The

unique aspect of this study is that L. goodei is a non-nest building species with no parental care and high levels of iteroparity. Females preferred to lay eggs in areas where eggs were already present but these effects decreased with increasing clutch size. We suggest that females prefer to lay small bouts of eggs in areas already containing eggs of other females, but that in nature, they distribute these eggs across multiple males and locations. By doing so, females may increase the probability of offspring survival via either the dilution effect (reduced individual probability of predation due to increased group size) or the selection of ‘good locations’ for offspring development. “
“Alpacas are increasingly popular as domesticated companion and commercial animals. Their footfall patterns, however, are not well documented. http://www.selleckchem.com/screening/epigenetics-compound-library.html It would be fascinating to know if artificial selection has changed alpacas’ locomotor patterns from the ancestral condition in the vicuña. Some members of the Camelidae pace rather than trot, but the gaits of most species have not been studied quantitatively. Thus, investigating alpacas’

gaits might contribute to understanding the factors influencing gait choice and evolution. We aimed to quantify the temporal footfall patterns of alpacas to determine observed gaits and to describe gait parameters as a function of speed. Kinematic data (3D motion capture) of locomotor patterns over a range of speeds were collected from four alpacas. We quantified the influence of speed on stance time, swing time, stride time (and frequency), duty factor and stride length, MCE and created gait diagrams for PD0325901 nmr symmetrical and asymmetrical gaits. Alpacas moved using lateral sequence walks, mainly lateral couplets walks and runs with some lateral sequence, singlefoot footfall patterns. Remarkably, the alpacas never truly paced or trotted. At faster speeds, they switched to asymmetrical gaits, predominantly transverse gallops. With increasing speed, stance and stride times decreased, and stride frequencies and stride length increased.

Swing times decreased slightly with speed for symmetrical gaits, and a tendency towards an increasing swing time was evident in asymmetrical gaits. It is still uncertain why quadrupeds choose particular gaits and intriguingly, extant camelids (alpacas, dromedary camels) do not trot. The apparent absence of pacing in alpacas deserves further investigation in an experimental and comparative framework. Yet, this absence seems inherited from their vicuña ancestors, indicating that pacing gaits may not be ancestral or common for Camelidae. Future studies should include kinetic and anatomical data to provide insight into whole-body mechanics, and include other unstudied species such as guanacos and vicuñas. “
“Research on terrestrial carnivore ecology frequently relies on scat identification and analysis.

Conchocelis filaments were cultured under varying conditions of irradiance and nutrient concentrations for up to 60 d at 11°C and 30 psu salinity. Results indicate that conchocelis filaments contain relatively high concentrations of phycobilins under optimal culture conditions. Phycobilin pigment production was significantly affected by irradiance, nutrient concentration, and culture duration. For Porphyra abbottiae V. Krishnam., Porphyra sp., and Porphyra torta V. Krishnam., maximal phycoerythrin (63.2–95.1 mg · g dwt−1) and phycocyanin (28.8–64.8 mg · g dwt−1) content generally

occurred buy Ensartinib at 10 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1, f/4–f/2 nutrient concentration after 10–20 d of culture. Whereas for Porphyra hiberna S. C. Lindstrom et K. M. Cole, the highest phycoerythrin (73.3 mg · g dwt−1) and phycocyanin (70.2 mg · g dwt−1) content occurred at 10 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1, f nutrient concentration after 60 d in culture. Under similar conditions, the different species showed significant differences in pigment content. P. abbottiae had higher phycoerythrin content than the other three species, and P. hiberna had the highest phycocyanin content. P. torta had the lowest phycobilin content. “
“Chlorella is

one of the best-studied green microalgal genera because of its wide use as a model system and its utilization in biotechnology. Since the description of the type species Chlorella vulgaris Beij., more than a hundred species have been established in the literature. However, MCE公司 the taxonomic description and identification of these small (<15 μm) YAP-TEAD Inhibitor 1 spherical or elliptical coccoid cells is difficult due to the lack of characteristic morphologic features. In addition to molecular investigations, biochemical criteria are employed to distinguish between the numerous “Chlorella” species, of which the sterol composition seems to be a reliable chemotaxonomic marker

within several groups of these morphologically similar algae. In this study, the distribution of ergosterol was examined in 20 species of the “true” genus Chlorella and more distant “Chlorella” species using HPLC. Ergosterol in concentrations up to 4.5 μg · mg−1 dry weight (dwt) was detected in nine species, which are all related representatives of the Chlorellaceae. More distant relatives within the Trebouxiophyceae or representatives of the Chlorophyceae did not contain ergosterol. The results coincide with the latest molecular investigations of the genus Chlorella and further promote the potential of ergosterol as chemical marker to differentiate between members of the Chlorellaceae and other “Chlorella-like” species. “
“The seaweed Ulva lactuca L. was spray cultured by mariculture effluents in a mattress-like layer, held in air on slanted boards by plastic netting. Air-agitated seaweed suspension tanks were the reference. Growth rate, yield, and ammonia-N removal rate were 11.

When expressed from plasmids,

we estimated that the amount of the four active miRNAs expressed in liver from HCV-miR-Cluster 1 + Intron is ∼1.0 fmol (or 6 × 108 miRNAs) in 25 μg total liver RNA. Using the hepatocellularity number that has been reported for mice of 1.38 × 108 cells/g liver tissue,32 we calculated that ∼155 miRNAs were expressed per cell. Because Metformin supplier we expect only ∼20%-40% of the hepatocytes to be transfected using the HDTV procedure,20 we estimated that the transduced hepatocytes expressed ∼400-800 miRNAs/cell. Although ∼56% of hepatocytes in chronically infected individuals harbors HCV genomic RNA at any time, HCV replication occurs in only a subset (∼14%) of them, and replication occurs at a low level (∼33 genomic RNA molecules/infected hepatocyte).33 Thus, based on our estimates, it should be possible to achieve therapeutic quantities of miRNAs. In addition, in a gene therapy setting, where AAV vectors may be present in the liver for months to years, we expect sustained expression of miRNAs, which over time may completely suppress the cellular viral load. Even if previously infected hepatocytes

do not benefit from AAV vectors, uninfected cells may be protected from a new infection, AZD8055 cost and this alone would represent a new and potentially effective stand-alone or adjunct approach to HCV infection management. In summary, we have demonstrated that exogenous

anti-HCV miRNAs induce gene silencing, and when expressed from AAV vectors, they inhibit the replication of HCVcc. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the activity of an exogenous polycistronic miRNA cluster against HCVcc and against reporter plasmids in vivo. The 上海皓元 combination of the AAV vector delivery system and exploitation of the endogenous RNAi pathway represents a new therapeutic platform and a potentially viable alternative to the current HCV treatment regimen, and thus warrants further evaluation in animal models of HCV, such as human hepatocyte xenograft models and HCV-infected chimpanzees. Acknowledgment: We thank Dr. Steel (Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA) for generously providing the Huh-7 cell line, and Drs. Margaritis, Mingozzi, and Podsakoff (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA) for critical reading of the manuscript. Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article. “
“Serum Golgi protein 73 (sGP73) is a novel biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there are few reports on the pattern of GP73 expression in the progression of benign liver diseases to precancerous lesions and HCC. This study aimed to investigate GP73 expression and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters.

Six (7,5%) presented histological criteria compatible to acute AIH and 72 (90%) had a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis. Eight patients were not submitted to liver biopsy. Comparative analysis revealed a trend to higher average ALT levels in “genuine” acute AIH (29±11 vs 20±12 xULN; p=0,06). No difference was found regarding levels of AST, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, GGT and gamaglobulin levels, as well as ANA and SMA titers. Prothrombin activity was higher in “genuine” acute patients (93±10%

vs 66±21%;p<0,001), as well as albumin levels (3,9 ±0,2 g/dL vs 3,4 ±0,5 g/dL; p<0,001). Biochemical Ibrutinib supplier response to treatment was achieved in all cases of “genuine” acute HAI (100%) vs 71% of acute-on-chronic patients (p=0,03) Conclusion: Acute presentation of AIH was common (61%) in our series. However, “genuine” acute AIH was not a frequent finding (7,5% of all acute presentation cases). “Genuine” acute AIH presented with more preserved liver function tests, suggesting that most

cases presenting with loss of function are acute-on-chronic AIH. Lastly, “genuine” acute AIH revealed a better biochemical response to treatment, suggesting that a more preserved liver function at presentation has a positive therapeutic implication. Disclosures: The following people have nothing to disclose: Elze M. Oliveira, Ana Cristina Nutlin-3a clinical trial A. Feldner, Patricia M. Oliveira, Valéria P. Lanzoni, Renata M. Perez, Antonio Eduardo B. Silva, Maria Lucia Ferraz Background: Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with conventional immunosuppression is effective in preventing hepatic failure in most patients. However, up to 40% of patients present with advanced liver disease and are at risk for poor outcomes. The rate of biochemical response and its impact on outcomes among those with advanced disease is unknown. Aim: To MCE examine the relationship between biochemical response and outcomes in AIH patients with advanced liver disease. Methods: 242 patients with AIH were identified from outpatient visits at our tertiary referral center from 2000 to 2013. Study inclusion required treatment with immunosuppression and clinical follow-up of at least 6 months

including laboratory examination. Advanced disease was defined by biopsy (Lud-wig stage III or IV) or by clinical, endoscopic or radiographic findings consistent with cirrhosis. Biochemical response was defined according to clinical practice guidelines (normal serum AST or ALT, and bilirubin within one year of treatment start or 50% improvement of all liver tests during the first month of treatment, with AST or ALT levels less than twice the upper normal limit within 6 months). Those who did not meet these criteria were considered non-responders. Continuous variables were summarized using medians and 25th and 75th percentiles, and P values obtained with the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-squared test.

4%). Among them, 3 case were diagnosed with gastrinoma (1.3%). Pancreas was the second most often seen located organ (51/233, 22.9%). Insulinoma accounted for 70.6% (36/51) of pancreatic NETs. According to the 2010 WHO classification criteria: NET G1, 84 cases (37.3%); NET G2, 63 (28.3%); NEC, IWR-1 cost 71 (31.9%). Pathological characteristics: Expression of CgA were examined in 143 patients using immunohistochemistry staining and the positive rate was 67.1% (96/143). CgA expression

positive rate in pancreatic NETs was the highest (24/26, 92.3%), and that in rectal NETs was 41.9%(13/31). Syn expression were detected in 174 cases (78%), and the Syn positive rate was 96.6% (168/174). CgA, Syn, and NSE were combining detected in 45 cases, positive at least one marker. Endoscopy, ultrasound and CT examination were the most often used tools for diagnosis. Surgical resection as the main ways for the treatment. Conclusion: GEP – NETs usually occur in middle-aged male. The most common involved organ

is stomach, followed by pancreas. NET G1 is the most common pathological type. CgA positive rate in pNET is the highest. CgA, Syn and NSE combining test can improve diagnostic sensitivity. Key Word(s): 1. gastrointestinal ; 2. GEP – NETs; Presenting Author: TOMOTAKA SAITO Additional Authors: KNEJI HIRANO, GYOUTANE UMEFUNE, KEI SAITO, DAI AKIYAMA, SHUHEI KAWAHATA, KAORU TAKAGI, TAKEO WATANABE, RIE UCHINO, NAMINATSU TAKAHARA, TSUYOSHI HAMADA, SUGURU MIZUNO, KOUJI MIYABAYASHI, Midostaurin order TAKASHI SASAKI, HIROFUMI KOGURE, NATSUYO YAMAMOTO, YOUSUKE NAKAI, HIROYUKI ISAYAMA, MINORU TADA, KAZUHIKO KOIKE Corresponding Author: TOMOTAKA SAITO Affiliations: Tokyo University Objective: Many patients of unresctable pancreas cancer become pancreatic exocrine dysfunction and secondarily digestion malabsorption. There is few report that reviews whether Pancrelipase improves nutritional condition of patients of unresectable pancreas cancer. We try to reveal short term effects of taking orally of Pncrelipase on patients of unresectable pancreas

cancer. Methods: (1)When start chemotherapy to patients of unresectable pancreas cancer,start taking orally of Pancrelipase at the same time. Measure 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 BMI,serum Albumin (Alb), serum Prealbumin (Prealb), serum Total cholesterol (T. chol) when start taking orally of Pancrelipase and 8weeks after start.23 patients (male-to-female ratio 12:11, mean age 66.8). (2) Administer Pancrelipase to patients of unresectable pancreas cancer who already started chemotherapy. Measure BMI,Alb,Prealb,T. chol. when start taking orally of Pancrelipase and 8weeks after start.18 patinets(male-to-female ratio 6:11,mean age 69.4). (3) Assemble data of Patients of unresectable pancreas cancer who alredy started chemotherapy but not administered Pancrelipase. Measure BMI,Alb,Prealb,T. chol. when start chemotherapy and 8weeks after start.82 patients (male-to-female ratio 49:33,mean age 67.6). Results: In case (1).

The viability of the freshly isolated hepatocytes was determined by trypan blue exclusion and cell samples with viability greater than 90% were used in the subsequent assays. AML12 cells were seeded into 24-well plates and transiently transfected with 100 ng of (CAGA)12-Lux reporter, which encodes 12 copies of the CAGA canonical Smad DNA-binding CAL 101 sequence. Cells were cotransfected with 5 ng of pRL-SV40 plasmid expressing

Renilla luciferase per well as an internal control. At 24 hours posttransfection, cells were incubated in serum-free medium supplemented with TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) for an additional 12 hours prior to harvesting. Luciferase activity was measured using a Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay System (Promega) and normalized to Renilla luciferase activity in each sample. All assays were performed in triplicate and the data are shown as mean values ± standard error

(SE) of at least three independent experiments. To detect the expression levels of epithelial and mesenchymal markers, AML12 cells treated as indicated were lysed in 200 μL of lysis buffer19 and subjected to western blot analysis. Approximately 50 μg of total protein was separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), transferred to a PVDF membrane, and incubated IWR-1 supplier with appropriate antibodies, as indicated in the figure legends. Protein bands were visualized using an enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) detection kit (Amersham). AML12 cells treated as indicated were collected and lysed in lysis buffer containing 10 mM Tris-Cl (pH 8.0), 25 mM EDTA (pH 8.0), 0.25% Triton X-100, and 5 mg/mL RNase A. After incubation on ice for 30 minutes, cells were scraped and centrifuged medchemexpress at 12,000g for 15 minutes. The supernatant

was incubated with proteinase K at 56°C overnight and subsequently extracted with a 1:1 mixture of phenol and chloroform. DNA fragments were precipitated in two volumes of cold ethanol and a one-tenth volume of 3 M sodium acetate and were separated by 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis. The gel was stained with ethidium bromide and visualized under ultraviolet light. AML12 cells from each group were collected and stained with FITC-labeled Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Biovision). The percentage of apoptotic cells was measured with a FACScan flow cytometer. After being treated as indicated in Fig. 5E, primary hepatocytes in 60-mm dishes were harvested and caspase-3 activity was detected by measuring the absorbance at 405 nm according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Biovision). As described,19, 20 cells grown on coverslips were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and stained with the appropriate primary antibodies, followed by Cy2-conjugated antimouse IgG or Cy3-conjugated antirabbit IgG (Jackson ImmunoResearch). Nuclei were stained with DAPI. Total RNA isolation and reverse transcription were performed essentially as described.

This study aims to understand the viability of diatoms exhibiting teratological frustules and their reproduction capacities within a Cd-impacted population to predict their return learn more to normal diatom forms. We worked on a frequently encountered species in French hydrosystems: Planothidium frequentissimum (Lange-Bertalot) Round & L. Bukhtiyarova. First, a 21-d contamination phase highlighted increasing inductionof different teratological

types in response to two levels of Cd contamination: 20 and 100 μg · L−1. The deformity counting indicated that Cd firstly generated striae and mixed teratologies, then affected the central area and the valves. Second, a 28-d decontamination selleck compound phase demonstrated the Cd depuration capacity of Planothidium frequentissimum. Cd half-lives appeared relatively low, ~6 d for the 100 μg · L−1 condition. Moreover, the decontamination phase showed a decrease in teratology abundances, but

a still incomplete recovery after 28 d. Deformations of the striae appeared to be the most sustainable phenotype since they were still significantly higher than in reference cultures at the end of the decontamination phase for both Cd cultures. “
“Benthic diatoms form a particularly important community in oligotrophic lakes, but factors influencing their distribution are not well known. This study reports the depth distribution of living motile and total diatoms (living plus dead diatoms) on both natural (from sand to fine organic mud) and artificial substrates in an oligotrophic

lake. On artificial substrates, motile diatom densities peaked in abundance (24–30 cells · mm−2) between 0.6 and 1.9 m depth; on natural sediment surfaces, motile diatoms were generally more numerous and peaked in abundance (925 cells · mm−2) at 1.3 m depth. Total diatom densities on artificial substrates were highest (1260 valves · mm−2) at 0.6 m depth, with very low values below 3 m depth; on natural sediment surfaces, total diatom abundances were generally much higher (21600 valves · mm−2) at 3 m depth and declined gradually with depth. Significant relationships were found between light and diatom densities on the artificial substrate. Ordination 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 analysis indicated that substrate type significantly correlated with the variation of diatom composition on artificial and natural substrates. Our results suggest that in oligotrophic lakes, light influences benthic diatom abundance, whereas substrate type has more influence on benthic diatom composition. “
“Few members of the well-studied marine phytoplankton taxa have such a complex and polymorphic life cycle as the genus Phaeocystis. However, despite the ecological and biogeochemical importance of Phaeocystis blooms, the life cycle of the major bloom-forming species of this genus remains illusive and poorly resolved.

Dies were covered with four layers of die spacer, covering the entire preparation together with the occlusal surface excluding the apical 0.5 mm

of the preparation in group 1 (40 specimens), and GS-1101 in vitro covering the same area excluding the occlusal surface in group 2 (40 specimens). Copings were cast using nickel–chromium-based metal ceramic alloy and cemented using zinc phosphate cement. The specimens were sectioned along the long axis. Internal discrepancies were recorded with a 0.001-mm resolution stereoscope at 6 points: the middle of the occlusal surface (MO), middle of the lingual wall (ML), middle of the buccal wall (MB), middle of the buccal shoulder finish line (MSH), middle of the lingual chamfer finish line (MCH), and middle of the buccal bevel finish line (MBL). Student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis. Significance level was set at p < 0.05. The marginal discrepancies of group 1 were higher than those of group 2. Significant differences in discrepancies were found on MO (p < 0.0001), MSH (p = 0.012), and MBL (p = 0.035). The bevel margin showed the least marginal discrepancy following occlusal surface of the die with no relief. Leaving the occlusal part of the die uncovered with the die spacer improved the crown seating considerably in the occlusal surface as well as shoulder and bevel

margins. “
“Purpose: This study was undertaken to assess the influence of three-veneering materials on the marginal fit, fracture resistance, and failure pattern of In-Ceram alumina crowns. Materials and Methods: Forty In-Ceram cores were constructed PLX-4720 molecular weight and divided into four groups of ten each. Ten alumina cores were left unveneered, forming the first group for core testing, while the other MCE公司 30 copings were divided into three groups depending on the veneering material used. The vertical marginal gaps of the alumina copings were measured before and after veneer placement at 16 sites using an optical microscope. The specimens were then loaded to fracture at a crosshead

speed of 1 mm/min. Fractured specimens were examined, and the fracture patterns of the crowns were recorded. Selected specimens were examined using scanning electron microscope. Data were presented as means and standard deviation values. One-way ANOVA was used to compare between mean gap areas and fracture resistance of the three materials. Duncan’s post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison between the means when ANOVA test was significant. Results: Vitadur-N-veneered crowns showed statistically the highest mean vertical gaps, while no significant difference was evident between the marginal fits of Vitadur-α- and VM7-veneered crowns. Regarding the strength, a statistically significant decrease in fracture resistance of the cores was evident after veneering with Vitadur-N; however, no significant change in mean fracture resistance value of Vitadur-α- and VM7-veneered crowns was evident compared to the alumina cores.

Dies were covered with four layers of die spacer, covering the entire preparation together with the occlusal surface excluding the apical 0.5 mm

of the preparation in group 1 (40 specimens), and check details covering the same area excluding the occlusal surface in group 2 (40 specimens). Copings were cast using nickel–chromium-based metal ceramic alloy and cemented using zinc phosphate cement. The specimens were sectioned along the long axis. Internal discrepancies were recorded with a 0.001-mm resolution stereoscope at 6 points: the middle of the occlusal surface (MO), middle of the lingual wall (ML), middle of the buccal wall (MB), middle of the buccal shoulder finish line (MSH), middle of the lingual chamfer finish line (MCH), and middle of the buccal bevel finish line (MBL). Student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis. Significance level was set at p < 0.05. The marginal discrepancies of group 1 were higher than those of group 2. Significant differences in discrepancies were found on MO (p < 0.0001), MSH (p = 0.012), and MBL (p = 0.035). The bevel margin showed the least marginal discrepancy following occlusal surface of the die with no relief. Leaving the occlusal part of the die uncovered with the die spacer improved the crown seating considerably in the occlusal surface as well as shoulder and bevel

margins. “
“Purpose: This study was undertaken to assess the influence of three-veneering materials on the marginal fit, fracture resistance, and failure pattern of In-Ceram alumina crowns. Materials and Methods: Forty In-Ceram cores were constructed Selleckchem Metabolism inhibitor and divided into four groups of ten each. Ten alumina cores were left unveneered, forming the first group for core testing, while the other 上海皓元 30 copings were divided into three groups depending on the veneering material used. The vertical marginal gaps of the alumina copings were measured before and after veneer placement at 16 sites using an optical microscope. The specimens were then loaded to fracture at a crosshead

speed of 1 mm/min. Fractured specimens were examined, and the fracture patterns of the crowns were recorded. Selected specimens were examined using scanning electron microscope. Data were presented as means and standard deviation values. One-way ANOVA was used to compare between mean gap areas and fracture resistance of the three materials. Duncan’s post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison between the means when ANOVA test was significant. Results: Vitadur-N-veneered crowns showed statistically the highest mean vertical gaps, while no significant difference was evident between the marginal fits of Vitadur-α- and VM7-veneered crowns. Regarding the strength, a statistically significant decrease in fracture resistance of the cores was evident after veneering with Vitadur-N; however, no significant change in mean fracture resistance value of Vitadur-α- and VM7-veneered crowns was evident compared to the alumina cores.

Dies were covered with four layers of die spacer, covering the entire preparation together with the occlusal surface excluding the apical 0.5 mm

of the preparation in group 1 (40 specimens), and Ivacaftor covering the same area excluding the occlusal surface in group 2 (40 specimens). Copings were cast using nickel–chromium-based metal ceramic alloy and cemented using zinc phosphate cement. The specimens were sectioned along the long axis. Internal discrepancies were recorded with a 0.001-mm resolution stereoscope at 6 points: the middle of the occlusal surface (MO), middle of the lingual wall (ML), middle of the buccal wall (MB), middle of the buccal shoulder finish line (MSH), middle of the lingual chamfer finish line (MCH), and middle of the buccal bevel finish line (MBL). Student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis. Significance level was set at p < 0.05. The marginal discrepancies of group 1 were higher than those of group 2. Significant differences in discrepancies were found on MO (p < 0.0001), MSH (p = 0.012), and MBL (p = 0.035). The bevel margin showed the least marginal discrepancy following occlusal surface of the die with no relief. Leaving the occlusal part of the die uncovered with the die spacer improved the crown seating considerably in the occlusal surface as well as shoulder and bevel

margins. “
“Purpose: This study was undertaken to assess the influence of three-veneering materials on the marginal fit, fracture resistance, and failure pattern of In-Ceram alumina crowns. Materials and Methods: Forty In-Ceram cores were constructed www.selleckchem.com/products/Deforolimus.html and divided into four groups of ten each. Ten alumina cores were left unveneered, forming the first group for core testing, while the other MCE公司 30 copings were divided into three groups depending on the veneering material used. The vertical marginal gaps of the alumina copings were measured before and after veneer placement at 16 sites using an optical microscope. The specimens were then loaded to fracture at a crosshead

speed of 1 mm/min. Fractured specimens were examined, and the fracture patterns of the crowns were recorded. Selected specimens were examined using scanning electron microscope. Data were presented as means and standard deviation values. One-way ANOVA was used to compare between mean gap areas and fracture resistance of the three materials. Duncan’s post hoc test was used for pairwise comparison between the means when ANOVA test was significant. Results: Vitadur-N-veneered crowns showed statistically the highest mean vertical gaps, while no significant difference was evident between the marginal fits of Vitadur-α- and VM7-veneered crowns. Regarding the strength, a statistically significant decrease in fracture resistance of the cores was evident after veneering with Vitadur-N; however, no significant change in mean fracture resistance value of Vitadur-α- and VM7-veneered crowns was evident compared to the alumina cores.