Background: The anterior approach to the elbow for pediatric lateral condyle fractures (LCF) would provide a better visualization of the articular fracture resulting in better functional results, less complications and a more cosmetically-appealing scar than usually seen with the lateral approach.

Methods: Retrospective study of children undergoing an open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced LCF via an anterior approach with a transverse incision. Bilateral elbow range of motion (ROM), upper limb alignment and complications were registered. A 4-point ordinal Likert-type scale was employed for parents to rate their level of satisfaction with the cosmetic appearance of the scar.

Results: Eighteen children of mean age 76 months (range 27 to 101 months) were included. Fractures were classified as Jackob's Type II in 14 cases and Milch's type II in all cases. Mean follow-up was 12 (range 4 to19) months.Successful condral fracture visualization and reduction was achieved in every case. No intra-operative or post-operative complications occurred. In all cases bone union was obtained 4 to 5 weeks after surgery and at final follow-up, active elbow ROM of at least 90%, was obtained. All parents claimed to be "very satisfied" with their child's scar. A lateral spur was identified in 66.7% o patients.

Conclusion: The anterior approach to the elbow was both a feasible and safe allowing full anatomical cartilage reduction. Complications after this technique might decrease compared to the lateral approach but need future comparative studies. The rate of lateral spur did not decreased. Cosmetic scar results seem to be a clear advantage of this approach compared to the classical lateral approach.

Keywords: Elbow anterior approach; Lateral humeral condyle fracture; Pediatric elbow.

With the inclusion of engineered nanomaterials in industrial processes and consumer products, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) could serve as a major sink for these emerging contaminants. Previous research has demonstrated that nanomaterials are potentially toxic to microbial communities utilized in biological wastewater treatment (BWT). Copper-based nanoparticles (CuNPs) are of particular interest based on their increasing use in wood treatment, paints, household products, coatings, and byproducts of semiconductor manufacturing. A critical step in BWT is nutrient removal through nitrification. This study examined the potential toxicity of uncoated and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated CuO, and Cu2O nanoparticles, as well as Cu ions to microbial communities responsible for nitrification in BWT. Inhibition was inferred from changes to the specific oxygen uptake rate (sOUR) in the absence and presence of Cu ions and CuNPs. X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, with linear combination fitting (LCF), was utilized to track changes to Cu speciation throughout exposure. Results indicate that the dissolution of Cu ions from CuNPs drive microbial inhibition. The presence of a PVP coating on CuNPs has little effect on inhibition. LCF analysis of the biomass combined with metal partitioning analysis supports the current hypothesis that Cu-induced cytotoxicity is primarily caused by reactive oxygen species formed from ionic Cu in solution via catalytic reaction intermediated by reduced Cu(I) species.

To improve the understanding of the immobilization mechanism and the leaching risk of Arsenic (As) in the cement product from coprocessing wastes using cement kiln, distribution and species of As in cement product were determined by microscale investigation methods, including electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In this study, sodium arsenate crystals (Na3AsO412H2O) were mixed with cement production raw materials and calcined to produce cement clinker. Then, clinker was mixed water to prepare cement paste. EPMA results showed that As was generally distributed throughout the cement paste. As content in calcium silicate hydrates gel (C-S-H) was in low level, but higher than that in other cement mineral phases. This means that most of As is expected to form some compounds that disperse on the surfaces of cement mineral phases. Linear combination fitting (LCF) of the X-ray absorption near edge structure spectra revealed that As in the cement paste was predominantly As(V) and mainly existed as Mg3(AsO4)2, Ca3(AsO4)2, and Na2HAsO4.

The application of a new technique of intraoperative interstitial hyperthermia (IOHT) and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) was investigated for unresectable abdominal carcinoma. A 43-year-old white male presented with severe back pain due to metastatic adenocarcinoma in the left paravertebral area, producing erosion of the body of T12. The disease had not responded to external beam radiation therapy. The tumor was approached through a thoraco-abdominal incision and IOHT was delivered via interstitial electrodes. Temperature was monitored at 16 locations within the tumor. An LCF hyperthermia unit was utilized to deliver RF power and produced a treatment temperature of 43 degrees C for 60 minutes uniformly throughout the treatment volume. Immediately following hyperthermia treatment, the lesion was treated with 15 meV electrons via IORT to a tumor dose of 25Gy. The patient recovered without complication and had complete relief from pain. Posttreatment CT scans have demonstrated control of disease over a 5-month follow-up period. A clinical pilot study has been established to further investigate the application of this combination therapy.

Local current field radiofrequency (LCF-RF) hyperthermia was used to treat 38 superficial skin tumours (predominantly squamous cell carcinomas) of the nose, face and ears in 35 cats. LCF-RF hyperthermia was applied at 50 degrees C for 60 seconds at single or multiple sites depending on the tumour size. Each cat was observed over a four-month period after treatment and 14 out of 35 cases were also available for re-evaluation eight months after treatment. Tumours which had not resolved completely within one month after the initial treatment were re-treated. LCF-RF hyperthermia is most suited for the treatment of superficial skin tumours (<5 mm diameter). Ninety-two per cent (12/13) of tumours of this dimension showed some regression and 69% (9/13) completely resolved. Larger tumours >5mm diameter) were also successfully treated. 54% (8/14) regressed but only 14% (2/14) completely resolved. LCF-RF hyperthermia is not recommended for the treatment of tumours of the pinnae as 5 of the 6 tumours at this site failed to respond.

The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a pilot study using hyperthermia as an adjunct to radiation therapy in the treatment of malignant disease, spontaneously occurring in domestic animals. Localized current fields (LCF) have been used to produce the hyperthermia. The aim of the pilot study was to establish a reasonable dose regime for testing in a randomized trial. The doses tested ranged from an equivalent 3,000 rads in 3 weeks to 6,000 rads in 6 weeks for the radiation treatments and 43 degrees C for 30 min to 45 degrees C for 30 min for the hyperthermia treatments. To date, there have been either complete or partial (over 50% tumor regression) responses in 82.9% of the animals and complete regression in 54.3% of the tumors. The details of the randomized trial are described.

To provide uniform heating of a tumour, it is necessary to establish sufficient volumetric control of power deposition. The interstitial Radio-Frequency Localized Current Field (RF-LCF) technique may provide such control when segmented electrodes are used. The length of segments is equal to 1-1.5 cm. Each segment is connected to a separate power source. However, this technique requires an additional implant for interstitial radiotherapy, because the lumen of segmented electrodes is filled with wires necessary to connect each segment to a separate power source. In this work, a modified method of implant that allows delivery of sequential and concomitant controlled thermoradiotherapy was investigated. In this method, each segmented electrode is surrounded by four continuous electrodes. Continuous electrodes pass through vertices of 1.5 x 1.5 cm square and a segmented electrode passes through the centre of the square. The distance between segmented and continuous electrodes is 1.06 cm. The electric field induced between an electrically interacting segment and continuous electrodes is concentrated primarily between this segment and its projection on continuous electrodes. Therefore, control of temperature distribution achieved with a modified implant is similar to that achieved with an implant containing only segmented electrodes. For temperature control during treatment, plastic catheters are inserted at a 0.5 cm distance from each segmented electrode. Temperature is monitored using multisensor temperature probes. The continuous electrodes are also used for placement of radioactive sources. The lateral distance between radioactive sources is equal to 1.5 cm. Besides allowing a sequential and concomitant thermoradiotherapy, the modified method is simpler to implement because it uses several fold less amount of segmented electrodes and power sources.

Objective: Currently, unlike earlier years, patients affected by multiple primary malignancies (MPM) are significantly increased, thus representing a clinical-pathologic category worthy of attention. Their clinical features and prognosis still need to be studied thoroughly, and this is the aim of our study.

Methods: Patients with MPM involving lung cancer admitted in our center between January 2006 and December 2016 were considered. Parametric and nonparametric testing was used for statistical comparisons. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the variables associated with a prognostic value.

Results: MPM incidence was 19.8%. Among the 222 patients with MPM enrolled, 204 (91.8%) had two malignancies, while 18 (8.2%) had three malignancies, 38 (17.1%) were synchronous, 41 (18.5%) had lung cancer first (LCF) and 181 (81.5%) had other cancer first (OCF). A significant difference between the time of first cancer diagnosis to the second cancer diagnosis in the LCF vs OCF group was found (median 32 vs 51 months; p-value: 0.038). The most frequent anatomical sites of malignancies preceding or following lung cancer were prostate, colorectal, bladder, and larynx. Multivariate analysis revealed that sex, histologic pattern, and time and order of occurrence were independent factors for overall survival, with male sex, squamous cell lung carcinoma, synchronous and LCF MPM significantly associated with poorer overall survival.

Conclusions: Prostate, colorectal, bladder, and larynx were the most frequent anatomical sites of malignancies preceding or following lung cancer. Male sex, squamous cell lung carcinoma, synchronous and LCF MPM might be associated with poorer prognosis.

Keywords: Multiple primary malignancies; clinical characteristics; lung cancer; prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

Modern treatment for primary cancers has improved survival. Therefore, increased numbers of patients with multiple primary cancers (MPC) associated with lung cancer may be expected. The aim of the present study was to report MPC associated with lung cancer and discuss patients' characteristics and postoperative management.

METHODS

Overall, 973 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were retrospectively studied.

RESULTS

NSCLC with MPC was observed in 148 patients (15.2%). MPC comprised 24 synchronous (2.5%) and 124 metachronous (12.7%) diseases. Of the 124 metachronous patients, NSCLC was detected before cancers were detected in other organs (lung cancer first (LCF)) in 25 (20.2%) patients and subsequently in other organs after treatment (other organs, primary cancer-first (OCF)) in 99 (79.8%) patients. MPC was significantly associated with advanced age (p<0.0001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (p=0.0040). The leading sites of MPC in patients with synchronous tumors and those with OCF were the digestive organs. In contrast, the leading site of MPC in patients with LCF was the lung. In the latter, at least two primary lung cancers were detected within 5 years as well as 5 years after surgery for the treatment of the first detected lung cancer, while primary cancers of other organs were detected within 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced age and COPD may represent a high-risk of MPCs. Therefore, we recommend careful follow-up to detect MPC in the lung as well as the digestive organs beyond 5 years after treatment of the first cancer.

We investigated the role of lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) in human T cell polarization and migration assay by using monoclonal antibody specific to beta chain (CD18) and alpha chain (CD11a). T cell polarization in response to fetal calf serum (FCS) and colchicine was suppressed by the addition of CD18 and CD11a antibodies. Furthermore, T cell migration in response to lymphocyte chemotactic factor (LCF) and casein was markedly depressed by the addition of CD18 and CD11a antibodies. Additional studies to evaluate effects of interleukin 8 (IL-8) on polarization and migration of T cells preincubated with CD18 or CD11a antibody showed that IL-8 restored the capability of migration of T cells, whereas did not restore polarization activity of such cells. These studies indicate that LFA-1 plays a role in the polarization and migration of T cells and that IL-8 may positively interfer with LFA-1-adhesion molecules.

Soft tissue free flaps are used for a variety of head and neck reconstructions. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been a versatile tool in head and neck reconstruction since the mainstream use of microvascular anastomosis for free tissue transfer. The ALT flap has a known history of variable vascular anatomy. Most of this variability lies within perforator anatomy and vascular aberrations distal to the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCF). Few vascular aberrancies have been described proximal to the LCF. Here we present a case of report of an ALT whose arterial vascular pedicle was a branch directly off the femoral artery. The case highlights an unusual anatomical variant of the ALT flap, and the importance of a thorough and meticulous dissection.

An injectable liquid crystal-forming system (LCFS) was prepared by using sorbitan monooleate (SMO) as a new liquid crystal-forming material for injections, and its potential use of clinically available sustained-release formulation was evaluated. LCFS was prepared using SMO mixed with phosphatidyl choline and tocopherol acetate, and contained 3.75 mg of leuprolide acetate as a monthly dose in 90 μl in liquid form. The semi-solid mesophase was formed from the liquid LCFS when it contacted water. The mesophase showed typical characteristics of the liquid crystalline phase, which was classified as the hexagonal phase. The safety of the LCFS was studied by an in vitro extraction colony assay and by examining the injection site in rats and white rabbits after an autopsy. Both in vitro release test and in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies showed a sustained release of leuprolide. When compared with a commercial depot formulation of leuprolide, the LCFS showed a similar AUClast value and significantly reduced initial burst with sufficient suppression of testosterone after subcutaneous injections in rats and dogs. The LCFS can serve as a new type of sustained-release injection formulation for its safety, ease of preparation, and sustained release properties.

Hydrogen production from renewable resources, such as lignocellulosic biomass, is highly desired, under the most sustainable and mildest reaction conditions. In this study, a new sustainable 3-step process for the production of hydrogen has been proposed. In the first step, a crude formic acid (CF) solution, which included typical reaction by-products, in particular acetic acid, levulinic acid, saccharides, 5-HMF, furfural and lignin, was obtained through the combined hydrolysis/oxidation of the biomass, in the presence of diluted sulfuric acid/hydrogen peroxide, as homogeneous catalysts. In the second one, the distilled formic acid (DF) solution was obtained by distillation of the CF solution, e.g. by isolating liquid by-products, or the lignin-free crude formic acid (LCF) solution was recovered by CF filtration for the elimination of only solid lignin particles. In the final step, hydrogen was produced from the DF or LCF solutions through formic acid dehydrogenation over Pd supported on amine-functionalized mesoporous silica catalysts, in the presence of sodium formate, as an additive. The clean hydrogen, which is produced from biomass passing through formic acid, could be applied as an energy source of fuel cells. This new hydrogen production process is smart, allowing the hydrogen production with mild reaction conditions, eventually starting from different lignocellulosic feedstocks, and it could be integrated within the existing hydrothermal technology for levulinic acid production, which has been already recognized as efficient and sustainable. In addition to production of hydrogen an energy source of fuel cells, formic acid derived from biomass could be utilized as a platform chemical for chemical, agricultural, textile, leather, pharmaceutical, and rubber industries.

The aim of the study was the gas chromatography (GC) separation and mass spectrometric (MS) identification of volatile compounds mixture generating in the air of work environment when lubricant-coolant fluids (LCFs) are used. GC/MS method was used for determining mixture ingredients. Hydrocarbons, carbonil compounds, esters, oxiranes and aromatic amines were identified in test samples. When LCFs are used, monitoring of highly toxic substances (aromatic amines, carbonil compounds and oxiranes) makes the assessment of risk and exposure more complete.

Low-carbon ferrochrome slag (LCFS), a by-product of the ferrochrome alloy industry, has potential for use as a cementitious material due to its pozzolanic characteristic. The objective of the present study was to determine the optimum compound chemical activators for LCFS-based composite cement using an orthogonal test, in which 7 d and 28 d compressive strengths were used as the evaluating indices. The influences of compound chemical activators on the hydration of a composite cement mix were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). The optimum activator to activate the composite cement was a compound of NaCl (NC) at a dosage of 0.6%, Na2SO4 (NS) at a dosage of 1.2%, NaF (NF) at a dosage of 0.6% and Al2(SO4)3 (AS) at a dosage of 0.9% or 0.7%. The compressive strengths of the optimum composite cement mix at ages of 3, 28 and 180 d increased by 50.1%, 22.4% and 16.5%, respectively. More hydration products including ettringite and calcium silicate hydrate were formed at an early age of hydration. The compound chemical activators effectively activated the ferrochrome slag (FS), blast-furnace slag (BFS) and fly ash (FA) in the composite cement.

Computational logic is the use of computers to establish facts in a logical formalism. Originating in nineteenth century attempts to understand the nature of mathematical reasoning, the subject now comprises a wide variety of formalisms, techniques and technologies. One strand of work follows the 'logic for computable functions (LCF) approach' pioneered by Robin Milner, where proofs can be constructed interactively or with the help of users' code (which does not compromise correctness). A refinement of LCF, called Isabelle, retains these advantages while providing flexibility in the choice of logical formalism and much stronger automation. The main application of these techniques has been to prove the correctness of hardware and software systems, but increasingly researchers have been applying them to mathematics itself.

The structural dynamics and phase transformations of an iron molybdate catalyst with excess molybdenum trioxide (Mo/Fe = 2.0) were studied during redox cycling of the catalyst using in situ multi-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the Mo K-edge (transmission mode) and Fe K-edge (fluorescence mode) in combination with X-ray diffraction (XRD). X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis showed that heating under reducing conditions with methanol up to 400 °C produced MoO2 and FeMoO4. Linear combination fitting (LCF) analysis showed that iron was reduced completely, while molybdenum remained partly oxidized (60% as Mo(vi)). Complementary in situ XRD also supported the phase transformation due to reduction of Fe2(MoO4)3 and MoO3 to FeMoO4 and MoO2. Subsequent heating under oxidative conditions from 200 to 500 °C transformed the catalyst into its initial state via Fe2O3 and extra MoO3 as intermediate phases. This underlines the segregation and iron enrichment during redox cycling. MoO3 volatilization, observed under industrial reaction conditions of a methanol and oxygen containing atmosphere, causes this segregation to be permanent. Complete regeneration could only be achieved at 500 °C, which is significantly higher than industrial reaction temperatures. Overall, multi edge in situ XAS along with complementary XRD was found to be an ideal tool for tracing the different amorphous and crystalline phases present during redox cycling of the catalyst.

<AbstractText>Calculated non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (non-HDLC) should selectively include cholesterol from atherogenic lipoproteins to be a reliable risk marker of cardiovascular disease. In hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), there is increased abundance of larger and less atherogenic triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL), namely, larger very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and chylomicrons.</AbstractText><AbstractText>We aim to demonstrate that serum triglyceride (TG) level has a substantial impact on non-HDLC's ability to represent cholesterol from atherogenic lipoproteins, even though TG is not part of the calculation for non-HDLC.</AbstractText><AbstractText>Analysis of lipid profile data.</AbstractText><AbstractText>Lipid Clinic patient cohort, and Biochemistry Laboratory patient cohort.</AbstractText><AbstractText>7,492 patients in the Lipid Clinic cohort with baseline lipid profiles documented prior to starting lipid-lowering medications and 156,311 lipid profiles from The Ottawa Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory cohort.</AbstractText><AbstractText>None.</AbstractText><AbstractText>Our modeling process includes derivation of TG-interval-specific lipoprotein composition factor (<em>LCF</em>) for TRL, which represents the mass ratio of cholesterol to TG in TRL. A high <em>LCF</em> indicates that the TRLs are mainly the cholesterol-rich atherogenic remnant lipoproteins. A low <em>LCF</em> indicates that the TRLs are mainly the TG-rich larger VLDL and chylomicrons.</AbstractText><AbstractText>As serum TG increases, there is progressive decline in the <em>LCF</em> for TRL, which indicates that the calculated non-HDLC level reflects progressive inclusion of cholesterol from larger TRL. This is shown in both cohorts.</AbstractText><AbstractText>Calculated non-HDLC is influenced by TG level. As TG increases, non-HDLC gradually includes more cholesterol from larger TRL, which are less atherogenic than LDL and remnant lipoproteins.</AbstractText>

Selective cutting changes tree species composition and stand structure, modifies tree competition intensity in the stand, with consequences on tree growth and population dynamics. Key tree species play a crucial role in maintaining community structure and ecosystem function. To clarify the competitive characteristics of three key species (Pinus koraiensis, Tilia amurensis, and Fraxinus mandshurica, which accounted for about 70% of growing stock) of typical forest types in broadleaved-Korean pine mixed forest, Hegyi competition index was used in four permanent 1-hm² plots, i.e. virgin forest (VF), low-intensity cutting forest (LCF), moderate-intensity cutting forest (MCF) and high-intensity cutting forest (HCF). Compared with VF, the stand density and mean DBH of big trees (DBH≥20 cm) significantly decreased in MCF and HCF, but the stand density of young trees (2 cm≤DBH<10 cm) increased, but no significant changes of stand or DBH in LCF. In all the four forest types, individual competition index (CI) of the three species decreased with increasing DBH. There was a power function relation between CI and DBH. CI curve turned to be gentle at DBH reaching 20 cm, and this rule was not affected by selective cutting. In VF, LCF and HCF, most of competition pressure of young trees of all key species derived from other tree species in secondary canopy or understory, but the competition pressure of small trees (10 cm≤DBH<20 cm) and big trees of P. koraiensis originated mainly from intra-species and other species in secondary canopy or understory. The competition stress of F. mandshurica was mainly affected by P. koraiensis and other species in secondary canopy or understory. T. amurensis was mainly affected by intra-species and P. koraiensis. Betula platyphylla contributed most of the competition stress (over 50%) to all three key species in HCF. Our results suggested that removing the trees which are in secondary canopy or understory but suppress the three key trees species intensively would be beneficial to the regeneration and growth of key species before tree DBH exceeds 20 cm. We proposed to regulate the density of key tree species in overstory to cultivate large diameter timber according to the competition among the key trees species. Once tree DBH exceeds 20 cm, tree growth would not be affected by competition. This study had guiding significance for the cultivation of key tree species and rapid recovery of natural forests after selective cutting.

The present research examines the landslide susceptibility in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India using the conditional probability (CP) statistical technique, the boost regression tree (BRT) machine learning algorithm, and the CP-BRT ensemble approach to improve the accuracy of the BRT model. Using the four fold of data, the models' outcomes were cross-checked. The locations of existing landslides were detected by general field surveys and relevant records. 220 previous landslide locations were obtained, presented as an inventory map, and divided into four folds to calibrate and authenticate the models. For modelling the landslide susceptibility, twelve LCFs (landslide conditioning factors) were used. Two statistical methods, i.e. the mean absolute error (MAE) and the root mean square error (RMSE), one statistical test, i.e. the Freidman rank test, as well as the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), efficiency and precision were used for authenticating the produced landslide models. The results of the accuracy measures revealed that all models have good potential to recognize the landslide susceptibility in the Garhwal Himalayan region. Among these models, the ensemble model achieved a higher accuracy (precision: 0.829, efficiency: 0.833, AUC: 89.460, RMSE: 0.069 and MAE: 0.141) than the individual models. According to the outcome of the ensemble simulations, the BRT model's predictive accuracy was enhanced by integrating it with the statistical model (CP). The study showed that the areas of fallow land, plantation fields, and roadsides with elevations of more than 1500 m. with steep slopes of 24° to 87° and eroding hills are highly susceptible to landslides. The findings of this work could help in minimizing the landslides' risk in the Western Himalaya and its adjoining areas with similar landscapes and geological characteristics.

Keywords: Boost regression tree (BRT); Conditional probability (CP); Ensemble method; Landslide susceptibility; Rudraprayag.

In 2 experiments in Pekin ducks the inevitable endogenous ileal flow (IEIF) of AA was estimated at changing intake and source of crude fiber (CF) or soybean oil (SO) level. Also the roles of dry matter intake (DMI) and BW or age as well as the proportion of IEIF in the dietary requirement for AA were studied. In experiment 1 three basal CP (20, 60, or 100 g/kg) diets were formulated containing a low CF (LCF, 30 g/kg) or high (HCF, 80 g/kg) level; achieved with cellulose supplementation. All diets were similar in every other respect including having SO content of 40 g/kg. Four floor pens of eight 85-day-old ducks were randomly allocated to each diet. Similar diets were mixed in experiment 2 but corn cob meal replaced cellulose as the fiber source. A high SO (HSO) series was also formed by increasing the SO level from 40 g/kg in the basal series to 100 g/kg. Thus the LCF series was concurrently classified as low SO (LSO) series to control SO effect. Each of the eventual 9 diets were fed to 5 floor pens of ten 65-day-old ducks. Ileal AA flow was measured after a 5 day feeding period in both experiments. Linear regression was calculated between ileal flow and dietary intake of individual AA. The IEIF interpreted as the y-intercept of each linear function responded neither to elevated ingestion of each CF type nor to SO level. Age and DMI had no effect on IEIF computed in relation to BW, but wide discrepancies resulted when related to DMI. Overall IEIF of AA varied between 14.3 to 129.8 mg/kg BW d-1. These flows were established in model computations to account for 10 to 64% of the recommended intake of limiting AA. In conclusion the ileal inevitable flow is constant within the dietary/age conditions investigated. However it is modulated by feed intake and accounts for a significant portion of total amino acid requirement.

The objectives of this study were to identify the regulatory relationship between tactile sensation at the vermilion of the lips and the output of pursing-like lip-closing force (LCF), as measured by a multidirectional LCF measurement system. Thirty-six healthy subjects were divided into Anaesthesia and Vaseline groups. The tactile detection threshold (TDT) at six sites on the vermilion and the maximum voluntary LCFs in eight directions were recorded before and during partial or whole application of the agent and 6 h after whole application (Recovery). Five per cent lidocaine gel and Vaseline was applied to the vermilion in the Anaesthesia and Vaseline groups, respectively. These agents were applied to either the right part of the vermilion of the lower lip (Partial) or the whole vermilion (Whole). Partial application of 5% lidocaine gel significantly decreased the magnitudes of six of eight directional LCFs, while it only increased the TDT at one site. The subsequent whole application of 5% lidocaine gel did not affect the magnitude of the LCFs in five of these six directions although its application increased the TDTs at all sites. These reductions in LCF were reversed after recovery from surface anaesthesia. Vaseline application did not affect either TDT or LCF in any conditions. We concluded that tactile sensation at the vermilion of the lips is related to the output of LCF, without any particular directional specificity. The present results suggest the presence of a common synaptic drive ordering the pursing of the relevant muscles.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the microleakage and bond strength exhibited by two light-cured, filled dentin bonding agents, a resin cement, and cavity varnish.

METHODS

The four test groups of lining agents for amalgam restorations included (LF) Light-cured, Filled resin (Clearfil Liner Bond 2); (LCF) light- and chemical-cured, Filled resin (Clearfil Liner Bond + Protect Liner); (RC) Resin Cement (Panavia 21); and (V) Varnish (Copalite). For each group, 20 Class V cavity preparations were cut in human extracted molars. Tytin amalgam was condensed into the preparation. After storage for at least 24 hrs in distilled water at 37 degrees C, all restorations were subjected to 2500 thermal cycles (8 degrees C to 48 degrees C). After 1 wk, specimens were tested. For the leakage tests, teeth were immersed in 45Ca, sectioned, and radiographs of sections were evaluated and then evaluated by Ridit analysis. Retention samples were tested to failure in tension using an Instron machine and peak load (kg) was recorded.

RESULTS

Compared to varnish, the two dentin bonding agents (LF and LCF) significantly decreased microleakage at the cementum margin but not at the enamel margin. The two dentin bonding agents also exhibited significantly greater retentive strength than either the resin cement or the varnish.

Dentin bonding agents have been shown to enhance retention of amalgam restorations by mechanical means. Little research is available on which mode of curing may optimize amalgam bonding. This in vitro study compared the bond strengths exhibited by three variations of a bonding agent, each using a different curing mode, with two earlier versions of amalgam resin liners and cavity varnish. The six test groups of lining agents for amalgam restorations included [C] chemical-cured, [L] light-cured and [D] dual-cured versions of one filled adhesive resin (Clearfil Liner Bond 2V), [LF] Light-cured, Filled resin (Clearfil Liner Bond 2, Kuraray Co.); [LCF] Light- and Chemical-cured, Filled resin Clearfil Liner Bond + Protect Liner, Kuraray Co) and [V] Varnish (Copalite, Cooley & Cooley, Ltd). For each group, 20 Class V cavity preparations were cut in human molars. The preparations were 2.5 mm deep and 3 mm wide at the pulpal floor, with a slightly divergent taper. After treating the preparation with the bonding agent, a 3/4 inch, 18 gauge flat-headed wire nail was seated in the cavity with its head at the pulpal floor of the preparation, and Tytin amalgam (Kerr Corp, Romulus, MI) was condensed into the preparation around the nail. All restorations were stored for 24 hours in distilled water at 37 degrees C, then subjected to 2500 thermal cycles (8 degrees C to 58 degrees C). After one week the samples were tested to failure in tension using an Instron Universal Testing Machine (crosshead speed = 2 mm/min) and peak load (kg) was recorded. Significant differences in retention were found using ANOVA and the Games & Howell post hoc test (p = 0.05). The mean loads at failure (+/- SD) were C 13.1 (+/- 2.4), L 21.8 (+/- 6.1), D 26.8 (+/- 7.4), LCF 23.8 (+/- 7.4), LF 21.4 (+/- 3.3) and V 2.0 (+/- 1.8). All dentin-bonding agents exhibited significantly greater retention than the varnish. While the bond strengths of the dual cured (D) and the light-cured (L) liners were not significantly different from one another, both were significantly higher than the chemically-cured (C) resin liner in terms of retention.