Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage of Zinc Phosphate Cement, Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer, and Two Dual-Cure Resin Cements: In Vitro Study.

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the sealing ability of a new resin cement which was undergoing trial with other three luting cements. Settings and Design: In vitro study. Subjects and Methods: Forty extracted intact human premolars were selected and standardized class 5 preparations for inlays were done at cementoenamel junction of buccal surfaces and direct composite inlay was fabricated. The samples were randomly grouped into 4: Group I luted with Rely X ARC resin cement, Group II with DCRC-10, a new indigenously developed resin cement, Group III with FujiCEM, and Group IV with zinc phosphate. After 24 h storage, samples were thermocycled and immersed in basic fuchsine dye. The longitudinal sections were assessed under a stereomicroscope for microleakage using graded criteria. Statistical Analysis Used: To analyze leakage scores among four groups and between enamel and dentin/cementum margins, Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test and the Mann-Whitney test at P < 0.05 were used. Results: The dye penetration at cementum/dentin margins showed a statistically significant difference among four groups (P < 0.001). Adhesive luting cements produced lesser leakage scores at both margins than those cemented with zinc phosphate. Conclusions: The indigenously developed resin cement (DCRC-10, Group II) is comparable to that of Group I (RelyX ARC) in terms of its luting efficiency.

Effects of climate change and anthropogenic pressures in the water quality of a coastal lagoon (Ria Formosa, Portugal).

Understanding how climatic and anthropogenic drivers will influence coastal lagoons is fundamental to guarantee their preservation and sustainability. The Ria Formosa (coastal lagoon, South coast of Portugal) is a very important ecosystem that supports diverse economic activities in the region. The 3D coupled hydrodynamic-biogeochemical model SCHISM was validated and used to assess the influence of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on the water quality of the Ria Formosa. Five scenarios were simulated: reference scenario (S0), mean sea level rise (SLR) of 0.5 m (S1), increase of the air temperature of 1.68 °C (S2), increase of the outflow from the wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) by 50% (S3) and a combined scenario (S4). Results suggest that SLR of 0.5 m promotes an increase of 0.5-3 in the salinity near the area of influence of the WWTP. SLR decreases the inorganic nutrient concentrations in these areas by about 40-60%, due to an increase of the dilution. In contrast, the increase of the outflow from the WWTP by 50% increases the nutrients concentrations by about 20-40%. The increase of the air temperature alone by 1.68 °C increases the water temperature by 0-1 °C. The combined scenario suggests antagonist effects in the nutrient concentrations. Overall, the trophic index (TRIX) of the lagoon calculated for the scenarios exhibits only minor differences relative to the reference scenario, except in some areas near the WWTP discharges. In these areas, TRIX tends to increase with the increase of the outflow from the WWTP in scenario S3. These results provide further insight into the response of coastal lagoons, and the Ria Formosa in particular, to future changes and contribute to support their management.

Mandibular Canine Calcification Stages as an Indicator of Skeletal Maturity.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to verify whether there is significant relationship between stages of mandibular canine calcification and skeletal maturation and to determine whether the same can be used as a reliable diagnostic aid to assess skeletal maturity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 50 males and 50 females aged between 8 and 15 years. Two radiographs namely orthopantomograph and handwrist radiograph were taken for this study. Skeletal age was ascertained from handwrist radiographs according to the method introduced by Fishman L.S. The developmental stages of mandibular canine were assessed according to Demirjian's stages of dental calcification. RESULTS: The relationship between canine stage calcification and skeletal maturity index was statistically significant in all stages. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: Mandibular canine calcification stages can be recommended as a supplemental diagnostic aid. Similar studies may be conducted in different population to rule out any possible racial and regional influences on growth characteristics.

Evaluation of Long-term Stability of Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy in Individuals with Different Growth Patterns.

OBJECTIVE: Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a routinely used surgical step for the correction of a class III with mandibular prognathism. Many factors influence the stability of the surgical correction achieved. This study was designed to access the role of growth pattern in the surgical stability after a BSSO correction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 individuals (6 vertical growers, 6 horizontal growers, and 6 normal growing individuals) were considered for the study. Five parameters, horizontal plane (HP)-pogonion (POG) angle, HP-occlusal plane angle, POG height, POG depth, and Point B depth, were measured and compared postsurgically and in the follow-up phase. RESULT: Vertical growing individuals showed greater tendency for relapse and clockwise rotation of mandible postsurgically. No major difference was observed in the normal and horizontal growing individuals. When planning BSSO on vertical growing patient, utmost care should be taken to prevent posttreatment relapse to ensure better surgical stability.

Comparison of Marginal Accuracy of Interim Restoration Fabricated from Self-cure Composite and Autopolymerizing Acrylic Resin: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the important steps toward achieving a successful fixed partial denture treatment is the fabrication of interim restorations with good marginal adaptation. Poor marginal adaptation of the interim restorations will allow ingress of fluids and microorganisms between the restorations and may lead to caries and pulpitis. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the marginal accuracy of interim restorations made from two polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and two bis-acryl materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro method was used to replicate a clinical procedure in which the interim crown was made using a direct technique. A maxillary first molar typodont tooth was prepared to receive a full cast crown restoration having 1 mm chamfer and a taper of 5°, and then the prepared artificial tooth was cast into a cobalt chromium metal die. Wax patterns were prepared on the metal die using type 2 inlay wax for full metal crowns. The impression of the die along with the wax pattern was made with a putty-type polyvinyl siloxane, and this impression was used as a mold for making interim restorations. Two PMMA and two bis-acryl provisional crown materials were distributed as follows: Group A: Unifast Trad (GC Dental), Group B: DPI self-cure tooth molding material, Group C: Structur 2 QM (VOCO), and Group D: Cool Temp Natural (Coltene/Whaledent). A total of 60 interim restorations from all the four materials were fabricated (15 interim restorations from each material). The marginal discrepancy of the interim restoration was determined by measuring the space between the margin of the interim restoration and the finish line of the metal die at four vertical reference lines previously marked at the midpoint of the metal die finish line at the buccal, palatal, mesial, and distal surfaces of the die. The marginal gaps were visualized at ×45 magnification using a stereomicroscope and interpreted using ProgRes image capture software. RESULTS: The mean marginal discrepancy calculated in PMMA materials was 269 µm for DPI and 205 µm for Unifast Trad, and the mean marginal gap for the bis-acryl material was 171 µm for Cool Temp and 140 µm for Structur 2 QM. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: Comparison of marginal accuracy showed that bis-acryl provisional crown material showed better marginal accuracy than PMMA provisional crown material. Among the materials tested, Structur 2 QM showed the best marginal accuracy, and the least marginal accuracy was shown by DPI.

High throughput single-cell detection of multiplex CRISPR-edited gene modifications.

CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing has transformed our ability to rapidly interrogate the functional impact of somatic mutations in human cancers. Droplet-based technology enables the analysis of Cas9-introduced gene edits in thousands of single cells. Using this technology, we analyze Ba/F3 cells engineered to express single or multiplexed loss-of-function mutations recurrent in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Our approach reliably quantifies mutational co-occurrences, zygosity status, and the occurrence of Cas9 edits at single-cell resolution.

Comparative Assessment of Force Decay of the Elastomeric Chain With the Use of Various Mouth Rinses in Simulated Oral Environment: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: This study is aimed to assess the effect of different mouth rinses and its active components on the force decay of elastomeric chains. Listerine, Colgate Phos-Flur, Clohex Plus mouth rinses, 26.9% alcohol, 0.04% sodium fluoride (NaF), and 0.2% chlorhexidine were used for this study to determine its effects on force decay of elastomeric chains. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven custom-made jigs were constructed on which 120 short module elastomeric chains were stretched to predetermined lengths between the pins. Using calibrated digital force tester, measurements of force exerted by the elastomeric chains while stretched on the framework were recorded at the time of attachment to the frame and after 24 hours, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, and 28 days. The custom-made jigs and the elastomeric chains were allowed for complete submersion in artificial saliva throughout the test period, as well as in respective control solution and mouth rinses for 60 seconds, twice daily. RESULTS: All test groups showed significantly more force decay than the control group. Statistically significant differences were observed when comparing force decay among the test groups except between a few. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: Mouth rinses cause an increase in force decay of elastomeric chain over the time. Listerine and 26.9% alcohol solution caused maximum force decay by the end of 28 days. Least force degradation of elastomeric chain was seen with the use of 0.2% chlorhexidine.

Comparative Evaluation of Antibiofilm Efficacy of Chitosan Nanoparticle- and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Incorporated Calcium Hydroxide-Based Sealer: An In vitro Study.

AIM: This study evaluated the antibiofilm efficacy of calcium hydroxide-based sealer incorporated with chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against two strains of Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212, OG1RF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials tested were Apexit Plus sealer in the commercial unmodified form and two modified forms with CS-NP and ZNO-NP, respectively. Crystal violet assay and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) study were used to assess the bacterial viability of biofilms grown in wells of microtiter plate and glass slides, respectively. Two E. faecalis strains (ATCC 29212, OG1RF) were used for the study. RESULTS: The crystal violet assay done on E. faecalis strain ATCC 29212 showed a significant decrease in the optical density (OD) value with ZNO-NP-incorporated calcium hydroxide sealer when compared with CS-NP. In the case of E. faecalis strain OG1RF, only ZNO-NP-incorporated calcium hydroxide-based sealer showed reduction in the OD value. In CLSM study done on E. faecalis strain ATCC 29212, only ZNO-NP-incorporated calcium hydroxide-based sealer showed reduction in the thickness of biofilm. No groups of OG1RF strain showed reduction in the thickness of biofilm. CONCLUSION: The incorporation of nanoparticles (ZnO and CS) into calcium hydroxide-based sealers significantly enhances the antibiofilm efficiency against E. faecalis strain ATCC 29212 but has questionable effectiveness against E. faecalis strain OG1RF. The present study demonstrates that ZNO-NP shows better antibiofilm efficacy than CS-NP against both strains of E. faecalis.

High-throughput single-cell DNA sequencing of acute myeloid leukemia tumors with droplet microfluidics.

To enable the characterization of genetic heterogeneity in tumor cell populations, we developed a novel microfluidic approach that barcodes amplified genomic DNA from thousands of individual cancer cells confined to droplets. The barcodes are then used to reassemble the genetic profiles of cells from next-generation sequencing data. By using this approach, we sequenced longitudinally collected acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tumor populations from two patients and genotyped up to 62 disease relevant loci across more than 16,000 individual cells. Targeted single-cell sequencing was able to sensitively identify cells harboring pathogenic mutations during complete remission and uncovered complex clonal evolution within AML tumors that was not observable with bulk sequencing. We anticipate that this approach will make feasible the routine analysis of AML heterogeneity, leading to improved stratification and therapy selection for the disease.

Fasting Insulin is Better Partitioned according to Family History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus than Post Glucose Load Insulin of Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Young Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperinsulinemia is contributed by insulin resistance, hepatic insulin uptake, insulin secretion and rate of insulin degradation. Family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported to cause hyperinsulinemia. AIM: Correlation of fasting insulin with post glucose load Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) insulin in young adults and their partitioning according to family history of type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this observational cross-sectional study, clinical evaluation and biochemical assays of insulin and diabetes related parameters, and secondary clinical influences on type 2 diabetes in volunteers were done for inclusion as participants (n=90) or their exclusion. Cut off levels of quantitative biochemical variables were fixed such that they included the effects of insulin resistance, but excluded other secondary clinical influences. Distribution was analysed by Shapiro-Wilk test; equality of variances by Levene's test; Log10 transformations for conversion of groups to Gaussian distribution and for equality of variances in the groups compared. When the groups compared had Gaussian distribution and there was equality of variance, parametric methods were used. Otherwise, non parametric methods were used. RESULTS: Fasting insulin was correlating significantly with 30, 60 and 120 minute OGTT insulin showing that hyperinsulinemia in the fasting state was related to hyperinsulinemia in the post glucose load states. When fasting and post glucose load OGTT insulin were partitioned into those without and with family history of type 2 diabetes, maximum difference was seen in fasting insulin (p<0.001), followed by 120 (p=0.001) and 60 (p= 0.002) minute OGTT insulin. The 30 minute insulin could not be partitioned (p=0.574). CONCLUSION: Fasting, 60 and 120 minute OGTT insulin can be partitioned according to family history of type 2 diabetes, demonstrating stratification and heterogeneity in the insulin sample. Of these, fasting insulin was better partitioned and could be used for baseline reference interval calculations.

Performance of the Achutha Menon Centre Diabetes Risk Score in Identifying Prevalent Diabetes in Tamil Nadu, India

BACKGROUND: The Achutha Menon Centre Diabetes Risk Score (AMCDRS), which was developed in rural Kerala State, South India, had not previously been externally validated. We examined the performance of the AMCDRS in urban and rural areas in the district of Vellore in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, and compared it with other diabetes risk scores developed from India. METHODS: We used the data from 4,896 participants (30 to 64 years) of a cross-sectional study conducted in Vellore (2010 to 2012), to calculate the AMCDRS scores using age, family history, and waist circumference. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC) were calculated for undiagnosed and total diabetes. RESULTS: Of the 4,896 individuals surveyed, 274 (5.6%) had undiagnosed diabetes and 759 (15.5%) had total diabetes. The AMCDRS, with an optimum cut-point of ≥4, identified 45.0% for further testing with 59.5% sensitivity, 60.5% specificity, 9.1% PPV, 95.8% NPV, and an AROC of 0.639 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.608 to 0.670) for undiagnosed diabetes. The corresponding figures for total diabetes were 75.1%, 60.5%, 25.9%, 93.0%, and 0.731 (95% CI, 0.713 to 0.750), respectively. The AROC for the AMCDRS was not significantly different from that of the Indian Diabetes Risk Score, the Ramachandran or the Chaturvedi risk scores for total diabetes, but was significantly lower than the AROC of the Chaturvedi score for undiagnosed diabetes. CONCLUSION: The AMCDRS is a simple diabetes risk score that can be used to screen for undiagnosed and total diabetes in low-resource primary care settings in India. However, it probably requires recalibration to improve its performance for undiagnosed diabetes.

CO and NO bind to Fe(II) DiGeorge critical region 8 heme but do not restore primary microRNA processing activity.

The RNA-binding heme protein DiGeorge critical region 8 (DGCR8) and its ribonuclease partner Drosha cleave primary transcripts of microRNA (pri-miRNA) as part of the canonical microRNA (miRNA) processing pathway. Previous studies show that bis-cysteine thiolate-coordinated Fe(III) DGCR8 supports pri-miRNA processing activity, while Fe(II) DGCR8 does not. In this study, we further characterized Fe(II) DGCR8 and tested whether CO or NO might bind and restore pri-miRNA processing activity to the reduced protein. Fe(II) DGCR8 RNA-binding heme domain (Rhed) undergoes a pH-dependent transition from 6-coordinate to 5-coordinate, due to protonation and loss of a lysine ligand; the ligand bound throughout the pH change is a histidine. Fe(II) Rhed binds CO and NO from 6- and 5-coordinate states, forming common CO and NO adducts at all pHs. Fe(II)-CO Rhed is 6-coordinate, low-spin, and pH insensitive with the histidine ligand retained, suggesting that the protonatable lysine ligand has been replaced by CO. Fe(II)-NO Rhed is 5-coordinate and pH insensitive. Fe(II)-NO also forms slowly upon reaction of Fe(III) Rhed with excess NO via a stepwise process. Heme reduction by NO is rate-limiting, and the rate would be negligible at physiological NO concentrations. Importantly, in vitro pri-miRNA processing assays show that both CO- and NO-bound DGCR8 species are inactive. Fe(II), Fe(II)-CO, and Fe(II)-NO Rhed do not bear either of the cysteine ligands found in the Fe(III) state. These data support a model in which the bis-cysteine thiolate ligand environment of Fe(III) DGCR8 is necessary for establishing proper pri-miRNA binding and enabling processing activity.

Importância do comprometimento subvalvar nos resultados da valvoplastia mitral com cateter de inoue / Severity of subvalvular impairment in the results of mitral valvuloplasty with inoue catheter

Fundamentos: A valvoplastia mitral por cateter-balão foi introduzida em 1984 por Inoue e colaboradores, e atualmente é considerada o método de eleição no tratamento da estenose mitral. Objetivo: Comparar resultados de valvoplastia mitral em pacientes com estenose mitral com comprometimento subvalvar ≥3 e <3. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com 104 pacientes submetidos à valvoplastia mitral com balão de Inoue. Os pacientes foram estratificados em dois grupos: com comprometimento subvalvar (ASV) ≥3 e ASV <3. Realizada a comparação dos resultados imediatos, aos 12 meses e aos 24 ou mais meses entre os grupos com os dados obtidos por estudo ecocardiográfico e hemodinâmico. Resultados: Os resultados imediatos mostraram sucesso nos dois grupos, com significância estatística pré/pós procedimento, quanto aos parâmetros ecocardiográficos e hemodinâmicos, e ausência de diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Os resultados ecocardiográficos aos 12 meses evidenciaram que o gradiente médio e a área valvar foram semelhantes e sem significância estatística entre os grupos, o mesmo a correndo na comparação dos resultados ecocardiográficos aos 24 ou mais meses. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos com a valvoplastia mitral com o balão de Inoue não diferiram tanto nos pacientes com comprometimento do aparelho subvalvar ≥3 quanto <3.

Background: Balloon mitral valvuloplasty was introduced in 1984 by Inoue et al and is currently considered the method of choice in the treatment of mitral stenosis. Objective: To compare results of mitral valvuloplasty in patients with mitral stenosis with subvalvular impairment ≥3 and <3. Methods: Retrospective study with 104 patients undergoing mitral valvuloplasty with Inoue balloon. Patients were stratified into two groups: subvalvular impairment (SVI) ≥3 and SVI <3. The immediate results were compared at 12 months and 24 months or more between the groups with data obtained by echocardiography and hemodynamic study. Results: The immediate results revealed success in both groups, with statistical significance pre/post-procedure regarding the echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters and no significant differences between groups. Echocardiographic results at 12 months showed that the mean gradient and the valve area were similar and not statistically significant between the groups, the same occurring in the comparison of echocardiographic results at 24 or more months. Conclusion: The results obtained with mitral valvuloplasty with Inoue balloon did not differ both in patients with subvalvular impairment ≥3 and <3.

Preprocedural statin therapy, inflammation, and myocardial injury in low-risk stable coronary artery disease patients submitted to coronary stent implantation.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate if statin therapy prior to elective coronary stent implantation (CSI) reduces the plasma levels of markers of inflammation and of myocardial necrosis in low-risk stable coronary artery disease patients (CAD). BACKGROUND: The elevation of markers of inflammation and of myocardial necrosis after percutaneous coronary intervention may interfere with clinical outcome. Among acute coronary syndrome patients, statins improve clinical outcomes when used before CSI-mostly due to reduction of CSI-related myocardial infarction. However, little is known concerning preprocedural statin therapy on the reduction of these markers in stable patients at low-risk. METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, 100 patients (n = 50 on statin therapy vs. n = 50 not on statin) with stable coronary artery disease underwent elective CSI. Inflammatory (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and matrix metalloproteinase-9) and myocardial necrosis markers (troponin I and CK-MB) were determined before and 24 hr after CSI. RESULTS: All patients presented a significant increase of CRP and IL-6 after CSI. However, this increase was attenuated in patients on statin therapy prior to CSI than those without statin therapy: 75% vs. 150% (P < 0.001) and 192% vs. 300% (P < 0.01). The other pro-inflammatory markers were similar for both sets of patients. Troponin I and CK-MB did not change after CSI regardless of previous statin therapy or not. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with statin attenuates procedural inflammation, denoted by markedly lower increases of CRP and IL-6 levels, in elective CSI within low-risk stable CAD patients. Periprocedural myocardial injury was irrelevant and was not affected by preprocedural statin therapy in this population.

Multidisciplinary management of hypohydrotic ectodermal dysplasia - a case report.

Hypohydrotic ectodermal dysplasia is a hereditary disorder, which affects ectodermal derivatives. It manifests several abnormalities of the teeth, and is commonly inherited through female carriers. This case report presents a patient with compromised esthetics and function. A multidisciplinary approach was planned involving an oral pathologist, endodontist, orthodontist and a prosthodontist.

The DGCR8 RNA-binding heme domain recognizes primary microRNAs by clamping the hairpin.

Canonical primary microRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) are characterized by a ∼30 bp hairpin flanked by single-stranded regions. These pri-miRNAs are recognized and cleaved by the Microprocessor complex consisting of the Drosha nuclease and its obligate RNA-binding partner DGCR8. It is not well understood how the Microprocessor specifically recognizes pri-miRNA substrates. Here, we show that in addition to the well-known double-stranded RNA-binding domains, DGCR8 uses a dimeric heme-binding domain to directly contact pri-miRNAs. This RNA-binding heme domain (Rhed) directs two DGCR8 dimers to bind each pri-miRNA hairpin. The two Rhed-binding sites are located at both ends of the hairpin. The Rhed and its RNA-binding surface are important for pri-miRNA processing activity. Additionally, the heme cofactor is required for formation of processing-competent DGCR8-pri-miRNA complexes. Our study reveals a unique protein-RNA interaction central to pri-miRNA recognition. We propose a unifying model in which two DGCR8 dimers clamp a pri-miRNA hairpin using their Rheds.

Health is wealth: methods to improve attendance in a lifestyle intervention for a largely immigrant Filipino-American sample.

Diabetes prevention requires lifestyle changes, and traditional educational programs for lifestyle changes have had low attendance rates in ethnic populations. This article describes the development and implementation of an educational program, emphasizing retention strategies, cultural tailoring and community participation. Community-based participatory research approaches were used to adapt and test the feasibility of a culturally tailored lifestyle intervention (named Health is Wealth) for Filipino-American adults at risk for diabetes (n = 40) in order to increase program attendance. A unique feature of this program was the flexibility of scheduling the eight classes, and inclusion of activities, foods and proverbs consistent with Filipino culture. We found that with this approach, overall program attendance for the experimental and wait-listed control groups was 88% and participant satisfaction was high with 93% very satisfied. Flexible scheduling, a bilingual facilitator for the classes, and the community-academic partnership contributed to the high attendance for this lifestyle intervention.