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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 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Jun 2024Nickel oxide (NiO)-based inverted perovskite solar cells stand as promising candidates for advancing perovskite photovoltaics towards commercialization, leveraging their...
Nickel oxide (NiO)-based inverted perovskite solar cells stand as promising candidates for advancing perovskite photovoltaics towards commercialization, leveraging their remarkable stability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. However, the interfacial redox reaction between high-valence Ni and perovskite, alongside the facile conversion of iodide in perovskite into I, significantly deteriorates the performance and reproducibility of NiO-based perovskite photovoltaics. Here, potassium borohydride (KBH) is introduced as a dual-action reductant, which effectively avoids the Ni/perovskite interface reaction and mitigates the iodide-to-I oxidation within perovskite film. This synergistic redox modulation significantly suppresses nonradiative recombination and increases the carrier lifetime. As a result, an impressive power conversion efficiency of 24.17% for NiO-based perovskite solar cells is achieved, and a record efficiency of 20.2% for NiO-based perovskite solar modules fabricated under ambient conditions. Notably, when evaluated using the ISOS-L-2 standard protocol, the module retains 94% of its initial efficiency after 2000 h of continuous illumination under maximum power point at 65 °C in ambient air.
PubMed: 38501909
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309111 -
Dental Materials : Official Publication... May 2024To evaluate the effects of an ammonia-based and a water-based silver-containing solutions on bonding performance and matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity of a... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of an ammonia-based and a water-based silver-containing solutions on bonding performance and matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity of a universal adhesive to dentin after 1 year of artificial aging.
METHODS
Mid-coronal dentin surfaces of 60 sound human molars were exposed and the following groups were formed according to the surface pre-treatment and etching mode of the universal adhesive (Zipbond Universal, SDI) (n = 10): G1) Zipbond in the self-etch mode (ZSE); G2) Riva Star (SDI) applied before ZSE; G3) Riva Star Aqua (SDI) applied before ZSE; G4) Zipbond in the etch-and-rinse mode (ZER); G5) Riva Star applied before ZER; G6) Riva Star Aqua applied before ZER. The specimens were sectioned and subjected to microtensile bond strength (µTBS) test at baseline (T) and after 12 months (T) of artificial storage. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis (EDS) were also conducted. Three additional molars per group were processed for the in situ zymography analysis at T and T. Data were statistically analyzed (p < 0.05).
RESULTS
Dentin pre-treatments and aging decreased bonding values, regardless of the etching mode (p < 0.05). No differences in µTBS were observed between the two silver-containing solutions, both at T and T. Riva Star Aqua and etching significantly increased the MMPs activity, independent of the storage period (p < 0.05).
SIGNIFICANCE
Dentin surface pre-treatment with silver-containing solutions negatively affects the bonding performances of resin composite restorations placed with a universal adhesive. However, the ammonia-based product Riva Star might show better stability in the long term, due to lower activation of MMPs.
Topics: Humans; Water; Dental Bonding; Dentin-Bonding Agents; Materials Testing; Silver; Ammonia; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Tensile Strength; Surface Properties; Dentin; In Vitro Techniques; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Resin Cements; Molar; Acid Etching, Dental; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; Dental Stress Analysis
PubMed: 38458917
DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2024.03.003 -
Cureus Feb 2024Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is a rare condition related to autoimmune origin characterized by high titers of antithyroid antibodies. Steroids are effective for...
Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is a rare condition related to autoimmune origin characterized by high titers of antithyroid antibodies. Steroids are effective for treatment of HE, suggesting the autoimmunity as an underlying mechanism. In addition, anti-NH2-terminal of α-enolase antibodies (anti-NAE antibodies) is useful for diagnosis of HE. This report describes a 69-year-old woman developing both HE and thyroid storm (TS), following diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and acute pancreatitis. She had a history of Basedow's disease and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus, and her serum hemoglobin A1c was 10%. She complained of nausea and visited our hospital. She was diagnosed with DKA and acute pancreatitis. After admission, she went into cardiopulmonary arrest and she was diagnosed with TS after resuscitation. In addition, blood test collected during acute phase of TS revealed positive for not only anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibodies and thyroid stimulating antibodies, but also anti-NAE antibodies. She was treated with intravenous steroids, potassium iodide and thiamazole under respirator and recovered sufficiently to do daily activities of life. We should keep in mind that there might be cases of HE in cases of TS presenting with central nervous system symptoms.
PubMed: 38455797
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53659 -
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Feline sporotrichosis is an endemic disease with high occurrence in Brazil. Itraconazole (ITZ) remains the drug of choice for treating this disease in cats, despite the...
Feline sporotrichosis is an endemic disease with high occurrence in Brazil. Itraconazole (ITZ) remains the drug of choice for treating this disease in cats, despite the increasing reports of therapeutic failure. A controlled, randomized clinical trial was performed on 166 naive cats with sporotrichosis to assess the effectiveness and safety of the combination therapy with ITZ and potassium iodide (KI) compared with ITZ monotherapy. Cats were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: G1-ITZ 100 mg/cat/day-and G2-ITZ 100 mg/cat/day + KI 2.5-20 mg/kg/day. Cats treated in G2 presented 77% more risk of reaching a clinical cure (a positive effect) than those treated in G1, even when controlled by negative predictors. The survival curves of the two treatment protocols indicate that a clinical cure was achieved faster in G2. An increase in the KI dose was necessary in 28 cats due to the persistence of clinical signs. Adverse reactions were equally frequent in both groups and manageable with a temporary drug suspension and/or a hepatoprotective therapy. The combination therapy was associated with a higher cure rate and a shorter treatment time, suggesting that ITZ+KI arises as a better option for treating feline sporotrichosis and should be considered the first-line treatment, especially in the presence of negative predictors.
PubMed: 38392773
DOI: 10.3390/jof10020101 -
Transplantation Proceedings Apr 2024Inappropriate matching of motor and sensory fibers after nerve repair or grafting can lead to nerve recovery failure. Identifying the motor and sensory fascicles enables...
BACKGROUND
Inappropriate matching of motor and sensory fibers after nerve repair or grafting can lead to nerve recovery failure. Identifying the motor and sensory fascicles enables surgeons to match them accurately and correctly align nerve stumps, which is crucial for neural regeneration. Very few methods have been reported to differentiate between the sensory and motor nerve fascicles, and the replicability of these techniques remains unestablished. In this study, we aimed to assess the accuracy of axonal cholinesterase (CE) histochemical staining in distinguishing motor and sensory nerve fibers.
METHODS
The femoral and sciatic nerves were harvested from rats. The specimens were immediately cut, frozen in isopentane, and cooled with liquid nitrogen. Nerve serial cross-sections were processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, followed by CE histochemistry. The staining protocol solutions included acetylthiocholine iodide, phosphate buffer, cobalt sulfate hydrate, potassium phosphate monobasic, sulfuric acid, sodium bicarbonate, glutaraldehyde, and ammonium sulfide.
RESULTS
Cross-sections of nerves containing efferent and afferent nerve fibers in segregated fascicles showed that CE activity was confined to motor neurons. A histochemical study revealed that motor fibers with high cholinesterase activity can be differentiated from sensory fibers. The motor branches of the femoral and sciatic nerves showed specific axonal staining, whereas the sensory branch did not show any specific staining.
CONCLUSION
CE histochemical staining is a useful technique for distinguishing between motor and sensory nerve fibers. It can be potentially useful in improving the outcomes of nerve grafts or extremity allotransplantation surgery.
Topics: Animals; Sciatic Nerve; Rats; Cholinesterases; Staining and Labeling; Motor Neurons; Axons; Sensory Receptor Cells; Male; Femoral Nerve; Rats, Sprague-Dawley
PubMed: 38355371
DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.01.035 -
BJR Open Jan 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate the length of time required to achieve full iodination using potassium tri-iodide as a contrast agent, prior to human fetal...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate the length of time required to achieve full iodination using potassium tri-iodide as a contrast agent, prior to human fetal postmortem microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging.
METHODS
Prospective assessment of optimal contrast iodination was conducted across 157 human fetuses (postmortem weight range 2-298 g; gestational age range 12-37 weeks), following micro-CT imaging. Simple linear regression was conducted to analyse which fetal demographic factors could produce the most accurate estimate for optimal iodination time.
RESULTS
Postmortem body weight ( = 0.6435) was better correlated with iodination time than gestational age ( = 0.1384), producing a line of best fit, = [0.0304 × body weight (g)] - 2.2103. This can be simplified for clinical use whereby immersion time (days) = [0.03 × body weight (g)] - 2.2. Using this formula, for example, a 100-g fetus would take 5.2 days to reach optimal contrast enhancement.
CONCLUSIONS
The simplified equation can now be used to provide estimation times for fetal contrast preparation time prior to micro-CT imaging and can be used to manage service throughput and parental expectation for return of their fetus.
ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE
A simple equation from empirical data can now be used to estimate preparation time for human fetal postmortem micro-CT imaging.
PubMed: 38352185
DOI: 10.1093/bjro/tzad006 -
Journal of Conservative Dentistry and... 2023The application of cavity cleansers for cavity disinfection can be a crucial step in the longevity of restorations. The objective of the present study was to compare the...
Effect of a novel quaternary ammonium silane based cavity cleanser FiteBac 2% K21 QAS in comparison with other cavity disinfectants on the bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement.
BACKGROUND
The application of cavity cleansers for cavity disinfection can be a crucial step in the longevity of restorations. The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of the application of a new quaternary ammonium silane (QAS)-based cavity cleanser (2% K21 QAS), with other commercially available cavity disinfectants on the bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The buccal surfaces of 40 extracted premolars were trimmed to obtain a flat dentinal surface and were randomly divided into four experimental groups depending on the cavity cleansers used before restoration. Group 1: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), Group 2: QAS (FiteBac 2% K21 QAS), Group 3: silver diamine fluoride-potassium iodide (Riva Star, SDF-KI), and Group 4: 3% hydrogen peroxide (HO). Then, a predetermined dimension of RMGIC restoration was bonded to the treated dentin surfaces. Following this, each sample was tested for shear bond strength (SBS) using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min.
RESULTS
Among the experimental groups, SDF-KI has shown the highest mean SBS, followed by 2% K21 QAS, and 2% CHX, which have shown almost comparable results. The 3% HO group has shown the lowest values.
CONCLUSION
According to the results of the present study, 2% K21 QAS has the potential to be used as an effective cavity cleanser before the placement of RMGIC restorations. Since its application does not affect the bond strength of restoration, it can be successfully used as an alternative to CHX and SDF-KI.
PubMed: 38292749
DOI: 10.4103/JCDE.JCDE_145_23 -
Cureus Dec 2023Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm effect of calcium hydroxide (CH), 0.5% iodine potassium iodide (IKI), and 0.5% cetrimide (CTR), alone and in...
Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm effect of calcium hydroxide (CH), 0.5% iodine potassium iodide (IKI), and 0.5% cetrimide (CTR), alone and in combinations on one-week and three-week-old biofilms. Materials and methods Gingival plaque was collected, and biofilms were grown anaerobically. Biofilms were exposed to each of the three medicaments and their combinations for one day, one week, and two weeks. Proportions of dead and live bacteria in the biofilms were evaluated. Results The killing of bacteria by different medicaments in the three-week-old biofilm was lower than in the one-week-old biofilm (<0.05). The efficacy of IKI and CTR in killing bacteria was weaker than that of CH, but the highest efficacy in killing was achieved when all three were combined (<0.05). There was no significant difference in the antibiofilm effect between a day's exposure to the mixture of the three medicaments and one or two weeks of treatment with CH alone (>0.05). Conclusions Three-week-old biofilms are more resistant to medicaments than one-week-old biofilms. Combining IKI and CTR with CH resulted in a stronger antibiofilm effect than using CH alone. Mixing the three medicaments may enable obtaining the desired clinical effect in a shorter exposure time.
PubMed: 38283497
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51203