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Nature Communications Jun 2024Artificial photosynthesis using carbon nitride (g-CN) holds a great promise for sustainable and cost-effective HO production, but the high carrier recombination rate...
Artificial photosynthesis using carbon nitride (g-CN) holds a great promise for sustainable and cost-effective HO production, but the high carrier recombination rate impedes its efficiency. To tackle this challenge, we propose an innovative method involving multispecies iodine mediators (I/I) intercalation through a pre-photo-oxidation process using potassium iodide (suspected deteriorated "KI") within the g-CN framework. Moreover, we introduce an external electric field by incorporating cationic methyl viologen ions to establish an auxiliary electron transfer channel. Such a unique design drastically improves the separation of photo-generated carriers, achieving an impressive HO production rate of 46.40 mmol g h under visible light irradiation, surpassing the most visible-light HO-producing systems. Combining various advanced characterization techniques elucidates the inner photocatalytic mechanism, and the application potential of this photocatalytic system is validated with various simulation scenarios. This work presents a significative strategy for preparing and applying highly efficient g-CN-based catalysts in photochemical HO production.
PubMed: 38830881
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49046-x -
The Journal of Chemical Physics Jun 2024Thermophoresis, or thermodiffusion, is becoming a more popular method for investigating the interactions between proteins and ligands due to its high sensitivity to the...
Thermophoresis, or thermodiffusion, is becoming a more popular method for investigating the interactions between proteins and ligands due to its high sensitivity to the interactions between solutes and water. Despite its growing use, the intricate mechanisms behind thermodiffusion remain unclear. This gap in knowledge stems from the complexities of thermodiffusion in solvents that have specific interactions as well as the intricate nature of systems that include many components with both non-ionic and ionic groups. To deepen our understanding, we reduce complexity by conducting systematic studies on aqueous salt solutions. In this work, we focused on how guanidinium salt solutions behave in a temperature gradient, using thermal diffusion forced Rayleigh scattering experiments at temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 °C. We looked at the thermodiffusive behavior of four guanidinium salts (thiocyanate, iodide, chloride, and carbonate) in solutions with concentrations ranging from 1 to 3 mol/kg. The guanidinium cation is disk-shaped and is characterized by flat hydrophobic surfaces and three amine groups, which enable directional hydrogen bonding along the edges. We compare our results to the behavior of salts with spherical cations, such as sodium, potassium, and lithium. Our discussions are framed around how different salts are solvated, specifically in the context of the Hofmeister series, which ranks ions based on their effects on the solvation of proteins.
PubMed: 38828819
DOI: 10.1063/5.0215843 -
Journal of Dentistry May 2024This study aims to evaluate antibacterial effects of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), SDF/potassium iodide (KI), and nanosilver fluoride (NSF).
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to evaluate antibacterial effects of silver diamine fluoride (SDF), SDF/potassium iodide (KI), and nanosilver fluoride (NSF).
METHODS
Antimicrobial activity of sterile saline, 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), SDF, SDF/KI, NSF, and KI solutions against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei was assessed through disc diffusion tests. A dual-species biofilm of S. mutans-L. casei was formed on 48 enamel samples, divided into six groups (n = 8). Group 1 was treated with sterile saline, Group 2 with 5% NaOCl, Group 3 with 2% CHX, Group 4 with SDF, Group 5 with SDF/KI, and Group 6 with NSF. The samples were analysed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistical analysis utilized Shapiro-Wilk and Kruskal-Wallis tests and multiple comparisons were conducted using Dunn test.
RESULTS
SDF, SDF/KI, and NaOCl displayed significantly higher antibacterial activity against dual-species biofilm compared to NSF and CHX (p < 0.050).
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, SDF and SDF/KI demonstrated greater antibacterial activity than NSF. SDF's antibacterial activity was unaffected by KI. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate content and concentration for achieving effective antibacterial activity with NSF.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The use of silver-containing materials is increasing in popularity within pediatric dentistry. In this study, an endeavor has been made to assist pediatric dentists in determining which solution might be more advantageous for preventing caries.
PubMed: 38810833
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105097 -
Journal of Dentistry May 2024This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of utilizing silver diamine fluoride + potassium iodide (SDF + KI) treatment and Silver-Modified Atraumatic Restorative...
Clinical comparison of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) or silver-modified atraumatic restorative technique (SMART) on hypomineralised permanent molars with initial carious lesions: 3-year results of a prospective, randomised trial.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of utilizing silver diamine fluoride + potassium iodide (SDF + KI) treatment and Silver-Modified Atraumatic Restorative Technique (SMART/SDF + KI + Glass Ionomer Cement) over a three-year period on hypomineralised permanent molars with initial carious lesions.
METHODS
112 hypomineralised permanent molars with ICDAS 1 or 2 lesions were selected in 48 children. The teeth were randomized into SDF + KI and SMART (SDF + KI + GIC) groups (n = 56 teeth/group) in a split-mouth design. Hypersensitivity and caries development were evaluated in both groups. Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale (SCASS) was used for evaluation of hypersensitivity, and the modified USPHS criteria were utilised for clinical assessments of SMART sealants at 1,6,12,18,24 and 36 months. Fisher's Exact test, Kaplan-Meier Survival Curves, Log-rank test, Mann Whitney U test, and Friedman test was performed for the statistical analysis.
RESULTS
The caries preventive effect was 100 %, 67.9 % and 65.4 % for SDF + KI-treated teeth; and 100 %, 97.6 % and 94.7 % for SMART(SDF + KI + GIC)-treated teeth at 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. The mean survival probabilities for caries-preventive effect were significantly lower in SDF + KI-treated teeth (31.01 months) than SMART-treated teeth (35.61 months), (p < 0.001). Twenty-six molars with initial hypersensitivity due to hypomineralization demonstrated a significant reduction at all evaluation periods compared to baseline SCASS scores (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was no significant difference in hypersensitivity scores between the groups during the re-call periods, and none of the teeth exhibited hypersensitivity at the 18-month and beyond evaluations.
CONCLUSIONS
During the three-year assessment, both groups demonstrated effectiveness in reducing sensitivity in hypomineralised molars. However, SMART (SDF + KI + GIC) sealants offered better protection against tooth decay over time, despite experiencing gradual retention loss.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Both SMART (SDF + KI + GIC) sealants and SDF + KI proved effective in alleviating hypersensitivity in hypomineralised molars for up to three years. SMART (SDF + KI + GIC) sealants showed greater caries-preventive effect compared to SDF + KI. However, continuous long-term monitoring is crucial due to the gradual decline in retention of SMART (SDF + KI + GIC) sealants.
CLINICALTRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT03862014.
PubMed: 38797490
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105098 -
Decorporation dilemma: Interplay of prussian blue and potassium iodide in radioactive contamination.Journal of Environmental Radioactivity Jul 2024The expansion of the nuclear industry has led to various radioactive effluents, originating from routine operations or catastrophic incidents such as those at Three Mile... (Review)
Review
The expansion of the nuclear industry has led to various radioactive effluents, originating from routine operations or catastrophic incidents such as those at Three Mile Island (USA), Chernobyl (Ukraine), and Fukushima (Japan). Research conducted after these events emphasizes Cesium-137 (137Cs) and iodine 131 (131I) as major contributors to harmful airborne dispersion and fallout. These isotopes infiltrate the human body via inhalation, ingestion, or wounds, posing significant health risks. Understanding contamination mechanisms and devising effective countermeasures are crucial in mitigating nuclear incident consequences. We propose that concurrent administration of Pru-Decorp™/Pru-Decorp-MG and potassium iodide (KI) could synergistically reduce the levels of 137Cs and block uptake of 131I, respectively, in nuclear incident scenarios. Pru-Decorp™ capsules contain insoluble ferric hexacyanoferrate(II) and are equivalent to USFDA-approved Radiogardase®-Cs, offering radiation exposure mitigation for Cs and Tl contamination. Pru-Decorp-MG capsules consist of insoluble PB and magnesium hydroxide, serving as a prophylactic measure to reduce the risk of internal Cs and Tl contamination for rescue responders. Pru-Decorp™/Pru-Decorp-MG binds Cs/Tl ions in the gastrointestinal tract, hindering absorption and promoting excretion, while KI saturates the thyroid gland with stable iodine, decreasing the uptake of radioactive iodine isotopes. Our hypothesis is supported by studies demonstrating the effectiveness of combination therapies, such as calcium alginate, iron(III) ferrocyanide, and KI, in decreasing the retention of radioisotopes in vital organs. To test this hypothesis, we propose a comprehensive research plan, including in vitro studies simulating gastrointestinal conditions, animal studies to evaluate the efficacy of both drugs simultaneously, and safety clinical trials comparing Pru-Decorp™/Pru-Decorp-MG alone, KI alone, and their combination. Expected outcomes include insights into the synergistic effects of Pru-Decorp™/Pru-Decorp-MG and KI, guiding the development of optimized treatment protocols for simultaneous administration during radioactive contamination incidents. This research aims to address significant critical gaps in nuclear incident preparedness by providing evidence-based recommendations for concurrent antidote use in scenarios involving multiple isotope contamination. Ultimately, this will enhance public health and safety during nuclear emergencies.
Topics: Potassium Iodide; Ferrocyanides; Cesium Radioisotopes; Iodine Radioisotopes; Humans; Radiation Monitoring; Fukushima Nuclear Accident; Radioactive Hazard Release
PubMed: 38781769
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2024.107458 -
Nano Letters May 2024CsPbI perovskite quantum dots (QDs) could achieve pure-red emission by reducing their size, but the increased exciton binding energy () and surface defects for the...
CsPbI perovskite quantum dots (QDs) could achieve pure-red emission by reducing their size, but the increased exciton binding energy () and surface defects for the small-sized QDs (SQDs) cause severe Auger and trap recombinations, thus worsening their electroluminescence (EL) performance. Herein, we utilize the dangling bonds of the SQDs as a driving force to accelerate KI dissolution to solve its low solubility in nonpolar solvents, thereby allowing K and I to bond to the surface of SQDs. The of the SQDs was decreased from 305 to 51 meV because of the attraction of K to electrons, meanwhile surface vacancies were passivated by K and I. The Auger and trap recombinations were simultaneously suppressed by this difunctional ligand. The SQD-based light-emitting diode showed a stable pure-red EL peak of 639 nm, an external quantum efficiency of 25.1% with low roll-off, and a brightness of 5934 cd m.
PubMed: 38767286
DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01441 -
JDR Clinical and Translational Research May 2024Discoloration of carious lesions after application of silver diamine fluoride lowers patient acceptance and limits its wider use for caries arrest.
BACKGROUND
Discoloration of carious lesions after application of silver diamine fluoride lowers patient acceptance and limits its wider use for caries arrest.
OBJECTIVE
To assess lesion and tooth color changes from 2 novel silver fluoride (AgF) products and its relationship to caries activity (clinical visuo-tactile scores) and bacterial load (using laser fluorescence with the DIAGNOdent).
METHODS
A split-mouth design was followed, with matched smooth surface carious lesions in the same arch in adults with special needs randomized for 1-min treatments with AgF/potassium iodide (KI) (Riva Star Aqua, SDI) and AgF/stannous fluoride (SnF) (Caries Status Disclosing Solution; Whiteley). Standardized images taken at baseline, immediately postoperatively, and at 3-mo review were subjected to digital image analysis to calculate delta-E and to track changes in luminosity of carious lesions.
RESULTS
Twelve participants were recruited in the study. A total of 56 teeth (28 pairs) were included. Significantly greater changes were seen in treated lesions than in the adjacent noncarious natural tooth structure, both immediately after treatment and at the 3-mo review ( < 0.0001). Color change and caries activity were not affected by tooth type, tooth location, plaque status, salivary status, or special needs condition. AgF/SnF caused transitory darkening immediately on application, while AgF/KI caused the immediate formation of yellow deposits (silver iodide). Both products caused significant darkening of treated lesions at 3 mo ( = 0.0009; = 0.0361), with no differences between them ( = 0.506). Responding lesions showed larger and more perceptible color changes immediately after either AgF application ( = 0.002; = 0.024).
CONCLUSIONS
Both AgF products were highly effective for caries arrest in this patient population. Despite minor differences in the appearance of treated lesions at the time of application, both products lead to similar darkening of treated sites at 3 mo.
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT
This study shows the usefulness of silver fluoride used in conjunction with potassium iodide or stannous fluoride for achieving caries arrest in smooth surface lesions in adults with special needs. Patients need to be informed that long-term staining of the lesion occurs with both, similar to silver diamine fluoride.
PubMed: 38760973
DOI: 10.1177/23800844241246199 -
Analytical Methods : Advancing Methods... May 2024Microfluidic channels fabricated over fabrics or papers have the potential to find substantial application in the next generation of wearable healthcare monitoring...
Microfluidic channels fabricated over fabrics or papers have the potential to find substantial application in the next generation of wearable healthcare monitoring systems. The present work focuses on the fabrication procedures that can be used to obtain practically realizable fabric-based microfluidic channels (μFADs) utilizing patterning masks and wax, unlike conventional printing techniques. In this study, comparative analysis was used to differentiate channels obtained using different masking tools for channel patterning as well as different wax materials as hydrophobic barriers. Drawbacks of the conventional tape and candle wax technique were noted and a novel approach was used to create microfluidic channels through a facile and simple masking technique using PVC clear sheets as channel stencils and beeswax as the channel barriers. The resulting fabric based microfluidic channels with varying widths as well as complex microchannel, microwell, and micromixer designs were investigated and a minimum channel width resolution of 500 μm was successfully obtained over cotton based fabrics. Thereafter, the PVC clear sheet-beeswax based microwells were successfully tested to confine various organic and inorganic samples indicating vivid applicability of the technique. Finally, the microwells were used to make a simple and facile colorimetric assay for glucose detection and demonstrated effective detection of glucose levels from 10 mM to 50 mM with significant color variation using potassium iodide as the coloring agent. The above findings clearly suggest the potential of this alternative technique for making low-cost and practically realizable fabric based diagnostic devices (μFADs) in contrast to the other approaches that are currently in use.
Topics: Waxes; Polyvinyl Chloride; Textiles; Colorimetry; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Glucose; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Humans; Equipment Design; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 38747244
DOI: 10.1039/d4ay00389f -
Maedica Mar 2024This study aimed to evaluate the effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in combination with or without glutathione (Glu) and potassium iodide (KI) on the fluoride...
Evaluating the Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride, with or without Glutathione and Potassium Iodide, on Fluoride Release, Dentin Microhardness and Surface Properties of Dentin.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in combination with or without glutathione (Glu) and potassium iodide (KI) on the fluoride release and the enhancement of dentin microhardness. In this study, 90 intact premolar teeth from human subjects were allocated into nine groups, each consisting of ten samples: A) control; B) SDF; C) SDF combined with 5% Glu; D) SDF combined with 10% Glu; E) SDF combined with 20% Glu; F) KI after SDF; G) 5% Glu after SDF; H) 10% Glu after SDF; and I) 20% Glu after SDF. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software and ANOVA and post-hoc and repeated measure test (P value <0.05). Dentin microhardness exhibited variations across different treatments, with the highest value being observed in the SDF-5% Glu group and the lowest in the control group. However, there was a significant difference between the mean values of SDF-5% Glu group and the SDF group. Significant increases in microhardness were observed when comparing SDF-5% Glu to SDF+5% Glu and SDF-10% Glu to SDF+10% Glu in peer groups (P value <0.05). Over time, there was a significant increase in the amount of fluoride released as compared to the initial day. The utilization of SDF-5% Glu group exhibited the most favorable effect on improving dentin hardness. Additionally, utilizing Glu in concentrations of 5% and 10% after SDF application proved more effective in increasing dentin microhardness than combining it with SDF. Moreover, in all three fluoride measurement periods, adding 5% Glu to SDF and using 20% Glu following SDF administration led to a significant increase in fluoride release compared to the application of SDF alone.
PubMed: 38736910
DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2024.19.11.48 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024We modified -symmetric benzene-1,3,5--amide (BTA) by introducing flexible linkers in order to generate an N-centered BTA (N-BTA) molecule. The N-BTA compound formed gels...
We modified -symmetric benzene-1,3,5--amide (BTA) by introducing flexible linkers in order to generate an N-centered BTA (N-BTA) molecule. The N-BTA compound formed gels in alcohols and aqueous mixtures of high-polar solvents. Rheological studies showed that the DMSO/water (1:1, /) gels were mechanically stronger compared to other gels, and a similar trend was observed for thermal stability. Powder X-ray analysis of the xerogel obtained from various aqueous gels revealed that the packing modes of the gelators in these systems were similar. The stimuli-responsive properties of the N-BTA towards sodium/potassium salts indicated that the gel network collapsed in the presence of more nucleophilic anions such as cyanide, fluoride, and chloride salts at the MGC, but the gel network was intact when in contact with nitrate, sulphate, acetate, bromide, and iodide salts, indicating the anion-responsive properties of N-BTA gels. Anion-induced gel formation was observed for less nucleophilic anions below the MGC of N-BTA. The ability of N-BTA gels to act as an adsorbent for hazardous anionic and cationic dyes in water was evaluated. The results indicated that the ethanolic gels of N-BTA successfully absorbed methylene blue and methyl orange dyes from water. This work demonstrates the potential of the N-BTA gelator to act as a stimuli-responsive material and a promising candidate for water purification.
PubMed: 38731640
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092149