Is the goal of mastication reached in young dentates, aged dentates and aged denture wearers?

The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of age and dentition status on masticatory function. A three-arm case–control study was performed. Group 1 (n 14) was composed of young fully dentate subjects (age 35·6 ± 10·6 years), group 2 (n 14) of aged fully dentate subjects (age 68·8 ± 7·0 years) and group 3 (n 14) of aged full denture wearers (age 68·1 ± 7·2 years). Mastication adaptation was assessed in the course of chewing groundnuts and carrots to swallowing threshold. Particle size distribution of the chewed food, electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles during chewing, and resting and stimulated whole saliva rates were measured. Aged dentate subjects used significantly more chewing strokes to reach swallowing threshold than younger dentate subjects (P < 0·05), with increased particle size reduction, longer chewing sequence duration (P < 0·05) and greater total EMG activity (P < 0·05) for both groundnuts and carrots. In addition, aged denture wearers made significantly more chewing strokes than aged dentate subjects (P < 0·001) to reach swallowing threshold for groundnuts. Particle size reduction at time of swallowing was significantly poorer for denture wearers than for their aged dentate counterparts, despite an increase in chewing strokes, sequence duration and EMG activity per sequence. Masticatory function was thus adapted to ageing, but was impaired in denture wearers, who failed to adapt fully to their deficient masticatory apparatus.

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Methods for particle size reduction of liposomal amphotericin B

Vietnam Journal of Science Technology and Engineering ◽

10.31276/vjste.60(1).42 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 60 (1) ◽

pp. 42-45

Author(s):

Tuan Quang Nguyen ◽

Van Lam Nguyen ◽

Thai Son Nguyen ◽

Thi Minh Hue Pham ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Particle Size ◽

Amphotericin B ◽

Liposomal Amphotericin ◽

Size Reduction ◽

Liposomal Amphotericin B ◽

Particle Size Reduction

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Experimental Study of Particle Size Reduction of Albendazole by Antisolvent Precipitation Method

SSRN Electronic Journal ◽

10.2139/ssrn.3715025 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lalit Gupta ◽

D Devnarayan ◽

Rahul Kumar

Keyword(s):

Experimental Study ◽

Particle Size ◽

Size Reduction ◽

Precipitation Method ◽

Particle Size Reduction ◽

Antisolvent Precipitation

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QOL-49. THE IMPACT OF OTOTOXICITY AND VISUAL IMPAIRMENT ON EDUCATION IN CHILDREN TREATED FOR CNS TUMOURS

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa222.704 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. iii440-iii440

Author(s):

Harriet Dulson ◽

Rachel McAndrew ◽

Mark Brougham

Keyword(s):

Visual Impairment ◽

Impaired Hearing ◽

Cranial Radiotherapy ◽

Radiotherapy Group ◽

Platinum Based Chemotherapy ◽

Cns Tumours ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Impact ◽

Group 1

Abstract INTRODUCTION Children treated for CNS tumours experience a very high burden of adverse effects. Platinum-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy can cause ototoxicity, which may be particularly problematic in patients who have impaired vision and cognition as a result of their tumour and associated treatment. This study assessed the prevalence of impaired hearing and vision and how this may impact upon education. METHODS 53 patients diagnosed with solid tumours in Edinburgh, UK between August 2013–2018 were included in the study. Patients were split into three groups according to treatment received: Group 1 – cisplatin-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy; Group 2 - platinum-based chemotherapy, no cranial radiotherapy; Group 3 – benign brain tumours treated with surgery only. Data was collected retrospectively from patient notes. RESULTS Overall 69.5% of those treated with platinum-based chemotherapy experienced ototoxicity as assessed by Brock grading and 5.9% of patients had reduced visual acuity. Patients in Group 1 had the highest prevalence of both. 44.4% of patients in Group 1 needed increased educational support following treatment, either with extra support in the classroom or being unable to continue in mainstream school. 12.5% of Group 2 patients required such support and 31.3% in Group 3. CONCLUSIONS Children with CNS tumours frequently require support for future education but those treated with both platinum-based chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy are at particular risk, which may be compounded by co-existent ototoxicity and visual impairment. It is essential to provide appropriate support for this patient cohort in order to maximise their educational potential.

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Laser Superficial Fusion of Gold Nanoparticles with PEEK Polymer for Cardiovascular Application

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma14040971 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 971

Author(s):

Oktawian Bialas ◽

Mateusz Lis ◽

Anna Woźniak ◽

Marcin Adamiak

Keyword(s):

Particle Size ◽

Laser Beam ◽

Gold Particle ◽

Laser Power ◽

Biomedical Application ◽

Parameters Optimization ◽

Size Reduction ◽

Particle Size Reduction ◽

Nano Gold ◽

Gold Particle Size

This paper analyses the possibility of obtaining surface-infused nano gold particles with the polyether ether ketone (PEEK) using picosecond laser treatment. To fuse particles into polymer, the raw surface of PEEK was sputtered with 99.99% Au and micromachined by an A-355 laser device for gold particle size reduction. Biomimetic pattern and parameters optimization were key properties of the design for biomedical application. The structures were investigated by employing surface topography in the presence of micron and sub-micron features. The energy of the laser beam stating the presence of polymer bond thermalisation with remelting due to high temperature was also taken into the account. The process was suited to avoid intensive surface modification that could compromise the mechanical properties of fragile cardiovascular devices. The initial material analysis was conducted by power–depth dependence using confocal microscopy. The evaluation of gold particle size reduction was performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), secondary electron (SE) and quadrant backscatter electron detector (QBSD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The visibility of the constituted coating was checked by a commercial grade X-ray that is commonly used in hospitals. Attempts to reduce deposited gold coating to the size of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) and to fuse them into the groove using a laser beam have been successfully completed. The relationship between the laser power and the characteristics of the particles remaining in the laser irradiation area has been established. A significant increase in quantity was achieved using laser power with a minimum power of 15 mW. The obtained results allowed for the continuation of the pilot study for augmented research and material properties analysis.

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Association between serum oestradiol level on the hCG administration day and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET among 3659 singleton live births

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-85692-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yu Liu ◽

Jing Li ◽

Wanyu Zhang ◽

Yihong Guo

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Ovarian Stimulation ◽

Group 4 ◽

Group 6 ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 5 ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Impact ◽

Ivf Et ◽

Group 1

AbstractOestradiol, an important hormone in follicular development and endometrial receptivity, is closely related to clinical outcomes of fresh in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. A supraphysiologic E2 level is inevitable during controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation (COH), and its effect on the outcome of IVF-ET is controversial. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the association between elevated serum oestradiol (E2) levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET cycles. The data of 3659 infertile patients with fresh IVF-ET cycles were analysed retrospectively between August 2009 and February 2017 in First Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Patients were categorized by serum E2 levels on the day of hCG administration into six groups: group 1 (serum E2 levels ≤ 1000 pg/mL, n = 230), group 2 (serum E2 levels between 1001 and 2000 pg/mL, n = 524), group 3 (serum E2 levels between 2001 and 3000 pg/mL, n = 783), group 4 (serum E2 levels between 3001 and 4000 pg/mL, n = 721), group 5 (serum E2 levels between 4001 and 5000 pg/mL, n = 548 ), and group 6 (serum E2 levels > 5000 pg/mL, n = 852). Univariate linear regression was used to evaluate the independent correlation between each factor and outcome index. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors. The LBW rates were as follows: 3.0% (group 1), 2.9% (group 2), 1.9% (group 3), 2.9% (group 4), 2.9% (group 5), and 2.0% (group 6) (P = 0.629), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of neonatal LBW among the six groups. We did not detect an association between peak serum E2 level during ovarian stimulation and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET. The results of this retrospective cohort study showed that serum E2 peak levels during ovarian stimulation were not associated with birth weight during IVF cycles. In addition, no association was found between higher E2 levels and increased LBW risk. Our observations suggest that the hyper-oestrogenic milieu during COS does not seem to have adverse effects on the birthweight of offspring after IVF. Although this study provides some reference, the obstetric-related factors were not included due to historical reasons. The impact of the high estrogen environment during COS on the birth weight of IVF offspring still needs future research.

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THU0227 CAFFEINE INTAKE MODULATES DISEASE ACTIVITY AND CYTOKINES LEVELS IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS PATIENTS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.2100 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 340.2-341

Author(s):

V. Orefice ◽

F. Ceccarelli ◽

C. Barbati ◽

R. Lucchetti ◽

G. Olivieri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Activity ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Caffeine Intake ◽

Caffeine Consumption ◽

Group 4 ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Impact ◽

Group 1

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease mainly affecting women of childbearing age. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors may contribute to disease pathogenesis1. At today, no robust data are available about the possible contribute of diet in SLE. Caffeine, one of the most widely consumed products in the world, seems to interact with multiple components of the immune system by acting as a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor2.In vitrodose-dependent treatment with caffeine seems to down-regulate mRNA levels of key inflammation-related genes and similarly reduce levels of different pro-inflammatory cytokines3.Objectives:We evaluated the impact of caffeine consumption on SLE-related disease phenotype and activity, in terms of clinimetric assessment and cytokines levels.Methods:We performed a cross-sectional study, enrolling consecutive patients and reporting their clinical and laboratory data. Disease activity was assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2k)4. Caffeine intake was evaluated by a 7-day food frequency questionnaire, including all the main sources of caffeine. As previously reported, patients were divided in four groups according to the daily caffeine intake: <29.1 mg/day (group 1), 29.2-153.7 mg/day (group 2), 153.8-376.5 mg/day (group 3) and >376.6 mg/day (group 4)5. At the end of questionnaire filling, blood samples were collected from each patient to assess cytokines levels. These were assessed by using a panel by Bio-Plex assays to measure the levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-27, IFN-γ, IFN-α and Blys.Results:We enrolled 89 SLE patients (F/M 87/2, median age 46 years, IQR 14; median disease duration 144 months, IQR 150). The median intake of caffeine was 195 mg/day (IQR 160.5). At the time of the enrollment, 8 patients (8.9%) referred a caffeine intake < 29.1 mg/day (group 1), 27 patients (30.3%) between 29.2 and 153.7 mg/day (group 2), 45 patients (51%) between 153.8 and 376.5 mg/day (group 3) and 9 patients (10.1%) >376.6 mg/day (group 4). A negative correlation between the levels of caffeine and disease activity, evaluated with SLEDAI-2K, was observed (p=0.01, r=-0.26). By comparing the four groups, a significant higher prevalence of lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric involvement, haematological manifestations, hypocomplementemia and anti-dsDNA positivity was observed in patients with less intake of caffeine (figure 1 A-E). Furthermore, patients with less intake of caffeine showed a significant more frequent use of glucocorticoids [group 4: 22.2%,versusgroup 1 (50.0%, p=0.0001), group 2 (55.5%, p=0.0001), group 3 (40.0%, p=0.009)]. Moving on cytokines analysis, a negative correlation between daily caffeine consumption and serum level of IFNγ was found (p=0.03, r=-0.2) (figure 2A); furthermore, patients with more caffeine intake showed significant lower levels of IFNα (p=0.02, figure 2B), IL-17 (p=0.01, figure 2C) and IL-6 (p=0.003, figure 2D).Conclusion:This is the first report demonstrating the impact of caffeine on SLE disease activity status, as demonstrated by the inverse correlation between its intake and both SLEDAI-2k values and cytokines levels. Moreover, in our cohort, patients with less caffeine consumption seems to have a more severe disease phenotype, especially in terms of renal and neuropsychiatric involvement. Our results seem to suggest a possible immunoregulatory dose-dependent effect of caffeine, through the modulation of serum cytokine levels, as already suggested byin vitroanalysis.References:[1]Kaul et alNat. Rev. Dis. Prim.2016; 2. Aronsen et alEurop Joul of Pharm2014; 3. Iris et alClin Immun.2018; 4. Gladman et al J Rheumatol. 2002; 5. Mikuls et alArth Rheum2002Disclosure of Interests:Valeria Orefice: None declared, Fulvia Ceccarelli: None declared, cristiana barbati: None declared, Ramona Lucchetti: None declared, Giulio Olivieri: None declared, enrica cipriano: None declared, Francesco Natalucci: None declared, Carlo Perricone: None declared, Francesca Romana Spinelli Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Consultant of: Novartis, Gilead, Lilly, Sanofi, Celgene, Speakers bureau: Lilly, cristiano alessandri Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Guido Valesini: None declared, Fabrizio Conti Speakers bureau: BMS, Lilly, Abbvie, Pfizer, Sanofi

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Characterization of Astaxanthin Nanoemulsions Produced by Intense Fluid Shear through a Self-Throttling Nanometer Range Annular Orifice Valve-Based High-Pressure Homogenizer

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26102856 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (10) ◽

pp. 2856

Author(s):

Gary B. Smejkal ◽

Edmund Y. Ting ◽

Karthik Nambi Arul Nambi ◽

Richard T. Schumacher ◽

Alexander V. Lazarev

Keyword(s):

Particle Size ◽

Size Reduction ◽

Hydrodynamic Diameter ◽

Fluid Shear ◽

Particle Size Reduction ◽

Annular Gap ◽

Oil In Water ◽

High Pressure Homogenizer ◽

Pass Through

Stable, oil-in-water nanoemulsions containing astaxanthin (AsX) were produced by intense fluid shear forces resulting from pumping a coarse reagent emulsion through a self-throttling annular gap valve at 300 MPa. Compared to crude emulsions prepared by conventional homogenization, a size reduction of over two orders of magnitude was observed for AsX-encapsulated oil droplets following just one pass through the annular valve. In krill oil formulations, the mean hydrodynamic diameter of lipid particles was reduced to 60 nm after only two passes through the valve and reached a minimal size of 24 nm after eight passes. Repeated processing of samples through the valve progressively decreased lipid particle size, with an inflection in the rate of particle size reduction generally observed after 2–4 passes. Krill- and argan oil-based nanoemulsions were produced using an Ultra Shear Technology™ (UST™) approach and characterized in terms of their small particle size, low polydispersity, and stability.

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