To evaluate the effects of formulations containing potassium nitrate, silicate, and calcium phosphate, subjected to an acid challenge, on debris precipitation, quantification of exposed dentinal tubules, bond strength, failure mode, and tag formation. One hundred and twenty bovine incisors were randomly allocated into four groups: Desensibilize NanoP, Desensibilize KF 2%, Regenerate NR-5, and a control group. Specimens were immersed daily for 5min in orange juice (pH 3.80 ± 0.04) and then rinsed with distilled water. Forty teeth were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy to assess debris precipitation and tubular occlusion. Another forty were subjected to micro-shear bond strength testing, and the remaining forty were analyzed under optical microscopy for tag formation. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn test (debris precipitation) and ANOVA/Tukey test (open tubules, bond strength, and tag formation), with a significance level of α = 0.05. The Regenerate group showed significantly higher debris precipitation, fewer open dentinal tubules, greater bond strength, and a higher incidence of cohesive failures. Tag formation was similar across all groups. The Regenerate protocol demonstrated superior performance in debris precipitation, tubule occlusion, bond strength, and tag formation, particularly when used in combination with a universal adhesive.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of printing orientation and water ageing on the flexural strength and flexural modulus of 3D printed resins for occlusal splints. Bar-shaped specimens were designed with dimensions of 64 × 10 × 3.3 mm according to ISO 20795-2:2013. Specimens were 3D printed with the Form 3B printer (Formlabs), using Dental LT Clear Resin (CL) or Comfort Resin (CO) (Formlabs), and 3 different printing orientations: as per manufacturer’s recommendation (40° N = 20), parallel (0° N = 20), or perpendicular to the build platform (90° N = 20). To simulate intraoral ageing, half of the specimens per material and printing orientation (N = 10) were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 30 days prior to testing. Specimens were tested in a three-point bending apparatus using a universal testing machine equipped with a 50 N load cell moving at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. Flexural strength (MPa) and flexural modulus (GPa) data were collected and statistically processed with separate analyses for unaged and aged specimens (Two-Way or One-Way ANOVA; Tukey test; p < 0.05). As for unaged specimens, both resin materials exhibited the highest flexural strength and modulus in the 90° orientation and the lowest values in the 40° orientation group. After water aging, all groups showed reduced flexural strength and modulus, with CO displaying up to 52% loss in flexural strength and values falling below ISO thresholds. CO consistently exhibited significantly lower flexural strength and modulus than CL, irrespective of aging.

Real-Time Assessment of Dentinal Fluid Flow Reduction by Desensitising Agents Using Subnanolitre Flow Measuring System.

This study is to determine the effectiveness of crushed mussel (Perna viridis) shells and chicken’s (Gallus gallus domesticus) eggshells as natural soil amendments in reducing acidity and enhancing the growth of pechay (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis). The methodology used was a six-week greenhouse experiment employing a completely randomized design with treatments consisting of distilled water only, commercial lime, and varying shell powder concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%). Research findings and interpretation revealed that soils treated with shell powders showed increased pH levels and improved plant growth compared to distilled water, with the 10% and 15% treatments performing similarly to commercial lime in terms of plant height, biomass, and leaf development. The conclusion drawn is that crushed mussel shells and chicken eggshells are viable, eco-friendly, and low-cost alternatives to commercial lime in reducing soil acidity and enhancing pechay growth, though further studies are recommended to assess long-term impacts and scalability in larger farming systems.

Administering Bacilli clausii as probiotics during the maternal period may enhance microbial balance and positively impact offspring growth and immune health. This study evaluated the influence of Bacillus given to pregnant mice on the growth and immune development of their male albino offspring at 28days old. Twenty-four Swiss albino mice (16 females and 8 males) were mated and assigned to four groups. Sixteen pregnant mice were divided into four groups (n = 4/group). The control group received a standard diet with distilled water, while the other three groups received daily doses of Bacilli (1.25mL at 1 × 10^9CFU) at different pregnancy stages: the second group on gestational day (GD) 0, the third on GD 8, and the fourth on GD 16. At 28days after birth, male offspring were weighed, and blood samples were collected. The EDTA samples were used for hematological profiles, while serum samples were analyzed for growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG). Spleens were weighed and analyzed for mTOR using qPCR, ELISA, and histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining for IGF-1 and FOXO1 markers. The GD0 group showed significant increases in body weight, spleen weight, spleen somatic index (SSI), GH, IGF-1, IL-10, IgA, and IgG levels, as well as mTOR protein and transcript levels, while TNF-α and IFN-γ levels decreased. Macroscopic analysis revealed a well-structured white pulp containing aggregated lymphocytes. Elevated levels of IGF-1 expression were observed, while FOXO1 expression was decreased. These findings indicate that early maternal probiotic supplementation improves lymphocyte activity and facilitates the remodeling of the splenic immune system in offspring and thus represents an innovative approach to immune programming during early life.

Black pod rot, caused by Phytophthora species, is one of the most severe diseases affecting cocoa production. Among these species, P. citrophthora is considered one of the most aggressive, yet little is known about the molecular responses of cocoa to this pathogen. This study aimed to investigate the defense mechanisms of cacao against P. citrophthora through enzymatic analyses and gel-free comparative proteomics. Seedlings obtained by rooting cuttings from one resistant and one susceptible cultivar were inoculated with the pathogen, while controls received sterile distilled water. The activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured at 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after inoculation (HAI). Protein abundance was evaluated at 24 HAI using mass spectrometry. The pathogen induced GPX activity from 6 HAI in the resistant and from 12 HAI in the susceptible cultivar, while APX activity increased in both cultivars after 18 HAI. A total of 1,583 proteins were identified across treatments. In the resistant cultivar, infection was associated with reduced photosynthesis, redirection of carbohydrate metabolism, and changes in the ascorbate/dehydroascorbate ratio, suggesting an efficient activation of defense responses. Constitutively abundant proteins related to antioxidant activity may also have contributed to resistance. In contrast, the susceptible cultivar showed limited protein abundance changes, with indications of increased metabolism of small molecules and accumulation of methylglyoxal, a cytotoxic compound linked to disease susceptibility. Overall, the results demonstrate that the resistant cultivar mobilizes early antioxidant defenses and metabolic reprogramming to cope with infection, whereas the susceptible exhibits inefficient responses leading to cellular damage. These findings provide new insights into cacao- P. citrophthora interactions, offer a foundation for future transcription-level studies, and may support the development of new pre-breeding stages for cacao cultivars.

Objective: To assess the short-term effect of oral zinc supplementation on mortality in preterm neonates with bacterial sepsis. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: The Neonatal Unit of Sharif Medical City Hospital, Lahore. Period: December 20, 2021 to June 20, 2022. Methods: A total of 250 preterm neonates with gestational age between 28–36 weeks and diagnosed with sepsis were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling technique. They were randomly distributed into two groups. Group A received zinc supplementation orally (3 mg/kg twice daily), while Group B received distilled water as a placebo. Both groups received standard antibiotic treatment. Neonates were monitored in the NICU until discharge or death, and 7-day mortality was recorded. Chi-square test was applied to associate mortality rates. The p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of neonates in Group A was 41.19 ± 19.10 hours, while in Group B, it was slightly lower at 39.24 ± 19.63 hours. Group A had a significantly lower 7-day mortality rate of 9(7.2%) compared to Group B at 26(20.8%) (p = 0.002). No deaths occurred in the 6–18 hour age subgroup of Group A, while Group B had 8(6.4%) deaths (p = 0.005). Mortality was significantly lower in Group A among neonates with higher birth weights: 3(2.4%) vs. 12(9.6%), (p = 0.007) and gestational ages of 31–33 weeks: 5(4.0%) vs. 19(15.2%), (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Oral zinc supplementation significantly decreased short-term mortality in preterm neonates with sepsis. Zinc may serve as an effective adjunct therapy in managing neonatal sepsis.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is widely used in veterinary medicine to assess reproductive health. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive drug that has been reported to reduce AMH levels and cause damage to ovarian reserves, although findings vary depending on study design. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), known for its antioxidant properties, has been suggested to have a protective role against oxidative stress-related ovarian damage. This study was conducted to examine how CP affects serum AMH levels in rats and whether CoQ10 supplementation could help reduce any negative impact. A total of 35 Wistar Albino rats were used in the study. They were divided into five groups: control, sham, CP, CoQ10, and CP+CoQ10. All substances were administered by oral gavage. CP was dissolved in distilled water and administered at a dose of 6 mg/kg/day, while CoQ10 was dissolved in olive oil and given at a dose of 2.8 mg/kg/day. The treatments lasted for four weeks. Results showed that CP alone did not significantly change AMH levels (p>0.05). In contrast, CoQ10 alone led to a significant increase in serum AMH levels (p<0.05). However, when CP and CoQ10 were given together, no significant difference in AMH levels was observed. This may suggest that CP interferes with or masks the effect of CoQ10 on the ovaries. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between CP and CoQ10, especially in terms of dosage, duration and timing of treatment, in future studies.

Abstract Biodegradable packaging offers a sustainable approach to extend shelf-life of food and reduce environmental impact. In this study, a bilayer active film composed of Persian acorn starch and zein nanofibers incorporating 10% (v/w) cinnamon essential oil (CEO) was developed via casting and electrospinning methods. Cinnamaldehyde (83.81%) was the dominant constituent of CEO, which exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.25 µL/mL. The physicochemical properties of the extracted acorn starch and the films were investigated. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of zein nanofiber showed that the mean fiber diameter decreased from 521 to 497 nm with the addition of CEO. While added CEO in zein nanofiber decreased the tensile strength (35.36%), Young's modulus (19.44%) and water vapor permeability (28.38%), but significantly increased elongation at break (37.94%), hydrophobicity, and antioxidant properties of the film. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed hydrogen bond formation between layers and effective CEO encapsulation within the zein nanofiber matrix. CEO release was medium-dependent, with the slowest rate was observed in distilled water. Acorn starch/zein/CEO film significantly reduced lipid oxidation (by 44%), inhibited total mesophilic bacteria, and extended the shelf-life of rainbow trout fillets by 6 days. Overall, the active bilayer starch/zein film demonstrates promising potential as a bio-based active packaging material for fish fillet preservation. Graphical Abstract

Sesamum indicum L. (sesame) is a significant oilseed crop known for its high-quality oil rich antioxidants and essential fatty acids, with considerable nutritional, medicinal, and economic value. In June 2023, sesame plants at the Agricultural Experimental Farm, Calcutta University, Baruipur, West Bengal, India (22°22′ N, 88°26′ E), exhibited chlorosis, wilting, and root rot, affecting approximately 56% of the plants, distributed randomly across the field. Initial symptoms included drooping leaves, chlorosis, and wilting, leading to plant death while foliage remained intact. Cross-sectional analysis of the collar region revealed necrotic tissues and dark brown discoloration in vascular and cortical tissues, with dark brown microsclerotia on stem bases and blackened roots. Pathogen isolation was performed using root and crown tissues from five symptomatic plants. Tissue sections (0.5–1 cm) were surface-sterilized with 2% NaOCl for 2 minutes, rinsed with sterile water, and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA). The isolates displayed rapid mycelial growth at 28°C under a 12-hour photoperiod. Initially, the mycelia were hyaline (average 4.13 μm width), later turning grey to black within 7 days. Spherical to oblong microsclerotia (75 μm × 134 μm on average) developed within 5 days. For molecular identification, genomic DNA was extracted from a representative isolate (VAS10). Amplification of ITS, TEF-1α, CAL, ACT and β-TUB regions was conducted using primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al., 1990), EF-728F/EF-986R, CAL-228F/CAL-737R and ACT-512F/ACT-783R from Carbone and Kohn, 1999 and T1/T22 (O'Donnell and Cigelnik, 1997), respectively. The resulted amplicons were sequenced at Barcode Biosciences, Bangalore, India and deposited in the NCBI GenBank database (ITS: PQ368303, TEF-1α: PQ383497, CAL: PQ383499, β-TUB: PQ415078, and ACT: PQ383498. Sequences were aligned with several isolates of Macrophomina tecta (MK968306, MW592218, MW592136) previously reported (Poudel et al., 2021) using ClustalW. The pathogenicity of M. tecta was tested on 6-week-old sesame genotypes (var. Rama and VRI-1) planted in 8-inch pots filled with autoclaved soil and maintained in a greenhouse at 28±3°C with 75% RH. The inoculum was prepared by culturing M. tecta in potato dextrose broth for 7 days at 28°C. Mycelial mats were blended in 250 mL of sterile distilled water, filtered through four layers of cheesecloth, and adjusted to a concentration of 10⁵ microsclerotia/mL using a hemocytometer. Fifteen plants per genotype were inoculated via soil drenching with 50 mL of the suspension; while five control plants received sterile water. After 3 weeks, inoculated plants exhibited lower stem lesions and microsclerotia formation, whereas control plants remained healthy. The pathogen was reisolated from infected plants and identified as M. tecta based on morphological and molecular analysis. Koch’s postulates were confirmed through two independent repetitions with consistent results. Previously, M. tecta was reported on sorghum and mungbean in Australia in 2019 by Poudel et al. This study represents probably the first report of M. tecta infecting sesame, both in India and globally. The pathogen thrives in high humidity and elevated soil temperatures, posing a significant threat to sesame production in India. The emergence of this new species underscores the need for further research and management strategies to mitigate its impact on sesame cultivation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation solutions used during root canal irrigation in root canal treatment on the microhardness of nickel-titanium (NiTi) files subjected to different heat treated. The pre-preparation microhardness levels of EndoArt Smart Blue and EndoArt Smart Gold (İnci Dental Productions Co, Istanbul, Turkey) file systems were measured at five different points using a microhardness testing device (HMV-2000; Shimadzu, Tokyo, Japan). Microhardness evaluation was performed on thirty-two 30.04 files from each file system. A total of 64 single-rooted and single-canaled mandibular incisor teeth were prepared up to size 30.04 using file systems. The preparation was completed with the irrigation solutions (5.25% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, ozonated water, and distilled water) for an average of 3 min with a 30.04 file. After preparation, the microhardness levels of the 30.04 files were again measured. The differences between the microhardness values were statistically compared. According to the obtained data, the pre-preparation measurement values were higher than the post-preparation values (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between the microhardness measurement values (p > 0.05). The highest and lowest microhardness changes were observed in the EndoArt Smart Blue file system, in the ozonated water (195.63 ± 71.04 VHN (Vickers Hardness Number)) and distilled water (152.88 ± 51.10 VHN) groups, respectively. In this study, different irrigation solutions did not have a statistically significant effect on the microhardness of heat-treated NiTi files.

This study investigated the histological effects of chloroquine on the small intestine of Wistar rats, with emphasis on chloroquine-induced alterations in intestinal structure and function. Twenty adult Wistar rats (190–250g) were randomly allocated into four groups of five. The control group received distilled water, while the experimental groups were administered oral chloroquine at doses of 10mg/kg, 25mg/kg, and 50mg/kg body weight for 21 days. Body weight was recorded throughout the study. At the end of the exposure period, the rats were sacrificed, and their small intestines were dissected, measured, and processed for histological assessment using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Data were expressed as mean, and expressed in chat using Microsoft Excel version 16. Chloroquine-treated rats demonstrated a clear dose-dependent reduction in body weight, intestinal length, and intestinal weight compared with controls. Histological evaluation revealed progressive structural deterioration characterized by villous atrophy, epithelial degeneration, mucosal erosion, ulceration, and inflammatory cell infiltration, with these alterations becoming more pronounced at higher chloroquine doses. These findings highlight the importance of cautious chloroquine use and the need for further studies into its long-term effects on the gastrointestinal system.

Abstract Corrosion remains one of the most critical challenges in the long-term application of metallic materials across marine, industrial, and domestic environments. Brass (C23000), widely used due to its mechanical strength, machinability, and relatively good corrosion resistance, is often exposed to diverse aqueous environments that accelerate its degradation. This study investigates the corrosion behavior of brass alloy in four different water media— distilled water, river water, tap water, and seawater—under varying sodium chloride concentrations. A series of weight loss measurements, corrosion rate calculations (in millimeters per year, mpy), pH monitoring, and optical photomicrograph analyses were conducted to assess the electrochemical and morphological characteristics of corrosion. The results reveal that seawater produced the highest corrosion rates (up to 44.58 mpy), followed by tap water, river water, and distilled water. Sodium chloride additions significantly increased corrosion susceptibility by altering solution alkalinity and ionic activity. A comparative evaluation against aluminum alloy 5083 demonstrated the superior corrosion resistance of aluminum under all tested conditions. Microstructural examination confirmed the presence of localized pitting and galvanic corrosion in brass specimens, particularly in environments with high chloride concentrations. This study offers insights into the mechanisms of brass corrosion in aqueous environments, informing material selection strategies for industrial and marine applications.

The photothermal hydrogels based on dual-active centers for volatile organic compound simultaneous removal in efficient water purification production.

Orthodontic adhesives incorporated with strontium-containing fluorapatite for improved remineralizing effect.

Synergistic effect of sodium fluoride and encapsulated calcium lactate on dental erosion-abrasion prevention.

Trans-stadial midgut development in Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is long-term impaired by sublethal concentrations of Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (Anacardiaceae) leaf preparations.

ـ Effect of Ablation Time on the Characteristics of Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Distilled Water

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are effective insulin sensitisers; however, their use is restricted owing to adverse effects such as fluid retention. Previous research has linked increased vascular permeability in white adipose tissue (WAT) to TZD-induced fluid retention. We explore the potential of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) to counteract this side effect and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. High-fat-diet-induced obese mice (C57BL/6) were assigned to three groups: (1) lobeglitazone 0.5 mg/kg (TZD monotherapy); (2) a combination of lobeglitazone 0.5 mg/kg plus empagliflozin 10 mg/kg with 0.16 mg/mL in drinking water (TZD + SGLT2i combination therapy); and (3) distilled water (control). After 6 weeks of treatment, body composition and water content in multiple tissues were measured. The expression of proteins and mRNA related to vascular permeability, renal sodium and water channels was investigated. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro experiments (the latter in human umbilical vein endothelial cells) using anti-VEGF agents were conducted. TZD treatment escalated vascular leakage and fluid retention in WAT, which was associated with diminished VE-cadherin expression and compromised vascular integrity. Co-treatment with the SGLT2i mitigated these adverse effects, reinstating VE-cadherin expression, reducing vascular permeability and normalizing tissue water content. Empagliflozin was found to inhibit the VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signalling pathway, thereby reducing VE-cadherin internalisation and degradation. In vitro studies reinforced these findings, emphasizing the interplay between VEGF and VE-cadherin in maintaining endothelial junction stability. Our results suggest that SGLT2is protect against TZD-induced fluid retention by preserving vascular integrity in WAT, providing a viable therapeutic strategy to minimise TZD-associated side effects.

This study investigated how fabrication method (milling versus 3D printing) affects the water sorption and solubility of PMMA dental materials, and how surface characteristics affect hydrolytic stability. Fifty-six PMMA samples were divided into three groups fabricated from CAD/CAM milled discs (Group A: I–III) and four groups from 3D-printed resin (Group B: IV–VII), each subjected to distinct postprocessing protocols. Water sorption (wsp) and solubility (wsl) were measured after immersion in distilled water at 37 °C for 24, 48, and 72 h, and 7 and 14 days. Surface topography and nanoroughness were assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Statistical descriptive analyses were followed by correlation analyses. Milled PMMA demonstrated significantly lower water sorption and negative solubility (mass loss), indicating material dissolution. In contrast, 3D-printed PMMA showed higher water sorption and positive solubility (mass gain), reflecting water incorporation and polymer swelling. The kinetic profiles differed: milled PMMA displayed a monophasic absorption curve, while 3D-printed PMMA exhibited a biphasic pattern with accelerated water uptake after 72 h. AFM analysis revealed that 3D-printed surfaces had significantly greater nanoroughness than milled surfaces. Strong positive correlations were observed between surface roughness parameters (Sa, Sy) and water sorption capacity. The fabrication method was found to influence the hydrolytic stability of PMMA dental materials. Milled PMMA demonstrated superior stability, with lower water uptake, smoother surfaces, and lower leaching solubility. In contrast, 3D-printed PMMA exhibited increased surface roughness and water sorption, attributed to its layered microstructure and nanoporosity. Surface topography emerged as a strong predictor of wsl, related to hydrolytic degradation. For clinical applications, milled PMMA is recommended for long-term use requiring durability, whereas 3D-printed PMMA may be appropriate for short-term applications with optimised postprocessing.