Association between dental diseases and oral hygiene care and the risk of vertebral fracture: a nationwide cohort study.

Periodontal disease and increased missing teeth were associated with incident vertebral fractures. In contrast, professional dental cleaning and frequent tooth brushing, was associated with a lower risk of vertebral fracture. Better oral hygiene care attenuated the risk associated with dental diseases. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between oral health and the risk of vertebral fractures. METHODS: We included 2,532,253 individuals aged ≥40 years who underwent the Korean National Health Insurance Service health examinations in 2008 and followed up until December 31, 2017. We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses to evaluate the association between dental diseases and oral hygiene care and the risk of vertebral fractures. RESULTS: Over the 9.3-year median follow-up, 1.46% (n = 36,857) experienced vertebral fractures. Individuals with dental diseases had a higher risk of vertebral fracture than those without (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.07 for periodontal diseases; 1.02, 1.00-1.05 for dental caries; 1.12, 1.05-1.20 for ≥15 missing teeth). Good oral hygiene care was associated with a lower vertebral fracture risk (HR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.86-0.91 for ≥1 time/year [vs. <1 time/year] of professional dental cleaning; 0.90, 0.87-0.93 for ≥2 times/day [vs. 0-1 time/day] of toothbrushing). The combined dental diseases was significantly associated with an increased vertebral fracture risk, whereas combined oral hygiene care was associated with further risk reduction. Better oral hygiene care reduced vertebral fracture risk associated with dental diseases (all P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Periodontal disease, dental caries, and an increased number of missing teeth were independently associated with higher risks for vertebral fractures. Conversely, improved oral hygiene care, such as personal dental cleaning and frequent tooth brushing, may modify vertebral fracture risks associated with dental disease.

Current trends and prospects in catalytic upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass feedstock into ultrapure biofuels.

Eco-friendly renewable energy sources have recommended as fossil fuel alternatives in recent years to reduce environmental pollution and meet future energy demands in various sectors. As the largest source of renewable energy in the world, lignocellulosic biomass has received considerable interest from the scientific community to advance the fabrication of biofuels and ultrafine value-added chemicals. For example, biomass obtained from agricultural wastes could catalytically convert into furan derivatives. Among furan derivatives, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 2, 5-dimethylfuran (DMF) are considered the most useful molecules that can be transformed into desirable products such as fuels and fine chemicals. Because of its exceptional properties, e.g., water insolubility and high boiling point, DMF has studied as the ideal fuel in recent decades. Interestingly, HMF, a feedstock upgraded from biomass sources can easily hydrogenate to produce DMF. In the present review, the current state of the art and studies on the transformation of HMF into DMF using noble metals, non-noble metals, bimetallic catalysts, and their composites have discussed elaborately. In addition, comprehensive insights into the operating reaction conditions and the influence of employed support over the hydrogenation process have demonstrated.

Dilute Polymerization of Aniline on PDMS Substrate via Surface Modification Using (3-Aminopropyl)Triethoxysilane for Stretchable Strain Sensor.

Stretchable strain sensors are capable of acquiring data when in contact with human skin or equipment and are widely used in wearable applications. Most strain sensors have tensile properties of less than 20% and have limitations regarding body motion linkage, complex sensor structure, and motion nonreliability. To address these problems, we developed a high tension and high sensitivity sensor with a gauge factor over 40 and tensile stress about 50%. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was selected as the flexible substrate to ensure tensile strength, and polyaniline (PANI) was used to measure the resistance changes in the sensor. In particular, problems regarding poor uniformity of PANI on PDMS were resolved by surface treatment of the PDMS, wherein PANI polymerization was performed sequentially after forming a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on the PDMS substrate. O2 plasma and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane were used to form the SAM. It is expected that this sensor can obtain stable characteristics even under high tensile stress through the evenly formed PANI films on the surface-treated PDMS substrate and may be used in various flexible sensor applications.

A smartphone-based automatic diagnosis system for facial nerve palsy.

Facial nerve palsy induces a weakness or loss of facial expression through damage of the facial nerve. A quantitative and reliable assessment system for facial nerve palsy is required for both patients and clinicians. In this study, we propose a rapid and portable smartphone-based automatic diagnosis system that discriminates facial nerve palsy from normal subjects. Facial landmarks are localized and tracked by an incremental parallel cascade of the linear regression method. An asymmetry index is computed using the displacement ratio between the left and right side of the forehead and mouth regions during three motions: resting, raising eye-brow and smiling. To classify facial nerve palsy, we used Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Leave-one-out Cross Validation (LOOCV) with 36 subjects. The classification accuracy rate was 88.9%.

Development of chitosan-based cerium and titanium oxide loaded polycaprolactone for cutaneous wound healing and antibacterial applications.

Cerium dioxide (CeO2) based nanomaterials have emerged as promising dermal equivalents, promoting fibroblast infiltration and tissues regeneration. To enhance the antibacterial and wound healing activity, herein chitosan (CS)-CeO2 combined nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) complex loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) nanohybrid (CS-CeO2/TiO2/PCL) scaffolds were prepared through casting method. The nanohybrid scaffolds' physiochemical, morphological, mechanical, and biological properties were evaluated using advanced analytical techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum evidently depicted the various intermolecular interactions on the nanohybrid scaffolds. The developed scaffold exhibited the high swelling behavior and good degradability and permeability which is beneficial for absorbing wound transudation to fasten the healing efficacy. Moreover, CS-CeO2/TiO2/PCL scaffolds owned the better antibacterial activity against bacterial strains E. coli and S. aureus. Also, MTT assay on fibroblast (NIH 3T3) cells and immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells indicated improved cell viability and proliferation. In vivo results revealed that the fabricated scaffold full aid to complete wound closure after 14 days which showed CS-CeO2/TiO2/PCL as the significant wound dressing material with potential antibacterial immunity.

Biogenic polymer nanoparticles to remove hydrophobic organic contaminants from water.

Soil and water pollution is of significant concern worldwide because of the consequences of environmental degradation and harmful effects on human health. Water bodies are very much polluted by various organic and inorganic pollutants by different human activities, including industrial wastes. Environmental pollution remains high because of urbanization-induced industrial developments and human lifestyle. It accumulates pollutants in the environment including plants and living organisms. Even mothers' milk is poisoned because of the uncontrolled, widespread increase in pollution. The discharge levels of organic hydrophobic contaminants in the water and soil are increasing rapidly. This severe pollution must be remediated to upgrade the environment and ensure the safety of human beings. It is vital to eradicate soil and water pollution to guarantee sufficient food and water. Different techniques available to remove the pollutants vary according to the type of pollutants. Hydrophobic contaminants are more dangerous than heavy metals and other pollutants; they cannot be easily removed, requiring special care. Hydrophobic organoxenobiotics released in the environment pose severe contamination in soil and water. Therefore, developing efficient and cost-effective processes is necessary to remove hydrophobic contaminants from soil and water. With nanoparticle-mediated remediation techniques, the green-synthesized nanoparticles exhibit improved performance. This review consolidates reports on the remediation techniques of hydrophobic contaminants, focusing on green-synthesized remediation agents. The very limited works on green synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles, particularly polyurethane-based materials for organic contaminants removal demand more attention in this area. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Consolidated the effects of hydrophobic organic and plastic contaminants on environment degradation. Summarized the advantages of green synthesized polymer nanoparticles for efficient removal of hydrophobic contaminants. Discussed the different sources of pollution and remediation techniques referring 112 research works.

Antibacterial activity and increased freeze-drying stability of sialyllactose-reduced silver nanoparticles using sucrose and trehalose.

The resistance to current antibiotics results in the emergence of health-threatening bacteria. Silver nanoparticles are known to exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activities without the development of resistance. Herein, we developed a green synthetic method for the preparation of silver nanoparticles with sialyllactose instead of toxic chemicals as a reducing agent, which would improve its therapeutic applicability and increase its biocompatibility. Oven incubation, autoclaving and microwave irradiation methods were applied to prepare the silver nanoparticles. High resolution-transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images revealed mostly spherical and amorphous silver nanoparticles with an average diameter of 23.64 nm. Fourier Transform-infrared spectra suggest that the N-H amide of sialyllactose might be involved in the binding of silver nanoparticles. Based on thermogravimetric analyses, 2,3-sialyllactose-reduced silver nanoparticles are composed of 54.3 wt% organic components and 45.7 wt% metallic silver. Enhanced antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles (approximately 8-fold) were observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium (minimum inhibitory concentration 16 microg/mL). Next, we employed the use of carbohydrate stabilizers to increase the stability of silver nanoparticles during a freeze-drying process. It was found that sucrose and trehalose were the most effective stabilizers. In addition, silver nanoparticles possessed excellent salt stability as well as on-the-shelf stability in the presence of these stabilizers. Derivatives of sialic acid are known to be anti-influenza agents; therefore, the newly prepared silver nanoparticles may serve as useful antibacterial and antiviral agents to cope with both pathogenic bacteria and viruses in the near future.

Proteomic analysis of mesenchymal stem-like cells derived from ovarian teratoma: potential role of glutathione S-transferase M2 in ovarian teratoma.

Ovarian teratoma is a dermoid cyst in the ovary that contains mature tissues such as hair, teeth, bone, thyroid, etc. To understand the molecular mechanisms of ovarian teratoma growth, a comparative proteomic analysis was undertaken using mesenchymal stem cell-like cells (MSCLCs) isolated from normal human ovarian or teratoma tissues. Both normal ovarian and teratoma MSCLCs expressed stem cell markers OCT4 and NANOG, and were negatively staining with the senescence-associated (SA) ß-galactosidase. Furthermore, teratoma MSCLCs had higher proliferation and colony formation rates, with more angiogenic property than that of normal MSCLCs. Proteomic study revealed that 17 proteins had the expression changes over eightfold in ovarian teratoma MSCLCs compared with normal control. Interestingly, among them, GSTM2 was strongly expressed in teratoma MSCLCs. Moreover, overexpressed GSTM2 in the teratoma was associated with downregulation of p38 MAPK and activation of AKT and survivin. Taken together, these findings suggest that that ovarian teratoma MSCLCs have a higher potency for proliferation and angiogenesis and GSTM2 appears to be involved in the regulation of other survival genes.

Pasting and paste properties of waxy rice starch as affected by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and its viscosity.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and its viscosity on the pasting and paste properties of waxy rice starch (WRS). HPMC with different viscosities (low, BN50; medium, BN40M; high, BN40H) but similar substituted group contents was used. Although the total solid contents of WRS-HPMC mixtures varied depending on measured attributes, the mixing ratio of WRS to HPMC was 19:1 (w/w). WRS-HPMC mixtures exhibited lower swelling factors than WRS alone, and these decreased with HPMC viscosities. Relative to WRS, gelatinization onset and peak temperatures were shifted to higher temperatures in WRS-HPMC mixtures, and gelatinization enthalpies were lowered. Delayed pasting temperatures, lower peak and breakdown viscosities, and higher trough viscosities were observed in WRS-HPMC mixtures. Although final viscosities increased with HPMC viscosities, WRS-BN40H exceeded WRS, whereas the reversed pattern was found in WRS-BN40M and WRS-BN50. Thermal gelation of HPMC occurred in WRS-HPMC mixtures. With increasing HPMC viscosities, G', G", and tan δ of their pastes increased, and their syneresis decreased. Overall, these results may arise from restricting the availability of water to WRS granules and suppressing their swelling due to the greater water holding capacity and thermal gelation tendency of HPMC.

Laser drilling of nano-pores in sandwiched thin glass membranes.

We report on a novel method of using an excimer laser to drill ultra-small pores in borosilicate glass membranes. By introducing a thin layer of liquid between sandwiches of two glass slides, we can shrink the pore size and smoothen the surface on the exit side. We are able to push the minimal exit pore diameter down to 90 nm, well below the laser wavelength of 193 nm. This is achieved with substrates over 150 microm thick. Compared to other methods, this technique is fast, inexpensive, and produces high quality smooth pores.

Comparison between Subjective Scoring and Computer-Based Asymmetry Assessment in Facial Nerve Palsy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of a PC-based facial asymmetry assessment program (PC-FAAP) and to compare the results of PC-FAAP with subjective regional scoring by raters in acute unilateral peripheral facial nerve paralysis (FNP). Subjects and. METHODS: Participants were divided into 3 groups with 8 participants per group: group I, normal; group II, mild to moderate FNP; and group III, severe FNP. Using the PC-FAAP, the mouth asymmetry ratio (MAR), eyebrow asymmetry ratio (EAR), and complete eye closure asymmetry ratio (CAR) were calculated by comparing the movement of tracking points on both sides. The FNP grading scale (FGS) integrated each score, and the scores were weighted with a ratio of 5:3:2 (MAR:CAR:EAR). Subjective regional scoring was measured on a 0-100 scale score by three otologists. PC-FAAP and subjective scoring were compared in each group regarding the consistency of the results. RESULTS: The mean scores of the MAR, EAR, CAR, and FGS of each group were significantly different. PC-FAAP showed significant differences between the three groups in terms of MAR, EAC, CAR, and FGS. PC-FAAP showed more consistent results than subjective assessment (p<0.001). The PC-FAAP was significantly more consistent in group I and group III (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). FGS in group III was the only parameter that showed a more consistent result in PC-FAAP than the subjective scoring (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: An FNP grading system using a PC-based program may provide more consistent results, especially for severe forms.

Effects of the amylose-amylopectin ratio on starch-hydrocolloid interactions.

Combinations of 4 rice starches with amylose (AM) contents of 0%, 15%, 22%, and 28% and 8 hydrocolloids (xanthan, guar gum, CMC, sodium alginate, HPMC, κ-, ι-, λ-carrageenan) were used (4.75% starch and 0.25% hydrocolloid). With a few exceptions, addition of a hydrocolloid increased peak and final η, breakdown, setback, G″, and η(*), K, and ηa,100 values. It is concluded that the AM content of the starch was a greater determinant of pasting, paste, and gel properties than was the added hydrocolloid at the 19:1 (w/w) starch-hydrocolloid ratio used. Reinforced is the previous conclusion that the properties of a starch-hydrocolloid combination are determined by the specific combination.