Co-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals and gold nanorods: insights from molecular dynamics modelling.

A coarse-grained molecular dynamics model is developed to explore the co-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) under sedimentation conditions with varying volumetric concentration and particle-size ratios. Simulations and statistical analysis reveal a noticable preferential attachment of AuNRs on the surface of CNC clusters as the solid fraction of AuNRs was increased when the volumetric fraction of the AuNRs was low. Density-driven self-assembly under sedimentation forces is primarily driven by the AuNRs.

Macromolecular crowding in chiral assembly of ellipsoidal nanoparticles.

Anisotropic colloidal particles have the ability to self-assemble into cholesteric structures. We used molecular dynamics to simulate the self-assembly of ellipsoidal particles with the objective to establish a general framework to reveal the primary factors driving chiral interactions. To characterize these interactions, we introduce a characteristic parameter following the crowding factor (CF) theory.

Characterization of the G protein-coupled receptor family SREB across fish evolution.

The SREB (Super-conserved Receptors Expressed in Brain) family of G protein-coupled receptors is highly conserved across vertebrates and consists of three members: SREB1 (orphan receptor GPR27), SREB2 (GPR85), and SREB3 (GPR173). Ligands for these receptors are largely unknown or only recently identified, and functions for all three are still beginning to be understood, including roles in glucose homeostasis, neurogenesis, and hypothalamic control of reproduction. In addition to the brain, all three are expressed in gonads, but relatively few studies have focused on this, especially in non-mammalian models or in an integrated approach across the entire receptor family.

Tunable Electrical Properties of Embossed, Cellulose-Based Paper for Skin-like Sensing.

This article describes a process of fabricating highly porous paper from cellulosic fibers and carbon black (CB) with tunable conductivity. By embossing such paper, its porosity decreases while its conductivity increases. Tuning the porosity of composite paper alters the magnitude and trend of conductivity over a spectrum of concentrations of conductive particles.

Differences in dentofacial morphology in children with sleep disordered breathing are detected with routine orthodontic records.

Background: Residual snoring in children with obstructive sleep disordered breathing (SDB) may continue post-adenotonsillectomy. This study aims to identify baseline dentofacial differences in children with SDB using routine orthodontic records that might aid effective early intervention for the upper airway to prevent continued obstruction.

Methods: Children (6-16 years) with clinically diagnosed SDB from a paediatric Otolaryngology Clinic who required adenotonsillectomy were participants (n = 10).

Comparative Study on Knowledge About Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Paediatric and Psychiatric Nurses in Public Hospitals in Kumasi, Ghana.

Background: Despite the existence of autism spectrum disorder in Ghana, few studies have provided the necessary information on the phenomenon. These studies have mostly focused on speech and language therapy for children and modification of classroom environment for children with autism spectrum disorder. This approach has resulted in a paucity of knowledge on nurse's knowledge of autism spectrum disorder in Ghana.

Abstraction promotes creative problem-solving in rhesus monkeys.

Abstraction allows us to discern regularities beyond the specific instances we encounter. It also promotes creative problem-solving by enabling us to consider unconventional problem solutions. However, the mechanisms by which this occurs are not well understood.

Influence of cortical bone thickness on miniscrew microcrack formation.

Introduction: The aim of this in-vitro study was to investigate the influence of cortical bone thickness on the amount of surface microdamage produced after insertion of orthodontic miniscrews (OM) in porcine tibia bone.

Methods: Aarhus OMs (Medicon, Tuttlingen, Germany; diameter, 1.5 mm; length, 6 mm) were inserted into 1.

Use of lecithin to control fiber morphology in electrospun poly (ɛ-caprolactone) scaffolds for improved tissue engineering applications.

We elucidate the effects of incorporating surfactants into electrospun poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds on network homogeneity, cellular adherence and osteogenic differentiation. Lecithin was added with a range of concentrations to PCL solutions, which were electrospun to yield functionalized scaffolds. Addition of lecithin yielded a dose-dependent reduction in scaffold hydrophobicity, whilst reducing fiber width and hence increasing specific surface area.

The influence of miniscrew insertion torque.

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the progressive development of surface microdamage produced following the insertion of orthodontic miniscrews (OMs) into 1.5 mm thick porcine tibia bone using maximum insertion torque values of 12 Ncm, 18 Ncm, and 24 Ncm.

Methods: Aarhus OMs (diameter 1.

THE EFFECT OF TRANSFEMORAL INTERFACE DESIGN ON GAIT SPEED AND RISK OF FALLS.

Falls and diminished walking capacity are impairments common in persons with transfemoral amputation (TFA). Reducing falls and optimizing walking capacity through such means as achieving a more normal gait speed and community ambulation should be considered when formulating the prosthetic prescription. Because walking capacity and balance confidence are compromised with TFA, these outcomes should be considered when evaluating interfaces for transfemoral prosthetic users.

The efficacy of Hybrid Hyrax-Mentoplate combination in early Class III treatment: a novel approach and pilot study.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to assess the skeletal, dental and soft tissue effects of a specific treatment protocol in consecutively treated patients who presented with a Class III malocclusion. Treatment involved the use of a Hybrid Hyrax (HH) in the maxilla, a Mentoplate in the mandible and the application of continuous intra-oral Class III elastics.

Method: The treated group was comprised of seven males and seven females (mean pretreatment age 10.

Qualitative evaluation of pretreatment patient concerns in orthodontics.

Introduction: A discrepancy exists between objective and subjective measures of orthodontic treatment need, highlighting the importance of patients' perceptions. Limited qualitative information is available regarding patients' perceptions and orthodontic concerns. For the first time, patient facial images and qualitative methodology were used to assess patients' orthodontic concerns, which are incorporated into and are important in treatment planning and consent.

The psycho-social impact of malocclusions and treatment expectations of adolescent orthodontic patients.

Objectives: To evaluate the short- and long-term orthodontic treatment (OT) expectations, malocclusion severity, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) status of adolescent patients using qualitative and quantitative methodology.

Materials And Methods: Adolescents (n = 105; 42 males and 63 females) aged between 12 and 17 years participated in this interview and questionnaire-based study. The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) and the Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) scale evaluated OHRQoL status.

Accelerating orthodontic tooth movement with the aid of periodontal surgery--the practitioner viewpoint.

Introduction: There has been a revival of interest in the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) by inducing injury to dentoalveolar cortical bone. Termed corticotomy, the procedure offers an advantage to adult patients whose bone metabolism is such that any reduction in treatment time would be welcomed. The procedure has been refined for over 100 years and recent research indicates treatment duration may be reduced often by as much as a third, but it is not clear how widely the method is applied in practice.

A qualitative investigation of RANKL, RANK and OPG in a rat model of transient ankylosis.

Introduction: Previous studies have found ankylosis occurs as a part of the inflammatory process of aseptic root resorption initiated in a rat model. The physiologic mechanisms behind the development of dentoalveolar ankylosis and healing response are still unclear. While receptor activator of nuclear factor-κβ ligand (RANKL), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κβ (RANK) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) have gained momentum in the understanding of resorption, no study to date has investigated their role in dentoalveolar ankylosis.

Variation in natural head position and establishing corrected head position.

Corrected head position (CHP) has been simulated by using the Frankfurt horizontal (FH) for over 100 years but FH varies between individuals. Because CHP is biologically relevant for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning, orthognathic surgical planning, and art, this study examined relationships between head position and selected cephalometric planes. Natural head position cephalograms of Aboriginal Australians and two contemporary samples from private orthodontic practices were analysed.

Paediatric sleep-disordered breathing due to upper airway obstruction in the orthodontic setting: a review.

The essential feature of paediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is increased upper airway resistance during sleep presenting clinically as snoring. Paediatric SDB is a continuum ranging from primary snoring (PS), which is not associated with gas exchange abnormalities or significant sleep fragmentation, to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) with complete upper airway obstruction, hypoxaemia, and obstructive hypoventilation. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy, obesity and craniofacial disharmonies are important predisposing factors in the development and progression of paediatric SDB.

Craniofacial and upper airway morphology in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing and changes in quality of life with rapid maxillary expansion.

Introduction: The association between pediatric sleep-disordered breathing caused by upper airway obstruction and craniofacial morphology is poorly understood and contradictory. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of children at risk for sleep-disordered breathing, as identified in an orthodontic setting by validated screening questionnaires, and to examine associations with their craniofacial and upper airway morphologies. A further aim was to assess the change in quality of life related to sleep-disordered breathing for affected children undergoing rapid maxillary expansion to correct a palatal crossbite or widen a narrow maxilla.

Intrauterine hormone effects on tooth dimensions.

The human dentition is a complex adaptive system that is influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Within this system, is sexual dimorphism related to the growth promotion of the Y chromosome, or to hormonal influences, or both? This study is the first to investigate both primary and permanent tooth sizes in females from opposite-sex dizygotic (DZOS) twin pairs compared with females from dizygotic same-sex (DZSS) and monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs to indicate the influence of intrauterine male hormone, including the initial testosterone surge, on dental development. Serial dental models of the primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions of 134 females from DZOS, DZSS, and MZ twins were examined.

A pharmacodynamic investigation into the efficacy of osteoprotegerin during aseptic inflammation.

Background: Osteoprotegerin (OPG), as an osteoclast antagonist, limits mineralised tissue resorption under physiological conditions. Previous work investigating OPG in a rat periodontal ligament (PDL) ankylosis model found no inhibitory effect on osteoclasts when OPG was administered at a dosage of 2.5mg/kg.

Craniofacial and upper airway morphology in pediatric sleep-disordered breathing: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Pediatric sleep-disordered breathing is a continuum, with primary snoring at one end, and complete upper airway obstruction, hypoxemia, and obstructive hypoventilation at the other. The latter gives rise to obstructive sleep apnea. An important predisposing factor in the development and progression of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing might be craniofacial disharmony.

The effects of hypothermia and L-arginine on skeletal muscle function in ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Objectives: Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury can have detrimental effects on skeletal muscle. We have shown that vessel permeability can be minimized in a hypothermic setting and also by administering the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) stimulator, L-arginine, at physiologic temperatures. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare skeletal muscle contractility after an I/R insult during hypothermic conditions, warm conditions, and also with the administration of L-arginine at physiologic temperatures.