Values Of M2 Research Articles

Investigating the crystallinity of hard candies prepared and stored at different temperatures with low field-NMR relaxometry.

In this study, hard candies were produced by using sucrose, glucose syrup and water. They were cooked at different temperatures, changing from 135 to 145 °C with an interval of 2.5 °C. They were stored at different storage temperatures, which were 25, 4, -18 and -80 °C. Hard candies placed at room temperature were stored for 2 months. In order to understand the crystallization characteristics of the hard candies, time domain (TD) proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) parameters of longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and second moment (M2) measurements were conducted. Moisture contents of the hard candies were determined by Karl-Fischer titration. X-ray diffraction experiments were also conducted as the complementary analysis. Increasing cooking temperature increased the crystallinity and decreased the moisture content of the hard candies significantly (P ≤0.05). Furthermore, storage temperature and storage time had significant effects on the crystallinity of the hard candies (P ≤0.05). The results of T1 and M2 correlated with each other (r > 0.8, P ≤ 0.5) and both produced the highest value at the cooking temperature of 145 °C and storage temperature of 4 °C (P ≤ 0.05). The values of T1 and M2 were obtained as 245.9 ms and 13.0 × 10-8 Hz2, respectively, for the cooking temperature of 145 °C and storage temperature of 4 °C. This study demonstrated that the crystallinity of hard candies can be observed and examined by TD-NMR relaxometry, as an alternative to commonly used methods. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

MRI-based interpretable radiomics nomogram for discrimination between Brucella spondylitis and Pyogenic spondylitis

BackgroundPyogenic spondylitis (PS) and Brucella spondylitis (BS) are commonly seen spinal infectious diseases. Both types can lead to vertebral destruction, kyphosis, and long-term neurological deficits if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Therefore, accurately diagnosis is crucial for personalized therapy. Distinguishing between PS and BS in everyday clinical settings is challenging due to the similarity of their clinical symptoms and imaging features. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a radiomics nomogram using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to accurately differentiate between the two types of spondylitis. MethodsClinical and MRI data from 133 patients (2017–2022) with pathologically confirmed PS and BS (68 and 65 patients, respectively) were collected. We have divided patients into training and testing cohorts. In order to develop a clinical diagnostic model, logistic regression was utilized to fit a conventional clinical model (M1). Radiomics features were extracted from sagittal fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging (FS-T2WI) sequence. The radiomics features were preprocessed, including scaling using Z-score and undergoing univariate analysis to eliminate redundant features. Furthermore, the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was employed to develop a radiomics score (M2). A composite model (M3) was created by combining M1 and M2. Subsequently, calibration and decision curves were generated to evaluate the nomogram's performance in both training and testing groups. The diagnostic performance of each model and the indication was assessed using the receiver operating curve (ROC) with its area under the curve (AUC). Finally, we used the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) model explanations technique to interpret the model result. ResultsWe have finally selected 9 significant features from sagittal FS-T2WI sequences. In the differential diagnosis of PS and BS, the AUC values of M1, M2, and M3 in the testing set were 0.795, 0.859, and 0.868. The composite model exhibited a high degree of concurrence with the ideal outcomes, as evidenced by the calibration curves. The nomogram's possible clinical application values were indicated by the decision curve analysis. By using SHAP values to represent prediction outcomes, our model’s prediction results are more understandable. ConclusionsThe implementation of a nomogram that integrates MRI and clinical data has the potential to significantly enhance the accuracy of discriminating between PS and BS within clinical settings.

The novel oxy-sulfide glassy ionic conductors Na4P2S7-xOx 0 ≤ x ≤ 7: Understanding the features of static and dynamic cations

We present a 23Na nuclear spin dynamics model for interpreting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin-lattice relaxation and central linewidth data in the invert glass system Na4P2S7-xOx, 0 ≤ x ≤ 7. The glassy nature of this material results in variations in local Na+ cation environments that may be described by a Gaussian distribution of activation energies. A consistent difference between the mean activation energies determined by NMR and DC conductivity measurements was observed, and interpreted using a percolation theory model. From this, the NaNa coordination number in the sodium cation sublattice was obtained. These values were consistent with jumps through tetrahedral faces of the sodium cages for the sulfur rich glasses, x < 5, consistent with proposed models of their short range order (SRO) structures. From NMR spin-echo measurements, we determined the NaNa second moment M2 resulting from the NaNa magnetic dipole interaction of nearest neighbors. Values of M2 obtained as a function of sodium number density N were in agreement with models for uniform sodium distribution, indicating that these invert glass systems form so as to maximize the average NaNa distance. A simple Coulombic attraction model between Na+ cation and X (=S−, O−) anion was applied to calculate the activation energy. In the range 1.5 ≤ x ≤ 7, an increase in activation energy with increasing oxygen content x occurred, and was consistent with the decrease in average anionic radius, and the increase in Coulombic attraction. For small oxygen additions, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.5, the suggested minimum at low oxygen concentration seen in the activation energies obtained from DC conductivity data is not evident in the model.

Binding properties of selective inhibitors of P323L mutated RdRp of SARS-CoV-2: a combined molecular screening, docking and dynamics simulation study

Since 2019 the SARS-CoV-2 and its variants caused COVID-19, such incidents brought the world in pandemic situation. This happened due to furious mutations in SARS-CoV-2, in which some variants had high transmissibility and infective, this led the virus emerged as virulent and worsened the COVID-19 situation. Among the variants, P323L is one of the important mutants of RdRp in SARS-CoV-2. To inhibit the erroneous function of this mutated RdRp, we have screened 943 molecules against the P323L mutated RdRp with the criteria that the molecules with 90% similar to the structure of remdesivir (control drug) resulted nine molecules. Further, these molecules were evaluated by induced fit docking (IFD) identified two molecules (M2 & M4) which are forming strong intermolecular interactions with the key residues of mutated RdRp and has high binding affinity. Docking score of the M2 and M4 molecules with mutated RdRp are −9.24 and −11.87 kcal/mol, respectively. Further, to understand the intermolecular interactions, conformational stability, the molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy calculations were performed. The binding free energy values of M2 and M4 molecules with the P323L mutated RdRp complexes are −81.60 and −83.07 kcal/mol, respectively. The results of this in silico study confirm that M4 is a potential molecule; hence, it may be considered as the potential inhibitor of P323L mutated RdRp to treat COVID-19 after clinical investigation. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

TVET in The 21st Century: Exploring Multimedia Elements in Digital Teaching and Learning Based On Art Content

Research in digital teaching and learning (T&amp;L) focusing on multimedia elements based on art content is essential in enhancing the quality of the curriculum delivery. Inaddition, research on art content in digital T&amp;L for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is limited. Thus, this paperexploresthe elementsof multimedia components in T&amp;L for TVET based on art content. Art content refers to the subjectmatter or the message conveyed by the presentation.Theresearch utilizesthe Fuzzy Delphi Method(FDM) as methodology. In the first phase, fiveexpertsspecializing in multimedia and artwereinterviewed. After finalizingthe interview results, a matrix analysisthat combines the literatures finding was developedin order to determine the multimedia elements based on the art content. In the second phase, nine experts, including five from the first phase, validated the elements using the instrument.By using the Fuzzy Delphi Method, average values of m1, m2, and m3, 'd' orThreshold value, expert’sconsensus and Fuzzy Evaluation were derived from the data. Findingsindicates thatforty items out of four componentswhich are emotional, subjective, execution,and psychologicalhave been validated by the experts and reach 75 per cent of consensus. In conclusion, multimedia components based on art content in digital T&amp;L for TVET should be utilized as a reference in developing digital content to provide future T&amp;L standards for educators.

Mixture of Alfalfa, Orchardgrass, and Tall Fescue Produces Greater Biomass Yield in Southwest China

The current study investigated the influence of mixture composition on the biomass yield and early establishment of legume–grass mixtures. The legume species alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. (A)), white clover (Trifolium repens L. (WC)), and red clover (Trifolium pratense L. (RC)) and grass species orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L. (O)), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (TF)), and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. (PR)) were grown in monocultures and in different legume–grass mixtures. Legume–grass mixtures (M1: WC + O + TF; M2: A + O + TF; M3: A + WC + O + TF; M4: RC + WC + O + TF; M5: A + WC + O + TF + PR; M6: RC + WC + O + TF + PR; and M7: A + RC + WC + O + TF + PR) were sown in a legume–grass seeding ratio of 3:7. The results showed that M2 had the greatest two-year average biomass yield (12.92 t ha−1), which was significantly (p &lt; 0.05), 4.7%, 5.4%, 15.8%, and 29.1% greater than that of WC monoculture, M7, M4, and M1, respectively. The grass biomass yield proportions of all mixtures significantly decreased, while legume biomass yield proportions significantly increased in the second year compared to the first year of establishment. The land-equivalent ratio values of M2 and M4 were greater than 1 in each cutting period. The competition rate of grasses gradually decreased with prolonged establishment time. Overall, the biomass yield, legume and grass biomass yield proportions, land equivalent ratio, and competition rate data highlighted that M2 is the best choice to achieve greater productivity and early establishment in southwest China.

Some new Gaussian product inequalities

The Gaussian product inequality is a long-standing conjecture. In this paper, we investigate the three-dimensional inequality E[X12X22m2X32m3]≥E[X12]E[X22m2]E[X32m3] for any centered Gaussian random vector (X1,X2,X3) and m2,m3∈N. First, we show that this inequality is implied by a combinatorial inequality. The combinatorial inequality can be verified directly for small values of m2 and arbitrary m3. Hence the corresponding cases of the three-dimensional inequality are proved. Second, we show that the three-dimensional inequality is equivalent to an improved Cauchy-Schwarz inequality. This observation leads us to derive some novel moment inequalities for bivariate Gaussian random variables.

Statistical Characteristics of High‐Frequency Gravity Waves Observed by an Airglow Imager at Andes Lidar Observatory

AbstractThe long‐term statistical characteristics of high‐frequency quasi‐monochromatic gravity waves are presented using multi‐year airglow images observed at Andes Lidar Observatory (ALO, 30.3°S, 70.7°W) in northern Chile. The distribution of primary gravity wave parameters including horizontal wavelength, vertical wavelength, intrinsic wave speed, and intrinsic wave period are obtained and are in the ranges of 20–30 km, 15–25 km, 50–100 m s−1, and 5–10 min, respectively. The duration of persistent gravity wave events captured by the imager approximately follows an exponential distribution with an average duration of 7–9 min. The waves tend to propagate against the local background winds and show evidence of seasonal variations. In austral winter (May–August), the observed wave occurrence frequency is higher, and preferential wave propagation is equator‐ward. In austral summer (November–February), the wave occurrence frequency is lower, and the waves mostly propagate pole‐ward. Critical‐layer filtering plays a moderate role in determining the preferential propagation direction in certain months, especially for waves with a smaller observed phase speed (less than typical background winds). The observed wave occurrence and preferential propagation direction are related to the locations of convection activities nearby and their relative distance to ALO. However, direct wave generations are less likely due to the large distance between the ALO and convective sources. Other mechanisms such as secondary wave generation and possible ducted propagation should be considered. The estimated mean momentum fluxes have typical values of a few m2 s−2.

On‐Bond Incident Degree Indices of Square‐Hexagonal Chains

For a graph G, its bond incident degree (BID) index is defined as the sum of the contributions f(du, dv) over all edges uv of G, where dw denotes the degree of a vertex w of G and f is a real‐valued symmetric function. If f(du, dv) = du + dv or dudv, then the corresponding BID index is known as the first Zagreb index M1 or the second Zagreb index M2, respectively. The class of square‐hexagonal chains is a subclass of the class of molecular graphs of minimum degree 2. (Formal definition of a square‐hexagonal chain is given in the Introduction section). The present study is motivated from the paper (C. Xiao, H. Chen, Discrete Math. 339 (2016) 506–510) concerning square‐hexagonal chains. In the present paper, a general expression for calculating any BID index of square‐hexagonal chains is derived. The chains attaining the maximum or minimum values of M1 and M2 are also characterized from the class of all square‐hexagonal chains having a fixed number of polygons.

Analytical solution of Velocities and Temperature fields using Homotopy Analysis Method

In this paper, analysis of nonlinear partial differential equations on velocities and temperature with convective boundary conditions are investigated. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations by applying similarity transformations. The system of nonlinear differential equations are solved using Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM). An analytical solution is obtained for the values of Magnetic parameter M2, Prandtl number Pr, Porosity parameter

Rule of Low as Factor of Investments in Ukraine

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to study the dependence of investments in the Ukrainian economy on two components of the rule of law, namely, the protection of property rights and the fight against corruption (according to the American Heritage Foundation). Design/Methodology/Approach: Empirical assessments were made for two periods – 2000-2019 and 2010-2019, which aims to test the resilience of the obtained results to structural changes, which characterize the period after the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. Findings: The inverse relationship between the monetary unit's devaluation (in nominal and real dimensions) and investments is very convincingly traced, which can be explained by the significant import intensity of investment goods and technologies. The received dependence means that any attempts to maintain the hryvnia's reduced exchange rate, as observed since mid-2020, threaten to stagnate domestic investments. Practical Implications: According to the data of 2000-2019, it was found that more reliable protection of property rights can be considered as a factor of increasing investments, but the corresponding favorable effect weakens in the post-crisis period of 2010-2019. This corresponds to the empirical research for foreign countries, and at the same time, it allows to assert that the property rights had a stronger effect on the investments in the 2000s when state property was privatized and consolidated. Originality/Value: The budget deficit clearly hinders investments, which can mean preferences for private consumption and raw materials branches. Money overhang, which is determined by the difference between the actual and trend values of the monetary aggregate M2, could stimulate investments in the 2000s, but in the post-crisis decade of 2010-2019 creates a clear negative effect.

Effects of dacomitinib on the pharmacokinetics of poziotinib in vivo and in vitro

Context Dacomitinib and poziotinib, irreversible ErbB family blockers, are often used for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the clinic. Objective This study investigates the effect of dacomitinib on the pharmacokinetics of poziotinib in rats. Materials and methods Twelve Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: the test group (20 mg/kg dacomitinib for 14 consecutive days) and the control group (equal amounts of vehicle). Each group was given an oral dose of 10 mg/kg poziotinib 30 min after administration of dacomitinib or vehicle at the end of the 14 day administration. The concentration of poziotinib in plasma was quantified by UPLC-MS/MS. Both in vitro effects of dacomitinib on poziotinib and the mechanism of the observed inhibition were studied in rat liver microsomes and human liver microsomes. Results When orally administered, dacomitinib increased the AUC, T max and decreased CL of poziotinib (p < 0.05). The IC50 values of M1 in RLM, HLM and CYP3A4 were 11.36, 30.49 and 19.57 µM, respectively. The IC50 values of M2 in RLM, HLM and CYP2D6 were 43.69, 0.34 and 0.11 µM, respectively, and dacomitinib inhibited poziotinib by a mixed way in CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. The results of the in vivo experiments were consistent with those of the in vitro experiments. Conclusions This research demonstrates that a drug–drug interaction between poziotinib and dacomitinib possibly exists when readministered with poziotinib; thus, clinicians should pay attention to the resulting changes in pharmacokinetic parameters and accordingly, adjust the dose of poziotinib in clinical settings.

Prospective longitudinal association between repeated multiple breath washout measurements and computed tomography scores in children with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundProgression of structural lung disease (SLD) is a major risk factor for morbidity in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). We studied changes in SLD and correlations with spirometry and nitrogen multiple breath washout (N2MBW) outcomes to explore associations in contemporary evolution between structural and functional abnormalities in CF lung disease. MethodsSpirometry-controlled chest-CTs using PRAGMA-CF for scoring extent of SLD, spirometry, and N2MBW were performed at two-year intervals in school-age children with CF. ResultsFifty-seven children aged 6–18 years were included. No significant progression in mean PRAGMA-CF scores was observed. Half of the children showed improvement in the proportion of bronchiectasis (%Bx). Lung Clearance Index (LCI) and the second moment ratio (M2) increased significantly and baseline values correlated significantly with SLD at follow-up (p ≤ 0.0002). The correlation between the change in M2 (∆M2) and the change in total SLD was R = 0.27 (p = 0.048). We found high negative predictive values (100%) for ∆M2<10% to exclude progression in SLD. For stable or improving values of LCI and M2, the predicted probability for progression in SLD was 16% and 14%, respectively (upper 95% confidence limit: 33%). Evolution in N2MBW and CT outcomes was discordant in half of the children. ConclusionsWe found no progression in SLD over 2 years in school-age children with CF, in contrast to both LCI and M2, which along with discordant outcomes in half of the children underlines that N2MBW and CT assess different aspects of CF lung disease. However, stable outcomes from N2MBW were associated with stable structural lung disease.

Controlling the beam quality in DPALs by changing the resonator parameters

The beam quality of diode-pumped alkali lasers (DPALs) is of major concern in the studies of these lasers. We report on experimental studies and modeling of the beam propagation factor M2 in flowing-gas Cs DPALs with stable optical resonators and of its dependence on the resonator geometry. The measured values of M2 are in agreement with those calculated using the optical model of multi-transverse mode operation (Auslender et al. in Opt Express 25:19767, 2017). Conditions for substantial improvement of the output laser beam quality, reducing M2 to close to unity, are found. Changing the length of the resonator, and/or the radius of curvature of the high reflection mirror, leaving all other parameters of the laser unchanged, makes it possible to control the beam quality. Techniques for controlling M2 in DPALs with wide-aperture beams have not been studied elsewhere and are very important for the applications of this laser. In addition to the optical model, a simple analytical method based on the model suggested by Siegman (IEEE J Quantum Electron 29:1212, 1993) is applied to the experimental results and predicts a simple scaling law for M2 as a function of the size of the resonator fundamental mode.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of regorafenib and its metabolite M5 can predict treatment efficacy and the occurrence of skin toxicities.

Regorafenib is a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and the use of this drug is approved for the treatment of cancers that are resistant to chemotherapy, which include advanced colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the drug causes adverse events, including skin toxicities that require dose modification in approximately 75% of cases. At present, the blood concentration of regorafenib is not assessed in clinical settings; thus, we recently developed a method that can assess the blood concentration of the drug using high-performance liquid chromatography. We measured the trough blood concentrations (Ctrough) of regorafenib and its metabolites (M2 and M5) in 14 and 4 patients with advanced colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumor, respectively, using high-performance liquid chromatography. Then, the correlation between the Ctrough and therapeutic outcomes of regorafenib was analyzed. In patients who were receiving regorafenib 40-160mg/day, the Ctrough values of regorafenib, M2, and M5 were 318-9467, 34-3594, and 38-3796ng/mL, respectively. The difference in the values was significant. Although the specific factors influencing this difference were not elucidated, the Ctrough of regorafenib was extremely lower in some patients, even though the drug was administered at a standard dose, which may explain the lower response rate. Moreover, the Ctrough value of M5 was significantly correlated to the incidence of skin toxicities, which is the most frequent cause of dose modification. The use of regorafenib may not be suitable in patients with a low Ctrough value. To prevent skin toxicities, the Ctrough value of M5 should be monitored.

Chart Datum and Bathymetry Correction To Support Managing Coral Grouper In Lepar And Pongok Island Waters, South Bangka Regency

Corrected bathimetry data is highly required to improve the quality of sea floor map, for a range of purposes including coastal environmental monitoring and management. This research was aimed to know chart datum values used for correctting bathymetry data at Bar-cheeked coral trout grouper (Plectropomus maculates) fishing ground in Lepar and Pongok Island waters 02o57’00”S and 106o50’00”E and 02o53’00”S and 107o03’00”E, respectively, South Bangka Regency, Indonesia. The study was carried out from November 2016 to October 2017, tidal data used for 15 days from September 16–30, 2017 using simple random sampling technique with the total of 845 points of measurements. To calculate tyde harmonic constituents values this study employed admiralty method resulting 10 major components. Results of this research indicated that harmonic coefficient values of M2, M2, S2, N2, K1, O1, M4, MS4, K2, and P1, were 0.0345 m, 0.0608 m, 0.0276 m, 0.4262 m, 0.2060 m, 0.0119 m, 0.0082 m, 0.0164 m, and 0.1406 m, respectively. Values of mean sea level, chart datum, and F, were 0.9620 m, 0.0500 m, and 0.0664 m, respectively, with diurnal type (F= 6.64). Correcting bathymetry values of surveyed location results a deviation about 1.2 m in depth. The calculated chart datum as well as corrected bathymetry provides information that can be used as vertical refrerence datum for generating sea floor map for determining the fishing ground area of bar-cheeked coral trout grouper. Fishing depth usually ranges between 4.2 and 40.8 m. Average water depth in the fishing ground ranged from 14.7 to 22.5 m.

Study of high beam quality side-pumped Nd:YLF laser with intracavity Gaussian aperture

In order to obtain a 1053 nm output laser with a high beam quality, the mode distribution of the YLF solid laser with a plane-plane resonator is studied. According to the Collins theory, the influences of the position and size parameters of a Gaussian aperture on the mode of the output beam is simulated and analyzed. Compared with the simulation results without a Gaussian aperture, the Gaussian aperture in the cavity can significantly improve the quality of the output laser. Based on the theoretical simulations, a laser with optimal structural parameters is built. The profiles and mode distributions of the laser output beams with a Gaussian aperture and without a Gaussian aperture in the cavity are measured, respectively. When the radius of the light spot on the film of the Gaussian aperture is 4 mm and the distance between the Gaussian aperture and total-reflection mirror is 30 mm, a 1053 nm laser output with the values of M2 in the x and y directions of 1.9 and 1.8, and maximum output power of 9.7 W is obtained. The experimental results demonstrate that the Gaussian aperture in the cavity can improve the mode distribution of the cavity and obtain the laser output with a higher beam quality, which is basically consistent with the results of theoretical simulations.

Mesospheric front observations by the OH airglow imager carried out at Ferraz Station on King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula, in 2011

Abstract. The main goals of this work are to characterize and investigate the potential wave sources of four mesospheric fronts identified in the hydroxyl near-infrared (OH-NIR) airglow images, obtained with an all-sky airglow imager installed at Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station (EACF, as per its Portuguese acronym) located on King George Island in the Antarctic Peninsula. We identified and analyzed four mesospheric fronts in 2011 over King George Island. In addition, we investigate the atmospheric background environment between 80 and 100 km altitude and discuss the ducts and propagation conditions for these waves. For that, we used wind data obtained from a meteor radar operated at EACF and temperature data obtained from the TIMED/SABER satellite. The vertical wavenumber squared, m2, was calculated for each of the four waves. Even though no clearly defined duct (indicated by positive values of m2 sandwiched between layers above and below with m2 &lt; 0) was found in any of the events, favorable propagation conditions for horizontal propagation of the fronts were found in three cases. In the fourth case, the wave front did not find any duct support and it appeared to dissipate near the zenith, transferring energy and momentum to the medium and, consequently, accelerating the wind in the wave propagation direction (near to south) above the OH peak (88–92 km). The likely wave sources for these four cases were investigated by using meteorological satellite images and in two cases we could find that strong instabilities were potential sources, i.e., a cyclonic activity and a large convective cloud cell. In the other two cases it was not possible to associate troposphere sources as potential candidates for the generation of such wave fronts observed in the mesosphere and secondary wave sources were attributed to these cases. Keywords. Atmospheric composition and structure (airglow and aurora) – meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (middle atmosphere dynamics; waves and tides)

Effect of Monopoly-coating Agent on the Surface Roughness of a Tissue Conditioner Subjected to Cleansing and Disinfection: A Contact Profilometric In vitro Study.

Introduction:Tissue conditioners are used to improve the health of the soft tissues of denture-bearing areas. However, leaching of plasticizers from tissue conditioners results in deterioration, which necessitates frequent replacement. The life of these liners varies, but it can be extended by the use of a coating material.Aim:To evaluate the surface roughness of a tissue conditioner with monopoly coating, subjected to denture cleanser and disinfectant.Materials and Methods:Sixty disk-shaped specimens of Visco-gel were made and divided into six groups of 10 each (control 1 [C1], control 2 [C2], control 3 [C3], group 1 [M1], group 2 [M2], and group 3 [M3]). Specimens of the control group were not coated with monopoly, while the specimens of the groups 1, 2, and 3 were coated with monopoly. Specimens of C1 and M1 were immersed in distilled water. Specimens of C2, C3, M2, and M3 were immersed into solution of denture cleanser for 8 h at room temperature and immersed in distilled water for the remainder of the 24-h period. C3 and M3 specimens were treated with disinfectant for 10 min before testing the surface roughness. The surface roughness was measured on 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 14th day, using a contact profilometer. Student's paired t-test was used to compare the mean Ra values within each group. In the present study, P < 0.05 was considered as the level of significance.Results:The mean surface roughness values of M1, M2, and M3 groups were less than C1, C2, and C3, respectively. Among all the groups, M1 showed the least surface roughness values.Conclusion:Monopoly-coating agent prevents the deterioration and reduces the surface roughness of the tissue conditioner.

The synergistic effect of medial and lateral patellar retinaculum on the stability of patella in full extension

Background: Patellar instability is a common problem. It is unclear that the medial and lateral patellar retinaculum respective effect on patella. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effect of medial and lateral patellar retinaculum on the stability of patella. Methods: Eight cadaveric knees were collected. Each of them was performed on patellofemoral joints under five conditions, including normal condition (Group N) and experimental conditions (Group M1, L1, L2, and M2). In Group M1, 2 kg was forced on the normal medial patellofemoral joint using a homemade knee joint immobilization apparatus. In Group L1, 2 kg was forced on the normal lateral patellofemoral joint. In Group L2, the medial retinaculum and the capsule were separated, and the lateral patellar border endured a force of 2 kg. In Group M2, the dissected medial soft tissues were sutured in-situ, and then the lateral retinaculum and the capsule were separated, and the medial patellar border endured a force of 2 kg. Evaluations included CT scan, and the scanned images of these five groups were analyzed for patellar tilt angle (PTA) and the lateral patellar displacement (LPD) values. Results: PTA (°) and LPD (mm) of Group M1 and Group L1 were not significantly different compared to Group N (P≥0.01). PTA values and LPD values of Group L2 and Group M2 increased significantly compared to Group N (P≤0.01). PTA and LPD values of Group L2 showed significant differences compared to Group M2 (P≤0.01). Conclusions: Medial patellar retinaculum prevents LPD and lateral patellar tilt. Lateral patellar retinaculum plays an important role to prevent medial patellar tilt. Medial and lateral retinaculum show synergistic effect to stabilize the patella.