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Heart disease: A key enzyme for healthy contraction Enhancing activity of an enzyme that promotes healthy heart contraction could benefit patients at risk of serious heart conditions. Chronic high blood pressure can cause excessive thickening of heart muscle tissue, reducing the heart’s ability to contract correctly and leading to heart failure. A healthy heart fuels itself by oxidizing fatty acids to trigger production of the key energy transfer molecule ATP. Yin Hua Zhang and In-Gyu Kim at Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea and co-workers have highlighted how S-nitrosylation, addition of nitric oxide, affects transglutaminase 2 (TG2), an enzyme that promotes ATP production. Experiments on rats and mice showed that fatty acids activate TG2, increasing ATP production and maintaining contractibility in healthy hearts. However, in pressure-overloaded hearts, TG2 activity is inhibited by S-nitrosylation, which stops heart muscle cells contracting properly.

Abstract This split-mouth blinded randomized controlled study compared the efficacy of a desensitizing agent with oxalate/resin polymer and a universal adhesive containing mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) relief, using Schiff sensitivity score (SSS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Split quadrants containing teeth with DH were treated with either MS Coat ONE or Hi-Bond Universal with MBG as the functional additive. Assessments at baseline, immediately post-application, and at 1- and 2-week follow-ups used standardized stimulus protocols (air, cold, and acid). The SSS difference was the primary outcome, while the VAS difference was the secondary outcome. A mixed linear effect model performed statistical analysis. Immediate DH reduction occurred in response to air stimuli, with a significant decrease in Group HB than in Group MS (p = 0.0178). Cold stimulus reduction exhibited a gradual cumulative effect, with consistently greater reductions in Group HB than in Group MS (p ≤ 0.0377). Both groups effectively managed acidic stimuli, with no significant differences (p > 0.05). The VAS scores decreased gradually over the follow-up period (p

(1) Background: This study aimed to enhance the biological properties of hydraulic calcium silicate cements (HCSCs) by incorporating organic and inorganic components, specifically elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) and bioactive glass (BAG). We focused on the effects of these composites on the viability, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs). (2) Methods: Proroot MTA was supplemented with 1–5 wt% 63S BAG and 10 wt% ELP. The experimental groups contained various combinations of HSCS with ELP and BAG. Cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay, cell migration was evaluated using wound healing and transwell assays, and osteogenic activity was determined through Alizarin Red S staining and a gene expression analysis of osteogenic markers (ALP, RUNX-2, OCN, and Col1A2). (3) Results: The combination of ELP and BAG significantly enhanced the viability of hPDLFs with an optimal BAG concentration of 1–4%. Cell migration assays demonstrated faster migration rates in groups with 2–4% BAG and ELP incorporation. Osteogenic activity was the highest with 2–3% BAG incorporation with ELP, as evidenced by intense Alizarin Red S staining and the upregulation of osteogenic differentiation markers. (4) Conclusions: The incorporation of ELP (organic) and BAG (inorganic) into HCSC significantly enhances the viability, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLFs. These findings suggest that composite HCSC might support healing in destructed bone lesions in endodontics.

Abstract The 4-week double-blind clinical trial to manage dentin hypersensitivity (DH) using different desensitizing toothpastes was conducted. 53 participants with DH were enrolled in this trial. The participants were randomized into 3 groups: Group N; no active ingredient-containing toothpaste (Pleasia fluoride-free), Group SC; a toothpaste containing strontium chloride (Sensodyne Original), and Group TP; a toothpaste containing tricalcium phosphate (Vussen S). They were instructed to brush their teeth manually for 3 min, 3 times per day for 4 weeks with the allocated toothpastes, and were assessed at baseline (0), 2, and 4 weeks, respectively. Schiff sensitivity score was recorded to 3 different stimuli (air-blast, cold, and acid) at each assessment. Overall DH was also assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS). The longer participants used the toothpastes, the greater reduction in DH in all groups to the three stimuli. Group TP demonstrated significant reduction of DH compared to group N for air-blast and cold stimuli. Group TP showed significantly lower VAS than group N and SC. Tricalcium phosphate containing toothpaste used in this trial was most useful to reduce DH. It can be one of the treatment options that alleviate DH.

Minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of macroscopic cervical cancer leads to worse oncologic outcomes than with open surgery. Preoperative conization may mitigate the risk of surgical approach. Our objective was to describe the oncologic outcomes in cases of cervical cancer initially treated with conization, and subsequently found to have no residual cervical cancer after hysterectomy performed via open and minimally invasive approaches. This was a retrospective cohort study of surgically treated cervical cancer at 11 Canadian institutions from 2007 to 2017. Cases initially treated with cervical conization and subsequent hysterectomy, with no residual disease on hysterectomy specimen were included. They were subdivided according to minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic (MIS) or laparoscopically assisted vaginal/vaginal hysterectomy (LVH)), or abdominal (AH). Recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Chi-square and log-rank tests were used to compare between cohorts. Within the total cohort, 238/1696 (14%) had no residual disease on hysterectomy specimen (122 MIS, 103 AH, and 13 VLH). The majority of cases in the cohort were FIGO 2018 stage IB1 (43.7%) and underwent a radical hysterectomy (81.9%). There was no statistical difference between stage, histology, and radical vs simple hysterectomy between the abdominal and minimally invasive groups. There were no significant differences in RFS (5-year: MIS/LVH 97.7%, AH 95.8%, p = 0.23) or OS (5-year: MIS/VLH 98.9%, AH 97.4%, p = 0.10), although event-rates were low. There were only two recurrences. In this large study including only patients with no residual cervical cancer on hysterectomy specimen, no significant differences in survival were seen by surgical approach. This may be due to the small number of events or due to no actual difference between the groups. Further studies are warranted.

The characteristics of 3-dimensional (3D) cultured periodontal ligament stem cells derived from permanent teeth (pPDLSCs) and supernumerary teeth (sPDLSCs) were compared and evaluated in this study. pPDLSCs and sPDLSCs were cultured in an ultra-low attachment 6-well plate, and the changes in morphology and size were observed under an optical microscope for 14 days. Cell counting kit-8 was used to quantitatively evaluate cell viability, and a live/dead assay was performed for the qualitative assessment. The degrees of osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of pPDLSCs and sPDLSCs were also assessed. The pPDLSCs and sPDLSCs were initially spherical, and sPDLSCs were smaller than pPDLSCs. The viability of pPDLSCs decreased by 47.9% (day 3) and 10.4% (day 7), whereas that of sPDLSCs decreased by 34.3% (day 3) and 2.5% (day 7) compared to the percentage on Day 1. No significant difference in osteogenic differentiation was found (p = 0.94); however, significant differences in adipocyte and cartilage differentiation were observed (p = 0.003 and p = 0.013, respectively). Within the limitations of this study, sPDLSCs and pPDLSCs exhibited multilineage differentiation capacities, including osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation, in 3D culture. Overall, pPDLSCs should be further investigated as a source of stem cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

The aim of this study is to explore the policy considerations that should be taken into account regarding the practical introduction of affirmative action policies in the field of education. For this purpose, we analysed the 100 most relevant YouTube videos produced between 2015 and 2023 using network analysis, the aim being to utilize the material they provide on affirmative action so as to reflect this in future education policies. As a result, nine key policy considerations that should be considered when introducing affirmative action policies in the field of education were derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthones are secondary metabolites isolated from the peel of mangosteen showing medicinal potencies. Alpha-mangostin (α-MG) is the most plentiful xanthone, which has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial activities. We aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of xanthones on LPS-treated hDPCs. Cell viability was determined using the WST-1 assay. The mRNA and protein expression profiles of inflammatory mediators were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot analysis. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using the Western blot analysis to examine underlying mechanisms. A one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post hoc test was used to determine statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The study found no significant differences between the cytotoxic effects in the α-MG-treated groups and controls. The mRNA and protein expression levels of inflammatory markers in the α-MG treated groups decreased. α-MG significantly inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of proteins associated with the MAPK and NF-κB pathways. This study suggests that α-MG exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-treated hDPCs.

Background/purpose: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of dental caries, collapse of adhesive interface, and chemical erosion of teeth. The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of zinc on collagen degradation. Materials and methods: Human dentin was ground and demineralized by citric acid (pH 2.0). The demineralized ground dentin was incubated in six different media: artificial saliva (AS); 5 mg/ml doxycycline in AS; 3.33, 6.82, 13.63, and 27.26 mg/ml of zinc chloride (Zn) in AS. Each group was divided into two subgroups, and active MMP-2 was incorporated into one subgroup. Specimens were incubated for 24 h, 1 week, and 2 weeks. Collagen degradation product was assessed using ELISA. The results were analyzed using repeated measured ANOVA and Duncan's post hoc analysis (α = 0.05). Results: The amount of collagen degradation was the lowest in Doxy group. Zn groups showed a significant inhibitory effect in collagen degradation for all concentrations (P

The aim of this study is to derive the important factors that influence levels of happiness in Korea, and to identify which factors are particularly important among these influencing factors. To achieve this goal, topic modelling analysis, machine learning analysis and neural network analysis methods were utilized. The Netminer 4.5 program was used for topic modelling analysis and machine learning analysis, and SPSS MODELER 18 was used to perform neural network analysis. Two types of analysis data were used in this study. The first consisted of 1 000 papers relating to happiness published in academic journals managed by the Springer publishing company, which were used to derive happiness-influencing factors. The second consisted of a survey conducted in 2020 by the Community Well-being Center of the Graduate School of Public Administration at Seoul National University in Korea. A total of 16 655 people responded to this survey. The analysis results of the study are as follows. Important variables that affect the level of happiness of Korean residents are: family life, social status, income, health, and perceptions of inequality. Analysis using neural network analysis of the most important factors influencing happiness showed that satisfaction with family life had the most important influence. This suggests that policies that can improve the quality of family life, such as family-friendly work environments, childcare support, and domestic violence prevention and response programmes, will become important in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives In this study, we characterized human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) obtained by different culture methods to establish the most suitable methodology for dental tissue engineering and regenerative endodontic applications. Materials and Methods HDPCs were isolated by the outgrowth method (HDPCs-OG), the enzymatic digestion method (collagenase/dispase/trypsin, HDPCs-ED), or the combination of both methods (HDPCs-Combined). The expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD105, CD90, and CD73) was investigated. In vitro differentiation capacities of HDPCs into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages were compared. Differentiation markers were analyzed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. Results Our data indicated that whole HDPCs-ED, HPDCs-OG, and HDPCs-Combined could be differentiated into adipogenic, chrondrogenic, and osteogenic cell types. However, we found that the methods for isolating and culturing HDPCs influence the differentiation capacities of cells. HDPCs-OG and HDPCs-ED were preferably differentiated into adipogenic and osteogenic cells, respectively. Differentiation markers shown by RT-PCR and western blotting analysis were mostly upregulated in the treated groups compared with the control groups. Conclusions Our findings confirmed that cell populations formed by two different culture methods and the combined culture method exhibited different properties. The results of this study could provide an insight into regenerative endodontic treatment using HDPCs.

Root canal treatment of mandibular incisor is difficult because of the narrow pulp space and apical curvature. The aim of this study was to measure the anatomical indicators of the mandibular incisors in Koreans using micro-computed tomography (MCT) with novel software (Kappa 2). The MCT-scanned data from 27 mandibular incisors were reconstructed and analyzed. For each canal, 3-dimensional (3D) surface models were re-sliced at 0.1 mm intervals perpendicular to the central axis of the root canal. Root canal width, dentine thickness, and direction and degree of root canal curvatures were measured automatically on each slice. Measurements were analyzed statistically with Bhapkar test, Friedman test, and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Labial and lingual dentine thicknesses were significantly larger than mesial and distal thicknesses (p < 0.001). The thinnest dentine was mainly located on the mesio-lingual side of the canals in the apical third. The mean narrowest and widest canal width in the apical sixth were 0.22 mm and 0.40 mm, respectively. The canal curvature abruptly increased in the apical 0.5-mm portion. MCT with novel software provided useful anatomical information for root canal instrumentation.

This case report presents surgical endodontic management outcomes of maxillary incisors that were infected via the lateral canals. Two cases are presented in which endodontically-treated maxillary central incisors had sustained lateral canal infections. A surgical endodontic treatment was performed on both teeth. Flap elevation revealed vertical bone destruction along the root surface and infected lateral canals, and microscopy revealed that the lateral canals were the origin of the lesions. After the infected lateral canals were surgically managed, both teeth were asymptomatic and labial fistulas were resolved. There were no clinical or radiographic signs of surgical endodontic management failure at follow-up visits. This case report highlights the clinical significance and surgical endodontic management of infected lateral canal of maxillary incisor. It is important to be aware of root canal anatomy variability in maxillary incisors. Maxillary central incisors infected via the lateral canal can be successfully managed by surgical endodontic treatment.

n dentistry, the term 'fusion' is used to describe a developmental disorder of dental hard tissues. In the permanent dentition, fusion of a normal tooth and a supernumerary tooth usually involves the incisors or canines. However, a few cases of fusion involving premolars have also been reported to date. We present a rare case in which fusion of the maxillary left second premolar and a supernumerary tooth in a 13-year-old girl was diagnosed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT, Alphard-3030, Asahi Roentgen Ind. Co., Ltd.). The tooth was bicuspidized after routine nonsurgical root canal treatment, and the separated teeth underwent appropriate restoration procedures. The second premolar and supernumerary tooth remained asymptomatic without any signs of inflammation after a follow-up period of 9 years. Identification of anatomical anomalies is important for treatment in cases involving fusion with supernumerary tooth, and therefore the microscopic examinations and CBCT are essential for the diagnosis. Fused teeth can be effectively managed by the comprehensive treatment which includes both endodontic and periodontal procedures.

Background/purpose: This study examined the stress distribution in endodontically treated maxillary central incisors restored with various lengths of either titanium or fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post-and-core systems, using two-dimensional finite element analysis models. Materials and methods: Eight models of the maxillary central incisor were formed, surrounded by cortical bone, cancellous bone, and the periodontal ligament. Two different post-and-core systems, titanium and FRC posts (D.T Light Post), were modeled. In each restorative system, four models were designed by changing the post lengths cemented to the root at 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, and 7 mm. A 100-N load was applied at a 45° angle to the long axis of each model. The stress distribution levels were calculated according to the Von Mises criteria. Results: The titanium post showed stress concentrations toward the post when loaded, and its stress concentration shifted toward the direction of the crown with a decreasing post length. In contrast, there was no stress concentration in the FRC post when loaded and no shift of the stress concentration toward the crown with a change in the post length. Conclusion: Results suggest that the possibility of fracture of the FRC post is relatively low, compared to the titanium post, even for a short post. The same criteria for installation of a metal post should not be applied to an FRC post.

Objectives This study analyzed the difference in color caused by different thickness in enamel layer of composite resins when applied with single and layering placement technique, and evaluated if the results agreed with the shade guide from the manufacturers to verify reliability of the color matching process of the manufacturers. Materials and Methods For single composite resin samples, 6 mm diameter and 4 mm thickness cylindrical samples were fabricated using Ceram-X mono (DENTSPLY DeTrey) and CIE L*a*b* values were measured with spectrophotometer. Same process was done for layering composite resin samples, making 3 dentinal shade samples, 4 mm thickness, for each shade using Ceram-X duo (DENTSPLY DeTrey) and enamel shade resins were layered in 2 mm thickness and CIE L*a*b* values were measured. These samples were ground to 0.2 mm thickness each time, and CIE L*a*b* values were measured to 1 mm thickness of enamel shade resin. Results Color difference (ΔE*) between single and layering composite resin was 1.37 minimum and 10.53 maximum when layering thicknesses were between 1 mm and 2 mm and 6 out of 10 same shade groups suggested by manufacturer showed remarkable color difference at any thickness (ΔE* > 3.3). Conclusion When using Ceram-X mono and duo for composite resin restoration, following the manufacturer's instructions for choosing the shade is not appropriate, and more accurate information for Ceram-X duo is needed on the variation and expression of the shades depending on the thickness of the enamel.