The association between clinical and radiographic findings in carious primary molar teeth

AIM This project undertook two cross-sectional studies involving the primary dentition. The aim was: Study A: to characterise the relationship between the radiographic appearance of early approximal carious lesions and cavitation threshold in primary molar teeth. Study B: to correlate the radiographic and histological measurements of the Remaining Dentine Thickness (RDT) beneath deep caries lesions in primary molar teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients requiring extraction under general anaesthesia at the Leeds Dental Institute were asked to participate in the study. For Study A, teeth were examined visually (both in-vivo and in-vitro) for presence/absence of cavitation and radiographically according to two radiographic criteria (i) ICDAS radiographic scoring system and (ii) the extent of the lesion as 0.5mm from the enamel-dentine junction (EDJ) into dentine. For Study B, RDT was measured radiographically and histologically (in mm). RESULTS For Study A, 72 primary molars with approximal carious lesions extending radiographically into enamel, outer and inner dentine were included. Teeth showed a mixture of first and second primary molars (30 and 42 respectively), maxillary and mandibular teeth (36 teeth each), and mesial and distal lesions (34 and 38 respectively). Regarding radiographic ICDAS, no cavitation was associated with score 0 and 1. For score 2, 3 and 4, cavitation was reported in 11%, 45% and 86% of the cases respectively. According to the radiographic extension from EDJ, there was a statistically significant increase (p0.5mm beyond the EDJ compared to the lesions extended < 0.5mm (29%). For study B, 50 primary molars were collected. Teeth showed a mixture of 21 first and 29 second primary molars of which 23 were maxillary and 27 were mandibular teeth with approximal and occlusal lesions (28 and 22 respectively). Radiographic RDT overestimated the histologic RDT by approximately 0.4 (0.2) mm. The overestimation was consistent across all primary molars and both proximal and occlusal lesions. CONCLUSION This study has given an additional insight into the radiographic interpretation in the primary dentition. It identified noticeable increase in the probability of cavitation when carious lesions extend >0.5mm beyond EDJ. In addition, it showed that digital bitewing radiographs overestimate the remaining dentine thickness in carious primary molars. These are significant findings when considering different treatment options for both early and deep carious lesions in primary molars

AXIAL FAN BEARING SYSTEM VIBRATION ANALYSIS

Rotating fan shaft system was investigated experimentally and theoretically to study its dynamic performance. The type of oil used for the bearing was taken in consideration during the experimental program .Three types of oil were used, SAE 40, SAE 50 and degraded oil. During the experiments, the fan blades stagger angle was changed through angles (20˚, 30˚, 40˚, and 50˚). The shaft rotational speed also changed in the range of (0-3000 rpm). All these parameters have investigated for two cases (balanced and unbalanced fan). The performance parameters of the fan were found experimentally by measuring the fan, volume flow rate, Reynolds and Strouhal numbers, efficiency and pressure head. Analytical part was also represented to prepare the prediction of fan system dynamic performance. The aerodynamic forces and moments of each blade were also predicted to obtain the rotor dynamic future. Experimentally and theoretically the critical fan speed was obtained in the x and y direction for different lubricant oil viscosities and shaft rotational velocities for balanced and unbalanced fan. Analysis of the vibrational response gave important information about the dynamic performance of fan rotating system. Acceptable agreement was found between analytical and experimental results

The inhibitory effect of Punica granatum on Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia Extended spectrum β-lactamase strains

Each year, millions of people worldwide suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are the second most common type of infection in the human body. An infection of the urinary tract (UTI) affects the urinary bladder, kidneys, and\ or urethra. In order to eliminate the urine from the body, it passes through these organs. However, most UTIs are caused by the uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia, making treatment more difficult. Recurrent UTIs can be effectively treated with long-term antibiotics; however, they can have several adverse side effects, and sometimes they may generate antibiotic-resistant strains. Due to these downsides, alternative remedies based on plant extracts are increasingly being considered for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections, particularly in the context of a synergistic antibiotic strategy. There are many medicinal benefits of the pomegranate (Punica granatum) plant that makes it to be known as a wonder fruit. Pomegranates are the predominant species that belong to the family Lythraceae. Due to its extensive range of bioactive compounds, the diverse parts of this P. granatum plant exhibit significant pharmacological activities. The bioactive compounds of this plant have been shown to possess several antioxidants; anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic, and many other biological effects. Consequently, the purpose of this review was to highlight the inhibitory potential of P. granatum extracts on E. coli and K. pneumonia pathogens, to be used in the effective management of UTIs

ASSOCIATION OF OBESITY WITH RS1421085 AND RS9939609 POLYMORPHISMS OF FTO GENE WITH T2DM IN EGYPTIAN FEMALES

Objective: Obesity has been described as a worldwide increasing health problem and risk factor of various disorders including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). So, our study aim to determine of common variants of fat mass and obesity associated gene polymorphisms rs1421085 and rs 9939609; confers risk of obesity and type 2 diabetic mellitus in Egyptian females.Methods: In this population rs1421085 and rs9939609 polymorphisms of fat mass and obesity (FTO) gene were genotyped in 105 obese patients and 100 healthy controls with ages 14-60 y were collected from Medicine Specialized Hospital, Mansoura University, Egypt during the period between Jul.-Oct. 2016, genotyping of SNPs was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay, fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) lipid profile was determined.Results: There was the significantly higher frequency of the AA compared to controls p=0.0001) of genotypers9939609. Also, cases have shown a significantly higher frequency of the C allele, p&lt;0.00001) of rs1421085 genotype polymorphisms increased the risks of obesity. On the other hand, there were no significant correlations between genotypes and obesity-related (anthropometric body composition) parameters. Only the fasting blood glucose was significantly higher in the TA p=0.004).Conclusion: The FTO rs9939609 and rs1421085 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was associated with increased risk of obesity in type 2 diabetic populations on Egyptian females

Physical activity level among undergraduate students in Terengganu, Malaysia using pedometer

A cross-sectional study determine physical activity level among 95 undergraduate students at UniSZA using pedometer. Subjects consented and completed socio-demographic details, weight and height were measured. Each subject was supplied with a pedometer and wear it for a week and record steps per day from the pedometer each night before bed. Descriptive statistic and independent T-test coefficient analyze the data using IBM SPSS version 22.0. Results showed that 66.4% of the subjects were classified as sedentary according to pedometer determined physical activity. Males recorded significantly more steps than female per day. Subjects in the age group of 18-20 years old had the highest mean average steps count than the older age group of 21-24 years old and ≥ 25 years old per day. Only 5.2% were classified as active and highly active using pedometer determined physical activity level.Keywords: physical activity; pedometer; steps; body compositio

Randomized controlled trial of a good practice approach to treatment of childhood obesity in Malaysia: Malaysian childhood obesity treatment trial (MASCOT)

Context. Few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions for the treatment of childhood obesity have taken place outside the Western world. Aim. To test whether a good practice intervention for the treatment of childhood obesity would have a greater impact on weight status and other outcomes than a control condition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods. Assessor-blinded RCT of a treatment intervention in 107 obese 7- to 11-year olds. The intervention was relatively low intensity (8 hours contact over 26 weeks, group based), aiming to change child sedentary behavior, physical activity, and diet using behavior change counselling. Outcomes were measured at baseline and six months after the start of the intervention. Primary outcome was BMI z-score, other outcomes were weight change, health-related quality of life (Peds QL), objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior (Actigraph accelerometry over 5 days). Results. The intervention had no significant effect on BMI z score relative to control. Weight gain was reduced significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (+1.5 kg vs. +3.5 kg, respectively, t-test p &lt; 0.01). Changes in health-related quality of life and objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior favored the intervention group. Conclusions. Treatment was associated with reduced rate of weight gain, and improvements in physical activity and quality of life. More substantial benefits may require longer term and more intensive interventions which aim for more substantive lifestyle changes

Forecasting Tunisian type 2 diabetes prevalence to 2027: validation of a simple model.

BACKGROUND: Most projections of type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence are simply based on demographic change (i.e. ageing). We developed a model to predict future trends in T2D prevalence in Tunisia, explicitly taking into account trends in major risk factors (obesity and smoking). This could improve assessment of policy options for prevention and health service planning. METHODS: The IMPACT T2D model uses a Markov approach to integrate population, obesity and smoking trends to estimate future T2D prevalence. We developed a model for the Tunisian population from 1997 to 2027, and validated the model outputs by comparing with a subsequent T2D prevalence survey conducted in 2005. RESULTS: The model estimated that the prevalence of T2D among Tunisians aged over 25 years was 12.0% in 1997 (95% confidence intervals 9.6%-14.4%), increasing to 15.1% (12.5%-17.4%) in 2005. Between 1997 and 2005, observed prevalence in men increased from 13.5% to 16.1% and in women from 12.9% to 14.1%. The model forecast for a dramatic rise in prevalence by 2027 (26.6% overall, 28.6% in men and 24.7% in women). However, if obesity prevalence declined by 20% in the 10 years from 2013, and if smoking decreased by 20% over 10 years from 2009, a 3.3% reduction in T2D prevalence could be achieved in 2027 (2.5% in men and 4.1% in women). CONCLUSIONS: This innovative model provides a reasonably close estimate of T2D prevalence for Tunisia over the 1997-2027 period. Diabetes burden is now a significant public health challenge. Our model predicts that this burden will increase significantly in the next two decades. Tackling obesity, smoking and other T2D risk factors thus needs urgent action. Tunisian decision makers have therefore defined two strategies: obesity reduction and tobacco control. Responses will be evaluated in future population surveys

Design of Cationic Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Efficient siRNA Vectors for Lung Cancer Xenograft Eradication

Polo-Like Kinase (PLK1) has been identified as a potential target in cancer gene therapy via chemical or genetic inhibitory approaches. The biomedical applications of chemically functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNTs) in cancer therapy have been studied due to their ability to efficiently deliver siRNA intracellularly. In this study, we established the capacity of cationic MWNT-NH3+ to deliver the apoptotic siRNA against PLK1 (siPLK1) in Calu6 tumor xenografts by direct intratumoural injections. A direct comparison with cationic liposomes was made. This study validates the PLK1 gene as a potential target in cancer gene therapy including lung cancer, as demonstrated by the therapeutic efficacy of siPLK1:MWNT-NH3+ complexes and their ability to significantly improve animal survival. Biological analysis of the siPLK1:MWNT-NH3+ treated tumors by RT-PCR and Western blot, in addition to TUNEL staining confirmed the biological functionality of the siRNA intratumourally, suggesting that tumor eradication was due to PLK1 knockdown. Furthermore, by using a fluorescently labelled, non-coding siRNA sequence complexed with MWNT-NH3+, we established for the first time that the improved therapeutic efficacy observed in f-CNT-based siRNA delivery is directly proportional to the enhanced siRNA retention in the solid tumor and subsequent uptake by tumor cells after local administration in vivo

Taguchi L25 (54) approach for methylene blue removal by polyethylene terephthalate nanofiber‐multi‐walled carbon nanotube composite

A membrane composed of polyethylene terephthalate nanofiber and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (PET NF‐MWCNTs) composite is used to adsorb methylene blue (MB) dye from an aqueous solution. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ ray diffraction techniques are employed to study the surface properties of the adsorbent. Several parameters affecting dye adsorption (pH, MB dye initial concentration, PET NF‐MWCNTs dose, and contact time) are optimized for optimal removal efficiency (R, %) by using the Taguchi L25 (54) Orthogonal Array approach. According to the ANOVA results, pH has the highest contributing percentage at 71.01%, suggesting it has the most significant impact on removal efficiency. The adsorbent dose is the second most affected (12.08%), followed by the MB dye initial concentration of 5.91%, and the least affected is the contact time (1.81%). In addition, experimental findings confirm that the Langmuir isotherm is well‐fitted, suggesting a monolayer capping of MB dye on the PET‐NF‐MWCNT surface with a maximum adsorption capacity of 7.047 mg g−1. Also, the kinetic results are well‐suited to the pseudo‐second‐order model. There is a good agreement between the calculated (qe) and experimental values for the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model