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Objectives The Bronchiolitis Endotracheal Surfactant Study (BESS) is a randomised controlled trial to determine the efficacy of endo-tracheal surfactant therapy for critically ill infants with bronchiolitis. To explore acceptability of BESS, including approach to consent within a limited time frame, we explored parent and staff experiences of trial involvement in the first two bronchiolitis seasons to inform subsequent trial conduct.Design A mixed-method embedded study involving a site staff survey, questionnaires and interviews with parents approached about BESS.Setting Fourteen UK paediatric intensive care units.Participants Of the 179 parents of children approached to take part in BESS, 75 parents (of 69 children) took part in the embedded study. Of these, 55/69 (78%) completed a questionnaire, and 15/69 (21%) were interviewed. Thirty-eight staff completed a questionnaire.Results Parents and staff found the trial acceptable. All constructs of the Adapted Theoretical Framework of Acceptability were met. Parents viewed surfactant as being low risk and hoped their child’s participation would help others in the future. Although parents supported research without prior consent in studies of time critical interventions, they believed there was sufficient time to consider this trial. Parents recommended that prospective informed consent should continue to be sought for BESS. Many felt that the time between the consent process and intervention being administered took too long and should be ‘streamlined’ to avoid delays in administration of trial interventions. Staff described how the training and trial processes worked well, yet patients were missed due to lack of staff to deliver the intervention, particularly at weekends.Conclusion Parents and staff supported BESS trial and highlighted aspects of the protocol, which should be refined, including a streamlined informed consent process. Findings will be useful to inform proportionate approaches to consent in future paediatric trials where there is a short timeframe for consent discussions.Trial registration number ISRCTN11746266.

This study reports testing results of the transient response of T-shape concrete deep beams with large openings due to impact loading. Seven concrete deep beams with openings including two ordinary reinforced, four partially prestressed, and one solid ordinary reinforced as a reference beam were fabricated and tested. The effects of prestressing strand position and the intensity of the impact force were investigated. Two values for the opening’s depth relative to the beam cross-section dimensions were inspected under the effect of an impacting mass repeatedly dropped from different heights. The study revealed that the beam’s transient deflection was increased by about 50% with greater amplitudes for response oscillations due to impact loading as the impact force increased twice. The results showed that the transient strains in the reinforcement and concrete increased when increasing the opening depth with higher amplitudes for the response oscillations, whereas it had a minimal effect on the beam’s transient deflection. The reinforcement and concrete strain results indicated a higher damping for the strains as the prestressing strands were introduced. Comparison with solid deep beam response showed remarkable increase in the beam deflection and strains with greater amplitudes for response oscillations when large openings were introduced in the web.

The corpus callosum is an oligodendrocyte-enriched brain region, replenished by newborn oligodendrocytes from oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in subventricular zone (SVZ). Lead (Pb) exposure has been associated with multiple sclerosis, a disease characterized by the loss of oligodendrocytes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Pb exposure on oligodendrogenesis in SVZ and myelination in the corpus callosum. Adult female mice were used for a disproportionately higher prevalence of multiple sclerosis in females. Acute Pb exposure (one ip-injection of 27 mg Pb/kg as PbAc2 24 hr before sampling) caused mild Pb accumulation in the corpus callosum. Ex vivo assay using isolated SVZ tissues collected from acute Pb-exposed brains showed a diminished oligodendrogenesis in SVZ-derived neurospheres compared with controls. In vivo subchronic Pb exposure (13.5 mg Pb/kg by daily oral gavage 4 wk) revealed significantly decreased newborn BrdU+/MBP+ oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum, suggesting demyelination. Mechanistic investigations indicated decreased Rictor in SVZ OPCs, defective self-defense pathways, and reactive gliosis in the corpus callosum. Given the interwined pathologies between multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, the effect of Pb on myelination was evaluated in AD-modeled APP/PS1 mice. Myelin MRI on mice following chronic exposure (1,000 ppm Pb in drinking water as PbAc2 for 20 wk) revealed a profound demyelination in the corpus callosum compared with controls. Immunostaining of the choroid plexus showed diminished signaling molecule (Klotho, OTX2) expressions in Pb-treated animals. These observations suggest that Pb caused demyelination in the corpus callosum, likely by disrupting oligodendrogenesis from SVZ OPCs. Pb-induced demyelination represents a crucial pathogenic pathway in Pb neurotoxicity, including multiple sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of root caries remains a challenge for clinicians due to its unique anatomical location and structure. There is increasing interest in utilising artificial root caries lesions to develop new strategies for remineralisation. An ideal protocol has not yet been agreed upon. The aim of this review is to provide a structured overview of previously reported in vitro root caries models. The literature was screened and mined for information mainly on substrate selection, model systems utilised, and variables used in the models. Human roots (60%) were the most frequently used substrates, followed by bovine roots (40%). Chemical models (69%) were the most frequently utilised model systems, followed by microbiological models (27%), to form root caries lesions. Acetate buffer solution (80%), pH 5.0 or above (40%), and a demineralisation time of five days (25%) were the common variables used in the chemical systems, while mono-species biofilm was most frequently used (73%) in microbiological models and Streptococcus mutans was the most common bacterial strain utilised in these models (80%). This review highlights the variability amongst the experimental approaches, discusses the advantages and limitations of these approaches, and emphasises that standardisation of experimental conditions along with sustained research will benefit root caries research.

The use of formulations containing botanical products for controlling insects that vector human and animal diseases has increased in recent years. Plant extracts seem to offer fewer risks to the environment and to human health without reducing the application strategy’s efficacy when compared to synthetic and conventional insecticides and repellents. Here, we evaluated the potential of extracts obtained from caninana, Chiococca alba (L.) Hitchc. (Rubiaceae), plants as a tool to be integrated into the management of Aedes aegypti, one of the principal vectors for the transmission of arborviruses in humans. We assessed the larvicidal and repellence performance against adult mosquitoes and evaluated the potential undesired effects of the extracts on non-target organisms. We assessed the susceptibility and predatory abilities of the nymphs of Belostoma anurum, a naturally occurring mosquito larva predator, and evaluated the C. alba extract’s cytotoxic effects in mammalian cell lines. Our chromatographic analysis revealed 18 compounds, including rutin, naringin, myricetin, morin, and quercetin. The methanolic extracts of C. alba showed larvicidal (LC50 = 82 (72–94) mg/mL) activity without killing or affecting the abilities of B. anurum to prey upon mosquito larvae. Our in silico predictions revealed the molecular interactions between rutin and the AeagOBP1 receptor to be one possible mechanism for the repellent potential recorded for formulations containing C. alba extracts. Low cytotoxicity against mammalian cell lines reinforces the selectivity of C. alba extracts. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of C. alba and one of its constituents (rutin) as alternative tools to be integrated into the management of A. aegypti mosquitoes.

Background and objectives: Patient education and health literacy are crucial in dentistry, prior to complex procedures like root canal treatment (RCT), that are often associated with anxiety. This mixed-methods pilot study explored the effectiveness of educational material on patients' understanding and experiences of RCT, and dentists' feedback on using a new resource. Methods: Before RCT, patients were provided with an existing New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) education pamphlet or an enhanced educational resource (EER) in pamphlet or online format, and surveys were conducted to evaluate their helpfulness. Dentists were interviewed to gather insights on the use and value of the resources. Quantitative data and variable relationships were compared using Chi square tests and qualitative data was thematically analysed. Results: The patients valued their dentist as an 'educator' but appreciated the clarity, simple language and visual aids in the resources, which answered questions, enhanced understanding, and reduced anxiety. Those who had received the EER (pamphlet and online) better understood the stages of RCT, reported significantly lower levels of anxiety after RCT (p=.04) and had positive overall experiences. The EER improved and supported dentists in consent processes and enhanced patient-dentist communication. Conclusions: The findings from this study highlight the value of providing patients supplementary educational material to enhance their health literacy and experience of RCT. Dentists have an important role in educating their patients and clear and informative resources are valuable adjuncts. Further validation of these findings in broader clinical settings is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cause of death in older adults, which has no current drug therapy. Inflammation and abnormal redox status are believed to be key pathogenic mechanisms for AAA. In light of evidence correlating inflammation with aberrant fatty acid profiles, this study compared erythrocyte fatty acid content in 43 AAA patients (diameter 3.0–4.5 cm) and 52 healthy controls. In addition, the effect of omega-3 PUFA (n-3 PUFA) supplementation on erythrocyte fatty acid content was examined in a cohort of 30 AAA patients as part of a 12 week randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Blood analyses identified associations between AAA and decreased linoleic acid (LA), and AAA and increased Δ6-desaturase activity and biosynthesis of arachidonic acid (AA) from LA. Omega-3 PUFA supplementation (1.5 g DHA + 0.3 g EPA/day) decreased red blood cell distribution width (14.8 ± 0.4% to 13.8 ± 0.2%; P = 0.003) and levels of pro-inflammatory n-6 PUFAs (AA, 12.46 ± 0.23% to 10.14 ± 0.3%, P < 0.001; adrenic acid, 2.12 ± 0.13% to 1.23 ± 0.09%; P < 0.001). In addition, Δ-4 desaturase activity increased (DHA/docosapentaenoic acid ratio, 1.85 ± 0.14 to 3.93 ± 0.17; P < 0.001) and elongase 2/5 activity decreased (adrenic acid/AA ratio, 0.17 ± 0.01 to 0.12 ± 0.01; P < 0.01) following supplementation. The findings suggest that n-3 PUFAs improve fatty acid profiles and ameliorate factors associated with inflammation in AAA patients.

Abstract Background Forest landscape restoration (FLR) has been adopted by governments and practitioners across the globe to mitigate and adapt to climate change and restore ecological functions across degraded landscapes. However, the extent to which these activities capture CO2 with associated climate mitigation impacts are poorly known, especially in geographies where data on biomass growth of restored forests are limited or do not exist. To fill this gap, we developed biomass accumulation rates for a set of FLR activities (natural regeneration, planted forests and woodlots, agroforestry, and mangrove restoration) across the globe and global CO2 removal rates with corresponding confidence intervals, grouped by FLR activity and region/climate. Results Planted forests and woodlots were found to have the highest CO2 removal rates, ranging from 4.5 to 40.7 t CO2 ha−1 year−1 during the first 20 years of growth. Mangrove tree restoration was the second most efficient FLR at removing CO2, with growth rates up to 23.1 t CO2 ha−1 year−1 the first 20 years post restoration. Natural regeneration removal rates were 9.1–18.8 t CO2 ha−1 year−1 during the first 20 years of forest regeneration, followed by agroforestry, the FLR category with the lowest and regionally broad removal rates (10.8–15.6 t CO2 ha−1 year−1). Biomass growth data was most abundant and widely distributed across the world for planted forests and natural regeneration, representing 45% and 32% of all the data points assessed, respectively. Agroforestry studies, were only found in Africa, Asia, and the Latin America and Caribbean regions. Conclusion This study represents the most comprehensive review of published literature on tree growth and CO2 removals to date, which we operationalized by constructing removal rates for specific FLR activities across the globe. These rates can easily be applied by practitioners and decision-makers seeking to better understand the positive climate mitigation impacts of existing or planned FLR actions, or by countries making restoration pledges under the Bonn Challenge Commitments or fulfilling Nationally Determined Contributions to the UNFCCC, thereby helping boost FLR efforts world-wide.

The management of root caries remains a challenge for clinicians due to its unique anatomical location and structure. There is increasing interest in utilising artificial root caries lesions to develop new strategies for remineralisation. An ideal protocol has not yet been agreed upon. The aim of this review is to provide a structured overview of previously reported in vitro root caries models. The literature was screened and mined for information mainly on substrate selection, model systems utilised, and variables used in the models. Human roots (60%) were the most frequently used substrates, followed by bovine roots (40%). Chemical models (69%) were the most frequently utilised model systems, followed by microbiological models (27%), to form root caries lesions. Acetate buffer solution (80%), pH 5.0 or above (40%), and a demineralisation time of five days (25%) were the common variables used in the chemical systems, while mono-species biofilm was most frequently used (73%) in microbiological models and Streptococcus mutans was the most common bacterial strain utilised in these models (80%). This review highlights the variability amongst the experimental approaches, discusses the advantages and limitations of these approaches, and emphasises that standardisation of experimental conditions along with sustained research will benefit root caries research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This ex vivo study aimed to compare protein expression of advanced glycation end‐products (AGE) and receptor (RAGE), and the levels of selected genes associated with inflammation and collagen within dental pulp tissue from patients with type 2 (T2D) diabetes and non‐T2D. Methodology: Noncarious extracted permanent molar teeth from patients with well‐controlled T2D (n = 19) and non‐T2D (controls) (n = 19) were collected and compared. The coronal pulp was examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) (n = 10 per group) for anti‐AGE and anti‐RAGE. Quantitative PCR (n = 9 per group) was used to analyse the gene expression levels of NFKB, S100A12 and COLIA1. Data analyses were performed between the groups using GraphPad Prism using Pearson correlation, Shapiro–Wilk and Mann–Whitney U‐tests, and multiple regression using SPSS. Results: AGEs were distributed diffusely throughout the pulp extracellular matrix associated with collagen fibres and were present on several cell types. RAGE was expressed at the pulp–dentine interface and was observed on odontoblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Semi‐quantitative analysis of IHC samples showed significantly increased expression of AGE (p <.0001) and RAGE (p =.02) in T2D samples compared with controls. The expression of NFKB (p <.0001), S100A12 (p <.0001) and COLIA1 (p =.01) genes were significantly higher in the T2D pulp, and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that these findings were not affected by age. Conclusion: T2D may exert a similar glycation response in the dental pulp to other body sites. This could occur through activation of NF‐κB pathways with a concomitant increase in genes associated with inflammation and collagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophages are implicated in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This study examined the environmentally conditioned responses of AAA macrophages to inflammatory stimuli. Plasma- and blood-derived monocytes were separated from the whole blood of patients with AAA (30–45 mm diameter; n = 33) and sex-matched control participants (n = 44). Increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant biomarkers were detected in the plasma of AAA patients, consistent with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. However, in monocyte-derived macrophages, a suppressed cytokine response was observed in AAA compared to the control following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) 26.9 ± 3.3 vs. 15.5 ± 3.2 ng/mL, p < 0.05; IL-6 3.2 ± 0.6 vs. 1.4 ± 0.3 ng/mL, p < 0.01). LPS-stimulated production of 8-isoprostane, a biomarker of oxidative stress, was also markedly lower in AAA compared to control participants. These findings are consistent with developed tolerance in human AAA macrophages. As Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been implicated in tolerance, macrophages were examined for changes in TLR4 expression and distribution. Although TLR4 mRNA and protein expression were unaltered in AAA, cytosolic internalization of receptors and lipid rafts was found. These findings suggest the inflamed, pro-oxidant AAA microenvironment favors macrophages with an endotoxin-tolerant-like phenotype characterized by a diminished capacity to produce pro-inflammatory mediators that enhance the immune response.

While established in Asia, rice koji and miso are fermented foods that are becoming more popular in western countries. They have been shown to contain a variety of microorganisms, consisting of bacteria, yeasts, and fungal species. Many contemporary miso varieties are not pasteurized as consumers are looking for more natural products, and/or have the desire to consume fermented foods containing live microorganisms. While correctly prepared fermented foods are rarely associated with food safety outbreaks, incidences have been recorded. On these occasions, pathogenic, or spoilage microorganisms were introduced into the products from external sources such as the raw material or the processing environment. Consequently, hygiene and fermentation conditions need to be carefully monitored to ensure food safety. Furthermore, many of the production steps during koji and miso manufacture do not fit into contemporary food safety guidelines for foods. Although pH is a required food safety hurdle for fermented foods, this does not apply to nonacidic foods such as koji or miso. This review focuses on control of microbial pathogens and discusses the processes of miso fermentation, and how fermentation of rice koji and miso fits with current food safety hurdles in western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the anatomy of the root apex are an area of interest to the endodontist; they have reported that the position of the apical constriction, apical foramen and the cemento-dentinal junction varies across the tooth types. These anatomical apical landmarks are considered extension limits for root canal instrumentation and filling. Achieving an optimum working length is thought essential for successful root canal treatment, so adopting any of these landmarks is associated with certain risks and benefits. The variability in the position of the apical constriction and apical foramen, for example, complicates their clinical detection, while the cemento-dentinal junction is a histological landmark that cannot be detected clinically. The radiographic apex does not always coincide with the anatomic apex of the tooth. The pre-operative status of the pulp must be considered while obtaining the working length. Most prognostic studies agree that extending the root filling to within 2-3 mm of the radiographic apex is associated with favorable treatment outcomes.

The use of radiographs for working length determination is usual practice in endodontics. Exposing radiographs following the principles of the paralleling technique allows more accurate length determination compared to the bisecting-angle method. However, it has been reported that up to 28.5% of cases can have the file tip extending beyond the confines of the root canals despite an acceptable radiographic appearance. The accuracy of radiographic working length determination could be affected by the location of the apical foramen, tooth type, canal curvature and superimposition of surrounding structures. Variations among observers by virtue of training and experience may also influence the accuracy of the procedure. The interpretation of radiographs could be affected by film speed and viewing conditions, with the superiority of digital imaging over conventional radiography for working length determination remaining debatable. The combination of several methods is recommended for acquiring the most accurate working length.

Background: Rice koji and miso are growing in popularity globally. This is because of both the unique sensory properties of the foods, and the belief that fermented foods may be beneficial for our health. This study aimed to increase the collective understanding of the physiochemical properties and microorganisms found in rice koji and miso. Results: The microbial communities within rice koji and soybean miso were analyzed using physiochemical, microbiological and metagenomic methods. Metagenomic analysis found Bacillus and Weizmannia were the dominant bacterial genera in rice koji samples, and Tetragenococcus, Staphylococcus and Bacillus predominant in the miso samples. Aspergillus was the predominant fungal genera in all three rice koji samples, and in five of the seven miso samples. Debaryomyces was the dominant genera in one miso sample, while no fungal microorganisms were identified in the other miso sample. The physiochemical analysis found rice koji water activity (Aw) between 0.90 and 0.91 and pH from 5.3 to 5.6. The miso samples showed Aw ranging from 0.73 to 0.88, pH between 4.2 and 5.3, and salt concentration from 6.4% to 15.5%. Conclusion: The predominant genera detected and physiochemical properties in each sample varied according to supplier, length of fermentation and ratio of ingredients used. Details of the microorganisms identified in varieties of unpasteurised rice koji and miso can be used to assist producers with food safety processes, manipulate the flavor of the product and enable accurate labeling of the foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbial communities in the gastrointestinal tract of a young calf are essential for the anatomical and physiological development that permits a transition from milk to solid feed. Selected methanogens, fibrolytic bacteria, and proteobacteria were quantified in the rumen fluid and tissue, abomasum fluid, cecum fluid and tissue, and feces of Holstein bull calves on day 0 (0-20 mins after birth), day 1 (24 ± 1 h after birth), day 2 (48 ± 1 h after birth), and day 3 (72 ± 1 h after birth). Methanogens, fibrolytic bacteria, and Geobacter spp. were found to be already present from birth, indicating that microbial colonization of the gastrointestinal tract occurred before or during delivery. The abundance of methanogens and Geobacter spp. differed between the days tested and between compartments of the digestive tract and feces, but such difference was not observed for fibrolytic bacteria. Our findings suggests that methanogens might have an alternative hydrogen provider such as Geobacter spp. during these early stages of postnatal development. In addition, fibrolytic bacteria were present in the rumen well before the availability of fibrous substrates, suggesting that they might use nutrients other than cellulose and hemicellose.

Biological control is one of the methods available for control of Aedes aegypti populations. We used experimental microcosms to evaluate the effects of actual predation and predation risk by dragonfly larvae (Odonata) on larval development, adult longevity, and adult size of Ae. aegypti. We used six treatments: control, removal, variable density cues (Cues VD), fixed density cues (Cues FD), variable density predator (Predator VD), and fixed density predator (Predator FD) (n = 5 each). Predator treatments received one dragonfly larva. Cue treatments were composed of crushed Ae. aegypti larvae released into the microcosm. For the FD treatments, we maintained a larval density of 200 individuals. The average mortality of Ae. aegypti larvae in the Predator VD treatment was used as the standard mortality for the other treatments. Mosquitoes from the Predator VD and Cues VD treatments developed faster, and adults were larger and had greater longevity compared to all other treatments, likely due to the higher food availability from larval density reduction. High larval density negatively affected larval developmental time, adult size, and longevity. Males were less sensitive to density-dependent effects. Results from this study suggest that the presence of predators may lead to the emergence of adult mosquitoes with greater fitness, causing an overall positive effect on Ae. aegypti population growth rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of formulations containing botanical products for controlling insects that vector human and animal diseases has increased in recent years. Plant extracts seem to offer fewer risks to the environment and to human health without reducing the application strategy's efficacy when compared to synthetic and conventional insecticides and repellents. Here, we evaluated the potential of extracts obtained from caninana, Chiococca alba (L.) Hitchc. (Rubiaceae), plants as a tool to be integrated into the management of Aedes aegypti, one of the principal vectors for the transmission of arborviruses in humans. We assessed the larvicidal and repellence performance against adult mosquitoes and evaluated the potential undesired effects of the extracts on non-target organisms. We assessed the susceptibility and predatory abilities of the nymphs of Belostoma anurum, a naturally occurring mosquito larva predator, and evaluated the C. alba extract's cytotoxic effects in mammalian cell lines. Our chromatographic analysis revealed 18 compounds, including rutin, naringin, myricetin, morin, and quercetin. The methanolic extracts of C. alba showed larvicidal (LC50 = 82 (72–94) mg/mL) activity without killing or affecting the abilities of B. anurum to prey upon mosquito larvae. Our in silico predictions revealed the molecular interactions between rutin and the AeagOBP1 receptor to be one possible mechanism for the repellent potential recorded for formulations containing C. alba extracts. Low cytotoxicity against mammalian cell lines reinforces the selectivity of C. alba extracts. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of C. alba and one of its constituents (rutin) as alternative tools to be integrated into the management of A. aegypti mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Buckwheat is a pseudocereal that has been considered a potential ingredient in bakery products, mainly due to its composition. Many bioactive compounds are found in the outer layers of the grain. This study aimed to produce gluten‐free breads using refined buckwheat flour (RBF) and whole‐grain buckwheat flour (WBF). Three formulations were developed: F1 (100%‐RBF); F2 (70%‐RBF and 30%‐WBF); and F3 (55%‐RBF and 45%‐WBF). The flours were evaluated for pasting, thermal, and thermomechanical properties. The breads were characterized for specific volume, color, moisture content, water activity, firmness, total reducing capacity, antioxidant capacity, rutin and quercetin levels, protein content, in vitro protein digestibility, in vitro starch digestibility, and sensory acceptance. Findings: RBF presented superior results for pasting and thermomechanical properties, with no significant difference for thermal properties. Breads from formulation F1 had greater specific volume, lower firmness, higher protein digestibility, and better sensory acceptance, when compared to F2 and F3. However, the incorporation of WBF to F2 and F3 led to an increase in rutin and quercetin levels, total reducing capacity, antioxidant capacity, and total protein content. Principal components analysis showed a clear distinction between formulations with and without WBF, and how the parameters evaluated were dependent on the composition of the buckwheat flour used for bread preparation. Conclusions: RBF and WBF flours proved to be promising ingredients for the preparation of gluten‐free breads with nutritional improvement. Significance and Novelty: Data on the use of WBF and nutritional characteristics of breads were obtained. Future studies should evaluate the presence of antinutritional compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This investigation aimed to isolate and culture human dental pulp cells from carious teeth (cHDPCs) and compare their growth characteristics, colony-forming efficiency, mineralization potential and gene expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR)-2, TLR-4, TLR-9, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, 1L-17R, IL-23A, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK1), dentin matrix protein (DMP)-1, dentin sialophospho protein (DSPP), sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) and marker of proliferation Ki-67 (MKi67) with cells isolated from healthy or non-carious teeth (ncHDPCs). Methods: Pulp tissues were obtained from both healthy and carious teeth (n = 5, each) to generate primary cell lines using the explant culture technique. Cell cultures studies were undertaken by generating growth curves, a colony forming unit and a mineralization assay analysis. The expression of vimentin was assessed using immunocytochemistry (ICC), and the gene expression of above-mentioned genes was determined using quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: ncHDPCs and cHDPCs were successfully isolated and cultured from healthy and inflamed human dental pulp tissue. At passage 4, both HDPC types demonstrated a typical spindle morphology with positive vimentin expression. No statistical difference was observed between ncHDPCs and cHDPCs in their growth characteristics or ability to differentiate into a mineralizing phenotype. ncHDPCs showed a statistically significant higher colony forming efficiency than cHDPCs. The gene expression levels of TLR-2, TLR-4, TLR-9, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17R, IL-23A, NF-κB, MAPK1, DMP1, DSPP and SOX2 were significantly higher in cHDPCs compared with ncHDPC cultures. Conclusion: cHDPCs retain their differentiation potential and inflammatory phenotype in vitro. The inflamed tooth pulp contains viable stem/progenitor cell populations which have the potential for expansion, proliferation and differentiation into a mineralizing lineage, similar to cells obtained from healthy pulp tissue. These findings have positive implications for regenerative endodontic procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical root fractures (VRF) are longitudinally orientated, complete or incomplete cracks that can occur on the tooth root at any level and usually initiate from the internal root canal wall. VRFs commonly occur in root canal-filled teeth and may result in the loss of the affected tooth. A PubMed search to April 2017 was completed using the key words "vertical root fractures", "endodontic treatment" and "root-filled teeth". Abstracts were read to identify relevant articles before retrieval. A search of reference lists identified further studies and 62 articles were selected. Diagnosis of VRFs can often be challenging. The combined use of history taking, periodontal probing and periapical radiographs is essential. The aetiology is multifaceted and includes predisposing factors such as tooth type, root canal morphology, and iatrogenic factors involving materials and devices used in root canal treatment and for post space preparation. Emerging risk factors such as implant-associated VRF have recently been identified. Prevention of VRF includes conservation of dentine during root canal instrumentation, appropriate choices of materials for preparation, irrigation and disinfection and avoiding excessive forces during lateral and vertical condensation of gutta-percha (GP). Cracks formed during root-end preparations in apical surgery may also lead to VRF, and teeth with the "butterfly effect" seem to be more at risk. Traditionally, treatment of VRFs has been tooth extraction. Alternative treatments such as bonding of separated root fragments followed by intentional replantation have gained some momentum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En el mes de mayo de 2003 se realizaron colectas en 15 estaciones de muestreo ubicadas en el Golfo de San Miguel con el propósito de determinar diversos parámetros físico químicos como: temperatura, salinidad, oxígeno, pH, transparencia, granulometría y materia orgánica. La temperatura registrada presentó un promedio de 26,9 ºC, oscilando entre los 26,0 ºC y 29,0 ºC en todas las estaciones. La salinidad presentó pocas variaciones con un promedio de 28,9 o/oo, observándose que disminuye en la zona convergente de los ríos Savana y Tuira. El oxígeno disuelto aumentó a medida que las estaciones de muestreo se alejan de zonas de manglares, mientras que los rangos de pH se mantuvieron dentro de los parámetros esperados. La transparencia fue generalmente menor a un metro producto del aporte terrígeno de la cuenca hidrográfica Tuira-Chucunaque, reflejo de la consistencia limo arcillosa de la mayoría de las partículas del sedimento. La materia orgánica promedió un 47% en las estaciones, siendo las que se encontraban más cercanas a manglares las que presentaron valores mayores. El análisis multivariado del agrupamiento de las estaciones presenta 2 grupos bien definidos, mientras que los parámetros fisicoquímicos parecen indicar una mayor afinidad entre las partículas limo arcillosa, la temperatura, la salinidad y la transparencia.

We use the SMASH survey to obtain unprecedented deep photometry reaching down to the oldest main-sequence turn-offs in the colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) and quantitatively derive its star formation history (SFH) using CMD fitting techniques. We identify five distinctive peaks of star formation in the last 3.5 Gyr, at ∼3, ∼2, ∼1.1, ∼0.45 Gyr ago, and one presently. We compare these to the SFH of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), finding unequivocal synchronicity, with both galaxies displaying similar periods of enhanced star formation over the past ∼3.5 Gyr. The parallelism between their SFHs indicates that tidal interactions between the MCs have recurrently played an important role in their evolution for at least the last ∼3.5 Gyr, tidally truncating the SMC and shaping the LMC's spiral arm. We show, for the first time, an SMC–LMC correlated SFH at recent times in which enhancements of star formation are localized in the northern spiral arm of the LMC, and globally across the SMC. These novel findings should be used to constrain not only the orbital history of the MCs but also how star formation should be treated in simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on clinically normal dental pulp tissue by using special stains and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine the morphology of the coronal pulp and distribution of immune markers in non‐T2D and T2D groups. Methodology: Ethics approval for this in vitro pilot study was obtained from the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee (16/069). Twenty extracted permanent molar teeth diagnosed as having clinically normal pulp status were collected. Ten teeth were from participants with well‐controlled T2D and ten from participants without diabetes (non‐T2D). Each tooth was sectioned transversely at the cemento‐enamel junction before the crowns were decalcified and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Massons trichrome, and van Gieson stains for histological and morphological evaluation. IHC using anti‐CD4, anti‐CD68 and anti‐CD83 and anti‐IL1β, anti‐IL6, anti‐IL17, anti‐TNF‐α, anti‐TLR2, anti‐TLR4 and anti‐FOXP3 identified proteins of interest. Qualitative and semi‐quantitative analyses evaluated the morphology of the dental pulp and protein expression. Data analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism, using Student's t‐test and multiple regression using SPSS at p <.05. Results: Special stains demonstrated morphological differences in the T2D dental pulp compared with non‐T2D. Qualitative analysis indicated that the pulp in the T2D samples was consistently less cellular, less vascular, showed evidence of thickened blood vessel walls, increased pulp calcification and collagen deposition. Semi‐quantitative analysis of IHC samples showed the T2D pulp had significantly increased expression of macrophage and dendritic cell markers CD68 (p <.001) and CD83 (p =.04), and there was significantly greater expression of inflammatory cytokines IL1β (p =.01), IL6 (p <.0001), IL17 (p <.0001) and TNF‐α (p =.01). T2D samples showed a significant increase in markers of innate inflammation, TLR2 (p <.001) and TLR4 (p <.001) and decreased expression of regulatory T‐cell marker, FOXP3 (p =.01). Multiple regression showed that age‐corrected differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that T2D may exert a similar response in the pulp to complications in other body sites. Hyperglycaemia is associated with changes in the morphology of the clinically normal dental pulp with altered immune cell and cytokine expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavior and shear strength of full-scale (T-section) reinforced concrete deep beams, designed according to the strut-and-tie approach of ACI Code-19 specifications, with various large web openings were investigated in this paper. A total of 7 deep beam specimens with identical shear span-to-depth ratios have been tested under mid-span concentrated load applied monotonically until beam failure. The main variables studied were the effects of width and depth of the web openings on deep beam performance. Experimental data results were calibrated with the strut-and-tie approach, adopted by ACI 318-19 code for the design of deep beams. The provided strut-and-tie design model in ACI 318-19 code provision was assessed and found to be unsatisfactory for deep beams with large web openings. A simplified empirical equation to estimate the shear strength for deep T-beams with large web openings based on the strut-and-tie model was proposed and verified with numerical analysis. The numerical study considered three-dimensional finite element models, in ABAQUS software, that have been developed to simulate and predict the performance of deep beams. The results of numerical simulations were in good agreement and exhibited close correlation with the experimental data. The test results showed that the enlargement in the size of web openings substantially reduces the elements' shear capacity. The experiments revealed that increasing the width of the openings has more effect than the depth at reducing the load-carrying capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]