05, 1.37, and 0.97, respectively; all p less then 0.05), as were African-American children (OR = 0.64; p less then 0.05) and female students (OR = 1.59; p less then 0.05). In conclusion, schools are among the most easily modifiable settings for preventing childhood obesity and reducing its prevalence, with the implementation of physical activity and nutritional policies.Styrax Japonica Sieb. et Zucc. has been used as traditional medicine in inflammatory diseases, and isolated compounds have shown pharmacological activities. Pinoresinol glucoside (PIN) belonging to lignins was isolated from the stem bark of S. Japonica. This study aimed to investigate the biological function and mechanisms of PIN on cell migration, osteoblast differentiation, and matrix mineralization. Herein, we investigated the effects of PIN in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, which are widely used for studying osteoblast behavior in in vitro cell systems. At concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 μM, PIN had no cell toxicity in pre-osteoblasts. Pre-osteoblasts induced osteoblast differentiation, and the treatment of PIN (10 and 30 μM) promoted the cell migration rate in a dose-dependent manner. At concentrations of 10 and 30 μM, PIN elevated early osteoblast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity. Subsequently, PIN also increased the formation of mineralized nodules in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by alizarin red S (ARS) staining, demonstrating positive effects of PIN on late osteoblast differentiation. In addition, PIN induced the mRNA level of BMP2, ALP, and osteocalcin (OCN). PIN also upregulated the protein level of BMP2 and increased canonical BMP2 signaling molecules, the phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8, and the protein level of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Furthermore, PIN activated non-canonical BMP2 signaling molecules, activated MAP kinases, and increased β-catenin signaling. The findings of this study indicate that PIN has biological roles in osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization, and suggest that PIN might have anabolic effects in bone diseases such as osteoporosis and periodontitis.Mosquito-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus of medical concern associated with neurological disorders. ZIKV utilizes apoptosis as a mechanism of cell killing. The structural M protein may play a role in flavivirus-induced apoptosis. The death-promoting capability of M has been restricted to an oligopeptide representing the residues M-32/40. Here, we evaluated the apoptosis inducing ability of the residues M-31/41 of ZIKV. The ZIKV M oligopeptide was associated to a soluble form of GFP (sGFP) and the resulting sGFP-M31/41 construct was assessed in Huh7 cells. Expression of sGFP-M31/41 can trigger apoptosis in Huh7 cells through caspase-3/7 activation. The translocation of sGFP-M31/41 in the endoplasmic reticulum was a prerequisite for apoptosis induction. The residues M-33/35/38 may play a critical role in the death-promoting activity of sGFP-M31/41. The effect of ZIKV M oligopeptide defined as ZAMP (for Zika Apoptosis M Peptide) on expression of a tumor-associated antigen was assayed on megakaryocyte-potentiating factor (MPF). Expression of MPF-ZAMP construct resulted in caspase-associated apoptosis activation in A549 and Huh7 cells. ZIKV has been proposed as an oncolytic virus for cancer therapy. The ability of the Zika M oligopeptide to confer death-promoting capability to MPF opens up attractive perspectives for ZAMP as an innovative anticancer agent.Polymer Flexible Joint (PFJ) is a method for repairs of concrete elements, which enables carrying loads and large deformations effectively. This article presents the possibility of applying PFJ on beams subjected to bending and describes the influence of such joints on concrete elements. An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the behavior of concrete in a four-point bending test. The research program included flexural tests of plain concrete elements with a notch, as well as tests of elements which were repaired with PFJ after failure. Based on the experimental results, the numerical characteristics of analyzed polymer and concrete were calibrated. A nonlinear numerical model is developed, which describes the behavior of concrete elements and polymer in the experiments.  https://www.selleckchem.com/products/Sunitinib-Malate-(Sutent).html  The model is used to numerically analyze deformations and stresses under increasing load. The influence of flexible joint on concrete elements is described and behavior of elements repaired with PFJ is compared to original elements. Particular attention was paid to the stress redistribution in concrete. The application of flexible joint positively influences load capacity of the connected concrete elements. Furthermore, because of stress redistribution, connected elements can bear larger deformations than original ones. PFJ can therefore be considered an efficient repair method for connecting concrete elements.
  During in-office bleaching, appropriate light sources are applied in order to enhance the activity of the bleaching gels applied onto teeth. For this method to be effective, a high absorption of light within the gel is necessary. Variation in the light attenuation capability of the gel, the duration of application and light activation can contribute towards safety hazards associated with this procedure.
 
  In this study, seven different gels and hydrogen peroxide have been evaluated for their optical properties by means of spectrophotometry (440-1000 nm). The transmitted light spectrum was used to estimate the intensity loss for each gel. The mean intensity decreases observed were statistically analysed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA).
 
  The five more-pigmented gels tested indicated a very similar intensity loss of around 80%, whereas the remaining two gels showed significantly less attenuation (predominantly, 
  < 10
  ).
 
  Throughout the spectrum of wavelengths examined, and according to the underlying studies evaluated, five of the gels assessed demonstrated an attenuation high enough to possibly avoid overheating of the underlying enamel dentine and pulp. An evaluation of appropriate irradiation parameters is proposed.
 Throughout the spectrum of wavelengths examined, and according to the underlying studies evaluated, five of the gels assessed demonstrated an attenuation high enough to possibly avoid overheating of the underlying enamel dentine and pulp. An evaluation of appropriate irradiation parameters is proposed.