Istradefylline protects from cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy while preserving cisplatin antitumor effects

Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic drug that is widely used in the treatment of various solid cancers. However, its clinical effectiveness is strongly limited by frequent severe adverse effects, in particular nephrotoxicity and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Thus, there is an urgent medical need to identify novel strategies that limit cisplatin-induced toxicity. In the present study, we show that the FDA-approved adenosine A2A receptor antagonist istradefylline (KW6002) protected from cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and neuropathic pain in mice with or without tumors. Moreover, we also demonstrate that the antitumoral properties of cisplatin were not altered by istradefylline in tumor-bearing mice and could even be potentiated. Altogether, our results support the use of istradefylline as a valuable preventive approach for the clinical management of patients undergoing cisplatin treatment

Experimental and economic evaluation of GTL fluid flow properties and effect on TAPS

Thesis (M.S.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2000In this study, procedures are outlined to recondition and sample crude oil from high-pressure Welker cylinders. Standard laboratory procedures are developed to determine viscosity and density properties of crude oil, GTL and their mixtures. The steps needed to ensure Quality Assurance and Project Plan (QAPjp) is given in detail. A calibration macro is written to automate viscometer calibration calculations. A preliminary economic model is developed to evaluate GTL transportation options. Viscosity and density are measured for various samples at different temperatures. The reproducibility of the results is found to be within 5%. Batching is more preferable then blending for the parameter values considered in the economic model. In brief, GTL option appears to be a feasible way of utilizing Alaskan North Slope (ANS) gas resources and increasing the lifetime of TAPS, if suitable advancement in GTL conversion technology results in a substantial reduction in capital investment

Orofacial manifestations of COVID-19

Oral cavity is the gateway of the human body, and also provides vital clues of our systemic health. Here in this COVID-19 pandemic, oral manifestations such as dysgeusia, ulcers, xerostomia are noticed and are an an important predictors of this viral disease. This short review describes the oral manifestations of this new disease

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the stress distribution pattern in the design modifications of U-shaped palatal major connector

Background: The U-shaped maxillary major connector is considered to be the least-desirable design by many prosthodontists as it lacks rigidity, which is a primary requisite for a major connector. Aims and Objectives: Design modifications in the U-shaped palatal major connector are desired because it lacks rigidity. The study also aimed to determine the best design when a U-shaped palatal major connector is indicated for clinical use. Materials and Methods: The normal design and the design-modified models (modification 1, 2, 3, 4) were loaded at the functional cusps of the premolars and the molars with a magnitude of 200 N, 250 N and 300 N at angulations of 60 o and 90 o on both sides of the maxillary arch. Results for each loading were obtained as stress distribution colored images and numerical values were recorded. A three-dimensional finite element analysis study of the design-modified models was performed using two finite element softwares, namely PRO-E and IDEAS. Results: The least stress value of 7.86 Megapascals (MPa) at 200 N, 60 o was recorded for the double-thickness design, followed by design 1, which was 8.03 MPa. The least stress value for the palatal mucosa and ligament was provided by design modification 1 (0.5 mm-thick U-shaped connector, 9 mm anteroposteiorly, 14.6 mm laterally), which was 9.78 MPa and 2.98 MPa, respectively. Conclusion: The double-thickness group exhibited the least internal stress for the U-shaped major connector. However, it delivered the greatest stress to the palatal mucosa and the periodontal ligaments

Evaluation of the effect of titanium dioxide and gold nanoparticles surface treatment on the flexural strength of polymethyl methacrylate heat cure denture base resin

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Titanium dioxide and Gold nanoparticles surface treatment on the flexural strength of Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) Heat cure denture base resins.Materials and methods: A total of thirty PMMA Heat cure denture base resin test samples were fabricated of size 65 x 10 x 2.5 mm (rectangular shaped) according to ADA specification no.2. The samples were divided into three groups as Conventional PMMA heat cure denture base resin samples (GROUP I, n = 10 CONTROL), PMMA Heat cure denture base resin samples coated with Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (GROUP II, n = 10) and PMMA Heat cure denture base resin samples coated with Gold nanoparticles (GROUP III, n = 10). GROUP II and GROUP III PMMA Heat cure denture base resin test samples were coated by Magnetron sputtering. Flexural strength of GROUP I, GROUP II and Group III was evaluated by a three-point bend test using a Universal testing machine and the mean values were obtained.Results: The Mean flexural strength of GROUP I, GROUP II and GROUP III samples were 114.79 MPa, 142.48 MPa and 154.70 MPa respectively. On comparative evaluation of the flexural strength among the three groups GROUP III PMMA Heat cure denture base resin samples exhibited the highest flexural strength followed by GROUP II and least by GROUP I. The statistical analysis by ANOVA had shown that there is significance in flexural strength among the groups tested (p - value = 0.000*).Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, PMMA heat cure denture base resin coated with Gold nanoparticles showed the highest flexural strength followed by PMMA Heat cure denture base resin coated with Titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Conventional PMMA Heat cure denture base resin without any surface treatment showed the least flexural strength

Comparative evaluation of the effect of electrolyzed oxidizing water on surface detail reproduction, dimensional stability and Surface texture of poly vinyl siloxane impressions

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to comparatively evaluate the effect of chemical disinfectants on the surface detail reproduction, dimensional stability and surface texture of polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impressions. Materials and Methods: The impressions were then divided into five groups (fifteen samples per group) and subjected to a ten minutes immersion with 2% glutaraldehyde (Group I), 1% sodium hypochlorite (Group II), freshly prepared electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) with different pH values - acidic (Group III), alkali (Group IV) and neutral (Group V). The samples were examined pre and post-immersion under visual observation for surface detail reproduction, travelling microscope for measurement of dimensional stability and surface profilometer (3D) for evaluation of surface texture. A standardized master die was fabricated and seventy-five PVS test samples were made. The samples were subjected to immersion disinfection and studied for surface detail reproduction, dimensional stability and surface texture. Post-hoc test, paired t test and ANOVA were used to analyze dimensional stability statistically both within and between the test groups. Results: The surface detail reproduction was satisfactory with both pre and post-immersion test samples. A statistically significant dimensional change was observed post-immersion in Groups II, III and V test samples and a statistically insignificant dimensional change was observed in Groups I and IV test samples. There was a negligible change in surface texture post-immersion in Groups I, III, IV and V test samples with a slight increase in surface roughness post-immersion in Group II samples. Conclusion: In this study, all the test disinfectants produced satisfactory surface detail reproduction on Polyvinyl siloxane impressions. 2% glutaraldehyde and electrolyzed oxidizing water (alkali) have resulted in statistically insignificant dimensional change, while 1% sodium hypochlorite, electrolyzed oxidizing water (acidic) and electrolyzed oxidizing water (neutral) have resulted in statistically significant dimensional changes. All the test disinfectants except 1% sodium hypochlorite showed a reduction in surface roughness (Ra) values