Effects of a Cyclic NSAID Regimen on Levels of Gingival Crevicular Fluid Prostaglandin E2 and Interleukin‑1β: A 6‑month Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for inflammation control and pain relief. However, while the adjunct use of NSAIDs is avoided for periodontal therapy because of related side effects, cyclic administration of NSAIDs may reduce or eliminate these effects. We evaluated the effect of a cyclic diclofenac potassium (DP) regimen on clinical parameters and levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin‑1β (IL‑1β) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of individuals with periodontitis. Materials and Methods: The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee (2000/071). Forty‑one individuals with chronic periodontitis (33 men, 8 women) were divided into two groups (test and control) after initial periodontal therapy. During this 6‑month, randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled study, test (n = 28) and control (n = 13) groups were administered a cyclic regimen of DP (50 mg, twice daily) or placebo. Clinical measurements and GCF sample collections were made at baseline, 2, 4, and 6 months. GCF levels of PGE2 and IL‑1β were determined using enzyme immunoassay and enzyme‑linked immunoassay kits, respectively. Results: At baseline, no significant differences existed between groups for plaque indices, gingival indices, bleeding on probing, probing depth (PD), or attachment levels (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, cyclic regimen in the test group suppressed increased levels of PGE2 found in GCF at the end of the study (P < 0.05). Significant differences for PD and relative attachment gain were also noted in favor of the test group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that a cyclic regimen of DP may be efficacious in the management of chronic periodontitis in adults.Keywords: Anti‑inflammatory agents, cytokines, gingival crevicular fluid, nonsurgical therapy, periodontiti

Char-diesel slurry fuels for microgeneration: Emission characteristics and engine performance

Diesel engine generators are one of the major methods for off-grid and on-demand electricity generation, particularly in the remote areas of some developing countries. However, access to fossil diesel is often limited by supply or price. In many regions, biomass is an abundant source of energy, but many types are not suitable for producing traditional liquid biofuels such as biodiesel. This paper explores the use of so called ‘slurry fuels’ produced by the blending of micron sized particles of carbonaceous material in diesel and assesses whether these ‘slurry fuels’ can be used in a standard diesel engine generator with minimal modification. Two types of micronized carbon chars were added to diesel, produced by either pyrolysis or hydrothermal carbonization of biomass. The results indicated that at high engine power, the micronized carbon slurry fuels can be run at a similar efficiency as pure diesel. The major issues identified included high engine wear and the blockage of the fuel injector. Hydrothermal carbonization was found to be the best thermal conversion route for producing micronized carbon in terms of emissions when blended with diesel