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Streamflow data is often the most critical input for hydrologic and hydraulic research, modeling, and design studies. Streamflow measurement using close range non‐contact sensing such as image velocimetry is a new technique that is yet far from maturity. Most current image‐based surface velocimetry techniques use correlation approaches that require user input to run the algorithms. This input can bias results if the operator is inexperienced. The main goal of this study is to develop a novel, accurate and fast river velocimetry scheme called RivQNet that does not require subjective user input. RivQNet processes close‐range non‐contact water surface images using artificial intelligence techniques. The algorithm is a deep‐learning optical flow estimation using a preferred available convolutional neural network architecture (i.e., FlowNet architecture). In this study the presented method is validated with common standard measurement methods and compared with conventional optical flow methodologies. The results indicate that the presented method yields accurate and dense spatial distributions of surface velocities. Key Points: Surface velocimetry using close‐range remote sensing has been widely used for discharge measurementsRivQNet is a novel, fast, and accurate deep learning based approach for surface velocimetry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport disturbs birds' welfare and health status which lead to oxidative stress and dietary ascorbic acid mitigates the adverse effects of transport stress. The present study was aimed to evaluate the impacts of ascorbic acid administration on oxidative stress indices, cortisol, H/L ratio, tonic immobility reaction and rectal temperature of pigeons exposed to road transport. A total of 80 clinically healthy pigeons were selected and randomly divided to eight equal groups as follow: (1) Ctrl–: fed by basal diet and no subjected to transport stress; (2) Ctrl+: fed by the basal diet and subjected to transport stress; (3, 4) 1DBS10 and 1DBS16: received ascorbic acid from 1 day before transport stress at doses of 10 g/100 L and 16 g/100 L of drinking water, respectively; (5, 6) 3DBS10 and 3DBS16: treated with ascorbic acid from 3 consecutive days before transport stress at doses of 10 g/100 L and 16 g/100 L, respectively and (7, 8) 7DBS10 and 7DBS16: received ascorbic acid from 7 consecutive days before the transport at doses 10 g/100 L and 16 g/100 L, respectively. Birds were transported for 3 h over a distance of about 200 km. The total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde and cortisol were measured before transport and at 6, 24 and 72 h post‐transportation. The rectal temperature and tunic immobility reactions were recorded. Dietary ascorbic acid led to a decrease in tonic immobility response, hetrophil to lymphocyte ratio, circulating cortisol and total antioxidant capacity, and an increase in circulating malondialdehyde in pigeons exposed to transport stress compare to Ctrl+ group. In conclusion, ascorbic acid administration at dose 16 g/100 L of drinking water from 3 and 7 days before exposure to stress helps attenuate undesirable effects of oxidative stress in pigeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The purpose of this research is to characterize the effects of mouthwash solutions on oral friction and moisture using a quantitative in vitro approach. Materials and methods: The frictional coefficient of in vitro porcine tongue samples was measured using a magnetic levitation haptic device equipped with a custom tactor designed to mimic human skin. A commercially available moisture meter was used to measure moisture content of the samples. Tongue samples were first tested before treatment, then after application of saliva (either human or artificial), and again after application of 1 of 11 different mouthwash solutions. Results: The data indicate that the samples treated with artificial saliva vs real saliva have comparable friction coefficient and moisture content. Furthermore, the moisture and friction coefficient remain relatively constant for up to 60 minutes after exposure to ambient conditions. Samples treated with artificial saliva have an average friction coefficient in the range of 0.70‐0.80. Application of mouthwash solutions produced an average friction coefficient of 0.39‐0.49 but retained the high moisture content of the artificial salivary layer. Several mouthwash solutions resulted in statistically significant differences in the friction coefficient relative to each other. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that a magnetic levitation device can be an effective tool for in vitro oral tribology and that artificial saliva is an effective substitute for real saliva in extended in vitro experiments. The application of mouthwash generally reduces the coefficient of friction of the tongue samples while preserving a relatively high moisture level, and some mouthwashes reduce friction significantly more than others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among many applications of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), a unique approach for regenerative medicine has entailed antibody-mediated osseous regeneration (AMOR). In an effort to identify a clinically relevant model of craniofacial defect, the present study investigated the efficacy of mAb specific for bone morphogenetic protein- (BMP-) 2 to repair canine segmental mandibular continuity defect model. Accordingly, a 15 mm unilateral segmental defect was created in mandible and fixated with a titanium plate. Anorganic bovine bone mineral with 10% collagen (ABBM-C) was functionalized with 25 μg/mL of either chimeric anti-BMP-2 mAb or isotype-matched mAb (negative control). Recombinant human (rh) BMP-2 served as positive control. Morphometric analyses were performed on computed tomography (CT) and histologic images. Bone densities within healed defect sites at 12 weeks after surgery were 1360.81 ± 10.52 Hounsfield Unit (HU), 1044.27 ± 141.16 HU, and 839.45 ± 179.41 HU, in sites with implanted anti-BMP-2 mAb, rhBMP-2, and isotype mAb groups, respectively. Osteoid bone formation in anti-BMP-2 mAb (42.99% ± 8.67) and rhBMP-2 (48.97% ± 2.96) groups was not significantly different but was higher (p<0.05) than in sites with isotype control mAb (26.8% ± 5.35). In view of the long-term objective of translational application of AMOR in humans, the results of the present study demonstrated the feasibility of AMOR in a large clinically relevant animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine voice outcomes in endolaryngeal surgery. Methods: Prospective assessment of patients undergoing endolaryngeal surgery in one head and neck team in North Glasgow from 2007 to 2014. Each patient completed a VoiSS (the Voice Symptom Scale) questionnaire at pre-assessment and post-endolaryngeal surgery. Per-operatively, the aim of the procedurewas recorded from a choice of seven options in addition to the clinical conditions and the procedure. Results: One thousand and sixty-six patient episodes were recorded. Thirty-two had incomplete data at pre-assessment and were excluded. Of the remainder, 703 (68%) had complete paired data sets. 'To improve voice' (n = 169, 24%) and 'to achieve a biopsy with no deterioration in voice' (n = 185, 26%) categories had significant outcomes in keeping with the operative aims. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that it is possible to assess patient reported voice outcomes in universal heterogeneous endolaryngeal surgery cohort over a prolonged period. The voice outcomes were in keeping with the stated aims of the endolaryngeal surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Background In Pakistan routine blood group typing of thalassemia patients identifies ABO and Rh(D) antigens only. Therefore, other antigen incompatibilities between blood donor and blood recipient may cause alloimmunisation. Objective The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of alloimmunisation and to evaluate the risk factors associated with its development in beta (β)-thalassemia patients receiving regular blood transfusions. Materials and Methods In total 162 β thalassemia patients were included in this study. An extended red cell antigen panel was performed to detect antibodies. Patients received red cell concentrates, which were matched for ABO and Rh(D) antigens. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analysed to estimate the frequency of alloantibodies and the factors influencing immunisation in patients on regular blood transfusion. Results The median age of patients was 6·7 (range: 0·5-25) years. A total of 14 (8·6%) patients developed alloantibodies against red cell antigens. The most frequently occurring alloantibodies was anti-E (2·5%), anti-K (1·8%), anti-e (1·2%) and anti-D (0·6%). Five (3·1%) patients developed more than one red blood cell ( RBC) alloantibody. Age at first transfusion in alloimmunised patients was 1·22 ± 0·87 years. The frequency of blood transfusion in alloimmunised patients was 23 ± 8·81 days and in those without alloimmunisation was 31·8 ± 16 days ( p = 0·02). Logistic regression analysis showed no independent risk factor associated with alloimmunisation. Conclusion The frequency of transfusion was increased in patients who developed alloantibodies. Typing patients and donors to match for Rh and Kell antigens would prevent more than 90% of RBC alloantibodies and reduce the frequency of transfusion in thalassemia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extremely rare pellagra-like condition has been described, which was partially responsive to niacin and associated with a multisystem involvement. The condition was proposed to represent a novel autosomal recessive entity but the underlying mutation remained unknown for almost three decades. The objective of this study was to identify the causal mutation in the pellagra-like condition and investigate the mechanism by which niacin confers clinical benefit. Autozygosity mapping and exome sequencing were used to identify the causal mutation, and comet assay on patient fibroblasts before and after niacin treatment to assess its effect on DNA damage. We identified a single disease locus that harbors a novel mutation in ERCC5, thus confirming that the condition is in fact xeroderma pigmentosum/Cockayne syndrome ( XP/ CS) complex. Importantly, we also show that the previously described dermatological response to niacin is consistent with a dramatic protective effect against ultraviolet-induced DNA damage in patient fibroblasts conferred by niacin treatment. Our findings show the power of exome sequencing in reassigning previously described novel clinical entities, and suggest a mechanism for the dermatological response to niacin in patients with XP/ CS complex. This raises interesting possibilities about the potential therapeutic use of niacin in XP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokine gene polymorphisms are known to be associated with functional differences in cytokine regulation and may affect host susceptibility to tuberculosis ( TB). Contacts are important group in developing tuberculosis infection and are 10-60 times more likely to develop TB than general population. The present study was carried out in patients with TB ( N = 176), their household contacts ( HHC; N = 155) from Free Chest TB Clinic PPM DOTS (1 TU) covering 500,000 population at Mahavir Hospital and Research Centre, Hyderabad, and healthy controls ( HC; N = 170) also included. The association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) in the promoter region of TNF-α (−308 G/ A), IL-2 (−330 T/ G), IL-4 (−589 C/ T) and in exon region of TGF- β 1 (+869T/ C) genes was assessed by ARMS & PCR- RFLP using specific primers in the above-mentioned subjects. The differences in allelic or genotypic frequencies of TNF-α (−308 G/ A) between patients, their HHC and HC were not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). IL-2 (−330 T/ G) TG genotype was significantly different between patients, HHC compared to HC ( P < 0.002, OR-1.997, 95% CI-1.260-3.168, P < 0.03, OR-1.602, 955 CI-1.003-2.561). IL-4 (−589 C/ T) CC genotype was significantly different between patients and HC ( P < 0.03, OR-1.791, 95% CI-1.009-3.189) as well as between HHC and HC at P < 0.0001, OR-2.56, 95% CI-1.448-4.545. In addition, the TGF-β 1 (+869T/C) TC genotype was significantly associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis in patients when compared against HC( P < 0.0001, OR-3.416, 95% CI-2.063-5.670) and HHC ( P < 0.0001, OR-2.357, 95% CI-1.439-3.868), respectively. MDR analysis indicated that TT genotype of TGF-β1 with TT and CT genotypes of IL-4 showed high risk with GA, TT genotypes of TNF-α, IL-2, respectively. Our results suggest that IL-2 (-330T/G), IL-4 (-589 C/T) and TGF-β1 (+869 T/ C) gene polymorphisms may be associated with TB susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N,N,N′,N′-tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) and N,N,N′,N′-tetra(2-ethylhexyl) diglycolamide (T2EHDGA) have been identified as promising extractants for actinide partitioning from high-level nuclear waste. These extractants are proposed to be used along with suitable phase modifiers, viz. N,N-dihexyl octanamide (DHOA), tri- n-butyl phosphate (TBP) and 2 -decanol dissolved in n-dodecane. Hydrodynamic parameters, viz. density, viscosity and interfacial tension (IFT) are important for optimisation of hydrometallurgical process to ensure that there is no emulsion formation and to achieve desired phase disengagement rate. Densities and viscosities of the two extractants, viz. TODGA and T2EHDGA along with different phase modifiers have been measured over different range of compositions and temperatures (298-333 K). The viscosity data have been used to calculate the activation energy for viscous flow for each composition of solvents. The IFT values have also been measured for different solvent compositions. The viscosity and IFT data of TODGA and T2EHDGA with 2-decanol as phase modifier appears suitable under hydrometallurgical conditions proposed for actinide partitioning. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe an unusual case of severe pulmonary bullous disease developing during treatment of marginal zone B-Cell lymphoma (MALT) involving the pulmonary parenchyma. The patient originally presented with pneumonia-like symptoms along with hemoptysis and was diagnosed with MALT lymphoma after a video-assisted thoracic surgical (VATS) lung biopsy. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest at diagnosis revealedmultiple opacities, but no bullous disease. During the ensuing 4 years, and while on chemotherapy for the MALT lymphoma, sequential CT and pulmonary function tests revealed the development of progressive bullous disease resulting in the replacement of large portions of the lung parenchyma with bilateral bullae. This complication is rare, has been reported only once before in a patient with concomitant amyloidosis, and may be related to activation of proteolytic enzymes by lymphoma cells or chemotherapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiothoracic surgery is associated with an increased risk of perioperative stroke. Preoperative carotid ultrasonography can identify significant stenosis, but there is debate about the value of screening. The aims of this study were to (i) determine the prevalence of significant carotid artery disease in screened patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery and (ii) correlate their ultrasonographic findings with perioperative strokes. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 166 patients (118 men, 48 women) who underwent a preoperative carotid ultrasound and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) from 2004 to 2007. Perioperative strokes were recorded and compared with ultrasonographic and clinical data. A separate cohort of 1423 patients (1064 men, 359 women) who underwent CABG over the same period was also evaluated. Results: Only 11 screened patients (6.6%) had significant (>70%) carotid artery disease and two of these underwent simultaneous carotid endarterectomy. There were five perioperative strokes in screened patients, four of which occurred in individuals with <50% disease. Compared with the non-screened cohort, ultrasound screened patients were older and more likely to have a prior stroke or transient ischaemic attack, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, peripheral vascular disease and/or renal impairment than non-screened patients. There was no significant difference in perioperative strokes compared with non-screened patients (3% vs 1.2% respectively, P= NS). Conclusion: There is a low prevalence of significant carotid artery disease in ultrasound screened patients. The risk of perioperative strokes in screened patients is low and not significantly different from non-screened patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to determine the incidence of 'wrong blood in tube' (WBIT)-type errors at our institution during the past 5 years, to analyse their root cause and to evaluate the efficacy of preventive measures that have been implemented since 2006. All reports of mislabelled and miscollected specimens detected between January 2005 and December 2009 were reviewed. Of these, WBIT-type errors were further analysed as they represent a major risk for mistransfusion. Between 2005 and 2009, 59 373 type and screens were performed at our institution and a total of 26 major errors (WBIT) were identified. Of the errors, eight were detected by discrepant typing results (in comparison with historic blood type), six were discovered by the clinical service and 12 were identified in the blood bank by other means. Our estimated 'raw' WBIT rate (1 in 2283 samples) is comparable to that (1:2262) in the published literature. Since 2006, our nursing policy mandates that 'all type, screen and cross will have two witnesses to the correct ID of the patient and labeling is done at the bedside at the time of the draw.' This has reduced (from 11 in 2006 to 5 in 2007), but did not eliminate, our WBIT problem that persisted into 2008 and 2009 (three and seven incidents, respectively). Since 2009, we also require a second, independently drawn sample in previously un-typed patients who are likely to be transfused. We conclude that WBITs continue to represent a leading cause of potential mistransfusions at our institution. Changes in nursing (two witnesses to correct ID) and/or blood bank policy (check-type with a second specimen) may reduce, but not eliminate, this persistent problem. Clearly, additional safety measures are required to prevent WBIT-type errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis Development of efficacious anti-bacterial skin cleansing products has been limited by the availability of a pre-clinical ( in vitro) method to predict clinical efficacy adequately. We report a simple and rapid method, designated as rapid agar plate assay (RAPA), that uses the bacteriological agar surface as a surrogate substrate for skin and combines elements of two widely used in vivo (clinical) methods (Agar Patch and Cup Scrub). To simulate the washing of the human hand or forearm skin with the test product, trypticase soy agar plates were directly washed with the test product and rinsed under running tap water. After air-drying the washed plates, test bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli) were applied and the plates were incubated at 37°C for 18–24 h. Using S. aureus as the test organism, anti-bacterial bar soap containing triclocarbanilide showed a strong linear relationship ( R2 = 0.97) between bacterial dose and their per cent reduction. A similar dose-response relationship ( R2 = 0.96) was observed for anti-bacterial liquid hand soap against E. coli. RAPA was able to distinguish between anti-bacterial products based on the nature and level of actives in them. In limited comparative tests, results obtained by RAPA were comparable with the results obtained by clinical agar patch and clinical cup scrub methods. In conclusion, RAPA provides a simple, rugged and reproducible in vitro method for testing the relative efficacy of anti-bacterial skin cleansing products with a likelihood of comparable clinical efficacy. Further testing is warranted to improve the clinical predictability of this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparison of two major studies conducted by National family health survey (NFHS-2) in 1998–1999 and NFHS-3 in 2005–2006 shows that prevalence of obesity among Indian women has elevated from 10.6% to 12.6% (increased by 24.52%). The prevalence is more profound in the women of age between 40–49 years (23.7%), residing in cities (23.5%), having high qualification (23.8%), belonging to Sikh community (31.6%) and households in the highest wealth quintile (30.5%). Highest percentage of obese women is found in Punjab (29.9%). Although this number seems small in the international perspective, it is significant because of the sheer size of population in India. While the problem of under-nutrition still exists in many parts of India, the additional burden of obesity due to increasing sedentary lifestyle, junk food habits in some urban and economically sound areas is really alarming. Prevention and control of this serious problem through awareness programmes to adopt diversified nutritional food and healthy lifestyle are strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Individuals with diabetic retinopathy (DR) represent a high-risk group who would benefit from intensive metabolic control and risk factor management. This brief report examines quality of care among diabetic patients attending a tertiary retinal clinic. Methods A cross-sectional survey, notes review, and slit-lamp examination was conducted in 139 diabetic patients attending a specialist retinal clinic to assess the quality of comprehensive diabetes care. DR was graded according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scale. Results The prevalence of non-proliferative DR (NPDR) and proliferative DR (PDR) was 39.6 and 35.2%, respectively. The prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with no DR, NPDR and PDR was 32, 54.1 and 68.8%, respectively. Glycaemic control was suboptimal (mean HbA1c 8.0 ± 1.8%) and 15.8% were current smokers. Drugs affecting the renin–angiotensin system were used by only 61.9% of patients with both DR and microalbuminuria, and aspirin by only 35.3%. Conclusions These data suggest that diabetes care in this high-risk population with established microvascular complications was suboptimal. Specialist clinics dealing with diabetic complications may be a setting where quality improvement strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality should be focused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the demand for higher rates of discovery in the materials field, characterization techniques that are capable of rapidly and reliably surveying the characteristics of large numbers of samples are essential. A chemical combinatorial approach using thin films can provide detailed phase diagrams without the need to produce multiple, individual samples. This is achieved with compositional gradients forming high-density libraries. Conventional raster scanning of chemical or structural probes is subsequently used to interrogate the libraries. A new, alternative approach to raster scanning is introduced to provide a method of high-throughput data collection and analysis using an X-ray diffraction probe. Libraries are interrogated with an extended X-ray source and the scattering data collected using an area detector. A simple technique of 'partitioning' this scattering distribution enables determination of information comparable to conventional raster scanned results but in a dramatically reduced collection time. The technique has been tested using synthetic X-ray scattering distributions and those obtained from contrived samples. In all cases, the partitioning algorithm is shown to be robust and to provide reliable data; discrimination along the library principal axis is shown to be ~500 µm and the lattice parameter resolution to be ~10-3 Å mm-1. The limitations of the technique are discussed and future potential applications described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The histogenesis of atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and its relationship to malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) are a subject of controversy. Many investigators have proposed that AFX may represent a reactive process, while others contend that it is a true fibrohistiocytic neoplasm, closely related to MFH. In an attempt to determine whether biologic differences between AFX and MFH may be accounted for at the cellular DNA level, we performed ploidy analysis on 14 cases of AFX by flow cytometry and compared our results with previously reported DNA analyses of MFH. Thirteen of the 14 lesions demonstrated diploid distribution on nuclear DNA, and only 1 case had an aneuploid population. This contrasts with prior data on MFH, the vast majority of which are aneuploid. Our results suggest that, despite histologic similarities, AFX may be distinguished from MFH on the basis of DNA content. These findings may be significant in understanding the biologic behaviour of AFX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the case of a 59-year-old female with a cystic fibroepithelioma of Pinkus. The clinical and histopathological features of this unusual variant of basal cell carcinoma are discussed in the article. Premalignant fibroepithelioma , charcteristically presents as a soft, fleshy, paillomatous tumor. A case of grossly cystic premalignant fibroepithelioma of Pinkus is presented in the article. The woman presented with a slowly growing lesion on her lower back of approximately three years' duration.

A letter to the editor is presented concerning the system of payment by results introduced by the British Department of Health in 2005 to maximize cost effectiveness.

Aims: To determine whether a continuous infusion of a glucagon-like peptide receptor (GLP-1R)/glucagon receptor (GCGR) co-agonist, G3215 is safe and well tolerated in adults with overweight or obesity., Methods: A phase 1 randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of G3215 in overweight or obese participants, with or without type 2 diabetes., Results: Twenty-six participants were recruited and randomized with 23 completing a 14-day subcutaneous infusion of G3215 or placebo. The most common adverse events were nausea or vomiting, which were mild in most cases and mitigated by real-time adjustment of drug infusion. There were no cardiovascular concerns with G3215 infusion. The pharmacokinetic characteristics were in keeping with a continuous infusion over 14 days. A least-squares mean body weight loss of 2.39 kg was achieved with a 14-day infusion of G3215, compared with 0.84 kg with placebo infusion (p < .05). A reduction in food consumption was also observed in participants receiving G3215 and there was no deterioration in glycaemia. An improved lipid profile was seen in G3215-treated participants and consistent with GCGR activation, a broad reduction in circulating amino acids was seen during the infusion period., Conclusion: An adaptive continuous infusion of the GLP-1/GCGR co-agonist, G3215, is safe and well tolerated offering a unique strategy to control drug exposure. By allowing rapid, response-directed titration, this strategy may allow for mitigation of adverse effects and afford significant weight loss within shorter time horizons than is presently possible with weekly GLP-1R and multi-agonists. These results support ongoing development of G3215 for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disease., (© 2024 The Authors. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: Measure and compare the mechanical properties, translucency, and fluoride-releasing capabilities of EQUIA Forte HT against Fuji IX GP and ChemFil Rock., Materials and Methods: Ten specimens of each material were fabricated for compressive strength (CS), flexural strength (FS), and surface hardness analysis at 24 h and 7 days. The L*a*b* values were measured against a black-and-white background using a spectrophotometer to analyze the translucency parameter (TP). Fluoride release was recorded after 2 months of immersion in distilled water. The mean data was analyzed by 1- and 2-way ANOVA (α = 0.5)., Results: EQUIA Forte HT showed higher CS, surface hardness, and FS values (p < 0.05) compared with Fuji IX GIC, while no significant difference was found in FS values between EQUIA Forte HT and Chemfil Rock (p > 0.05). The EQUIA Forte HT exhibited significantly higher translucency in comparison to both ChemFil Rock (p < 0.001) and Fuji IX GICs (p < 0.05). An increase (p > 0.05) of fluoride release was observed for EQUIA Forte HT., Conclusion: The EQUIA Forte HT Glass-ionomer cements (GIC) offers enhanced translucency, improved strength, and enhanced fluoride-releasing properties compared to the traditionally used Fuji IX GIC and ChemFil Rock GICs. This material might have a wide range of clinical applications due to its improved strength and optical properties., Clinical Significance: Glass-ionomer dental restorative materials possess unique advantageous characteristics. However, its poor mechanical and optical properties have typically limited its clinical applications. Efforts to improve these properties have resulted in enhanced GICs. EQUIA Forte HT GIC offers enhanced mechanical and optical properties with potential applications in posterior and anterior restorative procedures., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

In β-thalassaemia, the severity of inherited β-globin gene mutations determines the severity of the clinical phenotype at presentation and subsequent transfusion requirements. However, data on associated long-term outcomes remain limited. We analysed data from 2109 β-thalassaemia patients with available genotypes in a global database. Genotype severity was grouped as β 0 /β 0 , β 0 /β + , β + /β + , β 0 /β ++ , β + /β ++ , and β ++ /β ++ . Patients were followed from birth until death or loss to follow-up. The median follow-up time was 34·1 years. Mortality and multiple morbidity outcomes were analyzed through five different stratification models of genotype severity groups. Interestingly, β 0 and β + mutations showed similar risk profiles. Upon adjustment for demographics and receipt of conventional therapy, patients with β 0 /β 0 , β 0 /β + , or β + /β + had a 2·104-increased risk of death [95% confidence interval (CI): 1·176-3·763, P = 0·011] and 2·956-increased odds of multiple morbidity (95% CI: 2·310-3·784, P < 0·001) compared to patients in lower genotype severity groups. Cumulative survival estimates by age 65 years were 36·8% for this subgroup compared with 90·2% for patients in lower genotype severity groups (P < 0·001). Our study identified mortality and morbidity risk estimates across various genotype severity groups in patients with β-thalassaemia and suggests inclusion of both β + and β 0 mutations in strata of greatest severity., (© 2021 British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The thalassaemia syndromes (TS) show different phenotype severity. Developing a reliable, practical and global tool to determine disease severity and tailor treatment would be of great value. Overall, 7910 patients were analysed with the aim of constructing a complication risk score (CoRS) to evaluate the probability of developing one or more complications. Nine independent variables were included in the investigation as predictors. Logistic regression models were used for Group A [transfusion-dependent thalassaemia (TDT)], Group B [transfused non-TDT (NTDT)] and Group C (non-transfused NTDT). Statistically significant predictors included age (years), haemoglobin levels, hepatic transaminases [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase] and left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) for Group A; age (years), age at first chelation (months), ALT and LVEF for Group B; and age (years), mean serum ferritin (SF) levels and LVEF for Group C. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 84·5%, 82·1% and 80·0% for Groups A, Group B and Group C respectively, suggesting the models had good discrimination. Finally, the CoRS for each group was categorised into four risk classes (low, intermediate, high, and very high) using the centiles of its distribution. In conclusion, we have developed a CoRS for TS that can assist physicians in prospectively tailoring patients' treatment., (© 2020 British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Cancer is the second most frequent cause of death in children. Because the prognosis for childhood malignancies has improved, attention has now focused on long-term consequences of cancer treatment. The immediate effects of chemotherapy on soft tissues have been well described; however, there is less information about long-term effects of chemotherapy on the development of dental tissues. To test the association between the effect of chemotherapy on enamel development, we examined two groups of rats: one that had received an intraperitoneal dose of 200 mg/kg of irinotecan, whereas the other (control) group had received vehicle only. Rats were killed at 6, 48 and 96 hr post-injection; the mandibles dissected out, fixed for histological evaluation and scanned for mineralization defects by Micro-CT. Our results showed structural changes in the ameloblast layer along with a significant reduction in mineralization and thickness of enamel at 96 hr after chemotherapy. These data demonstrate that irinotecan induces structural changes in forming enamel that become apparent after anticancer chemotherapy treatment., (© 2017 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.)

Purpose: To investigate biomechanical and ultrastructural corneal parameters and ocular biometrics in the affected eyes of patients with unilateral primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) as compared to unaffected fellow eyes and age-matched healthy controls., Methods: A total of 12 patients with treated unilateral PCG and 10 normal subjects were evaluated. LENSTAR was performed to determine biometric parameters; the ocular response analyser was employed to determine biomechanical properties and slit-scanning confocal microscopy was used for evaluation of corneal ultrastucture., Results: Axial length was significantly higher and mean keratometry in affected eyes was significantly flatter in affected eyes as compared to fellow eyes and normal controls (p < 0.05), and a negative correlation was present between axial length and mean keratometry (p < 0.05). Mean aqueous depth and anterior chamber depth were increased in affected eyes as compared to fellow eyes and normal controls (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in central corneal thickness (CCT) among affected eyes, fellow eyes and normal controls. Corneal hysteresis (CH) was significantly reduced in affected eyes (p < 0.05) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) was also reduced in the affected eyes as compared to fellow eyes and normal controls, although not statistically significant. Mean endothelial cell density was reduced in the affected eyes compared to fellow eyes and normal controls (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Corneal biometrics, biomechanical parameters and ultrastructural features are altered in eyes affected with PCG despite clinically normal and clear corneas. These findings should be considered in the preoperative assessment of intraocular or corneal surgery in these patients., (© 2017 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Helicobacter pylori is well adapted to colonize the epithelial surface of the human gastric mucosa and can cause persistent infections. In order to infect the gastric mucosa, it has to survive in the gastric acidic pH. This organism has well developed mechanisms to neutralize the effects of acidic pH., Objective: This review article was designed to summarize the various functional and molecular aspects by which the bacterium can combat and survive the gastric acidic pH in order to establish the persistent infections., Methods: We used the keywords (acid acclimation, gastric acidic environment, H. pylori and survival) in combination or alone for pubmed search of recent scientific literatures. One hundred and forty one papers published between 1989 and 2016 were sorted out. The articles published with only abstracts, other than in English language, case reports and reviews were excluded., Results: Many literatures describing the role of several factors in acid survival were found. Recently, the role of several other factors has been claimed to participate in acid survival., Conclusion: In conclusion, this organism has well characterized mechanisms for acid survival., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)