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Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces May 2024Biodegradable electrospun bone repair materials are effective means to treat bone defects. However, because the electrospun substrates are mostly organic polymer...
Biodegradable electrospun bone repair materials are effective means to treat bone defects. However, because the electrospun substrates are mostly organic polymer materials, there is a lack of real-time and intuitive monitoring methods for their degradation in vivo. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop in vivo traced electrospun bone repair materials for postoperative observation of their degradation. In this research, polycaprolactone/up-conversion nanoparticles/magnesium oxide (PCL/UCNPs/MgO) composite scaffolds were prepared by electrospun based on the luminescence characteristics of up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) under near infrared excitation and the osteogenic ability of MgO. The in vivo and in vitro degradation results showed that with the increase of time, the electrospun scaffolds gradually degraded and its luminescence intensity decreased. The addition of UCNPs can effectively monitor the degradation of the scaffolds. In addition, the prepared electrospun scaffolds had great biocompatibility, among which PCL-1%UCNPs-1%MgO (P1U1M) electrospun scaffolds had obvious effect on promoting osteogenic differentiation of mouse embryonic osteoblasts cells (MC3T3-E1) in vitro. In conclusion, P1U1M electrospun scaffolds have the potential to induce bone regeneration at bone defect sites, and can monitor the degradation of electrospun scaffolds. It may be a potential candidate material for bone regeneration in defect area.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Tissue Scaffolds; Osteogenesis; Tissue Engineering; Magnesium Oxide; Bone Regeneration; Polyesters
PubMed: 38520951
DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113860 -
PloS One 2024Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an environmentally friendly technology that improves soil permeability resistance through biocementation....
Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an environmentally friendly technology that improves soil permeability resistance through biocementation. In this study, 2D microscopic analysis and 3D volume reconstruction were performed on river sand after 24 cycles of bio-treatment based on stacked images and computed tomography (CT) scanning data, respectively, to extract biocementation patterns between particles. Based on the mutual validation findings of the two techniques, three patterns in the biocemented sand were identified as G-C-G, G-C, and G-G. Specifically, 2D microscopic analysis showed that G-C-G featured multi-particle encapsulation and bridging, with a pore filling ratio of 81.2%; G-C was characterized by locally coated particle layers, with a pore filling ratio of 19.7%; and the G-G was marked by sporadic filling of interparticle pores, with a pore filling ratio of 11.7%. G-C-G had the best cementation effect and permeability resistance (effective sealing rate of 68.5%), whereas G-C (effective sealing rate of 2.4%) had a relatively minor contribution to pore-filling and flow sealing. 3D volume reconstruction showed that G-C-G had the highest pore filling rate, followed by G-G and G-C. The average filling ratios of area and volume for G-C-G were 83.979% and 77.257%, respectively; for G-G 20.360% and 23.600%; and for G-C 11.545% and 11.250%. The analysis of the representative element volume (REV) was conducted, and the feasibility and reliability of the micro-scale pattern extraction results were confirmed to guide the analysis of macro-scale characteristics. The exploration of the effectiveness of cementation patterns in fluid sealing provides valuable insights into effective biocementation at the pore scale of porous media, which may inspire future research.
Topics: Sand; Calcium Carbonate; Cementation; Reproducibility of Results; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Chemical Precipitation
PubMed: 38512878
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296437 -
Journal of Dentistry May 2024Evaluation of the two-body wear of lithium-silicate ceramics against different antagonists compared to a direct resin composite and human teeth. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVES
Evaluation of the two-body wear of lithium-silicate ceramics against different antagonists compared to a direct resin composite and human teeth.
METHODS
Initial LiSi Block [LISI], IPS e.max CAD [EMA], and CEREC Tessera [TESE] were investigated and compared with direct resin composite [FILL] and human teeth [tooth]. As antagonists were used: steatite, ceramic, and human enamel. The control group tooth was only tested with enamel antagonist. The combinations underwent thermomechanical aging using a chewing simulator. Material losses were calculated using GOM-analysis software. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Kruskal-Wallis H, Mann-Whitney-U-test with Bonferroni correction and Spearman-rho correlation were calculated. A fractographic analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Within TESE, enamel antagonists led to lower restoration losses than steatite and ceramic antagonists. Within FILL, enamel and steatite antagonists caused lower material losses compared to ceramic antagonists. Against steatite antagonists, LISI showed lowest material losses. Against ceramic antagonists, the use of LISI led to lower material losses compared to FILL. Against tooth antagonists, TESE showed lower material losses than tooth and FILL and LISI lower than FILL. Within LISI, steatite antagonists showed lower material losses on the antagonist than ceramic. Within EMA, steatite antagonists showed higher material losses than ceramic ones. Within ceramic antagonists, LISI restoration material showed lower material losses than FILL and EMA.
CONCLUSIONS
Regardless of the antagonist material, the material losses of LISI and EMA were comparable. However, the abrasion resistance of LISI tended to be higher than EMA.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
LISI is a fully crystallized lithium-silicate ceramic and no longer needs to be processed after milling. In addition, the abrasion resistance is very good, regardless of the antagonist material chosen.
Topics: Humans; Composite Resins; Dental Porcelain; Materials Testing; Dental Enamel; Ceramics; Dental Materials; Silicates; Surface Properties; Dental Restoration Wear; Computer-Aided Design; Lithium; Magnesium Oxide; Silicon Dioxide
PubMed: 38508442
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.104952 -
The Science of the Total Environment May 2024Enteric methane (CH) produced by ruminant livestock is a potent greenhouse gas and represents significant energy loss for the animal. The novel application of oxidising...
Enteric methane (CH) produced by ruminant livestock is a potent greenhouse gas and represents significant energy loss for the animal. The novel application of oxidising compounds as antimethanogenic agents with future potential to be included in ruminant feeds, was assessed across two separate experiments in this study. Low concentrations of oxidising agents, namely urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP) with and without potassium iodide (KI), and magnesium peroxide (MgO), were investigated for their effects on CH production, total gas production (TGP), volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles, and nutrient disappearance in vitro using the rumen simulation technique. In both experiments, the in vitro diet consisted of 50:50 grass silage:concentrate on a dry matter basis. Treatment concentrations were based on the amount of oxygen delivered and expressed in terms of fold concentration. In Experiment 1, four treatments were tested (Control, 1× UHP + KI, 1× UHP, and 0.5× UHP + KI), and six treatments were assessed in Experiment 2 (Control, 0.5× UHP + KI, 0.5× UHP, 0.25× UHP + KI, 0.25× UHP, and 0.12× MgO). All treatments in this study had a reducing effect on CH parameters. A dose-dependent reduction of TGP and CH parameters was observed, where treatments delivering higher levels of oxygen resulted in greater CH suppression. 1× UHP + KI reduced TGP by 28 % (p = 0.611), CH% by 64 % (p = 0.075) and CH mmol/g digestible organic matter by 71 % (p = 0.037). 0.12× MgO reduced CH volume by 25 % (p > 0.05) without affecting any other parameters. Acetate-to-propionate ratios were reduced by treatments in both experiments (p < 0.01). Molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were reduced, while propionate and valerate were increased in UHP treatments. High concentrations of UHP affected the degradation of neutral detergent fibre in the forage substrate. Future in vitro work should investigate alternative slow-release oxygen sources aimed at prolonging CH suppression.
Topics: Animals; Female; Rumen; Propionates; Methane; Magnesium Oxide; Diet; Silage; Ruminants; Acetates; Oxygen; Animal Feed; Fermentation; Digestion; Lactation
PubMed: 38508273
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171808 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Apr 2024Surgical removal of tumor tissue remains the primary clinical approach for addressing breast cancer; however, complete tumor excision is challenging, and the remaining...
Surgical removal of tumor tissue remains the primary clinical approach for addressing breast cancer; however, complete tumor excision is challenging, and the remaining tumor cells can lead to tumor recurrence and metastasis over time, which substantially deteriorates the life quality of the patients. With the aim to improve local cancer radiotherapy, this work reports the fabrication of alginate (Alg) scaffolds containing bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated bismuth sulfide (BiS@BSA) nanoradiosensitizers using three-dimensional (3D) printing. Under single-dose X-ray irradiation in vitro, Alg-BiS@BSA scaffolds significantly increase the formation of reactive oxygen species, enhance the inhibition of breast cancer cells, and suppress their colony formation capacity. In addition, scaffolds implanted under tumor tissue in murine model show high therapeutic efficacy by reducing the tumor volume growth rate under single-dose X-ray irradiation, while histological observation of main organs reveals no cytotoxicity or side effects. 3D-printed Alg-BiS@BSA scaffolds produced with biocompatible and biodegradable materials may potentially lower the recurrence and metastasis rates in breast cancer patients by inhibiting residual tumor cells following postsurgery as well as exhibit anticancer properties in other solid tumors.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Alginates; Tissue Scaffolds; Nanoparticles; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Tissue Engineering; Bismuth; Sulfides
PubMed: 38506616
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17024 -
Journal of Applied Biomedicine Mar 2024The aim of this study was to investigate whether luteoloside, a flavonoid, could protect human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) against inflammation and oxidative stress...
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to investigate whether luteoloside, a flavonoid, could protect human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) against inflammation and oxidative stress induced by methylglyoxal (MGO), one of the advanced glycated end products (AGE) substances.
METHODS
HDPCs were stimulated with MGO and treated with luteoloside. MTT assay was used to determine cell viability. Protein expression was measured via western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured with a Muse Cell Analyzer. Alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and Alizarin red staining were used for mineralization assay.
RESULTS
Luteoloside down-regulated the expression of inflammatory molecules such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP-2, MMP-9, and COX-2 in MGO-induced HDPCs without showing any cytotoxicity. It attenuated ROS formation and enhanced osteogenic differentiation such as ALP activity and Alizarin red staining in MGO-induced HDPCs. Overall, luteoloside showed protective actions against inflammation and oxidative stress in HDPCs induced by MGO through its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and osteogenic activities by down-regulating p-JNK in the MAPK pathway.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that luteoloside might be a potential adjunctive therapeutic agent for treating pulpal pathological conditions in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Topics: Humans; Osteogenesis; Pyruvaldehyde; Cells, Cultured; Reactive Oxygen Species; Dental Pulp; Magnesium Oxide; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Inflammation; Anthraquinones; Glucosides; Luteolin
PubMed: 38505968
DOI: 10.32725/jab.2024.002 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024Detailed examinations of the internal structure of tablets are imperative for comprehending their formulation, physical attributes, and ensuring their safe utilization....
Detailed examinations of the internal structure of tablets are imperative for comprehending their formulation, physical attributes, and ensuring their safe utilization. While X-ray computed tomography (CT) is valuable for noninvasively analyzing internal structural changes, the influence of humidity on these structural changes remains unexplored. Accordingly, we aimed to assess the viability of X-ray CT in non-destructively evaluating the internal structure of humidified magnesium oxide (MgO) tablets. MgO tablets were subjected to conditions of 40 °C and 75% humidity for 7 days, weighed pre- and post-humidification, and subsequently stored at room temperature (22-27 °C) until day 90. Their internal structure was evaluated using X-ray CT. We observed a substantial increase in the weight of MgO tablets concomitant with moisture absorption, with minimal changes observed upon storage at room temperature. The skewness reduced immediately post-moisture absorption, remained almost the same post-storage at room temperature, and failed to revert to pre-humidification levels during the storage period. These findings highlight the utility of X-ray CT as an effective tool for non-destructive, three-dimensional, and detailed evaluation of internal structural transformations in MgO tablets.
Topics: Magnesium Oxide; Chemical Phenomena; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tablets; Humidity
PubMed: 38491197
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56949-8 -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... Apr 2024Water management in paddy soils can effectively reduce the soil-to-rice grain transfer of either As or Cd, but not of both elements simultaneously due to the higher...
Water management in paddy soils can effectively reduce the soil-to-rice grain transfer of either As or Cd, but not of both elements simultaneously due to the higher mobility of As under reducing and Cd under oxidizing soil conditions. Limestone amendment, the common form of liming, is well known for decreasing Cd accumulation in rice grown on acidic soils. Sulfate amendment was suggested to effectively decrease As accumulation in rice, especially under intermittent soil flooding. To study the unknown effects of combined sulfate and limestone amendment under intermittent flooding for simultaneously decreasing As and Cd in rice, we performed a pot experiment using an acidic sandy loam paddy soil. We also included a clay loam paddy soil to study the role of soil texture in low-As rice production under intermittent flooding. We found that liming not only decreased rice Cd concentrations but also greatly decreased dimethylarsenate (DMA) accumulation in rice. We hypothesize that this is due to suppressed sulfate reduction, As methylation, and As thiolation by liming in the sulfate-amended soil and a higher share of deprotonated DMA at higher pH which is taken up less readily than protonated DMA. Decreased gene abundance of potential soil sulfate-reducers by liming further supported our hypothesis. Combined sulfate and limestone amendment to the acidic sandy loam soil produced rice with 43% lower inorganic As, 72% lower DMA, and 68% lower Cd compared to the control soil without amendment. A tradeoff between soil aeration and water availability was observed for the clay loam soil, suggesting difficulties to decrease As in rice while avoiding plant water stress under intermittent flooding in fine-textured soils. Our results suggest that combining sulfate amendment, liming, and intermittent flooding can help to secure rice safety when the presence of both As and Cd in coarse-textured soils is of concern.
Topics: Cadmium; Arsenic; Calcium Carbonate; Soil; Oryza; Sulfates; Clay; Sulfur Oxides; Sand; Soil Pollutants; Oxides; Calcium Compounds
PubMed: 38484962
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123786 -
Cells Feb 2024CD40 induces pro-inflammatory responses in endothelial and Müller cells and is required for the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). CD40 is upregulated in these...
CD40 induces pro-inflammatory responses in endothelial and Müller cells and is required for the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). CD40 is upregulated in these cells in patients with DR. CD40 upregulation is a central feature of CD40-driven inflammatory disorders. What drives CD40 upregulation in the diabetic retina remains unknown. We examined the role of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in CD40 upregulation in endothelial cells and Müller cells. Human endothelial cells and Müller cells were incubated with unmodified or methylglyoxal (MGO)-modified fibronectin. CD40 expression was assessed by flow cytometry. The expression of ICAM-1 and CCL2 was examined by flow cytometry or ELISA after stimulation with CD154 (CD40 ligand). The expression of carboxymethyl lysine (CML), fibronectin, and laminin as well as CD40 in endothelial and Müller cells from patients with DR was examined by confocal microscopy. Fibronectin modified by MGO upregulated CD40 in endothelial and Müller cells. CD40 upregulation was functionally relevant. MGO-modified fibronectin enhanced CD154-driven upregulation of ICAM-1 and CCL2 in endothelial and Müller cells. Increased CD40 expression in endothelial and Müller cells from patients with DR was associated with increased CML expression in fibronectin and laminin. These findings identify AGEs as inducers of CD40 upregulation in endothelial and Müller cells and enhancers of CD40-dependent pro-inflammatory responses. CD40 upregulation in these cells is associated with higher CML expression in fibronectin and laminin in patients with DR. This study revealed that CD40 and AGEs, two important drivers of DR, are interconnected.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Retinopathy; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Fibronectins; Ependymoglial Cells; Endothelial Cells; Magnesium Oxide; Retina; CD40 Antigens; CD40 Ligand; Laminin; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38474393
DOI: 10.3390/cells13050429 -
Journal of the Royal Society, Interface Mar 2024The sponge-like biomineralized calcite materials found in echinoderm skeletons are of interest in terms of both structure formation and biological function. Despite...
The sponge-like biomineralized calcite materials found in echinoderm skeletons are of interest in terms of both structure formation and biological function. Despite their crystalline atomic structure, they exhibit curved interfaces that have been related to known triply periodic minimal surfaces. Here, we investigate the endoskeleton of the sea urchin that has long been known to form a microstructure related to the Primitive surface. Using X-ray tomography, we find that the endoskeleton is organized as a composite material consisting of domains of bicontinuous microstructures with different structural properties. We describe, for the first time, the co-occurrence of ordered single Primitive and single Diamond structures and of a disordered structure within a single skeletal plate. We show that these structures can be distinguished by structural properties including solid volume fraction, trabeculae width and, to a lesser extent, interface area and mean curvature. In doing so, we present a robust method that extracts interface areas and curvature integrals from voxelized datasets using the Steiner polynomial for parallel body volumes. We discuss these very large-scale bicontinuous structures in the context of their function, formation and evolution.
Topics: Animals; Sea Urchins; Calcium Carbonate
PubMed: 38471532
DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0597