Search Results (29)

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the direct effect of elements released from dental casting alloys on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Methods: Ten discs each of commercially pure titanium (Ti), silver-palladium (Ag-Pd), and nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) alloys, measuring 4 mm in diameter and 3 mm in thickness, were fabricated and placed directly on HGF cultures for 72 h. Five discs from each alloy group were incubated in DMEM, whereas the remaining five discs were incubated in artificial saliva. Cytotoxicity was assessed using three in vitro methods: morphological evaluation of HGF, the dye exclusion test (DET), and the methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. Results: HGF directly exposed to cpTi, Ag-Pd, and Ni-Cr discs demonstrated reduced cell density around the alloy specimens compared with untreated control cells after 72 h of incubation in both DMEM and artificial saliva. cpTi alloy exhibited no detectable cytotoxic effects, whereas Ag-Pd and Ni-Cr alloys demonstrated cytotoxicity in both DMEM and artificial saliva under the experimental conditions. Among the tested alloys, Ni-Cr exhibited the highest cytotoxicity. Artificial saliva enhanced the cytotoxic effects of the tested alloys, as evidenced by increased morphological alterations, reduced cell viability, and lower MTT activity compared with DMEM. Conclusions: cpTi alloy exhibited the lowest direct cytotoxic effect on HGF in both DMEM and artificial saliva. In contrast, Ag-Pd and Ni-Cr alloys demonstrated greater cytotoxicity, particularly in the presence of artificial saliva, suggesting that both alloy composition and the surrounding environment influence the biological response of oral soft tissues. Full article

In our previous studies, OptiPrep and Percoll density gradients separated human motile sperm without DNA fragmentation from immotile sperm with DNA damage. Even in normospermia, over half of the sperm were already immotile, and angle-modulated two-dimensional single-cell pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed that these were at the end stage of fragmentation. We developed sperm-specific dye- and lectin-exclusion assays to evaluate plasma and acrosomal membranes, mitochondrial endogenous reactive oxygen species, and vacuole negative staining. Comprehensive analyses suggested that they corresponded to sperm that had not yet undergone apoptosis and to those that had undergone apoptotic denaturation. In ICSI, injectable motile sperm that fully meet criteria have an oval-shaped head, intact membranes on both the head and tail, and normal oxidative phosphorylation in cylindrical mitochondria, and they lack vacuoles and DNA damage. Conversely, sperm exhibiting apoptotic signs, such as immotility, plasma membrane damage, and DNA fragmentation, are not injectable. We must establish threshold criteria for injectable sperm; multiple impairments in sperm hinder the study of these issues. The topic of functional impairments in human sperm is too extensive to cover in a single review; for the full scope of the issue, technical guidance for DNA fragmentation analyses is presented in our previous review. Full article

Background and Objectives: Professional ballet dancers endure high occlusal loads, increasing cervical defect prevalence. Conventional composites fail frequently under such conditions. This randomized clinical trial (RCT) compared 24-month performance of a polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN, VITA Enamic) versus a self-curing bioactive composite (Stela) for cervical restorations. Materials and Methods: Twenty professional ballet dancers (40 cervical defects: 21 carious, 19 abfraction) were enrolled in a paired split-mouth RCT. Each received one PICN inlay and one self-curing composite restoration on two non-adjacent defects. Restorations were assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months using United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria (primary: marginal integrity) and a dye penetration test. Secondary outcomes included secondary caries, hypersensitivity, and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Statistical tests: McNemar, Fisher’s exact, Kaplan–Meier, log-rank (α = 0.05). Results: At 24 months, marginal integrity (USPHS Alpha) was maintained in 91% of PICN restorations for carious defects and 89% for abfraction defects, compared to 70% and 50% for self-curing composite, respectively. No PICN restoration failed (0%). Self-curing composite failures were 20% (carious) and 30% (abfraction) (exploratory uncorrected p = 0.031; non-significant after correction). Dye penetration was lower for PICN in abfraction defects (11% vs. 60%, adjusted p = 0.048) but not in carious defects (9% vs. 30%, adjusted p = 0.317). Kaplan–Meier survival favoured PICN (log-rank p = 0.001); 24-month survival probability: PICN 100% (95% CI: 83–100%), self-curing composite 75% (95% CI: 55–95%). No secondary caries or serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions: PICN hybrid ceramic provided superior marginal integrity and zero failures over 24 months in cervical restorations of professional ballet dancers, outperforming the self curing composite. Within this high-risk population, PICN inlays are recommended for abfraction defects. However, because the study was conducted exclusively in professional ballet dancers, direct extrapolation to the general population should be made with caution. The self-curing composite may be considered for carious defects when light curing is problematic, but patients should be informed of higher failure risk. Longer studies are needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease with significant global impact and limited therapeutic options due to the toxicity and cost of current treatments. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) derived from amphibians, such as Ocellatin-PT4 and Ocellatin-PT6, have emerged as promising bioactive molecules due to their antimicrobial properties and low toxicity to mammalian cells. This study evaluated the leishmanicidal and immunomodulatory effects of Ocellatin-PT4 and Ocellatin-PT6 against Leishmania amazonensis amastigotes. Methods: Peptides were tested on axenic amastigotes and macrophages infected with amastigotes. Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT (0.4–197 µM for Ocellatin-PT4 and 0.3–152.1 µM for Ocellatin-PT6) and vital dye exclusion assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and lipid droplet (LD) production were quantified to assess immunomodulatory responses. Results: Ocellatin-PT4 and Ocellatin-PT6 significantly reduced the viability of free and intracellular amastigotes at concentrations ≥ 24.7 µM and ≥19 µM, respectively, without affecting J774 macrophage viability. Infected macrophages treated with the peptides showed reduced parasite load and decreased infection index (≥12.3 µM for Ocellatin-PT4 and ≥2.4 µM for Ocellatin-PT6). Both peptides modulated the oxidative stress response: they reduced ROS levels in infected macrophages while only slightly increasing NO production at higher concentrations. Additionally, lipid droplet accumulation, which was increased during infection, was downregulated by both peptides—particularly by Ocellatin-PT6. Conclusions: Ocellatin-PT4 and Ocellatin-PT6 exert leishmanicidal effects and modulate key macrophage functions without cytotoxicity. These peptides represent promising candidates for the development of novel therapies against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Full article

The present paper aims to develop a systematic, prescriptive, and exclusively statistical problem-solving methodology that integrates scientific experimental design methods with the Six Sigma philosophy. This methodology was used for the study and continuous improvement of a direct dyeing process for textile materials. In the first stages of the methodology, the process was systematically analyzed; color difference was identified, using rank correlation as the main quality requirement of the customer; and the influence of the electrolyte concentration in the dye bath on this quality characteristic was tested, using analysis of variance. In the subsequent stages, a full factorial experiment was carried out to obtain a mathematical model describing the action of the main selected influence factors on the color difference; response surfaces and constant level curves were plotted to find the optimal settings of these influence factors. It was concluded that cotton fabric provides a more uniform chromatic reproduction, i.e., a lower color difference, compared to linen, and the electrolyte concentration of 20 g/L yielded the most stable chromatic performance for both fiber types. Full article

Persistent reactive azo dyes released from textile finishing are a serious threat to water systems, but effective methods using sunlight to break them down are still limited. Everzol Yellow 3RS (EY-3RS) is particularly recalcitrant: past studies have relied almost exclusively on physical adsorption onto natural or modified clays and zeolites, and no photocatalytic pathway employing engineered nanomaterials has been documented to date. This study reports the synthesis, characterization, and performance of a visible-active ternary nanocomposite, Cu₄O₃/ZrO₂/TiO₂, prepared hydrothermally alongside its binary (Cu₄O₃/ZrO₂) and rutile TiO₂ counterparts. XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, UV-Vis, and PL analyses confirm a heterostructured architecture with a narrowed optical bandgap of 2.91 eV, efficient charge separation, and a mesoporous nanosphere-in-matrix morphology. Photocatalytic tests conducted under midsummer sunlight reveal that the ternary catalyst removes 91.41% of 40 ppm EY-3RS within 100 min, markedly surpassing the binary catalyst (86.65%) and TiO₂ (81.48%). Activity trends persist across a wide range of operational variables, including dye concentrations (20–100 ppm), catalyst dosages (10–40 mg), pH levels (3–11), and irradiation times (up to 100 min). The material retains ≈ 93% of its initial efficiency after four consecutive cycles, evidencing good reusability. This work introduces the first nanophotocatalytic strategy for EY-3RS degradation and underscores the promise of multi-oxide heterojunctions for solar-driven remediation of colored effluents. Full article

This study explores the purification, characterization, and application of laccases from Trametes hirsuta CS5 for degrading synthetic dyes as models of emerging contaminants. Purification involved ion exchange chromatography, molecular exclusion, and chromatofocusing, identifying th ree laccase isoforms: ThIa, ThIb, and ThII. Characterization included determining pH and temperature stability, kinetic parameters (K_m, K_cat), and inhibition constants (K_i) for inhibitors like NaN₃, SDS, TGA, EDTA, and DMSO, using 2,6-DMP and guaiacol as substrates. ThII exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency, with the lowest K_m and highest K_cat. Optimal activity was observed at pH 3.5 and 55 °C. Decolorization tests with nine dyes showed that ThII and ThIa were particularly effective against Acid Red 44, Orange II, Indigo Blue, Brilliant Blue R, and Remazol Brilliant Blue R. ThIb displayed higher activity towards Crystal Violet and Acid Green 27. Among substrates, guaiacol showed the highest K_cat, while 2,6-DMP was preferred overall. Inhibitor studies revealed NaN₃ as the most potent inhibitor. These results demonstrate the significant potential of T. hirsuta CS5 laccases, especially ThIa and ThII, as biocatalysts for degrading synthetic dyes and other xenobiotics. Their efficiency and stability under acidic and moderate temperature conditions position them as promising tools for sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Full article

Manuka essential oil has long been used in traditional medicine, though the effects of the oil on cancer cells have limited studies. The goal of this project was to treat cancer cell lines with manuka essential oil at different concentrations and to ascertain the effects on the cell proliferation of normal fibroblast (CUA-4) and on fibrosarcoma (HT-1080) cells. Cell lines were grown on 24-well plates, and subconfluent cultures were treated with varying concentrations of manuka oil for 24 h. The effect of the oil on proliferation and viability was measured through direct cell counting using trypan blue dye exclusion and through the use of an MTT assay. As the concentration of oil increased, proliferation of all cell lines tested decreased with increasing dosage, concurrently with a decrease in MTT activity. To determine if the decrease in cell numbers observed from manuka oil treatment is the result of apoptosis, PARP cleavage assays were performed, confirming that the treatment caused apoptosis in both normal fibroblasts and fibrosarcoma cells. The stress-activated MAPK protein, JNK, was activated by manuka essential oil treatment, occurring synergistically with a decrease in MKP-1 expression. Full article

The clinical success of dental titanium implants is profoundly linked to implant stability and osseointegration, which comprises pre-osteoblast proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and extracellular mineralization. Because of the bio-inert nature of titanium, surface processing using subtractive or additive methods enhances osseointegration ability but limits the benefit due to accompanying surface contamination. By contrast, laser processing methods increase the roughness of the implant surface without contamination. However, the effects of laser-mediated distinct surface structures on the osteointegration level of osteoblasts are controversial. The role of a titanium surface with a laser-mediated microchannel structure in pre-osteoblast maturation remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of laser-produced microchannels on pre-osteoblast maturation. Pre-osteoblast human embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells were seeded on a titanium plate treated with grinding (G), sandblasting with large grit and acid etching (SLA), or laser irradiation (L) for 3–18 days. The proliferation and morphology of pre-osteoblasts were evaluated using a Trypan Blue dye exclusion test and fluorescence microscopy. The mRNA expression, protein expression, and protein secretion of osteogenic differentiation markers in pre-osteoblasts were evaluated using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction, a Western blot assay, and a multiplex assay, respectively. The extracellular calcium precipitation of pre-osteoblast was measured using Alizarin red S staining. Compared to G- and SLA-treated titanium surfaces, the laser-produced microchannel surfaces enhanced pre-osteoblast proliferation, the expression/secretion of osteogenic differentiation markers, and extracellular calcium precipitation. Laser-treated titanium implants may enhance the pre-osteoblast maturation process and provide extra benefits in clinical application. Full article

Due to a widespread consumer reluctance toward synthetic food dyes, the interest in natural compounds from plants has increased. This study aimed to optimize the oxidation process between chlorogenic acid (CQA) and tryptophan (Trp) using sodium periodate (NaIO₄) to obtain a red-colored pigment. The impact of temperature and different ratios of Trp to NaIO₄ on the reaction progress was investigated. After the best conditions for the reaction were established, three pH values were tested. The reaction time could be reduced from 72 to 24 h with a yield of 46 ± 2% w/w based on the quantity of CQA. After the first purification step of the product by size exclusion chromatography, the pigment obtained was characterized for its solubility, and its hydrolyzed form was used for investigations into the stability at different pH values, storage under light and in the dark (period of 28 days), in the presence of reducing agents, and for heat resistance. Finally, several food matrices were successfully colored with the natural pigment in amounts from 0.005 to 0.01% (w/w). In conclusion, the present study provides new insights into the feasible production and comprehensive characterization of a red pigment derived from oxidative coupling of CQA and Trp, as well as its application in food systems. Full article

Hybrid organic/inorganic conducting and magnetic composites of core–shell type have been prepared by in-situ coating of nickel microparticles with polypyrrole. Three series of syntheses have been made. In the first, pyrrole was oxidised with ammonium peroxydisulfate in water in the presence of various amounts of nickel and the composites contained up to 83 wt% of this metal. The second series used 0.1 M sulfuric acid as a reaction medium. Finally, the composites with polypyrrole nanotubes were prepared in water in the presence of structure-guiding methyl orange dye. The nanotubes have always been accompanied by the globular morphology. FTIR and Raman spectroscopies confirmed the formation of polypyrrole. The resistivity of composite powders of the order of tens to hundreds Ω cm was monitored as a function of pressure up to 10 MPa. The resistivity of composites slightly increased with increasing content of nickel. This apparent paradox is explained by the coating of nickel particles with polypyrrole, which prevents their contact and subsequent generation of metallic conducting pathways. Electrical properties were practically independent of the way of composite preparation or nickel content and were controlled by the polypyrrole phase. On the contrary, magnetic properties were determined exclusively by nickel content. The composites were used as a solid phase to prepare a magnetorheological fluid. The test showed better performance when compared with a different nickel system reported earlier. Full article

Nanotechnology holds significant ameliorative potential against neurodegenerative diseases, as it can protect the therapeutic substance and allow for its sustained release. In this study, the reducing and capping agents of Urtica dioica (UD), Matricaria chamomilla (MC), and Murraya koenigii (MK) extracts were used to synthesize bio-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and against rotenone-induced toxicities in D. melanogaster for the first time. Their optical and structural properties were analyzed via FT-IR, DLS, XRD, EDS, SEM, UV–Vis, and zeta potential. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the fabricated ZnO-NPs were evaluated employing cell-free models (DPPH and ABTS) and the well diffusion method, respectively. Rotenone (500 µM) was administered to Drosophila third instar larvae and freshly emerged flies for 24–120 h, either alone or in combination with plant extracts (UD, MC, an MK) and their biogenic ZnO-NPs. A comparative study on the protective effects of synthesized NPs was undertaken against rotenone-induced neurotoxic, cytotoxic, and behavioral alterations using an acetylcholinesterase inhibition assay, dye exclusion test, and locomotor parameters. The findings revealed that among the plant-derived ZnO-NPs, MK-ZnO NPs exhibit strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, followed by UD-ZnO NPs and MC-ZnO NPs. In this regard, ethno-nano medicinal therapeutic uses mimic similar effects in D. melanogaster by suppressing oxidative stress by restoring biochemical parameters (AchE and proteotoxicity activity) and lower cellular toxicity. These findings suggest that green-engineered ZnO-NPs have the potential to significantly enhance outcomes, with the promise of effective therapies for neurodegeneration, and could be used as a great alternative for clinical development. Full article

The currently available bioceramic-based sealers still demonstrate low bond strength with a poor seal in root canal despite desirable biological properties. Hence, the present study aimed to determine the dislodgment resistance, adhesive pattern, and dentinal tubule penetration of a novel experimental algin-incorporated bioactive glass 58S calcium silicate-based (Bio-G) sealer and compared it with commercialised bioceramic-based sealers. A total of 112 lower premolars were instrumented to size 30. Four groups (n = 16) were assigned for the dislodgment resistance test: control, gutta-percha + Bio-G, gutta-percha + BioRoot RCS, and gutta-percha + iRoot SP, with exclusion of the control group in adhesive pattern and dentinal tubule penetration tests. Obturation was done, and teeth were placed in an incubator to allow sealer setting. For the dentinal tubule penetration test, sealers were mixed with 0.1% of rhodamine B dye. Subsequently, teeth were cut into a 1 mm-thick cross section at 5 mm and 10 mm levels from the root apex, respectively. Push-out bond strength, adhesive pattern, and dentinal tubule penetration tests were performed. Bio-G showed the highest mean push-out bond strength (p < 0.05), while iRoot SP showed the greatest sealer penetration (p < 0.05). Bio-G demonstrated more favourable adhesive patterns. No significant association was noted between dislodgment resistance and dentinal tubule penetration (p > 0.05). Full article

Plant fractions have a diversity of biomolecules that can be used to make complicated reactions for the bioactive fabrication of metal nanoparticles (NPs), in addition to being beneficial as antioxidant medications or dietary supplements. The current study shows that Urtica dioica (UD) and biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of UD have antibacterial and antioxidant properties against bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida) and Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon R+). According to their ability to scavenge free radicals, DPPH, ABTS, TFC, and TPC initially estimated the antioxidant potential of UD and UD AgNPs. The fabricated AgNPs were analyzed (UV–Vis, FTIR, EDS, and SEM) to determine the functional groups (alcohol, carboxylic acids, phenol, proteins, and aldehydes) and to observe the shape (agglomerated crystalline and rod-shaped structure). The disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial properties of synthesized Ag-NPs against E. coli and P. putida. For 24 to 120 h, newly enclosed flies and third instar larvae of Drosophila were treated with UD and UD AgNPs. After exposure, tests for biochemical effects (acetylcholinesterase inhibition and protein estimation assays), cytotoxicity (dye exclusion), and behavioral effects (jumping and climbing assays) were conducted. The results showed that nanoparticles were found to have potent antimicrobial activity against all microbial strains tested at various concentrations. In this regard, ethno-medicinal characteristics exhibit a similar impact in D. melanogaster, showing (p < 0.05) significantly decreased cellular toxicity (trypan blue dye), enhanced biochemical markers (AChE efficacy and proteotoxicity), and improved behavioral patterns in the organism treated with UD AgNPs, especially in comparison to UD extract. The results of this study may help in the utilization of specific plants as reliable sources of natural antioxidants that may have been beneficial in the synthesis of metallic NPs, which aids in the production of nanomedicine and other therapeutic applications. Full article

Globally, the continuous contamination of natural water resources is a severe issue, and looking for a solution for such a massive problem should be the researcher’s concern. Herein, Al₂O₃, Al₂O₃-CuO, Al₂O₃-NiO, and Al₂O₃-CoO were prepared via a simple and fast route, utilizing glucose as a capping material. All synthesis conditions were uniform to make the fabricated nanomaterials’ characteristics exclusively influenced by only the ion type. The SEM analysis showed that the particles of the synthesized Al₂O₃, Al₂O₃-CuO, Al₂O₃-NiO, and Al₂O₃-CoO were all less than 25 nm. The Al₂O₃-NiO showed the smallest particle size (11 to 14 nm) and the best BET surface area of 125.6 m² g⁻¹. All sorbents were tested for removing organic pollutants, as exemplified by indigo carmine (IGC) dye. The Al₂O₃-NiO possessed the highest adsorption capacity among the other sorbents for which it had been selected for further investigations. The IGC sorption reached equilibrium within 2.0 h, and the kinetic study revealed that the IGC removal by Al₂O₃-NiO nanocomposite fitted the FOM and the LFM. The sorbent showed an experimental adsorption capacity (q_t) of 456.3 mg g⁻¹ from a 200 mg L⁻¹ IGC solution and followed the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic findings indicated an endothermic, spontaneous, and physisorption nature. The seawater and groundwater samples contaminated with 5.0 mg L⁻¹ IGC concentrations were fully remediated using the Al₂O₃-NiO nanocomposite. The reuse study showed 93.3% average efficiency during four successive cycles. Consequently, prepared Al₂O₃-NiO nanocomposite is recommended for the treatment of contaminated water. Full article