Search Results (2,230)

Objectives: Digital impression-taking techniques are widely used due to their many advantages. However, the accuracy of intraoral scanning in full-arch cases remains a matter of debate. The reliability of different digital implant impression techniques remains questionable in completely edentulous, full-arch cases. This review investigated the accuracy of digital implant impression techniques for full-arch use. Methods: Our study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023393091). Data reporting was based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines, by the Cochrane Handbook. Comparative in vitro studies matching the PICO framework were included. A systematic search was conducted in four databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL]). Results: Thirty-four papers were included in analyzing trueness and precision of root mean square (RMS) deviations. No significant differences were observed between test groups. The overall RMS trueness deviation was 53.36 μm [18.44; 88.28] in the extraoral stereophotogrammetry group, 73.88 μm [36.68; 111.09] in the conventional impression group, 99.54 μm [56.22; 142.86] in the IOS plain group, 104.88 μm [36.86; 172.90] in the IOS scanaid group, and 65.58 μm [5.24; 125.92] in the IOS splinted group. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies (I² ≈ 100%) Conclusions: In case of completely edentulous jaws restored with four to eight implants, digital techniques showed comparable accuracy to the conventional method with no statistically significant differences detected. Full article

Purpose: This study provides a comparative evaluation of surface changes in BioHPP materials under routine professional hygiene procedures, which is recommended by dentists, twice a year. BioHPP is a polyetheretherketone polymer used in prosthetic dentistry as a frame material. The aim was to investigate whether routine dental cleaning procedures such as ultrasonic scaling and brushing affect the surface proprieties of prosthetic BioHPP restorations. This study was conducted to evaluate the surface properties of different restorations based on BioHPP (veneered with composite resin and polished) after brushing and ultrasonic scaling exposure. Materials and Methods: The BioHPP specimens were divided into three groups. The first group (marked BioHPP) served as a baseline reference for assessing the effect of different surface processing approaches, and no further treatment was applied. The specimens in the second group (BioHPP-P) were polished, while the specimens in the third group (BioHPP-C) were veneered with composite resin. Group BioHPP-P and BioHPP-C of samples was divided into three subgroups: 0—no treatment, 1—exposed to tooth brushing, 2—exposed to ultrasonic scaling. Untreated samples (subgroup 0) served as controls for evaluating treatment-related changes within groups 2 and 3. The surface morphology was investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The structure of samples was analyzed using the XRD technique, and the surface wettability was evaluated. Results: The surface roughness of the samples was evaluated via root mean square (RMS) parameter. Baseline BioHPP specimens exhibited higher roughness values compared to the other analyzed groups. The roughness of the non-treated specimens (0) decreased in the line 59.18→28.84→14.51 nm. Treatment of the samples by brushing and ultrasonic scaling was associated with an increase in surface roughness. Variations in water contact angle values were observed. However, no consistent treatment-related trend could be established. Conclusions: Composite veneered BioHPP showed a tendency toward higher surface resistance to brushing and ultrasonic scaling. These findings should be interpreted within the limitations of an in vitro descriptive study. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.), a typical thermophilic crop originating from tropical regions, exhibits an inherent sensitivity to low-temperature stress. Cold stress severely restricts maize seed germination, seedling growth, the physiological metabolism, and the final grain yield, which greatly limits its geographical cultivation range and sustainable industrial development. Elucidating the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying maize cold tolerance and excavating cold-resistant functional genes are essential for the molecular breeding of cold-tolerant maize varieties and expanding maize planting areas in high-latitude and low-temperature-prone regions. In this study, using the strongly cold-tolerant maize inbred line B144 as the experimental material, we cloned the ZmMAPKKKA gene (NCBI accession: LOC103651289) and systematically screened and verified its cold-stress-specific interacting proteins via multiple molecular biological assays. The full-length coding sequence (CDS) of ZmMAPKKKA is 1134 bp, encoding a 377-amino-acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of 40.37 kDa. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results demonstrated that the ZmMAPKKKA expression was significantly upregulated by 16.56-fold in maize roots after 12 h of low-temperature treatment, indicating a tissue-specific and robust cold response in root tissues. A total of 25 interacting proteins were identified through yeast two-hybrid screening, among which three stress-responsive proteins, including a protein kinase (LOC100286253), a protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) (LOC542176), and a NAC transcription factor (LOC118474710), were selected for subsequent verification. The Pull-Down, Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays consistently confirmed that ZmMAPKKKA specifically interacts with these three proteins both in vitro and in vivo under cold stress conditions. This study is the first to construct a ZmMAPKKKA-centered protein interaction module in the maize mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade under cold stress, establishing a novel kinase–phosphatase–transcription factor regulatory cascade that improves the current understanding of cold signal transduction mechanisms in maize. Homologous genes of ZmMAPKKKA in gramineous crops including rice (Oryza sativa) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) have been proven to participate in diverse abiotic stress responses, suggesting the conserved functional roles of MAPKKK family genes across gramineous species. Collectively, our findings provide comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanism of the maize MAPK signaling pathway mediating cold stress adaptation and supply valuable functional gene resources for cold-tolerant maize germplasm innovation and molecular breeding. Full article

Efficient propagation of Hydrangea arborescens is essential for the stable production of high-quality plantlets. However, propagation via stem cuttings is often limited by environmental conditions and inconsistent rooting. This study aimed to identify an effective in vitro culture medium by integrating quantitative growth traits with image-based quality analysis. Seven culture media (M1–M7), consisting of Murashige and Skoog (MS), McCown Woody Plant (McCown), and Gamborg B5 basal media supplemented with different plant growth regulator combinations, were evaluated based on shoot number, root number, plant height, and fresh weights, and plantlet quality was assessed using Green area, ExG (excess green index), and a composite z-score. Significant differences were observed among treatments. M5 and M7 produced the highest shoot numbers, and M7 showed the greatest fresh weight. Image-based analysis indicated that M2 and M7 exhibited the highest overall quality, whereas M3 showed the lowest performance. Basal media types did not significantly affect plantlet quality, whereas hormone treatments enhanced both shoot multiplication and callus formation. A positive association was observed between callus formation rate and shoot number (Spearman’s ρ = 0.74, p < 0.001). Overall, M7 (Gamborg B5 medium supplemented with 30 g∙L⁻¹ sucrose, 1.5 mg∙L⁻¹ BA, and 0.25 g∙L⁻¹ gelrite) provided a balanced combination of high propagation efficiency and plantlet quality, and these findings contribute to the efficient production of high-quality planting materials. Full article

Background: The effectiveness of non-surgical periodontal therapy largely depends on the ability of instruments to efficiently remove plaque and calculus from root surfaces. In recent years, innovative instruments such as LM Sharp Diamond™ curettes have been introduced, featuring a coated blade that maintains sharpness without the need for resharpening. The aim of this pilot in vitro study was to compare the cleaning efficacy of LM Sharp Diamond curettes with that of conventional stainless-steel curettes, hypothesizing that the diamond-coated instruments would demonstrate superior deposit removal efficiency. Materials and Methods: Extracted teeth were selected, fixed on a support, and the root surfaces were coated with black varnish to simulate plaque and calculus deposits. Standardized photographs were taken at baseline (T0). The coated root surfaces were then instrumented using LM Sharp Diamond™ curettes (test group) or traditional Gracey curettes (control group). After treatment (T1), the images were analyzed with Image Color Summarizer software 0.82 to calculate the percentage of cleaned surface. The results were subjected to statistical analysis performed by a professional statistician. Results: The results, obtained from the treatment of nine surfaces, demonstrated that LM Sharp Diamond™ curettes achieved greater and more consistent removal efficiency, with a mean reduction of 1.27 percentage points in residual coated area (RCA) deposits compared to traditional curettes (p = 4.45 × 10⁻⁶). Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that LM Sharp Diamond™ curettes may ensure more effective residue removal than traditional steel curettes. Statistically, it has been shown that LM Sharp Diamond™ curettes provide a cleaner and more uniform surface than traditional steel curettes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Root perforation treatment is essential for restoring the tightness of the root system, preventing periradicular inflammation and tooth loss. The present study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility of Ketac™ Molar EasyMix as well as conduct a thorough morphological and structural characterization of the material, considering its potential use in managing root perforations. Methods: Morpho-structural characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Biocompatibility tests were performed on osteosarcoma cell line (ATCC—G 292 CRL-1423), monitoring metabolic activity and cell viability (MTT, n = 3), as well as the inflammatory response (nitric oxide—NO, n = 6), after 24 and 48 h of incubation. The control group consisted of cells unexposed to the material. Results: Microstructurally, the material exhibits a heterogeneous structure, along with pores and cracks. The specific bonds of the material, including both organic acid (COO⁻, O-H) and the glass components (Si-O-Al, Ca-O, C-F), were identified by FT-IR, while the crystalline phase composed of calcium fluorolanthanate was determined by XRD. Moreover, in vitro metabolic activity and viability test (MTT) showed a decrease of ~28% (p = 0.029) and ~30% (p = 0.150) after 24 and 48 h for samples incubated with Ketac™ Molar EasyMix. The statistically significantly increased levels of NO (p = 0.002, p = 0.004) suggest that the cells are trying to adapt to the environment that they have been exposed to. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the present study, under the tested conditions, our results suggest that Ketac™ Molar EasyMix maintained cell viability close to the 70% threshold defined by ISO 10993-5:2009, indicating a borderline biological response, a feature that may be influenced by the composition and behavior of the material. Full article

Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, or PVF, a member of Araliaceae, is a new and high-value variety of Vietnamese Ginseng (P. vietnamensis var. vietnamensis—VG). PVF shares some similarities in terms of its saponin profile with VG, including protopanaxadiol, protopanaxatriol, and ocotillol saponin. Previous research has revealed that the steaming process significantly increases the bioactivities of VG, especially the renal protective effect. In this study, PVF roots were steamed at a high temperature (120 °C) for 12 h to obtain Black PVF (BPVF). The BPVF extract was tested in both in vitro and in vivo models of cisplatin toxicity to assess its antioxidant and nephroprotective activities. The results showed that the BPVF obtained from the steaming process exhibited the highest antioxidant activity at 12 h. The chemical composition of BPVF is characterized by less-polar saponins such as G-Rg3, -Rg5, and ocotillol genin. The BPVF extract (200 mg/kg) reversed kidney injuries by significantly lowering serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, which had increased due to cisplatin toxicity. The antioxidant effect of BPVF extract also prevented lipid peroxidation by lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and restoring redox balance by increasing glutathione (GSH) content in kidney cells to nearly normal levels, with effects comparable to quercetin. This study provides evidence of BPVF’s therapeutic potential with respect to kidney injuries due to cisplatin toxicity. Full article

Zizyphus oxyphylla has been traditionally used in the management of metabolic disorders, and cyclopeptide alkaloids isolated from its roots have been structurally characterized, although their antidiabetic potential remains insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the antidiabetic activity of three previously isolated cyclopeptide alkaloids, Oxyphylline-D (1), Nummularine-C (2), and Nummularine-R (3), using integrated in silico molecular docking and in vitro enzyme inhibition assays. Molecular docking was performed against key diabetes-related enzymes, including α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, followed by validation through enzyme inhibition assays. All compounds demonstrated favorable binding affinities toward the selected targets, with compound 2 showing the most consistent performance across enzymes. In vitro results support these findings, where compound 2 exhibited inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 102.97 µg/mL (187.71 µM) against α-amylase and 28.87 µg/mL (52.62 µM) against dipeptidyl peptidase-4, comparable to standard inhibitors. Overall, the results indicate that cyclopeptide alkaloids from Z. oxyphylla possess significant multi-target antidiabetic potential, with Nummularine-C emerging as a promising candidate for further pharmacological development. These findings provide experimental support for computational predictions and reinforce the relevance of combining in silico and in vitro approaches for identifying bioactive natural products with potential therapeutic value in diabetes management, drug discovery pipelines, and development. Full article

Globba bicolor Gagnep., an ornamental ginger of cultural importance in Thailand’s “Tak Bat Dok Mai” festival, faces conservation challenges due to climate change and slow natural propagation. Limited understanding of its cultivation and chemical composition further constrains sustainable utilization. This study provides the first integrated investigation of micropropagation using rhizome-derived explants under various combinations of exogenous hormones, acclimatization strategies, and comparative phytochemical profiling between wild and in vitro-propagated plants. An optimized clonal regeneration system was established from plantlets, with Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 2.0 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) and 0.5 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), yielding the highest multiplication (9.10 shoots/explant and 12.40 roots/explant) after eight weeks of cultivation. During acclimatization, sand substrate proved superior, facilitating a 90% survival rate and enhanced physiological vigor. Comparative analysis revealed that while wild plants possessed significantly higher total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) than their in vitro counterparts, both sources maintained a rich diversity of chemical constituents. HPLC analysis identified cinnamic acid, rutin, and quercetin as major metabolites, while GC–MS detected 90 volatile compounds, with β-caryophyllene and β-pinene as predominant constituents. Notably, rhizomes of wild plants exhibited particularly high-value detections. To provide a rapid and non-destructive approach for linking chemical composition with antioxidant activity, FTIR-based chemometric models were applied, demonstrating high predictive accuracy (R²–cv = 0.9712–0.9862). These results provide a scientific foundation for the conservation and sustainable commercial utilization of G. bicolor as a potential source of bioactive natural products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Botanical supplements are increasingly investigated for their potential to address women’s health concerns. Compounds that modulate progesterone receptor (PR) signaling may help manage gynecologic disorders such as endometriosis, uterine hyperplasia, and preterm birth. Because PR ligands often cross-react with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), this study examined two botanical compounds, paeoniflorin from Paeonia lactiflora (white peony root) and isoorientin from Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), that were identified as modulators of GR or PR signaling. Methods: Luciferase reporter assays were performed in OVCAR5, Ishikawa PR-B, and T47D A1-2 cells to evaluate GR and PR signaling. GR target gene expression was measured by qPCR. A receptor binding assay and computational docking were used to assess interaction with GR. Adipogenesis was evaluated in 3T3-L1 cells using Oil Red O staining and FABP4 protein expression by Western blot. Results: Paeoniflorin and isoorientin inhibited dexamethasone-induced GR signaling in OVCAR5 and Ishikawa PR-B cells. In T47D A1-2 cells, a variant of T47D engineered to express GR, both compounds blocked luciferase induction stimulated by progesterone; this effect was not observed in the parental line that expresses PR but lacks GR. In OVCAR5 cells, paeoniflorin or isoorientin combined with dexamethasone downregulated GILZ and DUSP1/MKP1 mRNA. Isoorientin directly bound GR, and computational analysis supported potential binding poses. Both compounds also reduced lipid accumulation during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and decreased FABP4 expression, consistent with GR antagonist activity and reduced adipogenesis. Conclusions: These findings identify paeoniflorin and isoorientin as botanical modulators that suppress GR signaling and limit GR-dependent adipogenic responses across multiple cell-based models under controlled in vitro conditions. Full article

Panax ginseng is a medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological effects; its primary active components are ginsenosides. The biosynthesis of ginsenosides can be regulated by the plant hormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA) during in vitro culture of ginseng. The PYL proteins, which serve as abscisic acid (ABA) receptors, play a crucial role in plant hormone signaling transduction. However, there are no reports on the response of PYL genes to MeJA in ginseng. In this study, we identified 49 members of the PYL gene family in the ginseng genome and transcriptome from databases and conducted a systematic analysis. The results indicated that these PYL genes were unevenly distributed across the chromosomes and exhibited significant synteny. Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation revealed considerable functional diversity in the PYL gene family in ginseng. Analysis of the promoter cis-acting elements showed that these genes are involved in various biological processes, including growth, development, and metabolic regulation. After treating ginseng adventitious roots with MeJA, we found that four PgPYL genes (PgPYL13, PgPYL17-01, PgPYL17-02, and PgPYL23) containing abundant MeJA-responsive elements exhibited distinct expression patterns and were negatively correlated with protopanaxadiol-type ginsenoside content. This study systematically elucidated the characteristics and functions of the ginseng PYL gene family, revealing its potential role in MeJA signal transduction and the regulation of ginsenoside biosynthesis. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the in vitro culture of ginseng plant cells and enhancing ginsenoside production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Effective irrigation of the apical third remains one of the greatest challenges in root canal treatment, particularly in curved canals where anatomical complexity restricts irrigant penetration. This in vitro study evaluated the irrigation efficacy of four syringe-needle designs under standardized conditions. Methods: Ten transparent resin blocks with approximately 30° curved canals were instrumented to size 30/0.04 taper. Four irrigation needle designs were tested: flat open-ended (27G), notched open-ended (27G), double-vented closed-ended (27G), and finally a flexible polypropylene closed-ended (IrriFlex, 30G) used as a reference. Canals were filled with methylene blue and irrigated dynamically with distilled water. Residual dye was quantified spectrophotometrically at 665–668 nm. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with post hoc testing (p < 0.05). Results: Significant differences were found among the needle designs. The flexible polypropylene needle showed the lowest absorbance values and performed significantly better than both the flat open-ended and double-vented metallic needles. The notched open-ended needle demonstrated irrigation efficacy comparable to the flexible needle. The double-vented metallic needle exhibited the highest residual dye levels, indicating the poorest irrigation performance. Conclusions: Needle design significantly influences irrigation efficacy in curved root canals. Flexible and notched designs enhanced apical dye removal compared with conventional metallic open-ended and side-vented needles. Differences in performance appear to be governed by a combination of vent configuration, needle flexibility, penetration depth, and fluid-dynamic behavior rather than needle gauge alone. Full article

Rapid alkalinization factor (RALF) peptides are recognized as multifunctional regulators of plant stress responses, yet their roles in woody species remain poorly defined. Here, we identified a RALF22-like peptide from poplar ‘Shanxin’ (Populus davidiana × P. bolleana; PdbRALF22-like) and investigated its roles in salt tolerance and disease resistance. Synthetic PdbRALF22-like peptide elicited a rapid ROS burst in poplar leaf discs. In Nicotiana benthamiana, which was otherwise unresponsive to the peptide, transient expression of either of two poplar FERONIA-like receptor kinases (PdbFER-like-1 and PdbFER-like-2) enabled peptide-triggered ROS production, consistent with receptor-matched responsiveness in a heterologous context. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated a PdbRALF22-like knockout line and assessed salt tolerance in vitro and soil-grown assays. Under salinity, the mutant showed sustained rooting at high NaCl concentrations and improved growth relative to wild type. After 0.2 M NaCl treatment, soil-grown mutant plants exhibited reduced wilting and leaf injury. Evans Blue, DAB, and NBT staining indicated reduced membrane damage and lower accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide in the mutant. Significantly, the same knockout line displayed increased susceptibility to infection by the poplar leaf spot fungus, with larger lesions and higher pathogen biomass, accompanied by reduced ROS output and lower induction of the defense marker gene PdbPR1. Collectively, PdbRALF22-like negatively regulates salt tolerance while contributing positively to disease resistance, and represents a regulatory node linking salinity tolerance and disease susceptibility in poplar ‘Shanxin’, with poplar FER-like receptors providing a plausible route for peptide-triggered ROS signaling. This work expands our understanding of RALF peptide signaling in woody plants. Full article

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients for plant metabolism; however, their bioavailability in tropical soils is often limited by low solubility and complex mineral interactions. Root-associated bacteria may enhance micronutrient availability through siderophore production and the solubilisation of insoluble mineral forms. This study aimed to functionally characterise three bacterial isolates from rice roots—Bacillus siamensis TUR07-02b, Priestia aryabhattai SMNCH17-07, and Priestia megaterium SMBH14-02—under controlled in vitro conditions. Siderophore activity was evaluated qualitatively using Chrome Azurol S (CAS) agar, where percentages represent halo-based indices relative to colony diameter, and quantitatively using the CAS–shuttle assay, expressed as percent siderophore units relative to an uninoculated reference. Zinc solubilisation was assessed in solid media as halo-based indices and in liquid media as Zn-equivalent signals (mg L⁻¹) obtained by spectrophotometry. All strains produced siderophores, with P. aryabhattai showing the highest qualitative index (167%), while P. aryabhattai and B. siamensis showed statistically similar activity in liquid medium (~23%). Zinc solubilisation was substrate-dependent: B. siamensis showed the broadest solubilisation spectrum in solid media, whereas P. aryabhattai achieved the highest Zn-equivalent signals for ZnCO₃ and Zn₃(PO₄)₂ after 20 days. These results demonstrate strain-specific functional differences and represent a preliminary screening method based on relative in vitro estimations. Full article

Evaluating the safety of botanical extracts for cosmetics has become mandatory, but it is often challenging because of their phytochemical complexity and limited toxicological data. In this study, the safety of aqueous Sophora flavescens root extract (SFRE), widely used in cosmetics, was assessed using an integrated approach combining in vitro, in silico, margin of safety (MoS), threshold of toxicological concern (TTC), and history of safe use (HSU). Chemical characterization was performed by literature review and LC–MS/MS analysis. SFRE was classified as non-irritant in in vitro skin and eye irritation tests conducted according to OECD TG439 and 492. Whole-extract and constituent-level in silico analysis and literature evaluation were conducted to assess genotoxicity and skin sensitization potential. For systemic toxicity, a 13-week oral repeat dose no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 10 mg/kg bw/day for a decocted Sophorae radix extract was employed without compositional adjustment to calculate the acceptable systemic exposure dose of 0.10 mg/kg bw/day, which was slightly lower than the current usage of SFRE in cosmetics (up to 0.13 mg/kg/day). The TTC approach revealed that many bioactive constituents fell outside the applicability domain due to steroid moieties. HSU data from dietary supplements (32–64.67 mg/kg/day) could support the safety of the current use of SFRE in cosmetics. The findings highlight that a combined, case-by-case application of MoS, TTC, and HSU is essential for the robust safety assessment of complex botanical ingredients. Full article