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Journal of Food Science Jul 2024This study explored the mechanism of l-lysine intervention in wheat gluten protein (WG) gel formation under a microwave (MW) field. The results showed that the MW...
This study explored the mechanism of l-lysine intervention in wheat gluten protein (WG) gel formation under a microwave (MW) field. The results showed that the MW treatment had higher ζ-potential values at the same heating rate. After adding l-lysine, the solution conductivity and dielectric loss were significantly increased. Moreover, the WG gel strength enhanced 4.40% under the MW treatment. The Fourier spectra showed that the α-helix content was decreased 13.78% with the addition of lysine. The ultraviolet absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra indicated that MW irradiation impacted the interactions between WG molecules more effectively than the water bath heating, promoting the denaturation and unfolding of the protein structure. In addition, scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the incorporation of lysine promoted an ordered network structure formation of the protein, which enhanced the gel properties. This indicated that the zwitterion of l-lysine played a regulatory role in the aggregation of proteins in the MW field.
Topics: Microwaves; Lysine; Triticum; Glutens; Protein Aggregates; Plant Proteins; Hot Temperature; Gels
PubMed: 38957101
DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.17169 -
Analytical Chemistry Jul 2024It is well-known that the bacterial microenvironment imposes restrictions on the growth and behavior of bacteria. The localized monitoring of microenvironmental factors...
It is well-known that the bacterial microenvironment imposes restrictions on the growth and behavior of bacteria. The localized monitoring of microenvironmental factors is appreciated when consulting bacterial adaptation and behavior in the presence of chemical or mechanical stimuli. Herein, we developed a novel liquid crystal (LC) biosensor in a microsphere configuration for real-time 3D monitoring of the bacteria microenvironment, which was implemented by a microfluidic chip. As a proof of concept, a LC gel (LC-Gel) microsphere biosensor was prepared and employed in the localized pH changes of bacteria by observing the configuration change of LC under polarized optical microscopy. Briefly, the microsphere biosensor was constructed in core-shell configuration, wherein the core contained LCE7 (a nematic LC) doped with 4-pentylbiphenyl-4'-carboxylic acid (PBA), and the shell encapsulated the bacteria. The protonation of carboxyl functional groups of the PBA induced a change in charge density on the surface of LCE7 and the orientation of E7 molecules, resulting in the transitions of the LC nucleus from axial to bipolar. The developed LC-Gel microspheres pH sensor exhibited its dominant performance on localized pH real-time sensing with a resolution of 0.1. An intriguing observation from the prepared pH biosensor was that the diverse bacteria impelled distinct acidifying or alkalizing effects. Overall, the facile LC-Gel microsphere biosensor not only provides a versatile tool for label-free, localized pH monitoring but also opens avenues for investigating the effects of chemical and mechanical stimuli on cellular metabolism within bacterial microenvironments.
PubMed: 38957093
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c02040 -
Biomacromolecules Jul 2024The surface of food processing equipment is easily affected by biofilm-forming bacteria, leading to cross-contamination and food safety hazards. The critical issue is...
The surface of food processing equipment is easily affected by biofilm-forming bacteria, leading to cross-contamination and food safety hazards. The critical issue is how to endow the surface of contact materials with antibacterial and antibiofilm abilities. A sustainable, stable, and antibiofilm coating was prepared by phase transition of glutenin. The disulfide bonds in glutenin were reduced by tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine, triggering the phase transition of glutenin. Hydrophobic interactions and intermolecular disulfide bonds may be the primary forces. Furthermore, the phase-transited products formed a nanoscale coating on the surface of stainless steel and glass under their own adhesion force and gravity. The coating exhibited good stability in harsh environments. More importantly, after 3 h of direct contact, the colony of and decreased by one logarithm. The amount of biofilm was observed to be significantly decreased through optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This article provides a foundational module for developing novel coatings.
PubMed: 38956952
DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00422 -
ACS Nano Jul 2024Sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS), also known as vapor phase infiltration (VPI), is a quickly expanding technique that allows growth of inorganic materials within...
Sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS), also known as vapor phase infiltration (VPI), is a quickly expanding technique that allows growth of inorganic materials within polymers from vapor phase precursors. With an increasing materials library, which encompasses numerous organometallic precursors and polymer chemistries, and an expanding application space, the importance of understanding the mechanisms that govern SIS growth is ever increasing. In this work, we studied the growth of polycrystalline ZnO clusters and particles in three representative polymers: poly(methyl methacrylate), SU-8, and polymethacrolein using vapor phase diethyl zinc and water. Utilizing two atomic resolution methods, high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we probed the evolution of ZnO nanocrystals size and crystallinity level inside the polymers with advancing cycles─from early nucleation and growth after a single cycle, through the formation of nanometric particles within the films, and to the coalescence of the particles upon polymer removal and thermal treatment. Through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and microgravimetry, we highlight the important role of water molecules throughout the process and the polymers' hygroscopic level that leads to the observed differences in growth patterns between the polymers, in terms of particle size, dispersity, and the evolution of crystalline order. These insights expand our understanding of crystalline materials growth within polymers and enable rational design of hybrid materials and polymer-templated inorganic nanostructures.
PubMed: 38956949
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02846 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jul 2024Artificial photosynthesis is an effective way of converting CO into fuel and high value-added chemicals. However, the sluggish interfacial electron transfer and...
Artificial photosynthesis is an effective way of converting CO into fuel and high value-added chemicals. However, the sluggish interfacial electron transfer and adsorption of CO at the catalyst surface strongly hamper the activity and selectivity of CO reduction. Here, we report a photocathode attaching zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) onto a ZnTe surface to mimic an aquatic leaf featuring stoma and chlorophyll for efficient photoelectrochemical conversion of CO into CO. ZIF-8 possessing high CO adsorption capacity and diffusivity has been selected to enrich CO into nanocages and provide a large number of catalytic active sites. ZnTe with high light-absorption capacity serves as a light-absorbing layer. CO molecules are collected in large nanocages of ZIF-8 and delivered to the ZnTe surface. As evidenced by scanning electrochemical microscopy, the interface can effectively boost interfacial electron transfer kinetics. The ZIF-8/ZnTe photocathode with unsaturated Zn-N sites exhibits a high Faradaic efficiency for CO production of 92.9% and a large photocurrent of 6.67 mA·cm at -2.48 V (vs Fc/Fc) in a nonaqueous electrolyte at AM 1.5G solar irradiation (100 mW·cm).
PubMed: 38956932
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c06921 -
Current Drug Delivery Jul 2024The therapeutic effect of NS oil in mild to moderate psoriasis is limited owing to low play load of thymoquinone ( < 15 %w/w), irritation, dripping, low viscosity...
BACKGROUND
The therapeutic effect of NS oil in mild to moderate psoriasis is limited owing to low play load of thymoquinone ( < 15 %w/w), irritation, dripping, low viscosity and thus, less contact time on the lesions.
AIMS
This study aimed at developing and characterizing the ethanolic vesicular hydrogel system of Nigella sativa (NS) oil (NS EV hydrogel) for the enhancement of anti-psoriatic activity.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to develop NS EV hydrogel and evaluate its anti-psoriatic activity.
METHODS
The identification and quantification of TQ content in different NS seed extracts and marketed oil were measured by an HPTLC method using n-hexane and ethyl acetate as solvent systems. Preparation of ethanolic vesicles (EVs) was performed by solvent injection method, while its antipsoriatic activity was evaluated employing an Imiquad (IMQ)-induced plaque psoriasis animal model.
RESULTS
A compact HPTLC band was obtained for TQ at an Rf value of 0.651. The calibration plot was linear in the range of 1-10 μg/spot, and the correlation coefficient of 0.990 was indicative of good linear dependence of peak area on concentration. From the different NS sources, the high TQ content was obtained in the marketed cold press oil, i.e., 1.45±0.08mg/ml. Out of various NS oilloaded EVs, the F6 formulation revealed the smallest particle size (278.1nm), with log-normal size distribution (0.459) and adequate entrapment efficiency. A non-uniform shape was observed in the transmission electron microscopy. The viscosity of F6 formulation hydrogel was 32.34 (Pa·s), which exhibited plastic behavior. In vivo, efficacy studies demonstrated decreased inflammation of the epidermis and dermis and a marked decrease in the levels of IL-17 by NS EV hydrogel compared to plain NS oil and standard drugs (Betamethasone and Dr. JRK Psorolin Oil).
CONCLUSION
It may be concluded from the findings that NS-loaded EV gel was as good as betamethasone cream but more efficacious than the other treatments.
PubMed: 38956909
DOI: 10.2174/0115672018246645231019131748 -
Molecular Therapy : the Journal of the... Jul 2024Several viruses hijack various forms of endocytosis in order to infect host cells. Here, we report the discovery of a molecule with antiviral properties that we named...
Several viruses hijack various forms of endocytosis in order to infect host cells. Here, we report the discovery of a molecule with antiviral properties that we named virapinib, which limits viral entry by macropinocytosis. The identification of virapinib derives from a chemical screen using High-Throughput Microscopy, where we identified chemical entities capable of preventing infection with a pseudotype virus expressing the spike (S) protein from SARS-CoV-2. Subsequent experiments confirmed the capacity of virapinib to inhibit infection by SARS-CoV-2, as well as by additional viruses, such as Monkeypox virus and TBEV. Mechanistic analyses revealed that the compound inhibited macropinocytosis, limiting this entry route for the viruses. Importantly, virapinib has no significant toxicity to host cells. In summary, we present the discovery of a molecule that inhibits macropinocytosis, thereby limiting the infectivity of viruses that use this entry route such as SARS-CoV2.
PubMed: 38956870
DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.038 -
The Journal of Contemporary Dental... Apr 2024The study aimed to assess the microleakage of nanoparticle-based (NPB) cyanoacrylate sealer and epoxy resin-based (ERB) sealer using radioisotope method and confocal...
AIM OF THE STUDY
The study aimed to assess the microleakage of nanoparticle-based (NPB) cyanoacrylate sealer and epoxy resin-based (ERB) sealer using radioisotope method and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 100 single-rooted teeth were collected; specimens were accessed, instrumented, and irrigated, and randomly distributed into 4 groups of 25 samples each: Group I: Positive control, group II: Negative control, group III: Obturated with NPB sealer, and group IV: Obturated with ERB sealer. All samples were immersed in 99mTc pertechnetate solution, for 3 hours after which radioactivity was estimated under a Gamma camera. The radioactivity released by specimens before and after nail varnish removal was statistically analyzed. After 2 weeks, the same samples were used for CLSM analysis. The sealer tubular penetration depth was measured at the deepest level for each group using ZEN lite 2012. Data collected was statistically evaluated.
RESULTS
The amount of radioactivity observed at first in group III and group IV was 194.76 and 599.12 units, respectively, with -value < 0.001, indicating significant interaction, and after nail varnish removal, it was 89.68 and 468.44 units, respectively, with a -value < 0.001; again, indicating statistical significance. Hence, the radioactivity of NPB sealer was found to be lower than ERB sealer in both cases, indicating better sealing of the former. The photomicrographs show that mean value of dye penetration in NPB sealer in first, second, and third segment from apex was 85.06, 75.73, and 66.09, respectively; while in the case of ERB sealer, those were 597.28, 461.17, and 195.68, respectively; with -value < 0.001; signifying that NPB sealer exhibited higher resistance to microleakage than ERB sealer.
CONCLUSION
The NPB sealer can become a potential root canal sealer in future endodontics due to superior physiochemical properties attributed to the cyanoacrylate and incorporated nanoparticles.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The study clinically signifies that we can equally use the radioisotopic method along with confocal method while conducting the microleakage studies. In addition, NPB sealer can be an emerging replacement with better properties than gold standard root canal sealers for clinical use. How to cite this article: Shetty C, Qaiser S, Shetty A, . Evaluation of Microleakage of Nanoparticle-incorporated Cyanoacrylate Root Canal Sealer Using the Radioisotopic Method: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):335-341.
Topics: Dental Leakage; Root Canal Filling Materials; Humans; Nanoparticles; In Vitro Techniques; Microscopy, Confocal; Epoxy Resins; Cyanoacrylates; Root Canal Obturation; Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m; Materials Testing
PubMed: 38956848
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3683 -
The Journal of Contemporary Dental... Apr 2024The aim of the current study was to evaluate the penetration depth and smear layer removal of root canal irrigant using various irrigation activation techniques. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
AIM
The aim of the current study was to evaluate the penetration depth and smear layer removal of root canal irrigant using various irrigation activation techniques.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this investigation, sixty single-rooted premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes were chosen. Diamond burs were used to create an access cavity, and #10 K-file was used to determine the patency. About sixty samples were divided into the following three groups (20 samples in each group), group I: Irrigation with conventional needle, group II: Activation of EndoVac system, group III: Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). The efficacy of the smear layer was assessed using a scanning electron microscopy at a ×2000 magnification. One-way ANOVA was used to record and analyze the data. All statistical analyses were performed with a significance level of < 0.05.
RESULTS
At coronal third, the maximum smear layer was removed in group II (1.26 ± 0.02) followed by group III (1.84 ± 0.16) and group I (2.89 ± 0.21). At middle third, smear layer removal was maximum in group I (1.18 ± 0.10) followed by group III (1.72 ± 0.09) and group I (2.66 ± 0.18). At apical third, the more smear layer was removed in group II (1.02 ± 0.01) followed by group III (1.58 ± 0.08) and group I (2.38 ± 0.06). There was a highly significant difference found between the three different irrigation systems at all three levels ( < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, every irrigation device that was evaluated was successful in removing the smear layer from the root canal. However, the EndoVac system group removed a greater amount of smear layer compared with PUI and conventional needle group.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
With the goal of promoting cleaning that is beyond the ability of mechanical devices, irrigation is a crucial part of root canal therapy. If an efficient irrigation delivery system is used, the irrigants can reach the working length (WL). This type of distribution system needs to provide a suitable amount of irrigants up to the WL, as well as have enough flow and be effective at debriding the entire canal system. How to cite this article: Pujari MD, Das M, Das A, . Assessment of Smear Layer Removal and Penetration Depth of Root Canal Irrigant Using Different Irrigation Activation Systems: A Comparative Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):331-334.
Topics: Root Canal Irrigants; Smear Layer; Humans; Therapeutic Irrigation; Root Canal Preparation; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Bicuspid; Dental Pulp Cavity; In Vitro Techniques
PubMed: 38956847
DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3626 -
Fluids and Barriers of the CNS Jul 2024AQP4 is expressed in the endfeet membranes of subpial and perivascular astrocytes and in the ependymal cells that line the ventricular system. The sporadic appearance of...
AQP4 is expressed in the endfeet membranes of subpial and perivascular astrocytes and in the ependymal cells that line the ventricular system. The sporadic appearance of obstructive congenital hydrocephalus (OCHC) has been observed in the offspring of AQP4 mice (KO) due to stenosis of Silvio's aqueduct. Here, we explore whether the lack of AQP4 expression leads to abnormal development of ependymal cells in the aqueduct of mice. We compared periaqueductal samples from wild-type and KO mice. The microarray-based transcriptome analysis reflected a large number of genes with differential expression (809). Gene sets (GS) associated with ependymal development, ciliary function and the immune system were specially modified qPCR confirmed reduced expression in the KO mice genes: (i) coding for transcription factors for ependymal differentiation (Rfx4 and FoxJ1), (ii) involved in the constitution of the central apparatus of the axoneme (Spag16 and Hydin), (iii) associated with ciliary assembly (Cfap43, Cfap69 and Ccdc170), and (iv) involved in intercellular junction complexes of the ependyma (Cdhr4). By contrast, genes such as Spp1, Gpnmb, Itgax, and Cd68, associated with a Cd11c-positive microglial population, were overexpressed in the KO mice. Electron microscopy and Immunofluorescence of vimentin and γ-tubulin revealed a disorganized ependyma in the KO mice, with changes in the intercellular complex union, unevenly orientated cilia, and variations in the planar cell polarity of the apical membrane. These structural alterations translate into reduced cilia beat frequency, which might alter cerebrospinal fluid movement. The presence of CD11c + microglia cells in the periaqueductal zone of mice during the first postnatal week is a novel finding. In AQP4 mice, these cells remain present around the aqueduct for an extended period, showing peak expression at P11. We propose that these cells play an important role in the normal development of the ependyma and that their overexpression in KO mice is crucial to reduce ependyma abnormalities that could otherwise contribute to the development of obstructive hydrocephalus.
Topics: Animals; Ependyma; Hydrocephalus; Microglia; Mice, Knockout; Aquaporin 4; Mice; Cerebral Aqueduct; CD11 Antigens; Mice, Inbred C57BL
PubMed: 38956598
DOI: 10.1186/s12987-024-00548-2