Positive Pressure and Negative Pressure Irrigation Dynamics with Different Needle Designs Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

@#This study aimed to investigate the irrigation dynamics of the positive pressure side-vented (SV) needle, EndoVac (micropores) needle and modified apical negative pressure (mANP) open-ended needle using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A simulation of a prepared root canal (conical frustum) of 15 mm length with an apical diameter of 0.40 mm following Protaper F4 apical preparation was created using three-dimensional (3D) CAD software. The 3D simulated needle of SV 30G needle, EndoVac with micropores needle and mANP, 30G flat open-ended needle were also created. The irrigation dynamics were evaluated through transient CFD simulations. In addition, the irrigation dynamics of mANP at 0.2 mm, 0.5 mm, and 1.0 mm short from the working length were also assessed. The EndoVac and mANP showed negative apical static pressure and streamline patterns able to reach the apical region, thus indicating negligible extrusion. Meanwhile, SV showed positive apical static pressure and almost nonexistent streamlines beyond the needle tip. The SV showed the highest wall shear stress (WSS) magnitude of 1030Pa whereas Endovac (161 Pa) and mANP1 (258 Pa). However, SV revealed lower average WSS (10 Pa) compared to mANP1 (13 Pa) and mANP2 (11 Pa). This is due to SV developed a localised maximum WSS opposite the open vent area only therefore, uneven distribution of WSS. The EndoVac system developed a localised maximum WSS in the pair of micropores furthest away from the apical. CFD analysis of the EndoVac, mANP and SV showed different technique approach, needle design and needle depths insertion affect the irrigation dynamics pattern and magnitude.

Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Therapy for Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy: Report of Three Cases

@#The treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy (CAT) remains challenging. We report three cases of CAT treated with autologous peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs), following principles developed for chondrogenesis of the knee joint. Outcome measurement with a minimum of one and a half years follow-up showed significant improvement of Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) scores, with reduction of tendon thickness and inflammation on MRI scan.

Osteochondrogenesis with Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cells for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Report of Five Cases

@#Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) may progress to ankle arthritis needing ankle arthroplasty or arthrodesis. We report five cases of OLTs treated along the principles developed for chondrogenesis of the knee joint with autologous peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs), resulting in repair and regeneration of the bone and cartilage components. Improvement in Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) scores with minimum two years follow-up showed statistical significance (p < 0.05).

Chondrogenesis with Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cells for End-Stage Ankle Arthritis: Report of Three Cases

@#End-stage ankle arthritis represents an “unmet medical need”, awaiting an appropriate time for joint arthroplasty or arthrodesis. We report three cases of end-stage ankle arthritis treated along the principles developed for chondrogenesis of the knee joint with autologous peripheral blood stem cells, resulting in reversal of the ankle arthritis. The improvement in clinical outcome measure scores (Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale total score) with a minimum two-year follow-up were comparable to total ankle replacement (TAR), arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA) and open ankle arthrodesis (OAA).

Threats of sedimentation to agricultural land due to land use and degradation of watershed physical environmental

Background:The Lake Lindu sub-watershed has experienced environmental damage, mainly as a result of various activities of the surrounding community who are less aware of the principles of environmental sustainability. This study aims to determine the effect of land use area and environmental physical conditions on sedimentation and water debit in the Lake Lindu sub-watershed. Methods:This research was carried out by implementing survey and non-experimental method at 3 rivers: Langko(P1), Wongkodono (P2), and Kati (P3). The dependent variable in this study is the area of land use (area of farm, shrub, paddy field, forest, and settlement) and the physical condition of the environment (the width of the catchment area and annual averagerainfall). Then, the independent variables are sedimentation and water debit. Statistical analysis used is a multiple regression model.Results:The results of this study are that the wider shrub (X2) reduces the sedimentation (Y1) and increases the water debit (Y2). Each addition of one shrub unit will reduce the sediment by 0.208 mg/L and affect the water debit of 0.258 m3/ s-1. The regression equation is Y1=185.903 -0.208X2-587.269X8and Y2=6.854+0.258 X2-71.708 X8. As for the coefficient of the shape of the river (X8). The bigger the shape of the river, the smaller the average of the water debit. Thus, each reduction of one coefficient unit of the river shape will affect the water debit of 71,708 m3/s-1.Conclusions:The significant predictor factors for sedimentation and river water debit are the shrubs and the coefficient of the river shape.

Agriculture wastes conversion for biofertilizer production using beneficial microorganisms for sustainable agriculture applications

Aims: The emphasis of this study is to generate new valuable bioproducts from non-toxic cleaning waste for environmental healing technology. Methodology and Results: Comparisons between different types of biofertilizer formulations and the field trial effectiveness were done. Results indicated that biofertilizer C contained the highest N value (1.8%) when compared with biofertilizers B and A, which only contained 1.7% and 1.4%, respectively. Biofertilizer A showed significant difference in the total count of yeast, mould, ammonia oxidizing bacteria and nitrate oxidizing bacteria compared to biofertilizer B and C. Meanwhile, biofertilizer C was found to be significantly different from others in Lactobacillus sp. and nitrogen-fixing bacteria count. Photosynthetic total count and Actinomycetes sp. were not noticed in all formulations tested. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The findings of this study suggest that biofertilizer A is suitable to be used as a promotional biofertilizer in flower and fruit production, biofertilizer B can be used for a leafy crop, while biofertilizer C is good for the growth of roots and stem of plants.

Isolation and molecular characterization of Brucella melitensis from seropositive goats in Peninsula Malaysia

A study was carried out to isolate Brucella melitensis using established bacteriological and PCR techniques in Brucella seropositive goats in farms in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Pulau Pinang. Brucella melitensis was isolated from 7 of 134 reactors with the highest isolation from the vaginal swabs (57.14%) followed by the spleen (28.57%), uterine fluid (14.29%). No Brucella was isolated from the lymph nodes. PCR confirmed all the seven isolates as B. melitensis and isolates were phylogenetically related to other isolates from India, Iran, and Israel but most closely related to isolates from Singapore.