Commercial Control Research Articles

Physio-Mechanic and Microscopic Analyses of Bioactive Glass-Based Resin Infiltrants.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and durability of bioactive glass-based dental resin infiltrants. Resin infiltrants were formulated by combining photoinitiated dimethacrylate monomers with three variations of bioactive glass: 45S5 Bioglass (RIS), boron-substituted (RIB), fluoride-substituted (RIF), and pure resins (PR), whereby TOOTH group (TH) and ICON (CN) served as commercial control groups. Teeth samples were prepared, and experimental and control infiltrants were applied on demineralized human-extracted teeth. All the samples were subjected to immersion in artificial saliva and pH cycling for 30 days. The samples from another group underwent tooth brushing simulation for 9600 cycles. Following artificial saliva immersion, the samples' hardness values showed that RIB had the highest values (318.44 ± 3.83) while PR (212.52 ± 9.02) had the lowest values. After immersing into the pH cycling solution, the RIF showed the highest hardness (286.86 ± 5.11), while the lowest values for the CN (143.76 ± 3.50). After the tooth brushing simulation, the teeth samples with RIB showed maximum microhardness values (312.06 ± 16.30) and the weakest for the TH (189.60 ± 6.43). The commercial and experimental enamel resin infiltrants showed almost similar results overall, with RIB demonstrating better microhardness and comparable surface roughness. In contrast, RIF proved more resistant to pH cycling, exhibited higher microhardness, and performed better in surface roughness analysis. These findings suggest that resin infiltrant materials, especially RIF, have promising potential for effectively and esthetically managing white spot lesions.

PREPARATION AND NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF ENRICHED JAM MADE FROM BLENDS OF APPLE, STRAWBERRY AND GRAPES

The aim of this study is to prepare an acceptable jam from blends of Apple, Strawberry and Grapes. Jams were produced from blends of Apple, Strawberry and Grapes in the following ratios 30:20:10:40 (A= 30g apple, 20g strawberry, 10g grapes and 40g of sugar) and 35:10:15:40 (B= 35g apple, 10g strawberry, 15g grapes and 40g of sugar) respectively. The pulp mixtures were combined with 40g of sugar. Mixed fruit jam and strawberry jam were used as commercial control labelled as sample C and D respectively. Standard methods were used for the determination of proximate composition, sugar content, phytochemical constituents and sensory evaluation of the Jam. The proximate composition indicated that sample A (15.31±0.12) and B (16.86±0.03) had a moisture content lower than the commercial control C (27.05±0.03) and D (27.60±0.45). The ash, fiber and lipid contents showed no significant difference in the jams produced and the commercial controls. Sample A and B had higher protein 29.58±0.02 and 27.41±0.01 as compared to the commercial controls C and D (24.62±0.02 and 25.15±0.01). No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in the glucose composition of the sample A and B and the commercial controls C and D. Fructose content in sample A (2.74±0.21) was higher than sample B (1.94±0.01) and the commercial controls C (1.85±0.00) and D (1.42±0.00). Qualitative testing for flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycoside and tannin revealed potential good health benefits. The sensory evaluation revealed that sample A which comprises of 30% apple, 20% strawberry, 10% grapes and 40% sugar was rated best...

The Effect of Inorganic Filler Content on the Properties of BPA-Free Bulk-Fill Dental Resin Composites.

This study aimed to enhance the performance of dental resin composites (DRCs) by increasing the content of inorganic fillers while addressing potential health risks associated with Bisphenol A (BPA). To achieve this, the BPA-based resin monomer Bis-GMA was replaced with BPA-free Bis-EFMA. The study then explored the impact of varying inorganic filler contents on the physiochemical properties of Bis-EFMA-based bulk-fill dental resin composites (BF-DRCs). Four distinct Bis-EFMA-based BF-DRCs were formulated, each with different inorganic filler contents ranging from 70 wt% to 76 wt%. The study tested the depth of cure (DOC), double-bond conversion (DC), water sorption (WS), solubility (SL), and cytotoxicity of the system. It notably investigated the effects of increasing filler content on mechanical properties through flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), Vickers microhardness (VHN), and wear resistance, as well as the impact on polymerization shrinkage, including volumetric shrinkage (VS) and shrinkage stress (SS). To assess the commercial application potential of Bis-EFMA-based BF-DRC, the research used the commercially available BF-DRC Filtek Bulk-Fill Posterior (FBF) as a control. The results indicated that a higher filler content did not affect the DOC of Bis-EFMA-based BF-DRCs. Inorganic fillers at higher concentrations significantly enhanced overall mechanical properties while significantly reducing volumetric shrinkage (VS; p < 0.05). When the concentration of inorganic fillers in the resin system reached 76 wt%, most of the performance of the Bis-EFMA-based BF-DRC surpassed that of the commercial control FBF, except for FS, FM, and SS. These findings highlight the potential of Bis-EFMA-based BF-DRC as a long-term restorative material for dental applications.

Modeling of Ball Screw–Nut Interface Stiffness With Wear (Ball Screw Wear Dynamics)

Abstract The effects of wear, preload loss, and missing balls on the dynamics of ball screw drives in machine tools are modeled and incorporated into the finite element model of the drive assembly for condition monitoring. The contacts between the ball–nut and ball–screw are modeled using Hertzian springs, whose stiffnesses vary as a function of the worn contact area. These contact stiffnesses are then transformed to the finite element nodes on the nut and screw. The frequency response functions at the motor shaft and table, which can be measured by commercial computer numerical control (CNC), are predicted for various faults at different positions of the table. The experimentally validated model demonstrates that the faults primarily affect the first coupled torsional-axial mode of the ball screw drive and can be utilized for automated condition monitoring of ball screw drives.

Optimization of microbial consortia and materials composition enhances gluconic acid content in kombucha.

The objective of this study was to optimize the microbial and ingredient composition of kombucha for enhanced production of gluconic acid (GA). Fourteen strains of Komagataeibacter spp. and one yeast strain of Dekkera sp. were isolated from kombucha. Among them, Komagataeibacter swingsii SS1 (SS1) and Komagataeibacter saccharivorans SS11 (SS11) were selected for their high GA production. A rapid reduction of pH, high GA content relative to acetic acid, and high cellulose production were observed in the tea infusion fermented by the microbial consortium (SS1 + SS11 + Dekkera bruxellensis Y24). From the correlation between the materials composition and quality indicators of kombucha, the decrease in pH was the most critical quality indicator of kombucha and the most closely related to GA content. Maximal GA production (11.7mg/mL) was obtained under the conditions of 1% (w/v) tea extract, 8.5% (w/v) glucose, and 1.5% (v/v) ethanol through the optimization of materials composition by response surface methodology. The GA content of kombucha was enhanced threefold in comparison to general kombucha by fermentation with Komagataeibacter spp. and optimization of the composition of the ingredients. Overall, this study showed that a specific microbial consortium and materials composition could be established by correlation analysis among the ingredients, which results in increased GA levels in kombucha. These findings offer valuable foundational data for both commercial production and quality control of kombucha.

B-034 Performance Evaluation of the Total Bile Acids (TBA) Assay on Mindray BS-2800M Analyzer

Abstract Background Bile acids (BA) are synthesized in the liver and secreted into bile. The function of BA is to promote absorption of lipids including fat-soluble vitamins. During liver diseases such as viral hepatitis and liver injury by hepatotoxic drugs, and cholestasis condition, BA secretion to bile is impaired, causing serum BA level to rise. Therefore, the determination of serum BA can be used as a sensitive indicator of liver function. TBA reagent contains NADH that requires pH ≥ 9 to be stable that is usually difficult to be maintained during reagent opened and stored on the analyzer. Meanwhile, 3α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) is required for the reaction. 3α-HSD is sensitive to pH condition. Minor changes in pH results in significant changes of enzyme activity. We formulated our TBA reagent with prolonged stability when reagent is onboard on the analyzer. This study evaluated the performance of the new Mindray TBA assay on Mindray BS-2800M. Methods TBA assay was based on the method with coupled Thio-NAD and NADH reaction for BA. The R1 contains Thio-NAD. The R2 contains NADH and 3α-HSD. R1 is incubated with serum sample containing BA for 5 min at 37°C and R2 is then added. During further incubation in the presence of Thio-NAD, 3α-HSD converts BA to 3-ketosteroids and Thio-NADH. The reaction is reversible, and 3α-HSD can convert 3-keto steroids and Thio-NADH to BA and Thio-NAD. In the presence of excess NADH, enzyme cycling occurs efficiently and the rate of formation of Thio-NADH is determined by measuring specific change of absorbance at 412 nm. Two-point-line calibration is used by this assay. The TBA concentrations for the test samples are obtained by the absorbances of test samples from the calibration line. The performances of precision, linearity, onboard stability, interference (hemolysis, lipid and bilirubin), correlation are evaluated following CLSI protocols. Results The precision study was run according to EP05A3 with two commercial controls (about 21 and 36μmol/L) and two serum sample pools(about 9.9 and 24.2 μmol/L)on the Mindray BS-2800M system. The repeatability and within-lab CVs ranged from 0.74% to 1.97%, respectively. The linearity of the assay was determined as from 2.0 μmol/L to 180 μmol/L. The reagent onboard stability is for 28 days without recalibration that is superior to TBA reagents from other manufacturers. The interference of hemolysis, lipid and bilirubin are with less than ±10% impact with hemolysate Hemoglobin up to 500 mg/dL, Intralipids up to 500 mg/dL, and Conjugated bilirubin up to 30 mg/dL, Unconjugated bilirubin up to 30mg/dL. This assay (Y) also correlated well with SEKISUI TBA assay (x), (Y = 0.9965X + 0.2694, r= 0.9993). Conclusions From this evaluation, we concluded that Mindray TBA assay can measure serum TBA precisely and accurately with good performances, especially for onboard stability. It is suitable for use in routine clinical laboratories.

A-096 A New Direct Bilirubin (DBIL) Assay with Enhanced Performance in Anti-hemolysis Interference on Mindray BS-2800M Analyzer

Abstract Background Serum bilirubin could be used to assess liver functions. Due to clinical importance, it is highly desired to have an accurate bilirubin test. However, there are circumstances where error could occur in bilirubin test results. In particular, the hemolysis interference is one of the major problems that could mislead the direct bilirubin results because of their relatively high occurring frequencies in the clinical laboratories. To resolve this issue and improve the accuracy for the direct bilirubin, we developed a new reagent formulation for DBIL assay that minimizes hemolysis interference. In addition, this reagent also shown good performance characteristics on Mindray BS-2800M Clinical Chemistry analyzer. Methods The new DBIL assay is a vanadate-oxidation method that bilirubin is gradually transformed to biliverdin because of oxidizing agent vanadate, resulting in decreasing of absorbance at 450 nm. Two-level calibration is used for this assay. DBIL concentrations are obtained from the calibration line with signals from the patient samples in the assay. Following CLSI protocols, basic assay performances were evaluated: interference, precision, linearity, method comparison and low end detection (LOB, LOD, LOQ). Results Hemolysis interference was tested in parallel with DBIL reagents from different IVD companies, Roche, Wako and Chinese domestic main-player companies, A, B, and C. The results showed that the reagents of A and B companies were significantly suffered from hemolysis interference with maximum bias exceeded -30%. Although there are some effects on the anti-hemolysis with DBIL reagents of Wako and C company, the DBIL reagent of Mindray was the best with less than -8% of impact when hemolysate hemoglobin was up to 1000 mg/dL (H index). The Diazo DBIL assay from Roche shown issue with hemolysis interference. The interference to our new DBIL assay from lipid (up to 1000 mg/dL) and ascorbic acid (up to 30 mg/dL) were also with less than ±10% impact. The precision study was run according to EP05A3 with two commercial controls (∼ 10 and 30 µmol/L) and three serum sample pools (∼ 6.8,17.1 and 342 µmol/L). The CVs of repeatability were ranged from 0.54% to 0.58% for controls and 0.24% to 0.88% for serum pools, respectively. The within-lab precision was below 2.5%. The analytical linearity was determined as from 0.66 µmol/L to 439.66 µmol/L. For low-end detection, the LOB, LOD and LOQ were 0.5,1.0 and 1.7 µmol/L, respectively. In addition, the Mindray (y) correlated well with the DBIL assay of Wako (x) reagent on Mindray BS-2800M system (y): y =0.9847 x+0.1301 (r =0.9997, n =400, sample range: 1.08 - 430.00 μmol/L). Conclusions The new Mindray direct bilirubin assay shown a good anti-hemolysis interference performance on BS-2800M system and demonstrated good performances in other assay characteristics. It is therefore suitable for use in clinical laboratories.

A-051 Validation and Implementation of the Stanbio Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Assay on Roche c502 Analyzer

Abstract Background β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) serves as a crucial biomarker in assessing, managing, and monitoring ketosis in various clinical scenarios, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and instances of alcohol abuse combined with starvation. This study aimed to validate a βOHB assay (Stanbio Laboratory) conducted on a Roche Cobas c502 analyzer and establish performance specifications. Additionally, we conducted a method comparison for three assays: Randox D-3-Hydroxybutyrate (Ranbut) assay on Roche c501 analyzer, Abbott Freestyle Precision B-Ketone strip point-of-care test, and the Stanbio Laboratory β-Hydroxybutyrate LiquiColor assay on Roche c502 analyzer. Methods Precision, linearity, limit of quantification (LOQ), method comparison, and sample stability were determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, using commercial quality control materials (Randox Multisera) and residual patient samples (Lithium heparin anti-coagulated plasma). The reference interval was verified by residual samples from 20 healthy individuals (normal blood glucose, HbA1c, liver enzymes, and lipid panel results). Statistical analysis was performed by EP-Evaluator (v12). Results Intra-assay and total coefficient of variation (CV) were determined as 0% and 2.4% at 0.3 and 1.21 mmol/L, respectively. The linearity range of the assay was verified from 0.0 to 9.0 mmol/L. Using CV &amp;lt; 20% as criteria, the functional sensitivity (LOQ) was 0.10 mmol/L at least. Lithium heparin anti-coagulated plasma specimens were stable for 24 hours at room temperature or seven days at 4 - 8 ̊C. The manufacturer’s reference interval was verified as 0.00 - 0.40 mmol/L. The Stanbio βOHB assay on the Roche c502 analyzer demonstrated a strong agreement with the Randox D-3-Hydroxybutyrate assay on the Roche c501 analyzer with a slope of 1.053 (95% CI: 1.037, 1.070) and intercept of -0.005 (95% CI: -0.068, 0.059) (coefficient correlation R = 0.9992). A positive bias was observed compared to the Abbott Freestyle Precision B-Ketone strip POC test (mean bias = + 0.50 mmol/L; slope = 1.630, 95% CI: 1.404, 1.857; R = 0.9184), and this discrepancy occurred particularly at βOHB &amp;gt; 5.5 mmol/L measured by Abbott method. Conclusions The Standbio βOHB assay exhibited excellent precision and linearity across a brand range of concentrations. This assay strongly agrees with the Randox assay run on a similar instrument but discordance with Abbott’s POCT method at high βOHB concentration. Overall, the validated method provides a reliable and efficient means for measuring βOHB levels on a Roche chemistry analyzer, facilitating accurate diagnosis and monitoring of ketosis-related conditions in clinical settings.

A-302 Evaluation of real-time PCR assays for detection of sexually-transmitted infections

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have serious negative consequences for reproductive health worldwide. They are associated with infertility, premature birth and neonatal infections. Five STI pathogens, namely Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum were selected for the evaluation of three potential real-time PCR assays that can be adopted for diagnostic testing. Methods A total of 36 samples were included, consisting of genital swabs, urine, abscesses and samples provided by quality assurance programmes. DNA extraction was performed using an automated nucleic acid extraction system, abGenixTM. Commercial genomic controls and DNA extracts donated by external laboratories were used as well. The extracted nucleic acids were tested using three different assays, namely Seegene Anyplex II STI-5 Detection, Thermo Fisher Scientific customized STI Panel assay, and TIB MOLBIOL STI LightMix Modular kits, according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Results A total of 67% and 11% of the samples showed equivalent positive and negative results, respectively. However, 22% of the samples had non-concordant results. TIB MOLBIOL STI LightMix Modular kit was unable to differentiate between Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum in 9 samples. Genomic controls were tested, and Seegene Anyplex II STI-5 Detection was unable to detect lower concentrations of DNA for Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma hominis. All assays were able to detect lower concentrations of Ureaplasma parvum DNA, but detectable concentrations were higher for Ureaplasma urealyticum. Conclusions In conclusion, the performance of each assay differed according to pathogen. None of the assays offered equal performance for all pathogens. We have adopted Thermo Fisher Scientific customized STI Panel assay in our diagnostic testing due to its advantage of being user friendly and cost effective.

A-004 Clinical and Laboratory Validation of the Atellica® vTLi Analyzer for Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction Through High Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I (hs-cTnI) Measurement

Abstract Background Most deaths resulting from Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) occur within the initial hours following the onset of clinical symptoms. Troponins serve as the preferred biomarkers and can be utilized for screening individuals presenting with chest pain, referring them towards appropriate clinical interventions based on the 0-hour/1-hour algorithm. The Atellica® vTLi Patient-side analyzer (POC), employing the methodology based Magnotech™ Technology, allows the quantification of hs-cTnI levels using a small sample volume. This capability enables the prompt evaluation and management of patients with chest pain. Use POCT troponin assays may allow for faster decision-making in this high-risk population and reduce the burden on emergency facilities. This study evaluated the analytical and clinical performance of a POCT hs-cTnI from Atellica® VTLi compared to hs-cTnT Roche Diagnostics and hs-cTnI Atellica® IM 1300. Objectives Clinical and analytical validation of the Atellica® vTLi analyzer for the measurement of hs-cTnI in patients with suspected AMI compared to the reference methodologies on the market. Methods The study is being conducted in the department of critically patient, the Cardiology program and the clinical laboratory of the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. In the first phase of the study, samples from 108 volunteers were analyzed for analytical comparability between hs-cTnI of the Analyzer Atellica® vTLi and hs-cTnT Cobas®. A study was then carried out of precision with samples of commercial controls with three evaluation levels, with five replicates, for 5 days in the Analyzer Atellica® vTLi. The second phase of the study was performed with samples from 51 patients who report to the emergency department with chest pain for a clinical prospective evaluation and correlation between the hs-cTnI assays of the Analyzer Atellica® vTLi, hs-cTnT Cobas® and Atellica IM 1300. Results The results show a great correlation (Pearson’s correlation greater than 0.75, p&amp;lt;0.0001) between the Atellica® vTLi, hs-cTnT Cobas® platforms in the sample group. Of the patients included in the second phase of study, the average age was 61 years, with 60% of patients having systemic arterial hypertension, 35% diabetics, 53% dyslipidemic patients and none of the patients were smokers. When assessing cardiovascular risk using the heart score, 55% of patients were at moderate or high risk. In this group there was also a strong correlation between the Atellica® vTLi platforms, hs-cTnT Cobas® serum, hs-cTnT Cobas® plasma, Atellica IM 1300 serum and Atellica IM 1300 plasma in the second phase (p&amp;lt;0.0001 in all cases. Pearson correlation), considering the reference values for laboratory stratification in the rapid chest pain protocol (time 0 h and 1 h) and the biochemical differences of troponin I and troponin T molecules. Conclusions In the present study, the Siemens POCT Atellica® vTLi device showed excellent performance in laboratory validation and strong correlation with the high-sensitivity TnT assay in different troponin concentration ranges. Additionally, Atellica® vTLi demonstrated a strong clinical correlation between hs-cTnI Atellica® IM 1300 and hs-cTnT Cobas® platforms present in a central laboratory, being considered safe for use in 0-1h protocols in patients with chest pain and suspected heart attack.

Improving plant nutrition and growth through the use of minerals extracted from the sea on Aubergine and cucumber plants

Research objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the stimulating potential of a product (FertilTomix) obtained by an innovative extraction process from seawater with the addition of silver, copper and zinc on aubergine and cucumber plants. In addition, it was assessed whether the product improves the nutritional quality of the fruit. Materials and Methods: The experiments, which started in May 2024, were conducted in the CREA-OF greenhouses in Pescia (Pt), on aubergine (Solanum melongena L.) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Plants were placed in pots of ø 14 cm, 30 plants per thesis, divided into three replications of 10 plants each. The experimental groups were: i) control group; ii) conmmercial biofertilizer; iii) FertilTomix; iv) FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc. On 10 September 2024, plant height (aubergine), length of the central branch (cucumber), number of leaves, leaf area, vegetative weight, root volume, number and weight of fruits were determined. The nutritional properties of the fruits were also assessed, for aubergine (iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, riboflavin thiamnine, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B6, folate) and for cucumber (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, zinc, manganese, vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin E, thiamine, vitamin K, folate). Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of FertilTomix, can significantly increase the height, number of leaves, vegetative and root growth, and leaf area of aubergine and cucumber plants. The product FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc worked better than as such, stimulating plant growth more. The trial also showed an increase in the number and weight of fruits in both aubergine and cucumber, in the theses treated with FertilTomix compared to the control and the commercial control with algae. The leaves also appeared larger and more intensely green in the theses treated with minerals extracted from the sea. The analysis of the mineral and vitamin content of the fruits showed a significant increase in minerals and vitamins in the fruits treated with FertilTomix for most of the analysed parameters, to a greater extent with FertilTomix with added silver, copper and zinc Conclusions: Various extracts obtained from seawater using an innovative mineral process were found to significantly increase plant growth. The test also showed an increase in the mineral and vitamin content of the fruit, probably influenced by the increased presence of bacteria in the soil, in the theses treated with marine extracts, as demonstrated in other tests with the same product. As well as for those wishing to reduce the use of industrial fertilisers, the results obtained are particularly interesting for those growing in arid environments or those without drinking water

Development of a Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detecting Five Previously Unreported Papaya Viruses for Quarantine Purposes in Korea

There are concerns about the introduction and spread of plant pests and pathogens with globalization and climate change. As commercial control agents have not been developed for plant viruses, it is important to prevent virus spread. In this study, we developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection method to rapidly diagnose and control three DNA (papaya golden mosaic virus, Lindernia anagallis yellow vein virus, and melon chlorotic leaf curl virus) and two RNA (papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus and lettuce chlorosis virus) viruses that infect papaya. Specific primer sets were designed for the virus coat protein. Performing PCR, clear bands were observed with no non-specific reaction. Our multiplex PCR method can simultaneously detect small amounts of DNA/RNA to diagnose five viruses infecting papaya and prevent the spread of the virus.

375 The effects of protease supplementation on weaned piglet performance and intestinal function fed greater amounts of lower digestible protein sources

Abstract The present study investigated the impact of dietary protease supplementation on the growth performance and intestinal function of weaned piglets when fed a diet comprising high levels of low digestible protein sources, in comparison with a standard commercially representative piglet diet. A total of 180 weaned piglets, 21 d old, of Duroc × Large White × Landrace crossbreeds, with an initial body weight (BW) of 6.27 ± 0.45 kg, were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: 1) a standard commercial positive control (PC) diet comprising 22.2% soy protein, 5% whey protein, and 3% fish meal, 2) a negative control (NC) diet comprising 30.1% soy protein without whey protein and fish meal, and 3) a NC diet supplemented with 0.02% protease (NC + PROT). The diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric and were pelleted at conditions of 0.4 MPa and 75°C. The experimental design employed a completely randomized design with 6 replicate pens per treatment, each pen containing 10 piglets. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA, with differences between means assessed using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In terms of piglet performance, feeding the NC diet, containing high levels of low digestible protein sources, resulted in a significant decrease (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) by 3.1%, 8.2%, and 5.2%, respectively, compared with piglets fed the PC diet. Conversely, the NC diet significantly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the feed-to-gain ratio and incidence of diarrhea by 3.4% and 88.3%, respectively, relative to PC. However, the supplementation of protease in the NC + PROT diet restored final BW, feed-to-gain ratio, and incidence of diarrhea to the same level as PC, while ADG and ADFI were increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by 4.6% and 4.3%, respectively. Regarding intestinal function, relative to PC, piglets fed the NC diet exhibited significantly less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) duodenal villus height, crude protein digestibility, and gene expressions of duodenal peptide transporter PepT1 and jejunal amino acid transporter b0,+AT, while blood urea nitrogen and diamine oxidase concentrations were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05). However, the addition of protease in the NC diet reinstated measures of intestinal function, as NC + PROT-fed piglets showed similar duodenal villus height, crude protein digestibility, gene expressions of duodenal peptide transporter PepT1 and jejunal amino acid transporter b0,+AT, as well as blood urea nitrogen and diamine oxidase concentrations to PC. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of protease in weaned piglets fed higher levels of lower digestible protein sources mitigated losses in growth performance and intestinal functionality by enhancing intestinal development, protein digestibility, nutrient transport efficiency, and overall health status of piglets.

Stability of the Dentin-Bonded Interface Using Self-Etching Adhesive Containing Diacrylamide after Bacterial Challenge.

Purpose/Aim: Acrylamides are hydrolytically stable at pH lower than 2, and were shown to preserve bonded interface integrity with two-step, total etch adhesives. The objective of this study was to leverage those two characteristics in self-etching primers containing the acidic monomer 10-MDP and test the microtensile bond strength before and after incubation with S. mutans incubation. Materials and Methods: Acidic primers (10 wt % 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate─10-MDP; 45 wt % N,N-diethyl-1,3-bis(acrylamido)propane─DEBAAP, or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate─HEMA; 45 wt %, glycerol-dimethacrylate─GDMA) and adhesives (DEBAAP or HEMA/10-MDP/UDMA 45/10/45 wt %) were made polymerizable by the addition of 0.2 wt % camphorquinone, 0.8 wt % ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate, 0.4 wt % diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate, and 0.1 wt % butylhydroxytoluene. Nonsolvated materials were characterized for flexural strength (FS), modulus (E), toughness, water sorption/solubility (WS/SL), contact angle, and vinyl conversion (DC). Viscosity was evaluated after adding 20 and 40 vol % ethanol to the primer and adhesive, respectively. The experimental materials or Clearfil SE Bond (CC─commercial control) were used to bond a commercial composite (Filtek Supreme) to the flat surface of human dentin. Microtensile bond strength (MTBS) was tested in 1 mm2 sticks for the 5 primer/bond combinations: CC (Clearfil Bond Primer and Bond), HH (HEMA/HEMA), DD (DEBAAP/DEBAAP), HD (HEMA/DEBAAP), and DH (DEBAAP/HEMA). Prior to testing, sticks were stored in water or biofilm-inducing culture medium with S. mutans for 1 week. Confocal images and FTIR-ATR evaluation evaluated the hybrid layer of the adhesives. Results were analyzed using Student's t-test (WS, SL, DC, contact angle, FS, E, toughness), one-way ANOVA/Tukey's test for viscosity, and two-way ANOVA/Tukey's test for MTBS (95%). Results: HEMA-based materials had lower contact angle (p = 0.004), higher WS (p < 0.001), and similar SL values compared to DEBAAP (p = 0.126). FS (p = 0.171) and E (p = 0.065) dry values were similar, but after one week of water storage, FS/E dropped more significantly for HEMA materials. Dry and wet toughness was greater for DEBAAP (p < 0.001), but it also had the greatest drop (46%). Clearfil bonds had the highest viscosity, followed by DEBAAP and HEMA, respectively (p = 0.002). For the primers, HEMA had the lowest viscosity (p = 0.003). As far as MTBS, all groups tested in water were statistically different when compared with HH (p < 0.001). After storage in biofilm, DH had the highest MTBS value, being statistically different from HH (p = 0.002), CC (p = 0.015), and DD (p = 0.027). Conclusions: The addition of a diacrylamide and its association with HEMA in self-etching adhesive systems provided greater bonding stability after bacterial challenge.

A controlled release antibiotic wound protectant gel formulated for use in austere environments.

Battlefield wounds are at high risk of infection due to gross contamination and delays in evacuation from forward-deployed locations. The aim of this study was to formulate an antibiotic wound gel for application by a field medic in austere environments to protect traumatic wounds from infection during transport. Formulation development was conducted over multiple phases to meet temperature, handling, in vitro elution, and in vivo tissue response requirements. Thermal properties were evaluated by vial inversion, DSC, and syringe expression force in a temperature range of 4-49°C. Handling was evaluated by spreading onto blood-contaminated tissue and irrigation resistance. Controlled antibiotic release was evaluated by a modified USP immersion cell dissolution method. Local tissue effects were evaluated in vivo by subcutaneous implantation in rats for 7 and 28 days. An oleogel composition of cholesterol, hydrogenated castor oil, soybean oil, and glyceryl monocaprylocaprate met the target performance criteria. Peak expression force from a 5 mL syringe at 4°C was 48.3 N, the dropping point temperature was 68°C, and the oleogel formulation could be spread onto blood-contaminated tissue and resisted aqueous irrigation. The formulation demonstrated sustained release of tobramycin in PBS at 32°C for 5 days. Implantation in a rat dorsal pocket demonstrated a slight tissue reaction after 7 days with minimal to no reaction after 28 days, comparable to a commercial hemostat control. Material resorption was evident after 28 days. The formulation met target characteristics and is appropriate for further evaluation in a large animal contaminated blast wound model.

Dietary supplementation of microencapsulated botanicals and organic acids enhances the expression and function of intestine epithelial digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters in broiler chickens

Organic acids and botanicals have shown protective effects on gut barrier and against inflammation in broilers. However, their effects on intestinal digestive enzymes and nutrients transporters expression and functions have not been fully studied. The objective of this study was to understand how a microencapsulated blend of botanicals and organic acids affected intestinal enzyme activities and nutrient transporters expression and functions in broilers. A total of 288 birds were assigned to a commercial control diet or diet supplemented with 500 g/MT (metric ton) of the microencapsulated additive. Growth performance was recorded weekly. At d 21 and d 42, jejunum and ileum were isolated for enzyme (maltase, sucrase, and aminopeptidase) and transporter (SGLT1, GLUT2, GLUT1, EAAT3, B0AT1, and PepT1) analyses. Jejunum specific nutrients (glucose, alanine, and glutamate) transport activities were evaluated by Ussing chamber. Protein expression of nutrient transporters in small intestine were measured in mucosa and brush-border membrane (BBM) samples by western blot. Intestinal gene expression of the transporters was determined by RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test comparing the supplemented diet to the control. The feed efficiency was significantly improved through the study period in the supplemented group (P ≤ 0.05). Significant changes of intestinal histology were shown in both jejunum (P ≤ 0.10) and ileum (P ≤ 0.05) after 21 d of treatment. At d21, jejunal maltase activity was upregulated (P ≤ 0.10). The Ussing chamber transport of glucose and alanine was increased, which was in line with increased gene expression (GLUT2, GLUT1, EAAT3, and B0AT1) (P ≤ 0.10 and P ≤ 0.05, respectively) and BBMV protein levels (B0AT1, P < 0.10). At d21, ileal sucrase and maltase activities were upregulated (P ≤ 0.05). Increased expressions of GLUT1, EAAT3, and B0AT1 were observed in both mRNA and protein levels (P ≤ 0.05). Similar pattern of changes was also shown at d42 of age. Our results suggest that feeding microencapsulated additives improves intestinal nutrient digestion and transporter expression and function in broilers, thereby enhancing feed efficiency.

Commercial Adaptive Cruise control (ACC) and capacity drop at freeway bottlenecks

Vehicle automation has already become commercially available. Today’s mainstream vehicles are equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to automate longitudinal car-following. However, ACC’s limited detection range and delayed reaction hinder the vehicle’s ability to respond promptly to speed changes, and ACC could amplify minor disturbance into severe stop-and-go waves and form queues at bottlenecks. Consequently, the discharge flow could be lower than the maximum flow observed in absence of queues or congested conditions, also known as capacity drop. Microscopic simulation of freeway bottlenecks consisting of a single lane with reduced speed zone, multilane with an on-ramp merge, and multilane with an off-ramp diverge demonstrates that ACC vehicles lead to capacity drop at freeway bottlenecks. For the single lane reduced speed zone, the extent of capacity drop for ACC could be either less or more severe than that of human driven vehicles. However, the multilane freeway on-ramp and off-ramp bottlenecks are more susceptible to capacity drop than human driven vehicles, due to ACC significantly amplifying disturbances caused by lane changes, merging, and diverging.

Adult Smoking Cessation - United States, 2022.

Tobacco dependence is a chronic condition driven by nicotine addiction. Successful quitting can be increased by health care provider intervention and evidence-based treatment. CDC assessed national estimates of cigarette smoking cessation indicators among U.S. adults using 2022 National Health Interview Survey data. In 2022, approximately two thirds (67.7%) of the 28.8 million U.S. adults who smoked wanted to quit, and approximately one half (53.3%) made a quit attempt, but only 8.8% quit smoking. One half of adults who smoked and saw a health professional during the past year received health professional advice (50.5%) or assistance (49.2%) to quit smoking. Among those who tried to quit, 38.3% used treatment (i.e., counseling or medication). Adults who usually smoked menthol (versus nonmenthol) cigarettes had higher prevalences of quitting interest (72.2% versus 65.4%; p<0.05) and past-year quit attempts (57.3% versus 50.4%; p<0.05), lower prevalences of receiving quit advice (48.2% versus 53.8%; p<0.05) and using cessation treatment (35.2% versus 41.5%; p<0.05), but similar prevalence of quit success (9.5% versus 7.9%; p = 0.19). Opportunities exist for both public health and health care sectors to increase smoking cessation, including expanding access to and utilization of cessation services and supports. Incorporating equitable cessation strategies into all commercial tobacco prevention and control efforts can help advance and support smoking cessation for all population groups.

Structure-Activity Relationship of Natural Dihydrochalcones and Chalcones, and Their Respective Oxyalkylated Derivatives as Anti-Saprolegnia Agents.

Saprolegnia sp. is a pathogenic oomycete responsible for severe economic losses in aquaculture. To date, there is no treatment for its control that is effective and does not pose a threat to the environment and human health. In this research, two dihydrochalcones 1 and 2, and three chalcones 3-5, isolated from the resinous plant Adesmia balsamica, as well as their synthesized oxyalkylated derivatives 6-29 already reported and a new synthesized series of oxyalkylchalcones 30-35, were evaluated for their anti-saprolegnia activity and structure-activity relationship as potential control and treatment agents for strains of Saprolegnia parasitica and S. australis. Among the molecules tested, natural 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone (3) and new oxyalkylchalcone 34 were the most potent antisaprolegnia agents against both strains, even with better results than the commercial control bronopol. On the other hand, the structure-activity relationship study indicates that the contributions of steric and electrostatic fields are important to enhance the activity of the compounds, thus the presence of bulky substituents favors the activity.

Methods, precision, and analytical sensitivity of a novel low-plasma-volume assay of fibrinolytic capacity utilizing the euglobulin fraction.

Fibrinolysis is a critical aspect of the hemostatic system, with assessment of fibrinolytic potential being critical to predict bleeding and clotting risk. We describe the method for a novel low-plasma-volume assay of fibrinolytic capacity utilizing the euglobulin fraction (the "modified mini-euglobulin clot lysis assay [ECLA]"), its analytic sensitivity to alterations in key fibrinolytic substrates/regulators, and its initial applications in acute and convalescent disease cohorts. The modified mini-ECLA requires 50 μL of plasma, a maximal read time of 3 h (with most results available within 60 min), and is entirely performed in a 96-well microplate. Assay measurements were obtained in a variety of commercial control and deficient plasmas representing clinically relevant hypo- and hyperfibrinolytic states, and in three distinct adolescent cohorts with acute or convalescent illness: critically ill, following endotracheal intubation; acute COVID-19-related illness; and ambulatory, 3 months following a venous thromboembolic event. In 100% and 75% deficient plasmas, hypofibrinolysis for plasminogen-deficient, fibrinolysis for alpha-2-antiplasmin-deficient, and hyperfibrinolysis for plasminogen activator inhibitor-1-deficient plasmas were observed. The modified mini-ECLA Clot Lysis Time Ratio ("CLTR") demonstrated moderate-strength correlations with the Clot Formation and Lysis (CloFAL) assay, is analytically sensitive to altered fibrinolytic states in vitro, and correlates with clinical outcomes in preliminarily-studied patient populations.