Effects of non‐thermal atmospheric pressure pulsed plasma on the adhesion and durability of resin composite to dentin

This study investigated the effect of low‐power, non‐thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NT‐APP) treatments, in pulsed and conventional modes, on the adhesion of resin composite to dentin and on the durability of the bond between resin composite and dentin. A pencil‐type NT‐APP jet was applied in pulsed and conventional modes to acid‐etched dentin. The microtensile bond strength (MTBS) of resin composite to dentin was evaluated at 24 h and after thermocycling in one control group (no plasma) and in two experimental groups (pulsed plasma and conventional plasma groups) using the Scotchbond Multi‐Purpose Plus Adhesive System. Data were analyzed using two‐factor repeated‐measures anova and Weibull statistics. Fractured surfaces and the bonded interfaces were evaluated using a field‐emission scanning electron microscope. Although there were no significant differences between the plasma treatment groups, the plasma treatment improved the MTBS compared with the control group. After thermocycling, the MTBS did not decrease in the control or conventional plasma group but increased in the pulsed plasma group. Thermocycling increased the Weibull moduli of plasma‐treated groups. In conclusion, plasma treatment using NT‐APP improved the adhesion of resin composite to dentin. Using a pulsed energy source, the energy delivered to the dentin was effectively reduced without any reduction in bond strength or durability.     

Validation of intimate correlation between visceral fat and hepatic steatosis: Quantitative measurement techniques using CT for area of fat and MR for hepatic steatosis

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The effects of a 12-week jump rope exercise program on abdominal adiposity,vasoactive substances,inflammation, and vascular function in adolescent girls with prehypertension

European Journal of Applied Physiology - Childhood obesity is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. It is necessary to combat unfavorable outcomes of obesity at a young...     

Aligned Tubular Conjugated Microporous Polymer Films for the Aggregation‐Induced Emission‐Based Sensing of Explosives

This work shows the sensing performance of conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) tubes. Aligned tubular CMP films (CMP‐AT) are synthesized by a template method. The Sonogashira coupling of tetra(4‐ethynyl)phenylethylene with 1,4‐diiodobenzene in the cylindrical pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) plates and the etching of templates result in the CMP‐AT films. Due to the tetraphenylethylene moieties in the materials, the CMP‐AT films show aggregation‐induced emission (AIE). Based on emission‐quenching behavior, the sensing performance of CMP‐AT films toward model explosives, nitrotoluenes, is studied. The CMP‐AT films having longer CMP tubes with thinner wall thickness show better sensing performance with the Stern–Volmer constant (K_sv) values up to 92 400 M^?1 toward 2,4‐dinitrotoluene. The reduced diffusion pathway of substrates by the thin wall of the CMP tubes is critical for the AIE quenching‐based sensing of nitrotoluenes. These observations indicate that the functionality of CMP materials can be further enhanced by their morphological engineering. Due to the chemical stability of CMP materials, the CMP‐AT‐5 film can be recycled at least five times, maintaining the original sensing performance and tubular morphology.     

Mechanistic Model for Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Changes Produced by Telmisartan in Human Beings

Telmisartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), is indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension. This study aimed to develop a mechanistic model of telmisartan drug effect in human beings using non‐invasive markers. Data were acquired from a previous study where telmisartan 80 mg was given once daily for 6 days. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured before dosing for days 1–5 and serially after the last dose. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) were calculated from SBP and DBP. Relationships between MAP, PP, HR and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were developed. Circadian variation was incorporated into PP and HR, and TPR was assumed to adjust itself in response to changes in PP and HR based on baroreflex mechanism. Drug effects were then described as lowering the set point of MAP through TPR with a physiological feedback effect stimulating HR and PP. Drug concentrations were described by a two‐compartment disposition model with first‐order absorption and lag time, and first‐order elimination. Circadian variation was described by cosine functions, having periods of 12 and 24 hr. A log‐linear model was used to describe drug effect, with estimated drug effect parameter of 0.051/hr. Estimated fractional turnover rate of PP, HR and TPR was 11.2 hr. The model successfully described the time courses of these cardiovascular variables. This work demonstrated the feasibility of using non‐invasive cardiovascular measurements to derive a mechanistic model for telmisartan in human beings. The model may be suitable for other ARBs.