Remineralization potential of grape seed extract hydrogels on bleached enamel compared to fluoride gel : an in vitro study

Remineralizing of bleached enamel is a common procedure that aims to compensate enamel mineral lose. This study aimed to evaluate the remineralization effectiveness of experimentally prepared grape seed extract hydrogels (GSE) compared to fluoride gel on bleached enamel. Thirty extracted maxillary incisor were bleached using white smile bleaching agent. Bleached specimens were divided into three groups (10/group) according to the remineralizing agents tested: [GSE 6%, GSE 10%, or fluoride gel]. After bleaching and remineralization procedure, the specimens were stored in artificial saliva at 37°C. Micro-hardness and Energy-Dispersive X-ray and ultra-morphological evaluation were tested at baseline, after bleaching and after remineralization. Statistical significant decrease on mean micro-hardness values had resulted after bleaching procedure compared to baseline, followed by a significant increase in GSE (10%) and fluoride groups. GSE (6%) application showed the least statistical significant mean micro-hardness, which was statistically insignificant different compared to bleaching procedure. Elemental analysis results revealed a statistical significant decrease on Ca, and Ca/P ratios (At%) values after bleaching compared to baseline, followed by a significant increase after treatment with all tested remineralizing gels. SEM photomicrograph of sound enamel shows smooth uniform appearance with few pores. Bleached enamel showed irregular pitted disorganized enamel surface. Bleached enamel exposed to GSE and fluoride gel showed occlusion of enamel surface porosities and precipitates of different sizes. The specially prepared GSE hydrogels has positive effects on the remineralization process of bleached enamel making it an effective natural agent with remineralizing potential

Bioenergy and African transformation

FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOAmong the world's continents, Africa has the highest incidence of food insecurity and poverty and the highest rates of population growth. Yet Africa also has the most arable land, the lowest crop yields, and by far the most plentiful land resources relative to energy demand. It is thus of interest to examine the potential of expanded modern bioenergy production in Africa. Here we consider bioenergy as an enabler for development, and provide an overview of modern bioenergy technologies with a comment on application in an Africa context. Experience with bioenergy in Africa offers evidence of social benefits and also some important lessons. In Brazil, social development, agricultural development and food security, and bioenergy development have been synergistic rather than antagonistic. Realizing similar success in African countries will require clear vision, good governance, and adaptation of technologies, knowledge, and business models to myriad local circumstances. Strategies for integrated production of food crops, livestock, and bioenergy are potentially attractive and offer an alternative to an agricultural model featuring specialized land use. If done thoughtfully, there is considerable evidence that food security and economic development in Africa can be addressed more effectively with modern bioenergy than without it. Modern bioenergy can be an agent of African transformation, with potential social benefits accruing to multiple sectors and extending well beyond energy supply per se. Potential negative impacts also cut across sectors. Thus, institutionally inclusive multi-sector legislative structures will be more effective at maximizing the social benefits of bioenergy compared to institutionally exclusive, single-sector structures.Among the world's continents, Africa has the highest incidence of food insecurity and poverty and the highest rates of population growth. Yet Africa also has the most arable land, the lowest crop yields, and by far the most plentiful land resources relative to energy demand. It is thus of interest to examine the potential of expanded modern bioenergy production in Africa. Here we consider bioenergy as an enabler for development, and provide an overview of modern bioenergy technologies with a comment on application in an Africa context. Experience with bioenergy in Africa offers evidence of social benefits and also some important lessons. In Brazil, social development, agricultural development and food security, and bioenergy development have been synergistic rather than antagonistic. Realizing similar success in African countries will require clear vision, good governance, and adaptation of technologies, knowledge, and business models to myriad local circumstances. Strategies for integrated production of food crops, livestock, and bioenergy are potentially attractive and offer an alternative to an agricultural model featuring specialized land use. If done thoughtfully, there is considerable evidence that food security and economic development in Africa can be addressed more effectively with modern bioenergy than without it. Modern bioenergy can be an agent of African transformation, with potential social benefits accruing to multiple sectors and extending well beyond energy supply per se. Potential negative impacts also cut across sectors. Thus, institutionally inclusive multi-sector legislative structures will be more effective at maximizing the social benefits of bioenergy compared to institutionally exclusive, single-sector structures.8118FAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOFAPESP - FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULOFAPESP [2012/00282-3]2012/00282-3Partial support was provided by grant 2012/00282-3 from the Sao Paulo Research Foundation, the NEPAD-FAO project under the EU-FAO Global Governance for Hunger Reduction Programme, and the Link Foundation (support for LRL)

Laparoscopic Single Site Surgery for Repair of Retrocaval Ureter in a Morbidly Obese Patient

This is to describe a case of a morbidly obese (BMI = 40) female with retrocaval ureter treated with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery. A JJ stent was positioned. A 2 cm umbilical access was created. A single port platform was positioned. The entire ureter was mobilized posterior to the vena cava and transected where the dilated portion ended. The distal ureter was repositioned lateral to the inferior vena cava. Anastomosis was done. A 3 mm trocar was used to assist suturing. At 4-month follow-up, CT revealed no evidence of obstruction of the right kidney and the patient was symptomless. Although challenging, in a morbidly obese patient, LESS repair for retrocaval ureter is feasible

Expression of urinary chemokines in patients with overactive bladder (OAB)

Objectives: Urine cytokine assays have been studied in various bladder and kidney disorders. Stretching of bladder wall as in filling may stimulate the urothelium to release Ach, ATP, nitros oxide and urothelial derived inhibition factor. One or more of these substances can activate sensory nerve endings in the lamina propria and urothelium where M2 and M3 receptors are present, leading to urgency. We hypothesize that overactive bladder can produce inflammatory cytokines as a result of afferent neural plasticity or from urothelial dysfunction. The objective of the present study was to detect abnormal cytokine levels in urine of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) compared to normal. Methods: Prospective, single blind study including twenty healthy women (control) and 20 women suffering from overactive bladder (group II) were selected. Urine samples were collected, centrifuged, and mixed with protease inhibitor solution, pH 7.4 to prevent protein degradation, frozen, and stored at -80oC. Urinary total proteins were quantified using BCA protein micro assay kit in accord with manufacturer’s instructions. Differential expression profile analysis of cytokines in urine samples of normal and OAB were performed using a human cytokine protein chip. The levels of each cytokine were expressed and compared as mean +/- SE in normal subjects and OAB patients. Results: Amongst the expression of 120 cytokines studied in the present study, the majority of the cytokines showed same expression in the OAB as compared with the control. The chemokines which were found to have 2 fold or more positive expression were Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), Monocyte chemo-attractant protein 2 (MCP- 2), Monocyte chemo-attractant protein 3 (MCP-3), and Eotaxin-3. The proinflammoatry cytokines showing 2 fold or more positive expression were tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF), granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R). Few of the cytokines were down regulated like IL-5, IL-6, IL-7 and GM-CSF. It was striking to note that the expression of -Nerve growth factor (NGF) was low. Conclusions: These findings for the first time demonstrate that production of the most potent chemokine MCP-1 along with other chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines in patients with overactive bladde

Bioenergy and African transformation

CITATION: Lynd, L. R. et al. 2015. Bioenergy and African transformation. Biotechnology for Biofuels, 8(18): doi:10.1186/s13068-014-0188-5.The original publication is available at http://www.biotechnologyforbiofuels.com/content/8/1/18Among the world’s continents, Africa has the highest incidence of food insecurity and poverty and the highest rates of population growth. Yet Africa also has the most arable land, the lowest crop yields, and by far the most plentiful land resources relative to energy demand. It is thus of interest to examine the potential of expanded modern bioenergy production in Africa. Here we consider bioenergy as an enabler for development, and provide an overview of modern bioenergy technologies with a comment on application in an Africa context. Experience with bioenergy in Africa offers evidence of social benefits and also some important lessons. In Brazil, social development, agricultural development and food security, and bioenergy development have been synergistic rather than antagonistic. Realizing similar success in African countries will require clear vision, good governance, and adaptation of technologies, knowledge, and business models to myriad local circumstances. Strategies for integrated production of food crops, livestock, and bioenergy are potentially attractive and offer an alternative to an agricultural model featuring specialized land use. If done thoughtfully, there is considerable evidence that food security and economic development in Africa can be addressed more effectively with modern bioenergy than without it. Modern bioenergy can be an agent of African transformation, with potential social benefits accruing to multiple sectors and extending well beyond energy supply per se. Potential negative impacts also cut across sectors. Thus, institutionally inclusive multi-sector legislative structures will be more effective at maximizing the social benefits of bioenergy compared to institutionally exclusive, single-sector structures.Publishers' Versio