The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of whitening toothpastes containing blue covarine or activated charcoal on the color change, surface roughness, microhardness, and gloss of single-, group-, and multi-shade universal composites. Each of three composite resin groups (Omnichroma-supra-nanospherical single-shade; Neo Spectra ST HV-nanoceramic group-shade; and Filtek Z550-nanohybrid multi-shade) were divided into three subgroups (n = 15) based on the whitening toothpastes used: Distilled water (brushing without paste), Curaprox White is Black, and Signal White Now. Baseline measurements for color, surface roughness, microhardness, and gloss were made on each of the specimens. Subsequently, all specimens were immersed in coffee for 6 days to simulate 6 months of coffee consumption, after which the measurements were repeated. The stained specimens were subsequently brushed with an electric toothbrush for 24 min to simulate the effect of brushing teeth for 6 months. Again, measurements were made following this toothbrushing process. Additionally, one specimen from each subgroup was prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. To evaluate if data had normal distributions, the Shapiro-Wilk test was used. Normally distributed data were analyzed using a generalized linear model followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. Non-normally distributed data were evaluated using robust ANOVA and Holm-corrected robust t-tests through the use of Walrus package. Quantitative data were reported as mean ± standard deviation or trimmed mean ± standard error. The statistical significance threshold was set at p < 0.05. Omnichroma showed the greatest color change, whereas Filtek Z550 showed the smallest. The Neo Spectra ST HV subgroup brushed with Signal White Now showed the highest efficacy in stain removal. The highest surface roughness after brushing was observed in the specimens brushed with Curaprox White is Black, with no statistically significant difference compared to those brushed with Signal White Now. Microhardness was ranked independently of toothpaste and time as Filtek Z550 > Neo Spectra ST HV > Omnichroma. There were statistically significant differences in gloss values depending upon the type of composite resin being tested, the type of toothpaste being tested and the time of testing (p < 0.001). Whitening toothpastes with blue covarine and activated charcoal partially reduced coffee-induced staining on universal composite resins but caused an increase in surface roughness of composite resins as well as a decrease in gloss. On the other hand, the toothpastes had no significant effect on the microhardness values of the composite resins. Whitening toothpastes may contribute to the reduction of extrinsic stains on composite restorations. However, since these toothpastes contain abrasives, they may increase the roughness of surface and decrease the gloss of restorative materials. As such, clinicians should be aware of the possible effects of whitening toothpaste on the surface characteristics of composite restorations prior to making recommendations to patients.
The objective of the present in vitro study is to evaluate the color prediction of shade-gradient 5 mol% yttria-partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ) ceramics in different thicknesses using try-in pastes, unpolymerized resin cements, and polymerized resin cements. Specimens with thicknesses of 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.8 mm were fabricated using 5Y-PSZ zirconia ceramic. Substructure specimens were prepared from composite resin in A1 shade. Color parameters were measured after try-in paste application, before resin cement polymerization, and after resin cement polymerization. The color differences between the try-in paste and the unpolymerized resin cement (ΔE00-1), the try-in paste and the polymerized resin cement (ΔE00-2), and the unpolymerized resin cement and polymerized resin cement (ΔE00-3) were calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula. Data were statistically analyzed using the two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and the Bonferroni adjustment (α = 0.05). Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no interaction between thickness and prediction method (P = .128), but both factors significantly affected ΔE00 values (P < .05). Among the thickness groups, 0.4 mm specimens showed the highest ΔE00 values (1.45 ±0.9), while 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm specimens demonstrated significantly lower ΔE00 values (P < .05). Regarding the prediction method, all groups showed statistically significant differences (P < .05), with ΔE00-1 exhibiting the highest ΔE00 value (1.38 ±0.7), followed by ΔE00-2 and ΔE00-3. In thin restorations (0.4 mm), color prediction became more challenging. Visually perceptible color differences were observed among try-in pastes and resin cements after polymerization; therefore, the use of unpolymerized resin cement yielded more reliable color prediction.
Accurate shade matching between evaluation pastes and resin cements is essential for achieving optimal esthetic outcomes with ceramic restorations. However, variations in material composition, ceramic thickness, and optical properties may lead to perceptible color discrepancies. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the influence of evaluation pastes on the definitive color of ceramic restorations and determine whether they provide a reliable simulation of the shade obtained after resin cementation. A comprehensive electronic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for studies published between January 2000 and September 2025. Eligible studies investigated color differences (ΔE or ΔE₀₀) between evaluation pastes and resin cements in ceramic restorations. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by 2 reviewers using the QUIN tool. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated using random-effects models, with Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman adjustments for confidence intervals (α=.05). Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. No statistically significant difference was found in color change between the evaluation and resin cementation stages for either ΔE (P=.744), with high heterogeneity (I²=96.76%), or ΔE₀₀ (SMD=-0.24; 95% CI:-1.48-1.00). In contrast, pooled analyses demonstrated a statistically significant difference between ΔE and ΔE₀₀ values for both evaluation pastes and resin cements (P<.001) CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation pastes provide a clinically acceptable and reliable estimation of the definitive restoration shade. Nevertheless, clinicians should consider ceramic translucency, cement brand, and application technique to minimize potential color variation.
Pulpectomy is one of the most common treatments for the rehabilitation and conservation of primary dentition. This procedure requires thorough disinfection of the root canals to eliminate the bacterial load prior to obturation. However, the anatomical complexity of primary root canals limits the complete eradication of certain bacteria, such as Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Although iodine-based pastes, such as Vitapex, are considered the gold standard for primary root canal fillings due to their excellent clinical outcomes, the extent of their antibacterial efficacy remains unclear. To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of an iodine-based paste incorporated with silver nanoparticles against E. faecalis. This experimental study employed a comparative, cross-sectional, analytical, and prospective design. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized and chemically characterized prior to incorporation into an iodoform paste (Vitapex). The antibacterial efficacy was subsequently evaluated across three distinct groups: Group 1 (Vitapex), Group 2 (AgNPs), and Group 3 (Vitapex with AgNPs). Experiments were performed in triplicate using the E. faecalis ATCC 29212 strain to measure the zones of inhibition for each group. Significant statistical differences were observed (p = 0.003) in the inhibition zones against E. faecalis. The antibacterial activity of the Vitapex+AgNPs combination (SD 13.93 ± 0.83) was significantly higher than that of Vitapex (SD 10.26 ± 0.88) and AgNPs (SD 11.15 ± 2.40) alone. Our results demonstrate that both Vitapex and AgNPs exhibit antibacterial activity against E. faecalis; furthermore, their combined application shows a superior synergistic effect.
Cement paste is a hydraulic binding agent made of water and cement. It provides the concrete with its solid matrix when hardened. The hardening of the cement paste relies on an exothermic chemical process known as hydration. The progress of hydration and the associated development of mechanical material properties depend primarily on the materials' composition and hydration temperature. These circumstances were taken into account in the design of this experimental study by varying the water-to-cement ratio and the specimen size. A test series on cement paste made with ordinary Portland cement was conducted using the ultrasonic pulse transmission method with combined compression and shear-wave measurements. Specimens up to 1.5 litres in size were examined. Additionally, density and temperature tests were conducted to describe the specimen's state before, during, and after the ultrasound tests. All measurement data and metadata were compiled into datasets in the open-source binary format of GNU Octave, published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
This study presents a systematic terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) investigation of hardened cement paste, framed as a complex-optical measurement in which the real and imaginary parts of the response probe distinct microstructural attributes. Transmission-mode measurements were made on pastes with water-to-cement (w/c) ratios of 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 at curing ages of 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. The effective refractive index, obtained from the time-domain pulse delay (7, 28, and 56 days, paired with mercury intrusion porosimetry), correlates strongly and linearly with porosity over nine porosity-paired conditions spanning 15.1-30.4% (pooled R2 = 0.94, p < 0.001). In a quasi-static effective-medium framework-where the pores a re far smaller than the THz wavelength-this reflects the dependence of the effective permittivity on the solid volume fraction: the Bruggeman model outperforms the Maxwell-Garnett model, and all data fall within the Wiener bounds, lying close to the upper bound, indicating a continuously connected solid matrix with isolated pores. Cross-validated porosity estimation is reliable to within about ±2 percentage points (refractive-index uncertainty ±0.02-0.04). The absorption follows a power law (β ≈ 1.0-1.3) characteristic of disorder-activated vibrational absorption, in which the loss of long-range order in the amorphous C-S-H relaxes the crystalline selection rules and couples the THz field to the full vibrational density of states. The refractive index (structure-sensitive, governed by volume fraction) and the absorption (material-sensitive, governed by solid disorder; estimated loss tangent of order 0.1) thus form two complementary channels. Combining the THz-derived porosity with the Powers hydration model gives a degree of hydration consistent with literature ranges-an indirect comparison rather than direct validation. These results establish THz-TDS as a non-contact, non-ionizing technique for rapid porosity estimation and hydration assessment of cementitious materials.
Stir-frying is an important process for terminating fermentation and improving the flavor of sour shrimp paste. This study investigated the flavor characteristics, volatile profiles, and post-storage microbial community of stir-fried sour shrimp paste. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that it exhibits a well-balanced flavor profile, characterized by fruity, soy sauce, spicy, and salty notes. Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis, a total of 68 volatile compounds were identified, of which 26 made notable contributions to the aroma. Among them, esters were the most diverse group, with ethyl butyrate, ethyl acetate, and ethyl 2-methylbutyrate serving as the main contributors to the fruity aroma. Acids such as butanoic acid, acetic acid, and 2-methylbutanoic acid far exceeded their thresholds, linking to sour and spicy notes. Microbial community analysis revealed that low-abundance fermentative bacteria, such as Vagococcus and Levilactobacillus, remained detectable after storage, whereas Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter were identified as the most probable spoilage organisms. These findings provide a systematic understanding of the unique flavor of stir-fried sour shrimp paste and its potential microbial risks during storage, providing a basis for the application of stir-frying technology.
This study aimed to determine the antibacterial efficacy of sodium dichloro-iso-cyanurate (NaDCC) compared to double antibiotic paste (DAP) and calcium hydroxide (CH) against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). The study utilized a sample of forty-four human single-rooted teeth, which were decoronated and chemo-mechanically prepared. E. faecalis was then inoculated into the teeth for four weeks. The samples were randomly divided into four groups, each receiving a different intracanal medicament: DAP ([Formula: see text]), NaDCC ([Formula: see text]), CH ([Formula: see text]), and a control group treated with sterile water ([Formula: see text]). After a contact time of 28 days, a sample was taken from each root canal with a paper point. The number of colony-forming units was then calculated, and data analysis was performed using Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. All the medicaments had a significantly higher antibacterial effect than the control group ([Formula: see text]). DAP showed a significantly higher antibacterial effect than NaDCC ([Formula: see text]) and CH ([Formula: see text]). NaDCC showed a significantly higher antibacterial effect than CH ([Formula: see text]). The study's results indicate that DAP is the most effective medicament against E. faecalis. However, the study also revealed that NaDCC, a relatively novel substance in endodontics, demonstrated a higher antibacterial efficacy than CH. This suggests that NaDCC could be a promising addition to the range of medicaments used in regenerative procedures.
A sensitive, simple, and environmentally friendly electrochemical voltammetric approach has been developed for the determination of Mirabegron (MRG) in drug substances, drug products, and spiked human plasma samples. For the first time, MRG was measured using a combination of electrochemistry and nanotechnology. A Multiwalled carbon nanotubes/sugar polymer/ zinc oxide nanoparticles carbon paste electrode (MWCNT/ZnO NPs/PS/CPE) was fabricated and used to study the electrochemical behavior of MRG showing a good anodic response in Britton-Robinson buffer (B-R buffer) pH 3.0 utilizing cyclic (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). Linear relationships were recorded between the peak current (Ip ) and MRG concentration ranges of 0.2 × 10- 9 - 100 × 10- 6 M in bulk with correlation 0.9990 and 0.30 × 10- 9 - 100 × 10- 9 M in plasma with correlation of 0.9993. Method sensitivity was demonstrated by the calculation of the detection and quantification limits, which were found to be 6 × 10- 12 M and 19 × 10- 12 M, respectively. Method validation has been evaluated as per ICH guidelines. The acquired results were statistically compared with those of the reported one profitably. Method greenness was evaluated by ECO scale, the Modified Green Analytical procedure index (MOGAPI) and Analytical Greenness Metric Approach (AGREE). The results indicate an excellent green profile, so the developed new voltametric method will be dedicated to the quality control laboratories to contribute to MRG analysis.
A sustainable, fast, sensitive, and selective electrochemical determination of ivabradine (IVB) is vital for pharmaceutical assessment and clinical monitoring. IVB is a selective heart rate-reducing medication that plays an important role in improving symptoms and decreasing hospitalizations for patients with chronic heart failure, particularly when beta-blockers are not appropriate. Recent studies have explored improving electrode performance through nanomaterial-based modifications, such as metal oxides and carbon nanocomposites. Currently, there are no reports on using Al-doped ZnO (AZO) nanoparticles-modified carbon paste electrodes (CPE) for IVB analysis. The prepared nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized utilizing Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The electrochemical properties of IVB at AZO/CPE were examined via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in Britton-Robinson buffer (pH 2.0). Among the investigated bare and ZnO-based modified CPEs (Mn-, Ni-, and Al-doped), AZO/CPE demonstrated the highest anodic oxidation response toward IVB, confirming its enhanced electrocatalytic performance. The influence of scan rate on IVB electrochemical oxidation was examined with AZO/CPE cyclic voltammetry (CV). Under optimized experimental conditions, the peak current of IVB showed a linear relationship with its concentration from 5.0 × 10-8 M to 1.0 × 10⁻5 M, along with a low detection limit of 7.4 × 10-9 M. The proposed electrode exhibited high sensitivity and a rapid response and was effectively used to determine IVB levels in spiked human plasma. Two newly developed assessment tools were demonstrated to evaluate the sustainability, efficiency, and practicality of the proposed method: the Need, Quality, and Sustainability (NQS) Index and the Evaluation and Performance of Practicality Index (EPPI).
Hemopexin (Hpx) is an acute phase plasma protein that is responsible for sequestration and removal of cell-free heme with very high affinity (Kd < 1 pM). Hpx expression in liver cells is induced following an inflammatory event such as severe hemolysis. Therefore, plasma Hpx has potential clinical relevance due to its' ability to bind free heme, thus reducing lipid peroxidation and activation of inflammatory pathways in genetic anemias, such as sickle cell disease (SCD). This provides the rationale for purifying Hpx at high purity and at large scale. Starting from human Cohn fraction IV, we purified a protein cocktail using tangential flow filtration for use in this study as the starting material for purification of Hpx. Hpx was purified from the protein cocktail using immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography. SDS-PAGE and densitometric analysis showed that Hpx was purified to homogeneity and was approximately 99% pure. To gain further insight into Hpx activity and its' ligand binding properties, we employed comparative biophysical techniques such as UV-visible, circular dichroism, electron paramagnetic resonance and stopped flow spectroscopy. Finally we evaluated Hpx in a mouse model of SCD to test the ability of the novel material to attenuate tissue iron accumulation.
A fly ash-based artificial aggregate with a compressive strength of >60 MPa was prepared via cement activation and alkali activation using >75% fly ash as the principal raw material. The mechanical properties of concrete prepared using this aggregate and the characteristics of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) were compared with those of concrete containing natural aggregate. The results indicated that the compressive strength of concrete prepared using artificial aggregate was lower than that of concrete prepared using natural aggregate by about 19.0-27.6%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the cement paste bonded tightly to the surface of the natural aggregate; the width of ITZ was 20-30 µm. The ITZ between the cement paste and the fly ash-based artificial aggregate exhibited a relatively loose structure at 28 d, with a width of 30-40 µm; however, the ITZ became narrower and denser at 90 d. EDS indicated that the principal hydration products were calcite crystals and C-S-H gel in the ITZ of natural aggregate concrete and artificial aggregate concrete. According to nanoindentation tests, for both cement pastes with natural and artificial aggregates, the elastic modulus of the ITZ at 28 d was >10 GPa, and it increased slightly at 90 d. The ITZ between the alkali-activated paste and limestone exhibited a relatively dense structure, with a width of 20-30 µm. The ITZ between the alkali-activated paste and the fly ash-based artificial aggregate exhibited a relatively loose structure with numerous pores at 28 d and had a width of 30-40 µm; however, the ITZ became narrower and denser at 90 d. The principal hydration products were N-A-S-H and C-A-S-H in the two kinds of aggregate concrete. Whether the alkali-activated paste contained natural aggregate or artificial aggregate, the elastic modulus of the ITZ at 28 d was 5-6 GPa, and it increased rapidly to >10 GPa by 90 d. The performance of ITZ is primarily influenced by the matrix materials, while also being influenced by aggregates and curing conditions. Qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed the formation mechanisms of artificial and natural aggregates in different matrices. Through continuous hydration and polymerization reactions, artificial aggregates gradually form narrower and denser interfacial transition zones with different matrices, especially in alkali-activated matrices. The continuously improved performance of the ITZ makes it less prone to forming cracks between the ITZ and the artificial aggregate. This study provides an important theoretical basis for the application of fly ash-based artificial aggregates, which can also be used to produce high-strength concrete.
Today, caries prevention approaches in dentistry are no longer limited to mechanical treatments; they are increasingly focused on the development and evaluation of various remineralizing agents aimed at reversing early lesions. Our study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness of different remineralizing agents on teeth with initial caries. Nine groups of bovine enamel specimens with initial enamel caries (n = 81) were randomly assigned: APF (xylitol-containing fluoride gel), FV (CPP-ACP-containing fluoride gel), BF (fluoride varnish), CR (self-assembling peptide P11-4), TM (CPP-ACP paste), GG (herbal toothpaste), RJ (xylitol-containing gel), TP (toothpaste), and C (Control). The materials were used in a professional (APF, FV, BF, and CR) or daily (TM, GG, RJ, and TP) regimen. The pH cycle was applied to enamel samples for a period of 6 days. Surface roughness (Ra) values were measured after the initial caries formation (first measurement) and after the application of remineralization agents (second measurement). Scanning electron microscopy images were also taken in the last stage. Ra values were analyzed statistically both inter- and intra-groups. In the TM and TP groups, the decrease in Ra value was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The daily regimen group had a lower Ra value in the second measurement than in the first (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the daily regimen group had a lower Ra value than the professional regimen group in the second measurement (P < 0.001). Daily remineralization agents were found to be more effective in reducing enamel surface roughness. TM and TP were found to be the most effective.
Fresh rice noodles (FRNs) are widely consumed starch based foods whose quality and shelf life depend strongly on the structural stability of the starch matrix. γ-Irradiation can effectively extend the shelf life of FRNs but induces starch depolymerization, altering starch structure and functionality. This study investigated the effects of hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) incorporation on the molecular characteristics, ordered structure, and thermal and pasting properties of starch in γ-irradiated FRNs. The results showed that 6% HPS incorporation produced the most balanced structural and functional characteristics. Overall, HPS increased molecular size parameters, apparent α-1,6 linkage ratio, short range molecular order, relative crystallinity, and peak viscosity, while decreasing the long B3 chains proportion and gelatinization enthalpy. Correlation analysis showed that A chains were positively correlated with short-range order, relative crystallinity, and swelling power, and negatively correlated with peak viscosity, whereas B3 chains showed the opposite trend, suggesting that the superior pasting behavior at 6% HPS was associated with a more balanced amylopectin chain architecture. HPS incorporation altered the relative amylopectin chain length distribution of the starch system, with 6% addition increasing the proportion of A and B1 chains relative to B2 and B3 chains, thereby favoring granule swelling and paste viscosity development. However, excessive HPS addition over-enriched short chains and weakened paste stability. These findings clarify the structure-function relationships in γ-irradiated starch systems and provide a scientific basis for optimizing the quality of irradiated rice-based products.
This study comprehensively evaluates the mechanical properties, shrinkage behavior, and durability of concrete prepared with limestone- and granite-manufactured sands under standard-curing and steam-curing conditions. The results indicate that limestone-manufactured sand concrete consistently exhibits superior compressive strength and splitting tensile strength across all curing ages, outperforming granite-modified counterparts. The introduction of granite-manufactured sand significantly degrades these mechanical properties, with deterioration intensifying as granite content increases. Dynamic elastic modulus and damping ratio analyses reveal that limestone-based concrete maintains the highest dynamic stiffness and lowest energy dissipation under both curing regimes, suggesting fewer internal defects. In contrast, granite incorporation reduces the dynamic elastic modulus and increases the damping ratio, reflecting structural deterioration and enhanced energy loss. Drying shrinkage tests demonstrate that limestone concrete achieves the lowest shrinkage deformation throughout the testing period, even under steam-curing conditions. Conversely, granite addition markedly elevates shrinkage, particularly under steam-curing conditions, leading to compromised volumetric stability. Durability assessments highlight that manufactured sand concrete exhibits higher capillary absorption, electrical flux, and porosity, attributed to inherent material defects and the surface characteristics of manufactured sand. Granite-modified concrete further weakens interfacial shear strength between aggregates and cement paste, indicating poor interfacial bonding. Steam curing exacerbates microstructural defects, emphasizing the need to optimize curing protocols. The findings propose strategies for enhancing manufactured sand concrete performance: improving interfacial adhesion between aggregates and cement paste, rationalizing supplementary material dosages, and refining steam curing regimes. These measures offer potential pathways to develop high-performance manufactured sand concrete with balanced mechanical and durability properties.
To compare the effects of air-polishing and conventional prophylaxis methods on the surface roughness and gloss of composite restorations. Seventy composite resin specimens were prepared and randomly assigned to seven groups: control, rubber cup + pumice, brush + pumice, rubber cup + polishing paste, brush + polishing paste, Sylc bioactive glass powder, and sodium bicarbonate powder (n = 10). Surface roughness was measured using atomic force microscopy, surface morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, and gloss was measured using a glossmeter. The highest surface roughness values were observed in the Sylc and sodium bicarbonate groups, whereas the lowest values were recorded in the control group. Conventional prophylaxis methods showed no significant differences compared with the control group, while air-polishing powders significantly increased surface roughness. Gloss values were highest in the control and pumice groups and lowest in the Sylc and sodium bicarbonate groups. A significant inverse relationship was observed between surface roughness and gloss. Air-polishing procedures significantly increased surface roughness and reduced gloss compared with conventional prophylaxis methods. These findings suggest that air-polishing may adversely affect the surface integrity and esthetic properties of composite restorations.
Air entrainment in self-compacting concrete (SCC) is governed by coupled interactions between chemical admixtures, empirical workability behaviour, aggregate-skeleton geometry and early air-bubble stability. In highly flowable mixtures, the hardened air-void system cannot be assessed reliably from total air content alone because bubble escape, redistribution and coalescence in the fresh state may change the final pore structure. This study evaluates the link between early fresh-air retention and hardened air-void characteristics in 25 SCC mixtures arranged according to a five-level Graeco-Latin square design. The analysed factors were air-entraining admixture (AEA) dosage (0.00-0.20% by mass of cement), binder type, water-to-binder ratio (0.29-0.41) and the volumetric paste-to-aggregate filling parameter φ (1.1-1.5). The aggregate skeleton was kept constant to separate paste-composition and volumetric-filling effects from aggregate grading. Fresh concrete was characterised by slump-flow diameter, T50 flow time, density and air content after 5 and 15 min; these quantities were treated as empirical workability and early-retention indicators, not as direct rheological parameters. Hardened concrete was examined after 28 days according to EN 480-11 using total hardened air content A, spacing factor L, micropore content A300 and specific surface α. The slump-flow diameter ranged from 50 to 79 cm, fresh air content after 5 min from 1.6% to 8.6%, air loss between 5 and 15 min from 0.41 to 1.12 percentage points, hardened air content from 1.20% to 8.59%, and spacing factor from 0.13 to 0.44 mm. Strong correlations were obtained between fresh and hardened air contents (A5 vs. A: r = 0.920, R2 = 0.846, p < 0.001, 95% CI for r: 0.824-0.964; A15 vs. A: r = 0.922, R2 = 0.849, p < 0.001, 95% CI for r: 0.828-0.965), while hardened air content was strongly and inversely related to spacing factor (A vs. L: r = -0.907, R2 = 0.822, p < 0.001, 95% CI for r: -0.958 to -0.797). The recalculated ANOVA showed that statistical significance was response-dependent: w/b was significant for early air loss ΔA (F = 4.190, p = 0.040, partial η2 = 0.677) and micropore content A300 (F = 4.058, p = 0.044, partial η2 = 0.670), whereas binder type showed near-threshold tendencies for fresh and hardened air contents. No single factor was statistically significant for all air-void descriptors. The SDI-based approach is therefore presented as a bounded explanatory framework, not as an externally validated prediction model. Direct durability claims, including freeze-thaw resistance, require separate experimental verification.
Pit and fissure sealant is an effective caries preventive measure, yet their global utilization in dental practice remains low. Limited knowledge of updated guidelines and technical advances, along with insufficient sealant education may contribute to this issue. This study explored the knowledge and practice of students and teachers regarding sealant use at two schools. This cross-sectional survey invited participants from West China School of Stomatology (WCSS) and Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) to complete a questionnaire either on site or electronically. The questionnaire covered awareness of national guidelines, clinical experience, decision-making and sealant application procedures. Data were analyzed using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05 and multiple comparisons were adjusted using the Bonferroni correction. A total of 85 students and 25 teachers from WCSS, along with 87 students and 30 teachers from ACTA, completed the questionnaire. Over 60% of the participants reported familiarity with the national sealant guideline or advisory, with no significant differences in awareness between teachers and students within the same school or between the two schools. For clinical decision-making, most participants from both schools (> 80%) considered caries risk in sealant application decisions. ACTA participants consider sealant application until later stage of caries (Sound-Enamel cavitied lesions), whereas WCSS participants favored applying sealants at earlier stages (Sound-Opaque). Differences of clinical procedures were also detected between schools. Abrasive paste was preferred by ACTA participants, while toothpaste was chosen by more WCSS teachers and students (P < 0.001). WCSS respondents used cotton rolls for saliva control, while ACTA participants preferred rubber dam isolation (P < 0.001). Fewer WCSS students considered glass ionomer cement as the sealing materials compared to their teachers (P < 0.001) and the ACTA students (P = 0.005). This cross-section survey study revealed that in both schools, teachers and students successfully integrated caries risk into sealant decision-making. Agreement on the overall principles of sealant placement was observed; however, some discrepancies were identified in specific indications and procedural details. These observed differences suggest a need for further alignment of sealant guidelines and the operational reginal standards of detailed clinical procedures.
Thiopolysulfides (TPS) are a group of organic sulphur compounds and are a part of secondary metabolites produced by plants of the Alliaceae family. A key representative compound of TPS is allicin, which has documented bacteriostatic properties by damaging bacterial DNA. However, in eukaryotic organisms, it exhibits no genotoxic effects, except for cancer cells, for which the IC50 is significantly higher than that of non-cancerous cells. Diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) is recognized as a stress-responsive signaling nucleotide whose intracellular levels rise under environmental and genotoxic stresses. Current evidence suggests that Ap4A may participate in cellular pathways associated with response to DNA damage-including the regulation of gene expression, DNA replication, and possibly immune signaling, although these roles remain incompletely characterised and require further experimental validation. To determine whether cell cycle regulators such as Ap4A and Ap3A may be responsible for regulating and limiting the DNA structure and damage induced by allicin, we applied dsDNA to a carbon paste electrode (CPE) in the set of three-electrodes. After electrostatic deposition of dsDNA, the CPE was transferred to a well containing different concentrations of Ap4A or Ap3A aliquots for kinematic association with bonded DNA strands. Changes in adenine and guanine signals showed that Ap3A may, at a certain dose, trigger the allicin ability to interact with dsDNA, disrupting A-T base pairs in DNA. In opposition, Ap4A interactswith allicin limiting the susceptibility of G-C bonds to dissolve and thus limiting guanosine tendency to oxidation.
Açaí is considered a super fruit for its high concentration of flavonoid polyphenols, predominantly anthocyanins. The nutraceutical effect of açaí as an anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic agent has been reported. This study aimed to investigate whether açaí protects paternal contribution against accelerated aging using the D-galactose model. Wistar rats (n = 24) were treated by voluntary consumption with vehicle paste (C) or a mixture with 200 mg/kg of D-galactose (DG) or 300 mg/kg of lyophilized açaí (A); D-galactose and açaí (DGA) were given separately. Fathers (F0) and offspring (F1) underwent Doppler ultrasound (aorta and kidney) and spermatic and immune cell analyses. In the F0 generation, the DG group showed altered epididymis weight, sperm quality, aortic diameter, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, systolic velocity and renal resistivity index. Açaí positively modulated sperm, neutrophil and vascular alterations in F0. The male F1 of the DG group showed lower body mass, as well as a greater number of abnormal spermatozoa and leukocyte DNA breaks; however, the DGA group had a significant increase in body mass and the NRL was positively correlated with leukocyte DNA breaks. Our data indicate that age acceleration, induced by D-galactose for 30 days, causes innate physiological dysfunction and compromises sperm contribution, which was positively modulated by açaí. The preconception use of lyophilized açaí also has some positive impact on intergenerational health, but the topic still deserves further investigation.