3D printed versus conventionally cured provisional crown and bridge dental materials

Objectives

To optimize the 3D printing of a dental material for provisional crown and bridge restorations using a low-cost stereolithography 3D printer; and compare its mechanical properties against conventionally cured provisional dental materials.

Diet-induced thermogenesis and substrate oxidation are not different between lean and obese women after two different isocaloric meals, one rich in protein and one rich in fat

Reduction in diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) may promote weight gain and maintenance. Data on differences in DIT and macronutrient oxidation between lean and obese subjects are conflicting. In this study, we sought for differences in DIT and macronutrient oxidation between lean and obese women after consumption of 2 different isocaloric meals, one rich in protein and one rich in fat. Fifteen lean and 15 obese women were studied on 2 occasions, 1 week apart. In one visit, they consumed a protein-rich meal; in the other visit, a fat-rich meal. The 2 meals were isocaloric ( approximately 2026 kJ each), of equal volume, and given in random order. Resting energy expenditure and macronutrient oxidation rates were measured and calculated in the fasting state and every 1 hour for 3 hours after meal consumption. Diet-induced thermogenesis was not significantly different between lean and obese subjects after consumption of either the protein-rich (P = .59) or the fat-rich meal (P = .68). Diet-induced thermogenesis was significantly higher (by almost 3-fold) after consumption of the protein-rich meal in comparison with the fat-rich meal in both study groups. In addition, no significant differences in macronutrient oxidation rates were found between lean and obese women after the test meals. The results indicate that DIT is higher after protein intake than after fat intake in both lean and obese participants; however, DIT and macronutrient oxidation rate are not different between lean and obese subjects after consumption of either a protein-rich or a fat-rich meal. Over the long term, a low DIT after regular or frequent fat intake may contribute to the development and maintenance of obesity.     

Cyclin D1, p16INK4A and p27Kip1 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: assessing prognostic implications through quantitative image analysis

The prognostic significance of cyclin D1, p16^INK4A and p27^Kip1 expression has been documented in several human malignancies; however, their prognostic potential in pancreatic adenocarcinoma is still unclear. This study aimed to assess the correlation of the aforementioned molecules with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. Sixty patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma underwent surgical resection at a single institution; immunohistochemical staining of the studied markers was quantified by Ιmage analysis system. Cyclin D1 overexpression was positively associated with grade, neural infiltration and vascular invasion, whereas p27 positively correlated with age. Higher cyclin D1 expression indicated poorer survival (adjusted HR = 9.75, 95%CI: 1.48–64.31, p = 0.018, increment: one unit in H‐score), whereas a marginal trend toward an association between p16 positivity and improved survival was observed (adjusted HR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.32–1.05, p = 0.072 regarding positive vs negative cases). No significant association with overall survival was noted regarding p27. In conclusion, cyclin D1 overexpression and possibly p16 loss of expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma seem to be adverse prognostic factors, whereas p27 expression did not seem to possess such prognostic properties. Further validation of the present findings in studies encompassing larger samples seems to be needed.     

Healing after Resection of Colonic Endometriosis and Growth Factor–enriched Agents: An Experimental Rat Model

Study Objective

To examine the potential beneficial effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and fibrin sealant (TISSEEL; Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL) on bowel wound healing after shaving of an experimentally induced endometriotic lesion.

A phase II trial evaluating the clinical and immunologic response of HLA-A2 non-small cell lung cancer patients vaccinated with an hTERT cryptic peptide

Objectives

The immunological and clinical responses of patients with NSCLC treated, in the context of an expanded action program, with the cryptic hTERT-targeting Vx-001 vaccine are presented.

Materials and methods

Forty-six HLA-A*0201-positive patients with advanced NSCLC and residual (n = 27) or progressive (n = 19) disease following front-line treatment received two subcutaneous injections of the optimized TERT_572Y peptide followed by four injections of the native TERT₅₇₂ peptide, every 3 weeks. Peptide-specific immune responses were monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay at baseline, and after the 2nd and the 6th vaccinations. Thirty-eight HLA-A*0201-positive matched patients were used as historical controls.

Results

Twenty-three patients (50%) completed the vaccination protocol and 87% received at least two administrations. Twelve patients (26%) without disease progression after the 6th vaccination received boost vaccinations. Three (7%) patients achieved a partial response and 13 (28%) disease stabilization. The disease control rate was significantly higher in patients with non-squamous histology compared to those with squamous-cell histology [n = 14 (45%) versus n = 2 (13%); p = 0.03]. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was 3.8 (range, 0.7–99.4) and 19.8 months (range, 0.7–99.4), respectively. Patients who developed immune response had a numerically higher PFS compared to those who failed to mount any (6.7 versus 2.7 months; p = 0.090). However, the median OS for the immune-responders was significantly prolonged compared to non-responders (40.0 versus 9.2 months, respectively; p = 0.02). Toxicity was <grade 2.

Conclusion

Vx-001 vaccine is well tolerated and induced a TERT-specific immunological response, which was significantly correlated with improved clinical outcome.     

Review. EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer--clinical implications

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members seem to play a critical role in lung tumourigenesis and are overexpressed in 40-80% of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) tumours. EGFR activation results in a series of downstream signaling events that mediate cancer cell growth, proliferation, motility, adhesion, invasion, apoptosis inhibition and metastasis as well as resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, EGFR inhibitors seem to be an effective therapy for some patients with previously treated NSCLC. A thorough investigation of EGFR, its major signaling pathways, its identification and biology in NSCLC and the responsiveness to gefitinib, erlotinib and cetuximab in connection to EGFR mutations as well as the possible mechanisms of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors is the scope of this review.     

Adolescents Dealing with Sexuality Issues: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greece

Study objectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of sexual activity and contraception methods used by Greek adolescents. To assess the effect of various factors in the decision making on sexual activity.DesignA cross-sectional study design was applied.Setting-ParticipantsThe population (N = 1538) consisted of a random sample, stratified according to locality and population density, of 20 public junior high and high schools located in the urban district of Athens, Greece.InterventionsAnonymous self-completed questionnaires were used to assess sexual practices, contraception methods, and factors affecting sexual activity choices.MeasuresSpearman association calculations and chi-square were used, while regression analysis models were also applied.Main OutcomeWe examined the sexual practices among Greek adolescents, and indicated the psychosocial factors that may influence adolescents' sexual behavior.Results16% of the adolescents have had sexual intercourse, while the boy/girl ratio was 3/1 (P < 0.05). Mean age of sexual debut was 14 ± 1.5 years. An additional 20% have had any other sexual experience at a mean age 13.5 ± 1.5 years. Although sexually active adolescents generally use condoms (90.6%), only 32% use them properly (at every and throughout sexual contact). At least half of them do not have adequate protection (no method used or unreliable methods applied), while 8.2% of the girls have used emergency contraception. Adolescents with unstable home environment (divorce, recent death, not living with mother) or sexually experienced peers, as well as those that seek sexual education from siblings or friends have higher possibilities of being sexually active.ConclusionGreek adolescents can be sexually active at a young age and they need sexual education on safe sex practices.     

Similar Mediterranean diet adherence but greater central adiposity is observed among Greek diaspora adolescents living in Istanbul,compared to Athens

Objective: The aim of this case–control study was to compare Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence and anthropometry between Greek diaspora adolescents living in Istanbul and Greek adolescents, inhabitants of Athens.

Design: A total of 206 adolescents (103 from each site), aged 10.0–19.0 years old, all of Greek origin, were recruited from schools in Athens and minority schools in Istanbul, for the present case–control study. Participants at each site were age and sex-matched. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and diet adherence was assessed with the KIDMED score.

Results: Breakfast skipping, decreased dairy and increased commercially baked good/pastries consumption for breakfast, fast-food intake and consumption of several sweets each day was more prevalent in Istanbul, but, on the other hand, students from Athens reported eating fewer fruit, vegetables and nuts. The adoption of unhealthy eating habits in each site was counterbalanced by a more ‘healthy’ dietary element, resulting in an overall similar MD adherence between both sites. Additionally, although weight status was indifferent between the two cities, higher rates of abdominal obesity were recorded in Istanbul, when the weight-to-height ratio was used for diagnosis.

Conclusions: Differences in several domains of the KIDMED score were recorded among cities, possibly as results of food availability and prices. However, MD adherence and weight status appeared similar, indicating that the dietary transition and acculturation experienced by the remnants is actually very slow and minimal during the 93 years since population exchange.     

Elevated vWF Antigen Serum Levels Are Associated With Poor Prognosis,and Decreased Circulating ADAMTS-13 Antigen Levels Are Associated With Increased IgM Levels and Features of WM but not Increased vWF Levels in Patients With Symptomatic WM

Background

Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare malignancy characterized by bone marrow infiltration by lymphoplasmacytic cells and the presence of a monoclonal IgM paraprotein. The interactions of lymphoplasmacytic cells with other cells in their microenvironment, including mast cells and endothelial cells, support their survival and proliferation and can induce resistance to therapy. von Willebrand factor (vWF) plays a key role in primary hemostasis but is also a marker of endothelial “stimulation.” High levels of vWF have been associated with an adverse prognosis in patients with symptomatic WM and might reflect the interactions between lymphoplasmacytic cells and other cells of their microenvironment.

Dengue and Zika Virus Capsid Proteins Contain a Common PEX19-Binding Motif

Flaviviruses such as dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to suppress the host immune system. For instance, flavivirus infections were found to sabotage peroxisomes, organelles with an important role in innate immunity. The current model suggests that the capsid (C) proteins of DENV and ZIKV downregulate peroxisomes, ultimately resulting in reduced production of interferons by interacting with the host protein PEX19, a crucial chaperone in peroxisomal biogenesis. Here, we aimed to explore the importance of peroxisomes and the role of C interaction with PEX19 in the flavivirus life cycle. By infecting cells lacking peroxisomes we show that this organelle is required for optimal DENV replication. Moreover, we demonstrate that DENV and ZIKV C bind PEX19 through a conserved PEX19-binding motif, which is also commonly found in cellular peroxisomal membrane proteins (PMPs). However, in contrast to PMPs, this interaction does not result in the targeting of C to peroxisomes. Furthermore, we show that the presence of C results in peroxisome loss due to impaired peroxisomal biogenesis, which appears to occur by a PEX19-independent mechanism. Hence, these findings challenge the current model of how flavivirus C might downregulate peroxisomal abundance and suggest a yet unknown role of peroxisomes in flavivirus biology.