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BMC Oral Health Jun 2024In dentistry, glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are extensively used for a range of applications. The unique properties of GIC include fluoride ion release and recharge,...
BACKGROUND
In dentistry, glass-ionomer cements (GICs) are extensively used for a range of applications. The unique properties of GIC include fluoride ion release and recharge, chemical bonding to the tooth's hard tissues, biocompatibility, a thermal expansion coefficient like that of enamel and dentin, and acceptable aesthetics. Their high solubility and poor mechanical qualities are among their limitations. E-glass fibers are generally utilized to reinforce the polymer matrix and are identified by their higher silica content.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of adding (10 wt% and 20 wt%) silane-treated E-glass fibers to traditional GIC on its mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, and surface hardness) and solubility.
METHODS
The characterization of the E-glass fiber fillers was achieved by XRF, SEM, and PSD. The specimens were prepared by adding the E-glass fiber fillers to the traditional GIC at 10% and 20% by weight, forming two innovative groups, and compared with the unmodified GIC (control group). The physical properties (film thickness and initial setting time) were examined to confirm operability after mixing. The evaluation of the reinforced GIC was performed by assessing the compressive strength, flexural strength, hardness, and solubility (n = 10 specimens per test). A one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were performed for statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.05).
RESULTS
The traditional GIC showed the least compressive strength, flexural strength, hardness, and highest solubility. While the GIC reinforced with 20 wt% E-glass fibers showed the highest compressive strength, flexural strength, hardness, and least solubility. Meanwhile, GIC reinforced with 10 wt% showed intermediate results (P ≤ 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Using 20 wt% E-glass fiber as a filler with the traditional GIC provides a strengthening effect and reduced solubility.
Topics: Glass Ionomer Cements; Solubility; Flexural Strength; Compressive Strength; Hardness; Materials Testing; Glass; Surface Properties; Silanes; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Dental Stress Analysis; Pliability; Humans
PubMed: 38937723
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04447-8 -
Communications Chemistry Jun 2024Genetically encoded libraries play a crucial role in discovering structurally rigid, high-affinity macrocyclic peptide ligands for therapeutic applications. Bicyclic...
Genetically encoded libraries play a crucial role in discovering structurally rigid, high-affinity macrocyclic peptide ligands for therapeutic applications. Bicyclic peptides with metal centres like bismuth were recently developed as a new type of constrained peptide with notable affinity, stability and membrane permeability. This study represents the genetic encoding of peptide-bismuth and peptide-arsenic bicycles in phage display. We introduce bismuth tripotassium dicitrate (gastrodenol) as a water-soluble bismuth(III) reagent for phage library modification and in situ bicyclic peptide preparation, eliminating the need for organic co-solvents. Additionally, we explore arsenic(III) as an alternative thiophilic element that is used analogously to our previously introduced bicyclic peptides with a bismuth core. The modification of phage libraries and peptides with these elements is instantaneous and entirely biocompatible, offering an advantage over conventional alkylation-based methods. In a pilot display screening campaign aimed at identifying ligands for the biotin-binding protein streptavidin, we demonstrate the enrichment of bicyclic peptides with dissociation constants two orders of magnitude lower than those of their linear counterparts, underscoring the impact of structural constraint on binding affinity.
PubMed: 38937646
DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01232-0 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024This study investigates using magnesium foliar spray to enhance mint plants' growth and physiological performance under cadmium toxicity. It examines the effects of...
This study investigates using magnesium foliar spray to enhance mint plants' growth and physiological performance under cadmium toxicity. It examines the effects of foliar application of magnesium oxide (40 mg L), in both nano and bulk forms, on mint plants exposed to cadmium stress (60 mg kg soil). Cadmium stress reduced root growth and activity, plant biomass (32%), leaf hydration (19%), chlorophyll levels (27%), magnesium content (51%), and essential oil yield (35%), while increasing oxidative and osmotic stress in leaf tissues. Foliar application of magnesium increased root growth (32%), plant biomass, essential oil production (17%), leaf area (24%), chlorophyll content (10%), soluble sugar synthesis (33%), and antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced lipid peroxidation and osmotic stress. Although the nano form of magnesium enhanced magnesium absorption, its impact on growth and physiological performance was not significantly different from the bulk form. Therefore, foliar application of both forms improves plants' ability to withstand cadmium toxicity. However, the study is limited by its focus on a single plant species and specific environmental conditions, which may affect the generalizability of the results. The long-term sustainability of such treatments could provide a more comprehensive understanding of magnesium's role in mitigating heavy metal stress in plants.
Topics: Magnesium Oxide; Cadmium; Mentha; Plant Leaves; Stress, Physiological; Chlorophyll; Lipid Peroxidation; Plant Roots; Oxidative Stress; Antioxidants; Magnesium; Biomass
PubMed: 38937645
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65853-0 -
Communications Biology Jun 2024Aggregation of the human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) contributes to the development and progression of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). hIAPP aggregates within a few hours...
Aggregation of the human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) contributes to the development and progression of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). hIAPP aggregates within a few hours at few micromolar concentration in vitro but exists at millimolar concentrations in vivo. Natively occurring inhibitors of hIAPP aggregation might therefore provide a model for drug design against amyloid formation associated with T2D. Here, we describe the combined ability of low pH, zinc, and insulin to inhibit hIAPP fibrillation. Insulin dose-dependently slows hIAPP aggregation near neutral pH but had less effect on the aggregation kinetics at acidic pH. We determine that insulin alters hIAPP aggregation in two manners. First, insulin diverts the aggregation pathway to large nonfibrillar aggregates with ThT-positive molecular structure, rather than to amyloid fibrils. Second, soluble insulin suppresses hIAPP dimer formation, which is an important early aggregation event. Further, we observe that zinc significantly modulates the inhibition of hIAPP aggregation by insulin. We hypothesize that this effect arose from controlling the oligomeric state of insulin and show that hIAPP interacts more strongly with monomeric than oligomeric insulin.
Topics: Islet Amyloid Polypeptide; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Humans; Zinc; Insulin; Protein Aggregates; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Kinetics; Amyloid; Protein Aggregation, Pathological
PubMed: 38937578
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06388-y -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jun 20241,25(OH)D is a fat-soluble vitamin, involved in regulating Ca homeostasis in the body. Its storage in adipose tissue depends on the fat content of the body. Obesity is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
1,25(OH)D is a fat-soluble vitamin, involved in regulating Ca homeostasis in the body. Its storage in adipose tissue depends on the fat content of the body. Obesity is the result of abnormal lipid deposition due to the prolonged positive energy balance and increases the risk of several cancer types. Furthermore, it has been associated with vitamin D deficiency and defined as a low 25(OH)D blood level. In addition, 1,25(OH)D plays vital roles in Ca-P and glucose metabolism in the adipocytes of obese individuals and regulates the expressions of adipogenesis-associated genes in mature adipocytes.
SCOPE AND APPROACH
The present contribution focused on the VDR mediated mechanisms interconnecting the obese condition and cancer proliferation due to 1,25(OH)D-deficiency in humans. This contribution also summarizes the identification and development of molecular targets for VDR-targeted drug discovery.
KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
Several studies have revealed that cancer development in a background of 1,25(OH)D deficient obesity involves the VDR gene. Moreover, 1,25(OH)D is also known to influence several cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and adhesion. The multifaceted physiology of obesity has improved our understanding of the cancer therapeutic targets. However, currently available anti-cancer drugs are notorious for their side effects, which have raised safety issues. Thus, there is interest in developing 1,25(OH)D-based therapies without any side effects.
PubMed: 38936194
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117001 -
Poultry Science Jun 2024A total of 378 Cobb-500 male broilers were used to evaluate the effects of 2 fiber sources, differing in hydration capacity and fermentability, on gastrointestinal tract...
Effect of dietary supplementation of two fiber sources differing on fermentability and hydration capacity on performance, nutrient digestibility and cecal fermentation in broilers from 1 to 42 d of age.
A total of 378 Cobb-500 male broilers were used to evaluate the effects of 2 fiber sources, differing in hydration capacity and fermentability, on gastrointestinal tract development, apparent ileal digestibility and performance from 1 to 42d of age. There were 9 replicates per each of the 3 dietary treatments, all in mash form: a wheat-soybean control (CON) diet, CON diet diluted with 1.5% of wood lignocellulose (LC diet) as a non-fermentable insoluble fiber with high hydration capacity; and CON diluted with 1.5% of a mixture of fibers (ISFC diet) containing both lignified insoluble fiber and a prebiotic soluble fiber fraction from fructooligosaccharides. Additionally, the fermentability of both fiber sources (LC and ISFC) was determined by in vitro using cecal inoculum from broilers fed the experimental diets. Both LC and ISFC treatments impaired by 4% feed conversion ratio only during the first 7d (P = 0.003) compared with CON group. In the grower period (21-42d), the ISFC group showed the best growth (P = 0.039), and at 42d tended to show the highest body weight (P = 0.095). This agrees well with the highest ileal dry matter (P = 0.033) and organic matter (P = 0.043) digestibility observed in ISFC group and the similar trend observed for ileal protein digestibility (P = 0.099) at 42d. Also, at 42 d, absolute and relative (% body weight) digestive tract weights (P ≤ 0.041) and empty gizzard weights (P ≤ 0.034) were greater for LC and ISFC groups compared to CON. The cecal molar proportion of valeratewas greatest in ISFC group (P = 0.039). In vitro gas production was higher for ISFC than for LC substrate when using either a diet-adapted or non-adapted cecal inoculum (P < 0.05). These results show the interest in combining IF with prebiotic highly fermentable fiber, such as fructooligosaccharides, in broilers to improve nutrient digestibility and finishing performance.
PubMed: 38936073
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103957 -
BJS Open May 2024Posthepatectomy liver failure remains a potentially life-threatening complication after hepatectomy. Soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 is an injury-related...
BACKGROUND
Posthepatectomy liver failure remains a potentially life-threatening complication after hepatectomy. Soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 is an injury-related biomarker. The aim of the study was to assess soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 elevation after hepatectomy and whether it can predict posthepatectomy liver failure.
METHODS
This was a single-centre retrospective study including all patients who underwent a liver resection between 2015 and 2019. Plasma concentrations of soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 were measured before surgery and at postoperative days 1, 2, 5 and 7. Posthepatectomy liver failure was defined according to the International Study Group of Liver Surgery and the morbidity rate was graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.
RESULTS
A total of 173 patients were included (75 underwent major and 98 minor resection); plasma levels of soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 increased from 43.42 (range 18.69-119.96) pg/ml to 2622.23 (range 1354.18-4178.27) pg/ml on postoperative day 1 (P < 0.001). Postoperative day 1 soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 concentration accurately predicted posthepatectomy liver failure ≥ grade B (area under curve = 0.916, P < 0.001) and its outstanding performance was not affected by underlying disease, liver pathological status and extent of resection. The cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of postoperative day 1 soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 in predicting posthepatectomy liver failure ≥ grade B were 3700, 92%, 85%, 64% and 97% respectively. Soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2high patients more frequently experienced posthepatectomy liver failure ≥ grade B (64.3% (n = 36) versus 2.6% (n = 3)) and Clavien-Dindo IIIa higher morbidity rate (23.2% (n = 13) versus 5.1% (n = 6)) compared with soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2low patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 may be a reliable predictor of posthepatectomy liver failure ≥ grade B as early as postoperative day 1 for patients undergoing liver resection. Its role in controlling hepatic injury/regeneration needs further investigation. Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15007210 (www.chictr.org.cn/).
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Hepatectomy; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Liver Failure; Postoperative Complications; Aged; Biomarkers; Adult; Liver Neoplasms; Predictive Value of Tests
PubMed: 38935425
DOI: 10.1093/bjsopen/zrae043 -
Indian Journal of Dental Research :... Jan 2024Wet oral environment may have deleterious effects on performance of the composites due to influences of water sorption and solubility. The study evaluated the hydrolytic...
INTRODUCTION
Wet oral environment may have deleterious effects on performance of the composites due to influences of water sorption and solubility. The study evaluated the hydrolytic degradation caused because of water sorption and solubility of silorane and methacrylate-based dental composites.
METHODS
Ten disc samples (2 mm × 10 mm) were prepared. Samples were analyzed for water solubility and sorption according to ISO 4049:2000 regulations and tested for mass gain or loss following immersion in water or in artificial saliva at 1 day, 15 days, and 30 days period. Student's 't' test, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's post-hoc tests determined statistical significance of the experimental results with global significance set at P = 0.05.
RESULTS
Considerable sorption and solubility was observed with time in both materials on immersion. Silorane composites showed lower water sorption and solubility than methacrylate-based composite (MBC). Artificial saliva demonstrated higher sorption and solubility compared to distilled water.
CONCLUSION
Silorane composites display enhanced hydrolytic stability even after a month of immersion in contrast to conventional methacrylate-based composites (MBCs), making it a better alternative to MBC resins clinically.
Topics: Solubility; Methacrylates; Composite Resins; Water; Silorane Resins; Saliva, Artificial; Materials Testing; Hydrolysis; Dental Materials
PubMed: 38934754
DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.ijdr_195_23 -
Cancer Research Communications Jun 2024To investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with targeting CD30-expressing Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) and immune checkpoint modulation induced by...
PURPOSE
To investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with targeting CD30-expressing Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) and immune checkpoint modulation induced by combination therapies of CTLA-4 and PD1.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Phase 1/2, multicenter, open-label, trial NCT01896999 enrolled patients with refractory or relapsed HL (R/R HL) after one or more lines of therapy, with adequate performance status and organ function. Using peripheral blood, we assessed soluble proteins, cell composition, T cell clonality, and tumor antigen-specific antibodies in 54 patients enrolled in the phase 1 component of the trial.
RESULTS
NCT01896999 reported high (>75%) overall objective response rates with brentuximab-vedotin (BV) in combination with ipilimumab (I) and/or nivolumab (N) in patients with R/R HL. We observed durable increase in soluble PD-1 and plasmacytoid dendritic cells as well as decreases in plasma CCL17, ANGPT2, MMP12, IL13, and CXCL13 in N-containing regimens (BV+N and BV+I+N) compared with BV+I (p<0.05). Non-responders and patients with short progression free-survival showed elevated CXCL9, CXCL13, CD5, CCL17, adenosine-deaminase, and MUC16 at baseline or after one treatment cycle and a higher prevalence of NY-ESO-1-specific autoantibodies (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest a circulating tumor-immune-derived signature of BV±I+N treatment resistance that may be useful for patient stratification in combination checkpoint therapy.
PubMed: 38934093
DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.CRC-24-0252 -
ACS Food Science & Technology Jun 2024Poorly water-soluble iron-containing compounds are promising iron fortificants. However, ensuring high bioaccessibility and low reactivity of iron is challenging. We...
Poorly water-soluble iron-containing compounds are promising iron fortificants. However, ensuring high bioaccessibility and low reactivity of iron is challenging. We present the potential application of ferrous pyrophosphate (Fe(II)PP) and Fe(II)-containing MFe PO salts (0 < < 1, M = Ca, Zn, or Mn) for delivery of iron and a second essential mineral (M). After preparation by a facile and environment-friendly coprecipitation method, the salts were investigated for their composition, pH-dependent dissolution, iron-mediated discoloration of a black tea solution, and oxidation of vitamin C. Our results suggest that these salts are possible dual-fortificants with tunable composition that compared to Fe(II)PP (i) show lower (<0.5 mM) and enhanced (to 5 mM) iron dissolution in moderate and gastric pH, respectively, (ii) exhibit less discoloration and dissolved iron in tea when = 0.470 for M = Ca or Zn and = 0.086 for M = Mn, and (iii) do not increase the oxidation extent of vitamin C over 48 h when = 0.06, 0.086, or 0.053 for M = Ca, Zn, or Mn, respectively.
PubMed: 38934009
DOI: 10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00050