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Physiological Reports Jul 2024The present study aimed to investigate the effect of catechin-loaded Chitosan-Alginate nanoparticles (NPs) on cognitive function in an aluminum chloride (AlCl)-induced...
Oral administration of encapsulated catechin in chitosan-alginate nanoparticles improves cognitive function and neurodegeneration in an aluminum chloride-induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease.
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of catechin-loaded Chitosan-Alginate nanoparticles (NPs) on cognitive function in an aluminum chloride (AlCl)-induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Catechin-loaded Chitosan-Alginate nanocarriers were synthesized through ionotropic gelation (IG) method. Physio-chemical characterization was conducted with the Zetasizer Nano system, the scanning electron microscope, and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The experiments were performed over 21 days on six groups of male Wistar rats. The control group, AlCl treated group, Catechin group, nanocarrier group, treatment group 1 (AlCl + Catechin), and treatment group 2 (AlCl + nanocarrier). A behavioral study was done by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. In addition, the level of oxidative indices and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity was determined by standard procedures at the end of the study. AlCl induced a significant increase in AChE activity, along with a significant decrease in the level of Catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the hippocampus. Moreover, the significant effect of AlCl was observed on the behavioral parameters of the MWM test. Both forms of Catechin markedly improved AChE activity, oxidative biomarkers, spatial memory, and learning. The present study indicated that the administration of Catechin-loaded Chitosan-Alginate NPs is a beneficial therapeutic option against behavioral and chemical alteration of AD in male Wistar rats.
Topics: Animals; Catechin; Aluminum Chloride; Chitosan; Alginates; Male; Rats, Wistar; Alzheimer Disease; Rats; Nanoparticles; Administration, Oral; Cognition; Acetylcholinesterase; Maze Learning; Hippocampus; Disease Models, Animal; Antioxidants; Oxidative Stress; Drug Carriers
PubMed: 38946616
DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16095 -
Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society Jul 2024Occurrence of denture stomatitis and prosthesis breakage are common problems faced by elderly people wearing removable dentures. To overcome this, several attempts are...
AIM
Occurrence of denture stomatitis and prosthesis breakage are common problems faced by elderly people wearing removable dentures. To overcome this, several attempts are made to improve the denture material by addition of antimicrobials without compromising original properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate flexural strength and microhardness of self-cured polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resin after addition of Vaccinium macrocarpon (commonly called as cranberry), extract as antimicrobial, at varying proportions.
STUDY SETTING AND DESIGN
Experimental in vitro study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Frozen cranberry fruits were subjected to extraction process in the presence of aqueous solvents. Lyophilized extract was added in proportions of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 dry wt/wt % into polymer of self-cure PMMA denture base resin. Based on cranberry inclusion, the study comprised one control (0%) and four test groups (0.5%-2%) with total of 100 samples. A three-point bending test for flexural strength was done for fifty study samples (n = 10). Surface of fractured samples was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Microhardness was determined using Vickers hardness test.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED
One-way statistical ANOVA test was done to find the difference between groups, followed by Tukey's post hoc test for multiple pairwise comparison.
RESULTS
Flexural strength ranged from 66.80 to 69.28 MPa, and a statistically insignificant difference was observed between groups (P > 0.05). SEM evaluation showed uniformly dispersed strands of cranberry extract in PMMA matrix. With higher concentration, less voids were seen. Vickers microhardness value significantly decreased from 15.96 in the control group to 14.57 with 2% cranberry addition (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Incorporation of cranberry extract into self-cure PMMA denture base resin, up to 2 dry wt %, did not decline the flexural strength. However, there was a significant decrease in Vickers microhardness values when compared against the control group (0% cranberry inclusion).
Topics: Polymethyl Methacrylate; Hardness; Flexural Strength; Vaccinium macrocarpon; Plant Extracts; Materials Testing; Humans; Denture Bases; Dental Materials; Anti-Infective Agents; In Vitro Techniques
PubMed: 38946510
DOI: 10.4103/jips.jips_25_24 -
Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society Jul 2024The aim of this study was to compare the marginal fit of prefabricated occlusal veneers with computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM)-milled zirconia... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
A comparative evaluation of marginal fit and microleakage of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing-milled zirconia and prefabricated posterior occlusal veneers: An in vitrostudy.
AIMS
The aim of this study was to compare the marginal fit of prefabricated occlusal veneers with computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM)-milled zirconia occlusal veneers in the posterior teeth.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
Forty extracted human maxillary premolars were divided into two groups of 20 each. Group 1 was prepared to receive prefabricated occlusal veneers, and Group 2 was prepared to receive CAD-CAM-milled zirconia occlusal veneers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Prefabricated samples (Edelweiss) were selected for Group 1, whereas for Group 2, the tooth preparations were scanned, and occlusal veneers were fabricated using Exocad designing software and milling machine. After luting, both the groups were submerged in dye, sectioned, and evaluated for marginal fit and microleakage under a stereomicroscope using the microscope imaging software and its measurement tool.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED
Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 27.0. Intragroup and intergroup comparison was done using the Mann-Whitney U test. The Chi-square test was applied to check the depth of penetration of dye based on percentages.
RESULTS
The marginal gap of zirconia occlusal veneers fabricated with CAD-CAM is higher compared to that of prefabricated occlusal veneers. Similarly, the depth of penetration of dye is higher in CAD-CAM-milled zirconia occlusal veneers than prefabricated occlusal veneers.
CONCLUSION
The marginal fit of prefabricated occlusal veneer is better than the marginal fit of zirconia occlusal veneers fabricated with CAD-CAM. Similarly, it can also be concluded that the microleakage of prefabricated occlusal veneer is less compared to the CAD-CAM-milled zirconia occlusal veneers.
Topics: Dental Veneers; Zirconium; Computer-Aided Design; Humans; Dental Marginal Adaptation; Dental Leakage; Dental Prosthesis Design; In Vitro Techniques; Bicuspid
PubMed: 38946505
DOI: 10.4103/jips.jips_346_23 -
Nanoscale Jul 2024Metallizing σ electrons provides a promising route to design high-temperature superconducting materials, such as MgB and high-pressure hydrides. Here, we focus on two...
Metallizing σ electrons provides a promising route to design high-temperature superconducting materials, such as MgB and high-pressure hydrides. Here, we focus on two MgB-like layered carborides LiBC and LiBC; their bulk does not have superconductivity because the B-C σ states are far away from the Fermi level (), however, based on first-principles calculations, we found that when their bulk systems are cleaved into surfaces with B-C termination, high of ∼80 K could be observed in the exposed B-C layer on the surfaces. Detailed analysis reveals that surface symmetry reduction, due to lattice periodic breaking, not only introduces hole self-doping into surface B-C layers and shifts the σ-bonding states towards the - associated with emergent large electronic occupation, but also makes in-plane stretching modes on the surface layer experience significant softness. The enhanced σ states and softened phonon modes work to produce strong coupling, thus yielding high- surface superconductivity, which distinctly differs from the superconducting features of the MgB film, which generates phonon stiffness accompanied by suppressed superconductivity. Our findings undoubtedly provide a novel platform to realize high- surface superconductivity, and also clearly elucidate the microscopic mechanism of surface-enhanced superconductivity in favor of creating more high- surface superconductors among MgB-like layered materials.
PubMed: 38946398
DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01482k -
Australian Endodontic Journal : the... Jun 2024The aim was to analyse the influence of an apical ledge on root canal disinfection. Forty-four single-rooted teeth were micro-CT scanned and inoculated with Enterococcus...
The aim was to analyse the influence of an apical ledge on root canal disinfection. Forty-four single-rooted teeth were micro-CT scanned and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. In Group S shaping was performed with ProTaper Next (PTN) up to X3 at working length (WL). In Group L an apical ledge was created with K-Files #40 and shaping completed up to PTN X3. NaOCl 5% and EDTA 10% irrigant solutions were alternated. Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and viability staining were used to analyse the proportions of dead (red) and live (green) bacteria and penetration ability inside dentinal tubules. Data were analysed with the Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). In Group L the amount of red fluorescence resulted significantly lower, and penetration ability was decreased in the apical and middle portion (p < 0.05). The presence of an apical ledge may negatively influence the disinfection both in the apical and middle third.
PubMed: 38946230
DOI: 10.1111/aej.12871 -
Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi. Folia... 2024The development of genetically-encoded fluorescent probes for the detection of intracellular calcium ions and various neurotransmitters has progressed significantly in... (Review)
Review
The development of genetically-encoded fluorescent probes for the detection of intracellular calcium ions and various neurotransmitters has progressed significantly in recent years, and there is a growing need for techniques that rapidly and efficiently image these signals in the living brain for pharmacological studies of the central nervous system. In this article, we discuss one-photon fluorescence microscopy techniques used for brain activity imaging, particularly wide-field imaging and head-mounted miniaturized microscopy, and introduce their basic principles, recent advances, and applications in pharmacological research. Wide-field calcium imaging is suitable for mesoscopic observation of cortical activity during behavioral tasks in head-fixed awake mice, while head-mounted miniaturized microscopes can be attached to the animal's head to image brain activity associated with naturalistic behaviors such as social behavior and sleep. One-photon microscopy allows for the development of a simple and cost-effective imaging system using an affordable excitation light source such as a light-emitting diode. Its excitation light illuminates the entire field of view simultaneously, making it easy to perform high-speed imaging using a high-sensitivity camera. In contrast, the short wavelength of the excitation light limits the field of observation to areas on or near the brain surface due to its strong light scattering. Moreover, the out-of-focus fluorescence makes it difficult to obtain images with a high signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution. The use of one-photon microscopy in brain activity imaging has been limited compared to two-photon microscopy, but its advantages have recently been revisited. Therefore, this technique is expected to become a useful method for pharmacologists to visualize the activity of the living brain.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Humans; Pharmacology
PubMed: 38945906
DOI: 10.1254/fpj.24012 -
Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics Jun 2024Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is environmentally friendly and of increasing interest. However, not all plant extracts can meet successfully on...
Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is environmentally friendly and of increasing interest. However, not all plant extracts can meet successfully on the synthesis. Therefore, searching for the high potential extracts that can reduce the metal salt precursor in the synthesis reaction is essential. The present study explores the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using Caesalpinia sappan heartwood extract. Phytochemical analysis and determination of the total phenolic content of the extract were performed before use as a reducing agent. Under the suitable synthesized condition, a color change in the color of the solutions to brown confirmed the formation of CuONPs. The obtained CuONPs were confirmed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, photon correlation spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The synthesized CuONPs investigated for antioxidant, antiglycation, and antibacterial activities. CuONPs possessed antioxidant activities by quenching free radicals with an IC value of 63.35 µg/mL and reducing activity with an EC range of 3.19-10.27 mM/mg. CuONPs also inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products in the bovine serum albumin/ribose model with an IC value of 17.05 µg/mL. In addition, CuONPs showed inhibition of human pathogens, including Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, and prevention of biofilm formation and biofilm eradication, with maximum inhibition of approx. 75%. Our findings suggest that C. sappan extract can be used to obtain highly bioactive CuONPs for the development of certain medical devices and therapeutic agents.
PubMed: 38945877
DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2024.01030 -
Dental Materials Journal Jun 2024Laboratory evidence has shown that 45S5 bioglass can help in dental remineralization, so its incorporation into resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) has been...
Laboratory evidence has shown that 45S5 bioglass can help in dental remineralization, so its incorporation into resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) has been studied. This randomized clinical trial aimed to determine the efficacy of RMGIC enriched with 10% 45S5 bioglass (RMGIC/45S5) in preventing the progression of moderate caries lesions. Sixty-six permanent molars with moderate caries lesions, were randomly sealed with RMGIC or RMGIC/45S5. After 1, 3-6 months, patients' oral health, material behavior, and caries evolution were evaluated. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test was employed. After one month, the RMGIC showed higher total retention and better clinical performance compared to RMGIC/45S5, both showed a predominance of sealed teeth or without caries progression. After 6 months, no materials retention, quality and caries progression difference was observed for both materials. Short-term clinical follow-up reveals worse retention and quality of RMGIC/45S5, only after 6 months no clinical/microscopic differences are observed between the materials.
PubMed: 38945864
DOI: 10.4012/dmj.2023-261 -
The Journal of Toxicological Sciences 2024To examine the effects of decreased food consumption on toxicological parameters in juvenile rats, rats on postnatal day 21 were fed 40%, 50% (only four weeks), and 60%...
To examine the effects of decreased food consumption on toxicological parameters in juvenile rats, rats on postnatal day 21 were fed 40%, 50% (only four weeks), and 60% less food, compared to that of controls for four or eight weeks, and clinical observations, measurement of body and organ weights, morphological differentiation analysis, clinical pathology, and macroscopic and microscopic examinations were conducted. The body weight decreased depending on the degree of food restriction (FR). Cleavage of the balano-preputial skinfold was delayed, and cell debris in the epididymal lumen was noted as a related finding after four-week FR. Vaginal opening was also delayed, and some histopathological findings, such as absence of corpus luteum in the ovary, mucinous degeneration in the vagina, and immature uterus, were noted after eight-week FR. Erythrocyte count increased after four-week FR, but slightly decreased in males only after eight-week FR, and decreased leukocyte and/or reticulocyte counts, accompanied by related histopathological findings were noted after four- and eight-week FR. In blood chemistry, the levels of total protein including globulin, glucose, triglyceride, and calcium decreased, and sodium and chloride increased after four- and eight-week FR. Increases in activities of aspartate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin levels were noted after four-week FR, which were attenuated after eight-week FR. The effects of FR seemed to be more remarkable after four weeks. In drug safety evaluation, findings caused by malnutrition should be considered in juvenile toxicity studies when decreased food consumption is observed.
Topics: Animals; Male; Female; Body Weight; Organ Size; Rats; Caloric Restriction; Time Factors; Food Deprivation; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Rats, Wistar
PubMed: 38945843
DOI: 10.2131/jts.49.321 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024Preparing bio-based air filtration membrane through green electrospinning strategy is a vital approach to alleviating environmental and energy crises. However, the...
Preparing bio-based air filtration membrane through green electrospinning strategy is a vital approach to alleviating environmental and energy crises. However, the development of related biomaterials and method for regulating membrane structure are still lacking. In this study, ethyl cellulose (EC) bimodal nanofibrous membrane was prepared by electrospinning using ethanol and water as solvents to achieve high-performance air filtration. A new strategy for bimodal fiber molding based on molecular weight modulation was proposed. The EC polymer chains with medium molecular weights were subject to the highest degree of inhomogeneity of solvent intrusion, and there were significant differences in viscous forces "microscopically", leading to the formation of bimodal structure by inhomogeneous stretching of the jet. The well-defined bimodal structure endowed EC membrane with excellent air filtration performance. The filtration efficiency for PM, pressure drop, quality factor were 99.11 %, 42.2 Pa, and 0.112 Pa, respectively. Compared to the commonly used zein, EC cost just 12.77 %, and its solution had a 50 % longer shelf life, making it a more desirable biomaterial. This work will facilitate the application of more biomaterials in air filtration, promote the green fabrication of high-performance air filtration membranes, and realize sustainable development.
PubMed: 38945722
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133411