First report of an Ivorian family with nonsyndromic hearing loss caused by GJB2 compound heterozygous variants.

The primary etiology of congenital hearing loss is attributed to genetic factors, with GJB2 identified as a pivotal gene across diverse ethnic groups. Additionally, nonsyndromic hearing loss is predominantly inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. We used Sanger sequencing to analyze GJB2 in 17 deaf children from 13 unrelated Ivory Coast families. One family had two children born with severe congenital deafness and exhibited pathogenic compound heterozygous variants. These variants included a nonsense substitution (c.132G > A or p.Trp44Ter) and a newly discovered duplication of 7 base pairs (c.205_211dupTTCCCCA or p.Ser72ProfsTer32). Segregation testing confirmed these variants, marking the first identification of GJB2 in an Ivorian family with congenital hearing loss.

Optix and cortex/ivory/mir-193 again: the repeated use of two mimicry hotspot loci.

The extent to which evolution is repeatable has been a debated topic among evolutionary biologists. Although rewinding the tape of life perhaps would not lead to the same outcome every time, repeated evolution of analogous genes for similar functions has been extensively reported. Wing phenotypes of butterflies and moths have provided a wealth of examples of gene re-use, with certain 'hotspot loci' controlling wing patterns across diverse taxa. Here, we present an example of convergent evolution in the molecular genetic basis of Batesian wing mimicry in two Hypolimnas butterfly species. We show that mimicry is controlled by variation near cortex/ivory/mir-193, a known butterfly hotspot locus. By dissecting the genetic architecture of mimicry in Hypolimnas misippus and Hypolimnas bolina, we present evidence that distinct non-coding regions control the development of white pattern elements in the forewing and hindwing of the two species, suggesting independent evolution, and that no structural variation is found at the locus. Finally, we also show that orange coloration in H. bolina is associated with optix, a well-known patterning gene. Overall, our study once again implicates variation near the hotspot loci cortex/ivory/mir-193 and optix in butterfly wing mimicry and thereby highlights the repeatability of adaptive evolution.

Identification of microbial diversity in buried ivory soil at the Sanxingdui site in Guanghan City, China, using high-throughput sequencing.

Introduction: The Sanxingdui Site in Guanghan City, Sichuan Province, China, is one of the precious heritage sites of the ancient Chinese civilization. Archaeological work at Sanxingdui is of great significance in clarifying the origins and main contents of the ancient Shu culture and the Yangtze River civilization. Since the 1920s, archaeologists have conducted extensive excavations and research at the site, with particular attention given to the large number of ivory artifacts unearthed. However, the buried ivory is influenced by soil pH, temperature, humidity, and other physical and chemical factors, along with the potential impact of microbial activities that may lead to the corrosion and decomposition of ivory. By understanding the types and activities of microorganisms, appropriate measures can be taken to protect and preserve cultural relics. Methods: Multi-point sampling of soil samples around the ivory of the three sacrificial pits at the Sanxingdui site was carried out, and strict aseptic operation was carried out during the sampling process. Subsequently, the microbial community structure and diversity in the buried ivory soil of Sanxingdui site were identified and analyzed by Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. Results: 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer sequence analysis revealed significant differences in the soil microbial community structure among different sacrificial pits. The dominant bacterial phyla were the Proteobacteria, GAL15, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Methylomirabilota. The dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycota, Mortierellomhcota, and Basidiomycota. Most dominant bacterial and fungal communities play an indispensable role in the ivory corrosion mechanism, promoting the decay and decomposition process through various means such as decomposing organic matter and producing acidic substances. Discussion: It is particularly important to take a series of measures to control microbial activity to effectively protect ivory. Our preliminary study of the mechanism of action of microorganisms on ivory in a buried environment provides a scientific basis to prevent and protect against microbial degradation in ancient ivory unearthed in Sanxingdui. Following the research results, suitable antibacterial agents tailored to the preservation environment and microbial characteristics of ancient ivory can be prepared. Ensure that the selected antibacterial agents meet safety and effectiveness requirements to maximize protection against microbial degradation of ancient ivory.

Decomposing Education-Based Inequalities in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Knowledge for HIV Prevention Among Women in Cote d'Ivoire.

Background: Antiretroviral chemoprophylaxis is a promising strategy for preventing the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The knowledge of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is required for intervention uptake and adherence to prevent the spread of HIV. This study aimed to decompose education-based inequalities in PrEP knowledge for HIV prevention among reproductive-aged women in Cote d'Ivoire. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with a nationally representative sample of 12,934 women aged 15-49 years was analyzed from the 2021 Cote d'Ivoire Demographic and Health Survey. The survey was conducted between September to December, 2021. The outcome variable was the knowledge of PrEP for HIV prevention. Statistical analysis was conducted using percentage, concentration index, and Lorenz curve. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A weighted prevalence of 14.5% (95% CI: 12.5-16.3%) was estimated for PrEP knowledge for HIV prevention. Overall, educated women had a higher knowledge of PrEP for HIV prevention (Conc. Index= 0.225; SE= 0.012; p<0.001). Across the levels of women's characteristics, the results showed higher PrEP knowledge for HIV prevention among educated women. Education (Contri: 40.7327%, Ec: 0.5390), exposure to internet (Contri: 20.1039%, Ec: 0.3484), place of residence (Contri: 12.9801%, Ec: -0.0537), household wealth (Contri: 10.0062%, Ec: 0.0642) and religion (Contri: 5.7509%, Ec: 0.0354) were positive contributors to PrEP knowledge for HIV prevention. On the other hand, age (Contri: -8.8298%, Ec: -0.0950) and region (Contri: -3.5942, Ec: -0.0768) were negative contributors to PrEP knowledge regarding HIV prevention among women of reproductive age in Cote d'Ivoire. Conclusion: There is limited knowledge of PrEP for HIV prevention among women in Cote d'Ivoire. Educated women had greater knowledge of PrEP for HIV prevention. The results of this study could guide interventions targeted to enhance the knowledge of PrEP as an HIV prevention option.

Treatment adherence in retinoblastoma: A retro-prospective cohort study in Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

BACKGROUND: In high-income countries, retinoblastoma is curable in more than 95% of cases, whereas in low-income countries, mortality remains high, especially when the diagnosis is made late or the treatment is discontinued. AIMS: To determine the factors associated with adherence to the treatment of retinoblastoma in the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). METHODS AND RESULTS: A retro-prospective cohort study was carried out. Data were collected from patient folders and follow-up records of parents. RESULTS: A total of 175 children with retinoblastoma were registered from January 2013 to December 2015. Seventy-six children (43%) were 5 years old and above. Care costs were covered by families in 86.9% of cases. Chemotherapy refusal was recorded in 39 cases (22.3%), and enucleation refusal was recorded in 79 cases (45.1%). After 36 months of follow-up, we recorded 16.6% deaths, 27.4% treatment dropouts, and 18.3% loss to follow-up after treatment. The commonest cause for enucleation refusal was fear of infirmity, while chemotherapy refusal and absconding treatment were due to financial constraints. CONCLUSION: Poor adherence to retinoblastoma management was due to financial constraints, and a lack of knowledge of the disease and its treatment. Family psychosocial support is needed to improve this condition.

Best billiard ball in the 19th century: Composite materials made of celluloid and bone as substitutes for ivory.

The demystification of how 19th-century novelly designed materials became significant elements of modern technological, economic, and cultural life requires a complete understanding of the material dimensions of historical artifacts. The objects frequently described as the earliest manufactured plastic products-the billiard balls made by John Wesley Hyatt and his associates from the late 1860s-are examined closely for the first time and are found to be more complex and functionally more successful than has been described. Modern analytical techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, micro-Fourier transformed infrared, and handheld/micro-Raman spectroscopies were used to reveal the complex composition of the Smithsonian Institution's "original" 1868 celluloid billiard ball. Comparisons with billiard and pool balls commercialized from the 1880s to the 1960s showed an unexpected consistency in material formulations. All specimens were made of an unprecedented composite material prepared with a mixture of cellulose nitrate, camphor, and ground bone; the source of the bone was identified as cattle by peptide mass fingerprint (ZooMS). Patent specifications and contemporary journal descriptions explained how and when these formulations emerged. Combining the technical analyses of compositions with a careful reading of the historical record and contemporary descriptions reveals the key elements of the first successful efforts to substitute materials to assist the survival of endangered animals.

Residents' perception and impact of COVID-19 on ecotourism in West Africa: The case of Banco National Park in Côte d'Ivoire.

Ecotourism, as a means of fostering socio-economic level of local communities and contributing to the conservation of forest resources, is important for development in low-income countries. This work investigates the extent to which local people support the continuation of ecotourism during the COVID-19 pandemic and their attitudes towards resource conservation in Banco National Park in Côte d'Ivoire using social exchange theory (SET) as a foundation. A closed-ended questionnaire was used to conduct a survey with 150 informants selected among residents around the park. The data were analyzed using descriptive, correlational, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approaches. The results showed that residents' perception of the impacts of ecotourism strongly affects their support for tourism development during the COVID-19 pandemic (ß = 0.918, p < 0.05). The socio-cultural (ß = 0.275, p < 0.05) and environmental (ß = 0.309, p < 0.05) benefits of ecotourism are the key determinants of the residents' perception and their support for ecotourism within the park during COVID-19 pandemic. The findings also revealed that economic benefits from ecotourism are linked to residents' perceptions of the qualities of the tourism place (ß = 0.363, p < 0.05). Overall, local people around Banco Park recognize that ecotourism produces more benefits than detriments. The COVID-19 pandemic, a painful and unexpected event, has not blunted their support for the continuation of ecotourism. This study calls for the integration of local residents' opinions in the development of the ecotourism sector in Côte d'Ivoire. It is a first step in determining residents' attitudes towards ecotourism in West Africa in a post-COVID context, and the results constitute a starting point for future studies.

[Epidemiology of malaria in the French Armed Forces]. / Épidémiologie du paludisme dans les armées françaises.

Because of the individual morbidity and lethality and the resulting collective incapacity, malaria has always been a risk for the Armed Forces in operation. The fight against malaria is a real public health plan carried out by the Armed Forces Health Service (SSA) for the benefit of the Forces. This plan has four main components: vector control, which targets larvae and adult mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles, personal vector protection, which limits human-vector contact, chemoprophylaxis, and early diagnosis and treatment of malaria.Since 2001, the epidemiology of malaria in the Armed Forces have suffered from large-scale epidemics during operational engagements in Côte d'Ivoire, Guyana and the Central African Republic. The start of a military operation is accompanied by strategic and logistical priorities that take precedence over prevention. In addition, the rigorous application of personal protection measures remains difficult and even more so in a combat situation.The development of urban malaria in Africa, the use of causal chemoprophylaxis, the alternative to "nothing but insecticides", and the development of efficient diagnostic tools allowing for early and adapted management are the challenges ahead for the SSA.

Dietary Taurine Intake Affects the Growth Performance, Lipid Composition, and Antioxidant Defense of Juvenile Ivory Shell (Babylonia areolata).

In this study, an eight-week feeding trial was performed to investigate the effects of different taurine supplementation levels (0.0% as control, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, and 3.0%) on the growth performance, lipid composition, and antioxidant ability in juvenile ivory shells Babylonia areolata. The results showed that taurine supplementation significantly improved the specific growth rates (SGRs) and survival rates of ivory shell (except the survival rate in the 3.0% taurine diet group) (p < 0.05). The SGRs showed an increasing and then decreasing tendency with increasing dietary taurine supplementation, and the highest value was observed in the 2.0% taurine diet (2.60%/d). The taurine content in the muscle of ivory shells fed taurine-supplemented diets significantly increased when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The profiles of C22:2n6 in the muscle of ivory shells fed taurine-supplemented diets were significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05), and the highest values were observed in the 2.0% taurine supplementation group. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) content in the hepatopancreas showed an increasing and then decreasing tendency with increasing dietary taurine supplementation, while the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration showed a decreasing tendency. Furthermore, the activities of pepsin and lipase in both the intestine and hepatopancreas significantly increased at moderate taurine supplementation levels compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Accordingly, obvious increases in the histological parameters in the intestine of ivory shells fed taurine-supplemented diets were also found. As for the antioxidant ability, the activities of the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed an increasing and then decreasing tendency with increasing dietary taurine supplementation, and the highest values were observed in the 1.0% and 1.0-2.0% taurine supplementation groups, respectively; the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents significantly decreased with increasing dietary taurine supplementation (p < 0.05). The taurine intake affected the expression of four appetite-related genes in the hepatopancreas, in which orexin and NPY showed an increasing and then decreasing tendency, while leptin and cholecyatoklnin decreased with increasing dietary taurine supplementation. In conclusion, moderate taurine supplementation in an artificial diet (about 1.5-2.0%) could improve the growth performance and antioxidant ability and change the lipid composition of juvenile ivory shells.

Assessment of cyanotoxins in water and fish in an African freshwater lagoon (Lagoon Aghien, Ivory Coast) and the application of WHO guidelines.

In comparison with northern countries, limited data are available on the occurrence and potential toxicity of cyanobacterial blooms in lakes and ponds in sub-Saharan countries. With the aim of enhancing our knowledge on cyanobacteria and their toxins in Africa, we performed a 17-month monitoring of a freshwater ecosystem, Lagoon Aghien (Ivory Coast), which is used for multiple practices by riverine populations and for drinking water production in Abidjan city. The richness and diversity of the cyanobacterial community were high and displayed few variations during the entire survey. The monthly average abundances ranged from 4.1 × 104 to 1.8 × 105 cell mL-1, with higher abundances recorded during the dry seasons. Among the five cyanotoxin families analyzed (anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin, homoanatoxin, microcystins, saxitoxin), only microcystins (MC) were detected with concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.364 µg L-1 in phytoplankton cells, from 32 to 1092 µg fresh weight (FW) kg-1 in fish intestines, and from 33 to 383 µg FW kg-1 in fish livers. Even if the MC concentrations in water and fish are low, usually below the thresholds defined in WHO guidelines, these data raise the issue of the relevance of these WHO guidelines for sub-Saharan Africa, where local populations are exposed throughout the year to these toxins in multiple ways.

Molecular epidemiology of non-falciparum Plasmodium infections in three different areas of the Ivory Coast.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a major public health problem, particularly in the tropical regions of America, Africa and Asia. Plasmodium falciparum is not only the most widespread but also the most deadly species. The share of Plasmodium infections caused by the other species (Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae) is clearly underestimated. The objective of the study was to determine the molecular epidemiology of plasmodial infection due to P. malariae and P. ovale in Côte d'Ivoire. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional. The study participants were recruited from Abengourou, San Pedro and Grand-Bassam. Sample collection took place from May 2015 to April 2016. Questionnaires were administered and filter paper blood samples were collected for parasite DNA extraction. The molecular analysis was carried out from February to March 2021. A nested PCR was used for species diagnosis. The data was presented in frequencies and proportions. RESULTS: A total of 360 patients were recruited, including 179 men (49,7%) for 181 women (50,3%). The overall Plasmodium positive rate was 72.5% (261/360). The specific index was 77.4% and 1.5% for P. falciparum and P. malariae in mono-infection, respectively. There was also 15% P. falciparum and P. malariae co-infection, 3.4% P. falciparum and P. ovale co-infection and 2.3% P. falciparum, P. malariae and P. ovale triple-infection. Typing of P. ovale subspecies showed a significant predominance of P. ovale curtisi (81.2% of cases). CONCLUSION: Plasmodium falciparum remains the most prevalent malaria species in Côte d'Ivoire, but P. malariae and P. ovale are also endemic mostly in co-infection. Malaria elimination requires a better understanding of the specific epidemiological characteristics of P. malariae and P. ovale with a particular emphasis on the identification of asymptomatic carriers.

Disclosure of HIV status and adherence to antiretroviral treatment in children and adolescents from Lomé and Abidjan.

Introduction: in Africa, the proportion of minors with AIDS is ever increasing and adherence to treatment protocols is still suboptimal. The study investigated the conditions of HIV status disclosure and adherence to treatment in patients < 19 in two West African cities. Methods: in 2016, thirteen health professionals and four parents filled out questionnaires to identify problems and solutions relative to disclosure of HIV status and adherence to treatment in 208 children and adolescents seen at University Hospitals in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) and Lomé (Togo). Results: medians (extrema) of patients´ ages at start and end of status disclosure process were 10 (8-13) and 15 (13-17.5) years. In 61% of cases, disclosure was made individually after preparation sessions. The main difficulties were: parents´ disapproval, skipped visits, and rarity of psychologists. The solutions proposed were: recruiting more full-time psychologists, improving personnel training, and promoting patients´ "clubs". One out of three respondents was not satisfied with patients´ adherence to treatments. The major reasons were: intake frequencies, frequent omissions, school constraints, adverse effects, and lack of perceived effect. Nevertheless, 94% of the respondents confirmed the existence of support groups, interviews with psychologists, and home visits. To improve adherence, the respondents proposed increasing the number of support groups, sustaining reminder phone calls and home visits, and supporting therapeutic mentoring. Conclusion: despite persisting disclosure and adherence problems, appropriate measures already put into practice still need to be taken further, especially through engaging psychologists, training counsellors, and promoting therapeutic support groups.

Specific Diversity of Helminth Parasites of the Edible Frog Hoplobatrachus occipitalis (Günther, 1858) in Agricultural Landscapes in the South-East of Ivory Coast, Africa.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the specific diversity of Helminth parasites of the edible frog Hoplobatrachus occipitalis (Günther, 1858) to assess the rate of infestation in three types of plantations (coconut, palm and banana plantations) in the south-east of Africa. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 156 frog specimens were collected in November 2019 from all the plantations and ten parasitic Helminth taxa were recorded. The overall prevalence (93.6%) showed a high infestation of the frog in these anthropized environments. The banana plantations that use the most fertilizers and pesticides had the highest prevalence (95.2%) suggesting pollution-related parasitic load. The number of parasites was higher in female frogs than in males, suggesting a sex-specific immune resistance. This study also highlights the parasite specificity and the sites of Helminth infestations. Trematodes of the genus Haematoelochus and Diplodiscus showed strict specificity in the lungs and large intestine/rectum of the host. The other parasites colonized the digestive tract with a more or less marked specificity. CONCLUSION: Our study provides several elements of response on the population of Helminth parasites of the edible frog Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, with a view to better knowledge, management, conservation and protection.

Analysis of the Quality of Parotidectomy Videos on YouTube Using the IVORY-Grading-System.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and the educational content of YouTube videos showing parotidectomy. METHODS: We searched for videos displaying parotidectomy on YouTube. To rate parotidectomy videos, we introduced the "Instructional Videos in Otorhinolaryngology by YO-IFOS (IVORY)-grading-system (GS)" derived from the IVORY Guidelines, which pose established consensus recommendations for the production of educational surgical videos in otolaryngology. The videos were rated using the IVORY-GS, and the total score was tested for statistical association with views, likes, likes/dislikes-ratio, age, and length of the videos for validation of the IVORY-GS. RESULTS: Overall, 50 parotidectomy videos were identified. Sixty-eight (68%) of the videos showed a superficial parotidectomy. The mean IVORY-GS total score was 24.9 (out of a maximum of 44 points). Video education quality was rated as moderate in 22% and high in 4%. There was a statistically significant correlation between the total score and the number of views (p = 0.03), the total score and the number of likes (p < 0.01), and the total score and the likes/dislikes ratio (p < 0.01). A higher total score was a significant predictor of more likes (p = 0.01) and a higher likes/dislikes ratio (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our modification of the IVORY Guidelines is otolaryngology-specific, suitable, and recommended to evaluate parotidectomy videos. To date, most videos are of poor educational quality. Future efforts in otolaryngology surgical video education could focus on the establishment of an online video platform. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 133:2631-2637, 2023.

Investigating the origin of laser-induced fluorescence in mannan-rich Phytelephas macrocarpa seeds before and after thermal aging.

Natural polysaccharides, e.g., starch, cellulose and sodium alginate have been highlighted as unconventional chromophores owing to their chain structures containing clustered electron-rich groups and the rigidification imposed by inter/intramolecular interactions. On account of the abundant hydroxyl groups and dense packing of low-substituted (< 5 %) mannan chains, we have investigated the laser-induced fluorescence of mannan-rich vegetable ivory seeds (Phytelephas macrocarpa), both in the native state and after thermal aging. The untreated material emitted fluorescence at 580 nm (yellow-orange) when excited at 532 nm (green). This luminescence is intrinsic to the polysaccharide matrix abundant in crystalline homomannan, as demonstrated by lignocellulosic analyses, fluorescence microscopy, NMR, Raman, FTIR and XRD. Thermal aging at 140 °C and above intensified the yellow-orange fluorescence and caused the material to fluoresce when excited by a near-infrared laser (785 nm). In view of the clustering-triggered emission mechanism, the fluorescence of the untreated material can be attributed to hydroxyl clusters and the conformational rigidification in mannan I crystals. On the other hand, thermal aging caused dehydration and oxidative degradation of mannan chains, inducing the substitution of hydroxyl groups by carbonyls. These physicochemical changes may have affected cluster formation and increased conformational rigidification, enhancing fluorescence emission.

Nonreplacement therapy for hemophilia in low-income countries: experience from a prospective study in Ivory Coast.

Background: Hemophilia management has fundamentally evolved over the last decades with the development of ground-breaking therapies. Because of their mode of action and biochemical properties, these innovative therapies that are available in developed countries could be readily implemented among people from low-income countries who are either not or inadequately treated with clotting factor concentrates (CFCs). Objectives: We aimed at evaluating the impact of prophylaxis with emicizumab, a bispecific monoclonal antibody mimicking the FVIII activity administered subcutaneously, among boys with severe hemophilia A (HA) from the Ivory Coast, where access to CFCs is limited to humanitarian aid. Methods: We prospectively collected data on the implementation and outcomes of prophylaxis with emicizumab, in 33 Ivorian boys aged 2 to 13 years with severe HA (with and without inhibitors). Bleeds, CFC consumption, quality of life and satisfaction of the patients and their parents were assessed. Results: Overall, 12 months after initiating emicizumab, a 99% reduction in bleeding rates was observed, with a raise from 18% to 100% of boys having zero spontaneous joint bleeds. Three boys required a single FVIII infusion following a traumatic bleed. Health-related quality of life measures significantly improved, and perception of treatment efficacy was positively rated in children and parents. Acceptance, tolerance, and adherence were excellent. Emicizumab was instrumental in successfully implementing uninterrupted, highly efficacious, and well-tolerated prophylaxis in 72% of the Ivorian children aged ≤ 13 years identified with severe hemophilia A. Conclusion: These data illustrate how innovative and disruptive nonreplacement therapies that are already accessible in developed countries could potentially provide equity in care by profoundly and rapidly modifying hemophilia burden with a magnified impact in low-income countries.

14-Carbon demonstrates that some illegal ivory is being taken from government stockpiles.

The 14-carbon in animal tissues records the time that the tissues are formed; since the 1960s, using the "bomb curve" for 14C, the age of animal death can be determined accurately. Using animal tissue samples of known collection and formation dates for calibration, we determine the age of ivory samples from four ivory seizures made by law enforcement agencies between 2017 and 2019. The 14C measurements from these seizures show that most ivory in the illegal wildlife trade is from animals from recent poaching activities. However, one seizure has a large fraction of ivory that is more than 30 y old, consistent with markings on the tusks indicating they were derived from a government stockpile.

Dentin Particulate for Bone Regeneration: An In Vitro Study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the commitment and behavior of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) seeded onto two different grafting materials, human dentin particulate (DP) and deproteinized bovine bone matrix (BG), with those cultured in the absence of supplements. Gene expression analyses along with epigenetic and morphological tests were carried out to examine odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation. Compressive testing of the grafting materials seeded with DPSCs was performed as well. DPSC differentiation into odontoblast-like cells was identified from the upregulation of odontogenic markers (DSPP and MSX) and osteogenic markers (RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase, osteonectin, osteocalcin, collagen type I, bmp2, smad5/8). Epigenetic tests confirmed the presence of miRNAs involved in odontogenic or osteogenic commitment of DPSCs cultured for up to 21 days on DP. Compressive strength values obtained from extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesized by DPSCs showed a trend of being higher when seeded onto DP than onto BG. High expression of VEGF factor, which is related to angiogenesis, and of dentin sialoprotein was observed only in the presence of DP. Morphological analyses confirmed the typical phenotype of adult odontoblasts. In conclusion, the odontogenic and osteogenic commitment of DPSCs and their respective functions can be achieved on DP, which enables exceptional dentin and bone regeneration.

Sclerotic lumbar chordoma: A case report.

Chordoma is a rare tumor, often occurring in the cervical spine and sacrococcygeal spine with a lytic appearance, but rarely in the thoracolumbar spine. Chordomas can occasionally be sclerotic and are included in the differential diagnosis for an ivory vertebra. We present a case of a sclerotic chordoma in an upper lumbar vertebral body with corresponding multimodality imaging. This case demonstrates that chordoma should be a concern for an older adult with a sclerotic vertebral lesion, particularly if it is a solitary lesion. Knowledge of the variable location and appearance of chordomas is critical so it is not mistaken for a metastasis.

A case report of ivory vertebra sign: an initial radiological manifestation of underlying abdominal malignancy.

Low back pain is one of the most common presenting complaints in the emergency department, and a plain radiograph of the lumbar spine is usually the first diagnostic modality. The ivory vertebra sign refers to the radiological appearance of a smooth, white ivory-like appearance of the affected single vertebra or multiple vertebral bodies. It is sometimes the initial radiologic manifestation of a variety of infectious, neoplastic, or metabolic diseases. Subsequent computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are generally indicated to characterize the details, as well as look for other occult lesions. It is therefore important for emergency physicians to be aware of this, as this will aid in the appropriate evaluation and rapid diagnosis of the underlying disorder.