Search

This ex vivo study aimed to evaluate the shaping abilities and preservation of dentin with traditional and modern instruments after using sizes 25 and 40 in oval canals of mandibular incisors with conservative access. Thirty mandibular incisors with single straight oval canals were selected and assigned into 2 groups (n = 15) according to the instrument system used during preparation, Slim Shaper (SS) plus Apical Shaper (AS) and Protaper Gold (PG). The samples were subjected to micro-computed tomography before and after preparation with sizes 25 and 40. The shaping parameters evaluated included canal volume and surface area, amount of unprepared root canal walls, and reduction in pericervical dentin. Canal volume and surface area were significantly increased after enlargement with each instrument size (P <.01). The percentage of unprepared areas showed a significant intragroup decrease after using PG F2 and F4 or SS 3 and AS (P <.05). Intergroup comparison showed no significant differences. Pericervical dentin was reduced in all groups. The intragroup comparison only revealed a significant reduction (P <.01) between PG F2 and F4. In addition, a significant decrease in pericervical dentin (P <.05) was observed between PG F4 40/.06 and AS 40/.03. No significant differences were observed between PG F2 25/.08 and SS 3 25/.04. Increasing the instrumentation size from 25 to 40 significantly reduces the percentage of unprepared areas regardless of the system used. In addition, using a modern system with a regressive taper allows the maintenance of pericervical dentin without compromising shaping efficacy in the apical third of the mandibular incisors with oval canals and conservative access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this programmatic article is to spell out a three-method design for supporting micro-to-macro explanations based on social mechanisms. In this design, the experimental method is called on to strengthen the explanatory basis of the common survey-interview mix, against the background of growing interest in causal inference and experimentation across the social sciences. The proposal is articulated through the specific problem of the contribution of discrimination (micro process) to the generation of inequalities in mental health (macro outcome) between culturally stigmatized and non-stigmatized groups (macro predictor). The article motivates the research problem and the three-method design, offering a detailed discussion of the limitations of survey-based measures of perceived discrimination. Drawing on the literature on mixed methods, the relationships between the survey, the interview-based study and the field experiment are analyzed in terms of triangulation, development, and complementarity. The broader applicability of the proposed three-method design is illustrated with examples from the distinct fields of civic engagement and labor market inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bacillus licheniformis induced resistance against gray mold in pepper plants. • Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus pumilus inhibited the growth of Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium solani. • Plant growth promoting mechanisms were confirmed by isolated Bacillus strains. Certain soil bacteria produce beneficial effects on the growth and health of plants; hence, their use is steadily increasing. Five strains of Bacillus with plant growth-promoting potential were selected in this study, which produced indole-3-acetic acid levels below 50 µg.mL−1. On the other hand, while only strains M8 and M15 dissolved phosphorus, the latter was the only strain that did not produce siderophores. Only strains M8 and M16 significantly inhibited the in vitro growth of Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium solani phytopathogens, whose inhibition ranges fluctuated between 60% and 63% for strains M8 and M16 against B. cinerea and between 40% and 53% for strains M8 and M16 against F. solani. Based on these results, the need to implement resistance induction against gray mold on pepper plants was determined using strains M8 and M16. In this case, strain M16 inhibited the propagation of the necrotic spot by approximately 70%, whereas strain M8 significantly reduced the superoxide dismutase activity in systemic leaves, which substantially increased in plants inoculated with strain M8 and infected with the pathogen. Accordingly, the use of native rhizobacteria may entail biotechnological progress for the integrated management of crops in agriculture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbiological sea water quality is a public health problem that has serious repercussions in the tourism and economy of Colombia. This study determines the concentrations of Escherichia coli , Enterococcus faecalis and Clostridium perfringens at eleven beach water points and seven streams along the coast of the Department of Atlántico, Colombia. In seawater, total E. coli , E. faecalis and C. perfringens concentrations were found between 16 and 572 cfu/100 mL, 7–450 cfu/100 ml and 2–125 cfu/100 ml, respectively. The highest counts were observed mainly on urbanised beaches and in correspondence with streams whose waters had a high concentration of faecal origin microorganisms, which represent a serious health risk factor for bathers. Relevant efforts have to be addressed to improve the microbiological quality of these beaches by the establishment of efficient wastewater management programs aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the local treatment plant and the control of illegal sewage pouring onto the coast. • High counts of E. coli (>500 cfu/100 ml) at beach water samples along urbanised areas • High counts of E. coli , E. faecalis and C. perfringens at all streams along the coast • Natural beaches record some evidence (even low) of microbial contamination. • Illegal sewage pouring onto the coast has a great importance in beach water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Islet-1 (Isl1) is a transcription factor essential for life expressed in specific cells with different developmental origins. We have generated iPSC lines from fibroblasts of the transgenic Ai6 x Isl1-Cre (Ai6IslCre) mouse. Here we describe the complete characterization of four iPSC lines: ATCi-Ai6IslCre10, ATCi-Ai6IslCre35, ATCi-Ai6IslCre74 and ATCi-Ai6IslCre80. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transthyretin (TTR) amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a life-threatening disease caused by the abnormal production of misfolded TTR protein by liver cells, which is then released systemically. Its amyloid deposition in the heart is linked to cardiac toxicity and progression toward heart failure. A human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line was generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a patient suffering familial transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy carrying a c.128G>A (p.Ser43Asn) mutation in the TTR gene. This iPSC line offers a useful resource to study the disease pathophysiology and a cell-based model for therapeutic discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colombia is a global biodiversity hotspot, yet its zooplankton fauna remains poorly explored. In Colombian inland waters, 253 species of rotifers, 119 cladocerans and 82 copepods (not included benthic species) have been reported, in contrast with only 14 genera of protozoa. Most publications report on the Magdalena-Cauca basin, with the highest number of records for lowland areas (< 1000 m.a.s.l.). The least explored regions are the Chocó, Orinoco and Amazon basins. Colombian zooplankton checklists often include several taxa recognized as groups of cryptic species or ones described as cosmopolitan. Integrative taxonomic approaches are scarce, and diversity data need to be validated by molecular analyses and detailed morphological descriptions using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Historical, regional, and local environmental factors that explain the richness, distribution, and the abundance of zooplankton include: water bodies size, hydrological connectivity, trophic status; physical stability and, hydro-climatic patterns of variation. The analysis of ecosystem processes related to patterns in zooplankton communities highlights the importance of detritus as an alternative energy flow path in aquatic ecosystems at all altitude ranges. We propose to strengthen regional studies on functional groups, ecological redundancy, and adaptive traits to evaluate zooplankton responses to climatic, global and local stressors. Due to the great diversity of aquatic ecosystems in the extensive altitudinal gradient of Colombia, it is necessary to expand the coverage of ecological and taxonomic studies to understand zooplankton biodiversity and its role in ecosystem functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatologia (English Edition) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We generated two rat embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines: ATCe-SD7.8 from Sprague-Dawley strain and ATCe-WK1 from Wistar Kyoto strain. Cells were marked with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) by transduction with a lentiviral vector. Cells present a normal karyotype and express pluripotency-associated markers. Pluripotency was tested in vivo with the teratoma formation assay. Cells maintain eGFP expression upon differentiation to the three-germ layers. These cells can be a useful tool for cell therapy studies and chimera generation as they can be easily tracked by eGFP expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We generated ATCi-MF1 induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell line from Macaca fascicularis adult skin fibroblasts using non-integrative Sendai viruses carrying OCT3/4, KLF4, SOX2 and c-MYC. Once established, ATCi-MF1 cells present a normal karyotype, are Sendai virus-free and express pluripotency associated markers. Microsatellite markers analysis confirmed the origin of the iPS cells from the parental fibroblasts. Pluripotency was tested with the in vivo teratoma formation assay. ATCi-MF1 cell line may be a useful primate iPS cell model to test different experimental conditions where the use of human cells can imply ethical issues, as microinjection of pluripotent stem cells in pre-implantational embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We generated a rat iPSC line called ATCi-rSD95 from transgenic Sprague-Dawley GFP fetal fibroblasts. Established ATCi-rSD95 cells present a normal karyotype, silencing of the transgenes and express pluripotency-associated markers. Additionally, ATCi-rSD95 cells are able to form teratoma with differentiated cells derived from the three germ-layers that maintain the GFP expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Different single-file systems are available for endodontic treatment; however, comparative studies are scarce. Thus, the present study evaluated bacterial reduction promoted by 2 single-file systems: Wave One (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and One Shape (Micromega, Besancon, France). Methods Forty-five distobuccal root canals of upper molars sterilized with ethylene oxide were infected with Enterococcus faecalis for 21 days, and then root canal initial bacterial sample was collected with paper cones and plated on M-enterococcus agar. The specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups according to instrumentation ( n = 15): Wave One, One Shape, and the crown-down manual technique (control group). The other 6 specimens without contamination were control asepsis. After instrumentation, samples were collected with the use of scraping and paper cones. The bacterial reduction was calculated, and then intragroup analysis was performed using the paired t test and intergroup analysis using analysis of variance (both at 5% significance). Results All techniques significantly reduced the number of bacteria in the root canal ( P < .05), with no significant difference between them ( P > .05). The aseptic control group did not show any bacterial growth. Conclusions It can be concluded that the single-file systems Wave One and One Shape significantly reduce the bacterial number in the root canal and that there is no significant difference in their bacterial reduction abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurological condition that affects how a person interacts and learns. The early and accurate diagnosis of ASD is vital to developing a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that improves the quality of life and the integration of the ASD person in the social, family, and work environment. However, the accurate diagnosis of ASD is usually affected since it is linked to the judgment of an expert, which produces biases related to the lack of objectivity. In consequence, several works have been dedicated to developing early detection techniques for ASD based on Machine Learning (ML) technologies and eye-tracking tools. The present work aims to introduce a new methodology for ASD classification, which uses Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM), an objective dataset based on gaze tracking, feature extraction techniques, and data augmentation for training the model. In turn, to enhance the accuracy in ASD classification, the KELM model is optimized through the Giza Pyramids Construction (GPC) algorithm. The proposed approach includes pipeline data augmentation, dimensionality reduction, and a posterior normalization to classify ASD subjects accurately. Statistical tests and analyses were performed to validate the performance of the proposed methodology, resulting in an average accuracy of 98.8% in ASD classification. • A machine learning tools is proposed for autism spectrum disorder classification. • The kernel extreme learning machine is used for autism disorder classification. • It is proposed an optimized version of kernel extreme learning machine. • Giza pyramids construction algorithm is applied to optimize the KELM. • The classification is performed with a high degree of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatologia (English Edition) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a key role in the activation of innate immune responses. Loss-of-function mutations in TLR4 prevent diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance (IR). We conducted a population cross-sectional study to evaluate whether Asp299Gly (rs4986790) TLR4 gene polymorphism is associated with metabolic syndrome (MS), surrogates of IR, and syndromes of lipid accumulation (SLAs) in Argentinean healthy male subjects. rs4986790 was genotyped in 621 healthy unrelated male blood donors. National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III–MS (NCEP/ATP III-MS); SLAs such as enlarged waist elevated triglyceride syndrome (EWET), hypertriglyceridemic waist (HW), and overweight-lipid syndrome (OLS); and surrogates of IR were assessed. The prevalence of MS, OLS, and EWET was significantly higher among Asp299Asp carriers (P < .05). These findings were confirmed using 32 000 bootstrap samples. Surrogate markers of IR were also significantly higher in Asp299Asp carriers (P < .05). Most findings were especially strengthened among individuals with C-reactive protein below the 95th percentile and/or total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio ≥5. This is the first report to find, in Argentinean healthy male blood donors, associations between the Asp299Asp genotype of rs4986790 TLR4 gene polymorphism and high risk for NCEP/ATP III-MS, SLAs, and surrogates of IR. These findings are consistent with previous functional and observational studies showing that Asp299 allele, in comparison with Gly299, is associated with increased TLR4 activation, higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, acute-phase reactants and soluble adhesion molecules, and higher risk of atherosclerosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The LSHADE algorithm is proposed for accurate MRBI segmentation. • The minimum cross entropy is used by the LSHADE as objective function. • The proposed segmentation method is tested over different datasets of MRBI. • Segmentation metrics verify the quality of the LSHADE results in MRBI. • By using LSHADE segmentation, it is possible to identify tumors in MRBI. Segmentation is an essential preprocessing step in techniques for image analysis. The automatic segmentation of brain magnetic resonance imaging has been exhaustively investigated since the accurate use of this kind of methods permits the diagnosis and identification of several diseases. Thresholding is a straightforward and efficient technique for image segmentation. Nonetheless, thresholding based approaches tend to increase the computational cost based on the number of thresholds used for the segmentation. Therefore, metaheuristic algorithms are an important tool that helps to find the optimal values in multilevel thresholding. The adaptive differential evolution, based in numerous successes through history, with linear population size reduction (LSHADE) is a robust metaheuristic algorithm that efficiently solves numerical optimization problems. The main advantage of LSHADE is its capability to adapt its internal parameters according to prior knowledge acquired along the evolutionary process. Meanwhile, the continuous reduction of the population improves the exploitation process. This article presents a multilevel thresholding approach based on the LSHADE method for the segmentation of magnetic resonance brain imaging. The proposed method has been tested using three groups of reference images— the first group consists of grayscale standard benchmark images, the second group consists of magnetic resonance T2-weighted brain images, and the third group is formed by images of unhealthy brains affected by tumors. In turn, the performance of the intended approach was compared with distinct metaheuristic algorithms and machine learning methods. The statistically verified results demonstrate that the suggested approach improves consistency and segmentation quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a type of external resorption that begins below the epithelial attachment. The etiology of ICR is mainly caused by trauma or orthodontic treatment. In many cases, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a very useful tool to achieve proper diagnosis. Methods: This case presented with invasive cervical resorption class III (Heithersay) caused by trauma on tooth #9. CBCT was performed allowing observation of the extent of the lesion in the three spatial planes. Results: Treatment was combined: surgical treatment to expose the resorptive defect and nonsurgical root canal therapy to remove the necrotic pulp and disinfect the root canal system; finally, the resorptive defect was filled up with resin ionomer (Geristore; Den-Mat Corporation, Santa Maria, CA). Conclusions: Follow up x-ray films showed healing of the periradicular tissues, and then a control CBCT was performed to assess the reliability of the conventional x-ray film; a small periapical lesion was observed in two of the CBCT sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulated Annealing (SA) is a single-solution-based metaheuristic technique based on the annealing process in metallurgy. It is also one of the best-known metaheuristic algorithms due to its simplicity and good performance. Despite its interesting characteristics, SA suffers from several limitations such as premature convergence. On the other hand, Japanese swordsmithing refers to the manual-intensive process for producing high-quality bladed weapons from impure raw metals. During this process, Japanese smiths fold and reheat pieces of metal multiple times in order to eliminate impurities and defects. In this paper, an improved version of the SA algorithm is presented. In the new approach, a population of agents is considered. Each agent conducts a search strategy based on a modification of the SA scheme. The proposed algorithm modifies the original SA incorporating two new operators, folding and reheating, inspired by the ancient Japanese Swordsmithing technique. Under the new approach, the process of folding is conceived as a compression of the search space, while the reheating mechanism considers a reinitialization of the cooling process in the original SA scheme. With this inclusion, the new algorithm maintains the computational structure of the SA method but improving its search capacities. In order to evaluate its performance, the proposed algorithm is tested in a set of 28 benchmark functions, which include multimodal, unimodal, composite and shifted functions, and 3 real world optimization problems. The results demonstrate the high performance of the proposed method when compared to the original SA and other popular state-of-the-art algorithms. • A novel metaheuristic method has been introduced based on the SA algorithm. • Two new operators have been designed to handle exploitation and exploration. • Both operators have been included in the original SA to improve its search abilities. • Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Preeclampsia (PE) is an often fatal cardiovascular complication related to pregnancy with no current effective way of treatment. Evidence of early increased circulating anti-angiogenic factors (AAFs) support the onset of a multi-systemic disorder and widespread maternal endothelial dysfunction in PE. However, the molecular mechanisms are still not well understood. Objectives To determine the potential early metabolic perturbations and mitochondrial bioenergetics effects of sFlt-1 in bovine aortic endothelial cells (ECs) and first trimester extravillous trophoblasts (HTR-8/SVneo). Also, to evaluate the potential use of sepiapterin (SE), a precursor of eNOS’s cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), in abrogating the effects of sFlt-1 in cells. Methods Metabolic perturbations and mitochondrial bioenergetics were assessed in ECs and HTR-8/SVneo in an in-vitro model of preeclampsia using exogenous sFlt-1 and serum from preeclamptic women. Mitochondrial bioenergetics was assessed using an XFe24 Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Nitric oxide (NO) was determined by chemiluminescence. Mitochondrial function and metabolism in sFlt-1-treated cells was evaluated also in galactose media. Mitochondrial membrane potential and superoxide was evaluated by JC-1 and Mito-Sox, respectively, by flow cytometry. Results We found that treatment with sFlt-1 affected the mitochondrial maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity in ECs in a dose dependent manner leading to a metabolic phenotype switch to glycolysis. In contrast, HTR-8/SVneo, displayed an unexpected strong glycolytic metabolism. sFlt-1 was found not to disturb the trophoblast mitochondrial metabolic and bioenergetics profile even at relatively high doses. In addition, we found that sFlt-1 treatment caused concentration dependent decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential and diminished NO levels in ECs. Moreover, treatment of ECs with sFlt-1 in galactose strongly impaired cell viability suggesting the role of sFlt-1 as a mitochondrial disruptor. SE, protected ECs and HTR8/SVneo cells from sFlt-1-induced superoxide formation and restored the NO levels and metabolic phenotype switch induced by sFlt-1 and maternal PE serum in ECs. Conclusions sFlt-1 disrupts mitochondria bioenergetics and metabolism in both, ECs and HTR-8/SVneo. This evidence could explain the potential detrimental effects of AAFs in the maternal endothelium and the hallmark of hypertension in PE. Hence, we demonstrate that SE, by enhancing BH4/NO bioavailability and diminish mitochondrial superoxide formation, restored the metabolic phenotype switch induced by sFlt-1 and PE serum. Based on this evidence, we postulate the use of SE as a potential therapeutic approach to prevent or treat PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report presents an unusual root canal system in a maxillary first molar tooth: a single canal in a single root. The endodontic access cavity displayed only 1 canal orifice. This case demonstrated that: 1) clinicians must have adequate knowledge about root canal morphology and its variations; 2) the location and morphology of root canals should be identified radiologically before the root canal treatment; and 3) careful examination of radiographs and the internal anatomy of teeth is essential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]