Sealing properties of a new root canal sealer.

Aim: To evaluate bacterial leakage of Apexit Plus, a new root canal sealer, in comparison with AH Plus.

Methodology: A total of 56 single-rooted human teeth were randomly divided into two experimental groups of 16 roots and two control groups. Roots were filled by lateral condensation with Gutta-percha and AH Plus or with Gutta-percha and Apexit Plus.

Major mite allergen Der f 1 concentration is reduced in buildings with improved energy performance.

Background: Environmental conditions play a crucial role in mite growth, and optimal environmental control is key in the prevention of airway inflammation in chronic allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between building energy performance and indoor mite allergen concentration in a cross-sectional study.

Methods: Major allergen concentration (Der f 1, Der p 1, mite group 2, Fel d 1 and Bla g 2) was determined by quantitative dot blot analysis from mattress and carpet dust samples in five buildings designed for low energy use (LEB) and in six control buildings (CB).

Role of TRPC1 channel in skeletal muscle function.

Skeletal muscle contraction is reputed not to depend on extracellular Ca2+. Indeed, stricto sensu, excitation-contraction coupling does not necessitate entry of Ca2+. However, we previously observed that, during sustained activity (repeated contractions), entry of Ca2+ is needed to maintain force production.

External trial deep brain stimulation device for the application of desynchronizing stimulation techniques.

In the past decade deep brain stimulation (DBS)-the application of electrical stimulation to specific target structures via implanted depth electrodes-has become the standard treatment for medically refractory Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. These diseases are characterized by pathological synchronized neuronal activity in particular brain areas. We present an external trial DBS device capable of administering effectively desynchronizing stimulation techniques developed with methods from nonlinear dynamics and statistical physics according to a model-based approach.

Financing of U.S. biomedical research and new drug approvals across therapeutic areas.

Background: We estimated U.S. biomedical research funding across therapeutic areas, determined the association with disease burden, and evaluated new drug approvals that resulted from this investment.

Melatonin prevents oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial permeability transition and death in skeletal muscle cells.

Oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases including muscle disorders. In this study, we demonstrate that melatonin readily rescued mitochondria from oxidative stress-induced dysfunction and effectively prevented subsequent apoptosis of primary muscle cultures prepared from C57BL/6J mice. In particular, melatonin (10(-4)-10(-6) m) fully prevented myotube death induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP; 10 microm-24 hr) as assessed by acid phosphatase, caspase-3 activities and cellular morphological changes.

The bioavailability of bromazepam, omeprazole and paracetamol given by nasogastric feeding tube.

Aims: To characterize and compare the pharmacokinetic profiles of bromazepam, omeprazole and paracetamol when administered by the oral and nasogastric routes to the same healthy cohort of volunteers.

Methods: In a prospective, monocentric, randomized crossover study, eight healthy volunteers received the three drugs by the oral (OR) and nasogastric routes (NT). Sequential plasma samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-UV, pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, AUC(0-infinity), t(1/2), k(e), tmax) were compared statistically, and Cmax, AUC(0-infinity) and t(max) were analyzed for bioequivalence.

Lifestyle and mercury contamination of Amerindian populations along the Beni river (lowland Bolivia).

The objective of this paper was to document mercury contamination of Amerindian populations living along the Beni River in Bolivia and to examine risk factors related to their lifestyle. A cross-sectional survey was performed among 15 communities on the flood plains of the Beni River at the foothills of the Andes. Hair mercury content (H-Hg) served as a bioindicator of mercury contamination.

Observation of the suppression of the flux of cosmic rays above 4 x 10 (19) eV.

The energy spectrum of cosmic rays above 2.5 x 10;{18} eV, derived from 20,000 events recorded at the Pierre Auger Observatory, is described. The spectral index gamma of the particle flux, J proportional, variantE;{-gamma}, at energies between 4 x 10;{18} eV and 4 x 10;{19} eV is 2.

Totally implantable robot to treat chronic atrial fibrillation.

Chronic atrial fibrillation affects millions of people worldwide. Its surgical treatment often fails to restore the transport function of the atrium. This study first introduces the concept of an atrial assist device (AAD) to restore the pump function of the atrium.

[Prevalence of undernutrition in 143 patients before liver transplantation. The Lausanne experience between 1997 and 2005].

The prevalence of undernutrition was prospectively studied in 143 patients before liver transplantation between 1997 and 2005. Nutritional assessment is a particularly tricky problem in cirrhosis and mid-arm muscle circumference is considered as the best reliable anthropometric tool. In this prospective study, prevalence rate is very high (61%) and undernutrition is more frequent in alcoholic cirrhotic patients.

[Pressure ulcers and undernutrition--screening and assessment of nutritional status].

Acquired pressure ulcer is associated with significant human, economic and functional consequences. Its prevalence varies between 3 and 23% in a community hospital and between 7 and 54% in an elderly home residency. Pressure ulcer healing is a complex process which involves numerous cellular and molecular mechanisms.

Upper limit on the diffuse flux of ultrahigh energy tau neutrinos from the Pierre Auger Observatory.

The surface detector array of the Pierre Auger Observatory is sensitive to Earth-skimming tau neutrinos that interact in Earth's crust. Tau leptons from nu(tau) charged-current interactions can emerge and decay in the atmosphere to produce a nearly horizontal shower with a significant electromagnetic component. The data collected between 1 January 2004 and 31 August 2007 are used to place an upper limit on the diffuse flux of nu(tau) at EeV energies.

Recommendations for conducting controlled clinical studies of dental restorative materials. Science Committee Project 2/98--FDI World Dental Federation study design (Part I) and criteria for evaluation (Part II) of direct and indirect restorations including onlays and partial crowns.

About 35 years ago, Ryge provided a practical approach to the evaluation of the clinical performance of restorative materials. This systematic approach was soon universally accepted. While that methodology has served us well, a large number of scientific methodologies and more detailed questions have arisen that require more rigor.

Artificial muscles to restore transport function of diseased atria.

Surgical treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation often fails to restore the transport function of the atrium. This study first introduces the concept of an atrial assist device to restore the pump function of the atrium. A micro motorless pump based on artificial muscle technology, is positioned on the external surface of the atrium to compress it and restore its muscular activity.

Evaluation of eight different bioinformatics tools to predict viral tropism in different human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtypes.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) tropism can be assessed using phenotypic assays, but this is quite laborious, expensive, and time-consuming and can be made only in sophisticated laboratories. More accessible albeit reliable tools for testing of HIV-1 tropism are needed in view of the prompt introduction of CCR5 antagonists in clinical practice. Bioinformatics tools based on V3 sequences might help to predict HIV-1 tropism; however, most of these methods have been designed by taking only genetic information derived from HIV-1 subtype B into consideration.

[Hospital undernutrition: how not to ignore it any more?].

About 1/5 of patients are undernourished in Swiss hospitals. Despite of a high morbidity and mortality associated with this pathology, nearly 1/3 of them do not receive an appropriate nutritional support which can be even indicated at an obese patient. This paper approaches the key points of early nutritional care.

Atria assist device to restore transport function of fibrillating atrium.

Objective: The Maze procedure can restore sinus rhythm in patients suffering from chronic atrial fibrillation but often fails to restore the mechanical function of the atrium, the so-called atrial kick and requires long-term anticoagulation most of the time. A micro motorless pump (Atripump) based on artificial muscle technology positioned on the external surface of the atrium could compress the heart chamber, restoring atrium transport function. A bench model reproducing the mechanical function of human atrium and human environment has been developed to assess the circulatory support that such a pump can provide.