Kinetic parameters govern of the uptake of nitrogen forms in "Paulsen" and "Magnolia" grapevine rootstocks.

Grapevine rootstocks are selected according to graft compatibility, pathogen tolerance and water stress. However, morphological and kinetic parameters of nutrient absorption, such as nitrate (NO3 −) and ammonium (NH4 +), usually are not considered. The study aimed to select, based on morphological and kinetic absorption parameters, grapevine rootstocks with greater efficiency of N-forms absorption. The study was performed with two grapevine rootstocks (?Paulsen 1103? and ?Magnolia?), grown in Hoagland nutrient solution in a greenhouse. After 21 d, they were placed in 0.05 mol L-1 CaSO4 solution for 20 d to exhaust nutrient internal reserves. The rootstock with highest NO3 − and NH4 + uptake efficiency was ?Paulsen 1103?, since it presented lower Cmin and Km values in the two N forms, allowing N extraction by roots, even in low concentrations in solution, due to the higher transporter affinity for NO3 − and NH4 + in roots from rootstock. ?Paulsen 1103? rootstock also presented better photosynthetic performance and root development, collaborating for greater growth and mass production than 'Magnolia' rootstock. On the other hand, ?Magnolia? rootstock showed higher NO3 − and NH4 + Cmin and Km values than ?Paulsen? rootstock, which shows lower transporters affinity for these ions. Results demonstrate the importance of the use of NO3 − and NH4 + uptake kinetic parameters in grapevine rootstock selection programs, since these may serve as indicator of plant's ability to absorb NO3 − and NH4 + in low concentrations

Correlation between consumption of sugared beverages and caries incidence in the pediatric patient

BACKGROUND: Dental caries still represents a major public health problem, as it is the most widespread noncommunicable disease. The enamel of deciduous teeth is less resistant than permanent dentition and for this reason demineralization, and consequent caries formation, progresses more rapidly. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between the incidence of caries and intake of sugary drinks in pediatric patients. METHODS: The study included 526 subjects (295 males, 231 females) between the ages of 2 and 15 years old. Several variables were examined, including: gender, age, separate values of the decay missing filled teeth (DMFT) epidemiological index (for both deciduous and permanent dentition), quantity and quality of sugary drinks taken daily, daily brushing frequency, parental nationality and socio-economic status. A multivariate analysis conducted (using a simple linear regression model) to verify the association between soft drink consumption and DMF, including a series of confounding variables (namely, sex, brushing frequency and parents' nationality). RESULTS: From the results of the statistical analysis of the variables examined, a correlation between the incidence of caries in children aged between 2 and 14 years and brushing frequency, consumption of sugary drinks and parents' nationality was found. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to raise awareness and properly inform patients and healthcare colleagues about the importance of oral health. Taking good care of our oral health represents part of implementation of the lifestyle and the quality of life of the future generations

Marginal and Para-Marginal Technique in Late Germectomy of Lower Third Molars

Introduction: Third molar surgery can cause post-operative complications to the patient due to the presence of a wound from the incision. This study aimed to compare marginal flap with para-marginal flap on postoperative complications by the measurements on pre and post-surgical plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), maximum opening of the mouth (MOM), pain perception (PP) and post-surgical tumefaction (PT). Methods: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 40 patients were recruited and randomly allocated in two groups. In Group 1, third molar extraction was carried out after a marginal flap design was performed, while in Group 2 a para-marginal flap was performed. Plaque index, bleeding on probing, maximum mouth opening, and distal probing were assessed right before and one week after surgery, while post-operative pain perception and post-operative swelling were accounted one week following surgery. Results: Statistically significant differences were reported between treatment groups, as the para-marginal flap led to better outcomes for all the measured indexes. Conclusions: The para-marginal flap design may decrease the occurrence of post-operative complications and discomforts after mandibular third molar surgery, compared to marginal flap design

TBARS and BDNF levels in newborns exposed to crack/cocaine during pregnancy: a comparative study

Objectives:: To compare levels of a marker of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in umbilical cord blood (UCB) between newborns exposed to crack/cocaine in utero (exposed newborns [EN], n=57) and non-exposed newborns (NEN, n=99), as well as in maternal peripheral blood at delivery. Methods:: This was a cross-sectional study. Potential confounders, including perinatal parameters, psychopathology, and use of other substances, were assessed. Results:: After adjusting for potential confounders, adjusted mean BDNF was significantly higher in EN (3.86 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.29-5.43) than in NEN (0.85 ng/mL, 95%CI 0.47-1.23; p < 0.001; Cohen effect size: 1.12), and significantly lower in crack/cocaine mothers than in control mothers (4.03 ng/mL, 95%CI 2.87-5.18 vs. 6.67 ng/mL, 95%CI 5.60-7.74; p = 0.006). The adjusted mean TBARS level was significantly lower in EN (63.97 µM MDA, 95%CI 39.43-88.50) than NEN (177.04 µM MDA, 95%CI 140.93-213.14; p < 0.001; effect size = 0.84), with no difference between mother groups (p = 0.86). Conclusions:: The changes in TBARS levels observed in EN suggest that fetuses exposed to cocaine mobilize endogenous antioxidant routes since very early stages of development. The increase in BDNF levels in EN might indicate changes in fetal development, whereas the changes in BDNF levels in mothers provide evidence of the complex metabolic processes involved in drug use during pregnancy

SiAlON ceramics from preceramic polymers and nano-sized fillers: Application in ceramic joining

Commercial polysiloxanes filled with alumina nano-particles have been employed for the preparation of β-SiAlON-based ceramics in the temperature range 1450-1550°C in nitrogen atmosphere. The formation of β-SiAlON was found to be preceded by the formation of intermediate alumino-silicate phases. The SiAlON yield was affected by the occurrence of phase separation in the oxycarbide ceramic residue (SiOC) derived from the silicones and by the partial vaporization of silica, by reduction into gaseous SiO, leading to products with an oxide contamination, consisting of corundum. Filled silicones finally found a promising application in the ceramic joining, sandwiched between two pre-existing α-β (Yb-) SiAlON pieces and treated at high temperature (1550°C): with a proper formulation, a significant inter-diffusion was observed between the joining layer and the SiAlON parts, causing the evolution of a homogeneous joint region, matching the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the parent ceramics. The pre-oxidation of the SiAlON, generally aiding the wetting of the joining media prior to thermal treatment, showed no significant benefit on the microstructure. On the contrary, the addition of a small load during the thermal treatment allowed the formation of strong joints, not exhibiting any significant difference in mechanical properties with the parent material

Functional upper airway space endoscopy: A prognostic indicator in obstructive sleep apnea treatment with mandibular advancement devices

Purpose: The use of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a consolidated therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of awake upper airways (UA) functional endoscopy in identifying the outcome of MAD therapy. Methods: This observational prospective study included 30 adult OSA patients, all patients underwent pre-treatment awake UA functional endoscopy, during the exam subjects were instructed to advance their mandible maximally, and they were divided into three different groups according to the response of the soft tissue, group A (expansion), group B (stretch), group C (unchanged). The results of this test were used in combination with other noninvasive indexes to predict the treatment outcome in terms of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) reduction. Results: We found that a substantial AHI reduction occurred in group A and group B while e slight AHI reduction was measured in group C. Conclusion: Based on our experience the awake UA endoscopy is a valid prognostic exam for discriminating responder and non-responder patients; in addition our results indicate the possibility of predicting a range of post-treatment AHI index values