-
Comparative evaluation of alkaline ionized water and normal water on oral microbial flora: An study.Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial... 2024Various artificial chemical agents have been evaluated over many years with respect to their antimicrobial effect in oral cavity. The gold standard for removal of plaque...
BACKGROUND
Various artificial chemical agents have been evaluated over many years with respect to their antimicrobial effect in oral cavity. The gold standard for removal of plaque is usage of chlorhexidine, but it can cause alteration in taste sensation and staining of teeth. Electrolytes and oxidizing water may be useful against microbes, but its clinical application has still not been evaluated. Hence this present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the alkaline ionized water on oral microbial flora.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ten non-carious, un-restored and intact freshly extracted human teeth were collected and sectioned using a round bur. Each tooth was sectioned longitudinally in two parts and stored in closed sterile containers which was filled with alkaline ionized water (Group 1) and normal water (Group 2), respectively for 15 days. The microbial growth was analyzed prior to dipping in the solutions, 3 days, 7 days and 15 days. The pH of alkaline ionized water and normal water was evaluated using pH meter before placing teeth in different solutions. Results were analyzed using -test and the level of significance was set at ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS
No difference in bacterial colony was observed before test and after 3 days among Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. After 7 days and 15 days, statistically significant decrease in bacterial colony count was seen among Group 1 as compared to Group 2 ( ≤ 0.05).
CONCLUSION
It was then concluded that alkaline ionized water can be effective in reduction of oral microbial flora.
PubMed: 38800418
DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_368_23 -
Cureus Apr 2024Background Paint industry workers are constantly exposed to paints and organic solvents that contain a substantial quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)....
Background Paint industry workers are constantly exposed to paints and organic solvents that contain a substantial quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Exposure to VOC emissions could result in pulmonary, neurobehavioral, and hematological consequences. Limited studies have been undertaken in India to assess the health consequences of VOCs among paint industry workers in unorganized sectors. Aim To assess the effects of VOCs on pulmonary function in paint industry workers of unorganized sectors. Methodology A hundred and twenty full-time male construction painters and small-scale paint manufacturing workers aged 25-60 were assessed for respiratory symptoms using a questionnaire, and pulmonary functions using Wright's Peak Expiratory Flow Meter (PEFR). Participants were randomly selected for VOC assessment and the cumulative solvent exposure index was calculated. A pulmonary function test (PFT) was performed on a subset of construction painters (n=30) using a Koko spirometer. Results The concentration of VOCs such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene (BETX) and dichloromethane levels exceeded American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit values (TLVs) among the paint manufacturing workers. About 52% of paint workers reported respiratory symptoms. Around 22% of the participants showed reduced pulmonary function (PEFR<400 L/min). There was a significant weak negative correlation between PEFR and work experience (r = -0.2, p=0.03). PFT parameters among a subset of construction painters revealed a significant moderate negative correlation with work experience [forced expiratory volume at the onset of the first second (FEV1) (r = -0.6, p=0.001) and forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = -0.53, p=0.005)] and cumulative VOC exposure index [FEV1 (r = -0.53, p = 0.004) and FVC (r = -0.5, p = 0.008)]. Conclusion The concentration of VOCs was higher among paint industry workers of unorganized sectors and they reported respiratory symptoms and diminished pulmonary function. To reduce morbidity, it is critical to enhance awareness about occupational safety and services in these unorganized sectors.
PubMed: 38800291
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58951 -
Bio-protocol May 2024-mediated transient gene expression in Nicotiana benthamiana is widely used to study gene function in plants. One dramatic phenotype that is frequently screened for is...
-mediated transient gene expression in Nicotiana benthamiana is widely used to study gene function in plants. One dramatic phenotype that is frequently screened for is cell death. Here, we present a simplified protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transient gene expression by infiltration. Compared with current methods, the novel protocol can be done without a centrifuge or spectrometer, thereby suitable for K-12 outreach programs as well as rapidly identifying genes that induce cell death. Key features • The protocol simplifies the widely used -mediated transient gene expression assay [1] and can be completed within one week when plants are available. • Rice gene can induce a dramatic and easily identifiable cell death phenotype in • Allows identification of cell death-inducing genes and is suitable for teaching. • Compared to the currently used methods, our protocol omits the use of agroinfiltration buffer, pH meter, temperature-controlled growth chamber, centrifuge, and spectrophotometer. Graphical overview The photo demonstrates the method of agroinfiltration into the abaxial side of leaves using a needleless syringe.
PubMed: 38798979
DOI: 10.21769/BioProtoc.4987 -
Nutrients May 2024Low muscle mass quantity/quality is needed to confirm sarcopenia diagnosis; however, no validated cut-off points exist. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic...
BACKGROUND
Low muscle mass quantity/quality is needed to confirm sarcopenia diagnosis; however, no validated cut-off points exist. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of sarcopenia through muscle mass quantity/quality parameters, using the bioimpedance analysis (BIA), isokinetic, and ultrasound tools in probable sarcopenic community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years). Also, it aimed to suggest possible new cut-off points to confirm sarcopenia diagnosis.
METHODS
A cross-sectional exploratory analysis study was performed with probable sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults. BIA, isokinetic, and ultrasound parameters were evaluated. The protocol was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05485402).
RESULTS
A total of 50 individuals were included, 38 with probable sarcopenia (69.63 ± 4.14 years; 7 men and 31 women) and 12 non-sarcopenic (67.58 ± 4.54 years; 7 men and 5 women). The phase angle (cut-off: 5.10° men, = 0.003; 4.95° women, < 0.001), peak torque (cut-off: 66.75 Newtons-meters (N-m) men, < 0.001; 48.35 N-m women, < 0.001), total work (cut-off: 64.00 Joules (J) men, = 0.007; 54.70 J women, = 0.001), and mean power (cut-off: 87.8 Watts (W) men, = 0.003; 48.95 W women, = 0.008) in leg extension, as well as the the forearm muscle thickness (cut-off: 1.41 cm (cm) men, = 0.017; 0.94 cm women, = 0.041), had great diagnostic accuracy in both sexes.
CONCLUSIONS
The phase angle, peak torque, total work, and mean power in leg extension, as well as forearm muscle thickness, had great diagnostic accuracy in regard to sarcopenia, and the suggested cut-off points could lead to the confirmation of sarcopenia diagnosis, but more studies are needed to confirm this.
Topics: Humans; Sarcopenia; Male; Aged; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Muscle, Skeletal; Electric Impedance; Muscle Strength; Ultrasonography; Geriatric Assessment; Middle Aged; Body Composition; Independent Living
PubMed: 38794734
DOI: 10.3390/nu16101496 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Stroke can impair mobility, with deficits more pronounced while simultaneously performing multiple activities. In this study, common clinical tests were instrumented...
Stroke can impair mobility, with deficits more pronounced while simultaneously performing multiple activities. In this study, common clinical tests were instrumented with wearable motion sensors to study motor-cognitive interference effects in stroke survivors (SS). A total of 21 SS and 20 healthy controls performed the Timed Up and Go (TUG), Sit-to-Stand (STS), balance, and 10-Meter Walk (10MWT) tests under single and dual-task (counting backward) conditions. Calculated measures included total time and gait measures for TUG, STS, and 10MWT. Balance tests for both open and closed eyes conditions were assessed using sway, measured using the linear acceleration of the thorax, pelvis, and thighs. SS exhibited poorer performance with slower TUG (16.15 s vs. 13.34 s, single-task < 0.001), greater sway in the eyes open balance test (0.1 m/s vs. 0.08 m/s, = 0.035), and slower 10MWT (12.94 s vs. 10.98 s = 0.01) compared to the controls. Dual tasking increased the TUG time (~14%, < 0.001), balance thorax sway (~64%, < 0.001), and 10MWT time (~17%, < 0.001) in the SS group. Interaction effects were minimal, suggesting similar dual-task costs. The findings demonstrate exaggerated mobility deficits in SS during dual-task clinical testing. Dual-task assessments may be more effective in revealing impairments. Integrating cognitive challenges into evaluation can optimize the identification of fall risks and personalize interventions targeting identified cognitive-motor limitations post stroke.
Topics: Humans; Postural Balance; Male; Female; Stroke; Middle Aged; Aged; Walk Test; Survivors; Gait; Walking; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 38793850
DOI: 10.3390/s24102996 -
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal... Jul 2024Acoustic signalling is crucial in affecting movements and in social interactions. In species with dynamic social structures, such as multi-level societies, acoustic... (Review)
Review
Acoustic signalling is crucial in affecting movements and in social interactions. In species with dynamic social structures, such as multi-level societies, acoustic signals can provide a key mechanism allowing individuals to identify and find or avoid each other and to exchange information. Yet, if the spacing between individuals regularly exceeds the maximum signalling range, the relation between movements and signals becomes more complex. As the best-studied songbird in captivity, the zebra finch () is a species with individually distinct songs that are audible over just a few metres and a widely ranging dynamic multi-level social organization in the wild, raising questions on the actual role of its song in social cohesion and coordination. Here, we provide an overview of birdsong in social organizations (networks) and use the ecology of the zebra finch and male song to discuss how singing can facilitate social cohesion and coordination in species where the signal range is very short. We raise the question of the extent to which zebra finches are a representative species to understand the function of song in communication, and we broaden current views on the function of birdsong and its individual signature. This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.
Topics: Animals; Vocalization, Animal; Finches; Social Behavior; Male; Female
PubMed: 38768203
DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0191 -
Clinical Cardiology May 2024Semaglutide, a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has shown promise in weight management and cardiovascular outcomes in other populations. This study...
BACKGROUND
Semaglutide, a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has shown promise in weight management and cardiovascular outcomes in other populations. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of semaglutide in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients with obesity.
METHODS
A retrospective study analyzed 318 patients with HFpEF, of which 104 received semaglutide and 214 received placebo. Primary endpoints included evaluating changes in exercise capacity and weight management.
RESULTS
Semaglutide treatment led to significant improvements in the primary endpoints. Patients in the semaglutide group demonstrated substantial enhancements in exercise capacity, as measured by the 6-min walk distance, compared to the placebo group (mean difference 15.1 meters, 95% CI 5.8 to 24.4, p = 0.002). Additionally, semaglutide resulted in substantial weight loss compared to placebo (mean difference -2.9%, 95% CI -4.1--1.7, p = 0.001). Several secondary endpoints, including reductions in C-reactive protein levels and improvements in other clinical parameters, further supported the efficacy of semaglutide. Adverse events were generally well-tolerated, with no unexpected safety concerns.
CONCLUSION
Semaglutide demonstrated significant clinical benefits in HFpEF patients with obesity, as evidenced by improved symptoms, physical function, and weight reduction.
Topics: Humans; Glucagon-Like Peptides; Heart Failure; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Stroke Volume; Obesity; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Middle Aged; Ventricular Function, Left; Exercise Tolerance; Weight Loss; Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor; Time Factors; Recovery of Function
PubMed: 38767042
DOI: 10.1002/clc.24283 -
BMC Pediatrics May 2024The Modified Shuttle Test-Paeds (Paeds), a recently developed 10-meter Shuttle run test for aerobic capacity in children. This study aims to investigate the construct...
BACKGROUND
The Modified Shuttle Test-Paeds (Paeds), a recently developed 10-meter Shuttle run test for aerobic capacity in children. This study aims to investigate the construct validity (known-group and convergent validity) and test-retest reliability of the recently developed test for cardiorespiratory fitness, the Modified Shuttle Test-Paeds (Paeds).
METHODS
A total of 144 participants (6-12 y) were tested on the Paeds test, and 84 children were tested on the 20-meter Shuttle Run test (20 m-SRT) to assess construct validity. To evaluate test-retest reliability, 46 children were tested twice on the Paeds.
RESULTS
No sex differences were found, but there was an age effect. A strong correlation was found between Paeds and the 20 m-SRT (r=0.78, p < 0.001). The test-retest reliability was good (ICC 0.84; 95% CI 0.74-0.91).
CONCLUSION
Paeds appears to be a reliable and valid tool for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness in typically developing children aged 6-12 years and has the advantages of being shorter, needing less space, not requiring pacing and being self-motivational. More studies are needed to assess whether children reach an aerobic steady state in three minutes and how much of the results of the Paeds test can be explained by the agility component of the task (turning and grasping or aiming a bean bag). For clinical use, psychometric properties should be studied in various patient groups (e.g., ADHD, DCD, and children with intellectual disabilities).
Topics: Humans; Child; Male; Female; Cardiorespiratory Fitness; Reproducibility of Results; Exercise Test
PubMed: 38760698
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04812-0 -
International Dental Journal May 2024The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bovine trypsin on the adhesion and pH of dental plaque biofilms.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of bovine trypsin on the adhesion and pH of dental plaque biofilms.
METHODS
A multispecies dental plaque biofilm model and a single-species dental plaque biofilm model were established in vitro. Three groups were tested: (1) blank control group (aseptic ultrapure water); (2) negative control group (1M Tris-HCl buffer, pH = 7.4); and (3) experimental group (bovine trypsin). Adhesion ability was measured using an automatic microplate reader and visualised by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The pH was measured using a pH meter. The expression of gtfB, gtfC, and gtfD was analysed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS
Adhesion ability in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the blank group and the negative control group (P < .05); readhesion ability in the experimental group was inhibited for a certain period of time (24-hour multispecies biofilms were inhibited from 4 to 8 hours, and the 48- and 72-hour multispecies biofilms were inhibited from 2 to 6 hours; P < .05). The decrease in pH was inhibited for a certain period of time (24-hour multispecies biofilms were inhibited from 2 to 8 hours, and the 48- and 72-hour multispecies biofilms were inhibited from 1 to 8 hours; P < .05). Expression levels of gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, and ldh in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the blank group (P < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Bacterial adhesion, and readhesion, decreasd pH, and expression of adhesion- and acid-related genes by Streptococcus mutans in biofilms could be reduced by bovine trypsin for a certain period of time.
PubMed: 38760192
DOI: 10.1016/j.identj.2024.04.025 -
Technology and Health Care : Official... 2024Patients with hemiparetic stroke experience diminished motor function, dynamic balance, and gait speed, which influence their activities of daily living (ADL).
The effectiveness of core stabilization exercise using ultrasound biofeedback on motor function, balance control, gait speed and activities of daily living in stroke patients.
BACKGROUND
Patients with hemiparetic stroke experience diminished motor function, dynamic balance, and gait speed, which influence their activities of daily living (ADL).
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of ultrasound biofeedback core exercise (UBCE) on Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Time up and go (TUG), 10-meter walking test (10MWT) and functional independent measure (FIM) in participants with stroke.
METHODS
Twenty-four stroke survivors consistently underwent UBCE or abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM) for 30 min/session, 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Clinical outcome measurements - the FMA, TUG, 10MWT, and FIM - were observed pre-and post-intervention.
RESULTS
We detected significant changes in the FMA-lower extremities, TUG, 10MWT, and FIM scores between the UBCE and ADIM groups. UBCE and ADIM showed significant improvements in FMA-lower extremities, TUG, 10MWT, and FIM scores. However, UBCE showed more favorable results than ADIM in patients with stroke.
CONCLUSIONS
Our research provides novel therapeutic suggestion of neurorehabilitation in stroke patients.
Topics: Humans; Stroke Rehabilitation; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Activities of Daily Living; Postural Balance; Aged; Walking Speed; Biofeedback, Psychology; Exercise Therapy; Stroke; Adult; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 38759070
DOI: 10.3233/THC-248042