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Poly(maleic acid-co-propane-1,2-diol-co-adipic acid) was synthesized using xylene as the reaction medium in Dean–Stark apparatus. The synthesized co-polyester was characterized by its FTIR-spectrum, elemental analysis, molecular weights, solubility in common organic solvents and hydrolytic degradation test. From the hydrolytic degradation study it was found that the polyester sample remained almost intact in the acid medium but gradually degraded in basic medium. Because of such pH-responsive degradation nature, this polyester was tried as an enteric coating material for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Drug release from the polymer coated specimen in simulated physiological environments was investigated and British Pharmacopoeia standard enteric coating properties of the polymer were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general aim of this research was to study the effect of high ambient temperature on the performance of does during lactation, specifically the following factors: average daily feed (ADFI) and water (ADWI) intakes, daily milk yield (DMY); milk composition: dry matter (DM), CP and gross energy (GE); doe BW (DW); individual kit weaning weight (IWW) and litter survival rate during lactation (SR). The study was undertaken comparing the performance of two groups of contemporary does reared under the same management, feeding regime and environmental conditions, except the environmental temperature and humidity. A total of 80 females were randomly allocated, at 60 days of age, into two identical and continuous rooms. In one room, the temperature was maintained permanently within the thermo-neutral zone (between 18°C to 22°C); thus, environmental conditions in this room were considered as comfort conditions. In the second room, the environmental temperature pattern simulated the daily temperature cycles that were characteristic of the summer in Mediterranean countries (24°C at 0800 h, increasing up to 29°C until 1100 h; maintenance at 29°C to 31°C for 4 h and decreasing to about 24°C to 26°C around 1700 h until 0800 h of the following day), which were considered as thermal stress conditions. Females followed a semi-intensive reproductive rhythm, first artificial insemination at 4.5 months of age, with subsequent 42-day reproductive cycles. Traits were recorded from a total of 138 lactations. Does were controlled up to the 5th lactation. Data were analyzed using linear and linear mixed models. High ambient temperature led to a lower ADFI (−9.4%), DW (−6.2%) and IWW (−8%), but it did not affect ADWI. No significant difference was found either for DMY, milk composition (DM, CP and GE) and SR during the lactation period. Heat stress was moderate, and does were able to adapt to it behaviorally by decreasing feed intake (to reduce heat production), but also live weight, allowing them to preserve milk yield and composition for assuring litter survival. On the other hand, water consumption could not be the main animal mechanism to overcome heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background aims. The aim of this study was to engineer sizable three-dimensional cartilage-like constructs using stem cells isolated from human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Methods. Human DPSCs were isolated from teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment and enriched further using immuno-magnetic bead selection for stem cell marker CD 146. Chon-drogenic lineage differentiation of DPSCs induced using recombinant transforming growth factor β3 (TGFβ3) was verified by pellet culture. Because the use of recombinant proteins is associated with rapid degradation and difficult in vivo administration, we constructed the recombinant adeno-associated viral vector encoding human TGFβ3 and determined the best multiplicity of infection for DPSCs. Transduced DPSCs were seeded on poly-L-lactic acid/polyethylene glycol (PLLA/ PEG) electrospun fiber scaffolds demonstrating proper attachment, proliferation and viability as shown by scanning electron microscopy micrographs and CCK-8 cell counting kit. Scaffolds seeded with DPSCs were implanted in the back of nude mice. Results. Transduced DPSCs highly expressed human TGFβ3 for up to 48 days and expressed chondrogenic markers collagen Hal, Sox9 and aggrecan, as verified by immunohistochemistry and messenger RNA (mRNA). Immunohisto-chemistry for TGFβ3/DPSC constructs (n = 5/group) showed cartilage-like matrix formation with glycosaminoglycans. In vivo constructs with TGFβ3/DPSCs showed higher collagen type II and Sox9 mRNA expression relative to non-transduced DPSC constructs (n = 5/group). Western blot analysis confirmed this expression pattern on the protein level (n = 3/group). Conclusions. Immuno-selected DPSCs can be successfully differentiated toward chondrogenic lineage, while expressing the chondrogenic inducing factor. Seeded on PLLA/PEG electrospun scaffold, human DPSCs formed three-dimensional cartilage constructs that could prove useful in future treatment of cartilage defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our objective was to compare the oral impacts experienced by patients treated with labial or customized lingual fixed orthodontic appliances. Methods: This was an age- and sex-matched prospective longitudinal study of 60 adult patients treated with either labial or customized lingual fixed orthodontic appliances over a 3-month period. Ratings of oral impacts experienced and satisfaction were made on visual analog scales at 3 time points after appliance fixation. Variations in oral impacts and satisfaction over the trajectory of treatment were assessed. Area-under-the-curve analyses were conducted to assess variations in oral impacts and satisfaction between the groups. Results: All patients experienced oral impact disturbances, although these disturbances decreased over time (P <0.001). Patients treated with customized lingual appliances reported more oral discomfort (P <0.001), dietary changes (P <0.001), swallowing difficulty (P <0.001), speech disturbances (P <0.001), and social problems (P <0.001) than did those in the other group. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding ratings of oral self-care, mastication, and satisfaction level of treatment (P >0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicate that oral impacts are commonly experienced during both labial and customized lingual fixed orthodontic therapies. However, the oral impacts decreased over the observational period. Patients treated with customized lingual appliances experienced more oral impacts. Both groups had similar levels of treatment satisfaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To explore the expression and distribution of DNA damage repair and apoptosis marker proteins in human testicular germ cells of infertile varicocele patients; and to compare the expression and distribution with that of young and old fertile men. Design: Retrospective case-control study. Setting: Academic institutions. Patient(s): Testicular specimens were obtained from 8 infertile varicocele patients aged 20-30 years and from 16 fertile volunteers aged 20-82 years. Intervention(s): Testicular germ cell DNA repair markers were assessed using immunohistochemical staining for the cell proliferation marker (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), DNA repair markers [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), poly(ADP-ribose), X-ray repair cross-complementing 1, and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1], and apoptosis markers (caspase 9, active caspase 3, and cleaved PARP-1). Main Outcome Measure(s): The prevalence and cellular localization of the above markers in testicular tissues of varicocele patients and fertile men of varying ages. Result(s): Statistically significant differences in DNA damage repair-associated proteins and apoptosis markers were observed in infertile men with varicocele compared with fertile young men. Old fertile men showed similar expression of the same markers when compared with infertile varicocele patients. Conclusion(s): The study demonstrates that there is an increase in human testicular germ cell DNA repair and apoptosis in infertile varicocele patients and that their profile resembles that of premature aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the relationship between men's age and DNA damage repair proteins related to apoptosis in human testicular germ cells. Design: Retrospective case-control study. Setting: Academic institutions. Patient(s): Testicular specimens were obtained from 22 fertile volunteers aged 20-82 years. Intervention(s): Deoxyribonucleic acid repair markers were assessed using immunohistochemical staining for the cell proliferation marker [proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)]; DNA repair markers [poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) (PAR), X-ray repair cross-complementing1(XRCC1), and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1)]; and apoptosis-associated markers (caspase 9, active caspase 3, and cleaved PARP-1). Main Outcome Measure(s): The prevalence and cellular localization of the above markers in testicular tissues of young, middle aged, and old men. Result(s): Statistically significant differences in DNA damage repair-associated proteins (PARP-1, PAR, XRCC1, and APE1), and apoptosis markers (caspase 9, active caspase 3, and cleaved PARP-1) were observed in testicular samples from older men. These differences were most marked in spermatocytes. Conclusion(s): The study demonstrates that there is an age-related increase in human testicular germ cell DNA break repair and apoptosis with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of several Class II malocclusion treatments on condylar growth and positioning of the mandible. Methods: The material comprised series of lateral cephalograms obtained at the start, after about 6 months, and after about 12 months of treatment from 3 groups of consecutively treated patients who used a headgear-activator with stepwise mandibular advancement (HGA-S), a headgear-activator with maximum jumping of the mandible (HGA-M), and a headgear-Herbst appliance with stepwise advancement (HGH-S), respectively. Six-month growth data from matched controls were used to calculate the net treatment effects. Results: Mandibular prognathism was enhanced after stepwise advancement but not after maximum jumping, and only during the initial phase of therapy; the effect was significantly greater for the fixed functional appliance than for the removable functional appliance. Lower-facial height was increased by the HGA-S, unchanged by the HGA-M, and restrained by the HGH-S. The low construction bite of the HGH-S meant that the extent of bone apposition on the posterior and superior parts of the condyle was similar, whereas the high construction bite of the HGA-S and the HGA-M meant that the effect on the superior part was greater, but only significantly so after stepwise advancement. Conclusions: The mode of jumping, the vertical opening, and whether the functional appliance is fixed or removable affect the amount and pattern of condylar growth, and the position of the mandible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Paradigms have started to shift in the orthodontic world since the introduction of mini-implants in the anchorage armamentarium. For example, miniscrews have allowed the management of wider discrepancies than those treatable by conventional biomechanics because force can be applied directly from the bone-borne anchor unit. Therefore, miniscrews not only free orthodontists from anchorage-demanding cases, but they also enable clinicians to have good control over tooth movement in 3 dimensions. This review will illustrate the versatility of skeletal anchorage provided by mini-implants in the correction of malocclusion, focusing on orthodontic or orthopedic movements in the 3 spatial planes. Adjunctive orthodontic treatments in adult periodontal conditions and treatment for impacted teeth with the aid of miniscrews will also be discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The incidence of CIN in the TMZ plus hydration group was 6.0% (48/797) and the incidence of CIN in the control (hydration) group was 20.6% (168/814). A pooled analysis for all studies showed that TMZ can significantly reduce the incidence of CIN AKI compared to saline alone (relative risk 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25, 0.48, P = 0.000). [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: We evaluated the dose- and time-dependent response of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to the formation of bone in mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Twenty-one adult white New Zealand rabbits (3.0–3.8kg) were used to establish the mandibular distraction model, 18 of which completed the experiment. Eight rabbits were given rhBMP-2 360μg and eight 1080μg; two were given no rhBMP-2. The fluids were injected into the regenerating bone at three different time sequences (days 5, 8, and 11 of active distraction; days 5 and 11 of active distraction; and day 11 of active distraction alone). After four weeks of consolidation, the specimens were harvested and examined radiographically by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and histologically. The formation and remodelling of bone in distraction osteogenesis was significantly increased by the addition of rhBMP-2, and the increase was dose-dependent. There was no significant difference between different dosage regimens. A single injection of rhBMP-2 at the end of the distraction phase was as effective as multiple injections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: Bone matrix metalloproteinases are capable of degrading bone matrix during the remodelling, and their degradation activities can be down regulated by the tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases. This study evaluated the influence of exogenous tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 on the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and endogenous tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases in mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Material and Methods: Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits were assigned to three groups: a negative control; a sham control group implanted with a collagen sheet; and an experimental group implanted with recombinant human tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 impregnated in a collagen sheet. Rabbits were sacrificed at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks of consolidation. Results: Major expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases was observed at the early stage of consolidation, only positive signals of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases were observed at 24 weeks. The addition of recombinant human tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 did not affect bone maturation and remodelling. Conclusions: An equilibrium of bone formation and resorption was reached at 24 weeks of consolidation in the rabbit mandible. No obvious influence of recombinant human tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 on bone remodelling of mandibular distraction osteogenesis was noted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Traditional Chinese medicines have been used in the Chinese population for the treatment of bone diseases and to promote bone healing for thousands of years. Some traditional Chinese medicines have shown therapeutic effects on fracture healing in clinical and animal studies. It is reasonable, therefore, to postulate that some traditional Chinese medicines somehow affect the process of bone metabolism and bone formation. The aim of this article is to review the bone forming effect of various traditional Chinese medicines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: We compared the amount of new bone produced by Gusuibu in collagen grafts to that produced by bone grafts and collagen grafts. Materials and Methods: Twenty bone defects were created in the parietal bone of 14 New Zealand White rabbits. In the experimental group, 5 defects were grafted with Gusuibu extract mixed with absorbable collagen sponge, and 5 defects were grafted with autogenous endochondral bone. In the control groups, 5 defects were grafted with absorbable collagen sponge alone (active control) and 5 were left empty (passive control). Animals were killed on day 14 and the defects were dissected and prepared for histologic assessment. Serial sections were cut across each defect. Quantitative analysis of new bone formation was made on 150 sections using image analysis. Results: A total of 24% and 90% more new bone were present in defects grafted with Gusuibu in collagen grafts than those grafted with bone and collagen, respectively. No bone was formed in the passive control group. Conclusions: Gusuibu in collagen grafts have the effect of increased new bone formation locally and can be used as a bone graft material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Naringin is a flavonoid available commonly in citrus fruits and is also a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Our laboratory compared the amount of new bone produced by naringin in collagen matrix to that produced by bone grafts and collagen matrix. Twenty bone defects, 5mm×10mm were created in the parietal bone of 14 New Zealand White rabbits. In the experimental group, 5 defects were grafted with naringin solution mixed with collagen matrix, 5 defects were grafted with autogenous endochondral bone. In the control groups, 5 defects were grafted with collagen matrix alone (active control) and 5 were left empty (passive control). Animals were killed on day 14 and the defects were dissected and prepared for histological assessment. Serial sections were cut across each defect. Quantitative analysis of new bone formation was made on 150 sections (50 sections for each group) using image analysis. A total of 284% and 490% more new bone was present in defects grafted with naringin in collagen matrix than those grafted with bone and collagen, respectively. No bone was formed in the passive control group. In conclusion, naringin in collagen matrix have the effect of increasing new bone formation locally and can be used as a bone graft material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To study the early healing pattern of statin-induced osteogenesis, we examined the early histologic and ultrastructural pictures of bone defect healing with and without statin. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight bone defects were created in the parietal bone of 14 New Zealand White rabbits. In the Statin Group of 7 rabbits, the defects were grafted with collagen matrix carriers mixed with statin solution. In the Collagen Matrix Group of 7 rabbits, the defects were grafted with collagen matrix carriers mixed with water for injection. The Statin Group and the Collagen Matrix Group were killed on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 14 after surgery. Bone defects with surrounding tissues were prepared for histologic assessment. Bone defects of day 14 were also prepared for ultrastructural assessment. Results: New bone was formed on day 5 in the defects grafted with statin. No cartilage intermediate stage was detected. This occurred 1 day earlier than for those grafted with the carrier alone. The bone defects of day 14 showed that an abundance of bone was formed in the Statin Group and osteocytes were identified ultrastructurally. Conclusions: This study supported statin-induced and accelerated bone formation locally. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Splenogonadal fusion is a rare congenital anomaly in which there is fusion of the spleen and the gonad or mesonephric derivatives. To date, approximately 150 cases have been reported since the condition was first described by Bostroem in 1883 (Bostroem E. Demonstration eines Praparates von Verwachsung der Milz mit dem lenken Hoden. Gesellschaft deutscher Naturforscher und Aerzte, Verhandlungen der 56 Versammlung, Freiburg; 1883. p. 149). Very few cases have been diagnosed preoperatively, and many cases presenting as a testicular swelling underwent an unnecessary orchiectomy with the suspicion of a testicular neoplasm. A case is presented and the related literature is reviewed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently we reported that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) improved the healing of allogeneic bone grafts. However, the mechanism of action of the bFGF was not known. Therefore, the present study was designed to identify the expression pattern of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the presence of bFGF reconstituted in demineralized intramembranous bone matrix (DBMIM) during the healing of allogeneic bone grafts. Eighteen critical size (15mm × 10mm) defects were created on rabbit mandibles bilaterally. Three groups of six defects each were grafted with allogeneic bone alone, allogeneic bone and DBMIM, and allogeneic bone and bFGF reconstituted in DBMIM. Three weeks later, the defects were retrieved for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization for VEGF. The percentage of positive staining area was quantified by using image analyzer. The increase (517%) in the expression of VEGF mRNA was accompanied by an increase (492%) of immunoreactive VEGF protein in allogeneic bone graft augmented by bFGF reconstituted in DBMIM. A close correlation existed between levels of VEGF production and the amount of newly formed bone. The results show that bFGF reconstituted in DBMIM markedly up-regulated the expression of VEGF in the grafted area. Basic FGF augments the healing of allogeneic bone grafts by enhancing vascularization through the up-regulation of VEGF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Core binding factor a1 (Cbfa1) is a crucial transcription factor for osteoblasts differentiation and chondrocytes maturation in embryonic skeletal genesis, but little is known about its function in mandibular condylar growth. The aim of this study was to determine the temporal and spatial pattern of Cbfa1 expression in condylar cartilage during natural growth. Mandibular condyles were harvested from 50 female Sprague-Dawley rats at age of 38, 42, 49, 56 and 65 days. Alcian blue and PAS staining was used for histological analysis. Type A antibody raised against Cbfa1 isoform II was observed in the pre-hypertrophic and hypertrophic chondrocytes in condylar cartilage, and in the mature osteocytes in trabecular bone. Type B antibody raised against 17 aa sequence present after the Runt domain was detected in tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive osteoclasts in the erosive front of cartilage, and also in the osteoblasts on the sub-chondral bone surface. In situ hybridisation was carried out with a probe containing a fragment in exon 8 of the cDNA. Cbfa1 transcripts were localised in the osteoblasts and chondrocytes, but not in osteoclasts. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that both types of Cbfa1 proteins reached their maximum level on day 56, which coincided with the terminal maturation of hypertrophic chondrocytes and the aggregation of mineralisation deposits in extracellular matrix. These results suggest that Cbfa1 is a master gene controlling the functions of all the skeletal cell lineages by synthesising different functional isoforms. Furthermore, Cbfa1 couples the process of chondrocytes maturation, extracellular matrix mineralisation and degradation, as well as osteoblasts invasion during endochondral bone formation. Beyond its function on embryonic development, Cbfa1 regulates the postnatal growth of mandibular condyle. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim here was to explore a new graft material that excludes the need to harvest autogenous bone from patients. Forty-two critical-size (10×15 mm) defects were created in rabbit mandibles bilaterally. Five groups of six defects each were grafted with autogenous endochondral (EC) bone, autogenous intramembranous (IM) bone, fresh-frozen allogeneic IM bone only, fresh-frozen allogeneic IM bone and demineralized bone matrix powder prepared from intramembranous bone (DBMIM) only, and fresh-frozen allogeneic IM bone and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mixed with DBMIM powder. The remaining defects were used as controls. Three weeks after surgery, the defects were retrieved for histological analysis. The amount of new bone formation was quantified by image analysis. No bone formed across the defect in the controls; 224% more new bone formed in defects grafted with composite allogeneic IM bone/DBMIM than in those grafted with allogeneic IM bone alone (p<0.001); 550% more new bone was formed in defects grafted with composite allogeneic IM bone/DBMIM/bFGF than in those grafted with allogeneic IM bone alone (p<0.001). The amount of new bone in the group receiving composite allogeneic IM bone/bFGF/DBMIM was more than that in autogenous EC bone group, and very close to that in autogenous IM group. The results show that a composite of fresh-frozen allogeneic IM bone and bFGF in DBMIM powder is a good graft material that warrants further clinical investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Sm3+ and Dy3+ activated Ca 3 Al 2 O 6 phosphors are synthesized by gel combustion method using different fuels. • The size of synthesized phosphors is dependent on the utilized fuel composition. • Concentration quenching mechanism is discussed according to the Dexter's theory. • Photoluminescence properties of Sm3+ and Dy3+ activated Ca 3 Al 2 O 4 phosphors are discussed. Sm3+ and Dy3+ activated Ca 3 Al 2 O 6 phosphors were produced through a gel combustion method using Urea + β-Alanine, Urea, and Urea + Glycine as fuels. The crystal structure and the phase purity of the obtained materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Ca 3 Al 2 O 6 :Sm3+ phosphor shows characteristic emission lines (565 nm, 602 nm, 649 nm, and 714 nm) in the orange red region assigned to 4G 5/2 →6H J (J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2, 11/2) transitions of Sm3+. The strongest peak is located at 602 nm. Emission spectra of Ca 3 Al 2 O 6 :Dy3+ show that there are two dominant peaks centered at 480 nm and 573 nm emitting blue and yellow light. Optimum doping concentrations of Sm(NO 3) 3 and Dy(NO 3) 3 are 0.01 % and 0.03 %, respectively. The concentration quenching mechanism is verified to be a dipole-dipole interaction as the type of energy transfer among Sm3+-Sm3+ and Dy3+-Dy3+ ions. The critical distance is also calculated to be 24.19 Å and 16.77 Å, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method as an indicator of skeletal age in the circumpubertal period by correlating it to the hand-wrist method (HWM). Methods: Hand-wrist and lateral cephalometric radiographs of 400 Chinese subjects were randomly selected. Their ages were 10 to 15 years for girls and 12 to 17 years for boys, so they were within the circumpubertal period. Skeletal ages were assessed according to the CVM method and the HWM. Results: The CVM was significantly correlated with HWM skeletal age (Spearman r = 0.9521 [boys] and 0.9408 [girls]). All patients in cervical vertebral stage 3 of the CVM corresponded to stages MP3-FG or MP3-G (around the peak of the growth spurt) in the HWM. Conclusions: The CVM is a valid indicator of skeletal growth during the circumpubertal period, providing information for timing of growth modification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method as an indicator of skeletal age in the circumpubertal period by correlating it to the hand-wrist method (HWM). Methods: Hand-wrist and lateral cephalometric radiographs of 400 Chinese subjects were randomly selected. Their ages were 10 to 15 years for girls and 12 to 17 years for boys, so they were within the circumpubertal period. Skeletal ages were assessed according to the CVM method and the HWM. Results: The CVM was significantly correlated with HWM skeletal age (Spearman r = 0.9521 [boys] and 0.9408 [girls]). All patients in cervical vertebral stage 3 of the CVM corresponded to stages MP3-FG or MP3-G (around the peak of the growth spurt) in the HWM. Conclusions: The CVM is a valid indicator of skeletal growth during the circumpubertal period, providing information for timing of growth modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dental crowding is a problem for both adolescents and adults in modern society. The purpose of this research was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) responsible for crowding in subjects with skeletal Class I relationships. Methods: The case subjects consisted of healthy Chinese people living in Hong Kong with skeletal Class I relationships and at least 5 mm of crowding in either arch. The control subjects met the same requirements but lacked crowding or spacing. SNP genotyping was performed on the MassARRAY platform. The chi-square test was used to compare genotype and allele type distributions between the case and the control groups. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals, and the effects of age and sex for each SNP. Analyses of linkage disequilibrium and haplotype associations between SNPs were performed with software. Results: Five SNPs were found to be significantly different in genotype or allele type distributions. SNP rs372024 was significantly associated with crowding (P = 0.004). Two SNPs, rs3764746 and rs3795170, on the EDA gene were found to be associated marginally. SNPs rs1005464 and rs15705 also exhibited marginal association with crowding. The effects of associated SNPs remained significant after adjustments for age and sex factors. Conclusions: This study suggests an association for the genes EDA and XEDAR in dental crowding in the Hong Kong Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The results of a genome-wide scan suggested that chromosome locus 1p36 might be linked to the etiology of mandibular prognathism (MP) amongst Asian ethnicities. In this study, we performed a two-stage case–control association study to determine whether one or more genes that confer susceptibility to MP are located within this genomic region. Design: In the first stage of the study, we examined 103 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on 1p36 across an 8.6Mb critical region and within four candidate genes in 158 cases and 147 controls to identify genes associated with MP. In the second stage of the study, we examined an additional 23 SNPs within the erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1 (EPB41) gene in 211 cases and 224 controls. Results: Four SNPs located in the EPB41 gene showed possible allelic and genotypic associations with MP (P <0.03 and P <0.05, respectively) in the first stage. In the analysis of single SNPs in the second stage, the allele of rs4654388 showed the strongest significant association with MP (P =0.008) and the rs4654388 G-allele was associated with a significantly increased risk of MP (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.16–2.74). Haplotype analysis revealed that MP was associated significantly with haplotype GTTCAGGT (P corrected =0.031), which included the rs4654388 G-allele. Conclusions: An association between genetic polymorphisms in the EPB41 gene and MP has been observed. Although the polymorphisms which may contribute to MP have not been determined, the results of our study suggest that the EPB41 gene could confer susceptibility to MP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three halotolerant bacteria were isolated from seawater collected along the Red sea coast, Jeddah, KSA and evaluated for their capacity to reinove congo red (CR) and malachite green (MG), commonly used in paper printing and textile factories. Mixture design and response surface methodology (RSM) based on statistical design of experiments were applied to explore the region of interest and interaction between the three selected strains. Color removal were confirmed by UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR). Microbial enzymes related to dyes degradation were also investigated after analysis of the whole bacterial genome. Results, showed that the dye degrading strains were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae I<2, Enterobacter sp. 1<16b and Vibrio tritonius K20. The effect of K. pneumoniae K2, Enterobacter sp. KlGb and V. tritonius K20, tested separately, induced a maximum of decolorization of 74.54%, 85.71% and 82.73% for CR and 72.67%, 74.26% and 72.73% for MG, respectively. Process optimization, showed that the higher decolorization (%) of CR and MG yields were obtained when the proportions of K. pneumoniae KZ, Enterobacter sp. 1<16b and V tritonius K20 were 21.34%, 56.35% and 22.30% for CR and 42.38%, 56.56% and 0.10%, for MG. Biodegradation of dyes was confirmed by UV-Vis spectrum and FTIR analysis. The phytotoxicity assay revealed that when the irrigation medium was supplemented with extract obtained from the respective microbial treated dyes solutions, seed germination, shoot and root lengths were not affected, indicating that selected strains have the ability not only to remove color but also to detoxify dyes solutions. Whole genome analysis confirms the presence of a valuable enzymes (reductase, dehydrogenase, kinase, hydrolase, transferase, catalase and, dioxygenase enzymes) involved in chemicals degradation, suggesting that they might be useful in biological treatment of various coloured industrial emuents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we describe the thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics of ZnB 2 O 4 :Pr3+ phosphors with Pr concentrations varying between 0.2 and 1 mol% prepared by a wet-chemical method. The TL glow curves of the phosphor sample consisted of three peaks located at 71 °C (P1), 124 °C (P2) and 233 °C (P3). The TL intensity increased with the beta dose ranging from ∼0.1 to ∼20 Gy. Dose response, reproducibility and trapping parameters of TL glow curves were evaluated to clearly reveal thermoluminescence features. We observed that TL intensity of P2 and P3 peaks decreases as the heating rate increases. Trap parameters were estimated via the Hoogenstraaten, Booth-Bohun-Parfianovitch, the initial rise methods combined with T m − T s t o p experiment and TLanal CGCD program. Heating rates were varied to use in the Hoogenstraaten analyses. The T m − T s t o p investigations on regenerated TL signals for P1 and P2 peaks indicated that ZnB 2 O 4 :Pr3+ phosphor has four electron trap levels with energy values in the range of 0.5–1.5 eV These four traps have first order kinetic and are formed at high temperature region. Resulting values are utilized as a reference for the CGCD procedure and the trapping parameters from the TL glow curves are calculated. The figure of merit (FOM) of the TL glow curve during curve fitting procedures is found to be 2.019%. The intensities of the main dosimetric peaks appeared at 124 °C and 233 °C exhibits good linear dose response up to 20 Gy. These results provide valuable knowledge for use of the characteristics of Pr doped ZnB 2 O 4 in dosimetry research, just need to eliminate low temperature TL peak. • ZnB 2 O 4 :Pr3+ phosphors were prepared by a wet chemical method. • The TL glow curves of the samples were analysed. • IR combined with T m − T s t o p , TLanal and CGCD were used to calculate the trap parameters. • The dose-response was between 0.11 and 20.24 Gy under beta radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, undoped and YAl 3 (BO 3) 4 phosphors doped with Eu3+ at varying concentrations (x = 0.5 to 7 wt%) produced by a combustion process have been thoroughly examined by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermoluminescence (TL) techniques. The crystallized phosphors were confirmed by XRD analysis, and its crystal structure was examined. XRD analyses of the synthesized phosphor is in accordance with ICSD File No 96-152-6006. TL glow curve of undoped sample produced three glow peaks located at 80 °C, 240 °C, and 360 °C with a heating rate of 2°Cs−1 whilst Eu3+ doped one appears at 90 °C, 230 °C, and 390 °C. The undoped example complied with the theory as expected, namely, as the heating rate increased, the TL glow curve shifted towards lower temperatures and decreased in intensity. However, an anomalous change was observed in the sample with Eu3+ additive. The experimental findings from the dose-response of YAl 3 (BO 3) 4 :0.5 wt%Eu3+ demonstrate that the intensity of TL provided by the total area under glow curves has an acceptable linearity (r2:0.999) up to 100 Gy. The intensity of each maximum on the TL glow curve augments proportionally as the heating rate is augmented. Possible reasons of this behaviour are discussed. Various heating rate (VHR) methods (such as Hoogenstraaten's and Booth-Bohun-Parfianovitch) have also been used to estimate kinetic parameters (e.g., energy and frequency factor), which seem to be in good agreement with each other. • Eu doped YAB phosphors were synthesized using combustion method. • The effect of impurity concentration on the TL response of the samples were studied. • The effect of irradiation with different doses on the glow curves of the sample were investigated. • Kinetic parameters are estimated using VHR method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes major healthcare problems in many countries, as it is present as several hospital- and community-associated strains. Hospital-associated MRSA is one of the most prevalent nosocomial pathogens throughout the world and infections caused by community-acquired MRSA are rising. This emphasizes the need for new and efficient anti-MRSA agents. We evaluated the antibacterial effects of camel lactoferrin (cLf) and human lactoferrin (hLf) alone and in combination with several antibiotics against MRSA. Antimicrobials were tested against MRSA and an S. aureus control strain by the agar disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for antimicrobials by the broth microdilution method. Synergy between cLf or hLf and antibiotics was examined by checkerboard and time-kill assays. The agar disc diffusion assay showed that MRSA growth was inhibited by cLf at 0.25–3 mg/ml and hLf at 1–3 mg/ml. cLf demonstrated 3 times higher inhibitory activity against MRSA than hLf in terms of MIC values (250 vs. 750 μg/ml, respectively). Biotinylated cLf was recognized by two membrane proteins of MRSA, 66–67 KDa. Combinations of cLf or hLf and oxacillin or vancomycin at sub-MIC levels enhanced in vitro antibacterial activity against MRSA compared with each agent alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Inverse modelling is a key step in groundwater-related hydrological studies. Several inversion techniques were developed during the last decades, but hardly any comparison between them was presented. We compare seven modern inverse methods for groundwater flow: the Regularised Pilot Points Method (both the estimation, RPPM-CE, and the Monte Carlo (MC) simulation variants, RPPM-CS), the MC variant of the Representer Method (RM), the Sequential Self-Calibration Method (SSC), the Moment Equations Method (MEM), the Zonation Method (ZM) and a non-iterative Semi-Analytical Method (SAM). These methods are applied to a two-dimensional synthetic example, depicting steady-state groundwater flow around a pumping well. Their relative performance is assessed in terms of their ability to characterise the log-transmissivity and hydraulic head fields and to predict the extent of the well catchment, both for a mildly and a strongly heterogeneous transmissivity field. The main conclusions drawn from the comparison are: (1) MC-based methods (RPPM-CS, SSC and RM) yield very similar results, regardless the degree of heterogeneity and despite they use different parameterisation schemes and objective functions; (2) statistical moments of the target quantities provided by MEM and RPPM-CE are similar to those of MC-based methods; (3) ZM and SAM are negatively affected by strong heterogeneity; and (4) in general, observed differences between the performances of all methods are not very large. MC-based inverse methods need considerably more CPU time than the other tested approaches. An advantage of MC-based methods is that they allow computing the posterior probability distribution of the target quantities, which can be directly fed to probabilistic risk-assessment procedures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]