Search Results (129)

Vital pulp therapy with calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) rapidly induces dystrophic calcification and promotes the accumulation of two members of small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins: osteopontin (OPN) and dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP1). However, the precise relationship between these initial events and their roles in reparative dentinogenesis remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between dystrophic calcification, OPN and DMP1 accumulation, and reparative dentin formation. Pulpotomy was performed on rat molars using MTA or zirconium oxide (ZrO₂). ZrO₂ was used as a control to assess pulp healing in the absence of dystrophic calcification. Pulpal responses were evaluated from 3 h to 7 days postoperatively via elemental mapping, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and histological staining. In the MTA-treated group, a calcium-rich dystrophic calcification zone containing calcite and hydroxyapatite was observed at 3 h after treatment; OPN and DMP1 accumulated under the dystrophic calcification zone by day 3; reparative dentin formed below the region of OPN and DMP1 accumulation by day 7. In contrast, these reactions did not occur in the ZrO₂-treated group. These results suggest that dystrophic calcification serves as a key trigger for OPN and DMP1 accumulation and plays a pivotal role in reparative dentinogenesis. Full article

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of deacidifying treatments for the restoration of textiles used as supports for works of art, with particular attention to the chemical stability, colour variation and mechanical resistance of the materials over time. The present study involved the analysis of two products: Bookkeeper^TM, containing magnesium oxide, and Nanorestore^TM, a dispersion of calcium hydroxide in alcoholic solutions of ethanol and 2-propanol. The products were applied to a series of tests on cotton, linen and jute fabrics. The experimental approach comprised an artificial degradation process of the fabrics, followed by the application of the treatments and an accelerated ageing cycle. A series of parameters were monitored throughout the experiment, encompassing surface pH, chromatic shifts ascertained through colorimetric measurements and the morphological transformations of the fabrics, as elucidated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). The findings yielded from this study have enabled the delineation of the behaviour exhibited by the treated materials over an extended timeframe. This underscores the significance of a judicious selection of treatments, contingent upon the particular chemical and physical attributes inherent to the fabrics in question. Full article

In order to address a challenging issue in the recycling of construction debris, the impact of carbonization treatment on the characteristics of recycled aggregates (RCAs) was experimentally examined in this work. Both direct carbonization and carbonization following calcium hydroxide pretreatment were used in the study to assess the impact of carbonization on the physical characteristics of recycled aggregates. According to the findings, carbonization raised the recycled aggregates’ apparent density while drastically lowering their porosity and water absorption (by as much as 20–30%). Although the recycled aggregate’s crushing index marginally increased with age, its overall physical qualities remained excellent. Pretreatment with calcium hydroxide can improve the physical characteristics of recycled aggregates, further optimize their pore structure, and efficiently encourage the carbonation process. Furthermore, recycled aggregate’s crushing index can be considerably decreased and its quality much enhanced by the ultrasonic cavitation treatment. According to the study, the carbonation-treated recycled aggregate’s microstructure was denser in the interfacial transition zone and had a stronger link with the cement paste, improving the recycled aggregate concrete’s overall performance. XRD, infrared spectral analysis, and SEM scanning were used to determine the increased calcium carbonate content in the recycled aggregate following carbonation treatment as well as its microstructure improvement process. The findings offer fresh concepts for achieving resource efficiency and environmental preservation through the use of recycled aggregates in concrete, as well as theoretical backing for their use. Full article

Background and Clinical significance: Apical fenestration is a rarely reported clinical finding that may be associated with apical periodontitis. However, its diagnosis can often be complicated by overlapping clinical and radiographic features. While management traditionally involves a combination of endodontic and surgical interventions, there is limited documentation regarding successful outcomes achieved through non-surgical treatment alone. Therefore, further reporting and investigation of such cases are warranted to enhance clinical understanding and inform decision-making. Case Presentation: This case report describes the non-surgical management of a 20-year-old patient presenting with symptomatic apical periodontitis and a labial apical fenestration in a previously treated maxillary left central incisor (tooth #21) exhibiting an open apex. Diagnosis was confirmed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), which revealed a bone defect in the facial cortical plate. The treatment protocol involved conservative canal debridement, intracanal placement of calcium hydroxide, and final obturation using an apical plug of calcium silicate-based hydraulic cement (CSBHC) and the monoblock technique. Over a follow-up period of two years and eight months, clinical and radiographic assessments demonstrated resolution of symptoms, healing of the sinus tract, and complete regeneration of the buccal cortical bone. Conclusions: This case highlights the potential for complete healing of apical fenestration associated with apical periodontitis in an open apex tooth through non-surgical endodontic treatment alone. Full article

Preserving dental pulp vitality is crucial in pediatric and adolescent dentistry to promote long-term oral health and reduce the need for invasive procedures. Vital pulp therapy (VPT) enhances pulp healing and dentin formation through advanced pulp capping materials. While calcium hydroxide-based materials laid the foundation for VPT, calcium silicate-based materials like mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and TheraCal offer superior biocompatibility and sealing properties. Recent advancements focus on regenerative strategies that enhance biocompatibility, antibacterial efficacy, and anti-inflammatory effects. Tissue engineering approaches, including stem cells, growth factors, and peptide-based scaffolds, are being explored to improve pulp regeneration and long-term treatment success. This review highlights recent developments in VPT for pediatric and adolescent patients, emphasizing minimally invasive techniques, clinical challenges, and the potential of emerging biomaterials. Continued research into biomaterial efficacy and regenerative capabilities holds promise for advancing VPT, ensuring more effective and biologically driven treatment strategies for young patients. Full article

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is one of the most important self-fertilizing field plants belonging to the Poaceae family. It has no significant requirements regarding growing conditions but has a very good reaction to fertilization. The current research evaluated the significance of the effects of individual applications of mineral (NPK) and organo-mineral (OMF) fertilizers, as well as their individual combination with slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂), on the yield, morphological traits [mean number of leaves per plant—MNLP, minimum leaf length (cm) per plant—MinLL, maximum leaf length (cm) per plant—MaxLL, number of ears per plant—NEP], and physiological parameters (nitrogen balance index—NBI, content of chlorophyll—Chl, flavonoids—Flv, anthocyanins—Ant) of organic and pelleted (graded) oat plants, comparing the treatments and in relation to the control. The experiment was performed in semi-controlled glasshouse conditions, in pots, from the fourth week of March to the fourth week of June 2024, using Vertisol soil. This soil is characterized as light clay with an acid reaction. Physiological parameters were measured using a Dualex leaf clip sensor. The results obtained showed that physiological parameters in both oat types significantly differed (p < 0.05) between the treatments applied and in relation to the control, whereas the morphological traits did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) between the treatments. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the yield of both oat types were most pronounced in the OMF + Slaked Lime treatment (organic: 4.49 g pot⁻¹; pelleted: 4.61 g pot⁻¹) in relation to the control (organic: 2.48 g pot⁻¹; pelleted: 2.63 g pot⁻¹). The pelleted oats showed slightly better results for the effects of different treatments across all tested parameters compared to organic oats. In conclusion, the best results were obtained with the use of OMF + Slaked Lime, which could be proposed as the optimal fertilization treatment for pelleted and organic oat cultivation based on this research. Full article

A novel composite cementitious material was constructed by synergistically utilizing multiple industrial solid wastes, including electrolytic manganese residue (EMR), red mud (RM), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] as an alkaline activator. In addition, the mechanical properties of the composite cementitious materials were systematically analyzed under different raw material ratios, alkali activator dosages, and water-binder ratios. To further investigate the hydration products and mechanisms of the composite cementitious material, characterization methods, for instance, XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDS, and TG-DTG, were employed to characterize the materials. To ensure that the composite cementitious material does not cause additional environmental pressure, it was analyzed for toxic leaching. The relevant experimental results indicate that the optimal ratio of the EMR–RM–GGBS–Ca(OH)₂ components of the composite cementitious material is EMR content of 20%, RM content of 15%, GGBS content of 52%, calcium hydroxide as alkali activator content of 13%, and water-binder ratio of 0.5. Under the optimal ratio, the composite cementitious material at 28 days exhibited a compressive strength of 27.9 MPa, as well as a flexural strength of 7.5 MPa. The hydration products in the as-synthesized composite cementitious material system primarily encompassed ettringite (AFt) and hydrated calcium silicate (C-S-H), and their tight bonding in the middle and later curing stages was the main source of engineering mechanical strength. The heavy metal concentrations in the 28-day leaching solution of the EMR–RM–GGBS–Ca(OH)₂ composite cementitious material fall within the limits prescribed by the drinking water hygiene standard (GB5749-2022), indicating that this composite material exhibits satisfactory safety performance. To sum up, it is elucidated that the novel process involved in this research provide useful references for the pollution-free treatment and resource utilization of solid wastes such as red mud and electrolytic manganese residue in the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pain after root canal treatment is a common concern that can greatly affect a patient’s quality of life. Identifying the factors contributing to this pain and focusing on those supported by high-quality research can lead to more effective pain management. This narrative review aims to analyze all available systematic reviews on this topic to determine what has been proven to help decrease pain following the root canal procedure. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus and Google Scholar from January 2000 to January 2024, using defined MeSH terms. This yielded 51 systematic reviews, of which 45 specifically investigated factors reducing postoperative pain related to root canal treatment. Results: Eleven factors were identified in the literature, with only eight factors supported by low- to moderate-quality evidence to reduce postoperative pain related to root canal treatment. These eight factors include (1) laser therapy, (2) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (especially when combined with acetaminophen) and corticosteroids, (3) ultrasonic irrigation and low concentrations of sodium hypochlorite, (4) cryotherapy, (5) specific combinations of intracanal medicaments (notably calcium hydroxide with chlorhexidine), (6) bioceramic sealers, (7) rotary instrumentation, and (8) apical patency. Conclusions: The insights gained from this narrative review highlight several important factors that reduce postoperative pain related to root canal treatment. Nevertheless, the observed variability in the quality of the evidence calls attention to the necessity for further high-quality research. Full article

Dental infections can disrupt root development in immature permanent teeth, making traditional endodontic treatment challenging. Apexogenesis, a regenerative approach that promotes natural root development, offers a potential solution. However, issues related to disinfection and material biocompatibility still remain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the synergistic antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of double and triple antibiotic combinations against common oral pathogens, and to incorporate the most effective combination into a thermosensitive hydrogel, to develop an alternative intracanal medication. Antibiotics were tested alone and in combination in planktonic and biofilm conditions of oral bacteria and Candida albicans. The antibiotic combinations with potential antimicrobial synergy were tested on Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in radicular dentin by confocal microscopy. Metronidazole (ME), ciprofloxacin (CI), and fosfomycin (FO) were incorporated into poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) hydrogels, and their antibiofilm activity was compared to PNVCL hydrogels containing chlorhexidine (CHX) or calcium hydroxide (CH). The cytotoxicity of the hydrogels was assessed on MDPC-23 odontoblast-like cells using metiltetrazolium assays. A statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). The combination of ME + CI + FO showed superior antibiofilm effects in mono- and dual-species biofilms and on biofilms inside dentinal tubules, comparable to CHX. PNVCL hydrogels with ME + CI + FO significantly reduced E. faecalis biofilms in dentinal tubules, exhibiting a higher efficacy than PNVCL + CH. Cytotoxicity tests revealed minimal effects on cell viability for both PNVCL hydrogels with and without antibiotics. In conclusion, ME + CI + FO showed potent antimicrobial synergy and, when loaded in thermosensitive PNVCL hydrogel, demonstrated significant antibiofilm activity and low cytotoxicity. These findings emphasize the potential of this formulation as an effective and biocompatible endodontic medication, especially for the treatment of immature permanent teeth. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two intracanal medications in promoting periapical bone healing following endodontic treatment using radiomics-enabled texture analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images as a novel biosensing technique. By quantifying tissue changes through advanced image analysis, this approach seeks to enhance the monitoring and assessment of endodontic treatment outcomes. Thirty-four single-rooted teeth with pulp necrosis and periapical lesions were allocated to two groups (17 each): calcium hydroxide +2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX) and Ultracal XS^®. CBCT scans were obtained immediately after treatment and three months later. Texture analysis performed using MaZda software extracted 11 parameters based on the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) across two inter-pixel distances and four directions. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between medications for S [0,1] inverse difference moment (p = 0.043), S [0,2] difference of variance (p = 0.014), and S [0,2] difference of entropy (p = 0.004). CHX treatment resulted in a more organized bone tissue structure post-treatment, evidenced by reduced entropy and variance parameters, while Ultracal exhibited less homogeneity, indicative of fibrous or immature tissue formation. These findings demonstrate the superior efficacy of CHX in promoting bone healing and underscore the potential of texture analysis as a powerful tool for assessing CBCT images in endodontic research. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) pollution in farmland soil leads to excessive Cd in vegetables, which can be transferred to humans through the food chain, posing a significant threat to human health, and requires urgent measures to combat it. Modified biochar may have the potential to remediate Cd pollution in farmland soils. In this experiment, bulk biochar (YC) derived from reed straw or modified biochar by ball milling (Q) either alone or combined with a combination of several passivation agents {potassium hydroxide (K), attapulgite (A), calcium magnesium phosphate fertilizer (M), and polyacrylamide (P)} was applied to soils polluted with Cd, to investigate the growth, yield, and quality of pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.). The results showed that bulk biochar (YC) provided pakchoi with plenty of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, while passivation agents enhance macronutrient accumulation. Compared to YC, modified biochar improved pakchoi yields and nutritional quality. Among them, concentrations of nitrates in pakchoi significantly decreased by 51.8% and 51.0%, while vitamin C levels increased by 29.6% and 19.0%, respectively, in QKAMP and QKAM treatments. The contents of Cd in pakchoi significantly decreased by 21.6% and 18.6%, respectively, in QKAMP and QKAM treatments. The implementation of QKAMP led to the cadmium contents in edible vegetables being lower than the maximum stipulated content as defined by the national standard, but QKAM failed to accomplish it. In conclusion, QKAMP effectively reduced the bioavailability of Cd in the middle to slightly Cd-polluted alkaline soils, making it a suitable soil amendment to improve the yield and quality and mitigate Cd accumulation in vegetables. Full article

Calcium-silicate-based ceramic composites with different CaO/SiO₂ weight ratios (10/90, 20/80, 30/70, 40/60, 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, 80/20, and 90/10) have been prepared from chicken eggshells and silica gel using attrition milling for 3 h in wet conditions and conventional pressing–heat treatment in the air at 800 °C for 1 h. The effect of the CaO/SiO₂ weight ratio and the calcination period of the eggshells on the microstructural features including apparent density, phase evolution, and morphological properties were investigated. The phase transformation of the powder mixtures after attrition milling for 3 h in ethanol with powder/ball milling mass ratio of 0.0996 (110/1104.7) revealed to have calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) as a dominate phase, which was observed to increase with the increase in calcium oxide (CaO) amount in the powder mixtures. The phase transformation of ceramic samples after heat treatment at 800 °C for 1 h, on the other hand, showed different phases depending on the CaO/SiO₂ weight ratio. The results also show a linear relationship between the CaO/SiO₂ weight ratio and apparent density when the CaO/SiO₂ ratio increase from 0.11 (10/90) to 0.67 (40/60) due to the densification of ceramics. An inversely proportional relationship was found between CaO/SiO₂ and density when the CaO/SiO₂ weight ratio increased from 0.67 (40/60) to 9 (90/10). Full article

Although previous research has examined the mechanical properties of concrete exposed to high temperatures, further investigation is needed into the effects of post-fire curing on the recovery of strength and stiffness of sustainable concretes produced with slag-modified cement. This study conducted an experimental analysis of the residual compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of different types of concrete (20 MPa or 30 MPa) exposed to varying maximum temperature levels (200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, 800 °C) and post-fire treatments (with or without rehydration). The concrete specimens were produced using Portland cement CP II-E-32. The rehydration method involved one day of water curing, followed by 14 days of air curing. Statistical analyses revealed potential improvements in the mechanical properties of concretes produced with slag-modified cement due to rehydration processes after exposure to different temperatures levels. The highest values of the relative residual strength factor (Φ_c) were observed in specimens exposed to a maximum temperature of 600 °C, ranging from 0.862 to 0.905. The highest values of the relative residual elastic modulus factor (ψ_c) were verified for a maximum temperature of 200 °C, ranging from 0.720 to 0.778. The experimental results were compared with strength and stiffness predictions of design codes. The inclusion of slag in concrete reduced microcracking during the rehydration process due to the reduced amount of calcium hydroxide in the cementitious matrix, increasing the concrete’s relative residual strength and stiffness after post-fire curing. Full article

Background: Effective management of primary apical periodontitis depends on understanding the dynamic interactions within the root canal microbiome. This study aimed to investigate the effect of sequential antimicrobial phases on the root canal microbiome during a two-visit treatment approach, with a focus on calcium hydroxide medication. Methods: Samples were collected from three teeth across four treatment phases: initial infection (S1), after chemomechanical preparation (S2), after intracanal medication (S3), and after a final flush (S4). DNA was extracted, and the V3–V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. Sequencing data were analyzed with QIIME 2, and differentially abundant taxa were identified using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe). Results: While microbial community composition did not differ significantly between phases, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased after the antimicrobial stages. LEfSe analysis revealed higher abundances of Lactobacillales, Arthrobacter, and Veillonella in the untreated (CMP) group. Bifidobacterium longum was relatively more abundant in the intracanal medication (ICM) phase, and Dorea formicigenerans was more abundant in the final-flush (FF) phase. Conclusions: Although calcium hydroxide treatment did not induce statistically significant changes in overall root canal microbial composition, trends such as a reduction in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and a relative increase in Bifidobacterium longum numbers suggest potential ecological shifts. The observed relative increase in Bifidobacterium longum numbers may represent a hypothesis-driven observation reflecting indirect ecological effects rather than direct pH modulation. While visual patterns (e.g., PCA clustering) were observed, they lacked statistical support. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these observations and assess the potential role of beneficial bacteria in root canal treatments. Full article

Recently, numerous studies have been carried out with natural fibers in cementitious composites, due to the viability of using this type of fiber as a substitute for synthetic fibers. In this field of study, the present research aims to evaluate the feasibility of using corn straw fiber for the production of innovative cementitious composites. Mortars with a composition of 1:1:6:1.55 (cement/lime/sand/water) containing 0, 2.5 and 5% corn straw fiber were produced. The corn straw fibers were treated with three different alkaline products: sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). The compositions were evaluated by means of compressive strength, water absorption, density and porosity and consistency tests. Characterization tests were also carried out on the natural fibers subjected to the different treatments, where it was observed that chemical characterization revealed an increase in crystalline cellulose from 59.03% to 63.50% (NaOH), 62.41% (KOH) and 60.40% (Ca(OH)₂), which enhances fiber strength. In the mortars, it was observed that the water absorption results were reduced when the alkaline treatments were used, reducing from 15.95% (composition without fibers) to 6.34% and 6.61% in the compositions with 2.5% and 5.0% of fibers treated with KOH, for example. The effects were also positive in the compositions with fibers treated in NaOH, where the water absorption values were 7.59% and 7.88% for the compositions containing 2.5% and 5.0% of treated fiber, respectively. Alkaline treatments also promote an increase in compressive strength when comparing the results of mortars with natural fibers and fibers treated with NaOH, for example. The result for mortars containing 5.0% untreated fibers was 0.22 MPa, while for the composition containing 5.0% fibers treated with NaOH, it was 3.79 MPa, an increase of more than 15x. This behavior is justified by the effect of the treatment, which, in addition to removing impurities from natural fibers, such as sugar, increases the crystalline cellulose content and the adhesion between fiber and matrix. Based on the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that (i) the treatment with NaOH increases the crystallinity and tensile strength of the fibers, promoting good properties for innovative cementitious composites; (ii) the treatment with KOH degrades the cellulose structure of the fiber, reducing the crystallinity and tensile strength; this promotes greater adhesion of the fiber to the matrix, reducing porosity and water absorption, but promotes a reduction in compressive strength when compared to composites with 2.5% natural fiber; and (iii) the treatment with Ca(OH)₂ presents a reduction in water absorption and porosity, due to the impregnation of calcium in the fiber that improves the adhesion between fiber and matrix. Full article