals in 12 mo 2.75 DF-22-028 0 accruals in 6 mo 0 12 accruals in 14 mo 0.86 Total 16 accruals in 20 mo 0.8 45 accruals in 26 mo 1.73 one-tailed p is 0.048

Chronic pregabalin treatment reduced anxiety, and acute pregabalin treatment increased depression-like behaviors in rats

BackgroundPregabalin is an antiepileptic drug that binds to the alpha-2/delta unit at presynaptic voltage-dependent calcium channels. We aimed to investigate the effect of acute and chronic pregabalin administration on anxiety and depression-like behaviors.MethodsFifty-six male Wistar albino rats were divided into seven groups: control, vehicle, and five different dose groups (5, 10, 30, 60, and 100 mg/kg). Pregabalin was administered for two weeks. Depression-like behaviors were evaluated by Forced swimming test. Anxiety-like behavior (ALB) was evaluated by Open field test (OFT), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and light-dark box. Subjects underwent the forced swimming test (FST) after the first dose, while the open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and light-dark box (LDB) were performed after two weeks of treatment. Further sucrose preference test was conducted to evaluate anhedonia until the end of the experiment.ResultsIn the forced swimming test, depression-like behaviors increased after acute single-dose administration of 10, 30, 60, 100 mg/kg pregabalin. According to OFT results, chronic 100 mg/kg pregabalin showed anxiolytic effects by decreasing grooming, and freezing behaviors. In addition, 100 mg/kg chronic pregabalin administration significantly increased the time spent in the central region, the number of entries to the center, and the unsupported rearing number without causing any change in locomotor activity. According to EPM results, both chronic 60 and 100 mg/kg pregabalin treatments showed anxiolytic effects by increasing open arm time and head dipping behavior. In addition, 60 and 100 mg/kg chronic pregabalin administration significantly decreased stretch attend posture. All pregabalin administrations between 5 and 100 mg/kg displayed anxiolytic effects in the LDB. Sucrose preference was above 65% for the duration of all experiments and subjects did not show anhedonia.ConclusionAcute pregabalin treatment triggered depression-like behaviors. Anhedonia, which may be associated with depression, was not observed during chronic treatment. Moreover, chronic treatment with pregabalin revealed potent anxiolytic effects in different behavior patterns and doses for all tests of unconditional anxiety. In particular, 100 mg/kg chronic pregabalin administration decreased anxiety-like behaviors in all experiment setups. Although the anxiolytic effect was demonstrated in chronic treatment, acute treatment of pregabalin induced depression-like behaviors, and thus in clinical practice should be done with caution, especially in patients with anxiety-depression comorbidity.

The Antidiabetic Drug Metformin Attenuated Depressive and Anxietylike Behaviors and Oxidative Stress in the Brain in a Rodent Model of Inflammation Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Male Rats.

Inflammation is considered to be a link between diabetes and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including depression and anxiety. Metformin is suggested to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and mood-improving effects. The aim of the current research was to investigate the effects of the antidiabetic drug metformin on depressive- and anxiety- like behaviors and oxidative stress in the brain in a rodent model of inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in male rats. The rats were treated as follows: (1) Vehicle instead of metformin and lipopolysaccharide, (2) Lipopolysaccharide (1 mg/ kg) + vehicle instead of metformin, (3-5) Lipopolysaccharide + 50, 100, or 150 mg/ kg of metformin. After the behavioral tests, including open field (OF), elevated pulse maze (EPM), and force swimming (FS) tests, the brains were removed, and malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, total thiol, catalase (CAT) activity, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined. In the EPM, metformin increased the open arm time and entry and decreased closed arm time and entry. In the FS test, metformin lowered the immobility and increased active time compared to lipopolysaccharide. In the OF test, metformin increased total crossing and total distance, time spent, traveled distance, and crossing number in the central zone. As a result of metformin administration, IL-6, MDA, and NO metabolites were decreased while thiol content, SOD, and CAT activity were increased. The results indicated that the well-known antidiabetic drug metformin attenuated depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors induced by inflammation in rats. These beneficial effects are suggested to be due to their attenuating effects on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and NO in the brain.