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Aims: This randomized trial assessed for the first time the efficacy of coronally advanced flap (CAF) followed by micro‐needling (MN) in contrast to CAF with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on gingival thickness (GT, primary outcome), keratinized tissue width (KTW), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), recession reduction (Rec‐Red), complete root coverage (CRC) and percentage of root coverage (all secondary outcomes) in management of RT1 gingival recession in patients with thin gingival phenotype. Methods: A total of 24 patients (n = 24) with a thin gingival phenotype and single RT1 gingival recession in the aesthetic zone were randomly allocated to test‐ (CAF + MN; n = 12) or control group (CAF + ADM; n = 12). All clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Results: Both groups independently demonstrated significant gain in GT, RW, RD, CAL, PD, Rec‐Red, CRC and percentage of root coverage, with reduced PI and BOP (p <.05) at 3 and 6 months, without intergroup differences (p >.05). At 6 months, KTW gain was significantly higher in CAF + MN (5.08 ± 0.9 mm) than in CAF + ADM‐group (4.25 ± 1.06 mm; p <.05). Stepwise linear regression model with GT as dependent variable showed that base‐line GT was the only statistically significant predictor for GT with a direct correlation between base‐line GT and GT after 6 months. Conclusion: CAF followed by MN could represent a promising graft‐less approach for increasing gingival thickness, comparable to CAF with ADM, with superior keratinized tissue width improvement, in the treatment of RT1 recession defects in patients with thin gingival phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major efforts to improve feed conversion, increase the body weight and breast muscle yield of broilers have been focused on feeding and management at the post hatch period. However, incubation temperature is the most significant factor for the egg hatching rate, chick quality, and post hatch performance. Therefore, incubation factors affecting the performance should be taken with necessary precautions. Incubation temperature not only affects the early development of the hatchlings but also has a lasting impact on the characteristics of the chicks, such as final body weight and meat quality traits. This article provides an overview about embryonic thermal manipulation (TM) of domestic fowls and review the lucrative and deleterious effects of embryonic TM on embryo development, muscle growth, thermotolerance acquisition, and immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is a complex inflammatory disorder of the tooth supporting structures, associated with microbial dysbiosis, and linked to a number if systemic conditions. Untreated it can result in an irreversible damage to the periodontal structures and eventually teeth loss. Regeneration of the lost periodontium requires an orchestration of a number of biological events on cellular and molecular level. In this context, a set of vitamins have been advocated, relying their beneficial physiological effects, to endorse the biological regenerative events of the periodontium on cellular and molecular levels. The aim of the present article is to elaborate on the question whether or not vitamins improve wound healing/regeneration, summarizing the current evidence from in vitro, animal and clinical studies, thereby shedding light on the knowledge gap in this field and highlighting future research needs. Although the present review demonstrates the current heterogeneity in the available evidence and knowledge gaps, findings suggest that vitamins, especially A, B, E, and CoQ10, as well as vitamin combinations, could exert positive attributes on the periodontal outcomes in adjunct to surgical or nonsurgical periodontal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stem/progenitor cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) show remarkable pluripotent, regenerative, and immunological capacities. During in vivo regenerative processes, there could be the presence of SHED in the surrounding inflammatory microenvironment, through toll‐like receptors (TLRs). Aim: The aim of this paper was to present a characteristic TLR expression profile on SHED for the first time. Design: Cells were harvested from extracted primary teeth (n = 10), anti‐STRO‐1 immunomagnetically sorted and cultivated, through colony‐forming units (CFUs). SHED were examined for mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell traits, including the expression of clusters of differentiation (CDs) 14, 34, 45, 73, 90, 105, and 146, and their multilineage differentiation aptitude. TLRs 1–10 expression was investigated for SHED in uninflamed and inflamed (25 ng/mL IL‐1β, 103 U/mL IFN‐γ, 50 ng/mL TNF‐α, and 3 × 103 U/mL IFN‐α; SHED‐i) microenvironmental conditions. Results: SHED were negative for CDs 14, 34, and 45, but were positive for CDs 73, 90, 105, and 146, and demonstrated characteristic multilineage differentiation. In an uninflamed microenvironment, SHED expressed TLRs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10. The inflammatory microenvironment downregulated TLR7 significantly on gene level and upregulated TLR8 on gene and protein levels (p <.05; Wilcoxon signed‐rank test). Conclusion: There appears to be a unique TLR expression profile on SHED, which could modulate their immunological and regenerative abilities in oral tissue engineering approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of firm‐level political risk on corporate investments. We find that diversified firms are better able than focused firms in mitigating the impact of idiosyncratic political risk on investments. Diversified firms accomplish this feat via efficient use of the internal capital market that allows segments to alleviate political risk adversity. The effect is working through the channel of exacerbation of financial constraints. When exposed to political risk, diversified firms do not spend more on lobbying and political donations than the focused firms in the subsequent period, implying that diversified firms do not manage political risk politically. Our main findings are robust to a battery of endogeneity tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Uncertainty tolerance (UT) is increasingly valued as a medical graduate attribute and broadly measured among medical student populations. However, the validity evidence underpinning UT scale implementation has not been summarised across studies. The present work evaluates UT scale validity evidence to better inform when, why and how UT scales ought to be used and to identify remaining validity evidence gaps. Methods: A literature search for psychometric studies of UT scales was completed in 2022. Records were included if they implemented one of the four most cited UT scales (i.e. Physicians' Reactions to Uncertainty scale 1990 [PRU1990] or 1995 [PRU1995], Tolerance for Ambiguity [TFA] scale or Tolerance of Ambiguity in Medical Students and Doctors scale [TAMSAD]) in a population of physicians and/or medial students and presented validity evidence according to the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing framework. Included studies were rated and analysed according to evidence for test content, response processes, internal structure, relations to other variables and consequences of testing. Results: Among the investigated scales, 'relations to other variables' and 'internal structure' were the most commonly reported forms of validity evidence. No evidence of 'response processes' or 'consequences of testing' was identified. Overall, the PRU1990 and PRU1995 demonstrated the strongest validity evidence, although evidence primarily related to physician populations. Conclusions: None of the studied scales demonstrated evidence for all five sources of validity. Future research would benefit from assessing validity evidence for 'response processes' and 'consequences of testing' among physicians and medical students at different training/career stages to better understand UT construct conceptualisation in these populations. Until further and stronger validity evidence for UT scales is established, we caution against implementing UT scales outside of research settings (e.g. for higher stakes decision making). Stephens et al. review the validity evidence for uncertainty tolerance scales, identifying gaps in evidence for response processes and testing consequences. Thus, scale score interpretation is, ironically, uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO) contributes to blood pressure (BP) regulation via its vasodilatory and anti‐inflammatory properties. We and others previously reported sex differences in BP in normotensive and hypertensive rat models where females have lower BP than age‐matched males. As females are known to have greater NO bioavailability than age‐matched males, the current study was designed to test the hypothesis that anesthetized female normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) are more responsive to acute NOS inhibition‐induced increases in BP compared to male WKY. Twelve‐week‐old male and female WKY were randomized to infusion of the nonspecific NOS inhibitor NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME, 1 mg/kg/min) or selective NOS1 inhibition with vinyl‐L‐NIO (VNIO, 0.5 mg/kg/min) for 60 min. Mean arterial BP, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine volume, and electrolyte excretion were assessed before, and during L‐NAME or VNIO infusion. L‐NAME and VNIO significantly increased BP in both sexes; however, the increase in BP with L‐NAME infusion was greater in females versus males compared to baseline BP values. Acute infusion of neither L‐NAME nor VNIO for 60 min altered GFR in either sex. However, urine volume, sodium, chloride and potassium excretion levels increased comparably in male and female WKY with L‐NAME and VNIO infusion. Our findings suggest sex differences in BP responses to acute non‐isoform‐specific NOS inhibition in WKY, with females being more responsive to L‐NAME‐induced elevations in BP relative to male WKY. However, sex differences in the BP response did not coincide with sex differences in renal hemodynamic responses to acute NOS inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key clinical message: We reported a unique case in which the patient developed splenic hematoma following acute pancreatitis, the condition responded well to conservative management without any surgical intervention. Splenic hematoma following acute pancreatitis is a rare complication that is thought to be due to the distribution of pancreatic exudates to the spleen. We presented a case of a 44‐year‐old patient with acute pancreatitis who developed a splenic hematoma. He responded well to conservative management and the hematoma was resolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared endodontic access cavities prepared by operators of different experience levels (students, general‐practitioners and specialists), guided by periapical radiographs, cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) or 3D CBCT‐based planning software, with regards to tooth substance loss and preparation errors. Operators (n = 34) prepared endodontic access cavities in 306 three‐dimensionally printed copies of human teeth with standardised anatomies. Access cavities were volumetrically assessed post‐operative using digital scans, while preparation errors were evaluated with CBCT. Tooth substance loss was significantly influenced by the operator's experience, being highest with students', followed by general‐practitioners and specialists (P < 0.05), with no significant association with the employed imaging/planning modality. Pulp chamber floor, iatrogenic perforations and incomplete pulpal roof removal were insignificant between operator groups or imaging/planning modalities. It can be concluded that irrespective of advancement in imaging/planning modalities the practitioner's experience level remains to be the decisive factor significantly influencing tooth substance loss during endodontic access cavity preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is essential for the presence of life on this earth. However, water contamination due to the presence of heavy/toxic metals is one of the serious environmental issues for living beings. Several methods have been devoted to separating or removing those heavy metals from wastewater. Among them, membrane distillation (MD) has become one of the most attractive approaches due to its higher rejection rate than processes driven by pressure, lower energy consumption than traditional distillation processes. MD has gained significant attention for removing heavy metals than other techniques like ion exchange and adsorption in the last two decades. This review provides insight knowledge to the reader and focuses on how heavy metals impact humans and the environment, sources of heavy metals, current and especially removal methods using the MD method. Moreover, recent studies, challenges, and opportunities on MD membrane modules and heavy metal removal systems are discussed. More importantly, in this review, we have identified the gaps and opportunities that are required for enhancing the MD approach and its practical suitability for heavy metal removals. MD module and system showed high performance, proving their possible applications to remove heavy metal ions in water/wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ability to restore missing teeth with dental implants is dictated by the available bone and by the presence of anatomical structures. The potential to insert ultrashort implants avoids additional surgical procedures and its inherent complications. The last European Association of Dental Implantologists consensus in 2016 defined ultrashort implants and standard‐length dental implants as <6 and >8 mm, respectively. Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate whether single standing ultrashort dental implants (US) could provide a viable therapeutic alternative to osteotome mediated sinus floor elevation in combination with standard‐length dental implants (SL) 10 mm in posterior maxillary rehabilitation with reduced bone height. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a prospective parallel group controlled clinical trial with a 12 month follow‐up, where 48 implants were randomized into two groups; US‐group (5.5 mm) and SL‐group (10 mm) implants placed with osteotome‐mediated sinus floor elevation. Crestal bone loss (CBL) was defined as the study's primary outcome, while implant survival, buccal bone thickness, implant stability, probing depth, gingival recession, and adverse effects were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results: Mesial CBL was 1.13 ± 0.52 mm in SL‐ and 0.72 ± 0.52 mm in US‐group (P =.021), while distal CBL was 1.44 ± 0.72 mm in SL‐ and 0.91 ± 0.69 mm in US‐group at 12 months (P =.0179). Regarding implant stability, probing depth, and gingival recession there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Regarding implants' survival, three implants were lost in the US‐while only one implant was lost in the SL‐group (P =.6085; Fisher's exact test). Nevertheless, the ultrashort implants were associated with a tripling of the failure rate and uncertainty where the true failure rate is uncertain (relative risk 3.0; confidence interval 0.3‐26.8). Conclusions: Within the current trial's limitations, US‐appear appear promising as they are associated less postoperative discomfort, minimal invasiveness and less CBL. However, larger sample size is required to determine whether the ultrashort have an acceptable survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bubble size distribution has a significant effect on gas holdup, residence time distribution, and mass transfer in bubble column reactors (BCRs). The occurrence of small gas bubbles has potential advantages such as a limited residence time distribution and perfect gas‐liquid phase contact. Gas‐liquid mass transfer in bubble columns can be significantly enhanced by subjecting the liquid phase to low‐frequency vibrations. However, the effect of vibration frequency on bubble formation and hydrodynamic characteristics in BCRs is still not well understood. Herein, a 3D numerical model of a BCR was developed to study the effect of vibration frequency on bubble dynamics under different operating conditions. The Sauter mean bubble diameter was found to be approximately inversely proportional to the vibration frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tertiary amines represent a key class of organic molecules with multiple industrial, synthetic, and analytical applications. The focus of this review is on different approaches towards the synthesis of the C3 and C3V symmetrical tertiary amines. Generally, symmetrical tertiary amines can be prepared via N-alkylation with alkyl halides and alcohols, reductive amination, desamination, hydroamination of olefins, and different kinds of C-N cross-coupling reactions. All reactions leading to the titled structures are discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) has demonstrated cost‐effectiveness for the primary prevention of falls in a general community setting. The cost‐effectiveness of exercise as a secondary falls prevention (ie, preventing falls among those who have already fallen) strategy remains unknown. The primary objective was to estimate the cost‐effectiveness (incremental cost‐effectiveness/utility ratio) of the OEP from a healthcare system perspective. DESIGN A concurrent 12‐month prospective economic evaluation conducted alongside the Action Seniors! randomized critical trial (OEP compared with usual care). SETTING Vancouver Falls Prevention Clinic (Vancouver, BC, Canada; http://www.fallsclinic.ca). PARTICIPANTS A total of 344 community‐dwelling older adults, aged 70 years and older, who attended a geriatrician‐led Falls Prevention Clinic in Vancouver, after sustaining a fall in the previous 12 months. MEASUREMENTS Main outcome measures included: incidence rate ratio for falls, healthcare costs, incremental cost per fall prevented, and incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained. RESULTS: The OEP costs $393 CAD per participant to implement. The incremental cost per fall prevented resulted in a savings of $2 CAD. The incremental cost per QALY gained (where QALYs were estimated using the Euro‐Qol 5D three‐level version [EQ‐5D‐3L]) indicated the OEP was less effective than usual care. The incremental cost per QALY gained (where QALYs were estimated using the Short Form 6D [SF‐6D]) indicated the OEP was more effective and less costly than usual care. The incremental QALYs estimated using the EQ‐5D‐3L and the SF‐6D were not clinically significant and close to zero, indicating no change in quality of life. CONCLUSION: Compared with usual care, healthcare system costs are saved and falls are prevented when older fallers who attend a geriatrician‐led falls clinic are allocated to, and provided, the physiotherapist‐guided exercise‐based falls prevention program (the OEP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key to the success of orangutan conservation management practices is the prevention of the introduction of infectious diseases to the remaining populations. Previous reports of Entamoeba spp. positive orangutans are of concern as Entamoeba spp. infection has been linked to morbidity and mortality in primates. It remains to be determined if the Entamoeba species infecting orangutans is the pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica. Orangutan fecal samples have been collected from orangutans from sites in Sumatra (Bukit Lawang, Ketambe, and Suaq, 241 samples from 64 individuals), and two sites in Kalimantan (Sebangau and Tuanan, 129 samples from 39 individuals). All samples were from wild orangutans except for a proportion from Sumatra which were from semi‐wild (108 samples, 10 individuals). E. histolytica‐specific nested PCR assays were carried out on the fecal samples. A total of 36 samples from 17 individuals tested positive for E. histolytica. When compared with published sequences using NCBI BLAST the E. histolytica positive samples showed a 98–99% concordance. The majority (76%, n = 36) of the positive isolates came from semi‐wild orangutans in Bukit Lawang. This study supports the growing body of evidence that contact with humans is an important risk factor for infection of wild primates with E. histolytica. Highlights: First molecular confirmation of Entamoeba histolytica in orangutansResults support that nonhuman primates in close proximity to humans are at a risk of E. histolytica infectionIdentified three gene target regions for future studies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burning properties of propellants are important inputs needed in ballistic simulation. A closed vessel experiment is employed to characterize the burning properties of gunpowder. The results obtained after testing in a closed vessel are exploited according to the development of the burning rate equation defined in the NATO Standardization Agreement. Recently a method for the estimating of the burning rate, r(p), of a solid propellant simply on the basis of pressure P(t), which had been recorded during closed vessel experiments, and a knowledge of the shape and geometric dimensions of the propellant grains, has been reported. This method does not need prior knowledge of the values of the thermodynamic properties (specific force and co‐volume) of the propellant. It has been verified on the following examples: a 4/1 single‐base propellant with cylindrical single‐perforated grains and the JA‐2 triple‐base propellant with seven‐perforated grains. In this paper, this method was corroborated for the case of spherical and flattened double base gun propellants. Additionally, based on the previous cited method, a new approach allowing the estimation of the ballistic parameters was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of testicular artery angioarchitecture on the spermiogram parameters in Egyptian Buffalo bulls. Eight adult buffalo bulls aged between 2 and 8 years were used for semen evaluation. For anatomical studies, the masculine gonads were collected after slaughtering 30 adult bulls and prepared for injection by different masses (Urographine®, Latex and Epoxy) through the testicular artery. The mass activity of the ejaculate was assessed immediately after collection. The sperm motility in fresh bull ejaculate was more than 80%. The overall mean percentage of sperm abnormalities was <18%. The recorded sperm abnormalities were mostly secondary one including distal protoplasmic droplet, fragmented tail, detached head, detached galea capitis and bent tail. The highest percentage of sperm viability was recorded just after sperm collection (alive > 85%). The results revealed that testicular artery can be divided into three parts (abdominal, funicular and marginal parts) along its course. The coils of the funicular part forming a cone‐like structure with its base fixed to the head of the testis. Two epididymal branches to the head and tail of epididymis emanate from the funicular part which continues as pars marginalis on the lateral surface of testis before its division into the lateral and medial testicular arteries on approaching the tail extremity of the testis. The increase in the length of the testicular artery with increase in the size of the testes played a great role in the degree of complexity of the architectural vascular patterns. The degree of complexity is affected by the number of coils formed by the vessel. The increase in the convolutions of the vessel will reduce the speed of blood flow to the gonads. Thus in turn will enabling the thermoregulatory mechanism to work more efficiently and will affect the semen value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifth generation (5G) envisages a "hyperconnected society" with an enormous number of interconnected devices, anywhere and at any time. Edge computing plays a pivotal role in this vision, enabling low latency, large traffic volumes, and improved quality of experience. The advent of 5G and edge computing encourages vertical industries to develop innovative services, which can meet the challenging demands coming from consumers. However, economic feasibility is the ultimate factor that determines the viability of a new service. Hence, effective techniques for the economic assessment of such services are needed. This paper analyzes the provision of immersive media services in crowded events, through a cloud‐enabled small cell network owned by a neutral host, and offered in multitenancy to different mobile network operators. We initially develop a planning model to predict the required compute, storage, and radio resources. Taking into account dynamic factors such as service penetration and price evolution, we then provide a number of economic indices, such as net present value, internal rate of return, and expected payback period to assess the viability of a potential investment in a 5G infrastructure for immersive media services. The presented analysis will guide small cell network operators in the provision of 5G innovative media services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Inflammatory cytokines impact the course of periodontal disease, repair, and regeneration. Vitamin A and its metabolites are inflammation‐modulatory biomolecules, affecting cellular pluripotency. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of retinol and periodontal inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β/TNF‐α/IFN‐γ) on pluripotency and proliferative properties of gingival mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (G‐MSCs), for the first time. Material and methods: Human G‐MSCs (n = 5) were STRO‐1 immuno‐magnetically sorted, characterized and expanded in basic medium (control group), in basic medium with IL‐1β (1 ng/mL), TNF‐α (10 ng/mL), and IFN‐γ (100 ng/mL) (inflammatory group), in basic medium with retinol (20 μmol/L) (retinol group) and with retinol added to the inflammatory group (inflammatory/retinol group). β‐catenin levels at 1 hour, cellular proliferation over 14 days, and colony‐forming units (CFUs) at 14 days were investigated. Pluripotency gene expressions were examined at 1, 3, and 5 days via reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Multilineage differentiation potential was evaluated, following 5 days priming, using qualitative and quantitative histochemistry and RT‐PCR. Results: G‐MSCs were CD14−, CD34−, CD45−, CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, and showed mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells' hallmarks, CFUs, and multilineage differentiation potential. Intracellular β‐catenin significantly declined in the stimulated groups (P < 0.001, Friedman test). Cellular proliferation at 72 hours was most prominent in the control and inflammatory group [Median cell numbers (Q25/Q75); 6806 (4983/7312) and 5414 (4457/7230), respectively], followed by an upsurge in the retinol group. At 14 days, the retinol group exhibited the highest CFUs [Median CFUs (Q25/Q75); 35 (20/58), P = 0.043, Wilcoxon signed‐rank]. Nanog was most expressed in the inflammatory and retinol group [Median gene expression/PGK1 (Q25/Q75); 0.0006 (0.0002/0.0014) and 0.0005 (0.0003/0.0008)]. Inflammation significantly upregulated Sox2 expression [0.0002 (0.0008/0.0005)], while its expression was diminished in the retinol and inflammatory/retinol group (P < 0.001, Friedman test). Inflammatory/retinol group exhibited the highest multilineage differentiation potential. Conclusion: Controlled short‐term inflammatory/retinol stimuli activate the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, affecting G‐MSCs' pluripotency, proliferation, and differentiation. The present findings provide further insights into the inflammatory‐regenerative interactions and their modulation potential for G‐MSCs‐mediated periodontal repair/regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Recombinant secreted frizzled‐related protein 5 (sFRP5) improved periodontal status in mice. Thus, this study aimed to investigate this finding in human periodontitis using an epidemiological approach. Materials and Methods: sFRP5 and wnt5a concentrations were determined in human serum from the Food Chain Plus cohort using ELISAs. A total of 128 patients with periodontitis and tooth loss and 245 patients with periodontitis without tooth loss were compared to 373 sex‐, smoker‐, age‐ and BMI‐matched individuals in a nested case–control design. Results: Systemic sFRP5 serum levels were significantly lower in patients with periodontitis and tooth loss (2.5 [0.0–10.4] ng/ml, median [IQR]) compared to patients with periodontitis without tooth loss (6.0 [2.5–15.8] ng/ml, median [IQR], p = 0.04] and matched controls (7.0 [2.5–18.3] ng/ml, median [IQR], p = 0.02). No significant differences in sFRP5 serum levels were found among patients with periodontitis without tooth loss (6.0 [2.5–15.8] ng/ml, median [IQR]) and controls (3.1 [0.0–10.6] ng/ml, median [IQR], p = 0.06). Conclusions: sFRP5 might serve as a novel biomarker for periodontitis severity. Modulating the inflammatory background of severe forms of periodontitis, in the time of precision medicine, needs to be revealed in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult multipotent stem/progenitor cells, with remarkable regenerative potential, have been isolated from various components of the human periodontium. These multipotent stem/progenitor cells include the periodontal ligament stem/progenitor cells (PDLSCs), stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP), the gingival mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (G‐MSCs), and the alveolar bone proper stem/progenitor cells (AB‐MSCs). Whereas inflammation is regarded as the reason for tissue damage, it also remains a fundamental step of any early healing process. In performing their periodontal tissue regenerative/reparative activity, periodontal stem/progenitor cells interact with their surrounding inflammatory micro‐environmental, through their expressed receptors, which could influence their fate and the outcome of any periodontal stem/progenitor cell‐mediated reparative/regenerative activity. The present review discusses the current understanding about the interaction of periodontal stem/progenitor cells with their surrounding inflammatory micro‐environment, elaborates on the inflammatory factors influencing their stemness, proliferation, migration/homing, differentiation, and immunomodulatory attributes, the possible underlying intracellular mechanisms, as well as their proposed relationship to the canonical and noncanonical Wnt pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patellofemoral (PF) osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and clinically important knee OA subgroup. Malalignment may be an important risk factor for PF OA. However, little is known about alignment in PF OA, particularly in an upright, weightbearing environment. Using a vertically‐oriented open‐bore MR scanner, we evaluated 3D knee alignment in 15 PF OA cases and 15 individually matched asymptomatic controls. We imaged one knee per participant while they stood two‐legged at four flexion angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°), and also while they stood one‐legged at 30° knee flexion. We calculated 3D patellofemoral and tibiofemoral alignment. Using mixed effects models, four of the five patellofemoral measures differed by group. For key measures, PF OA patellae were 6.6° [95%CI 5.0, 8.2] more laterally tilted, 2.4 mm [1.3, 3.5] more laterally translated, and at least 3.7 mm [0.2, 7.2] more proximally translated compared to controls (more with knees flexed). Alignment did not differ between two‐legged stance and one‐legged stance in either group. Statement of Clinical Significance: Our study demonstrated significant and clinically relevant differences in alignment between PF OA cases and controls in upright standing and squatting positions. Our findings were similar to those in previous studies of PF OA using traditional MR scanners in supine positions, supporting the clinical usefulness of existing methods aimed at identifying individuals who may benefit from interventions designed to correct malalignment. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the Orthopaedic Research Society. 9999:1–9, 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Plant‐based food materials are mostly porous in nature and heterogeneous in structure with huge diversity in cellular orientation. Different cellular environments of plant‐based food materials, such as intercellular, intracellular, and cell wall environments, hold different proportions of water with different characteristics. Due to this structural heterogeneity, it is very difficult to understand the drying process and associated morphological changes during drying. Transport processes and morphological changes that take place during drying are mainly governed by the characteristics of and the changes in the cells. Therefore, to predict the actual heat and mass transfer process that occurs in the drying process and associated morphological changes, development of multiscale modeling is crucial. Multiscale modeling is a powerful approach with the ability to incorporate this cellular structural heterogeneity with microscale heat and mass transfer during drying. However, due to the huge complexity involved in developing such a model for plant‐based food materials, the studies regarding this issue are very limited. Therefore, we aim in this article to develop a critical conceptual understanding of multiscale modeling frameworks for heterogeneous food materials through an extensive literature review. We present a critical review on the multiscale model formulation and solution techniques with their spatial and temporal coupling options. Food structure, scale definition, and the current status of multiscale modeling are also presented, along with other key factors that are critical to understanding and developing an accurate multiscale framework. We conclude by presenting the main challenges for developing an accurate multiscale modeling framework for food drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The structural heterogeneities of fruits and vegetables intensify the complexity to comprehend the interrelated physicochemical changes that occur during drying. Shrinkage of food materials during drying is a common physical phenomenon which affects the textural quality and taste of the dried product. The shrinkage of food material depends on many factors including material characteristics, microstructure, mechanical properties, and process conditions. Understanding the effect of these influencing factors on deformation of fruits and vegetables during drying is crucial to obtain better‐quality product. The majority of the previous studies regarding shrinkage are either experimental or empirical; however, such studies cannot provide a realistic understanding of the physical phenomena behind the material shrinkage. In contrast, theoretical modeling can provide better insights into the shrinkage that accompanies simultaneous heat and mass transfer during drying. However, limited studies have been conducted on the theoretical modeling of shrinkage of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to critically review the existing theoretical shrinkage models and present a framework for a theoretical model for the shrinkage mechanism. This paper also describes the effect of different drying conditions on material shrinkage. Discussions on how the diverse characteristics of fruits and vegetables affect shrinkage propagation is presented. Moreover, a comprehensive review of formulation techniques of shrinking models and their results are also presented. Finally, the challenges in developing a physics‐based shrinkage model are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High quality products produced by computerized numerical control machining has a high demand in the industry due to its effect on product appearance, function, and reliability. In order to improve its quality, the application of nano‐cutting fluid system can significantly reduce the cutting forces, surface roughness and cutting temperature as the nanoparticles are known as superior in reducing the friction between the workpiece‐tool. In this study, nano‐cutting fluid containing multi‐wall carbon nanotubes mixed with vegetable oil is developed and applied to the cutting process of aluminium alloy Al6061 which employed minimum quantity lubricant to increase the effectiveness of the nano‐cutting fluid. Surface roughness and cutting forces are analyzed by using signal‐to‐noise response analysis and the analysis of variance (Pareto ANOVA) to determine the optimum parameter of the experiment. The experiment shows the combinations of nanoparticle concentration (A2, 0.2 %), cutting speed (B1, 1000 min‐1), feed rate (C3, 200 mm/min) and depth of cut (D1, 2 mm) for lowest cutting force, nanoparticle concentration (A3, 0.8 %), cutting speed (B1, 1000 min‐1), feed rate (C2, 150 mm/min) and depth of cut (D1, 2 mm) for lowest cutting temperature and nanoparticle concentration (A2, 0.2 %), cutting speed (B2, 2000 min‐1), feed rate (C2, 150 mm/min) and depth of cut (D1, 2 mm) for lowest surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Acanthamoeba infections are difficult to diagnose and treat. We present a renal transplant patient who developed Acanthamoeba endophthalmitis on therapy with posaconazole and miltefosine for cutaneous acanthamobiasis. The patient was maintained on intracameral voriconazole injections, and oral azithromycin, fluconazole, and flucytosine. This case highlights novel presentations and treatments for acanthamoebic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: To develop methods for evaluating 3D patellofemoral and tibiofemoral alignment in vertical open-bore magnetic resonance (MR) scanners, with participants upright and fully weight-bearing; and to evaluate the repeatability of these methods in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) and in asymptomatic knees.Materials and Methods: Our methods extend previously validated, reliable methods for evaluating alignment into an upright MR environment. In 10 participants with early patellofemoral OA and 10 with asymptomatic knees, we acquired sagittal T1 -weighted turbo spin echo images in a 3T scanner to create accurate participant-specific 3D anatomical surface models. In a vertical open-bore 0.5T MR scanner, we obtained lower-resolution sagittal gradient echo images to capture bony position and orientation data. Participants were scanned in a position of squatting with the knees flexed 30°, three separate times to evaluate repeatability. Bone segmentation was performed manually, surface models were registered to data from the 0.5T scanner, and 3D patellofemoral and tibiofemoral alignment was calculated in all six degrees of freedom (three rotations and three translations).Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were ≥0.94, with the exception of patellar spin (0.79). Standard errors of measure (SEM) were <2° rotation and <0.9 mm translation. Repeatability remained adequate when stratified by group, with the exception of patellar spin (ICC 0.57 for asymptomatic knees vs. 0.91 for OA knees).Conclusion: We demonstrate methods for evaluating 3D alignment in upright fully weight-bearing participant positions in a vertical open-bore MR scanner. With the exception of patellar spin, repeatability was good to excellent.Level Of Evidence: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:841-847. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To investigate the safety of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (TIVc) (Optaflu®), the first cell culture seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine available in Europe. Methods Codes and unstructured text in adult electronic healthcare records (The Health Improvement Network) were searched for a TIVc brand name or batch number and possible outcomes within a 3 month pre- to 6 month post-TIVc exposure study period (2012-2015). The outcomes were severe allergic reactions, Bell's palsy, convulsions, demyelination, paresthesia, noninfectious encephalitis, neuritis (optic and brachial), vasculitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and thrombocytopenia. Risk periods were defined based on biologically plausible time frame postvaccination when an outcome caused by the vaccine might be expected to occur. Possible outcomes were adjudicated against outcome specific case definitions and a date of onset assigned by using electronic and other medical records. Observed (risk period) to expected (outside risk and preexposure periods) rate ratios, postexposure incidence, and plots of time from exposure to outcome were reported. Results Sixteen of 1011 events from 4578 exposures fulfilled a primary case definition and had a date of onset during the study period. Three were in observed time. The observed-to-expected rate ratios were (3.3, 95% CI 0.3, 31.7) for convulsions and (1.5, 95% CI 0.2, 14.9) for thrombocytopenia with 1 outcome each in observed time. There was 1 incident inflammatory bowel disease in observed, but none in expected, time. Conclusion The small sample size restricts interpretation; however, no hypothesis of an increased risk of a study outcome was generated. Adjudication of events against case definitions to reduce misclassification of onset and outcomes allowed use of precise risk periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study investigates for the first time the effect of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides ( Pg- LPS) on proliferative/regenerative aptitudes of gingival stem/progenitor cells (G- MSCs). Material and Methods G- MSCs ( n = 5) were treated by 0, 10 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml, 1 μg/ml or 10 μg/ml Pg- LPS. At 1 hour, Toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR-4) expression and NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways were examined. Colony-forming unit assay was conducted at day 12. At 24 and 48 hours, MTT test, ALP activity, mRNA for tumour necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α), interleukin-6, collagen-I (Col-I), collagen- III, RUNX-2, alkaline phosphatase ( ALP), osteonectin and protein expression of interleukin-6 and TNF-α were analysed. Results With increasing Pg- LPS, TLR-4 was upregulated, pNF-κB-p65 rose from median (Q25/Q75) 6.56% (4.19/7.90) to 13.02% (8.90/16.50; p = 0.002) and pNF-κB-p65/ tNF-κB-p65 from 0.14(0.10/0.17) to 0.30(0.21/0.42; p = 0.002). pβ-Catenin, tβ-catenin and pβ-catenin/tβ-catenin showed no differences. Increasing Pg- LPS concentration increased cell numbers from 288.00(72.98/484.32) to 861.39 (540.41/1599.94; p = 0.002), ALP mRNA from 0.00(0.00/0.01) to 0.56(0.00/1.90; p = 0.004) and TNF-α from 32.47(12.11/38.57) to 45.32(28.68/48.65; p = 0.036). Over time, ALP activity increased from 0.89(0.78/0.95) to 1.90(1.83/2.09; p < 0.001), mRNA for TNF-α from 0.00(0.00/0.12) to 0.01(0.00/0.06; p = 0.007), mRNA for Col-I from 82.70(0.03/171.50) to 124.00(52.85/232.50; p = 0.019), while mRNA for RUNX-2 decreased from 1.73(0.92/3.20) to 0.84(0.48/1.47; p = 0.005). Conclusions Pg- LPS upregulated G- MSCs' proliferation, without attenuation of their regenerative potential. The effects were NF-κB, but not Wnt/β-catenin, pathway dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we examined decay patterns occurring in Quercus castaneifolia wood under natural conditions compared with controlled decay in vivo. Pleurotus ostreatus-infected oak wood was obtained from the Sari forests in the north of Iran. The species causing decay was verified as P. ostreatus using rDNA- ITS sequencing of pure cultures from infected sapwood. In addition to P. ostreatus, two wood-inhabiting Ascomycota, Trichoderma harzianum and T. lixii, were present. Mass loss in oak sapwood samples exposed to P. ostreatus for 60 days was around 10 per cent. Samples were prepared from both naturally decayed wood and wood decayed under controlled conditions and examined using microscopy. P. ostreatus was found to produce a simultaneous white-rot decay pattern in both conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Monitoring near-miss events is a part of hemovigilance which helps to identify the causes and prevent them from happening again. The aim was to identify the near-miss events in a tertiary care hospital and interventions in reducing them. Methods The study was carried out at the section of Hematology and Transfusion medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital. Two-year data of near-miss events were analysed from January 2013 to December 2014. This was followed by intervention to minimize the errors. Following intervention, rate of wrong blood in tube ( WBIT) was monitored for 1 year (January 2016-December 2016). Results During the study period, a total of 75 157 blood samples were received in blood bank with the request for various blood products and 123 360 blood products were released. The calculated rate of near-miss events was 0·35 per 1000 blood products issued. WBIT was the most common near-miss event reported with a rate of 1 in 1789. Monitoring near-miss events prompted us to intervene to minimize WBIT. Interventions included educational workshops and lectures for nurses and medical doctors, initiation of bedside ABO grouping, making a dedicated phlebotomy station for emergency room, starting online computer physician order entry system for raising blood requests and circulating educational flyers. Following intervention, the rate of WBIT dropped to 1 in 2457 blood samples. Conclusion Monitoring of near-miss events helped us in identifying the processes that can be improved and taking appropriate measures to enhance transfusion safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projections on the profitability of the pharmaceutical industry predict a large amount of growth in the coming years. Stagnation over the last 20 years in product development has led to the search for new processing methods to improve profitability by reducing operating costs or improving process productivity. This work proposes a novel multifeed bioreactor system composed of independently controlled feeds for substrate(s) and media used that allows for the free manipulation of the bioreactor supply rate and substrate concentrations to maximize bioreactor productivity and substrate utilization while reducing operating costs. The optimal operation of the multiple feeds is determined a priori as the solution of a dynamic optimization problem using the kinetic models describing the time-variant bioreactor concentrations as constraints. This new bioreactor paradigm is exemplified through the intracellular production of beta-carotene using a three feed bioreactor consisting of separate glucose, ethanol and media feeds. The performance of a traditional bioreator with a single substrate feed is compared to that of a bioreactor with multiple feeds using glucose and/or ethanol as substrate options. Results show up to a 30% reduction in the productivity with the addition of multiple feeds, though all three systems show an improvement in productivity when compared to batch production. Additionally, the breakeven selling price of beta-carotene is shown to decrease by at least 30% for the multifeed bioreactor when compared to the single feed counterpart, demonstrating the ability of the multifeed reactor to reduce operating costs in bioreactor systems. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:902-912, 2017 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives A previous fall is a strong predictor of future falls. Recent epidemiologic data suggest that deficits in processing speed predict future injurious falls. Our primary objective was to determine a parsimonious predictive model of future falls among older adults who experienced ≥1 fall in the past 12 months based on the following categories: counts of (1) total, (2) indoor, (3) outdoor or (4) non-injurious falls; (5) one mild or severe injury fall (yes vs no); (6) an injurious instead of a non-injurious fall; and (7) an outdoor instead of an indoor fall. Design 12-month prospective cohort study. Setting Vancouver Falls Prevention Clinic, Canada (). Participants Two-hundred and eighty-eight community-dwelling older adults aged ≥70 years with a history of ≥1 fall resulting in medical attention in the previous 12 months. Measurements We employed principal component analysis to reduce the baseline predictor variables to a smaller set of five factors (i.e., processing speed, working memory, emotional functioning, physical functioning and body composition/fall risk profile). Second, we used the extracted five factors as predictors in regression models predicting the incidence of falls over a 12-month prospective observation period. We conducted regression analyses for the seven falls-related categories (defined above). Results Among older adults with a falls history, processing speed was the most consistent predictor of future falls; poorer processing speed predicted a greater number of total, indoor, outdoor, and non-injurious falls, and a greater likelihood of experiencing at least one mild or severe injurious fall (all P values < .01). Conclusion Poorer performance on the processing speed factor, a trainable factor, was independently associated with the most costly type of falls-injurious falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Most p53 mutations associated with cancer are located in its DNA binding domain (DBD). Many structures (X-ray and NMR) of this domain are available in the protein data bank (PDB) and a vast conformational heterogeneity characterizes the various free and complexed states. The major difference between the apo and the holo-complexed states appears to lie in the L1 loop. In particular, the conformations of this loop appear to depend intimately on the sequence of DNA to which it binds. This conclusion builds upon recent observations that implicate the tetramerization and the C-terminal domains (respectively TD and Cter) in DNA binding specificity. Detailed PCA analysis of the most recent collection of DBD structures from the PDB have been carried out. In contrast to recommendations that small molecules/drugs stabilize the flexible L1 loop to rescue mutant p53, our study highlights a need to retain the flexibility of the p53 DNA binding surface (DBS). It is the adaptability of this region that enables p53 to engage in the diverse interactions responsible for its functionality. Proteins 2016; 84:1443-1461. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutamate is a principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the auditory system. Our previous studies revealed localization of glutamate receptor mRNAs in the pigeon cochlear nuclei, suggesting the existence of glutamatergic input from the auditory nerve to the brainstem. This study demonstrated localization of mRNAs for vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vGluT2) and ionotropic glutamate receptors (AMPA, kainate and NMDA) in the auditory ganglion (AG) and cochlear nuclei (magnocellular, angular and laminar nuclei). VGluT2 mRNA was intensely expressed in AG and intensely or moderately in the cochlear nuclei. The AG and cochlear nuclei showed intense-to-moderate mRNA signals for GluA2, GluA3, GluA4, GluK4 and GluN1. These results suggest that the pigeon AG neurons receives glutamatergic input from hair cells and in turn projects to the magnocellular and angular nuclei. Glutamate may play a pivotal role in the excitatory synapse transmission in the peripheral auditory pathway of birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inhibitory glycine receptor (GlyR), a cys-loop ion channel receptor, mediates rapid synaptic inhibition in spinal cord, brainstem and higher centres of the mammalian central nervous system. Here, modulation of GlyR function by glucose and fructose was examined in recombinant alpha1 and alpha1/beta GlyRs using patch-clamp methods. Glucose was a positive modulator of the receptor, reducing the average EC50 for glycine up to 4.5-fold. Glucose reduced cell-to-cell variability of glycine-mediated currents by stabilizing receptors with low EC50. Pre-incubation with sugars for several hours also produced augmentation of current responses that persisted after sugar removal. Potentiation by sugars was most significant in the range between 5 and 20 mM, with EC50 values ~ 10 mM, i.e. at physiological levels. Addition of glucose had no significant influence on responses mediated by the other GlyR agonists like taurine, β-alanine or ivermectin, indicating that glucose specifically augmented glycine receptor-mediated responses, and did not act through indirect metabolic effects. Receptor modulation by glucose may account for differences in constants reported in the literature and may be clinically relevant for disorders with elevated blood glucose levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Beta-interferons ( IFNβ) are the most widely prescribed drugs for patients with multiple sclerosis ( MS). However, whether or not treatment with IFNβ can delay secondary progressive MS ( SPMS) onset remains unknown. Our aim was to examine the association between IFNβ exposure and SPMS onset in patients with relapsing−remitting MS ( RRMS). Methods A retrospective cohort study using British Columbia ( Canada) population-based clinical and health administrative data (1985-2008) was conducted. RRMS patients treated with IFNβ ( n = 794) were compared with untreated contemporary ( n = 933) and historical ( n = 837) controls. Cohort entry was the first clinic visit during which patients became eligible for IFNβ treatment (baseline). The outcome was time from baseline to SPMS onset. Cox regression models with IFNβ as a time-dependent exposure were adjusted for sex, and baseline age, disease duration, disability, *socioeconomic status and *comorbidities (*available for the contemporary cohorts only). Additional analyses included propensity score adjustment. Results The median follow-up for the IFNβ-treated, untreated contemporary and historical controls were 5.7, 3.7 and 7.3 years, and the proportions of patients reaching SPMS were 9.2%, 11.8% and 32.9%, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, IFNβ exposure was not associated with the risk of reaching SPMS when either the contemporary or the historical untreated cohorts were considered (hazard ratio 1.07; 95% confidence interval 0.93-1.48, and hazard ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval 0.74-1.46, respectively). Further adjustments and the propensity score yielded results consistent with the main analysis. Conclusions Amongst patients with RRMS, use of IFNβ was not associated with a delayed onset of SPMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RATIONALE: A number of synthetic cannabinoids such as the 1-alkyl-3-acylindoles are the target of significant designer drug activity. One of the first waves of these compounds identified in clandestine samples was 1-n-pentyl-3-(1- naphthoyl)indole, JWH-018. These totally synthetic molecules can be prepared in a number of regioisomeric forms. METHODS: The electron ionization mass spectrometric (EI-MS) fragmentation of the 1-n-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole is compared to its inverse isomer 1-naphthoyl-3-n-pentylindole. These two substances are directly available from indole using identical precursor reagents and similar reaction conditions. Stable isotope deuterium labeling of the three major regions of the JWH-018 molecule allows confirmation of the structures of the major fragment ions. The spectra for the 1-n-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)-d5-indole, 1-n-pentyl-3-(1-d77-naphthoyl)indole and 1-d11-n-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole provide significant assistance in elucidating the structures for the major fragment ions in JWH-018. RESULTS: The EI mass spectra for these isomers show a number of unique ions which allow for the differentiation of the 1-alkyl-3-acylindole compounds from the inverse regioisomeric 1-acyl-3-alkylindoles. The fragment ion [M-17]+ at m/z 324 for JWH-018 was formed by the elimination of a hydroxyl radical and the spectra of the three deuterium-labeled derivatives indicated the loss of hydrogen from the naphthalene ring. Further structural analogues suggest the hydrogen to come from the 8-position of the naphthalene ring. CONCLUSIONS: The three deuterium-labeled analogues provide significant assistance in confirming the structures for the major fragment ions in the mass spectrum of the traditional synthetic cannabinoid compound, 1-n-pentyl-3-(1- naphthoyl)indole, JWH-018. The 1-naphthoyl-3-n-pentylindole inverse regioisomer can be easily differentiated from the traditional synthetic cannabinoid compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This study investigated the periodontal regenerative potential of gingival margin-derived stem/progenitor cells ( G- MSCs) in conjunction with IL-1ra-releasing hyaluronic acid synthetic extracellular matrix ( HA-s ECM). Materials and Methods Periodontal defects were induced at four sites in eight miniature pigs in the premolar/molar area (−4 weeks). Autologus G- MSCs were isolated from the free gingival margin and magnetically sorted, using anti- STRO-1 antibodies. Colony formation and multilineage differentiation potential were tested. The G- MSCs were expanded and incorporated into IL-1ra-loaded/unloaded HA-s ECM. Within every miniature pig, four periodontal defects were randomly treated with IL-1ra/ G- MSCs/ HA-s ECM (test group), G- MSCs/ HA-s ECM (positive-control), scaling and root planing ( SRP; negative control-1) or left untreated (no-treatment group; negative control 2). Differences in clinical attachment level (Δ CAL), probing depth (Δ PD), gingival recession (Δ GR), radiographic defect volume (Δ RDV), and changes in bleeding on probing ( BOP) between baseline and 16 weeks post-transplantation, as well as periodontal attachment level ( PAL), junctional epithelium length ( JE), connective tissue adhesion ( CTA), cementum regeneration ( CR) and bone regeneration ( BR) at 16 weeks post-transplantation were evaluated. Results Isolated G- MSCs showed stem/progenitor cell characteristics. IL-1ra loaded and unloaded G- MSCs/ HA-s ECM showed higher Δ CAL, Δ PD, Δ GR, PAL, CR and BR as well as a lower JE compared to their negative controls and improved BOP. Conclusion G- MSCs in conjunction with IL-1ra-loaded/unloaded HA-s ECM show a significant periodontal regenerative potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the prevalence and factors associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA) defined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and specific OA features on MRI 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods Isotropic 3.0T MRI scans were obtained for 111 participants (71 men; mean ± SD age 30 ± 8 years) 1 year after ACLR as well as for 20 age-, sex-, and activity level-matched uninjured controls. The MRI OA Knee Score was used to score specific OA features. MRI-defined tibiofemoral and patellofemoral OA was evaluated based on published criteria. Logistic regression identified factors associated with MRI-defined OA and specific OA features after ACLR. Results Following ACLR, medial and lateral tibiofemoral OA on MRI was observed in 7 participants (6%) and 12 participants (11%), respectively, while 19 participants (17%) had patellofemoral OA on MRI. The femoral trochlea was the region most affected by bone marrow lesions (19% of participants), cartilage lesions (31% of participants), and osteophytes (37% of participants). Meniscectomy at the time of ACLR (odds ratio 6.8 [95% confidence interval 2.0-23.3]) and body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 (odds ratio 3.0 [95% confidence interval 1.3-6.9]) predicted MRI-defined tibiofemoral OA and osteophytes, respectively. Men had higher odds of patellofemoral osteophytes (odds ratio 6.3 [95% confidence interval 2.4-16.2]). No uninjured controls had tibiofemoral or patellofemoral OA on MRI, and specific OA features were uncommon. Conclusion OA 1 year following ACLR was more common than previously recognized, while being absent in uninjured control knees. The patellofemoral compartment seems to be at particular risk for early OA after ACLR, especially in men. The association with meniscectomy and BMI demonstrates the construct validity of MRI criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of N-substituted piperazines have been described as drugs of abuse in recent years. This new drug category includes several series of aromatic ring substituted phenylpiperazines. The wide variety of available precursors makes regioisomerism a significant issue in these totally synthetic compounds. In this study, a complete series of regioisomeric dimethoxyphenylpiperazines were synthesized and evaluated using GC- MS and FT- IR. The EI mass spectra show fragments characteristic of both the dimethoxyphenyl and the piperazine portions of the molecules including the dimethoxyphenylaziridinium cation (m/z 180) and dimethoxyphenyl cation (m/z 137). The ion at m/z 56 for the C3H6N+ fragment is characteristic of the piperazine ring and was observed in all the spectra. The perfluoroacyl derivatives were resolved by GC, and their mass spectra showed some differences in relative abundance of ions. FTIR provides direct confirmatory data for differentiation between the regioisomeric dimethoxyphenylpiperazines, and GC separation was accomplished on an Rtx-200 phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY The problem of finite element simulation of incompressible fluid flow in porous medium is considered. The porous medium is characterized by the X-ray microtomography technique in three dimensions. The finite calculus-based stabilization technique is reviewed to implement the equal order finite element interpolation functions for both velocity and pressure. A noble preconditioner, the nodal block diagonal preconditioner, is considered whose performance is thoroughly investigated. Combining this preconditioner with a standard iterative solver during the computational homogenization procedure, it is possible to carry out the large-scale fluid flow simulation for estimating permeability of the porous medium with reasonable accuracy and reliability. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose It was recently reported that there was no significant overall association between interferon beta exposure and disability progression in relapsing−remitting multiple sclerosis ( RRMS) patients in an observational study from Canada. In the current study, the potential for heterogeneity in the association between exposure to interferon beta and disability progression across patients' baseline characteristics was investigated. Methods RRMS patients treated with interferon beta ( n = 868) and two cohorts of untreated patients (829 contemporary and 959 historical controls) were included. The main outcome was time from interferon beta treatment eligibility (baseline) to a confirmed and sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale ( EDSS) score 6 using a multivariable Cox model, with treatment as a time-varying predictor, testing interaction effects for five pre-specified baseline characteristics: sex, age, disease duration, EDSS and annualized relapse rate ( ARR) based on the previous 2 years. Results Significant heterogeneity was found in the association of interferon beta exposure and disability progression only across ARR, and only when treated patients were compared with historical controls ( P = 0.005 at a Bonferroni-adjusted alpha of 0.01). For patients with ARR>1, treatment-exposed time was associated with a hazard ratio of 0.38 (95% CI 0.20-0.75) for disability progression compared with the unexposed time. Conclusions RRMS patients with more frequent relapses at baseline may be more likely to benefit from interferon beta treatment with respect to long-term disability progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]