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Polymers Aug 2023To measure the flexural strength (FS) of bulk-fill resin composites and assess their long-term water absorption and solubility properties with and without the inclusion...
OBJECTIVE
To measure the flexural strength (FS) of bulk-fill resin composites and assess their long-term water absorption and solubility properties with and without the inclusion of short glass fibres.
METHODS
One resin composite, everX Flow with fibres, and four commercially available bulk-fill composites without fibres, namely, PALFIQUE, Activa, SDR Plus, and Filtek Bulk Fill One, were tested. Six specimens (2 × 2 × 25 mm) were fabricated for each material and stored in water for 1 day and 30 days to measure the flexural strength using a three-point bending test. To evaluate water absorption and solubility, circular disks measuring 15 × 2 mm (n = 5) were immersed in water for 60 days, and their weights were recorded periodically. After 60 days, the specimens were dried for an additional 21 days to determine solubility.
RESULTS
Flexural strength values ranged from 101.7 to 149.1 MPa. Significant distinctions were observed among the resin composites at the onset of the study ( < 0.05). The highest FS value was identified in everX Flow, while ACT exhibited the lowest ( < 0.05). However, the flexural strength values exhibited a significant decrease with increased storage time ( < 0.05), except for ACT, which demonstrated a noteworthy increase. Concerning water absorption and solubility, ACT displayed the highest absorption, while the range of solubility varied from -0.88 to 5.8 μg/mm. ACT also had the highest solubility, whereas everX Flow exhibited negative solubility.
SIGNIFICANCE
The addition of short fibres, along with potential differences in matrix composition, enhanced the flexural strength of everX Flow. However, the substantial reduction in flexural strength observed in everX Flow and SDR following exposure to water corroborates the manufacturers' recommendation to apply a conventional resin composite cap on these materials.
PubMed: 37631507
DOI: 10.3390/polym15163452 -
Applications in Plant Sciences 2023Current methods for maceration of plant tissue use hazardous chemicals. The new method described here improves the safety of dissection and maceration of soft plant...
PREMISE
Current methods for maceration of plant tissue use hazardous chemicals. The new method described here improves the safety of dissection and maceration of soft plant tissues for microscopic imaging by using the harmless enzyme pectinase.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Leaf material from a variety of land plants was obtained from living plants and dried herbarium specimens. Concentrations of aqueous pectinase and soaking schedules were optimized, and tissues were manually dissected while submerged in fresh solution following a soaking period. Most leaves required 2-4 h of soaking; however, delicate leaves could be macerated after 30 min while tougher leaves required 12 h to 3 days of soaking. Staining techniques can also be used with this method, and permanent or semi-permanent slides can be prepared. The epidermis, vascular tissue, and individual cells were imaged at magnifications of 10× to 400×. Only basic safety precautions were needed.
CONCLUSIONS
This pectinase method is a cost-effective and safe way to obtain images of epidermal peels, separated tissues, or isolated cells from a wide range of plant taxa.
PubMed: 37915428
DOI: 10.1002/aps3.11543 -
Journal of Separation Science Sep 2023This perspective explores the feasibility of smart sampling with dried blood spots for the determination of proteins and peptides from human biomatrices using liquid... (Review)
Review
This perspective explores the feasibility of smart sampling with dried blood spots for the determination of proteins and peptides from human biomatrices using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for clinical purposes. The focus is on innovative approaches to transform filter paper from a mere sample carrier to an active element in sample preparation, with the aim of reducing the need for extensive and intensive sample preparation in the conventional sense. Specifically, we discuss the use of modified cellulose to integrate sample preparation at an early stage of sample handling. The use of paper immobilized with either trypsin or monoclonal antibodies for protein digestion and affinity clean-up is discussed as a potential benefit of starting sample preparation instantly at the moment of sampling to optimize time efficiency and enable faster analysis, diagnosis, and follow-up of patients.
Topics: Humans; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Chromatography, Liquid; Dried Blood Spot Testing; Peptides; Specimen Handling
PubMed: 37582644
DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202300394 -
Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy 2024Severe acute hepatitis (SAH) is defined by a severe inflammation of hepatocytes in the liver parenchyma which can lead to an acute liver failure, a clinical condition... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Severe acute hepatitis (SAH) is defined by a severe inflammation of hepatocytes in the liver parenchyma which can lead to an acute liver failure, a clinical condition with high mortality rate that can be triggered by several factors but is usually associated to hepatotropic viruses' infection. In 2022, cases of children with severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin hospitalized in Glasgow, Scotland, were reported. Possible causes of this condition include, but are not limited to, undiagnosed viral (and non-viral) infections, autoimmune hepatitis, drug and/or chemical toxicity, mitochondrial chain respiratory and metabolic disorders.
AREAS COVERED
Herpesviruses can cause severe acute hepatitis, but little is known about the role and the mechanisms of herpesviruses as a causative agent of this type of hepatitis. We review the role of herpesviruses as causative agent of SAH in children and other possible mechanisms involved in this disease.
EXPERT OPINION
Differential diagnosis for herpesvirus in SAH should be implemented in all settings. Alternative fluids, such as saliva and dried blood, could be used in the diagnosis to overwhelm the availability of biological specimens at sufficient volume. In the future, genetic studies could also be added to increase the knowledge about severe acute hepatitis in children.
Topics: Child; Humans; Herpesviridae; Hepatitis; Virus Diseases; Diagnosis, Differential; Acute Disease
PubMed: 38224018
DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2304637 -
Microorganisms Nov 2023This study aimed to investigate the optimal conditions for Papanicolaou (Pap) smear to increase the success rate of target cell isolation through manual microdissection...
This study aimed to investigate the optimal conditions for Papanicolaou (Pap) smear to increase the success rate of target cell isolation through manual microdissection (MMD) and prevent cell spread. Pap smears were prepared using an HPV42-positive SurePath™ liquid-based cytology case, and 46 and 50 koilocytes were used in wet and dried Pap smears, respectively, to verify the success rate of target cell isolation using MMD based on the HPV detection rate. During MMD, the microscopic examination of both specimens revealed that cells in dried smears could be easily identified; however, cell debris remained in the surrounding area after MMD. Although it was difficult to observe cells in wet smears, there was no cell debris. When the needle tip was immersed in DNA lysate after cell isolation through MMD, a difference in cell solubility was found between dry and wet smears. HPV42 was detected in 94.7% and 97.4% of dried and wet Pap smears, respectively, via polymerase chain reaction genotyping using lysed cell solution; the detection rates were not significantly different. The isolation of target cells from wet Pap smears using MMD reduced the risk of contamination and increased the success rate of HPV detection. This study might facilitate the identification of new CIN-derived HPV-infected cells using MMD with wet Pap smears.
PubMed: 38004711
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112700 -
Journal of Clinical PsychopharmacologyTherapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antipsychotics for dose titration or detection of noncompliance is not uncommon in daily practice. Normally, TDM implies measuring a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antipsychotics for dose titration or detection of noncompliance is not uncommon in daily practice. Normally, TDM implies measuring a drug concentration in venous blood samples. This technique is invasive and requires trained assistants and patients normally need to go to an outpatient clinic. Over the past decades, sensitivity of analytical equipment has improved leading to a growing interest in microsampling techniques. These techniques are minimally invasive, require a small volume (<100 μL), usually result in stable samples, and can be collected by the patient or a caregiver at home. Before a microsampling technique can be used in daily routine, proper method development and a clinical validation study should be performed.
METHOD
For this review, the databases of PubMed and Embase were systematically searched. Currently available microsampling techniques for antipsychotics in blood, serum, or plasma are summarized. Subsequently, it has also been assessed whether these techniques are sufficiently validated for TDM monitoring in daily practice.
RESULTS
Several microsampling techniques are available today, for example, dried blood spot sampling, dried plasma extraction cards, and volumetric absorptive microsampling. Eighteen studies were identified in which a microsampling technique for 1 or a few antipsychotics was chemically analytically and clinically validated. However, the majority of these studies have relevant shortcomings that mean its usefulness for different antipsychotics is not yet well established.
CONCLUSIONS
Microsampling for TDM can be recommended for patients using clozapine. For TDM of other antipsychotics, it is a very promising development.
Topics: Drug Monitoring; Humans; Antipsychotic Agents; Dried Blood Spot Testing; Blood Specimen Collection
PubMed: 38639427
DOI: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000001855 -
Journal of Pharmaceutical and... Apr 2024Serial blood sampling from one animal is useful to understand relationship between pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacological or toxicological events in individual...
Serial blood sampling from one animal is useful to understand relationship between pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacological or toxicological events in individual animals. To assess its feasibility in mice, two therapeutic antibodies were used to evaluate impacts by different blood sampling methods, sampling sites, and assay platforms on PK. Denosumab and Panitumumab were intravenously administered to mice and only 0.05 mL of blood sample per point was collected from jugular vein or tail vein. Blood samples were collected serially from a mouse or collected by traditional composite sampling from each mouse. Plasma concentrations of the two drugs were assayed by a generic ligand binding assay using Gyrolab or by a generic ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The two assay platforms showed acceptable accuracy and precision and gave comparable PK parameters of the drugs, suggesting that both assays were successfully applied to the PK assessments. Comparable results in the PK profiles were noted between serial and composite blood samplings and differences in the two sampling sites did not impact PK. These findings suggest that microsampling combined with generic assays is useful to assess PK profiles of therapeutic antibodies in mice.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Chromatography, Liquid; Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Blood Specimen Collection; Dried Blood Spot Testing
PubMed: 38306865
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.115993 -
RSC Advances Dec 2023Bioactive glass is a potential biomaterial for bone reconstruction owing to its superior bioactivity and non-toxicity. Yet, the absence of a circulatory system to carry...
Bioactive glass is a potential biomaterial for bone reconstruction owing to its superior bioactivity and non-toxicity. Yet, the absence of a circulatory system to carry waste and nutrients is a key issue with biomaterials implanted in the body. Thus the development of functional and vascularized new tissue requires the development of angiogenesis, which involves the formation of new blood vessels. Based on this perspective, we aimed to fabricate boron-doped 58S bioactive glass microspheres using the spray drying method, which could offer great flowability, controllable morphology, and narrow size distribution. Characterization of particle morphology and elemental composition were examined using scanning electron microscopy along with energy dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. To evaluate the effect of the boron dopant on bioactivity, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed, while MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells and BAOEC endothelial cells were used to assess the osteoblast and angiogenic activities, respectively. Finally, the results showed that two distinct morphologies, smooth and concave spheres, were found, with discussion of the corresponding formation mechanism. In addition, positive effects of the boron dopant were demonstrated on the bioactivity, and osteoblast and angiogenic activity when compared to the un-doped BG specimen.
PubMed: 38090089
DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07472b -
Analytical Methods : Advancing Methods... Aug 2023Pompe disease (PD) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by α-glucosidase acid enzyme deficiency. It significantly impacts patients' health and life quality and may...
Pompe disease (PD) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by α-glucosidase acid enzyme deficiency. It significantly impacts patients' health and life quality and may lead to death in the first few years of life. Among the well-established diagnostic methods, urinary glucose tetrasaccharide (Glc) screening by high performance-liquid chromatography has been helpful in monitoring Glc levels in patients on enzyme replacement therapy, demonstrating therapy efficacy. However, the specimen shipping process from a sample collecting location to a specialized laboratory for monitoring the Glc is costly and presents preanalytical challenges. In this work, we developed a filter paper based-urine collection kit to facilitate specimen shipment, and liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analysis to determine Glc and creatinine in dried urine on filter paper. The LC-HRMS was based on a combination of targeted and untargeted screening on the same specimen injection and was successfully developed and validated. Bland-Altman statistics revealed a good relationship between dried and liquid urine samples and Glc and creatinine. Glc and other metabolites in dried urine showed stability for at least 7 days at 4 and 22 °C, and 3 days at 50 °C. The stability of the analytes and the efficiency of the kit were tested simulating real conditions by sending it by post. After two days in transit without refrigeration, the stability of compounds was maintained, showing the reliability of the urine collection kit and analysis method to determine the PD biomarker Glc.
Topics: Humans; Glycogen Storage Disease Type II; Creatinine; Urine Specimen Collection; Reproducibility of Results; Mass Spectrometry; Chromatography, Liquid
PubMed: 37539791
DOI: 10.1039/d3ay00587a -
Current Protocols Dec 2023Plant sample preparation for analyses is a fundamental step in high-throughput omics strategies. Especially for plant metabolomics, quenching of hydrolytic enzymes able...
Plant sample preparation for analyses is a fundamental step in high-throughput omics strategies. Especially for plant metabolomics, quenching of hydrolytic enzymes able to affect metabolite concentrations is crucial for the accuracy of results. Given that DNA is usually less labile than metabolites, most sampling and shipment procedures able to preserve the metabolome are also suitable for preventing the degradation of plant DNA or of DNA of pathogens in the plant tissue. In this article, we describe all the steps of sample collection, shipment (including the phytosanitary issues of moving plant samples), and processing for combined genomics and metabolomics from a single sample, as well as the protocols used in our laboratories for downstream approaches for crop plants, allowing collection of multi-omic datasets in large experimental setups. The protocols have been adjusted to apply to both freeze-dried and fresh-frozen material to allow the processing of crop plant samples that will require long-distance transport. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of freeze-dried leaf disks for multiplexed PCR or DArT-Seq genotyping Basic Protocol 2: Medium-throughput preparation of pathogen-free nucleic acids for most genotyping-resequencing applications or pathogen detection Alternate Protocol: Low-throughput extraction of high-quality DNA for resequencing using commercial kits Support Protocol: DNA quality control Basic Protocol 3: Preparation of freeze-dried plant material for metabolomics Basic Protocol 4: Preparation of fresh-frozen plant material for metabolomics Basic Protocol 5: Preparation and shipment of metabolite extracts for metabolomic analyses Basic Protocol 6: Sample shipping and long-term storage.
Topics: Multiomics; Metabolomics; Metabolome; Specimen Handling; DNA, Plant; Plants
PubMed: 38131272
DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.952