High Oxygen Barrier Polyester from 3,3'-Bifuran-5,5'-dicarboxylic Acid.

An exceptional oxygen barrier polyester prepared from a new biomass-derived monomer, 3,3'-bifuran-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid, is reported. When exposed to air, the furan-based polyester cross-links and gains O permeability 2 orders of magnitude lower than initially, resulting in performance comparable to the best polymers in this class, such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers. The cross-links hinder the crystallization of amorphous samples, also rendering them insoluble.

Renewable Furfural-Based Polyesters Bearing Sulfur-Bridged Difuran Moieties with High Oxygen Barrier Properties.

With the goal of achieving high barrier with bio-based materials, for example, for packaging applications, a series of novel furfural-based polyesters bearing sulfide-bridged difuran dicarboxylic acid units with high oxygen barrier properties were synthesized and characterized. For the novel poly(alkylene sulfanediyldifuranoate)s, a 11.2-1.

Online betting intensity is linked with Extraversion and Conscientiousness.

Introduction: Extraversion and Conscientiousness are well-studied personality traits associated with reward processing and goal prioritization, respectively, and bear on individual differences in financial risk-taking. Using unique large datasets, we investigated the link between these traits and male online gamblers' actual betting participation and intensity.

Method: We combined datasets containing online horse betting data (during 2015-2016) from the Finnish monopoly betting company, administrative registry data from Statistics Finland, and personality trait measures from the Finnish Defence Forces corresponding to Extraversion and Conscientiousness as defined in the five-factor model.

Thermographic findings related to facial pain - a survey of 40 subjects.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess how thermography findings relate painful symptoms and signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Methods: Thermography, combined with chewing of paraffin wax, was performed on 40 subjects. The results were analyzed according to gender and pain-related TMD symptoms and clinical signs.

Does Losing on a Previous Betting Day Predict How Long it Takes to Return to the Next Session of Online Horse Race Betting?

This study examined how recent losses predict the frequency of play in online betting. Previous studies have suggested that players tend to decrease betting volume and consequently take on less risk after a losing session. We used a daily panel of actual gambling data and survival regression to investigate how incurring losses predicts the duration to the next betting day.

Utilizing Furfural-Based Bifuran Diester as Monomer and Comonomer for High-Performance Bioplastics: Properties of Poly(butylene furanoate), Poly(butylene bifuranoate), and Their Copolyesters.

Two homopolyesters and a series of novel random copolyesters were synthesized from two bio-based diacid esters, dimethyl 2,5-furandicarboxylate, a well-known renewable monomer, and dimethyl 2,2'-bifuran-5,5'-dicarboxylate, a more uncommon diacid based on biochemical furfural. Compared to homopolyesters poly(butylene furanoate) (PBF) and poly(butylene bifuranoate) (PBBf), their random copolyesters differed dramatically in that their melting temperatures were either lowered significantly or they showed no crystallinity at all. However, the thermal stabilities of the homopolyesters and the copolyesters were comparable.

UV-Blocking Synthetic Biopolymer from Biomass-Based Bifuran Diester and Ethylene Glycol.

A furan-based synthetic biopolymer composed of a bifuran monomer and ethylene glycol was synthesized through melt polycondensation, and the resulting polyester was found to have promising thermal and mechanical properties. The bifuran monomer, dimethyl 2,2'-bifuran-5,5'-dicarboxylate, was prepared using a palladium-catalyzed, phosphine ligand-free direct coupling protocol. A titanium-catalyzed polycondensation procedure was found effective at polymerizing the bifuran monomer with ethylene glycol.

Collagen XVIII modulation is altered during progression of oral dysplasia and carcinoma.

Background: Collagen XVIII is a ubiquitous basement membrane (BM) component and a precursor of endostatin.

Methods: Using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, we studied the expression and localization of collagen XVIII in different stages of normal oral wound healing, epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Results: In mild epithelial dysplasias collagen XVIII appeared as a continuous signal in the BM, whereas in severe epithelial dysplasias and in the invasive areas of oral SCCs collagen XVIII was absent.

Performance of six bone collectors designed for dental implant surgery.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to perform an in vitro comparison of six bone collectors for harvesting of particulate bone.

Material And Methods: Four commercially available bone collectors (Frios, Osseous Coagulum Trap, ACE Autografter, Bone Trap) and two custom-designed models were tested. Three different in vitro tests were performed to determine the harvesting capabilities of the collectors.

Collagen XVII promotes integrin-mediated squamous cell carcinoma transmigration--a novel role for alphaIIb integrin and tirofiban.

The expression of collagen XVII (BP180), a transmembrane hemidesmosomal component, is upregulated in invasive areas of epithelial tumors. The collagenous ectodomain of collagen XVII is cleaved from the plasma membrane of keratinocytes and malignant epithelial cells. The released ectodomain is predicted to regulate cell detachment, differentiation, and motility.

MMP-3 and -8 expression is found in the condylar surface of temporomandibular joints with internal derangement.

Background: Internal derangement is one of the most common disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and -8 expression in articular condylar surface with different stages of TMJ internal derangement according to Wilkes (Minn Med, 1978; 61: 645-52) and osteoarthrosis (OA) according to Dijkgraaf et al. (J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1995; 53: 1182-92).

Alterations of collagen XVII expression during transformation of oral epithelium to dysplasia and carcinoma.

Collagen XVII (BP180) is a hemidesmosomal transmembrane component that has been hypothesized to participate in keratinocyte adhesion and motility. Using immunohistochemical (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) methods, we showed downregulation of collagen XVII in basal cells in mild dysplasias and upregulation in suprabasal keratinocytes in moderate and severe dysplasias as well as in the central cells of grade II and III squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Overexpression of collagen XVII was found at the invasive front of the tumors.

Cell death and mechanoprotection by filamin a in connective tissues after challenge by applied tensile forces.

Cells in mechanically challenged environments must cope with high amplitude forces to maintain cell viability and tissue homeostasis. Currently, force-induced cell death and the identity of mechanoprotective factors are not defined. We examined death in cultured periodontal fibroblasts, connective tissue cells that are exposed to heavy applied forces in vivo.

Altered expression of collagen XVII in ameloblastomas and basal cell carcinomas.

Background: Collagen XVII (BP180) is an epithelial transmembrane protein, which presumably plays a role in cell migration and differentiation under both physiological and pathological conditions. Ameloblastoma, the most common odontogenic neoplasm, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin exhibit similar growth patterns and share histological features.

Methods: Here, we examined the distribution and expression of collagen XVII in ameloblastomas and BCCs using immunohistochemistry and non-radioactive in situ hybridization.

Expression of alpha(v)beta6 integrin in oral leukoplakia.

The distribution of alpha(v)beta6 integrin was examined in oral leukoplakia, lichen planus and squamous cell carcinomas using immunohistochemistry. Controls included oral mucosal wounds, chronically inflamed and normal oral mucosa. Integrins beta1, beta3, beta4, beta5, fibronectin and tenascin were also studied.

Expression of integrin alpha9 subunit and tenascin in oral leukoplakia, lichen planus, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Objectives: Integrin alpha9 subunit is a member of beta1 integrin family and binds tenascin (TN). It is expressed by stratified squamous epithelium and may be associated with cell differentiation and growth. We studied if the expression of alpha9 integrin and TN is altered in leukoplakia, lichen planus, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Expression of laminin-5 in ameloblastomas and human fetal teeth.

Extracellular matrix proteins have been shown to play important roles in the cell migration and differentiation in both normal and pathological conditions. In the present study, we used immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to determine the distribution of laminin-5 in ameloblastomas and developing human teeth. In ameloblastomas, the immunoreaction for the laminin-5 gamma2 chain was confined to the tumor cells of the peripheral area.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and -2) and their inhibitors (TIMP-1, -2 and -3) in oral lichen planus, dysplasia, squamous cell carcinoma and lymph node metastasis.

Although matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are among the potential key mediators of cancer invasion, their involvement in premalignant lesions and conditions is not clarified. Therefore, we studied, using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and zymography the expression and distribution of MMP-1 and -2, and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs -1, -2 and -3) in oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and lymph node metastases as well as in oral lichen planus, epithelial dysplasias and normal buccal mucosa. In oral SCC and lymph node metastasis, MMP-1 mRNA was detected in fibroblastic cells of tumoral stroma.

Laminin-5 expression is independent of the injury and the microenvironment during reepithelialization of wounds.

We examined the expression of laminin-5 and its integrin receptors during reepithelialization of human wounds. We used suction blisters of skin as a model of keratinocyte migration on a basement membrane matrix and mucosal full-thickness wounds as a model in which keratinocytes migrate in a provisional matrix. An animal model, in which human epidermal keratinocytes were injected into the back of athymic mice, was used to follow the deposition of the basement membrane components.

Matrix metalloproteinase-8 is expressed in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Regulation by tumor necrosis factor-alpha and doxycycline.

Neutrophil collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-8 or MMP-8) is regarded as being synthesized exclusively by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN). However, in vivo MMP-8 expression was observed in mononuclear fibroblast-like cells in the rheumatoid synovial membrane. In addition, we detected MMP-8 mRNA expression in cultured rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts and human endothelial cells.

Distribution and synthesis of type VII collagen in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The distribution of the basement membrane anchoring fibril component type VII collagen was studied in oral squamous cell carcinoma by using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical methods. The expression of type VII collagen in oral normal mucosa, lichen planus and epithelial dysplasias was also investigated. In squamous cell carcinomas, the signals for type VII collagen mRNA were located exclusively in malignant peripheral cells in tumour islands and in fibroblast-like cells among the stromal tissue.

A method of harvesting corticocancellous bone chips for reconstructive maxillofacial surgery.

A method is described to harvest bone chips for maxillofacial surgery with large burs and a special collecting net connected to a suction device. Three nets and four burs were tested in vitro on a pig mandible to determine the optimal combination. All burs produced bone chips of rather similar sizes.

Altered distribution and synthesis of laminin-5 (kalinin) in oral lichen planus, epithelial dysplasias and squamous cell carcinomas.

Laminin-5 is a glycoprotein which mediates epithelial cell adhesion to the basement membrane. This study describes the distribution and synthesis of laminin-5 in oral lichen planus, epithelial dysplasias, squamous cell carcinomas and a lymph node metastasis using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. In normal oral mucosa and lichen planus, immunoreaction to the laminin-5 was seen as a thin continuous, delicate line in the basement membrane region, although slight irregularities in the thickness and intensity of the immunoreaction could be detected in some cases with lichen planus.