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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Translucency, color stability, and biaxial flexural strength of advanced lithium disilicate ceramic after coffee thermocycling

J Esthet Restor Dent. 2022 Sep 4. doi: 10.1111/jerd.12960. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the color stability, translucency, and biaxial flexural strength (BFS) of differently glazed advanced lithium disilicate (ALDS) with those of lithium disilicate (LDS) and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) after coffee thermocycling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty disk-shaped specimens were prepared from three lithium silicate based materials (CEREC Tessera, ALDS; IPS e.max CAD, LDS; Vita Suprinity, ZLS). ALDS specimens were divided into two subgroups according to glazing procedures (reduced glaze duration, ALDS-S and normal glaze duration, ALDS-N), while LDS and ZLS specimens were crystallized and glazed. Color coordinate measurements were performed before and after coffee thermocycling. Color differences (ΔE00 ) and relative translucency parameters (RTP) were calculated. Specimens were then subjected to BFS test. Statistical analysis was performed by using 1- (ΔE00 and BFS) and 2-way (RTP) ANOVA tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: ΔE00 values of tested materials were similar (df = 3, F = 0.150, p = 0.929). Two-way ANOVA showed the significant effect of material type, coffee thermocycling, and the interaction between these parameters on RTP values (p < 0.001). Both before and after thermocycling, LDS had the highest (p ≤ 0.001) and ZLS had the lowest (p < 0.001) RTP values, while ALDS-N had higher RTP than ALDS-S (p ≤ 0.001). Among tested materials, only LDS had similar RTP values before and after thermocycling (p = 0.865) as the other materials had lower RTP values after thermocycling (p < 0.001). ALDS-N had higher BFS values than ALDS-S (p = 0.005), while LDS had similar values to ALDS specimens (p ≥ 0.201). ZLS had the highest BFS (p ≤ 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS: ALDS had comparable values to those of other materials. However, reduced glazing duration resulted in decreased translucency and BFS of ALDS.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: ALDS may be an appropriate restorative material for those patients with increased coffee consumption considering its color stability and ability to maintain translucency, particularly when glazed by using a conventional porcelain furnace.

PMID:36057856 | DOI:10.1111/jerd.12960

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Silicon and boron on cauliflower induce attractiveness and mortality in Plutella xylostella

Pest Manag Sci. 2022 Sep 4. doi: 10.1002/ps.7165. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Boron (B) and silicon (Si) are fundamental for brassica nutrition, and in some cases, they have potential as an insecticide. Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), one of the most economically important agricultural pests, is difficult to control due to the resistance to insecticides and the absence of alternative control methods.

RESULTS: Cauliflower leaves sprayed with Si and B showed a higher concentration of the benefic element and micronutrient, respectively. When evaluating the firmness of the cauliflower leaves, it was found that the plants with leaf sprayings of Si and B did not differ statistically from each other. However, they showed an increase in firmness, in relation to the plants of the control treatment. Leaf spraying of Si and B on cauliflower did not influence the number of eggs/female. The attractiveness index showed that both Si and B applications stimulated the presence of second instar larvae, being more stimulating in relation to the control treatment. However, the use of Si and B in isolation showed a positive result, since it caused high mortality in diamondback moth larvae compared to the control treatment.

CONCLUSION: The application of both foliar fertilizers positively affects the AI of the larvae, being attractive; however, both Si and B caused high mortality (~80%). The results showed that Si and B have the potential to control P. xylostella and serve as a basis for alternative pest management in brassica crops. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:36057848 | DOI:10.1002/ps.7165

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Evaluation of Hemoglobin Response to Treatment with Enarodustat Using Pharmacometric Approach in Japanese Anemic Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

J Clin Pharmacol. 2022 Sep 4. doi: 10.1002/jcph.2148. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Enarodustat (JTZ-951) is a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor that has been approved and marketed in Japan for anemic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The pharmacometric approach was applied to assess the relationship between plasma concentrations of enarodustat and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and to provide information regarding the optimal use of enarodustat in clinical practice by simulations based on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model that was developed. The PK/PD data of enarodusat obtained from Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies in Japanese CKD patients were well described by the models: a 1-comportment model with first-order absorption and elimination for PK, and a semi-mechanistic model based on transit compartment model for PD. Although several factors were identified as statistically significant covariates on the PK/PD of enarodustat, model-based simulations showed that none of them had clinically relevant impacts on the treatment effect (i.e., Hb levels) of enarodustat. Hence, enarodustat treatment provides the stable Hb control with the initial dose (hemodialysis dependent CKD: 4 mg/day, non-dialysis dependent CKD: 2 mg/day) and maintenance dose (1 to 8 mg/day) to the patients with varied demographic characteristics. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:36057843 | DOI:10.1002/jcph.2148

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Application value of shear-wave elastography combined with monochrome superb microvascular imaging in renal allograft chronic rejection

Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2022 Aug 27. doi: 10.3233/CH-221443. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Conventional ultrasound (US), which include grey-scale US and doppler US, is the first-line imaging modality for the evaluation of renal allograft; however, conventional US indicators have limitations.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of shear-wave elastography (SWE) combined with monochrome superb microvascular imaging (mSMI) in renal allograft chronic rejection (CR).

METHODS: From November 2021 to February 2022 in the Lanzhou University Second Hospital, the US features of 54 patients with renal allograft were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into two groups: stable group(n = 44) and CR group(n = 10), with clinical diagnosis as reference standard. The vascular index (VI) on mSMI and parenchymal stiffness were measured in the middle cortex of all renal allografts and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to evaluate the feasibility of differentiation. Statistically significant US features and biochemical indicators such as creatinine were scored, and the results of the scores were analyzed by ROC curve.

RESULTS: The VI on mSMI of the stable group (49.5±2.0) was significantly greater than that of the CR group (33.8±5.9) (P = 0.028). There was a statistically significant difference in parenchymal stiffness between stable group (16.2kPa±1.2) and CR group (33.9kPa±6.6) (P = 0.027). The sensitivity was 90% and specificity was 81.8% of the scores in the differentiation of stable group from CR group (cut-off value, 2; P = 0.000).

CONCLUSION: SWE combined with mSMI may help differentiate stable renal allograft from renal allograft CR and have the potential application value in the diagnosis of renal allograft CR.

PMID:36057814 | DOI:10.3233/CH-221443

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The impact of noise exposure and work posture on job stress in a food company

Work. 2022 Sep 1. doi: 10.3233/WOR-210872. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In most food companies, workers are constantly exposed to nonstandard levels of noise. Also, food production processes require intense manual labor and repetitive movements, which may result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Noise and awkward posture are considered as two important physical factors in the industrialized world, which can related to perceived stress.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted among food factory workers to investigate the impact of noise exposure and work posture on occupational stress.

METHODS: A total of 200 workers were examined in this cross-sectional study. Individual noise exposure was measured by TES-1354 dosimeter (TES, TW) according to ISO 9612. Postural risk and job stress levels were assessed using Quick Exposure Check (QEC), and the Osipow occupational stress questionnaire, respectively.

RESULTS: The level of noise exposure and awkward posture were significantly associated with work- related stress.The relationship of gender with occupational stress was also statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Considering that the noise exposure and work posture factors are important determinants of work-related stress, a combined approach to eliminate the levels of non-standard noise and inappropriate posture is essential for promoting psychological health in food companies.

PMID:36057807 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-210872

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Micro-CT analysis of 3D printed provisional crowns fitting

Technol Health Care. 2022 Aug 26. doi: 10.3233/THC-220304. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The provisional crowns (PR) play an important role during the course of fixed prosthesis treatment. The fitting of PR varies and depends on various factors.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the marginal and internal fit of PR produced by three-dimensional (3D) printing technique and to compare those with PR made by the milling technique by using micro computed tomography (μCT) on three commonly used finish line designs.

METHOD: Ninety study models were made using metal die of #14 tooth (i.e. maxillary 1st premolar molar) prepared for full veneer crown with three different finish line chamfer (C), rounded shoulder (RS) and rounded shoulder with bevel (RSB). PR was fabricated on each study model, using milling (MiL group, n= 45), and 3D printing technique (3D-P group, n= 45). Marginal and internal fit of each study model was measured by micro computed tomography, at 7 Zones Pr-1- Pr-7 on each finish line. Recorded data were statistically analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and using Dunnett t-Test (p> 0.05).

RESULTS: The mean gap at margins was minimum for provisional crowns in 3D-P group in any finish line with minimum in rounded shoulder with bevel at zone Pr-1 30.9 ± 5.3 and at zone Pr-7 32.7 ± 5.3. In the axial region, i.e. zone Pr-2, the smallest gap was recorded in the 3D-P group and in the occlusal region, for zone Pr-3, 4 and 5, the maximum gap was recorded in the MiL group.

CONCLUSION: The provisional crowns fabricated by 3D printed technique have better marginal and internal fit than the provisional crowns made by milling technique.

PMID:36057803 | DOI:10.3233/THC-220304

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Potential role of dynein-related genes in the etiology of male infertility: A systematic review and a meta-analysis

Andrology. 2022 Sep 3. doi: 10.1111/andr.13287. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The dynein-related genes may have a role in the etiology of male infertility, particularly in cases of impaired sperm motility.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this review is to compile a list of the most important dynein-related candidate genes that may contribute to male factor infertility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Databases were searched using the keywords “dynein”, “male”, “infertility” and by applying strict inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was also performed by using the eligible case-control studies. The odd ratios (OR), the Z-test score, and the level of significance were determined using a fixed model with a p value of 0.05. Funnel plots were used to check for publication bias.

RESULTS: There were 35 studies that met the inclusion criteria. There were a total of fifteen genes responsible for the production of dynein structural proteins, the production of dynein assembling factors, and potentially associated with male infertility. A total of five case-control studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Variants in the dynein-related genes were linked to an increased the risk of male infertility (OR = 21.52, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 8.34 – 55.50, Z test = 6.35, p < 0.05). The percentage of heterogeneity, I2 , was 47.00%. The lack of variants in the dynein genes was an advantage and this was statistically significant.

DISCUSSION: The results from the present review illustrate that pathogenic variants in genes both for dynein synthesis and for dynein assembly factors could be associated with isolated cases of male infertility without any other symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: The genes addressed in this study, which are involved in both the production and assembly of dynein, could be used as molecular targets for future research into the etiology of sperm motility problems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:36057791 | DOI:10.1111/andr.13287

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Innovations in Pediatric Therapeutics Development: Principles for the Use of Bridging Biomarkers in Pediatric Extrapolation

Ther Innov Regul Sci. 2022 Sep 3. doi: 10.1007/s43441-022-00445-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Even with recent substantive improvements in health care in pediatric populations, considerable need remains for additional safe and effective interventions for the prevention and treatment of diseases in children. The approval of prescription drugs and biological products for use in pediatric settings, as in adults, requires demonstration of substantial evidence of effectiveness and favorable benefit-to-risk. For diseases primarily affecting children, such evidence predominantly would be obtained in the pediatric setting. However, for conditions affecting both adults and children, pediatric extrapolation uses scientific evidence in adults to enable more efficiently obtaining a reliable evaluation of an intervention’s effects in pediatric populations. Bridging biomarkers potentially have an integral role in pediatric extrapolation. In a setting where an intervention reliably has been established to be safe and effective in adults, and where there is substantive evidence that disease processes in pediatric and adult settings are biologically similar, a ‘bridging biomarker’ should satisfy three additional criteria: effects on the bridging biomarker should capture effects on the principal causal pathway through which the disease process meaningfully influences ‘feels, functions, survives’ measures; secondly, the experimental intervention should not have important unintended effects on ‘feels, functions, survives’ measures not captured by the bridging biomarker; and thirdly, in statistical analyses in adults, the intervention’s net effect on ‘feels, functions, survives’ measures should be consistent with what would be predicted by its level of effect on the bridging biomarker. A validated bridging biomarker has considerable potential utility, since an intervention’s efficacy could be extrapolated from adult to pediatric populations if evidence in children establishes the intervention not only to be safe but also to have substantive effects on that bridging biomarker. Proper use of bridging biomarkers could increase availability of reliably evaluated therapies approved for use in pediatric settings, enabling children and their caregivers to make informed choices about health care.

PMID:36057747 | DOI:10.1007/s43441-022-00445-6

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The Relative Contributions of NIH and Private Sector Funding to the Approval of New Biopharmaceuticals

Ther Innov Regul Sci. 2022 Sep 3. doi: 10.1007/s43441-022-00451-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: There remains ongoing debate regarding the relative efficacy of public (NIH) and private sector funding in bringing biopharmaceutical innovations to market. This paper investigates the significance of each party’s level of funding for obtaining Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization.

METHODS: A cohort of research projects linked to 23,230 National Institute of Health grants awarded in the year 2000 was audited to account for patents, where the project led to a product in clinical development and potentially FDA approval. A total of 8126 associated patents led to the identification of 41 therapies that registered clinical trials; 18 of these therapies received FDA approved.

RESULTS: NIH funding for the 18 FDA-approved therapies totaled $0.670 billion, whereas private sector funding (excluding post-approval funding) totaled $44.3 billion. A logistic regression relating the levels of public and private funding to the probability of FDA approval indicates a positive and significant relationship between private sector funding and the likelihood of FDA approval (p ≤ 0.0004). The relationship between public funding and the likelihood of FDA approval is found to be negative and not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Our study results underscore that the development of basic discoveries requires substantial additional investments, partnerships, and the shouldering of financial risk by the private sector if therapies are to materialize as FDA-approved medicine. Our finding of a potentially negative relationship between public funding and the likelihood that a therapy receives FDA approval requires additional study.

PMID:36057746 | DOI:10.1007/s43441-022-00451-8

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Monitoring land use and land cover change near a nuclear power plant construction site: Akkuyu case, Turkey

Environ Monit Assess. 2022 Sep 3;194(10):724. doi: 10.1007/s10661-022-10437-6.

ABSTRACT

Land use and land cover (LULC) change analysis of the construction site and its surroundings of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project in southern Turkey was undertaken in this case study, which was supported by remotely sensed Landsat 8 image composites. The composite images compiled in 2017 and 2021 were prepared on the Google Earth Engine platform. The Random Forest algorithm was used as the classifier model. A high classification performance was obtained for both images (kappa > 0.88, overall accuracy > 90%). After the classification process, LULC maps for both years were generated, and statistical calculations for the LULC change were computed for both the entire study area (15 × 25 km) and a buffer zone with a radius of 1 km around the power plant. In the whole study area, artificial surfaces significantly increased (78.46%), whereas forests (- 8.31%) and barren lands experienced a considerable decrease (- 6.11%). In the 1 km buffer, artificial surfaces predominantly increased (113.94%), while forests and barren lands decreased dramatically (- 69.13% and – 74.28%, respectively). The agricultural areas in the study area were changed into other LULC classes: 9.1% to artificial surfaces, 27.6% to barren lands, and 21.7% to forest. The rise in the area of artificial surfaces was especially noticeable within the 1 km buffer zone: construction activities converted 36.1% of agricultural fields, 54.1% of forests, and 23.2% of barren lands into artificial surfaces. The filling activities on the seashore resulted in a loss of water bodies of up to 26.5%. The study provides an overview of how the LULC classes have evolved on the construction site and in the region. In the end, the study discusses how the current land use preferences in the region contradict the issues and concerns mentioned in the existing body of literature.

PMID:36057743 | DOI:10.1007/s10661-022-10437-6