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In this study, we will express the 2-crossed module of groups from a higher-dimensional categorical perspective. According to simplicial homotopy theory, a 2-crossed module is the Moore complex of a 2-truncated simplicial group. Therefore, the 2-crossed module is an algebraic homotopy model for the homotopy 3-types. Tricategories are a three-dimensional generalization of the bicategory concept. Any tricategory is triequivalent to the Gray category, where Gray is a category enriched over the monoidal category 2Cat equipped with the Gray tensor product. Briefly, a Gray category is a semi-strict 3-category for homotopy 3-types. Naturally, the tricategory perspective is used in homotopy theory. The 2-crossed module is associated with the concept of the Gray category. The aim of this study is to obtain a single object tricategory from any 2-crossed module of groups.

This study evaluates the effects of adding waste bottle glass or boric acid as fluxing agents on the stain resistance of a porcelain stoneware tile body Different amounts of waste bottle glass, 5, 10 and 15 wt. %, were replaced with the same amounts of sodium feldspar in body formulation. In addition, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 wt. % of boric acid were added to the standard body formulation. These new compositions were sintered at 1210 and 1220 °C with a thermal cycle of 45 mm. The densification behaviour of the samples was investigated by determining the water absorption, linear shrinkage and bulk density of the fired samples. The results show that the presence of waste bottle glass or boric acid positively influences the sintering behaviour, increases shrinkage, decreases open porosity and improves the stain resistance with respect to standard bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using resin composite for the restoration of permanent incisors that have crown fractures is a conservative, timely and economical treatment option. Presented in this case report is a 41-year old female patient with resin composite restorations of anterior teeth that had crown fractures. This manuscript presents the clinical success of these resin composite restorations of permanent incisors after six-years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical performance of a two-step self-etch adhesive with and without additional enamel etching technique to advanced non-carious cervical sclerotic lesions. Methods: Twenty-two patients (mean age = 51.5) having at least two pairs of non-carious cervical erosion/attrition/abfraction lesions with incisal or occlusal margins in enamel and gingival margins in dentine/cementum were included in the study. The two-step self-etch adhesive (AdheSE; Ivoclar-Vivadent) was either applied following the self-etch approach on both enamel and dentine (AdheSE non-etch), or a similar application including additional acid-etching of the enamel cavity margins with 37% phosphoric acid (AdheSE etch). Resin composite Point 4 was used for all 104 restorations. Restorations were evaluated at baseline and at one year according to the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Data were analysed by using McNemar’s test (p <0.05). Results: There were no significant differences in the marginal adaptation both at the cervical and enamel margins between AdheSE non-etch and AdheSE etch groups (p >0.05). At one year, marginal discolouration was evident in the AdheSE non-etch group but it was not statistically significant from the AdheSE etch group (p = 0.12). Postoperative sensitivity was 5% at baseline and reduced to 2% at one year. Conclusions: At one year, the two-step self-etch adhesive with and without additional enamel etching technique showed excellent clinical results to advanced non-carious cervical sclerotic lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of fiber nets and application techniques and flowable composites as a liner on microleakage and the effects of fiber nets on polymerization shrinkage in Class II MOD cavities. Standard MOD cavities were performed in 80 extracted third molars. The teeth were randomly divided into eight groups (n=10). Group 1: Filtek Supreme XT (bulk technique) (FSB); Group 2: Filtek Supreme XT (incremental technique) (FSI); Group 3: Filtek Supreme XT Flow (FS Flow)+FSB; Group 4; FS Flow+FSI; Group 5: FS Flow+Ribbond (R)+FSB; Group 6:FS Flow+R+FSI; Group 7: FS Flow+everStick NET (E)+FSB; Group 8: FS FIow+(E)+FSI. All the teeth were then immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin solution for 24 hours after thermocycling for 1000 cycles (5°C and 55°C). The teeth were sectioned longitudinally and observed under a stereomicroscope. In order to determine the polymerization shrinkage, another study was designed. In Group A, composite was applied as a bulk. In Group B, the resin composite was divided into two parts and Ribbond fiber was placed in the middle of the mass. In Group C, everStick NET fiber was placed inside the composite, as in Group B. Statistical analysis were performed by using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests for both microleakage and polymerization shrinkage (p<0.05). Less microleakage was observed to groups where composites were applied by the incremental technique compared with those where the bulk technique was used (p

Objectives: This in vitro study evaluated the surface roughness and microhardness of nanocomposites that contain nanoparticles and a microhybrid composite finished and polished with two different one-step polishing systems and a conventional multi-step polishing system. Methods and Materials: The materials evaluated were Filtek Supreme XT, Grandio, Ceram , Aelite Aesthetic Enamel, Tetric EvoCeram and Filtek Z250. A total of 240 specimens (10-mm in diameter, 2 mm thick) were fabricated for both tests (n=120 each test) in a plexiglass mold covered with a Mylar strip. After polymerization, five specimens per group received no polishing treatment and served as the control for both tests. For each composite group (n=15), the specimens were randomly divided into three polishing systems: PoGo, OptraPol and Sof-Lex. All polishing systems were applied according to the manufacturers' instructions after being ground wet with 1200 grid silicon carbide paper. The surface roughness values were determined using a profilometer. The microhardness measurements were performed using a digital microhardness tester (load 500 g; dwell time 15 seconds). The data were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test at a significance level of 0.05 for both tests. Multiple comparison was performed with the Duncan Multiple Range test. Results: The smoothest surfaces were achieved under Mylar strips in all composite groups (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between polishing systems in the Filtek Supreme XT, Ceram X, Aelite Aesthetic Enamel and Grandio groups for surface roughness (p>0.05). In the Tetric EvoCeram group, SofLex exhibited the highest roughness values. No statistically significant differences were evaluated between polishing systems (p>0.05); whereas, the surfaces under Mylar Strip showed statistically significant lower values than the polished surfaces in terms of microhardness (p<0.05). Conclusion: One-step polishing systems may be successfully used for polishing nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the feasibility of the removal of Cu{sup}2+{end} ions in a model solution and a sample of rinse water have been studied using a recirculating electrodialysis system. Full removal of Cu{sup}2+{end} has been achieved from its dilute solutions and the sample of rinsewater provided from a local plating plant depending on duration ofelectrodialysis, applied voltage and flow rate while recovering of copper by forming concentrated copper solution in the cathode compartment. Thus, another aspect of this process is to be able to concentrate rinsewater up to the bath strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses a case study of a 61-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with repeated papular lesions on the pacemaker implantation site due to Brucella Melitansis.

Introduction: The objective of the present study was to evaluate morphine consumption and pain scores 24 h postoperatively to compare the effects of a bilateral External Oblique Intercostal (EOI) block with those of a Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerve Block Trough Perichondrial Approach (M-TAPA) block in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)., Methods: Fifty-eight patients aged between 18 and 65 years of with American Society of Anesthesiologists class II-III were included in this randomized, double-blinded study. Patients were assigned into two groups either EOI block or M-TAPA block. The primary outcome was cumulative morphine consumption within the first postoperative 24 h. Secondary outcomes were numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and during activity, QoR-15 Patient Questionnaire scores, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), number of patients requiring rescue analgesic and antiemetics drugs, and complications., Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of morphine consumption in the first 24 h (EOI block; 10.74 ± 3.94 mg vs. M-TAPA block; 11.67 ± 4.66 mg, respectively). In addition, no significant difference between the two groups in the NRS and PONV scores, total QoR-15 scores, and the number of patients requiring rescue analgesics and antiemetics., Conclusions: EOI block and M-TAPA block showed similar effectiveness for morphine consumption within 24 h postoperatively and in pain scores in LSG., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

This review assesses the efficacy of inhalation anesthetics and propofol in cardiac surgery, primarily focusing on their impact on myocardial protection and subsequent clinical outcomes. The review provides a concise summary of the current scientific information regarding the protective efects of inhalation anesthetics and propofol, particularly in the context of ischemia-reperfusion injury during cardiac surgery. The review delves into the mechanisms of action and discusses clinical studies comparing the 2 anesthetic strategies regarding mortality, complication rates, and length of hospital stay. Inhalation anesthetics exhibit cardioprotective properties through many mechanisms, such as preconditioning, scavenging of free radicals, and stabilizing mitochondria. Propofol demonstrates certain protective benefits but does not possess the preconditioning capability of inhalation medications. Clinical investigations yield contradictory findings, as several studies indicate enhanced outcomes with inhalation anesthetics, while others observe no substantial disparity between the 2 approaches. The cardioprotective efcacy of propofol against ischemia-reperfusion injury remains limited. While its inherent antioxidant properties ofer direct myocardial protection, propofol demonstrably lacks the preconditioning-mediated signaling pathways triggered by inhalation anesthetics. As a result, propofol's protective efect may be slightly inferior to preconditioning strategies, and its potential to inhibit organ-protective impact of other interventions needs further investigation. The question of which anesthetic approach ofers superior myocardial protection remains debatable. Current evidence is inconclusive, potentially due to patient heterogeneity, surgical complexity, and methodological limitations of existing studies. Future research, including pharmacogenetic studies and large, welldesigned, randomized controlled trials, are necessary to provide definitive guidance on anesthetic selection for optimal myocardial protection in cardiac surgery.

16S rRNA amplicon sequencing provides a relatively inexpensive culture-independent method for studying microbial communities. Although thousands of such studies have examined diverse habitats, it is difficult for researchers to use this vast trove of experiments when interpreting their own findings in a broader context. To bridge this gap, we introduce dbBact - a novel pan-microbiome resource. dbBact combines manually curated information from studies across diverse habitats, creating a collaborative central repository of 16S rRNA amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), which are assigned multiple ontology-based terms. To date dbBact contains information from more than 1000 studies, which include 1500000 associations between 360000 ASVs and 6500 ontology terms. Importantly, dbBact offers a set of computational tools allowing users to easily query their own datasets against the database. To demonstrate how dbBact augments standard microbiome analysis we selected 16 published papers, and reanalyzed their data via dbBact. We uncovered novel inter-host similarities, potential intra-host sources of bacteria, commonalities across different diseases and lower host-specificity in disease-associated bacteria. We also demonstrate the ability to detect environmental sources, reagent-borne contaminants, and identify potential cross-sample contaminations. These analyses demonstrate how combining information across multiple studies and over diverse habitats leads to better understanding of underlying biological processes., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.)

Blood cysts of the heart are unusual primary cardiac tumor-like masses, which are usually located on the cardiac valves. These are very rare in adults, especially in a non-valvular location. Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) typically presents with multiple bilateral renal cysts, resulting in chronic kidney disease. Whilst many of the extra-renal manifestations of ADPKD are well-documented, associated cardiac masses are extremely rare: and cardiac blood cyst has not been reported in a patient with APKD to date. We present a 57-year man with a history of ADPKD and end-stage renal disease with a 2-cm-diameter right ventricular blood cyst, which was detected on multimodality imaging. Key words: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, Cardiac blood cyst, Extra-renal manifestations.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common pathogen of sexually transmitted disease worldwide. While HPV is responsible for low-grade benign lesions in the anogenital area such as condyloma acuminatum, it is also strongly associated with cervical, anal, vulvar/vaginal, and penile carcinomas. In addition to being an oncogenic virus, HPV causes a substantial socioeconomic burden due to the recurrence of benign lesions, the lack of a definitive treatment option that provides a complete cure, and the high cost of treatment. The global incidence of HPV infection is rising, especially among young and sexually active individuals; as a result, in recent years these infections have also become increasingly conspicuous in urology practice, both as incidental findings and primary complaints. The aim of this review is to evaluate the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment modalities of HPV infections in light of the current literature from the urologist's perspective.

Organoid technologies have become a powerful emerging tool to model liver diseases, for drug screening, and for personalized treatments. These applications are, however, limited in their capacity to generate functional hepatocytes in a reproducible and efficient manner. Here, we generated and characterized the hepatic organoid (eHEPO) culture system using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived EpCAM-positive endodermal cells as an intermediate. eHEPOs can be produced within 2 weeks and expanded long term (>16 months) without any loss of differentiation capacity to mature hepatocytes. Starting from patient-specific iPSCs, we modeled citrullinemia type 1, a urea cycle disorder caused by mutations in the argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1) enzyme. The disease-related ammonia accumulation phenotype in eHEPOs could be reversed by the overexpression of the wild-type ASS1 gene, which also indicated that this model is amenable to genetic manipulation. Thus, eHEPOs are excellent unlimited cell sources to generate functional hepatic organoids in a fast and efficient manner., (Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the awareness/knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs among caregivers of patients with or without stroke., Methods: The cross-sectional, descriptive and comparative study was conducted in the neurology clinic and polyclinic of a university hospital in Izmir, Turkey, from March to July 2014, and comprised primary caregivers of patients with stroke in group 1 and those of patients with no stroke in group 2. The subjects were screened and data was collected using the Participant Information Form and the Questionnaire Form About Stroke. Warning signs and symptoms of stroke were compared between the two sets of caregivers. SPSS 17was used for data analysis., Results: Of the 203 respondents, 105(52%) were in group 1 and 98(48%) in group 2. Group 1 had better awareness than group 2 (p<0.05). In group 1, weakness was the most commonly recognised warning sign 101(96.2%), whereas dyspnoea 41(39%), was the least commonly identified. There was no relationship of stroke knowledge with educational level and age (p>0.05 each). ., Conclusions: Caregivers had a moderate knowledge of some of the warning signs and risk factors about stroke.

This research experimentally investigates the treatment of authentic electroplating wastewater with high Cr(VI) content by electrocoagulation with the obtained sludge being reused as a raw material to produce inorganic pigments. A zero waste process is introduced to help conserve resources and to minimize environmental effects. The effects of operational parameters on electrocoagulation are determined in a batch stirred reactor using an iron electrode. The best performance was observed when a current density 20 mA/cm 2 , pH 2.4 and 0.05 M NaCl electrolyte were maintained. The initial Cr(VI) concentration of 1000 mg/L was almost completely abated (∼100%) at an energy cost of 2.68 kWh/m 3 , fulfilling the EPA guideline of 2.77 mg/L within a single step process. The sludge was characterized using XRD and XRF showing that the sludge is a rich source of iron and chromium and can be reused to produce value added ceramic pigments. Pigments prepared in this way appeared to be reddish brown and black color in transparent glaze and were also characterized using XRD and XRF. In this study, a zero waste process is successfully introduced with ∼100% Cr(VI) removal, with subsequent reuse of the resulting sludge., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of time elapsed since bleaching and different bleaching regimens on the microtensile bond strength of resin composite to enamel., Methodology: Forty flattened buccal enamel surfaces were divided into four groups: An unbleached (control) group and three bleaching groups. Control group specimens were not subjected to a bleaching regimen (Group 1), while those in the bleaching groups were bleached as follows: opalescence 10% (Group 2), whiteness perfect 16% (Group 3), and whiteness hydrogen peroxide 35% (Group 4). Thereafter, the bleached specimens were divided into three subgroups ( n = 4 teeth each) for restoration according to predetermined posttreatment time intervals (immediately, 1 week, and 2 weeks). Bonded specimens were then sectioned and subjected to μTBS testing. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests at α = 0.05., Results: There was a significant difference in the μTBS of the resin composite to enamel in groups that were bonded immediately after bleaching and in the control group ( P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the μTBS in Groups 2, 3, and 4 decreased significantly 1-week postbleaching ( P < 0.05). No significant difference in μTBS was observed between the bleached and unbleached groups 2 weeks after treatment ( P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Adhesive restorative procedures could not be performed immediately or after 1 week irrespective of the type or concentration of bleaching system used. Composite restorations on bleached enamel surfaces should be performed after an interval of at least 2 weeks., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the Er:YAG laser and diamond bur cavity preparation on the marginal microleakage of Class V cavities. Group 1: bur preparation (bp) + Vertise Flow (VF); Group 2: laser preparation (lp) + VF; Group 3: bp + Adper Easy One (AEO) + Filtek Ultimate Flowable Composite (FUFC); Group 4: lp + AEO + FUFC; Group 5: bp + Clearfil S3 Bond (CSB) + Clearfil Majesty Flow (CMF); Group 6: lp + CSB + CMF. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < .05). More microleakage was observed in cervical regions compared to occlusal regions in all groups (p < .05). No significant difference was observed among all groups in terms of occlusal and cervical surfaces, respectively (p > .05). The use of the Er:YAG laser for cavity preparation with different adhesive systems and flowable composites did not influence microleakage., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Condyloma acuminata (CA) are warty lesions caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) that generally affect the external genitalia and mucocutaneous junctions. Involvement of the urinary tract is rare, and involvement of the urinary bladder is thought to be due to immunosuppression. A 30-year-old woman was diagnosed with urethral CA 12 months after renal transplantation. She underwent transurethral resection (TUR) of the urethral lesions. During the operation, multiple sessile warty lesions were found incidentally inside the bladder and were also removed by TUR. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Pathological examination confirmed that the lesions were CA. Multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to confirm the HPV genotype and revealed type 45 HPV DNA. CA of the urethra are uncommon, and bladder involvement is extremely rare. This case is the first reported, to our knowledge, to involve HPV type 45 in bladder condyloma. TUR may be the preferred option for the management of CA in the urinary bladder., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The purpose of this study was to compare total-etch, self-etch, and selective etching techniques on the marginal microleakage of Class V composite restorations prepared by Er:YAG laser and bur. Class V cavities prepared on both buccal and lingual surfaces of 30 premolars by Er:YAG laser or bur and divided into six groups. The occlusal margins were in enamel, and the cervical margins were in cementum. Group-1: bur preparation(bp)+Adper Single Bond 2 (ASB)+Filtek Z550 (FZ); Group-2: laser preparation(lp)+(ASB)+(FZ); Group-3: bp + Clearfil S3 Bond Plus (CSBP)+(FZ); Group-4: lp+(CSBP) (FZ); Group-5: bp + acid etching+(CSBP)+(FZ); Group-6: lp + acid etching+(CSBP)+(FZ). All teeth were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hr, and then thermocycled 1000 times (5-55°C). Five teeth from each group were chosen for the microleakage investigation, and two teeth for the scanning electron microscope evaluation. Teeth which were prepared for the microleakage test were immersed in .5% methylene blue dye for 24 hr. After immersion, the teeth were sectioned and observed under a stereomicroscope for dye penetration. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < .05). More microleakage was observed in the cervical regions compared to the occlusal regions in Groups 3, 5, and 6, respectively (p < .05). There is no statistically significant difference in Groups 1, 2, and 4, in terms of cervical regions versus occlusal regions (p > .05). No significant differences were observed among any groups in terms of occlusal and cervical surfaces, separately (p > .05). Different etching techniques did not influence microleakage of Class V restorations prepared by Er:YAG laser and bur., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The purpose of this study was to investigate how two cavity-filling techniques affect microleakage in class II resin restorations prepared with Er:YAG laser and diamond bur. Standard MO and DO cavities were prepared in 20 extracted third molars, each randomly assigned to either Group-1 [Herculite XRV Ultra-bur-prepared cavity(bp)], Group-2 [Herculite XRV Ultra-laser-prepared cavity(lp)], Group-3 (SonicFill-(bp)], or Group-4 [SonicFill-(lp)]. For Groups 2 and 4, cavities were prepared by using an Er:YAG laser with a wavelength of 2.94 μm, output power of 200 mJ/pulse, and repetition rate of 20Hz. Teeth were restored with a one-step, self-etch adhesive material (OptiBond All-in-One), a nanohybrid composite (Herculite XRV Ultra), and a bulk-fill composite (SonicFill) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Five teeth from each group were chosen for microleakage investigation and two teeth for scanning electron microscope evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed by using Kruskal-Wallis test. Pair-wise comparisons were performed by Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). The statistical analysis of data revealed greater microleakage in cervical versus occlusal regions in all groups (P < 0.05). Group-2 yielded a higher degree of marginal leakage than Group-3 in terms of occlusal surfaces (p < 0.05). For cervical regions, a statistically significant difference was observed between Groups 2 and 3 as well as Groups 2 and 4 (p < 0.05). Group-3 exhibited significantly better marginal sealing than Group-1 in the cervical region (p < 0.05). The cavities prepared using an Er:YAG laser showed greater microleakage than those conventionally prepared using burs regardless of restorative material at both occlusal and cervical margins. SCANNING 38:389-395, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The purpose of this study was to compare different parameters of Er:YAG laser irradiations on the marginal microleakage of Class V resin composite restorations. A total of 45 extracted premolars were selected for the study. Class V cavities prepared on both buccal and lingual surfaces of teeth by Er:YAG laser or bur and divided into nine groups. The occlusal margins were in enamel and the cervical margins were in cementum. Group-1: bur preparation; Group-2: laser preparation (lp) (600 mJ/5 Hz); Group-3: lp (300 mJ/10 Hz); Group-4: lp (200 mJ/15 Hz); Group-5: lp (150 mJ/20 Hz); Group-6: lp (200 mJ/20 Hz); Group-7: lp (300 mJ/14 Hz); Group-8: lp (400 mJ/10 Hz); Group-9: lp (700 mJ/5 Hz). All teeth were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h, then thermocycled 1,000 times (5-55°C). Five teeth from each group were chosen for the microleakage investigation and two teeth for the scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation. Teeth, which were prepared for the microleakage test were immersed in 0.5% methylene blue dye for 24 h. After immersing, the teeth were sectioned and observed under a stereomicroscope for dye penetration. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05). More microleakage was observed in cervical regions compared to occlusal regions in all groups (p < 0.05) except for Group 6 (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed among groups in terms of occlusal and cervical surfaces, separately (p > 0.05). It may be concluded that the cavities prepared by Er:YAG laser showed higher degree of microleakage than bur prepared at cervical regions. Different parameters of Er:YAG laser irradiations affected microleakage. SCANNING 38:434-441, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) is an important option for the treatment of mitral valve stenosis. The crux of this process is choosing the appropriate Inoue balloon size. There are two methods to do this. One is an empirical formula based on the patient's height, and other is to choose according to the maximal inter-commissural distance of the mitral valve provided by echocardiography., Methods: The study, performed between January 2006 and December 2011, included 128 patients who had moderate to severe mitral stenosis and whose valve morphology was suitable for BMV. Patients were randomised into two groups. One group was allocated to conventional height-based balloon reference sizing (the HBRS group) and the other was allocated to balloons sized by the echocardiographic measurement of the diastolic inter-commissural diameter (the EBRS group)., Results: BMV was assessed as successful in 60 (92.3%) patients in the HBRS group and in 61 (96.8%) in the EBRS group (p = 0.03). The mean of the calculated balloon reference sizes was significantly higher in the HBRS than in the EBRS group [26.3 ± 1.2 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI): 26.1-26.6 vs 25.2 ± 1.1, 95% CI: 25.0-25.4, respectively; p = 0.007]. Final mitral valve areas (MVA) were larger and mitral regurgitation (MR) gt; 2+ was less in the EBRS group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.05, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: EBRS is a method that is independent of body structure. Choosing Inoue balloon size by measuring maximal diastolic annulus diameter by echocardiography for BMV may be an acceptable method for appropriate final MVA and to avoid risk of significant MR.

The purpose of this report is to present a rare case of a fused mandibular lateral incisor with supernumerary tooth with a follow-up for 18-months. A 35-year-old female patient was referred to our clinic with an extraoral sinus tract in the chin. The intraoral diagnosis revealed the fusion of her mandibular lateral incisors. Vitality pulp tests were negative for mandibular right central and lateral incisors. Radiographic examinations showed a fused tooth with two separate pulp chambers, two distinct roots, and two separate root canals. There were also periapical lesion of fused teeth and mandibular right central incisor, so endodontic treatment was carried out the related teeth. Radiographic examination revealed a complete healing of the lesion postoperatively at the end of 18-months. This paper reports the successful endodontic and restorative treatment of unilateral fused incisors. Because of the abnormal morphology of the crown and the complexity of the root canal system in fused teeth, treatment protocols require special attention.

Objective. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the long-term fracture resistance of simulated human immature permanent teeth filled with BioAggregate™ (BA), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and EndoSequence® Root Repair Material (ERRM). Material and Methods. 40 teeth, simulated to average root length of 13 ± 1 mm (Cvek's stage 3), were included in the study. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1: DiaRoot® BA, Group 2: MTA-Plus™ (MTA-P), Group 3: MTA-Angelus (MTA-A), and Group 4: ERRM. The root canal filling materials were applied according to the manufacturers' instructions. After 24 months of incubation, the roots of the teeth were embedded in acrylic blocks and subjected to fracture testing. The resultant data were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results. Mean (±SD) failure loads (MPa) were 20.46 ± 2.53 for BA, 18.88 ± 5.13 for MTA-P, 14.12 ± 1.99 for MTA-A, and 17.65 ± 4.28 for ERRM groups. BA group exhibited the highest and MTA-A group showed the lowest resistance to fracture. Significant differences in fracture resistance were found between the groups of BA and MTA-A (p < 0.001), MTA-P and MTA-A (p < 0.05), and ERRM and MTA-A (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, data suggests that BA-filled immature teeth demonstrate higher fracture resistance than other groups at 24 months appearing to be the most promising material tested.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the postoperative sensitivity of posterior Class I composite restoration at short-term, restorated with two different all-in-one self-etch adhesives with or without surface sealant application., Materials and Methods: 44 restorations were inserted in 11 patients who required Class I restorations in their molars. Each patient received 4 restorations, thus four groups were formed; (1) G-Aenial Bond (GC, Japan); (2) Clearfil S3 Bond (Kuraray, Japan); (3) G-Aenial Bond+Fortify Plus (Bisco, USA), (4) Clearfil S3 Bond+Fortify Plus. Sensitivity was evaluated at 24h, 7, 15, and 30 days using cold air, ice, and pressure stimuli using a visual analog scale. Comparisons of continuous variables between the sensitivity evaluations were performed using the Friedman's One-Way Analysis of Variance with repeated measures test (p<0.05)., Results: The type of adhesive used and the application of a surface sealant had no significant effects in postoperative sensitivity (p>0.05). The use of Clearfil S3 Bond resulted in almost the same level of postoperative sensitivity as did the use of G-Aenial Bond. The highest sensitivity scores were observed for the surface sealant applied teeth without any statistical significance (p>0.05)., Conclusion: Self etch adhesives displayed postoperative sensitivity. The sensitivity scores slightly decreased at the end of 30 days (p>0.05). Surface sealant application did not result in a decrease in sensitivity scores for either dentin adhesives., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared.

The purpose of this report is to present a rare case of a maxillary lateral incisor exhibiting two separate root canals confirmed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A 65-year-old female patient with an esthetic complaint regarding her maxillary left lateral incisor was referred to our clinic. During a radiographical examination, an endodontically treated root canal and an extra root canal with an apical lesion were observed. The retreatment was performed. CBCT findings confirmed the root canal mophology of the maxillary left lateral with two distinct canals. We conclude that the CBCT imaging is an adjunctive tool for better assessment of complex root canal systems.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of acute cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella and T. gondii infections among pregnant women who had no serological status tested for these microorganisms prior to pregnancy in a metropolitan area., Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken between January 2009 and January 2013 in 1,258 women presenting for their first antenatal visit (between 6 and 11 weeks of gestation). All women were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies. Subsequently, avidity test was utilized for inconclusive results. They were followed until delivery and all newborns were examined by a pediatrician., Results: Presence of IgM antibody positivity alone was not detected in any women. Avidity test excluded primary infection in 15 out of 16 (93.7 %) women who were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Amniocentesis was performed in one case with borderline IgG avidity for T. gondii. No primary infections were detected in any newborn for the infections screened. The prevalences of IgG antibodies were 95 % for rubella, 84.1 % for CMV and 23.1 % for T. gondii., Conclusions: Assessment of IgG and IgM antibodies followed by IgG avidity testing for inconclusive results may be an acceptable approach in pregnant women with unknown serological status prior to pregnancy. Utilization of IgG avidity as a supplemental test prevented unnecessary intervention in IgG and IgM antibodies positive patients. No primary infection was detected for CMV, rubella and T. gondii infections in the urban population screened.

Background: Consumption of certain acidic beverages may alter the physical and esthetic properties of resin composites., Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two sports beverages on color stability of two different types of resin composites polished with different composite polishing systems., Materials and Methods: A total of 96 disk-shaped specimens (diameter: 8-mm and thickness: 2-mm) were made from two different resin composites (Cavex Quadrant Universal-LC, and Clearfil-APX). All of the specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37°C. Color measurements of each specimen were performed using a colorimeter according to the CIEL*a*b* color scale at baseline and after seven days of immersion in two different sports beverages (Powerade and Buzzer)., Statistical Analysis Used: The data were evaluated using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests., Results: Significant differences were found between the mean ΔE values of the groups after seven days of immersion (P < 0.05). The highest level of the mean color change was observed in the Clearfil APX specimens immersed in Powerade (ΔE = 3.5 ± 0.9). Control groups stored in distilled water for both composites exhibited small color changes (ΔE-Cavex-bur = 2.1 ± 1; ΔE-Clearfil APX-bur = 2.1 ± 0.4)., Conclusion: Sport beverages caused discoloration in the resin composites after seven days.

Sports dentistry is one of the most recent and upcoming fields in dentistry. It includes mainly the prevention and management of sports-related orofacial injuries and associated oral diseases or traumas. The dentist can play a critical role in informing athletes, coaches, and patients and their parents about the importance of prevention, treatment, and diagnosis for orofacial injuries in sports. The most significant aspect in preventing sports-related orofacial injuries is wearing basic protective devices such as properly fitting helmets, face masks, and/or mouthguards. A properly fitted mouthguard prevents violent contact between the upper and lower dentition. According to the American Society for Testing and Materials, there are three types of mouthguards: custom-fabricated mouthguards, mouth-formed guards, and stock mouthguards. Essential properties of the various materials used in the manufacture of mouthguards include water absorption, density, and thickness as well as temperature transmission, energy absorption, and drawing strength (tensile strength) of custom-made mouthguards. Currently, a variety of materials is being used for mouthguards, most commonly polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene copolymer or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and polyvinyl chloride. Mouthguard use is significant for athletes, since dentists play an important role in the design and application of these in clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to review the importance of mouthguard use, the incidence and location of orofacial sports injuries, the risk factors for such injuries, and the types of mouthguards and their roles in the prevention of sports-related orofacial injuries.

Objective: The purpose of this in vivo study was to compare three different caries detection methods [laser fluorescence (LFE), visual examination (VE), and radiological examination (RE)] for the detection of occlusal caries in permanent posterior teeth., Background Data: Early diagnosis of caries is critical in the management of dental caries., Methods: Two examiners assessed the occlusal surfaces of 217 teeth by visual, radiographic, and laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent Pen) examination methods. After a 1 week interval, randomly selected patients were recalled. Each measurement was repeated by two examiners before the cases were selected for operative intervention to classify lesion depths. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS and Stata IC. The intra- and inter-examiner reliabilities and reproducibilities of the VE, RE, and LFE were calculated using Cohen's κ statistics. The sensitivities and specificities were plotted in receiver operating characteristic curves. The differences between LFE scores were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests (α=0.05)., Results: The VE method exhibited the highest sensitivity, accuracy, and κ values among the diagnostic groups in terms of inter-examiner agreement. With regard to the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios for the two examiners, significant differences were found between sensitivity and specificity for examiner 1, whereas no statistically significant differences were noted between sensitivity and specificity for examiner 2 for the LFE scores., Conclusions: The DIAGNOdent pen is useful for the detection of dentinal caries of occlusal surfaces in permanent posterior teeth. Combination with other diagnostic conventional methods may enhance the reliability of this tool.

We reported a case of isolated anomaly of the left brachiocephalic vein which is diagnosed during a permanent pacemaker implantation. It is a very rare anomaly and makes the left sided pacemaker implantation impossible.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the five-year clinical performance of a two-step self-etch adhesive in non-carious cervical sclerotic lesions with or without selective acid-etching of enamel margins. A total of 104 cervical restorations in 22 patients (46-64 years) were bonded following either self-etch approach (AdheSE non-etch) or a similar application, including selective acid-etching of enamel margins (AdheSE etch), and were restored with resin composite. The restorations were evaluated at baseline and after one, two, three and five-years (84 restorations in 19 patients) according to the USPHS criteria. Data were analyzed using McNemar's test. Cumulative retention rates for the non-etch and etch groups were 82.6% and 86.1% respectively. No significant differences were detected in the retention rates, marginal adaptations at dentin side and secondary caries between the groups. After five-years, the clinical performance of the two-step self-etch adhesive with or without selective acid-etching of enamel margins, was acceptable.

Purpose: Because of its paramagnetic properties, oxygen may act as an endogenous magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent by changing proton relaxation rates. Changes in tissue oxygen concentrations have been shown to produce changes in relaxation rate R1 of water. The aim of the study was to improve the sensitivity of oxygen enhanced R1 imaging by exploiting the higher solubility of oxygen in lipids (as compared with water) to sensitively monitor changes in tissue oxygen levels by selectively measuring the R1 of lipids., Methods: The method, with the acronym "MOBILE" (mapping of oxygen by imaging lipids relaxation enhancement), was applied in different mouse models of hypoxic processes on a 11.7 T magnetic resonance imaging system. MOBILE was compared with R*2, R1 of water, and with pO2 measurements (using electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry). MOBILE was also applied in the brain of healthy human volunteers exposed to an oxygen breathing challenge on a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging system., Results: MOBILE was shown to be able to monitor changes in oxygenation in tumor, peripheral, liver, and brain tissues. The clinical translation was demonstrated in human volunteers., Conclusion: MOBILE arises as a promising noninvasive and sensitive tool for diagnosis and therapeutic guidance in disorders involving hypoxia., (Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The aim of the study was to sensitively monitor changes in tumor oxygen using the MOBILE (mapping of oxygen by imaging lipids relaxation enhancement) technique. This method was applied in mammary tumor mouse models on an 11.7T Bruker MRI system. MOBILE was compared with functional imaging R2*, R1 of water and with pO2 measurements (using EPR oximetry and O2-dependent fluorescence quenching measurements). MOBILE was shown to be capable to monitor changes in oxygenation in tumor tissues.

Metals, organic carbon contents were determined in surficial and core sediment samples from Lake Bafa, Western Anatolia in 2010. The ranges of Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn and Hg contents of sediments from the Bafa Lake were 9.4-35 g kg(-1), 250-780, 2.3-20, 5.8-55, 1.2-480, 63-278, 26.6-79.9 and 0.013-0.273 mg kg(-1), respectively. The mean metal concentrations in surficial sediments obtained in this study decreased in the following order; Fe > Mn > Ni > Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb > Hg for Bafa lake. Total organic carbon concentrations of the bottom sediments from the Bafa Lake varied between 0.35% and 3.58%. The mean concentrations of metal were lower than the background levels in earth crust except Cr and Ni in the core sediments. The metal levels were evaluated according to the New Geo-accumulation Index, enrichment and contamination factors. The results confirmed that the Bafa Lake is not facing serious environmental pollution risk due to metal contamination except Hg. The levels of Cr, Ni, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn generally appear to be uniformly distributed with depth except Hg and Pb due to anthropogenic sources in the core sediments.

The sediment chronology was determined using Lead-210 (²¹⁰Pb) dating method in Gülbahçe Bay. Sediment cores were obtained using gravity core sampler from hydrothermal area and also from reference point and surfical distribution of Polonium-210 (²¹⁰Pb) was investigated in the study area. The average of surfical concentration of ²¹⁰Po was found as 175.25 ± 3.80 Bq kg⁻¹ in the hydrothermal area which was higher than the reference point value of 133.20 ± 3.30 Bq kg⁻¹. Sedimentation rates in Core reference point (RN) displayed an increase till the year 1942 and a decrease afterwards, sedimentation rates in any core from hydrothermal area have not exhibited any continuous increase or decrease. The ²¹⁰Pb fluxes measured from core inventories are close to each other. Average enrichment factors for Cu, Cd, Sr, Zn, Cr vary between 20.35 and 12.18 indicating that the sediments have been contaminated with these metals in the reference point. Maximum enrichment factor values for Cr, Cu, Zn, Ba, Sr, Ni, Co vary between 22.91 and 11.42, implying that the sediments in hydrothermal area have been contaminated with these metals., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)