Effect Of Different Concentrations Research Articles

Dose-Dependent Effects of Botulinum Toxin Type A on Prevention of Postoperative Scars in Various Regions in the Body: A Prospective, Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) can improve wound healing and reduce scar formation; however, the exact dose required to prevent postoperative scarring across various anatomical sites remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and optimal concentrations of BTXA for preventing postoperative scarring across various common surgical sites throughout the body. In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 46 patients with benign skin tumors received injections of 1, 2.5, or 5U/0.1mL of BTXA or 0.9% saline immediately following surgical tumor excision on both sides of the incisions. Follow-ups were conducted at 7days, 15days, and 1, 3, and 6months postoperatively. Patient-reported adverse events and standardized digital photographs were collected. Scar formation was assessed using the modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (mSBSES). All 46 patients completed the trial without severe complications. The mSBSES scores were higher in the experimental groups at all follow-ups. The 5U/0.1mL BTXA dose group demonstrated optimal scar prevention at all high-risk sites for scar hyperplasia. No significant difference was observed between the 2.5U/0.1mL and 5U/0.1mL doses for intermediate-risk sites, while 1U/0.1mL dose was sufficient for low-risk sites. Overall, 86.5% of patients were satisfied with their treatments, with 16.3% being very satisfied. Early postoperative BTXA injection can reduce or prevent hypertrophic scarring, with optimal doses ranging from 1 to 5U/0.1mL depending on the surgical site, supporting broader clinical application of BTXA. The effectiveness of different concentrations of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) in preventing postoperative scarring was compared, expanding the scope of previous research, which focused only on the head, face, and neck regions, to include the trunk and extremity areas. Different optimal injection strategies were determined based on different surgical sites and their risks of developing hypertrophic scars. The study demonstrates that BTXA not only reduces scar formation but also enhances patient satisfaction and reduces postoperative itching and pain, contributing to overall better postoperative outcomes. By establishing the efficacy and optimal dosing of BTXA for various surgical sites, this research supports the potential for broader clinical application of BTXA in aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Visualization study on the dynamic behavior of shear thinning droplets impacting superhydrophobic spheres

The surface and droplet characteristics significantly affect the dynamic of droplet impact on solid surfaces. In present work, a platform is utilized to experimentally study the dynamic behavior of shear thinning fluid droplets impacting superhydrophobic spheres, where the effects of different concentrations, Weber numbers (We), particle size ratios on droplets impact are studied. The results showed that on the superhydrophobic sphere, as the shear thinning droplet concentration increases, the diffusion diameter increases, and the contact time decreases. For the same curvature, the contact time between the droplet and the sphere decreases with the increase of the We. When the We reaches 75 or above, the contact time remains constant with an increase in the We. For various curvature conditions, the contact time increases as the curvature increasing. When the diameter ratio of the sphere to the droplet is D∗≥6, the maximum diffusion coefficient remains almost constant. However, when D∗<6, the maximum diffusion dimensionless diameter significantly increases as the particle size ratio decreases. More importantly, a theoretical model considering gravity effect is presented to predict the maximum dimensionless diameter of shear thinning droplets on superhydrophobic spheres according to energy conservation. The predicted results are rationally agreement with experiments with the deviation within ±10 %.

Effect of Different Concentration of CO2 Gas Injected into Fresh Cement Paste Along with the Addition of Superplasticizer on the Mechanical Properties of Cement

This paper focused on examining the impact of injecting varying concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas on the mechanical characteristics of both the fresh and hardened states of cement paste. This study also considered the influence of the presence or absence of polycarboxylate superplasticizer in cement mixture on these properties. Many researchers discovered the benefit of CO2 gas utilization in cement mixture to accelerate the early strength of cement or concrete hydration by its carbonation that form calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The application method is to directly inject CO2 gas in a curing chamber for air-curing of precast concrete. Alternatively, carbonated water is mixed with cement during concrete mixing. However, the use of CO2 gas does not significantly improve the 28-day strength of concrete. This study explores how to improve the carbonation impact on mechanical properties of cement paste and apply it to ground improvement. In this study, the method adopted is direct injection of CO2 gas during cement slurry mixing with different injection duration. The influence of CO2 in the presence of superplasticizer (SP) in cement slurry was also studied as SP is generally used for grouting. The results showed that the carbonation of cement paste with additional of superplasticizer significantly affect its flow, viscosity and bleeding properties. Unlike samples with SP addition, the samples without SP addition showed higher compressive strength after 28 days of curing up to certain CO2 injection time. For all CO2 gas injection time, smaller porosity rates were observed for 7-day cured samples with SP addition compared to those without SP addition. This is due to accelerated carbonation due to SP presence in cement mixture. From the results, the optimum of CO2 gas injection time for one liter mixture of cement paste to improve its compressive strength (up to 123% increase) have been discovered. It can be inferred that the addition of superplasticizer in cement slurry reduces the amount of CO32- ions and Ca2+ ions during carbonation process of cement hydration products, which are strongly related to the pH level in pore solution. These ions play a significant roles in determining the mechanical properties of cement slurry.

Synergistic effect of cobalt ferrite-graphene oxide based hyperthermia and capsaicin to induce apoptosis and inhibit telomerase activity in breast cancer cells

Capsaicin is a bioactive phytochemical of red and chili peppers. It has shown therapeutic properties, including anticancer activities. In this study, the potential anti-telomerase effect of capsaicin, as well as synergic inhibitory effect of this compound in combination with cobalt ferrite-graphene oxide nanocomposites was investigated on breast cancer cell line. For this purpose, cobalt ferrite/graphene oxide (CoFe2O4/GO) nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized. Then, the effect of different concentrations of capsaicin and CoFe2O4/GO nanoparticles, and their combination on the breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7 and MCF-10A) were analyzed using MTT assay and quantitative real-time PCR for assessing their effect on the cell viability and the expression changes in telomerase reverse transcriptase (tert), Bax and Bcl2 genes, respectively. The results showed a synergistic effect of capsaicin and CoFe2O4/GO NPs on MCF-7 cell lines that reduced the IC50 value from 0.1 and 1 mg/ml for capsaicin and CoFe2O4/GO nanoparticles, to 0.05 and 0.5 mg ml−1, respectively. Moreover, telomerase and bcl2 genes expression decreased after capsaicin and CoFe2O4/GO NPs treatment; while in contrast, bax gene expression significantly increased. Consequently, capsaicin and CoFe2O4/GO NPs treatment could induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. In conclusion, combinational treatment with capsaicin and CoFe2O4/GO NPs could be considered as an efficient therapeutic regimen for breast cancer.

The effect of exogenous gibberellin and its synthesis inhibitor treatments for morphological and physiological characteristics of Tartary buckwheat

Gibberellin (GA3) is an important plant hormone involved in many physiological and developmental processes in plants. However, the physiological mechanism of GA3 on the regulation yield and grain shell thickness of Tartary buckwheat is still unclear. In this study, the thick-shelled cultivar “Jinqiao 2” and thin-shelled cultivar “Miku 18” were used to study the effects of different concentrations (0, 50, and 100 mg L−1) of exogenous GA3 and chlorocholine chloride (CCC, GA3 synthesis inhibitor) on the cellulose content, amylase, and sucrose synthase (SS) activity in grain shell and the yield of Tartary buckwheat. The application of exogenous GA3 can improve the cellulose content and the activity of amylase and SS in the grain shell of the two Tartary buckwheat varieties. It can also increase the main stem node number, main stem branch number, grains per plant, and yield. Compared with the control treatment (CK, 0 mg L−1), the 100 mg/L exogenous GA3 treatment increased the number of grains per plant, grain weight per plant, 1000-grain weight, and yield of Jinqiao 2 by 20.1%, 41.9%, 13%, and 34.7%, respectively. These items of Miku 18 were increased by 26%, 15.2%, 10.2%, and 23.8%. The application of CCC reduced the activity of amylase and SS and cellulose content in grain shell. In addition, it decreased the main stem node number, main stem branch number, grains per plant, and yield of Tartary buckwheat. In summary, exogenous GA3 treatment not only improved the yield of Tartary buckwheat but also increased the thickness of grain shell by enhancing the activity of amylase and SS and promoting the synthesis and accumulation of cellulose. The results can provide theoretical references for clarifying the physiological mechanism of the difference in shell thickness between Tartary buckwheat varieties.

Evaluating the Impact of Green Coffee Bean Powder on the Quality of Whole Wheat Bread: A Comprehensive Analysis.

The current investigation focuses on the effect of different concentrations of green coffee bean powder (GCBp) on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of whole wheat bread (WWB). C1 bread formulation (containing 1% GCBp) exhibited the highest loaf volume, suggesting optimal fermentation. Moisture analysis revealed minor alterations in the moisture retention attributes of the bread formulations. Impedance analysis suggested that C1 exhibited the highest impedance with a high degree of material homogeneity. Swelling studies suggested similar swelling properties, except C5 (containing 5% GCBp), which showed the lowest swelling percentage. Furthermore, color and microcolor analysis revealed the highest L* and WI in C1. Conversely, higher concentrations of GCBp reduced the color attributes in other GCBp-containing formulations. FTIR study demonstrated an improved intermolecular interaction in C1 and C2 (containing 2% GCBp) among all. No significant variation in the overall textural parameters was observed in GCBp-introduced formulations, except C2, which showed an improved gumminess. Moreover, the TPC (total phenolic content) and microbial analysis revealed enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in GCBp-incorporated formulations compared to Control (C0, without GCBp). The sensory evaluation showed an enhanced appearance and aroma in C1 compared to others. In short, C1 showed better physicochemical, biological, and sensory properties than the other formulations.

Facile synthesis of SrO/CeO2/alginate nanocomposite for the photocatalytic degradation of reactive red 195 dye and CO2 capturing

The SrO/CeO2/ALG nanocomposite was successfully constructed by using the co-precipitation method and was analyzed with zeta potential, FTIR, SEM, XRD and BET techniques. A common Azo dye, namely Reactive Red 195, widely utilized in the dyeing industry and causing environmental pollution, was chosen to examine the photodegradation of SrO/CeO2/ALG nanocomposite, and it was shown that this dye could be successfully degraded by prepared nanocomposite. Impacts of factors such as pH, contact time and effect of different concentrations of dye and catalyst, the effect of scavengers and the effect of hydrogen peroxide were investigated to find out degradation efficiency. This SrO/CeO2/ALG nanocomposite was used for the photodegradation of reactive red 195 dye and 93 % degradation efficiency was obtained at pH 3, 6 mg of catalyst concentration, dye concentration of 10 ppm, and contact time of 90 min. Degradation kinetic studies were determined by applying first-order and Langmuir-Hinshelwood reactions. The results exhibit a novel method for the synthesis of nanocomposite to effectively cause photodegradation of organic pollutants from wastewater and can be applied to industrial manufacture. The mesoporous SrO/CeO2/ALG nanocomposite also captured 4.31 and 2.98 mmol/g CO2 at 25 and 40 °C temperatures, respectively.

Effect of propolis extract-loaded films made of apple pomace pectin and grass pea protein on the shelf life extension of black mulberry

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of propolis extract (PE) (0, 3, 6, and 12% v/w) on edible films, containing 3% w/v apple pomace pectin and 5% w/v grass peas protein. The structural and morphological properties of the films were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, and SEM analysis, showing higher PE levels led to a more homogeneous and compact structure. Moreover, incorporating PE into the film samples developed their mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, antioxidant, and antimicrobial attributes, particularly against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Botrytis cinerea. In addition, the 12% PE film exhibited the highest water vapor and oxygen barrier abilities of 3.57 × 10−10 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 and 1.43 meq/Kg, respectively. Furthermore, the film solutions with the same PE concentrations were applied as coatings to extend black mulberry shelf life. Results revealed that PE-enriched coatings decreased the weight loss and fungal contamination of the fruits during the storage. Specifically, the 12% PE-coated samples showed ABTS radical scavenging activity of 90.22%, total yeast and mold count of 3.11 log CFU g−1, and superior sensorial properties after 18 days of storage. Accordingly, the 12% PE coating was identified as the most effective, preserving postharvest attributes of fruits and prolonging their shelf life until 18 days at 4 °C. Overall, these results suggested that the apple pomace pectin, grass pea protein, and PE can be efficiently used as a promising natural substitute for food packaging to develop the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of films and coatings with various applications in food products.

The influence of rutin and chlorogenic acid on oxidative stress and in vivo fertility: Evaluation of the quality and antioxidant status of post-thaw semen from Azari water buffalo bulls.

The vulnerability of buffalo sperm to cryoinjury necessitates the improvement of sperm cryo-resistance as a critical strategy for the widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies in buffalo. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of rutin and chlorogenic acid (CGA) on buffalo semen quality, antioxidant activity and fertility during cryopreservation. The semen was collected and pooled from the 3 buffaloes using an artificial vagina (18 ejaculations). The pooled sperm were divided into nine different groups: control (Tris-based extender); 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1mM rutin (rutin+Tris-based extender); and 50, 100, 150 and 200µM CGG (CGA+Tris-based extender). Sperm kinematics, viability, hypo-osmotic swelling test, mitochondrial activity, antioxidant activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of frozen and thawed buffalo sperm were evaluated. In addition, 48 buffalo were finally inseminated, and pregnancy was rectally determined 1 month after insemination. Compared to the control group, adding R-0.4, R-0.6, CGA-100 and CGA-150 can improve total and progressive motility, motility characteristics, viability, PMF and DNA damage in buffalo sperm. In addition, the results showed that R-0.4, R-0.6, CGA-50, CGA-100 and CGA-150 increased total antioxidant capacity, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione activities and decreased MDA levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, it has been shown that adding 150µM CGA and 0.6mM rutin to an extender can increase in vivo fertility compared to the control group. In conclusion, adding rutin and CGA to the extender improves membrane stability and in vivo fertility of buffalo sperm by reducing oxidative stress.

Effects of Tibetan Sheep-Derived Compound Probiotics on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Intestinal Tissue Morphology, and Intestinal Microbiota in Mice.

Probiotics play an important role in animal growth, immunity, and gut microbial balance and are now widely used in agriculture, food, and medicine. This study analysed the effects of different concentrations of Tibetan sheep compound probiotics on the immunity, tissue morphology, and intestinal microbiota of mice using histological, molecular, and 16S rRNA techniques. The results showed that the composite probiotics sourced from Tibetan sheep improved the growth performance of mice, increased the length of small intestinal villi and mucosal thickness, and enhanced the intestinal barrier function of mice. DZ-L and DZ-M significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 mRNA. They also up-regulated IL-10 and TNF-β, and down-regulated TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8. The immune function of mice was enhanced, with DZ-M treatment having an extremely significant effect, while the effect of DZ-H treatment was slightly lower compared to DZ-L and DZ-M. In addition, the composition and diversity of the intestinal microbiota were modulated, and at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was higher in the DZ-M group, the relative abundance of Desulfobacterota, Actinobacteriota, and Patescibacteria was reduced in the probiotic complex group, and the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiota was higher. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae was higher in the DZ-L and DZ-M groups, and the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group in the DZ-H group; and the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Roseburia in the composite probiotic group. This study can improve the reference for the development of new green feed additives instead of antibiotics, which will also further promote the development of the livestock industry.

Antibiofilm effect of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles combined with calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm: An exvivo study.

This study aimed to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in combination with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm. On an E. faecalis biofilm on dentin discs, the following medicaments were applied for 7 days (n = 13/group): 0.005% AgNPs+Ca(OH)2, 0.01% AgNPs+Ca(OH)2, 0.02% AgNPs + Ca(OH)2, Ca(OH)2 and saline/control. Specimens were stained with LIVE/DEAD® BacLight™ dye and analysed with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Proportion of dead bacteria was calculated and analysed. There was a significant reduction in E. faecalis biofilm in all medicament groups (43.5%, 49.1%, 69.1%, 48.7%) respectively, compared with control group (2.54%) (p < 0.001). The 0.02% AgNPs + Ca(OH)2 group demonstrated the most significantly superior antibiofilm effect, with no significant difference between remaining groups. In conclusion, combining 0.02% AgNPs enhanced the antibiofilm effect of Ca(OH)2 on E. faecalis biofilm compared with lower AgNPs concentrations.

Bioactive properties of six dried Himalayan plum cultivars and the impact of their powders on lipid peroxidation in meat emulsions

Plum fruits are among the richest sources of bioactive compounds and thereby have several therapeutic effects, in addition to being effective replacers of synthetic antioxidants in foods such as meat sausages, which are more prone to lipid oxidation. Plums have a short shelf life and are therefore mostly processed into dry forms. The study included six plum varieties and the effects of drying on their antioxidant and antiproliferative characteristics were examined. Drying resulted in the almost complete degradation of the anthocyanins. During the six months, DPPH, FRAP and ascorbic acid decreased by 11.7 %, 5.9 % and 33 % respectively, in the Krassivica plum cultivar. Compared to fresh cultivars, dried plum cultivars showed greater antiproliferative potential against both cancer cell lines, with dried Krassivica exhibiting the greatest cell proliferation inhibition of 38.63 and 94.1 % against HCT-116 (a colon cancer cell line) and MCF-7 (an estrogen-positive breast cancer cell line), respectively. Evaluation on the effect of different concentrations (2 %, 4 % and 6 %) of plum on lipid oxidation in the meat emulsion showed that with the addition of plum powder there was a significant reduction in the TBARS. A non-significant difference was observed in the TBARS values at the 1st and 3rd months of storage between the emulsion samples containing 6 % Au Rosa plum pulp powder and the sample with BHA. Thus, it was concluded that although drying has a marked influence on the quality of plum fruits, dried plums represent a good source of antioxidants, thereby promoting their use as a functional food.

Poly I: C Alleviated Duck Intestinal Injury Infected with Duck Viral Enteritis by Inhibiting Apoptosis.

Duck enteritis virus (DEV) may lead to vascular injury, gastrointestinal mucosal erosion, lymphoid organ injury, and Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C) has an antiviral effectby inducing low levels of interferon. The purpose of this study was to explore the pathogenesis of DEV-induced intestinal injury in ducks and to verify the therapeutic effects of different concentrations of Poly I:C. In this study, duck enteritis model was established by infecting healthy Pekin ducks with DEV. Duck intestinal tissues were extracted from normal control group, model group, and treatment group with different doses of Poly I:C. In vivo, HE and TUNEL staining were used to observe the morphological changes and apoptosis. In vitro, the proliferation and apoptosis of duck intestinal epithelial cells were evaluated by MTT assay, TUNEL staining, and flow cytometry. The results showed that Poly I:C protected ducks from DEV toxicity by improving intestinal morphology and inhibiting apoptosis. In addition, the antiviral effect of Poly I:C on DEV was found in a dose-dependent manner, with a more relatively obvious effect at a high dose of Poly I:C. All in all, these results demonstrated that Poly I:C played a vital role in the apoptosis induced by DEV in ducks and modest dose of Poly I:C treatment worked well and may provide important reference for the development of new antiviral drugs in the future.

Antifreeze protein type I in the vitrification solution improves the cryopreservation of immature cat oocytes

Oocyte cryopreservation is not yet considered a reliable technique since it can reduce the quality and survival of oocytes in several species. This study determined the effect of different concentrations of antifreeze protein I (AFP I) on the vitrification solution of immature cat oocytes. For this, oocytes were randomly distributed in three groups and vitrified with 0 μg/mL (G0, 0 μM); 0.5 μg/mL (G0.5, 0.15 μM), or 1 μg/mL (G1, 0.3 μM) of AFP I. After thawing, oocytes were evaluated for morphological quality, and compared to a fresh group (FG) regarding actin integrity, mitochondrial activity and mass, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels, nuclear maturation, expression of GDF9, BMP15, ZAR-1, PRDX1, SIRT1, and SIRT3 genes (normalized by ACTB and YWHAZ genes), and ultrastructure. G0.5 and G1 presented a higher proportion of COCs graded as I and while G0 had a significantly lower quality. G1 had a higher percentage of intact actin in COCs than G0 and G0.5 (P < 0.05). There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the mitochondrial activity between FG and G1 and they were both higher (P < 0.05) than G0 and G0.5. G1 had a significantly lower (P < 0.05) mitochondrial mass than FG and G0, and there was no difference among FG, G0, and G0.5. G1 had higher ROS than all groups (P < 0.05), and there was no difference in GSH levels among the vitrified groups (P > 0.05). For nuclear maturation, there was no difference between G1 and G0.5 (P > 0.05), but these were both higher (P < 0.05) than G0 and lower (P < 0.05) compared to FG. Regarding gene expression, in G0 and G0.5, most genes were downregulated compared to FG, except for SIRT1 and SIRT3 in G0 and SIRT3 in G0.5. In addition, G1 kept the expression more similar to FG. Regardless of concentration, AFP I supplementation in vitrification solution of immature cat oocytes improved maturation rates, morphological quality, and actin integrity and did not impact GSH levels. In the highest concentration tested (1 μg/mL), AFP maintained the mitochondrial activity, reduced mitochondrial mass, increased ROS levels, and had the gene expression more similar to FG. Altogether these data show that AFP supplementation during vitrification seems to mitigate some of the negative impact of cryopreservation improving the integrity and cryosurvival of cat oocytes.

Study on the Experimental Methodology of Plasma Clot Retraction

To explore the key factors affecting plasma clot retraction and optimize the experimental method of plasma clot retraction, in order to study the regulation of platelet function and evaluate the modulatory effects of drugs on plasma clot retraction. The effects of different concentrations of thrombin, Ca2 + and platelets on plasma clot retraction were studied, and the detection system of plasma clot retraction was optimized. The availability of the detection system was then validated by analyzing the regulatory effects of multiple signaling pathway inhibitors on plasma clot retraction. Through the optimization study of multiple factors, platelet rich plasma (PRP) containing 0.5 mmol/L Ca2 + and 40×109/L platelets was treated with 0.2 U/ml thrombin to perform plasma clot retraction analysis. After treatment with thrombin for 15 min, plasma clot retracted significantly. After treatment with thrombin for 30 min, the percentage of plasma clot retraction was more than 50%. The regulatory effects of multiple signaling pathway inhibitors on plasma clot retraction were studied in this detection system. PKC inhibitor Go 6983 exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on plasma clot retraction, while PI3K inhibitor Ly294002 and p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 slightly suppressed plasma clot retraction. PRP containing 0.5 mmol/L Ca2 + and 40×109/L platelets can be induced with 0.2 U/ml thrombin to conduct plasma clot retraction analysis, which can be used to study the regulation of platelet function and evaluate the modulatory effects of drugs on plasma clot retraction.

Effects of Different Concentrations of Carbamide Peroxide on Color, Surface Roughness, and Hardness of CAD/CAM Dental Ceramics.

This study assessed the effects of 15% and 20% carbamide peroxide (CP) on color, surface roughness, and hardness of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) dental ceramics. This in vitro study was conducted on 120 Vita Mark II, Celtra Duo, and Suprinity CAD/CAM ceramic specimens. The ceramic specimens in each group (n = 40) were randomly assigned to two subgroups (n = 20) for polishing and glazing, and their baseline color, surface roughness (Ra), and hardness were assessed. In each subgroup, half of the specimens were exposed to 15% CP, while the other half were exposed to 20% CP. Their color change (ΔE), surface roughness, and hardness were then measured again. Surface roughness, hardness, and color were analyzed sequentially by profilometer, Vickers hardness tester, and spectrophotometer, respectively. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc Bonferroni test (α = 0.05). The surface roughness of all groups significantly increased after bleaching treatment (p < 0.05). Surface hardness of all groups decreased after bleaching treatment, but this reduction was only significant in Vita Mark II subgroups (glazed, polished, 15%, and 20% CP). The ΔE was not clinically and visually perceivable in any group. The present results revealed that concentration of CP and type of surface treatment affected the surface properties of CAD/CAM ceramics. Type of surface treatment only affected the surface hardness of Vita Mark II ceramics (p < 0.05). Concentration of CP had a significant effect only on polished Vita Mark II.

Effect of Selinexor on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Kasumi-1 Cells

To investigate the effects of selinexor, a inhibitor of nuclear export protein 1 (XPO1) on the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of Kasumi-1 cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). MTS method was used to detect the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of selinexor on the proliferation of Kasumi-1 cells at different time points. The apoptosis rate and cell cycle changes after treatment with different concentration of selinexor were detected by flow cytometry. Selinexor inhibited the growth of Kasumi-1 cells at different time points in a concentration-dependent manner (r 24 h=0.7592, r 48 h=0.9456, and r 72 h=0.9425). Selinexor inhibited Kasumi-1 cells growth in a time-dependent manner (r =0.9057 in 2.5 μmol/L group, r =0.9897 in 5 μmol/L group and r =0.9994 in 10 μmol/L group). Selinexor could induce apoptosis of Kasumi-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner (r =0.9732), and the apoptosis of Kasumi-1 cells was more obvious with the increase of drug concentration. The proportion of G0/G1 phase was significantly increased and the proportion of S phase was significantly decreased after the treatment of Kasumi-1 cells by selinexor. With the increase of drug concentration, the proportion of Kasumi-1 cells cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase was increased and the cell synthesis was decreased. Selinexor can promote the death of tumor cells by inhibiting Kasumi-1 cells proliferation, inducing apoptosis and blocking cell cycle.

Exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics causes immune damage, oxidative stress and intestinal flora disruption in salamander (Andrias davidianus) larvae

The toxic effects of nanoparticles have been increasingly investigated, but there has been limited research on amphibians, especially those of conservation value. This study examined the effects of different concentrations (0, 0.04, 0.2, 1, 5 mg/L) of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 80 nm) on the short-term exposure (7 d) of Andrias davidianus. Results demonstrated the concentration-dependent enrichment of PS-NPs in the intestine. Histological lesions displayed increased hepatic macrophages with cellular rupture, broken intestinal villi, decreased cuprocytes and crypt depression. Antioxidant- and inflammation-related enzyme activities were analysed, and it was found that hepatic and intestinal MDA content and CAT activity were highest in the N-1 group and SOD activity was highest in the N-0.2 group (p < 0.05). AKP activity continued to decline, and iNOS activity was highest in the N-0.2 group (p < 0.05). il-10, tgf-β, bcl-w and txnl1 were significantly downregulated in the N-0.2 group, while il-6 and il-8 were markedly upregulated in the N-0.2 group (p < 0.05). Exposing to PS-NPs decreased probiotic bacteria (Cetobacterium, Akkermansia) and increased pathogenic bacteria (Lachnoclostridium). Our results suggest that NPs exposure can have deleterious effects on salamanders, which predicts that NPs contamination may lead to continued amphibian declines. Therefore, we strongly recommend that attention be paid to amphibians, especially endangered species, in the field of NPs.

Calcium fertilization on the Phalaenopsis ssp. cultivation (Orchidaceae)

The cultivation efficiency and quality improvement of Phalaenopsis sp. production through mineral nutrition has been widely studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of calcium (Ca) in the nutrient solution on the growth, nutrient uptake, and overall health of Phalaenopsis sp. Seedlings obtained from in vitro propagation at 6 months of age were fed biweekly with a nutrient solution suggested by Hoagland and Arnon with modified Ca concentrations of 0 mM, 1.25 mM, 2.5 mM, 5 mM, 7.5 mM, and 10 mM. After 24 months, characteristics such as number of leaves, width and length of the largest leaf, total leaf area, dry mass of leaves and roots, leaf texture, and number and dry mass of flowers were evaluated. Macronutrient content was determined from leaf dry mass. Substrate pH and electrical conductivity were also measured. Increasing Ca concentrations up to 6.25 mM improved leaf length, total leaf area, number of flowers and flower dry mass. Leaf texture and electrical conductivity of the substrate increased up to a Ca concentration of about 2.5 mM. Leaf nitrogen and phosphorus contents increased with higher Ca concentrations. Optimal Ca fertilization at 6.25 mM had positive effects on both vegetative and reproductive growth, with no visual symptoms of Ca deficiency observed during vegetative development. These results emphasize the importance of precise and tailored nutrient management, not only to avoid hidden deficiencies, but also to maximize the quality and commercial value of Phalaenopsis sp. plants.

Potassium persulfate enhances humification of chicken manure and straw composting: The perspective of rare and abundant microbial community structure and ecological interactions

Improper disposal of organic solid waste results in serious environmental pollution. Aerobic composting provides an environmentally friendly treatment method, but improving humification of raw materials remains a challenge. This study revealed the effect of different concentrations of potassium persulfate (PP) on humification of chicken manure and straw aerobic composting and the underlying microbial mechanisms. The results showed that when 0.6 % PP was added (PPH group), humus and the degree of polymerization were 80.77 mg/g and 2.52, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in 0.3 % PP (PPL group). As the concentration of PP was increased, the composition of rare taxa (RT) changed and improved in evenness, while abundant taxa (AT) was unaffected. Additionally, the density (0.037), edges (3278), and average degree (15.21) in the co-occurrence network decreased compared to PPL, while the average path (4.021) and modularity increased in PPH. This resulted in facilitating the turnover of matter, information, and energy among the microbes. Interestingly, cooperative behavior between microorganisms during the maturation period (24–60 d) occurred in PPH, but competitive relationships dominated in PPL. Cooperative behavior was positively correlated with humus (p < 0.05). Because the indices, such as higher degree, betweenness centrality, eigenvector centrality, and closeness centrality of the AT, were located in the microbial network center compared to RT, they were unaffected by the concentration of PP. The abundance of carbohydrate and amino acid metabolic pathways, which play an important role in humification, were higher in PPH. These findings contribute to understanding the relative importance of composition, interactions, and metabolic functionality of RT and AT on humification during chicken manure and straw aerobic composting under different concentrations of PP, as well as provide a basic reference for use of various conditioning agents to promote humification of organic solid waste.