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The gator grapnel: pedal anchoring in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
No full textTo resist forward displacement of their body during non-locomotor behaviors such as feeding, American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) hold their hindfeet vertical, then push the foot into the substrate so that the dorsum of the foot forms a contact area with the substrate. Herein this form of bracing is termed pedal anchoring. The purpose of the present study was to describe pedal anchoring and to demonstrate whether it entailed interaction between the hindfoot (pes) of Alligator and the substrate that differed from the interactions seen during locomotion. Alligator tracks were studied in the wild, during controlled field trials, and on a mud trackway in the laboratory; in each setting locomotor and pedal anchoring tracks were photographed, cast in Plaster of Paris, then features of the casts quantified. Statistical analysis demonstrated greater variation in the wild tracks, presumably reflecting the larger size and velocity ranges of the alligators involved, and suggested that the mud trackway used during the locomotor trials did not create significant artifact. Tracks produced during locomotion and pedal anchoring by the same alligators, on the same substrate, yielded significantly different quantitative features, different matrices of Pearson correlation coefficients, and different patterns of character distribution following Principal Component Analysis. These results all support the conclusion that pedal anchoring involves fundamentally different interaction between the pes and the substrate than occurs during locomotion
Rare left colic artery variation of the gut arterial system
No full textMost variations of the abdominal blood supply are related to branching of the coeliac trunk and superior mesenteric artery. This case details a remarkable variation in the branching pattern of the left colic artery (LCA) observed during routine cadaveric dissection of an 84-year-old male donor. An anomalous common trunk, originating from the common hepatic artery, gave rise to three branches: 1) an accessory posterior pancreaticoduodenal artery to the head of the pancreas and adjacent duodenum, 2) the dorsal pancreatic artery anastomosing with branches of the splenic artery, and 3) the LCA. The LCA descended between the splenic vein and superior mesenteric artery to supply the left colic flexure and form a collateral route with the middle colic artery by contributing to the marginal artery of Drummond. Knowledge of this variation is clinically relevant for surgical and radiological procedures in the abdomen. (Folia Morphol 2023; 82, 1: 198–204
Methadone clinics and long-term efficacy for opioid use disorder
No full textMethadone is a mu opioid agonist that binds to receptors located in the central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular tissue. Classified as a synthetic opioid, methadone is known to reduce symptoms of narcotic withdrawal and decrease the euphoric effects of other narcotics, including opioids.1 Due to its two features of a long half-life and high oral absorption,2 methadone is used as an alternative treatment to prevent or reduce withdrawal symptoms in the treatment of drug misuse,2 specifically for those unable to maintain abstinence from drug misuse.3
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is the use of methadone for several months to years to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and has been shown to reduce risky behaviors, blood-borne diseases, and polyabuse.3,4 It has also helped individuals with social re-integration, immunity, and memory preservation. However, its use is controversial due to relapses and adverse effects.5-7
Specifically, MMT can lead to adverse effects of the cardiovascular, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal, and neuro/psychiatric systems. Based on the current literature, this paper briefly explores these adverse effects and their management, as well as provides perspective on emerging alternatives to MMT that may have a more positive safety profile for people with OUD.5,6,
Grammatical gender in Spanish child heritage speakers: Incomplete or different acquisition?
No full textThis study examines grammatical gender (GG) production in young Spanish heritage-speakers (HSs) and the potential effect of the children’s language use and their parents’ input. We compared four and eight-year-old HSs to same-age monolingual children on their gender production. We measured GG production in determiners and adjectives via an elicited production task. HSs’ parents reported children’s time in each language and also completed the elicitation task. Results show that HSs’ scored significantly lower than monolinguals in both grammatical structures in which the unmarked masculine default predominates. However, older HSs had higher accuracy than younger HSs. Input from parents is not correlated with HSs’ performance and neither Spanish use nor language proficiency predicts GG performance on HSs. For theories of language acquisition, it is important to consider that although the linguistic knowledge of the HSs may differ from that of monolinguals, their grammar is protracted rather than incomplete
Clinicoradiopathologic Analysis of Odontomas: A Retrospective Study of 242 Cases
No full textOdontomas are considered hamartomatous lesions and are one of the two most common odontogenic tumors of the jaw. Odontomas are classified as compound or complex. Recently, ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (AFO) and ameloblastic fibro-dentinoma were reclassified as developing odontomas. Though clinically odontomas are usually asymptomatic, they have adverse effects on adjacent teeth such as tooth impaction, delayed eruption, displacement of teeth, over-retention of teeth, and can give rise to odontogenic cysts within the jaw. We sought to evaluate the clinicoradiopathologic presentations of odontomas by collecting and analyzing the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic data of odontomas diagnosed in our institution from 2013 to 2022. Over this 10-year period, there were 242 patients with a histopathological and/or radiographic diagnosis of odontoma. There was no gender predilection and ages ranged from 3 to 101 years (median, 14 years). The second decade of life was the most prevalent (57.4%). There was no jaw predilection; however, the anterior jaw was the most common location. Ninety-four (38.8%) cases presented with clinical findings. The most common finding was tooth impaction (n = 83). Nine (3.7%) cases were histopathologically confirmed to be associated with other lesions such as dentigerous cysts (n = 8) and nasopalatine duct cyst (n = 1). The median age (25 years) of patients diagnosed with odontomas associated with cysts was older than patients with odontomas (14 years) without associated cysts. Compound odontomas were the most common type of odontoma compared to complex and AFOs with 71.4%, 26.6%, and 2%, respectively. The majority of compound odontomas involved the anterior jaw (69.3%) and mandible (54.9%) while the majority of complex odontomas involved the posterior jaw (59.6%) and maxilla (54.7%). The four AFOs were in the posterior jaw and 75% involved the maxilla. The median age (12 years) of patients diagnosed with AFO was the youngest compared to patients diagnosed with compound (13 years) and complex (16 years). In conclusion, we analyzed the clinical, radiographic, and pathologic features of 242 new cases of odontomas. Our study reaffirms that odontomas frequently affect the pediatric population and can disrupt their dentition. Based on the result of this study, our clinical recommendation to prevent problems to adjacent teeth from odontomas is for dentists to be apt in the diagnose of odontomas to ensure that they are surgically removed in a timely manner
Effects of over-the-counter at-home whitening products with LED light on surface roughness of partially-and fully crystalized CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramics
No full textThe aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of over-the-counter (OTC) at-home whitening products with LED light on partially-and fully-crystalized CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramics. Two partially-crystalized CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramics, Amber Mill and IPS e.max CAD, and one fully-crystalized CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramic, n!ce Straumann, were used. The specimens were divided based on treatment with OTC whitening products: no treatment provided, Colgate Optic, Crest 3D and Walgreens Deluxe. The surface roughness of the specimens was evaluated with an optical profilometer and scanning electron microscopy. The three LED whitening products significantly increased the surface roughness and changed surface morphology of Amber Mill and IPS e.max CAD but no differences for n!ce Straumann. OTC at-home whitening products with LED light can significantly increase the surface roughness of restorations fabricated with these partially-crystalized CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramic restorations. However, these products do not increase the surface roughness of restorations fabricated with this fully-crystalized lithium disilicate ceramic
Profile Changes in Class III Malocclusion using Protraction Facemask in Indonesian Young Patients (Cephalometric Study)
No full textBackground: The prevalence of Class III malocclusion is highest in Southeast Asia. In countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, the prevalence is as high as 15.80%. Treatment timing and options are very important in treating Class III malocclusion. A protraction facemask or also known as reverse headgear is one of the most used appliances as an interceptive tool for Class III malocclusion in young patients. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the profile changes in treating Indonesian young patients using a protraction facemask. Methods: The sample consisted of 63 subjects, 25 males and 38 females. Lateral cephalograms were traced and analyzed using CephaloMetrics AtoZ™ ver. 12 (Yasunaga Computer Systems, Co. Inc., Hanando-Minami, Fukui, Japan). A total of 16 traditional cephalometric measurements (13 skeletal measurements and 3 dental measurements) were used to describe changes between pretreatment and posttreatment cephalograms. All recorded data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, USA). Results: SNA (p˂0.030), ANB (p=0.000), and Wits appraisal values (p=0.000) showed significant differences out of all measurements. FMA and occlusal plane also showed changes and indicated that a facemask is helpful with treatment. Conclusion: Timing, duration, and patient compliance are very important in the management of Class III skeletal malocclusion using a protraction facemask. The use of facemask therapy among Indonesian pediatric patients resulted in an anterior and downward movement of the maxilla, backward rotation of the mandible, and a better orthopedic response
Shikonin Causes Non-apoptotic Cell Death in B16F10 Melanoma
No full textBackground: Melanoma treatment is highly resistant to current chemotherapeutic agents. Due to its resistance towards apoptotic cell death, non-apoptotic cell death pathways are sought after. Objective: We investigated a Chinese herbal medicine, shikonin, and its effect on B16F10 melanoma cells in vitro. Methods: Cell growth of B16F10 melanoma cells treated with shikonin was analyzed using an MTT assay. Shikonin was combined with necrostatin, an inhibitor of necroptosis; caspase inhibitor; 3-methyladenine, an inhibitor of autoph-agy; or N-acetyl cysteine, an inhibitor of reactive oxygen species. Flow cytometry was used to assess types of cell death resulting from treatment with shikonin. Cell proliferation was also analyzed utilizing a BrdU labeling assay. Monodansylcadaverine staining was performed on live cells to gauge levels of autophagy. Western blot analysis was conducted to identify specific protein markers of necroptosis including CHOP, RIP1, and pRIP1. MitoTracker staining was utilized to identify differences in mitochondrial density in cells treated with shikonin. Results: Analysis of MTT assays revealed a large decrease in cellular growth with increasing shikonin concentrations. The MTT assays with necrostatin, 3-methyladenine, and N-acetyl cysteine involvement, suggested that necroptosis, autophagy, and reactive oxygen species are a part of shikonin’s mechanism of action. Cellular proliferation with shi-konin treatment was also decreased. Western blotting confirmed that shikonin-treated melanoma cells increase levels of stress-related proteins, e.g., CHOP, RIP, pRIP. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that mainly necroptosis is induced by the shikonin treatment of B16F10 melanoma cells. Induction of ROS production and autophagy are also involved
The Influence of Statin Use on Chemotherapeutic Efficacy in Studies of Mouse Models: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground/Aim: Using statins as antitumor agents is an approach to cancer therapy that has been explored extensively in specific cancer types. Reframing the query to how a statin interacts with the treatment regimen instead might provide new insight. Given that cell-cycle regulation influences tumorigenesis, it is possible that the cellcycle phase which a given chemotherapy acts on influences the synergistic effects with adjuvant statin use. In this review, we outline the effect of statins in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs in in vivo animal model studies based on the class of chemotherapy and its relation to the cell cycle. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols 2015 with 23 articles deemed eligible to be included. Results: Our review suggests that statins influence the success of chemotherapy treatments. Furthermore, enhanced efficacy was demonstrated with chemotherapeutic drugs that act at every phase of the cell cycle. Conclusion: This type of compilation departs from the norm of describing statin influence on named cancer subtypes and instead catalogs how statins interact with categorical chemotherapy agents which might be beneficial for broader therapeutic decision-making across cancer subtypes, possibly contributing to pharmaceutical development, and thereby helping to maximize patient outcomes
Complete Genome Sequences of Cluster S Mycobacteriophages Beelzebub, Raela, and RedRaider77
No full textWe isolated three mycobacteriophages that belong to cluster S, namely, Beelzebub, Raela, and RedRaider77. Annotation revealed a genome structure typical of cluster S phages, including an atypical location of two minor tail protein genes in the right arm of these viral genomes