Quality evaluation of nutrition policies in early childhood education and care services in Nerang, QLD.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Food environments in early childhood, such as early childhood education and care services, influence the development of dietary patterns and behaviours that traverse into adulthood, where they affect health and longevity. Nutrition policies are mandatory in early childhood education and care services in Australia and can positively or negatively shape the food environment. However, the quality of such nutrition policies is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the comprehensiveness and strength of nutrition policies of early childhood education and care services among services participating in a university-community alliance in South East Queensland. METHODS: Early childhood education and care services (n = 12) in Nerang, Queensland, Australia, participated in a cross-sectional study evaluating the comprehensiveness and strength of nutrition policies across four domains (Nutrition Education, Nutrition Standards, Promoting Healthy Eating and Communication and Evaluation) of the Wellness in Child Care Assessment Tool. RESULTS: Nutrition policies evaluated in this study had median total comprehensiveness scores of 55 (out of 100) and median total strength scores of 19 (out of 100). 'Nutrition Education' had the highest median scores for comprehensiveness (67 out of 100) and strength (33 out of 100), while 'Nutrition Standards' had the lowest comprehensiveness score (41 out of 100), and 'Communication and Evaluation' had the lowest strength score (0 out of 100). CONCLUSIONS: All services have a nutrition policy, but there are opportunities to enhance both the content and linguistic strength of statements within policies related to nutrition domains. SO WHAT?: There is a clear need to improve the comprehensiveness and strength of written statements in nutrition policies across all four domains, particularly 'Nutrition Standards' and 'Communication and Evaluation'.

Barriers and enablers to a healthy food environment in Australian childcare services: Exploring directors' perspectives.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: Early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings are ideal environments to optimise nutrition and positively influence children's food behaviours. However, recent research has identified the need to improve nutrition policies, food provision, and mealtime environments in Australian ECEC settings. This study explored the perceptions of ECEC directors regarding barriers and enablers to a health-promoting food environment within ECEC services. METHODS: Eleven directors from ECEC services in Nerang, Queensland, and surrounding areas, participated in qualitative interviews between March and May 2021. Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis that followed a deductive-inductive approach employing nutrition-related domains from the Wellness Child Care Assessment Tool, these being: (i) nutrition policy; (ii) nutrition education; (iii) food provision; and (iv) mealtimes. Transcripts were coded independently by two researchers in NVivo and consensus for barriers and enablers was achieved through discussion. RESULTS: Barriers and enablers were reported across four domains (nutrition policy, nutrition education, food provision, and mealtimes). Comprehensive nutrition-related policies were an enabler to a healthy nutrition environment but were sometimes described as lacking detail or customisation to the service. Nutrition education for children was described as competing with other activities for time and resources in an already-crowded curriculum. Financial and time pressures faced by families were a barrier to healthy food provision in services where families provided food for children. The ability of staff to sit with children and engage in conversation during mealtimes was an enabler; however, competing demands on time and the unavailability of food for staff were cited as barriers to health-promoting mealtimes. CONCLUSIONS: Directors in ECEC services report both barriers and enablers to a healthy food environment. Nutrition policies were an enabler when comprehensive and relevant but a barrier when vague and not tailored to the service environment. ECEC services should be supported to develop and implement service-specific nutrition policies and practices by engaging with parents and staff. SO WHAT?: The barriers and enablers reported in this study should be considered when designing and implementing future evidence-based interventions to improve the nutrition environment in ECEC services.

Rationale and design of an implant procedure and pivotal study to evaluate safety and effectiveness of Medtronic's tibial neuromodulation device.

Percutaneous tibial neuromodulation is a medical guideline recommended therapy for treating symptoms of overactive bladder. Stimulation is delivered to the tibial nerve via a thin needle placed percutaneously for 30 min once a week for 12-weeks, and monthly thereafter. Studies have shown that this therapy can effectively relieve symptoms of overactive bladder; however, the frequent office visits present a barrier to patients and can impact therapy effectiveness. To mitigate the burden of frequent clinic visits, small implantable devices are being developed to deliver tibial neuromodulation. These devices are implanted during a single minimally invasive procedure and deliver stimulation intermittently, similar to percutaneous tibial neuromodulation. Here, we describe the implant procedure and design of a pivotal study evaluating the safety and effectiveness for an implantable tibial neuromodulation device. The Evaluation of Implantable Tibial Neuromodulation (TITAN 2) pivotal study is a prospective, multicenter, investigational device exemption study being conducted at up to 30 sites in the United States and enrolling subjects with symptoms of overactive bladder.

Cannabinol (CBN; 30 and 300 mg) effects on sleep and next-day function in insomnia disorder ('CUPID' study): protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, three-arm, proof-of-concept trial.

OBJECTIVE: Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder, with few effective pharmacotherapies. Anecdotal reports and recent preclinical research suggest that cannabinol (CBN), a constituent of Cannabis sativa derived from delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, could be an effective treatment. Despite this, the isolated effects of CBN on sleep have yet to be systematically studied in humans. METHODS: The present protocol paper describes a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, three-arm, cross-over, proof-of-concept study which investigates the effects of CBN on sleep and next-day function in 20 participants with clinician-diagnosed insomnia disorder and an Insomnia Severity Index Score ≥15. Participants receive a single fixed oral liquid dose of 30 mg CBN, 300 mg CBN and matched placebo, in random order on three treatment nights; each separated by a 2-week wash-out period. Participants undergo overnight sleep assessment using in-laboratory polysomnography and next-day neurobehavioural function tests. The primary outcome is wake after sleep onset minutes. Secondary outcomes include changes to traditional sleep staging, sleep-onset latency and absolute spectral power during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Tertiary outcomes include changes to sleep spindles during NREM sleep, arousal indices, absolute spectral power during REM sleep and subjective sleep quality. Safety-related and exploratory outcomes include changes to next-day simulated driving performance, subjective mood and drug effects, postural sway, alertness and reaction time, overnight memory consolidation, pre and post-sleep subjective and objective sleepiness; and plasma, urinary, and salivary cannabinoid concentrations. The study will provide novel preliminary data on CBN efficacy and safety in insomnia disorder, which will inform larger clinical trials. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Human Research Ethics Committee approval has been granted by Bellberry (2021-08-907). Study findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and at academic conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05344170.

Preparation procedures of food and beverage samples for oxygen bomb calorimetry: A scoping review and reporting checklist.

Standardised bomb calorimetry methods are essential to accurately quantify the gross energy within food and beverages, yet no accepted protocols exist. The objective of this review was to synthesise literature on food and beverage sample preparation methods used for conducting bomb calorimetry. This synthesis enhances our understanding of the extent to which methodological variances may currently affect estimates of the caloric values of dietary items. Five electronic databases were searched for peer reviewed literature on food and beverage energy measurement via bomb calorimetry. Data were extracted on seven identified methodological themes, including: (1) initial homogenisation, (2) sample dehydration, (3) post-dehydration homogenisation, (4) sample presentation, (5) sample weight, (6) sample frequency, and (7) equipment calibration. A tabular and narrative approach was used to synthesise the data. Studies that specifically explored the impact of any methodological variance on the energy derived from foods and/or beverages were also considered. In total, 71 documents describing food and beverage sample preparation techniques and processes used for bomb calorimetry were identified. Only 8% of studies described all seven identified sample preparation and calibration processes. The most frequent approaches used included: initial homogenisation - mixing or blending (n = 21); sample dehydration - freeze drying (n = 37); post-dehydration homogenisation - grinding (n = 24); sample presentation - pelletisation (n = 29); sample weight - 1g (n = 14); sample frequency - duplicate (n = 17); and equipment calibration - benzoic acid (n = 30). The majority of studies that have measured food and beverage energy via bomb calorimetry do not describe sample preparation and calibration methods in detail. The extent to which different sample preparation processes influence the energy derived from food and beverage items is yet to be fully elucidated. Use of a bomb calorimetry reporting checklist (described within) may assist with improving the methodological quality of bomb calorimetry studies.

Delivering teaching in dentistry at Queen's University, Belfast for 100 years.

Dental education has been delivered in Queen's University for just over 100 years, with the Dental School celebrating its centenary in 2020. During that time, the undergraduate curriculum has evolved greatly, through innovations in the delivery of teaching and assessment driven by changes in educational practice, developing technologies and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout all of these changes, our focus remains on our students, their wellbeing, and their development as lifelong learners for a career in the dental profession.

Patient and Staff Perceptions on Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis in an Outpatient Haemodialysis Setting: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is an objective hydration and body composition assessment method recommended for use in haemodialysis patients. Limited research exists on the acceptability and utility of BIA in clinical practice. This qualitative study explored patient and staff acceptability and perceived value of BIA in an outpatient haemodialysis setting at a tertiary public hospital in Queensland, Australia. Participants included five patients receiving outpatient haemodialysis and 12 multidisciplinary clinical staff providing care to these patients. Semi-structured interviews were employed and data were analysed thematically. Patients were satisfied with the BIA measurement process and most thought the BIA data would be useful for monitoring changes in their nutrition status. Clinical staff valued BIA data for improving fluid management, assessing nutrition status and supporting patient care. Staff recommended targeting BIA use to patient groups who would benefit the most to improve its uptake in the haemodialysis setting. Conclusions: BIA use in the outpatient haemodialysis setting is acceptable and provides valuable objective data to support health-related behaviour changes in patients and enhance clinical practice. Implementation of BIA should be tailored to the local context and staff should be supported in its use.

The impact of post-prandial delay periods on ad libitum consumption of a laboratory breakfast meal.

This study examined the impact of varying the holding time following an ad libitum laboratory breakfast on acute dietary behaviour and subsequent intake. Twenty-four participants (20 females (age: 23.4 ± 6.3 years; body mass index: 23.9 ± 3.9 kg·m-2, mean ± SD)) completed 3 trials following a quasi-randomised, crossover design. Each trial (7-day separation) incorporated a defined post-prandial delay (DPD) period of either zero (no delay), 1 or 3 hours following a buffet breakfast consumed over 30 minutes. Dietary intake outcomes included energy, macronutrient and core food group intakes. On completion of the DPD period, participants left the laboratory and recorded all food/beverages consumed for the remainder of the day. One-way repeated-measures ANOVA assessed all outcomes, with post hoc analysis conducted on significant main effects. Energy and carbohydrate intakes were significantly lower on no delay vs. 1-hour (p = 0.014) and 3-hour (p = 0.06) DPD trials (energy intake: 1853 ± 814 kJ vs. 2250 ± 1345 kJ vs. 1948 ± 1289 kJ; carbohydrates: 68 ± 34 g vs. 77 ± 44 vs. 69 ± 43 g; respectively). DPD periods did not influence the time to consume next meal or energy, macronutrient and core food group intakes for the remainder of the day. Delaying participants from leaving a laboratory alters dietary intake at an ad libitum test meal. The post-meal holding period is an important methodological consideration when planning laboratory studies to assess appetite. Novelty: Delaying participants from leaving a laboratory alters dietary intake at ad libitum breakfast meals. The length of the delay period did not affect dietary intake at ad libitum breakfast meals.

The SANTÉ study at 10 years of follow-up: Effectiveness, safety, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of deep brain anterior thalamus stimulation after 7 and 10 years, and report the incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and overall mortality in adults in the Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus for Epilepsy (SANTÉ) study. METHODS: After the 3-month blinded and 9-month unblinded phases, subjects continued to be assessed during long-term follow-up (LTFU) and later a continued therapy access phase (CAP), to further characterize adverse events and the incidence of SUDEP. Stimulus parameter and medication changes were allowed. RESULTS: One hundred ten implanted subjects accumulated a total of 938 device-years of experience (69 subjects during the LTFU phase and 61 subjects in the CAP phase). Prior to study closure, 57 active subjects continued therapy at 14 study centers, with follow-up of at least 10 (maximum 14) years. At 7 years, median seizure frequency percent reduction from baseline was 75% (p < .001), with no outcome differences related to prior vagus nerve stimulation or resective surgery. The most severe seizure type, focal to bilateral tonic-clonic, was reduced by 71%. Adding new antiseizure medications did not impact the pattern of seizure reduction over time. There were no unanticipated serious adverse events in the study. The definite-plus-probable SUDEP rate, based on SANTÉ study experience (two deaths in 938 years) and previous pilot studies (0 deaths in 76 years), indicated a rate of 2.0 deaths for 1000 person-years. Overall mortality was 6.9 deaths per 1000 person-years. SIGNIFICANCE: The long-term efficacy and safety profiles of the deep brain stimulation (DBS) system for epilepsy are favorable and demonstrate stable outcomes. Improvement in frequency of the most severe seizure type may reduce SUDEP risk. The SUDEP rate with DBS (2.0) is comparable to other neuromodulation treatments (i.e., vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation) for drug-resistant focal epilepsy.

Muscle fiber typology is associated with the incidence of overreaching in response to overload training.

The aim of this study was to identify markers of training stress and characteristics of middle-distance runners related to the incidence of overreaching following overload training. Twenty-four highly trained middle-distance runners [n = 16 male, peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak) = 73.3 (4.3) mL·kg·min-1; n = 8 female, V̇o2peak = 63.2 (3.4) mL·kg·min-1] completed 3 wk of normal training (NormTr), 3 wk of high-volume training (HVTr; a 10%, 20%, and 30% increase in training volume each successive week from NormTr), and 1 wk of taper (TapTr; 55% exponential reduction in training volume from HVTr week 3). Before and immediately after each training period, an incremental treadmill-running test was performed, while resting metabolic rate (RMR), subjective fatigue responses, and various resting blood biomarkers were assessed. Muscle fiber typology of the gastrocnemius was estimated by quantification of muscle carnosine using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and expressed as a z-score relative to a nonathlete control group. Twelve runners were classified as functionally overreached (FOR) following HVTr [decreased running time to exhaustion (TTE)], whereas the other 12 were classified as acutely fatigued (AF; no decrease in running TTE). The FOR group did not demonstrate systematic alterations in RMR, resting blood biomarkers, or submaximal exercise responses, compared with the AF group. The gastrocnemius carnosine z-score was significantly higher in the FOR group (-0.44 ± 0.57) than in the AF group (-1.25 ± 0.49, P = 0.004, d = 1.53) and was also negatively correlated with changes in running TTE from pre- to post-HVTr (r = -0.55, P = 0.005) and from pre-HVTr to post-TapTr (r = -0.64, P = 0.008). Muscle fiber typology is related to the incidence of overreaching and performance supercompensation following increased training volume and a taper.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Variability in the performance responses following an overload training period and subsequent taper was associated with the variation in the muscle fiber typology of the gastrocnemius. Runners with an estimated higher proportion of type I fibers (i.e., lower carnosine z-score) were able to maintain performance in response to an overload training period and subsequently achieve a superior performance supercompensation. These findings show that muscle fiber typology contributes to the variability in performance responses following training.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for chronic insomnia disorder ('CANSLEEP' trial): protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, proof-of-concept trial.

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia is a highly prevalent and costly condition that is associated with increased health risks and healthcare utilisation. Anecdotally, cannabis use is frequently reported by consumers to promote sleep. However, there is limited research on the effects of cannabis on sleep and daytime function in people with insomnia disorder using objective measures. This proof-of-concept study will evaluate the effects of a single dose of an oral cannabis-based medicine on sleep and daytime function in participants with chronic insomnia disorder. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A randomised, crossover, placebo-controlled, single-dose study design will be used to test the safety and efficacy of an oral oil solution ('ETC120') containing 10 mg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 200 mg cannabidiol (CBD) in 20 participants diagnosed with chronic insomnia disorder. Participants aged 35-60 years will be recruited over an 18-month period commencing August 2019. Each participant will receive both the active drug and matched placebo, in a counterbalanced order, during two overnight study assessment visits, with at least a 1-week washout period between each visit. The primary outcomes are total sleep time and wake after sleep onset assessed via polysomnography. In addition, 256-channel high-density electroencephalography and source modelling using structural brain MRI will be used to comprehensively examine brain activation during sleep and wake periods on ETC120 versus placebo. Next-day cognitive function, alertness and simulated driving performance will also be investigated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was received from Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (2018-04-284). The findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed open-access journal and at academic conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ANZCTRN12619000714189.

Sports Dietitians Australia Position Statement: Nutrition for Exercise in Hot Environments.

It is the position of Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA) that exercise in hot and/or humid environments, or with significant clothing and/or equipment that prevents body heat loss (i.e., exertional heat stress), provides significant challenges to an athlete's nutritional status, health, and performance. Exertional heat stress, especially when prolonged, can perturb thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems. Heat acclimation or acclimatization provides beneficial adaptations and should be undertaken where possible. Athletes should aim to begin exercise euhydrated. Furthermore, preexercise hyperhydration may be desirable in some scenarios and can be achieved through acute sodium or glycerol loading protocols. The assessment of fluid balance during exercise, together with gastrointestinal tolerance to fluid intake, and the appropriateness of thirst responses provide valuable information to inform fluid replacement strategies that should be integrated with event fuel requirements. Such strategies should also consider fluid availability and opportunities to drink, to prevent significant under- or overconsumption during exercise. Postexercise beverage choices can be influenced by the required timeframe for return to euhydration and co-ingestion of meals and snacks. Ingested beverage temperature can influence core temperature, with cold/icy beverages of potential use before and during exertional heat stress, while use of menthol can alter thermal sensation. Practical challenges in supporting athletes in teams and traveling for competition require careful planning. Finally, specific athletic population groups have unique nutritional needs in the context of exertional heat stress (i.e., youth, endurance/ultra-endurance athletes, and para-sport athletes), and specific adjustments to nutrition strategies should be made for these population groups.

Calorie-Containing Recovery Drinks Increase Recreational Runners' Voluntary Energy and Carbohydrate Intake, with Minimal Impact on Fluid Recovery.

This study assessed voluntary dietary intake when different beverages were provided within a recovery area following recreational exercise. Participants completed two 10-km runs 1 week apart. Immediately after the first run, "beer drinkers" (n = 54; mean ± SD: age = 23.9 ± 5.8 years, body mass [BM] = 76 ± 13 kg) randomly received low-alcohol beer (Hahn Ultra® [Lion Co.], 0.9% alcohol by volume) or sports drink (SD; Gatorade® [PepsiCo]), whereas "nonbeer drinkers" (n = 78; age = 21.8 ± 2.2 years, BM = 71 ± 13 kg) received water or SD. Participants remained in a recovery area for 30-60 min with fluid consumption monitored. The following week, participants received the alternate beverage. Participants recorded all food/fluid consumed for the remainder of both trial days (diary and photographs). Fluid balance was assessed via BM change and urine specific gravity. Paired t tests were used to assess differences in hydration and dietary variables. No differences were observed in preexercise urine specific gravity (∼1.01) or BM loss (∼2%) between intervention groups (ps > .05). Water versus SD: No difference in acute fluid intake was noted (water = 751 ± 259 ml, SD = 805 ± 308 ml, p = .157). SD availability influenced total energy and carbohydrate intakes (water = 5.7 ± 2.5 MJ and 151 ± 77 g, SD = 6.5 ± 2.7 MJ and 187 ± 87 g, energy p = .002, carbohydrate p < .001). SD versus beer: SD availability resulted in greater acute fluid intake (SD = 1,047 ± 393 ml, beer = 850 ± 630 ml; p = .004), which remained evident at the end of trial days (SD = 3,337 ± 1,100 ml, beer = 2,982 ± 1,191 ml; p < .01). No differences in dietary variables were observed. Next day, urine specific gravity values were not different between water versus SD. However, a small difference was detected between SD versus beer (SD = 1.021 ± 0.009, beer = 1.016 ± 0.008, p = .002). Consuming calorie-containing drinks postexercise appears to increase daily energy and carbohydrate intake but has minimal impact on next-day hydration.

Effects of LL-37 on Gingival Fibroblasts: A Role in Periodontal Tissue Remodeling?

Mounting evidence suggests that the host defence peptide, LL-37, plays a role in both inflammation and in wound healing; however, the role of this peptide in the remodeling and maintenance of oral tissues is not yet fully understood. Fibroblasts are the most abundant cell type within the periodontal tissues, and gingival fibroblasts play an important role in maintaining and repairing the gingival tissues which are constantly exposed to external insults. In this study we examined the direct effects of LL-37 treatment on gingival fibroblasts and found that LL-37 significantly increased secretion of both interleukin 8 (IL-8) and IL-6 from these cells. LL-37 tended to decrease matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in gingival fibroblasts, but this decrease did not reach statistical significance. LL-37 significantly increased tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) production by gingival fibroblasts, but had no significant effect on TIMP-2 levels. LL-37 was also shown to significantly increase production of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) in gingival fibroblasts. Taken together, these results suggest an important role for the host defence peptide, LL-37, in modulating the fibroblast response to remodeling in periodontal tissues.

A Nutrition Recovery Station Following Recreational Exercise Improves Fruit Consumption but Does Not Influence Fluid Recovery.

Immediate postexercise access to fruit/fluid via a recovery "station" is a common feature of mass participation sporting events. Yet little evidence exists examining their impact on subsequent dietary intake. The aim of this study was to determine if access to fruit/water/sports drinks within a recovery station significantly alters dietary and fluid intakes in the immediate postexercise period and influences hydration status the next morning. 127 (79 males) healthy participants (M ± SD, age = 22.5 ± 3.5y, body mass (BM) = 73 ± 13kg) completed two self-paced morning 10km runs separated by 1 week. Immediately following the first run, participants were randomly assigned to enter (or not) the recovery station for 30min. All participants completed the alternate recovery option the following week. Participants recorded BM before and after exercise and measured Urine Specific Gravity (USG) before running and again the following morning. For both trial days, participants also completed 24h food and fluid records via a food diary that included photographs. Paired-sample t tests were used to assess differences in hydration and dietary outcome variables (Recovery vs. No Recovery). No difference in preexercise USG or BM change from exercise were observed between treatments (p's > .05). Attending the recovery zone resulted in a greater total daily fluid (Recovery = 3.37 ± 1.46L, No Recovery = 3.16 ± 1.32L, p = .009) and fruit intake (Recovery = 2.37 ± 1.76 servings, No Recovery = 1.55 ± 1.61 servings, p > .001), but had no influence on daily total energy (Recovery = 10.15 ± 4.2MJ, No Recovery = 10.15 ± 3.9MJ), or macronutrient intakes (p > .05). Next morning USG values were not different between treatments (Recovery = 1.018 ± 0.007, No Recovery = 1.019 ± 0.009, p > .05). Recovery stations provide an opportunity to modify dietary intake which promote positive lifestyle behaviors in recreational athletes.

Characterisation of eppin function: expression and activity in the lung.

Eppin is a serine protease inhibitor expressed in male reproductive tissues.The aim of this study was to investigate the localisation and regulation of eppin expression in myeloid and epithelial cell lines, and explore its potential role as a multifunctional host defence protein.Using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, eppin was detected in the lungs of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and cystic fibrosis lung disease. Expression of eppin in monocytic cells was unaffected by stimulation with Toll-like receptor agonists, cytokines and hormone receptor agonists. However, upregulated expression and secretion of eppin was observed following treatment of monocytes with epidermal growth factor. Incubation of recombinant eppin with monocytic cells resulted in significant inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced chemokine production. Furthermore, eppin inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced NF-κB activation by a mechanism which involved accumulation of phosphorylated IκBα. In an in vivo model of lung inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide, eppin administration resulted in decreased recruitment of neutrophils to the lung with a concomitant reduction in the levels of the neutrophil chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-2.Overall, these results suggest a role for eppin outside of the reproductive tract and that eppin may have a role in the innate immune response in the lung.

Biodentine Reduces Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-induced TRPA1 Expression in Odontoblastlike Cells.

INTRODUCTION: The transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels have emerged as important cellular sensors in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells, with TRPA1 playing a central role in nociception and neurogenic inflammation. The functionality of TRP channels has been shown to be modulated by inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inflammation on odontoblast TRPA1 expression and to determine the effect of Biodentine (Septodent, Paris, France) on inflammatory-induced TRPA1 expression. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to study TRPA1 expression in pulp tissue from healthy and carious human teeth. Pulp cells were differentiated to odontoblastlike cells in the presence of 2 mmol/L beta-glycerophosphate, and these cells were used in quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, calcium imaging, and patch clamp studies. RESULTS: Immunofluorescent staining revealed TRPA1 expression in odontoblast cell bodies and odontoblast processes, which was more intense in carious versus healthy teeth. TRPA1 gene expression was induced in cultured odontoblastlike cells by tumor necrosis factor alpha, and this expression was significantly reduced in the presence of Biodentine. The functionality of the TRPA1 channel was shown by calcium microfluorimetry and patch clamp recording, and our results showed a significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced TRPA1 responses after Biodentine treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study showed TRPA1 to be modulated by caries-induced inflammation and that Biodentine reduced TRPA1 expression and functional responses.