Effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on coronary blood flow in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is known to be associated with endothelial dysfunction (ED). Reducing ED can attenuate the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. One of the indicators of ED is decreased coronary blood flow (CBF). Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) are known to directly improve ED in both euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions and have been shown to decrease the incidence of major cardiovascular events. We aimed to investigate whether SGLT-2is improves CBF in patients with T2DM, who have angiographically normal or nearly normal coronary arteries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, all patients who underwent coronary angiography between January 2017 and September 2022 were screened. We designed the study by dividing the patients into two groups - those who used conventional antidiabetic medications (CAM) together with SGLT-2is (patients using an SGLT-2 inhibitor for at least 3 months) and those who used only conventional antidiabetic medications. Of the 18,205 patients who underwent coronary angiography, 5,040 patients had T2DM. After exclusion, 288 patients were divided into two groups - those who used CAM together with SGLT-2is and those who used only CAM. CBF was assessed by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counting. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-eight patients who had T2DM and met the inclusion criteria were included in our study. The patients were divided into two groups - those who used CAM together with SGLT-2is (n = 75) and those who used only CAM (n = 213). The median age in the group that used CAM together with SGLT-2is was 55 (51-64), where 52 (69.3%) patients were female. The mean TIMI frame count (TFC) was 23.5 in the group using CAM + SGLT-2is and 27.5 in the group using only CAM. In the multivariable linear regression analysis, the mean TFC was significantly lower in the group using CAM together with SGLT-2is compared to the group using only CAM [ß-coefficient = -12.766, 95% Cl: -5.304; -3.887, p < 0.001]. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation between an increase in BMI and hemoglobin with an increase in the mean TFC [ß-coefficient = 3.018, 95% Cl 0.037-0.175, p = 0.003 and ß-coefficient = 2.316, 95% Cl 0.033-0.405, p = 0.021, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that the use of SGLT-2is improves coronary artery blood flow in patients with T2DM who have normal or nearly normal coronary angiography.

Views about perceived training needs of health care professionals in relation to socially assistive robots: an international online survey.

BACKGROUND: As Artificial Intelligence and social robots are increasingly used in health and social care, it is imperative to explore the training needs of the workforce, factoring in their cultural background. OBJECTIVES: Explore views on perceived training needs among professionals around the world and how these related to country cultures. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive, mixed-methods international online survey. METHODS: Descriptive statistical analysis explored the ranking across countries and relationships with three Hofstede cultural dimensions. Thematic analysis was conducted on the open-ended text responses. RESULTS: A sample of N = 1284 participants from eighteen countries. Knowing the capabilities of the robots was ranked as the top training need across all participating countries and this was also reflected in the thematic analysis. Participants' culture, expressed through three Hofstede's dimensions, revealed statistically significant ranking differences. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should further explore other factors such as the level of digital maturity of the workplace. IMPACT STATEMENT: Training needs of health and social care staff to use robotics are fast growing and preparation should factor in patient safety and be based on the principles of person- and culture-centred care.

The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and its relationship with type 2 diabetes in a nursing home.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus (DM), sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity (SO) in the elderly were related to frailty, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of diabetes mellitus to the prevalence of SO in a nursing home residents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 397 old-aged (≥65 years) nursing home residents dwelling in Darulaceze Directorate Kayisdagi Campus of Istanbul. Exclusion criteria included <65 years of age, residing for less than a month, acute medical problems, and severe cognitive impairment (mini-mental state examination test score ≤10). Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutritional status, and handgrip strength were evaluated for each participant. Sarcopenia was defined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) II criteria and obesity was defined with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. SO was the concomitant existence of sarcopenia and obesity together. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 77.95±7.94 (65-101) years (n=397). The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was significantly higher in non-obese patients when compared to obese (48.1% vs. 29.3%, p=0.014), which was similar after the exclusion of malnourished residents. In DM patients (n=63), the prevalence of obesity, probable sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were 30.2%, 42.2%, and 13.3%, which were 20.4%, 43.2%, and 6.5% in non-DM residents, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although they did not reach statistical significance, obesity and sarcopenic obesity were more prevalent among diabetic patients in a nursing home.

Comparison of Inguinal Herniotomies with and Without Opening the External Oblique Aponeurosis in Children Above the Age of Two.

BACKGROUND: Mitchell-Banks technique (MBT), in which inguinal canal is not opened, usually used in inguinal hernia repair in children under 2 years of age. The majority of pediatric surgeons tend to open the inguinal canal while performing inguinal hernia surgery in children over 2 years of age, called as modified Ferguson herniotomy (FH). AIMS: This study aimed to compare early and late complications of the MBT and FH in over 2 years of age patients who underwent inguinal hernia surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all children between 2 and 16 years old who underwent inguinal herniotomy procedure using the MBT and FH between January 2013 and December 2019. Patients were evaluated in terms of demographic data, early and late complications. RESULTS: This study included 834 children. Of these, 379 (44.8%) were operated on by an FH with opening the inguinal canal (Group 1), and 455 (55.2%) by MBT superficially to the external ring (Group 2). There were 68 (17.9%) females and 311 (82.1%) males in group 1, while there were 151 (33.2%) females and 304 (66.8%) males in group 2. Early complications were wound infection (1.1% in the group 1 vs. 1.3% in the group 2, P = 1.00) and scrotal hematoma (1.3% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.89). Late complications included recurrence (1.6% in the group 1 vs. 1.8% in the group 2, P = 0.12), undescended testis (2.1% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.71), testicular atrophy (1.5% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.79), and hydrocele (1.9% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.87). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of early and late complications ratio between two groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that inguinal hernia repair performed without opening the inguinal canal in children older than 2 years do not lead to an increase in complications. In this respect, MBT can be used as a simple and safe procedure in older children.

Can we estimate cytokine storm from initial computed tomography images of Coronavirus disease-2019 patients?

OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to investigate whether elementary lesions detected at the time of the diagnosis, their distribution characteristics, and CT scoring can be predictive of a cytokine storm. BACKGROUND: CT might have a prognostic predictive value beyond its diagnostic value. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients, 32 with cytokine storm and 36 without cytokine storm, were included in the study. Four different scoring methods were created according to elementary lesions, distribution and involvement rate. CT scores and demographic findings of the cases were compared in the cytokine storm and non-cytokine storm groups. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 57.72 (SD: 13.5) and 40 (58.8 %) of them were male. The cytokine storm was significantly more common among male patients and patients of older age (p=0.04).  The AUC values of CT score 1, CT score 2, CT score 3, and CT score 4 were as follows; 0.772 (95% CI; 0.651-0.892), 0.766 (95% CI; 0.647-0.885), 0.758 (95% CI; 0.639-8.78), and 0.760 (95% CI; 0.640-0.881), respectively. All CT scores had better predictive values in males. CONCLUSIONS: CT scoring at the time of admission can be used to predict cases that may develop cytokine storm later (Tab. 4, Fig. 2, Ref. 15).

The prevalence and determinants of complementary medicine use for nigerian children in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is extensively used in the pediatric population. Environments and the nature of diseases have an impact on the type of CAM therapies used in children. AIMS: This study aims to determine the prevalence and determinants of CAM use among Nigerian children living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 parents living in the TRNC. The parents were selected by the snowball sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administered, NAFKAM International-CAM-Questionnaire (I-CAM-Q). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi-square test was used to analyze the associations of CAM use with values of P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean ages of the parents and children were 30 ± 5.56 years and 3 ± 2.17 years, respectively. It was discovered that 34 (68%) out of 50 children had used CAM in the previous 12 months. The most commonly used CAM products were vitamins/minerals (82.4%) and herbs/herbal products (55.9%). While praying for health (61.8%) and relaxation techniques (50.0%) were the most used CAM practices. A majority of the parents perceived that CAM use was beneficial (85.3%). Approximately 10% of the children were prescribed CAM recommendation/treatment by physicians. The most used sources of information were relatives (36%) and friends (14.7%). Parents (58%) indicated that they did not disclose their use of CAMs for their children to a physician/nurse. CONCLUSIONS: CAM is used prevalently in this population and the use of CAM is primarily focused on improving well-being. CAM usage for children increases with parental use. Further qualitative research is needed to understand the parental belief in the use of CAMs for children.

Obstacles to compassion-giving among nursing and midwifery managers: an international study.

AIM: To explore nursing and midwifery managers' views regarding obstacles to compassion-giving across country cultures. BACKGROUND: The benefit of compassionate leadership is being advocated, but despite the fact that health care is invariably conducted within culturally diverse workplaces, the interconnection of culture, compassion and leadership is rarely addressed. Furthermore, evidence on how cultural factors hinder the expression of compassion among nursing and midwifery managers is lacking. METHODS: Cross-sectional, exploratory, international online survey involving 1 217 participants from 17 countries. Managers' responses on open-ended questions related to barriers for providing compassion were entered and thematically analysed through NVivo. RESULTS: Three key themes related to compassion-giving obstacles emerged across countries: 1. related to the managers' personal characteristics and experiences; 2. system-related; and 3. staff-related. CONCLUSIONS: Obstacles to compassion-giving among managers vary across countries. An understanding of the variations across countries and cultures of what impedes compassion to flourish in health care is important. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND POLICY: Nursing mangers should wisely use their power by adopting leadership styles that promote culturally competent and compassionate workplaces with respect for human rights. Policymakers should identify training and mentoring needs to enable the development of managers' practical wisdom. Appropriate national and international policies should facilitate the establishment of standards and guidelines for compassionate leadership, in the face of distorted organizational cultures and system-related obstacles to compassion-giving.

Clinical Performance of a Glass Hybrid Restorative in Extended Size Class II Cavities.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical performance of a glass hybrid restorative compared with a resin composite in the restoration of large and deep Class II cavities after 24 months. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 108 extended size, with the width of the proximal box not interfering with the peak of the cusps and the proximal box in occlusion, Class II lesions in 37 patients were either restored with a glass hybrid restorative or with a micro-hybrid composite resin in combination with selective etching by two experienced operators according to the manufacturer's instructions. Two independent examiners evaluated the restorations at baseline and at the six-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month recalls according to the modified US Public Health Service criteria. Negative replicas at each recall were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine surface characteristics. Data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: After 24 months, 90 restorations were evaluated in 32 patients (recall rate: 86.5%). Four glass hybrid restorations were missing; three were due to bulk and one was due to proximal fracture at 12 months. Only six restorations were scored as bravo at baseline and at the six-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month recalls for color (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two restorative materials for the other criteria evaluated (p>0.05). SEM observations exhibited acceptable surface and marginal adaptation characteristics for both restorative materials at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Although glass hybrid restorations showed significant mismatch in color, both restorative materials exhibited successful performance for the restoration of large Class II cavities after 24 months.

Mechanical performance of a newly developed glass hybrid restorative in the restoration of large MO Class 2 cavities.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mechanical properties of a glass hybrid (GH) restorative system (EQUIA Forte/GC) and compare it with a microhybrid composite (G-aenial Posterior/GC) by compressive strength (CS) and fracture resistance (FR) tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cylindrical specimens were subjected to a CS test (n = 12). There were about 48 mandibular molars were used for a FR test and divided into four groups: Group 1 (positive control), sound teeth; Group 2 (negative control), extended size Class 2 cavities prepared on the mesial surfaces of teeth; Group 3, extended size Class 2 cavities restored with a composite; and Group 4, extended size Class 2 cavities restored with GH. Specimens were subjected to loading until a fracture occurred. Data were analyzed statistically (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The fracture modes were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The CS values of the composite and GH were 278.20 ± 17.34 MPa and 164.62 ± 25.72 MPa, respectively (P < 0.05). No differences were observed between the FR of restored groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The GH exhibited sufficient mechanical properties as a restorative material, and could be preferred for extensive caries lesions on posterior teeth.

Anti-inflammatory effects of nesfatin-1 on acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats: involvement of cyclo-oxygenase pathway.

In order to elucidate the contribution of cycloxygenase (COX) enzymes in the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of nesfatin-1, which improves the healing process of chronic gastric ulcers, either acetic acid (80%; ulcer groups; n = 40) or saline (control groups; n = 40) was applied to the serosal surface of male Sprague Dawley rats' stomachs for 1 min. Both the control and ulcer groups were treated daily with either i.p. saline or nesfatin-1 (0.3 µg/kg; for 3 days). Nesfatin-1-treatment was preceded with i.p. saline, COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 (2 mg/kg), COX-1 inhibitor ketorolac (3 mg/kg) or non-selective COX inhibitor indomethacin (5 mg/kg) for 3 days. The rats were decapitated at the end of the third day, and their trunk blood was collected for the measurements of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and IL-10 using ELISA. The induction of ulcers resulted in increased macroscopic scores, along with elevated gastric malondialdehyde, luminol- and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence levels and myeloperoxidase activity. On the other hand, nesfatin-1 treatment abolished these elevations. Depleted glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity levels in the saline-treated ulcer group were preserved in the nesfatin-1-treated ulcer group. Increased levels of serum TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-10 in the saline-treated ulcer group, as compared to control group, were significantly decreased in the nesfatin-1-treated ulcer group. The inhibition of COX-1, and/or COX-2 reversed most of the alterations induced with nesfatin-1, but COX-2-blockade was consistently more effective to abolish all nesfatin-1-induced changes. Our results suggest that nesfatin-1 ameliorates ulcer-induced inflammatory response through the modulation of oxidant-antioxidant balance. As selective pharmacological inhibition of COX-1 or COX-2 suppresses the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects of nesfatin-1, it appears that nesfatin-1 decreases inflammatory mediators and neutrophil migration by a COX-dependent mechanism, especially by a COX-2- dependent mechanism, during the ulcer healing stage.

International study on nurses' views and experiences of compassion.

BACKGROUND: Compassion is considered the cornerstone of nursing practice. However, the recent failures in delivering high-quality compassionate nursing care in the UK's National Health Service have brought the topic of compassion to the attention of the public, service providers, policy makers and academics. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the nurses' views and experiences of a number of compassion-related issues in nursing and describe similarities and differences at an international level as well as from the different nursing roles of the participating nurses. METHODS: An exploratory, cross-sectional descriptive study, using the International Online Compassion Questionnaire. A total of 1323 nurses from 15 countries completed the questionnaire. RESULTS: The majority of participants (59.5%) defined compassion as "Deep awareness of the suffering of others and wish to alleviate it" but definitions of compassion varied by country. Of participants, 69.6% thought compassion was very important in nursing and more than half (59.6%) of them argued that compassion could be taught. However, only 26.8% reported that the correct amount and level of teaching is provided. The majority of the participants (82.6%) stated that their patients prefer knowledgeable nurses with good interpersonal skills. Only 4.3% noted that they are receiving compassion from their managers. A significant relationship was found between nurses' experiences of compassion and their views about teaching of compassion. CONCLUSION: Our study is unique in identifying the views and experiences of nurses from 15 different countries worldwide. The findings reveal that compassion is neither addressed adequately in nursing education nor supported in the practice environment by managers. LIMITATIONS: Self-report bias was inherent to our survey study design. Furthermore, the individual cultural differences and similarities in the findings are difficult to extrapolate owing to the fact that our analysis was at country level, as well as at the level of the participating nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY: Understanding the influence of culture on nurses' views about compassion is critical in the current multicultural healthcare environment and merits further research. This will potentially drive changes in nursing education (ensuring that compassion is taught to nurses) and in the way healthcare leaders and managers foster a compassionate culture within their organizations (e.g. by leading by example and compassionate to their staff).

Atherosclerotic Vessel Changes in Sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vessel disease. The aim of our present study was to investigate whether sarcoidosis could be associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic vessel changes. Angiological analysis and blood tests were performed in 71 sarcoidosis patients and 12 matched controls in this prospective cross-sectional study. Specifically, angiological measurements comprised ankle brachial index (ABI), central pulse wave velocity (cPWV), pulse wave index (PWI), and duplex sonography of central and peripheral arteries. Sarcoidosis activity markers (angiotensin converting enzyme, soluble interleukin-2 receptor) and cardiovascular risk parameters such as cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, fibrinogen, d-dimer, and blood count were analyzed in blood. We found no relevant differences in ABI, cPWV, and plaque burden between the sarcoidosis and control groups (1.10 ± 0.02 vs. 1.10 ± 0.02, 6.7 ± 0.5 vs. 6.1 ± 1.2, 53.7 % vs. 54.5 %, respectively). However, PWI was significantly higher in sarcoidosis patients (146.2 ± 6.8) compared with controls (104.9 ± 8.8), irrespectively of the activity of sarcoidosis and immunosuppressive medication. Except for increased lipoprotein(a) and d-dimer in sarcoidosis, the remaining cardiovascular markers were similar in both groups. We conclude that sarcoidosis is associated with increased pulse wave index, which may indicate an early stage of atherosclerosis.

Thrombolytic therapy in a patient with inferolateral myocardial infarction after carbon monoxide poisoning.

INTRODUCTION: ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to coronary artery occlusion caused by intracoronary thrombosis in the setting of acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a very rare presentation. We present a case of intracoronary large and mobile thrombus formation after CO poisoning. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy 50-year-old woman was referred for CO poisoning. She had chest pain after exposure to CO. Her initial mental status was preoccupied with chest pain. Her initial CO fraction was 28.1%, and initial laboratory data showed creatine kinase-myocardial isoenzyme of 134 U/L (upper limit 25 U/L) and troponin I of >50 ng/mL (upper limit 0.06 ng/mL). Electrocardiography was carried out on admission, revealing an ST segment elevation in the inferolateral leads. After initial evaluation, coronary angiography was performed and an intracoronary large mobile thrombus was seen in the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery with no significant stenosis. We administered tenecteplase with heparin. After the thrombolytic therapy, ST elevation in the inferolateral leads resolved. Repeat angiography was performed after 24 h; the thrombus in LAD had resolved. The patient was discharged after 5 days, with persistent Q wave in the inferior leads and mild hypokinesia of the inferoposterior wall suggesting myocardial injury. CONCLUSION: We describe intracoronary thrombus formation induced by CO poisoning. Because intracoronary thrombus can result in myocardial infarction, its consideration following CO poisoning is important. Patients with CO poisoning who have symptoms of STEMI should be carefully evaluated with serial electrocardiograms, cardiac biomarkers, and an echocardiogram. When there is evidence of acute myocardial injury, a primer in coronary angiography can determine which patients could benefit from intervention.

Anti-inflammatory effects of nesfatin-1 in rats with acetic acid - induced colitis and underlying mechanisms.

Mucosal balance impairment, bacterial over-proliferation, cytokines, inflammatory mediators are known as responsible for inflammatory bowel disease. Besides known anorexigenic, neuroprotective, and anti-apoptotic effects, the major effect of nesfatin-1 on colitis is unknown. Our aim was to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory effects of nesfatin-1 in acetic acid induced colitis model and potential underlying mechanisms. Male Spraque-Dawley rats were anesthetized by intraperitoneal ketamine (100 mg/kg) and chlorpromazine (0.75 mg/kg). For nesfatin-1 and antagonist applications some of the rats were intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) cannulated. In colitis group, intrarectally (i.r.) 4% acetic acid solution (1 ml) and 10 minutes later i.c.v. nesfatin-1 (0.05 µg/5 µl) or vehicle (5 µl) were administered. Treatments continued for 3 days. In control group, physiological saline solution was used intrarectally. To identify the underlying effective mechanism of nesfatin-1, rats were divided into 3 subgroups, 5 minutes following colitis induction; i.c.v. atosiban (oxytocin receptor antagonist), SHU9119 (melanocortin receptor antagonist) or GHSR-1a antagonist (ghrelin receptor antagonist) were administered, 5 minutes later nesfatin-1 was administered for 3 days. On the fourth day, rats were decapitated, and colon tissues were sampled. Macroscopic and microscopic damage scores of distal colon, and colonic tissue malondialdehyde, glutathione, myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence measurements were analysed. The increased myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels, luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence measurements, macroscopic and microscopic damage scores with colitis induction (P < 0.05 - 0.001) were decreased with nesfatin-1 treatment (P < 0.05 - 0.001). Nesfatin-1 may show this effect by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration through tissues and by decreasing formation of free oxygen radicals. Atosiban and GHSR-1a administration alleviated the protective effect of nesfatin-1 from microscopic and oxidant damage parameters and lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05 - 0.001). The results of the study suggest that nesfatin-1 had a protective effect from colitis induction, and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of nesfatin-1 on colitis might occur via oxytocin and ghrelin receptors.

Flexural and Microtensile Bond Strength of Bulk Fill Materials.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the flexural and µTBS of bulk-fill materials. STUDY DESIGN: Bulk-fill materials SDR, X-trabase (XTR) and TetricEvoCeramBulkFill (EVO) were used in this study. To test flexural strength, 25x2x2mm samples were prepared and tested with three point bending test. To test the microtensile bond strength (µTBS), two blocks (4x4x4mm) were prepared for each material. In Group A+B, acid-etching was applied to the surface of one of these blocks and no acid-etching was applied in Group B. After applying bonding agent, two blocks were placed into the mold and composite resin (COMP; Tetric N-Ceram) was applied with incremental layering. To evaluate the µTBS of primary dentin, the bulk-fill materials were applied to flat dentin up to 4mm. The new blocks and the teeth were sectioned to obtain sticks and the sticks were loaded in tension until failure. Flexural and microtensile bond strength was calculated based on failure load. RESULTS: The ranking of materials with regards to flexural strength values were SDR>XTR>EVO>COMP,respectively. In GroupA+B, the µTBS values were XTR>SDR>EVO and were XTR>EVO>SDR in GroupB (p>0.05). The µTBS values of these materials to dentin were XTR>EVO>SDR (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the use of a bonding agent without acid-etching showed positive interactions between base materials and composite resin and there were no significant differences in µTBS of these materials to dentin.

Effects of different cavity-disinfectants and potassium titanyl phosphate laser on microtensile bond strength to primary dentin.

AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the effects of different cavity-disinfectants and potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser on microtensile bond strength to primary dentin. Chlorhexidine (CHX), propolis (PRO), ozonated water (OW), gaseous ozone (OG) and KTP laser were used for this purpose. METHODOLOGY: Twelve primary molar teeth were used in this study. One-third of the teeth (from coronal portion) were removed to obtain flat surfaces. After applying the cavity-disinfectants, an adhesive (prime and bond NT) was applied to dentin surfaces, and composite crowns were built up. One group received no pretreatment and was set as a control (CONT). Ten sticks were obtained from these samples and were stressed in tension until failure using a universal testing machine and the data were recorded. RESULTS: The mean strength values (in MPa) of the sticks were OW (11.12) > KTP (9.58) > CHX (7.58) > PRO (7.42) > CONT (6.38) > OG (5.84) and OW showed significantly higher results than the other groups, except KTP group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: OW and KTP might be used safely without compromising the bond strength of restorative materials.

Lycopene and resveratrol improve post-thaw bull sperm parameters: sperm motility, mitochondrial activity and DNA integrity.

We focussed on evaluating the protective effect of lycopene and resveratrol on post-thaw bull sperm and oxidative stress parameters. Nine ejaculates for each bull were used in the study. Each ejaculate, splitted into three equal aliquots and diluted at 37 °C with base extenders containing lycopene (1 × 10(-3)  g ml(-1) ) and resveratrol (1 mm), and no antioxidant (control), was cooled to 5 °C and then frozen. Frozen straws were thawed in a water bath for evaluation. The supplementation of the semen extender with lycopene and resveratrol increased the percentages of post-thawed computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) motility (55.8 ± 3.8 and 61.9 ± 4.0%) and progressive motility (38 ± 2.4 and 37 ± 8.8), compared with the controls (50.7 ± 2.65 and 33.3 ± 3.74%, respectively, P < 0.05). Resveratrol provided a higher ALH (4.3 ± 0.1), in comparison with the control (3.9 ± 0.3, P < 0.05). The supplementation of the semen extender with lycopene and resveratrol produced a higher mitochondrial activity (24.6 ± 2.9 and 30.1 ± 6.5% respectively), compared with that of the control (11.8 ± 9.5%, P < 0.05). It was determined that both antioxidants resulted in a lower percentage of sperm with damaged DNA than that of the control (P < 0.05). Sperm motion characteristics except for ALH, acrosome integrity, sperm viability and oxidative stress parameters were not affected by the adding of lycopene and resveratrol.