Beyond technology: A research agenda for social sciences and humanities research on renewable energy in Europe

This article enriches the existing literature on the importance and role of the social sciences and humanities (SSH) in renewable energy sources research by providing a novel approach to instigating the future research agenda in this field. Employing a series of in-depth interviews, deliberative focus group workshops and a systematic horizon scanning process, which utilised the expert knowledge of 85 researchers from the field with diverse disciplinary backgrounds and expertise, the paper develops a set of 100 priority questions for future research within SSH scholarship on renewable energy sources. These questions were aggregated into four main directions: (i) deep transformations and connections to the broader economic system (i.e. radical ways of (re)arranging socio-technical, political and economic relations), (ii) cultural and geographical diversity (i.e. contextual cultural, historical, political and socio-economic factors influencing citizen support for energy transitions), (iii) complexifying energy governance (i.e. understanding energy systems from a systems dynamics perspective) and (iv) shifting from instrumental acceptance to value-based objectives (i.e. public support for energy transitions as a normative notion linked to trust-building and citizen engagement). While this agenda is not intended to be—and cannot be—exhaustive or exclusive, we argue that it advances the understanding of SSH research on renewable energy sources and may have important value in the prioritisation of SSH themes needed to enrich dialogues between policymakers, funding institutions and researchers. SSH scholarship should not be treated as instrumental to other research on renewable energy but as intrinsic and of the same hierarchical importance.acceptedVersio

Genomic characterization of large rearrangements of the LDLR gene in Czech patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mutations in the <it>LDLR </it>gene are the most frequent cause of Familial hypercholesterolemia, an autosomal dominant disease characterised by elevated concentrations of LDL in blood plasma. In many populations, large genomic rearrangements account for approximately 10% of mutations in the <it>LDLR </it>gene.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>DNA diagnostics of large genomic rearrangements was based on Multiple Ligation dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA). Subsequent analyses of deletion and duplication breakpoints were performed using long-range PCR, PCR, and DNA sequencing.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In set of 1441 unrelated FH patients, large genomic rearrangements were found in 37 probands. Eight different types of rearrangements were detected, from them 6 types were novel, not described so far. In all rearrangements, we characterized their exact extent and breakpoint sequences.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Sequence analysis of deletion and duplication breakpoints indicates that intrachromatid non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) between <it>Alu </it>elements is involved in 6 events, while a non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is implicated in 2 rearrangements. Our study thus describes for the first time NHEJ as a mechanism involved in genomic rearrangements in the <it>LDLR </it>gene.</p

Scientific Validation of Three-Dimensional Stereophotogrammetry Compared to the IGAIS Clinical Scale for Assessing Wrinkles and Scars after Laser Treatment

Measuring outcomes from treatments to the skin is either reliant upon patient’s subjective feedback or scale-based peer assessments. Three-Dimensional stereophotogrammetry intend to accurately quantify skin microtopography before and after treatments. The objective of this study is comparing the accuracy of stereophotogrammetry with a scale-based peer evaluation in assessing topographical changes to skin surface following laser treatment. A 3D stereophotogrammetry system photographed skin surface of 48 patients with facial wrinkles or scars before and three months after laser resurfacing, followed immediately by topical application of vitamin C. The software measured changes in skin roughness, wrinkle depth and scar volume. Images were presented to three observers, each independently scoring cutaneous improvement according to Investigator Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (IGAIS). As for the results, a trend reflecting skin/scar improvement was reported by 3D SPM measurements and raters. The percentage of topographical change given by the raters matched 3D SPM findings. Agreement was highest when observers analysed 3D images. However, observers overestimated skin improvement in a nontreatment control whilst 3D SPM was precise in detecting absence of intervention. This study confirmed a direct correlation between the IGAIS clinical scale and 3D SPM and confirmed the efficacy and accuracy of the latter when assessing cutaneous microtopography alterations as a response to laser treatment

Prediction of the Interdental Papilla Presence between the Upper Central Incisors Based on the Distance from the Contact Point to the Crest of Bone and Interdental Distance

Background: The appearance of interdental papillae plays an important role in the final aesthetic outcome, especially in exposed region as is interdental papilla between central upper incisors. The aim of this study, is to determine factors associated with bone morphology, which can influence the appearance of this papilla. Materials and methods: 50 subjects in the range of 20-30 years of age with healthy periodontal tissues were examined. Presence of interdental papilla between central maxillary incisors was determined using classification proposed by Nordland and Tarnow. Intraoral radiographs were utilized to measure distance from contact point to the crest of bone and interdental distance at the level of cementoenamel junction using a computer programme. Results: Statistically significant correlation between papilla presence and distance from the contact point to the crest of bone (p &lt; 0,0001) was found. Also significant relationship between papilla presence and interdental distance (p &lt; 0,0001) was found. The value of prediction of papilla presence for both factors was inferred from data analysis. Conclusion: Presence of interdental papilla is influenced by various factors, including distance from contact point to the crest of bone and interdental distance. Modification of these distances can influence the final aesthetic outcome

Occlusal Contacts during Protrusion

Introduction and aim: Many criteria of ideal occlusion, especially of the static occlusion, were generally accepted. On the contrary, other parameters, especially of the dynamic occlusion, are subject to ongoing debate. Epidemiological studies contribute to this discussion.The aim of the presented epidemiological study was to describe occlusal contacts during protrusion, to classify them and to find out prevalence of protrusive interferences. Methods: 100 young adults, dental students, 60 women, 40 men, were examined. The age of the participants was 20-32 years (median 22). Subjects had well-preserved dentitions. 55 subjects had orthodontic therapy in their history. Occlusal contacts were detected during protrusive movement, from the maximal intercuspidal position to the edge-to-edge position. All movements were guided by participants themselves. Occlusal contacts were detected by basic clinical method, in three steps. First detection was conducted visually, second with articulating paper. Third assessment served as an additional check of the first two assessments. Subjects themselves reported, which teeth they feel to be in occlusal contact during each movement. Occlusal contacts during laterotrusion among the same pool of participants were discussed in a former study. Results: During protrusion, upper central incisors and lower central and lateral incisors were mostly in contact. Occlusal contacts on upper lateral incisors and upper and lower canines were less often. There were a few contacts on premolars and molars. Occlusal contacts during protrusion were classified in detail. In most students, occlusal contacts were located only on frontal teeth (83 subjects). From these, 52 had contacts only on incisors and 31 on both incisors and canines. 17 students had contacts on both lateral and frontal teeth. In six cases, lateral contacts were located on premolars, in 11 cases on molars. Protrusive interferences were defined as occlusal contacts on lateral teeth during protrusion. The prevalence of protrusive interferences among participants was 17 percent. Conclusion: This epidemiological study described in detail occlusal contacts during protrusion, classified occlusal contact patterns during protrusion and reported prevalence of protrusive interferences in young adults

Modification of Dentine Surface Using a Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser

Dentine hypersensitivity is a common complaint of adult patients in dental office. It is a source of uncomfortable feelings or pain and from 10 to 15 percent of population suffers from it. Sealing of dentinal tubules opened to the outside is one of the methods of treatment of dentine hypersensitivity. When dentine is irradiated by a radiation of Nd:YAG laser, the dentine surface can be melted. After cooling, the melted surface forms a glazed and non-porous surface that can partly or fully obturate orifices of dentinal tubules. Dentine samples prepared from extracted human third molars were irradiated by the light from Nd:YAG laser system LASAG KLS 246-102. One hundred and nine dentine samples in the form of 2 to 3 mm high discs were exposed by laser pulses with energies from 20 mJ to 250 mJ per pulse. A pulsed regime of operation with repetition rate of 15 Hz and pulse duration of 0.3 ms was used; beam diameter in the focus of an optical fiber was 0.3 and 0.6 mm. Samples moved with respect to the fixed head of an optical laser system along a serpentine path that assured the overlap of 50 percent of the adjacent beam spots on the surface. After a series of experiments on relatively flat artificially-prepared cross-section surfaces of dentine discs, we moved to the samples prepared from outer parts of roots and having convex surfaces. We have applied dye agents (tatrazine, carmine indigo, erythrosine and methylene blue) with suitable spectra (with respect the wavelength of laser radiation) on dentine surfaces in order to increase absorption of laser energy. Changes of dentine surfaces were observed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).Sealing of dentinal tubules were observed already when a surface was exposed to a beam with diameter of 0.6 mm and energies of 30 mJ per pulse in several subsequent exposures. An upper bound for laser exposure is reached when pulses with energies of 90 mJ per pulse having beam diameter of 0.3 mm and four-fold exposure are applied. In both cases dentine surfaces were covered by erythrosin solution in water. Laser radiation generated from a standard pulsed Nd:YAG laser with a precise control of its parameters can be used for dentine surface modification and reaching tubules occlusion

BIOCERAMIC-BASED ROOT CANAL SEALERS

Introduction: In modern endodontics, there is a constant development of new procedures and requirements for high-quality and reliable materials to fill the root canal system are rising. A few years ago, a new types of calcium silicate-based root canal sealers were launched on the market, which could meet most of the parameters of a perfect sealing material. Newer generations of these sealers contain calcium phosphate and are also referred to in the literature worldwide as bioceramic sealers. Aim of the article: The aim of this article is to present the characteristics of this group of sealers and to outline their chemical, physical and biological properties. Bioceramic-based root canal sealers have many characteristics in common with the original material MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate). They are similar to its chemical composition and setting reaction. They are hydrophilic and able to set in humid environments. In contact with the dentin, hydroxyapatite crystals are deposited on the surface, thus enhancing the sealing ability of the root canal. Considering their physical characteristics, they are volumetrically stable and there is even a slight expansion during material setting. Humidity of the environment and high water sorption promote the biomineralization processes, and contribute to a better seal of the root canal. The flowability of the material allows to fill the entire space of the root canal, even including its irregularities. Biocompatibility, wound healing ability and minimal cytotoxicity make this type of sealer suitable for permanent contact with periodontal tissues, where prolonged release of calcium ions promotes regeneration. High pH value during material setting result in an antimicrobial effect. They have sufficient X-ray contrast for clinical use, but depending on the radiopaque additive used, they show a tendency to discoloration of hard dental tissues. A relatively disadvantageous features are increased solubility, porosity and water absorption. However, due to the dynamic and bioactive nature of these sealers, these adverse properties may not be significant for the success of treatment in clinical practice. The mechanical properties of most bioceramic sealers are generally negatively affected by heat. Due to this fact, cold obturation methods are recommended for bioceramic-based sealers. Conclusion: The outcomes of clinical and experimental studies generally highlight the beneficial properties and reliability of this group of sealers. They suggest promising results not only in specialized endodontic practices

BIOCERAMIC-BASED ROOT CANAL SEALERS - USE IN ENDODONTICS

Introduction and aim: Calcium silicate-based sealers, also referred to as bioceramic-based sealers, can, thanks to their properties, ensure hermetic sealing of root canals in endodontics. The recommended single-cone hydraulic cold obturation method or possibly the method of cold lateral condensation of gutta-percha seems to be a suitable way of using this type of sealers in endodontic obturation. With the correct selection of the main gutta-percha cone, which corresponds exactly to the apical dimension after the root canal has been instrumented, reliable sealing can be achieved in conjunction with a sealer applied as a filler. Due to the high degree of biocompatibility, the possible extrusion of the material into the periodontal tissues does not cause any or only a  small postoperative sensitivity. Bioceramic-based root canal sealers have the ability to fill in the anatomical irregularities of the root canal, or to seal iatrogenic defects. The minimal necessary preparation of coronary dentin, chemical bonding to dentin and relatively low condensation pressure when filling the root canal contribute to reducing the risk of root fracture. Filling the root canals with this group of seals provides, according to the available information, at least comparable results as the gold standard in endodontics - obturation by the method of lateral condensation of gutta-percha.For post-endodontic treatment, it is recommended to perform the final filling therapy at the same visit, preferably using adhesive filling materials. An important point is the separation of the bioceramic sealer, which is hydrophilic in nature, from the adhesive materials, which are hydrophobic. In practice, it is recommended to use a  small amount of hot gutta-percha or glass ionomer cement as such a  spacer. Depending on the clinical situation, FRC posts introduced at the same visit or a subsequent prosthetic solution can also be used for postendodontic reconstruction.Secondary endodontic treatment is possible with the use of bioceramic-based sealers, but the removal of material that has a chemical bond to the walls of the root canal is difficult and belongs more to the hands of an endodontic specialist.Conclusion: By simplifying the work procedure, bioceramic-based sealers can contribute to the improvement of obturation in a general dentist's office. However, they can also be of benefit to the work of an endodontic specialist not only in solving complicated cases. However, further research is needed to finally evaluate this type of sealer in endodontic field