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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), characterized by progressive degeneration and death of neurons, are strongly related to aging, and the number of people with NDs will... (Review)
Review
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), characterized by progressive degeneration and death of neurons, are strongly related to aging, and the number of people with NDs will continue to rise. Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most common NDs, and the current treatments offer no cure. A growing body of research shows that AD and especially PD are intricately related to intestinal health and the gut microbiome and that both diseases can spread retrogradely from the gut to the brain. Zeolites are a large family of minerals built by [SiO] and [AlO] tetrahedrons joined by shared oxygen atoms and forming a three-dimensional microporous structure holding water molecules and ions. The most widespread and used zeolite is clinoptilolite, and additionally, mechanically activated clinoptilolites offer further improved beneficial effects. The current review describes and discusses the numerous positive effects of clinoptilolite and its forms on gut health and the gut microbiome, as well as their detoxifying, antioxidative, immunostimulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects, relevant to the treatment of NDs and especially AD and PD. The direct effects of clinoptilolite and its activated forms on AD pathology in vitro and in vivo are also reviewed, as well as the use of zeolites as biosensors and delivery systems related to PD.
Topics: Zeolites; Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Animals; Alzheimer Disease; Parkinson Disease; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38893490
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112614 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Leach bed reactors (LBRs) are dry anaerobic systems that can handle feedstocks with high solid content, like chicken manure, with minimal water addition. In this study,...
Leach bed reactors (LBRs) are dry anaerobic systems that can handle feedstocks with high solid content, like chicken manure, with minimal water addition. In this study, the chicken manure was mixed with zeolite, a novel addition, and packed in the LBR to improve biogas production. The resulting leachate was then processed in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), where most of the methane was produced. The supernatant of the CSTR was returned to the LBR. The batch mode operation of the LBR led to a varying methane production rate (MPR) with a peak in the beginning of each batch cycle when the leachate was rich in organic matter. Comparing the MPR in both systems, the peaks in the zeolite system were higher and more acute than in the control system, which was under stress, as indicated by the acetate accumulation at 2328 mg L. Moreover, the presence of zeolite in the LBR played a crucial role, increasing the overall methane yield from 0.142 (control experiment) to 0.171 NL CH per g of volatile solids of chicken manure entering the system at a solid retention time of 14 d. Zeolite also improved the stability of the system. The ammonia concentration increased gradually due to the little water entering the system and reached 3220 mg L (control system) and 2730 mg L (zeolite system) at the end of the experiment. It seems that zeolite favored the accumulation of the ammonia at a lower rate (14.0 mg L d) compared to the control experiment (17.3 mg L d). The microbial analysis of the CSTR fed on the leachate from the LBR amended with zeolite showed a higher relative abundance of (83.6%) compared to the control experiment (69.1%). Both CSTRs established significantly different bacterial profiles from the inoculum after 120 days of operation ( < 0.05). Regarding the archaeal communities, there were no significant statistical differences between the CSTRs and the inoculum ( > 0.05).
Topics: Zeolites; Animals; Chickens; Manure; Anaerobiosis; Biodegradation, Environmental; Methane; Bioreactors; Biofuels; Ammonia
PubMed: 38893444
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29112568 -
Polymers May 2024Common kitchen wraps like plastic and aluminum foil create significant environmental burdens. Plastic wrap, typically made from non-renewable fossil fuels, often ends up...
Common kitchen wraps like plastic and aluminum foil create significant environmental burdens. Plastic wrap, typically made from non-renewable fossil fuels, often ends up in landfills for centuries, breaking down into harmful microplastics. Aluminum foil, while effective, requires a large amount of energy to produce, and recycling it at home can be impractical due to food residue. A promising new alternative, low-nitrosamine rubber wrap film, aims to reduce waste by offering a reusable option compared to traditional single-use plastic wrap. The film is environmentally friendly, durable, and effective in sealing containers and keeping food fresh or crispy. The raw materials used to make the product were studied, namely fresh and concentrated natural rubber latex. No nitrosamines were found in either the fresh or concentrated latex, which is important as nitrosamines are known to be carcinogenic. The absence of nitrosamines in the raw materials suggests that the universal rubber wrap film is safe for use. In this study, the rubber formulation and properties of rubber used to make rubber wrap film were studied. The content of additives affecting the rubber properties was varied to find the optimum rubber formulation for making rubber wrap films. The rubber formulation with the least amount of chemicals that met the following criteria was selected: tensile strength of at least 15 MPa, elongation at break of at least 600%, and nitrosamine content below 6 ppm. It was found experimentally that the optimum rubber formulation for making a translucent rubber film had 0.7 phr zinc oxide and 1.0 phr sulfur. Performance tests revealed the rubber wrap film's superior sealing capabilities. Its elasticity allows for a tighter fit on containers, effectively conforming to various shapes and creating an optimal seal compared to plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The results of this study provide valuable information for developing a universal rubber wrap film that is safe with low nitrosamines.
PubMed: 38891446
DOI: 10.3390/polym16111499 -
Polymers May 2024This study investigates the impact of mechanical alteration on resin composite surfaces and its subsequent effect on repair bond strength. A total of 100 resin composite...
This study investigates the impact of mechanical alteration on resin composite surfaces and its subsequent effect on repair bond strength. A total of 100 resin composite disks were prepared and were allocated for 24 h or 1 year of artificial aging. Specimens were embedded in epoxy resin, and the composite surfaces were mechanically altered using either diamond burs or air abrasion with aluminum oxide or glass beads. A universal bonding material was applied and a 2 mm circular and 3 mm high repair composite cylinder were prepared using a Teflon mold. Then, the specimens were tested for their shear bond strength, and the de-bonded specimens were observed under a scanning electron microscope to determine the failure pattern. SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data. Two-way ANOVA showed a statistically significant effect of mechanical alteration and aging on the shear bond strength of S-PRG-filler-based resin composite ( < 0.05). Surface modification with a fine diamond bur showed a significantly higher bond strength in both 24-h- and 1-year-aged specimens. Surface modification with alumina significantly increased the bond strength of 1-year-aged specimens; however, it was statistically insignificant for 24 h-aged specimens. Mechanical alteration with a fine diamond bur and 50-micron alumina can improve the repair bond strength of the composite.
PubMed: 38891435
DOI: 10.3390/polym16111488 -
Journal of Materials Science. Materials... Jun 2024Pyrophyllite is the least studied natural clay in terms of its potential in biomedical applications, although there are many deposits of this aluminosilicate around the...
Pyrophyllite is the least studied natural clay in terms of its potential in biomedical applications, although there are many deposits of this aluminosilicate around the world. Genotoxicity study was performed in vitro for this mineral. Subsequently, Wister rats were exposed to the pyrophyllite micronized to below 100 µm. After the exposure period, histology of the lung, liver, kidney and gastric tissues were performed, followed by the stereological and hematological analysis. The physicochemical analyses revealed typical XRD characteristics of pyrophyllite clay with particle-size distribution ranging 50 nm-100 μm with stable mineral composition and unique buffering property to pH around 8. The results showed that there were no cytotoxic effects on to THP-1 cells, or genotoxicity of pyrophyllite measured by the Comet assay. In vivo studies are accompanied by the thorough physicochemical characterization of the micronized pyrophyllite. Histology of the lung tissue proved presence of an inflammatory reaction. On the other hand, gastric tissue has shown the selective accumulation of nanoparticles in enterocytes of the stomach only, as supported by ultrastructural analysis. Liver and kidney tissues have shown tolerability for pyrophyllite particles. The results give directions for further comprehensive studies of potential biomedical applications of the pyrophyllite.
Topics: Animals; Kidney; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Biocompatible Materials; Liver; Aluminum Silicates; Particle Size; Nanoparticles; Humans; Materials Testing; Gastric Mucosa; Male; X-Ray Diffraction; Comet Assay; Clay
PubMed: 38884813
DOI: 10.1007/s10856-024-06793-z -
The Saudi Dental Journal Jun 2024To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of using sandblasting with aluminum oxide particles to improve the shear bond strength of labial veneer restorations in...
OBJECTIVES
To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of using sandblasting with aluminum oxide particles to improve the shear bond strength of labial veneer restorations in dentistry.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A sample size of 50 extracted teeth was divided into five groups, with each group containing ten teeth (n = 10) subject to different treatment protocols. Group 1the control group, underwent conventional surface treatment for labial veneer restorations, including the application of phosphoric acid etchant and bonding protocols. Groups 2 and 3 underwent micro-abrasion using aluminum oxide particles alone for durations of 30 and 45 s, respectively. Groups 4 and 5 experienced a combined approach of micro-abrasion for 30 and 45 s, respectively, followed by conventional surface treatment. The shear bond strength test was performed on each specimen. The resulting modes of failure and surface characteristics were then examined under a digital microscope.The data was analyzed statistically using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post hoc test.
RESULTS
Significant differences were observed in shear bond strength among the five groups (p < 0.05). The group that underwent conventional + 45-second micro-abrasion treatment exhibited the highest mean shear bond strength (25.69 MPa), while the conventional (controlled) group had the lowest (9.01 MPa).
CONCLUSION
Fusing sandblasting and aluminum oxide particles could improve the bond strength of labial veneer restorations. Yet, more research is needed to refine this technique for practical application. This includes a broad array of cement types, particle sizes, and clinical situations to ensure the long-term success of veneer restorations.
PubMed: 38883910
DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2024.04.003 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials resulting from the coordination of metal clusters or ions with organic ligands, merging macromolecular and... (Review)
Review
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials resulting from the coordination of metal clusters or ions with organic ligands, merging macromolecular and coordination chemistry features. Among these, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) stands out as a widely utilized MOF known for its robust stability in aqueous environments owing to the robust interaction between its constituent zinc ions (Zn) and 2-methylimidazole (2-MIM). ZIF-8 readily decomposes under acidic conditions, serving as a promising candidate for pH-responsive drug delivery systems. Moreover, biomimetic materials typically possess good biocompatibility, reducing immune reactions. By mimicking natural structures or surface features within the body, they enhance the targeting of nanoparticles, prolong their circulation time, and increase their bioavailability in vivo. This review explores the latest advancements in biomimetic ZIF-8 nanoparticles for drug delivery, elucidating the primary obstacles and future prospects in utilizing ZIF-8 for drug delivery applications.
Topics: Metal-Organic Frameworks; Humans; Biomimetic Materials; Zeolites; Nanoparticles; Drug Delivery Systems; Imidazoles; Animals; Zinc; Biomimetics; Drug Carriers; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
PubMed: 38882544
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S462480 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024Engineered artificial minerals (EnAMs) are the core of a new concept of designing scavenger compounds for the recovery of critical elements from slags. It requires a...
Engineered artificial minerals (EnAMs) are the core of a new concept of designing scavenger compounds for the recovery of critical elements from slags. It requires a fundamental understanding of solidification from complex oxide melts. Ion diffusivity and viscosity play vital roles in this process. In the melt, phase separations and ion transport give rise to gradients/increments in composition and, with it, to ion diffusivity, temperature, and viscosity. Due to this complexity, solidification phenomena are yet not well understood. If the melt is understood as increments of simple composition on a microscopic level, then the properties of these are more easily accessible from models and experiments. Here, we obtain these data for three stoichiometric lithium aluminum oxides. LiAlO is a promising EnAM for the recovery of lithium from lithium-ion battery pyrometallurgical processing. It is obtained through the addition of aluminum to the recycling slag melt. The high temperature properties spanning from below to above the liquidus temperature of three stoichiometric Li-Al-Oxides: LiAlO, LiAlO, and LiAlO are determined using molecular dynamic simulations. The compounds are also synthesized via the sol-gel route. The Li ion exhibits the largest diffusivity. They are quite mobile already below the liquidus temperature, i.e., for LiAlO at = 1700 K, the diffusion coefficient of the lithium ion equals = 3.0 × 10 m s. The other ions Al and O do not move considerably at that temperature. The diffusivity of Li is largest in the lithium-rich compound LiAlO with = 32 × 10 m s at 2500 K. The lower the viscosity, the higher the lithium content. The LiAlO exhibits a viscosity of η = 2.2 mPa s at 1328 K which matches well with the experimentally determined 2.5 mPa s at this temperature. The viscosity of LiAlO at 1800 K is more than two times higher. These data sets can help to describe the melts on a microscopic level and understand how the melt properties will change due to gradients in the Li/Al concentration.
PubMed: 38882149
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00723 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The purpose of this research was to examine the potential effects of bentonite (BN) supplemented diets on growth, feed utilization, blood biochemistry, and...
Bentonite-supplemented diets improved fish performance ammonia excretion haemato-biochemical analyses immunity antioxidants and histological characteristics of European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax.
The purpose of this research was to examine the potential effects of bentonite (BN) supplemented diets on growth, feed utilization, blood biochemistry, and histomorphology of Dicentrarchus labrax. Six treatments in triplicate were tested: B0, B0.5, B1.0, B1.5, B3.0, and B4.5, which represented fish groups fed diets supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, and 4.5% BN, respectively. For 84 days, juveniles' seabass (initial weight = 32.73 g) were fed diets containing 46% protein, three times daily at 3% of body weight. With a 5% daily water exchange, underground seawater (32 ppt) was used. Findings revealed significant improvements in water quality (TAN and NH3), growth (FW, WG and SGR) and feed utilization (FCR, PER and PPV) in fish fed BN-supplemented diets, with the best values in favor of the B1.5 group. Additional enhancements in kidney function indicators (urea and uric acid) and liver enzymes were observed in fish of the BN-treated groups along with a decrease in cholesterol level in the B1.5 group. Further improvements in fish innate immunity (hemoglobin, red blood cells, glucose, total protein, globulin, and immunoglobulin IgM), antioxidant activity (total antioxidative capacity and catalase), and decreased cortisol levels in fish of the BN-treated groups. Histological examinations of the anterior and posterior intestines and liver in groups B1.5 and B3 revealed the healthiest organs. This study recommends BN at a concentration of 1.5% as a feed additive in the Dicentrarchus labrax diet.
Topics: Animals; Bass; Antioxidants; Dietary Supplements; Bentonite; Ammonia; Animal Feed; Diet
PubMed: 38879696
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63936-6 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Jun 2024The purpose of this study is to evaluate the bond strength of different computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) hybrid ceramic materials following...
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the bond strength of different computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) hybrid ceramic materials following different pretreatments.
METHODS
A total of 306 CAD/CAM hybrid material specimens were manufactured, n = 102 for each material (VarseoSmile Crown [VSCP] by 3D-printing; Vita Enamic [VE] and Grandio Blocs [GB] by milling). Each material was randomly divided into six groups regarding different pretreatment strategies: control, silane, sandblasting (50 μm aluminum oxide particles), sandblasting + silane, etching (9% hydrofluorics acid), etching + silane. Subsequently, surface roughness (Ra) values, surface free energy (SFE) were measured. Each specimen was bonded with a dual-cured adhesive composite. Half of the specimens were subjected to thermocycling (5000 cycles, 5-55 °C). The shear bond strength (SBS) test was performed. Data were analyzed by using a two-way analysis of variance, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney-U-test (α = 0.05).
RESULTS
Material type (p = 0.001), pretreatment strategy (p < 0.001), and the interaction (p < 0.001) all had significant effects on Ra value. However, only etching on VSCP and VE surface increased SFE value significantly. Regarding SBS value, no significant difference was found among the three materials (p = 0.937), while the pretreatment strategy significantly influenced SBS (p < 0.05). Etching on VSCP specimens showed the lowest mean value among all groups, while sandblasting and silane result in higher SBS for all test materials.
CONCLUSIONS
The bond strength of CAD/CAM hybrid ceramic materials for milling and 3D-printing was comparable. Sandblasting and silane coupling were suitable for both millable and printable materials, while hydrofluoric etching should not be recommended for CAD/CAM hybrid ceramic materials.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Since comparable evidence between 3D-printable and millable CAD/CAM dental hybrid materials is scarce, the present study gives clear guidance for pretreatment planning on different materials.
Topics: Surface Properties; Computer-Aided Design; Dental Bonding; Crowns; Materials Testing; Dental Stress Analysis; Shear Strength; Ceramics; Silanes; Dental Materials; Dental Etching; Dental Porcelain; In Vitro Techniques; Humans
PubMed: 38869697
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05767-3