Search

Summary: Very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFAs; C24-38) constitute a unique class of PUFA that have important biological roles, but the lack of a suitable dietary source has limited research in this field. We produced an n-3 C24-28-rich VLCPUFA-oil concentrated from fish oil to study its bioavailability and physiological functions in C57BL/6J mice. The serum and retinal C24:5 levels increased significantly compared to control after a single-dose gavage, and VLCPUFAs were incorporated into the liver, brain, and eyes after 8-week supplementation. Dietary VLCPUFAs resulted in favorable cardiometabolic changes, and improved electroretinography responses and visual performance. VLCPUFA supplementation changed the expression of genes involved in PPAR signaling pathways. Further in vitro studies demonstrated that the VLCPUFA-oil and chemically synthesized C24:5 are potent agonists for PPARs. The multiple potential beneficial effects of fish oil-derived VLCPUFAs on cardiometabolic risk and eye health in mice support future efforts to develop VLCPUFA-oil into a supplemental therapy.

Background: Denture during its in vivo service encounters myriad food pigments and numerous physico-mechanical dynamic changes. Denture discoloration is one of the unresolved problems that should be unraveled to satisfy the esthetic demands of the patients. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the color stability of a novel denture base copolymer with 10% and 20% (vol/vol) concentration of cycloaliphatic comonomer. Materials and Methods: Control group (G0) comprises specimens made without cycloaliphatic comonomer. The specimens of trial groups G10 and G20 were fabricated with 10% and 20% cycloaliphatic comonomer, respectively. For each group, thirty specimens (n = 30) were made. The specimens (n = 10) were immersed in three food colorant solutions (erythrosine, tartrazine, sunset yellow) for 56 days after artificial thermal aging. Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer was employed to measure the tristimulus values and calculate the color change (ΔE) of the specimens prior to and following rapid thermal aging or immersion of the specimens in the food colorants. Results: G0 showed the highest ΔE and G20 exhibited the least with each colorant. G10 had an intermediate imperceptible ΔE with each colorant. Also, significant differences (P = .000) existed between the food colorants within each group. The highest ΔE value was observed with sunset yellow and the lowest ΔE with tartrazine with each group. Conclusion: The addition of cycloaliphatic comonomer in denture base acrylic resins improved the color stability. The new copolymer with 20 Vol.% comonomer exhibited the highest color stability with all the food colorants.

Background: There are numerous artificial denture tooth materials available of which acrylic resin teeth were used widely. The resin teeth bond chemically to the denture base resin, and this bonding is affected by numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The type of cross-linker in the denture base monomer is one such factor which has a questionable influence on the bond strength. Recently, cycloaliphatic comonomer was added in the methyl methacrylate monomer and the resultant novel copolymer possessed good physico-mechanical and biological properties. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) between acrylic denture tooth and resultant novel copolymer after cyclic loading and thermal aging. Materials and Methods: Sixty central incisor denture teeth were bonded to three types of acrylic denture base resin groups (n = 20 per group) categorized based on the presence of the cycloaliphatic comonomer – Control group (G0): denture bases without cycloaliphatic comonomer and trial groups G10 and G20 contain 10 vol.% and 20 vol.% comonomer, respectively, substituted in the denture base monomer component. The specimens were processed and subjected to cyclic loading and thermal aging which was then followed by SBS testing. Results: G20 possessed the highest SBS followed by G10. G0 had the least SBS. All the specimens of the control and trial groups exhibited adhesive–cohesive mixed failure at the resin tooth–base resin interface. Conclusion: The addition of cycloaliphatic comonomer increased the SBS between the resultant novel copolymer and the resin teeth after cyclic loading and thermal aging.

Lutein, a photo- and thermo-labile macular pigment, prevents the retina from suffering ocular inflammation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, its biological activity is poor due to poor solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, we developed a PLGA NCs (+PL), (poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanocarrier with phospholipid) to improve the biological availability and bioefficacy of lutein in the retina of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lutein-devoid (LD) mice. The effect of lutein-loaded NCs with/without PL was studied in comparison with micellar lutein. The induction of inflammation by LPS significantly increased the production of nitrites in the LPS-induced group, revealing higher levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the serum (760%) and retina (891%) compared to the control group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the serum (93%) and retina (205%) of the LPS-induced group were higher compared to the control group. LPS induction resulted in increased protein carbonyls in the serum (481%) and retina (487%) of the LPS group compared to the control group. Further, to conclude, lutein-PLGA NCs (+PL) effectively down-regulated inflammatory complications in the retina.

Background: Polymerization shrinkage is an innate characteristic of thermo-polymerized denture base acrylic resin. Volumetric shrinkage is still a problem, although myriad material modifications. Ring-opening oxaspiro monomers have promising volumetric expansions of about 7%. These monomers have diminished the shrinkage in dental filling resins through copolymerization (CP). However, their CP with denture base resins is not reported yet. Purpose: The aim is to confirm the CP of an oxaspiro monomer with methyl methacrylate (MMA) by radical-cationic hybrid polymerization and to assess the degree of conversion (DC) of the formed copolymer. Materials and Methods: The oxaspiro monomer was synthesized by a transesterification reaction. The study groups were based on the composition and thermo-polymerization method. The control and E1 groups were thermo-polymerized in water-bath, whereas the E2 group in a laboratory autoclave. Both E1 and E2 groups contained the oxaspiro monomer and cationic initiator. E2 group had an additional radical initiator. The CP and DC were confirmed and assessed by infrared spectroscopy. Results: Accentuation of carbonyl peak, the disappearance of the spiro-carbon peak, and the appearance of ether linkages in experimental groups confirmed the ring-opening. E2 group had the highest DC. Conclusion: The oxaspiro monomer successfully copolymerized with MMA and had good DC.

Background: Various clinical methods for recording the condylar guidance (CG) are the intraoral check bite method, graphic tracings, and functional recordings. Accuracy of graphic tracings is affected by patient-related factors such as neuromuscular control of the individual, stability of record bases as well as stability of recording media. The current recommended average settings using Hanau's formula questionable, and thus reassessment is needed. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to use radiographic technique to determine the lateral CG and compare these values with those obtained using Hanau's formula and to evaluate whether there are differences between the right and left paths of the condyles. Materials and Methods: Twenty completely edentulous patients were selected. Articulator was modified with sectioned protractor for obtaining per degree interval calibration. With the protrusive records, the horizontal CG (H) was adjusted and the Bennett's angle (LCG-C) was calculated using the formula. With the tracing device in the mouth, sub-mento vertex projection radiographs were obtained. Each radiograph was traced and superimposed for Bennett angle determination (LCG-M). Results: The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of right and left LCG-C were 15.45 (0.8) and 15.50 (0.7), respectively. The median (IQR) of right and left LCG-M were 37.00 (6.0) and 36.50 (6.8), respectively. A statistically significant difference exists between LCG-C and LCG-M. Both LCG-C and-M values exhibited no variations on both sides. Conclusions: Radiographic technique yielded an amplified LCG when compared to the value obtained by Hanau's formula.

Background: 3,9-Dimethylene-1,5,7,11-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecane (DMTOSU) is a double ring-opening monomer that exhibits expansion upon polymerization and may be used as a denture base resin's comonomer to offset or minimize polymerization shrinkage. It's synthesis by transesterification reaction (TE) catalyzed by distannoxane is not reported in the literature. The synthesis became the prime concern because this monomer is hardly available commercially. Purpose: The purpose is to confirm the DMTOSU synthesis and compare the synthesized monomers obtained by two different catalytic processes through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies. Materials and Methods: Scheme I synthesis was by TE catalyzed by dichlorotetrabutyl distannoxane (DCBS) yielding M1 monomer. Scheme II synthesis was catalyzed by dibutyltin oxide-carbon disulfide (DBTO-CS2) yielding M2 monomer. Results: The appearance of a characteristic peak at 1212 cm−1 in FTIR spectrum, a doublet at δ 4.95 in 1H-NMR spectrum and a peak at δ 117.12 in 13C-NMR spectrum confirmed the synthesis of DMTOSU-M1catalyzed by DCBS, which is not significantly different from DMTOSU-M2 catalyzed by DBTO-CS2. Conclusion: The catalytic action of DCBS is a successful alternative to the DBTO-CS2 catalysis in DMTOSU synthesis.

Background: Restorative dentistry is impossible without composite resins. Toxicity of these resins is common though possessing favorable properties. Modifications of the resin matrix are being executed to improve the properties of the material. Dipentaerythritol penta-/hexa-acrylate (DPEPHA) monomer has been recently identified as a cross-linking comonomer with the conventional resin matrix. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the histocompatibility of DPEPHA comonomer in photopolymerized resin at 20 and 40 wt.% concentrations in rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen male Wister rats were subjected to subcutaneous implantation of conventional resin specimens without DPEPHA (G0) and with DPEPHA at 20 wt.% (G20) and 40 wt.% (G40) concentrations. Then, the rats were subdivided according to the time of resection of the implantation sites at 1, 2, and 4 weeks (n = 6 rats). Tissue specimens were submitted to histopathological analysis. Results: Except for 4 weeks' time interval, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the inflammation among the groups at each time interval. The order of inflammation was NC

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of resectable hepatoblastoma (HB), it has not been established whether upfront surgery (UF) at diagnosis or neoadjuvant chemotherapy and delayed surgery (DL) is preferred. We compared patients with localized HB who underwent either UF, or DL after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the Childrens Hepatic tumors International Collaboration (CHIC) database of 1605 cases enrolled in eight multicenter hepatoblastoma trials between 1988 and 2010. METHODS: Among the 512 resectable HB patients who had PRETEXT (PRETreament EXTent of disease) I or II unruptured tumors at diagnosis without extrahepatic invasion, distant metastases, or massive vascular invasion, 172 underwent UF and 340 underwent DL. The primary outcomes were event-free and overall survivals after start of treatment in these two groups. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Maier analysis with long-rank tests and multivariable Cox regression models. FINDINGS: Complete resection rates were comparable (93.6% in UF and 89.7% in DL). The total cycles of chemotherapy of DL (median:6) were significantly more than those of UF (median:4) (P

Background: Eugenol released from zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE)–based sealants may cause irritation to the periapical tissues and has cytotoxic potential. Ozone therapy has numerous clinical applications with humans because of its bactericidal action, detoxifying effect, stimulation of angiogenesis, and wound-healing capacity. Therefore ozone can be incorporated in ZOE sealer to exploit these properties. Materials and Methods: Eugenol was ozonated using ozonator machine and the samples were divided into two groups: Group I: zinc oxide eugenol (n = 10) and Group II: zinc oxide–ozonated eugenol (OZOE; n = 10). The pH of the fresh sealer samples and the set samples was measured using calibrated pH meter after predetermined time intervals. Cytotoxicity of the set sealer was evaluated on mouse L929 fibroblasts using cellular metabolic assay. Results: pH of the samples in Group II was higher when compared to Group I. Group II showed higher cell viability than the Group I. Conclusion: OZOE sealers can be used as an alternative to the conventional ZOE sealers.

Background: Prosthodontics is impossible without denture base resins. Allergic reactions to these resins are not uncommon, albeit favorable properties. Monomeric modifications are being done to improve the properties of the material. Tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (TCDDMDA) monomer has been recently identified and experimented as a comonomer with methyl methacrylate (MMA). Aim: This study aimed to investigate the histocompatibility of TCDDMDA comonomer in polymerized resin at 10% and 20% (vol/vol) concentrations in rats by histomorphometric analysis. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: NP group (control; n = 6), with no palatal appliance, Groups P0, P10, and P20 were fixed with palatal appliances fabricated of 100% MMA, 10% TCDDMDA + 90% MMA, and 20% TCDDMDA + 80% MMA, respectively. Weights of the animals were recorded just before the appliance placement and after 14 days. The animals were sacrificed, and the palatal tissues were processed for histopathological analysis. Histomorphometric parameters assessed were total epithelial (ET), connective tissue (CT), and keratin layer (KT) thicknesses. Results: No significant difference was observed regarding body weight. Group P0 showed increased ET, CT, and KT when compared to other groups. Bonferroni multiple comparison tests showed a statistically significant difference between all the groups except between P10 and P20 for all the three morphometric parameters. Conclusion: Palatal appliances with TCDDMDA comonomer showed good histocompatibility in rats up to 20% (vol/vol) concentration.

Background: Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a widely used resin in the field of prosthodontics for fabricating myriad orofacial prostheses. Albeit several advantages, it possesses certain lacunae concerning physicomechanical properties. Purpose: This in vitro research aimed to evaluate the surface roughness (SR) and hardness (SH) of heat-cured PMMA processed with a cycloaliphatic monomer, tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate (TCDDMDA), in methyl methacrylate at various concentrations. Materials and Methods: Groups have been divided into control (SRC and SHC) and experimental groups (SR10 and 20; SH10 and 20). Forty-five PMMA disc specimens were prepared. SR was assessed using a nanomechanical testing machine and the arithmetic roughness (Ra) was recorded. The same specimens were then subjected to Vicker’s microhardness testing and Vicker’s hardness number (VHN) was obtained. Data were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni tests (α=0.05). Results: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) of SRC, SR10, and 20 groups were 111.415 nm (0.789), 62.666 nm (0.482), and 41.004 nm (0.561), respectively. The mean (SD) VHN of SHC, SH10, and 20 groups were 21.003 (0.252), 23.975 (0.207), and 34.622 (0.079), respectively. Conclusion: The addition of TCDDMDA markedly decreased the SR and increased the SH of the experimental groups.

ImportanceThere is an increasing number of cancer 'survivors' and increasing research into supportive care. However, it is unknown how patterns of attention and citation differ between supportive and non-supportive cancer care research. We sought to estimate the engagement of high-impact studies of supportive compared to non-supportive cancer care papers.MethodsIn a cross-sectional review of top oncology journals (2016-2023), we reviewed studies examining supportive care strategies and a frequency-matched random sampling of studies on non-supportive interventions. We compared data on social engagement metrics, as represented by Altmetric scores and citations and funding status, by supportive care or non-supportive care articles.ResultsWe found overall Altmetric scores were no different between articles that did not test supportive care and those that did, with a numerically higher score for supportive care articles (86.0 vs 102; p=0.416). Other bibliometric statistics (such as the number of blogs, number of X users, and the number of X posts) obtained from Altmetric did not differ significantly between the two groups. Non-supportive cancer care papers had a significantly higher number of citations than supportive cancer care papers (45.6 in supportive care vs 141 in non-supportive care papers; p

CDK4/6 inhibitors are oral agents inhibiting key molecules of the cell cycle regulation. In patients with endocrine receptor positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer, the combination of CDK4/6 inhibitors with endocrine therapy is an effective treatment in the metastatic setting. Now, two studies in the adjuvant setting - MonarchE (2 years of abemaciclib) and NATALEE (3 years of ribociclib) - report positive invasive disease-free survival. Here, we re-evaluate these seminal trials. First, an excess drop-out or loss-to-follow up occurred early in the control arms of both studies. Since both trials are open-label, there is concern that the patients who drop-out do not do so at random but based on socioeconomic factors and alternative options. Is it possible that the results merely appear favorable due to loss to follow up? Based on re-constructed Kaplan-Meier curves, we concluded the results of these studies remain fragile, being prone to informative censoring. Secondly, adverse events were notably higher in both trials, and some of them, like COVID-19 related deaths in NATALEE, raise serious concerns. Third, the potential costs associated with CDK4/6 inhibition given as adjuvant therapy are unprecedented. The NATALEE strategy, in particular, could affect up to 35 % of patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, which is the cancer with the highest incidence worldwide. Without confirmatory data based on a placebo-controlled trial, or better identification of patients that would benefit from the addition of CDK4/6 inhibitors in the adjuvant setting, we argue against their routine use as adjuvant therapy in ER+ /HER2- early breast cancer.

Since the publication of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) in 2013, the macular pigment carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) have become well known to both the eye care community and the public. It is a fascinating aspect of evolution that primates have repurposed photoprotective pigments and binding proteins from plants and insects to protect and enhance visual acuity. Moreover, utilization of these plant-derived nutrients has been widely embraced for preventing vision loss from age-related macular degeneration. More recently, there has been growing awareness that these nutrients can also play a role in improving visual performance in adults. On the other hand, the potential benefits of L and Z supplementation at very young ages have been underappreciated. In this review, we examine the biochemical mechanisms and supportive data for L and Z supplementation throughout the lifespan, with particular emphasis on prenatal supplementation. We propose that prenatal nutritional recommendations may aim at improving maternal and infant carotenoid status. Prenatal supplementation with L and Z might enhance infant visual development and performance and may even prevent retinopathy of prematurity, possibilities that should be examined in future clinical studies.