Search Results (13,935)

Biomimetic restorative treatments in pediatric dentistry increase the longevity of the restoration compared to traditional methods and aim to preserve the natural tooth structure. Prefabricated zirconia crowns have been developed as aesthetic alternatives to stainless steel crowns for full-coronal restorations of primary teeth. This study aimed to compare the fracture resistance and microleakage of two different posterior zirconia crown brands—NuSmile^® (USA) and ProfZrCrown^® (Turkey)—cemented with either conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) or resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). Eighty extracted primary molars were divided into four groups (n = 20). Crowns were cemented with Ketac™ Cem Radiopaque (GIC) or Ketac™ Cem Plus (RMGIC), in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions, and then subjected to thermocycling. Fracture resistance was tested on 40 samples by applying an increasing compressive load until failure, with values recorded in Newtons (N). The remaining 40 samples were immersed in basic fuchsin dye for microleakage testing and evaluated under a stereomicroscope at 30× magnification. The results revealed that the ProfZrCrown^®/RMGIC group exhibited significantly higher fracture resistance compared to the NuSmile^®/RMGIC group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found among the other groups. Although no significant differences in microleakage were observed among the groups (p > 0.05), crowns cemented with GIC demonstrated higher microleakage levels. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, ProfZrCrown^® may be considered a promising alternative for aesthetic posterior restorations in pediatric dentistry. Full article

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are substances capable of interfering with hormonal systems, potentially leading to adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife. Various experimental models are currently available to assess the endocrine-disrupting potential of substances. However, in the context of cosmetic ingredients, the ban on animal testing for safety and efficacy evaluations in Europe and other regions necessitates the use of in vitro or in silico approaches. Concerns have been raised regarding the possible endocrine-disrupting properties of certain cosmetic compounds, prompting the development of a priority substance list that includes several ultraviolet (UV) filters. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main methodologies employed to evaluate endocrine-disrupting effects, with a particular focus on different endocrine organs. It also compiles and analyzes literature data related to commonly used UV filters such as benzophenones, avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor. A major limitation identified is the lack of validated in vitro methods for assessing disruptions in specific endocrine organs, such as the thyroid and pancreas. This gap hinders accurate interpretation of experimental results and highlights the urgent need for further research to clarify the safety profiles of UV filters and other cosmetic ingredients. Full article

Variegated Cymbidium lancifolium is a highly valued ornamental plant sought after in local and international markets. The commercial production of variegated C. lancifolium through traditional propagation methods faces significant challenges, such as low propagation rates and prolonged growth periods. This study aims to develop effective in vitro propagation techniques for variegated C. lancifolium through asymbiotic seed germination to enhance production efficiency and meet market demand. We examined the effects of various plant growth regulators and coconut water (CW) on in vitro seed germination. The highest germination percentage (46.8%) was recorded in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 50 mL/L CW, 4.0 µM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 2.3 µM kinetin (KN), and 2.9 µM gibberellic acid (GA₃). Seed-derived rhizomes were placed on MS medium containing indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and NAA for proliferation. Among the auxins, NAA was the most effective, significantly increasing rhizome proliferation, with the highest number (17.4) and length (2.1 cm) observed at 5.0 µM. The rhizome explants were cultured in MS medium enriched with kinetin (KN), N⁶-(2-isopentenyl)adenine (2-IP), and N⁶-benzyladenine (BA) to promote plantlet regeneration. Of the cytokinins tested, BA at 10.0 µM resulted in the highest rate of plantlet regeneration (79.4%), the greatest number of plantlets (4.4 per culture), and notable plantlet height (8.5 cm). We obtained plantlets with dark green leaves, light green leaves, and distinct variegation patterns. They were transferred to three different substrate mixtures for acclimatization. The substrate made of orchid stone (30%), wood bark (30%), coconut husk chips (20%), and perlite (20%) supported the highest survival rate (95.9%). This study successfully established optimized in vitro propagation techniques for variegated C. lancifolium, enabling enhanced germination, rhizome proliferation, and plantlet regeneration to meet the growing market demand. Full article

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) has significant value in the food industry due to its unique flavor and health benefits. However, its polyphenol content and antioxidant activity have not been systematically analyzed during storage. This study optimized the extraction process of coriander polyphenols using ultrasound-assisted extraction combined with response surface methodology. The polyphenol composition was systematically identified, and changes in polyphenol content and antioxidant activity during storage were investigated. The optimal process conditions for extracting coriander polyphenols were determined as 40% ethanol concentration, 1:121 g/mL material-to-liquid ratio, 81 °C extraction temperature, and 10 min extraction time. This optimized protocol yielded 16.231 mg GAE/g, a 119.28% increase over conventional methods using the same raw material. Fifty polyphenolic compounds were identified using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The main types of polyphenols identified were quercetin, kaempferol, and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. Notably, 41 of these compounds were reported in coriander for the first time. In vitro tests revealed that coriander polyphenols exhibit potent antioxidant properties, with IC₅₀ values of 73.43 μg/mL for DPPH and 82.15 μg/mL for ABTS. Furthermore, the polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity of coriander increased significantly during storage, with total phenolic content rising by 40.5%, DPPH activity by 32.5%, and ABTS activity by 56.5%. Key individual polyphenols showed differential changes: rutin continuously accumulated, while chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease. This study provides strong technical support for the use of coriander polyphenols in functional foods and medicines. Full article

Helicobacter pylori infection, a leading cause of gastric ulcers and gastric cancer, presents a major health challenge, exacerbated by rising antibiotic resistance. This study investigated the antibacterial potential of plant-derived compounds, isolated from different plant species, against H. pylori. Thus, a library of 153 natural compounds and derivatives, including monoterpene indole and bisindole alkaloids, obtained from the African medicinal plant Tabernaemontana elegans was screened in vitro for minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against H. pylori. Active compounds (1-7) were tested for anti-biofilm activity and cytotoxicity on VERO cells to determine their half-maximal cytotoxic concentrations (CC₅₀). Six monoterpene indole alkaloid azine derivatives (1-6) and vobasinyl-iboga type bisindole alkaloid (7) displayed antibacterial activity, with MICs between 10 and 20 µM. Compounds 2, 3, and 6 exhibited bactericidal activity, with MBCs of 20 µM. Notably, compounds 1 to 4 inhibited H. pylori biofilm formation at sub-inhibitory concentrations. Cytotoxicity assays revealed CC₅₀ values above MICs, indicating a favorable safety profile for potential therapeutic use. This study highlights the potential of T. elegans monoterpene indole alkaloids as antibacterial agents and supports further exploration of plant-derived compounds as alternative treatments for H. pylori, offering a promising approach to address antibiotic resistance in gastrointestinal diseases. Full article

The colonization of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in the microenvironment of gastric cancer (GC) is closely associated with tumor progression, but its impact on host metabolic remodeling remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the mechanistic link between F. nucleatum infection and metabolic changes in GC tissue. By integrating 16S rRNA microbiome sequencing and LC-MS/MS metabolomics, the differences in microbial composition and metabolic profiles between Fusobacterium sp.-positive and -negative GC tissues were systematically compared, and the correlation of differential microbes and differential metabolites was analyzed. The impact of F. nucleatum on the glutathione (GSH) metabolic pathway was validated through in vitro tissue testing and the use of the infection model of GC cell lines (such as AGS and HGC27). Integrative omics analysis showed a strong negative correlation between Fusobacterium sp. infection and antioxidant metabolite GSH levels in GCs (p < 0.001). Metabolic reprogramming features: Eleven differentially expressed metabolites were identified using LC-MS/MS metabolomics screening (p < 0.05). GSH was significantly depleted in the Fusobacterium sp.-positive group. Experimental validation: At the histological level, the abundance of F. nucleatum in GC tissues was higher than that in the paired adjacent non-cancerous (NC) tissues; at the cellular level, after F. nucleatum infection of GC cells, the intracellular GSH level decreased (p < 0.01), accompanied by a decrease in glutathione synthetase (GSS) mRNA expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study is the first to demonstrate that F. nucleatum suppresses the GSH synthesis pathway, leading to the breakdown of antioxidant capacity and the formation of an oxidative stress microenvironment in GC cells. These findings provide new insights into the metabolic mechanism of F. nucleatum in promoting GC progression and suggest that targeting the F. nucleatum-GSH axis could offer a novel strategy for GC therapeutic intervention. Full article

Background/Objectives: The dental industry is continuously developing high-performance polymer (HPP) materials with different qualities for denture frameworks. The aim of this in vitro study was to assess how thermal ageing (TA) affects the flexural strength (FS) and microhardness of two different HPP materials: Nanoksa G-plus and Bio-HPP/PEEK. Methods: The TA process was carried out for 5000 cycles at 5 °C and 55 °C in distilled water. To assess FS, a total of 40 bar-shaped specimens measuring 65.0 mm × 10.0 mm × 2.5 mm (20 per group) were obtained; TA and No-TA (NTA) subgroups were prepared for each material group (10 per subgroup); and a three-point bending test was conducted using an Instron universal testing machine. Each specimen that fractured during the FS test was subjected to microhardness measurement using a Vickers hardness tester. The mean FS and microhardness of the TA and NTA specimens were statistically examined using the t-test. Results: Both the TA and NTA Bio-HPP/PEEK specimens exhibited significantly greater (p < 0.0001) microhardness and FS qualities than the Nanoksa G-Plus specimens. The FS and microhardness of the Bio-HPP/PEEK and Nanoksa G-Plus materials significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after TA. Conclusions: The Bio-HPP/PEEK material showed better FS and microhardness properties than the Nanoksa G-Plus material. TA considerably decreased the FS and microhardness of the Bio-HPP/PEEK and Nanoksa G-Plus materials. Full article

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly pathogenic and hemorrhagic swine infectious disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). It encodes over 150 proteins, among which the CD2v protein plays multiple roles throughout the infection process. Single B-cell antibody technology is a cutting-edge method for preparing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which has the advantages of rapid, efficient, and high yield in antibody production, while possessing natural conformations. In this study, by cloning and expressing antibody genes in vitro, 14 murine-derived mAbs were prepared using recombinant CD2v proteins as immunogenic sources, which brings sufficient enrichment and selectivity for the development of antibodies based on the single B-cell antibody technique. All 14 mAbs demonstrated reactivity with CD2v protein by indirect ELISA, whereas 8 mAbs successfully detected CD2v in ASFV-infected PAM cells by IFA, indicating the tested mAbs can effectively recognize and bind to ASFV CD2v. Finally, a blocking ELISA method for detecting CD2v antibodies using CD2v mAb C89 was established, which holds significant potential for broad application in the serological diagnosis of ASFV with determination of the CD2v-blocking ELISA specificity, sensitivity, reproducibility, and compliance rate. It could be used for the rapid clinical detection of ASFV CD2v protein to provide a powerful tool for the monitoring of epidemics. Full article

Background: Third-generation aromatase inhibitors (CYP19A1) are the mainstay of treatment for estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. This is because estrogen is required for cancer growth in approximately 70% of patients with this condition. Although potent and effective, aromatase inhibitors induce resistance and secondary effects, requiring treatment to be discontinued. This clinical limitation highlights the need to search for new molecules. Previous studies have led to the identification of a set of indole sulfonamide molecules that exhibit interesting activity against aromatase. Methods: Phenyl and benzyl sulfonamide derivatives with alkylated heterocycles linked by short methylene bridges were designed and synthesized. The aromatase inhibition and cytotoxicity were tested through in vitro assays. Molecular docking and dynamic simulations evaluated the interactions with the aromatase enzyme, while a target fishing strategy linked to gene associations relevant to breast cancer helped to uncover other targets. Results: All of the non-steroidal inhibitors synthesized showed significant activity. Compounds 3 and 9 demonstrated IC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range and selective action against MCF7 breast cancer cells over healthy lines. Computational studies confirmed stable and favorable aromatase binding. Target fishing identified EGFR and PTK2B as additional potential targets for a multi-target therapeutic strategy. Conclusions: Compounds 3 and 9 outperform indole-based inhibitors in their potency and selectivity, revealing strong therapeutic potential. Their binding affinity and specificity support further development. EGFR and PTK2B may enable a broader, multi-target approach. Full article

The aim of this paper is to obtain ethyl (2-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl)carbamate and its metal complexes as promising antimicrobial agents. The title compound was synthesized using the ring-opening of isatoic anhydride with methylamine and further acylation with ethyl chloroformate. All metal complexes were successfully obtained after mixing the ligand dissolved in DMSO and water solutions of the corresponding metal salts and sodium hydroxide, in a metal-to-ligand-to base ratio 1:2:2. As a result, mixed ligand complexes of ethyl 2-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl)carbamate and 3-methylquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione were obtained. The obtained complexes were characterized by their melting points, FTIR, NMR spectroscopy, and MP-AES. Then, the antimicrobial effect of the compounds against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, and fungi was studied. Only the Co(II) complex showed antimicrobial activity against almost all Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The cobalt complex exhibited promising antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Micrococcus luteus with inhibition zones of 20 mm, Listeria monocytogenes (15 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (13 mm), as well as Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae (13 mm) and Proteus vulgaris (13 mm). Given the potential of metal complexes as antimicrobial agents, understanding their cytotoxic effects is crucial for evaluating their therapeutic safety. To assess the in vitro biocompatibility of the experimental compounds, a range of cell viability assays was conducted using human malignant leukemic cell lines (LAMA-84, K-562) and normal murine fibroblast cells (CCL-1). The Ni(II) complex shows IC₅₀ = 105.1 µM against human malignant leukemic cell lines LAMA-84. Based on the reported results, it may be concluded that the mixed cobalt complex of 2-(methylcarbamoyl)phenyl)carbamate and 3-methylquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione can be attributed as a promising antimicrobial agent. Future in vivo tests will contribute to establishing the antimicrobial properties of this complex. Full article

Folic acid and its derivatives (e.g., folinic acid) are a group of water-soluble compounds collectively known as vitamin B9. Synthetic folic acid is a component of dietary supplements, medications and other pharmaceuticals and fortified foods. Folinic acid (5-formyltetrahydrofolic acid) is the active metabolite of folic acid. It is used to treat vitamin B9 deficiency and as an adjunct to various combination therapies. Hypersensitivity reactions to folic acid or folinic acid are rare and occur following exposure to synthetic folic acid or its derivatives but not on natural folates. In people allergic to folates, cross-reactions are possible following exposure to folic acid analogues (including antifolates, e.g., methotrexate). The mechanism of hypersensitivity to folic acid and/or folinic acid has not been clearly established. Both IgE-dependent and non-IgE-dependent hypersensitivity reactions are likely. It is possible that folic or folinic acid is either an immunogen or a hapten. Diagnosing hypersensitivity to folic/folinic acid is difficult. There are no validated in vitro or in vivo diagnostic tests. The basophil activation test (BAT) appears to be a promising tool for diagnosing folate allergy. The aims of the manuscript were to review published clinical cases of hypersensitivity reactions to folic or folinic acid, potential mechanisms of these reactions and possible cross-allergies, and current diagnostic possibilities of folate hypersensitivity. Full article

Background: The aesthetic performance of single-shade polymer-based restorative materials (SPRs) can be compromised by extrinsic stains. Understanding the effects of novel whitening interventions on SPRs is crucial. Objective: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effects of different whitening interventions, including a novel purple tooth serum and charcoal-based whitening toothpaste with and without in-office bleaching, on the color of a new coffee-stained SPR. Materials and Methods: Seventy disc-shaped SPR specimens were prepared, stained, and then divided into seven groups (n = 10). Three groups were subjected directly to 2500 cycles of brushing simulation with regular toothpaste (control), charcoal toothpaste, or purple tooth serum. The rest were divided into bleaching groups, and the four groups underwent a simulation of bleaching and then brushing with the three products. The color parameters were recorded at the stained baseline, after brushing, after bleaching, and after post-bleaching brushing. The color change (ΔE00) was calculated, and the data were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn–Bonferroni pairwise comparisons (p < 0.05). Results: In-office bleaching without brushing had a statistically significantly higher ΔE00 value than all other groups (p < 0.001). Post hoc tests indicated that the ΔE00 values of the brushed specimens were not significantly different from each other when assessed with and without bleaching (p > 0.05). When using the charcoal toothpaste, the post-bleaching brushed specimens had a noticeable color change above the PT. Conclusions: Bleaching improved the stained SPR color initially, but other treatments may offer longer-lasting aesthetics. The charcoal toothpaste showed promising results when combined with bleaching. The purple serum showed limited effectiveness. Full article

One of the main limitations of photodynamic therapy (PDT) is hypoxia, which is caused by increased tumour proliferation creating a hypoxic tumour microenvironment (TME), as well as oxygen consumption by PDT. Hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs), such as molecules containing aliphatic or aromatic N-oxide functionalities, are non-toxic prodrugs that are activated in hypoxic regions, where they are reduced into their cytotoxic form. The (oxido)pyridylporphyrins tested in this work were synthesised as potential HAPs from their AB₃ pyridylporphyrin precursors, using m-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA) as an oxidising reagent. Their ground-state and excited-state spectroscopic properties, singlet oxygen (¹O₂) production by the photodegradation of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofurane (DPBF) and theoretical lipophilicity were determined. In vitro analyses included cellular uptake, localisation and (photo)cytotoxicity under normoxia and CoCl₂-induced hypoxia. The CoCl₂ hypoxia model was used to reveal their properties, as related to HIF-1 activation and HIF-1α accumulation. (Oxido)pyridylporphyrins showed promising properties, such as the long lifetime of the excited triplet state, a high quantum yield of intersystem crossing, and high production of ROS/¹O₂. Lower cellular uptake resulted in an overall lower phototoxicity of these N-oxide porphyrins in comparison to their N-methylated analogues, and both porphyrin series were less active on CoCl₂-treated cells. (Oxido)pyridylporphyrins showed higher selectivity for pigmented melanoma cells, and the antioxidant activity of melanin pigment seemed to have a lower impact on their PDT activity compared to their N-methylated analogues in both CoCl₂-induced hypoxia and normoxia. Their potential HAP activity will be evaluated under conditions of reduced oxygen concentration in our future studies. Full article

Objective: To evaluate patient perceptions regarding ultrasound-guided embryo transfer, visualisation of embryos prior to transfer, and continuity of care with the same physician during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments. Setting: Between January and September 2023, this study was conducted at the IVF MOMO’ FertiLIFE centre in Bisceglie, Italy. Design: Descriptive and observational study based on an anonymous survey administered to IVF patients at the time of embryo transfer. The goal was to assess the subjective emotional and psychological response to selected procedural elements of the embryo transfer process. Participants: Out of 284 distributed questionnaires, 200 were included in the final analysis. Inclusion required fully completed responses. Questionnaires with incomplete, unclear answers or patient refusal were excluded. The study group was compared with the general IVF patient population treated at the centre over the past 5 years to ensure representativeness. Methods: Patients completed a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation, Friedman test, and exploratory factor analysis. Ethical approval was obtained (CELFer no. 07/2021), and all participants provided written informed consent. Results: The majority of patients reported a heightened sense of calm and reassurance during ultrasound-guided embryo transfer. Viewing embryos on a monitor before transfer was also positively perceived. A strong preference emerged for continuity of care with the same physician throughout the IVF process. While this study did not assess objective stress levels or clinical outcomes, the findings highlight the psychological comfort associated with these patient-centred practices. Limitations: This single-centre study is based on self-reported data and lacks objective assessments of psychological well-being. Therefore, results reflect personal perceptions rather than measurable clinical outcomes. Broader, multicentre research using validated psychological tools is needed to confirm and expand these findings. Furthermore, the questionnaire used in this study was developed internally and not validated externally with standardised psychometric instruments. Conclusions: This study provides insight into IVF patients’ subjective experiences, emphasising the perceived emotional benefits of specific procedural and relational aspects of care. These findings support the integration of patient-centred strategies—such as visual engagement and physician continuity—into routine IVF practice to enhance overall patient well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: Primary dysmenorrhea (DysP) is a prevalent gynecological condition characterized by painful uterine contractions. However, the underlying mechanism of action of dysmenorrhea has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to standardize an animal model of dysmenorrhea using diethylstilbestrol and oxytocin to mimic pathophysiological mechanisms in female Wistar rats. Methods: For the induction of dysmenorrhea, diethylstilbestrol (s.c.) and oxytocin (i.p.) were used. Results: The model effectively reproduced hypercontractility and impaired uterine relaxation. The in vivo evaluations demonstrated increased pain responses (DysP group = 119 ± 6.9; control group CG = 3.0 ± 1.0), which were partially attenuated by standard medications (scopolamine/dipyrone and ibuprofen). In vitro assays revealed greater contractile reactivity when compared to that in the control group, in the DysP group, using oxytocin (pEC₅₀ = 3.6 ± 0.2 and E_max = 145.1 ± 8.7; CG (pEC₅₀ = 3.1 ± 0.1 and E_max = 100%); KCl (DysP pEC₅₀ = 2.2 ± 0.1 and E_max = 164 ± 8.0); CG (pEC₅₀ = 1.8 ± 0.1) and PGF_2α (DysP pEC₅₀ = 7.4 ± 0.2 and E_max = 127.3 ± 15.6); CG (pEC₅₀ = 6.2 ± 0.1)), while the relaxation responses to isoprenaline and nifedipine were decreased compared to those in the CG. The model promoted an imbalance in oxidative stress by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reducing the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the uterine tissue. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the new virgin rat model is capable of replicating key aspects of the clinical features of DysP in humans and offers a valuable tool for studying its pathogenetic mechanisms and testing potential therapeutic agents. Full article