Mineral Loss Research Articles

Oral health-related beliefs among a sample of pregnant women in Southwestern Ontario: a descriptive study

IntroductionUnfavorable beliefs about oral health and dental treatment during pregnancy can lead to the avoidance of dental care and the underutilization of dental services, adversely affecting adherence to good oral hygiene practices and, consequently, the health of the fetus. This study investigated the commonly held oral health beliefs among pregnant women in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.MethodsParticipants were recruited from the Family Medicine Obstetrics Clinic in London, Ontario, Canada. Eligible participants were pregnant women aged 18 or older, excluding those unwilling to participate. Participants completed a 33-item self-administered questionnaire, including three open-ended questions about oral health beliefs and their impacts on pregnancy, which were analyzed for this study. Thematic analysis in NVivo identified key patterns, while analysis determined the most common beliefs and the degree of diversity in responses. Responses were categorized into sub-themes, and the frequency and percentage of each category were calculated.ResultsA total of 130 participants met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 40.7% (n = 46) believed that oral health impacts their child's health, 48.2% (n = 53) believed that dental treatment affects fetal health, and 64.4% (n = 76) believed that pregnancy influences their oral health. Many beliefs regarding oral health during pregnancy regarded infection risks. Participants held negative beliefs about the effects of antibiotics, analgesics, and dental x-rays during pregnancy. Common beliefs about the impacts of pregnancy on oral health included developing conditions, such as tooth sensitivity, caries, and gingivitis, as well as a loss of minerals to the fetus.ConclusionThis study revealed important misconceptions and concerns about oral health and dental treatment among pregnant women in Southwestern Ontario. The findings highlighted the need for enhanced oral health education for pregnant women to address these misconceptions and promote proper care during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to focus on dispelling myths, emphasizing the safety of necessary dental treatments, and reinforcing the significance of maintaining good oral health for maternal and fetal well-being.

Long-term recovery of compacted reclaimed farmland soil in coal mining subsidence area

During the reclamation process of coal mining subsidence areas, mechanical compaction hinders the rapid recovery of reclaimed mine soil (RMS) functions to their pre-mining levels. To optimize reclaimed farmland management, which can promote the recovery of compacted soils, this study aims to explore the key factors and underlying mechanisms affecting RMS recovery from a systemic perspective using complex network theory (CNT). Soil samples from reclaimed farmland at different recovery stages (0, 2, 6, 12, 16, and 22 years) and adjacent non-subsided cultivated soils (NCS) were collected at a depth of 0 ∼ 20 cm in the eastern plains mining region of China. Twenty-four soil indicators were measured, and their evolution over RMS recovery was analyzed. CNT was employed to systematically analyze the complex network relationships among these indicators, identifying key factors and underlying mechanisms affecting RMS recovery. The results indicated that compaction led to soil macroaggregate (MA) destruction, mineralization losses of organic carbon and nitrogen, reduced microbial activity, degraded soil fertility, and increased complexity and disorder in the relationships among soil indicators. Re-cultivation had a positive effect on the recovery of RMS. After 22 years of cultivation, significant improvements in soil structure were observed, with MA increasing by 30.95 % (P < 0.05). Based on this, organic carbon gradually accumulated, with soil organic carbon (SOC) increasing by 250.94 % (P < 0.05). Microbial abundance similarly improved, with total microbial biomass (TB) increasing by 123.07 % (P < 0.05). Soil fertility was also enhanced, with alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) increasing by 125.96 %, 304.84 %, and 61.90 %, respectively. However, RMS indicators and system structure remained distinct from those of the NCS. The first approximately 12 years after re-cultivation represented a critical period during which soil structure improvements drove RMS functional recovery, with a focus on MA recovery. Increasing particulate organic carbon (POC) accumulation is an effective strategy to promote aggregation in compacted RMS. Microbially mediated carbon–nitrogen cycling emerged as a crucial driver of the gradual recovery of the RMS system after re-cultivation.

Effect of Er:YAG Laser-Activated Irrigation with Side-Firing Spiral Endo Tip on Dentin Mineral Composition of Tooth Root Canals

Background: Treating tooth root canal systems with Er:YAG laser together with irrigants has been shown to be effective in reducing biofilms formed by Enterococcus faecalis. This study investigated whether laser-activated irrigation (LAI) with side-firing Endo tip (LiteTouch™; Light Instruments, Yokneam, Israel) affects dentin mineral composition when used with common endodontic irrigants. Methods: Root canals of extracted human teeth were treated with Er:YAG laser using a side-firing Endo tip combined with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and/or 2.5% NaOCl in continuous or intermittent mode for 60 s. Dentin mineral composition (Ca, P, O) in coronal, middle, and apical regions of root canals was examined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results: The use of LAI with continuous EDTA resulted in the largest reduction in Ca and P levels. A final NaOCl rinse mitigated the EDTA-mediated mineral loss in all root canal regions and increased the O content. Likewise, the reduced Ca/O and Ca/P ratios caused by continuous EDTA irrigation were reversed when combined with a final NaOCl rinse. Conclusions: LAI with Er:YAG Endo tip using continuous EDTA irrigation followed by NaOCl caused minimal dentin mineral loss and can therefore be considered to be a safe treatment module for cleaning root canals.

Dental erosion and its correlation with bulimia nervosa: a literature review

Dental erosion is the loss of mineralized tooth tissue caused by acids not originating from the oral microbiota. It results from extrinsic factors, such as acidic foods and beverages, or intrinsic factors, such as gastroesophageal reflux and frequent vomiting. Bulimia nervosa (BN), an eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as forced vomiting, can exacerbate dental erosion. The aim of this study was to conduct a narrative literature review on dental erosion, addressing diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and its correlation with BN. A search was conducted on the PubMed platform in July 2023 using MeSH terms “tooth erosion” and “bulimia nervosa” combined with “OR”. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 articles were selected, and 6 additional studies were included through manual search. A concerning link between BN and dental erosion was observed, as patients with purging-type BN frequently exhibit dental damage due to the acidic pH of vomit, which leads to mineral loss from the enamel. Early diagnosis and proper management, involving clinical identification and implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies, are crucial to preventing severe cases. Prevention should focus on reducing acid exposure and maintaining good oral hygiene, while treatment may include fluoride application, restorations, and, in advanced cases, more invasive procedures. Interprofessional collaboration and the de-stigmatization of eating disorders are essential for improving detection and treatment, providing care that addresses both the psychological and physical issues associated with dental erosion.

Recycling steel slag as fertiliser proxy in agriculture is good circular economy but disrupts plant microbial symbioses in the soil

Modern agriculture depends on synthetic fertilisers to ensure food security but their manufacture and use accounts for ~5 % of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving climate change targets therefore requires alternatives, that while maintaining crop productivity, reduce emissions across the lifecycle of fertiliser utilisation. Steel slag, a nutrient-rich by-product of steel manufacture, offers a viable alternative. Being substantially cheaper than fertilisers, it is economically attractive for farmers, particularly in low-middle income countries of the Global South. However, slag application in agriculture poses risk of pollutant transfer to the human food chain and disruption of key plant-microbe symbioses like the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Here, using barley as a model crop, we tested the suitability of slag as a fertiliser proxy. Mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal barley were grown in soils ameliorated with slag in concentrations of 0, 2, 5 and 10 t ha−1. We analysed slag-mycorrhiza interaction and their combined effects on crop yield and risks to human nourishment. Slag increased grain yield by respective 32 and 21 % in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal barley. Grain concentration of metal pollutants in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal barley fertilised with slag were within the WHO recommended limits. But slag reduced mycorrhizal colonisation in barley roots and extraradical hyphal spread in the soil. The consequent decline in symbiont function lowered AMF-mediated plant nutrient uptake and increased mineral losses in leachates. AMF are keystone species of the soil microbiome. Loss of AMF function presents long-term ecological consequences for agriculture and necessitates a careful evaluation of slag application to soil.

Differential chemoproteomic analysis of RRS-1 candidate molecule and molecules of several nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Background. To plan effective and safe pharmacotherapy for inflammation and pain, it is important to evaluate the mechanisms and spectrum of action of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including their effects on human proteome.Objective: to identify and evaluate the most significant specific differences of candidate molecule RRS-1 (N-{(Z)-2-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1-[(propylamino)carbonyl]vinyl}benzamide) from other NSAIDs through differential chemoreactome analysis.Materials and methods. Chemoproteomic modeling of pharmacological effects of RRS-1 molecule and a number of well-known NSAIDs (diclofenac, nimesulide, ketorolac) on human proteome was carried out on the basis of numerical prediction algorithms over the space of heterogeneous feature descriptions, developed in the topological approach to recognition by Yu.I. Zhuravlev and K.V. Rudakov scientific school.Results. Significant differences in the effects of the studied molecules were found for 1232 proteins of human proteome. The features of assessing interactions of the studied molecules with 47 target proteins, which most distinguished the effects of RRS-1 molecule from all others were identified. RRS-1 could activate adenosine and dopamine receptors, cannabinoid receptor 2 and GABAA receptor to a greater extent than other molecules. Activation of these receptors corresponded to anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and neuroprotective effects. RRS-1 could preferably inhibit a number of pro-inflammatory proteins, receptor bradykinin 1, metabotropic glutamate receptor 5, matrix metalloproteinases 8, 9, 12, and blood coagulation factor X. Additionally, RRS-1 molecule showed preferable inhibition of a number of kinases targeted in antitumor and anti-inflammatory therapy. RRS-1, less than other studied molecules, interacted with the receptors of vitamin D3, thyroid hormone, acetylcholine, cannabinoids and opioids, orexin, and various metabolic enzymes, which is important in assessment of the safety of using drugs based on this molecule. RRS-1 characteristically exhibited a moderate profile of antivitamin action: the total score of vitamin and mineral loss (7.4±3.7) was significantly less in comparison to diclofenac (11.7±4.5) and was actually on the same level as nimesulide (6.9±3.7) and ketorolac (6.7±3.6).Conclusion. Chemoreactomic and chemoproteomic profiling of RRS-1 candidate molecule provided pre-experimental assessments of its efficacy and safety through modeling interactions with the human proteome.

Geochemical fractionation of trace elements in ostreid and gastropod shells: A potential proxy for heavy metal pollution in Ghana’s coastal environment

The content of trace elements from Crassostrea tulipa (Ostreidae, Bivalvia) from four localities (Pra Estuary, Densu Estuary, Kpone Beach, and Anyanui Creek) along the coast of Ghana has been used as a bioindicator of environmental pollution. The lowest values of heavy metals correspond to the Crassostrea shells from Densu Estuary and Anyanui Creek, whereas the highest contents are recorded in the shells from Pra Estuary and Kpone Beach. Densu Estuary and Anyanui Creek are located in areas not affected by major industries, and only Densu is located in a densely urbanized setting. Crassostrea shells from Densu Estuary are only enriched in Ni. However, the Total Organic Carbon content of the sediments of the Densu Estuary indicates anthropogenic organic pollution not evidenced by the composition of Crassostrea shells. The Crassostrea shells from the Pra Estuary show enrichment in most of the analysed trace elements (Li, Be, V, Cu, Cr, Zn, Ga, Y, Sn, Pb, U, Th, ∑REE, and As) compared with other studied sites. This enrichment is related to heavy metals influx to the Pra River by the mining activities, extensive forest clearance, and loss of soil minerals. The Crassostrea shells from Kpone Beach present comparatively high content of some trace elements (Be, Ba, Cu, Zn, Nb, Pb, and REE). The metal pollutants are related to the input of the Heavy Industrial Area of Tema (located around 3.5 km west of Kpone Beach) and urban effluences from the Greater Accra Region. The high content of Ba, Cu, Zn, and Pb in Crassostrea is directly related to high phytoplankton productivity (mainly for diatoms) linked to the input of trace metals transferred into the marine food webs. In addition, some analyses of gastropod shells from Kpone Beach indicate that Cerithium and Nerita are more sensitive to accumulating Ni and As than Crassostrea. The values of trace metals from the Crassostrea shells of the Densu Estuary and Anyanui Creek are comparatively low. Considering the role of Crassostrea shells as bioindicators for heavy metals pollution, the less polluted localities are Anyanui Creek and Densu Estuary, whereas Pra Estuary and Kpone Beach are affected by anthropic activities such as mining, urban effluents, and industry.

A high adherence level to nutritional recommendations minimizes protein and minerals loss while maximizes visceral fat loss in bariatric surgery patients

BackgroundMetabolic bariatric surgeries are considered the finest and most appropriate treatment option for patients with severe obesity. Besides the surgical procedure, many factors appear to be associated with improved postoperative outcomes such as compliance to the postoperative diet and supplementation, regular physical activity, medical and nutritional follow-up, and modifications in dietary habits. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of adherence to post-operative recommendations on anthropometric measurements and body composition and assess the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) and excess weight loss (%EWL) 3 months post-operative. Material and MethodsFifty-two participants who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy were included. Participants have filled out a pre-operative questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were obtained pre-operative and 3 months post-operative using a Body Impedance Analyzer (Inbody 270). The adherence to post-operative recommendations was assessed by the Bariatric Surgery Self-management Questionnaire 3 months post-operative and classified to three adherence levels. ResultsMost anthropometric measurements decreased 3 months post-operative in the three adherence groups (p≤0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups in anthropometric measurements and body composition, except for minerals and visceral fat levels. The mineral loss has decreased in both the high and intermediate adherence groups (-0.09 ± 0.22 kg, and -0.09 ± 0.18 kg, respectively). Also, the high adherence group showed less loss in protein amount post-operatively (p=0.06). Visceral fat level decreased in the high adherence group (p≤ 0.05). ConclusionAdherence to post-operative behavioral and nutritional recommendations was associated with less protein and mineral loss and enhanced visceral fat reduction post-operatively.

Evaluation of riboflavin, nanocurcumin, and hydrogen peroxide under light conditions: reduction of mature dental biofilms and enamel mineral loss

BackgroundBiofilms are a potential harbor for many microorganisms. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of riboflavin (Rib), nano-micelle curcumin (NC), and hydrogen peroxide (HP), alone and in combination with the respective light (light-emitting diode (LED) or 980 nm diode laser) on the reduction of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus dual-species biofilms and their effect on the enamel mineral loss. Materials and methodsThe biofilms were formed on saliva-coated enamel slabs. Then, the biofilms were treated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) based on LED, Rib, and NC photosensitizers and with HP also based on a 980 nm diode laser (n = 8 per group). A crystal violet assay was performed to determine the reduction of the dual-species biofilms. The enamel slabs were analyzed for calcium and phosphorus content by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). ResultsWhile HP-PDT showed a reduction of 37% (p < 0.001), PDT with NC resulted in an even greater reduction of dual-species biofilms (40%, p < 0.001) than HP- and Rib-mediated PDT. In the EDX test, no significant difference was found between the control group and the treatment groups. ConclusionsThe use of natural photosensitizers such as NC in PDT has an effect that may be potentially important in reducing caries-causing bacteria.

Efficacy of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in arresting dentin caries against inter-kingdom biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans.

To compare, in vitro, the efficacy of three proprietary silver diamine fluoride (SDF) products in mitigating progression of dentinal caries induced by an inter-kingdom, dual-species, bacterial-yeast biofilm. Human dentin blocks were demineralized to create artificial caries lesions and randomized into three SDF test groups: Saforide, Topamine, T-SDF, and an aqueous control (n = 26 per group). After application of foregoing SDF variants, the blocks were incubated with Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans for 24 h for biofilm development, and subsequently subjected to a microbe-induced, pH-cycling process for 7 days, to mimic the oral eco-system. The biofilm cell viability and surface topography were assessed by colony-forming units (CFUs) and scanning electron microscopy respectively. The lesion depth and mineral density were evaluated by micro-computer tomography. SDF precipitate and matrix-to-mineral ratio were evaluated by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Standard, accepted methodology was used for all these evaluations and procedures. After pH cycling, the SDF groups demonstrated comparable inhibition of the biofilm relative to the control. the log CFU of S. mutans for Saforide, Topamine, T-SDF, and control were 6.69±0.73, 6.48±0.56, 6.63±0.66, and 8.01±0.45, respectively. For C. albicans, the log CFU were 4.86±0.44, 4.72±0.53, 4.92±0.29, and 5.60±0.27, respectively. The log CFU of S. mutans and C. albicans in the SDF groups were significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001). Further, the lesion depth decreased by approximately 14.79±7.00% in the SDF groups, while it increased by 11.07±8.61% in the control (p<0.001), and the mineral density increased by 16.36±4.58% in the SDF group, as opposed to a 5.59±2.64% reduction in the control (p<0.001) implying their caries mitigating effect. These findings were corroborated by SEM images of the lesions. SDF significantly mitigated dentin caries due to an assault by a polymicrobial plaque biofilm whilst arresting mineral loss and lesion growth. There was no difference in the caries-arresting efficacy of the compared SDF variants.

Study on the freeze-thaw damage degree and its influence on the shear strength parameters of sandstones

The variations of shear strength parameters against the freeze-thaw cycles are not well understood in the previous study. This research mainly investigated the influence of freeze-thaw treatment on the shear strength parameters and their relationship with the freeze-thaw damage variable for sandstones. The fraction dimensions of sandstone surfaces and basic friction angles display an increasing trend under freeze-thaw cycles. It implies that the sandstone surface becomes rougher due to the freeze-thaw loss of cementation minerals and thus induces the increase in the basic friction angle. Another interesting finding is that although the cohesion of sandstone reduces, the internal friction angle also increases with increasing freeze-thaw cycles. Thus, the reduction in the shear strength under freeze-thaw actions should be attributed to the loss of cohesion. Moreover, the change of shear strength parameters is also related with the freeze-thaw damage degree. As the number of freeze-thaw cycles increases, the increase in porosity and reduction in P-wave velocity are much larger for the YY and YR sandstones with higher porosities, thus, they suffer much more serious freeze-thaw damage, and they have a much larger variation in shear strength parameters. The novel finding is that the growth in basic friction angle is positively correlated with the increase of freeze-thaw damage, and the internal friction angle exponentially increases with the increase of freeze-thaw damage. This study provides a much better understanding of the change of the shear strength parameters under freeze-thaw cycles.

Mechanical behaviour of granular materials undergoing grain dissolution

Geotechnical engineering projects are often at risk from threats related to mineral dissolution and loss of particles that constitute the matrix of the geomaterial. Moreover, the impact of climate change can exacerbate these risks by accelerating the physical processes. To address such challenges, it is a pre-requisite to understand and quantify the effect of mineral dissolution on geomechanical behaviour. A general theoretical approach to mechanical consequences of geomaterials experiencing mineral dissolution was first proposed. Following, a series of oedometer tests were conducted using mixtures of salt and sand with various salt contents to observe and characterise the effect of dissolution on the mechanical behaviour of granular materials. The dissolution of salt crystals was performed in three different stress states to observe the stress-dependent response of the material. The effect of dissolution was dependent both on the amount of dissolved salt particles and the applied stress state. The laboratory experiments and the discussion followed shares insights into the effect of grain dissolution on the mechanical behaviour of granular materials and proved the potential of the framework presented in this paper. Finally, the paper ends by discussing the engineering implications bearing in mind the climate change we are facing today.

Evaluation of Enamel Surface Properties Submitted to Bleaching With 35% Hydrogen Peroxide Associated With Titanium Tetrafluoride (TiF4).

This study evaluated the color change, surface roughness, mineral content and morphology of enamel bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) combined with an experimental gel containing 1% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4). Bovine enamel blocks were treated with (n = 12): (TiF) experimental gel containing 1% TiF4, (HP) 35% HP, (HPT) 35% HP + 1% TiF4and (CT) control. Bleaching with HP was performed in 3 sessions (3 × 15 min/applications). pH, colorimetric parameters, surface roughness, mineral content and enamel morphology were determined. The pH was evaluated for 45 min. The color parameters were determined before bleaching (T0), and 14 days elapsed from the last bleaching session (T4). Surface roughness was analyzed at T0 and immediately after last bleaching session (T3). Enamel mineral content and morphology were verified at T4. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way, two-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis (α = 0.05). TiF increased surface roughness, and no differences between HP and HPT in terms of color and - mineral content. Ti was detected only on TiF, and slight surface morphology changes were observed in bleached enamel. The combination of TiF4 and 35% HP did not interfere with the enamel bleaching effect, controlled surface roughness, and kept mineral content but promoted a minor surface morphology alteration. Due to the adverse effects of bleaching, titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) has gained attention for its therapeutic properties, including the ability to reverse mineral loss and neutralize remineralization of mineral structures. Therefore, TiF4's remineralizing capacitymay be a good alternative for incorporation into hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents.

19 Strategies to optimize the trace mineral status of weaned beef calves

Abstract Trace mineral nutrition of pre-weaned beef calves is derived from 1) tissue stores at birth, 2) milk, 3) forage, and 4) supplement. In most production systems, calves are born with adequate trace mineral status, namely Cu, Zn, Mn and Se. One exception, however, is severe Se deficiency in the dam which may result in White Muscle Disease in Se-deficient calves shortly after birth. Despite general adequacy at birth, tissue concentrations of these elements often decrease during the pre-weaning period due to inadequacies in milk and trace mineral deficiency of forages. Trace mineral losses are further exacerbated by a variety of stressors naturally occurring throughout the production system, including, but not limited to, environmental, social, and immunological. Weaning, which is unavoidable in modern production systems, is the most stressful experience a beef animal will experience in their lifetime. To avoid deficiency at weaning, trace mineral deficits must be addressed through supplementation during the pre-weaning period. One of the most common supplementation methods involves the blending of supplemental trace minerals with common salt, offered free choice. This system assumes that cattle have a “nutritional wisdom” to consume salt at a level that meets their requirement for Na. Although largely effective in most grazing situations, this management system is not without complications. Notably, salt-based, free-choice mineral supplements are offered simultaneously to cow/calf pairs with known variation in voluntary intake. The necessity to understand and manage free-choice intake is the basic principle behind all successful free-choice mineral supplementation systems. In tropical and subtropical climates, where a large percentage of the world’s beef is produced, cattle are typically enrolled in year-long grazing schedules that are characterized by dry and wet seasons. In these environments, the craving for salt increases as forage DM decreases resulting in large seasonally impacted reductions in voluntary intake of salt-based, free-choice mineral supplements. During the dry season, when forage moisture is low, free-choice, salt-based mineral consumption often does not meet anticipated target levels due to a reduced natural craving for salt. There are other examples where seasonal variation in salt craving impacts the effectiveness of targeting appropriate voluntary intake of free-choice mineral supplements. For example, in some coastal regions of the world, salt-water intrusion will impact the Na content of forages and drinking water. In these regions, cattle may avoid salt-fortified supplements because of excessive Na intake from other sources. Fortunately, if we understand these regional and climatic impacts, there are effective management interventions that may be adopted to protect against trace mineral deficiency resulting from inadequate free-choice intake. This symposium presentation will review multiple pre-weaning mineral supplementation systems that have been shown to be effective for optimizing the mineral status of weaned beef calves.

Remineralization Potential of Nanostrontium/Fluoride Hydroxyapatite on Artificial Enamel Caries

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the remineralization efficacy of nano-strontium/ fluoride hydroxyapatite paste on initial enamel caries in comparison with other remineralization products under a simulated pH-cycling model. Methods: Following the artificial caries induction, forty enamel specimens with noncavitated lesion in the same range of lesion depth were selected by mean of micro-CT evaluation. The specimens were block-randomized into four experimental groups regarding remineralizing pastes: 1500 ppm sodium fluoride paste, 10%wt nano-hydroxyapatite paste, 10%wt nano-strontium/fluoride hydroxyapatite paste and 5%wt nano-strontium/ fluoride hydroxyapatite paste. Remineralizing effect was evaluated using micro-CT, while SEM/EDS line scan mode facilitated the investigation of remineralization patterns. Changes in lesion depth (ΔLD) and changes in mineral loss (ΔΔZ) were evaluated at 7 and 14 days of treatment under the pH-cycling model. Statistical analyses were performed using 2-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s test (p&lt;0.05). Results: The use of 5%wt nano-strontium/fluoride hydroxyapatite paste significantly reduced lesion depth in initial caries under experimental conditions. Meanwhile, the 10%wt nano-strontium/fluoride hydroxyapatite paste yielded the highest mineral gain, though statistically insignificant. EDS graphs indicated an increasing calcium and phosphorus deposition trend over time with nano-strontium/fluoride hydroxyapatite paste, revealing a more uniform mineral distribution compared to both sodium fluoride and nano-hydroxyapatite pastes. Nevertheless, neither fluorine nor strontium was detectable in these graphs. Conclusions: The study revealed comparable remineralization efficacy with 5%wt and 10%wt nano-strontium/fluoride hydroxyapatite pastes. The treatment durations of 7 and 14 days showed no significant difference in outcomes.

Effect of a novel low-concentration hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel containing nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate and fluoride

ObjectivesTo evaluate in vitro the effects of nano-sized sodium trimetaphosphate (TMPnano) and sodium fluoride (F) added to a 17.5 % hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching gel on the color change, enamel mechanical and morphological properties, and H2O2 transamelodentinal diffusion. Materials and MethodsBovine enamel/dentin discs (n = 180) were divided according to the bleaching gel: 17.5 % H2O2 (17.5 % HP); 17.5 % H2O2 + 0.1 % F (HP/F); 17.5 % H2O2 + 1 % TMPnano (HP/TMPnano); 17.5 % H2O2 + 0.1 % F + 1 % TMPnano (HP/F/TMPnano) and 35 % H2O2 (35 % HP). The gels were applied for 40 min on three sessions, each session spaced 7 days apart. The total color change (ΔE*ab) according to the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* color change measured by CIEDE2000 (ΔE00), whitening index (ΔWID), surface hardness (SH), surface roughness (Ra), cross-sectional hardness (ΔKHN), and transamelodentinal diffusion were assessed. Enamel surfaces were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (p < 0.05). ResultsΔE*ab, ΔE00, and ΔWID values were comparable among the gels that produced a bleaching effect post-treatment (p < 0.001). The HP/F/TMPnano group exhibited lower mineral loss (SH and ΔKHN), Ra, and H2O2 diffusion compared to the 17.5 % HP and 35 % HP groups, which had the highest values (p < 0.001). SEM/EDS analysis revealed surface changes in all bleached groups, though these changes were less pronounced with F/TMPnano. ConclusionsThe 17.5 % HP gel containing F/TMPnano maintains the bleaching effect while reducing enamel demineralization, roughness, H2O2 diffusion, and enamel morphological changes. Clinical RelevanceLow-Concentration H2O2 bleaching gel containing F/TMPnano can be used as a novel approach to enhance safety and maintain the performance of aesthetic effects.

Effects of graphene oxide and graphene quantum dots on enhancing CPP-ACP anti-caries ability of enamel lesion in a biofilm-challenged environment

ObjectiveTo investigate the anticaries effects of graphene oxide (GO) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) combined with casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) on enamel in a biofilm-challenged environment. Material and methodsGO and GQDs were synthesised using citric acid. The antibiofilm and biofilm inhibition effects for Streptococcus mutans were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and colony-forming units (CFU). Remineralisation ability was determined by assessing mineral loss, calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, and surface morphology. To create a biofilm-challenged environment, enamel blocks were immersed in S. mutans to create the lesion and then subjected to artificial saliva/biofilm cycling for 7 days. Anticaries effects of GO, GQDs, GQDs@CPP-ACP, GO@CPP-ACP, and CPP-ACP were determined by broth pH and mineral changes after 7-day pH cycling. Biocompatibility was tested using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay for human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1). ResultsGQDs and GO presented significant antibiofilm and biofilm inhibition effects compared to the CPP-ACP and control groups (P < 0.05). The enamel covered by GQDs and GO showed better crystal structure formation and less mineral loss (P < 0.05) than that covered by CPP-ACP alone. After 7 days in the biofilm-challenged environment, the GO@CPP-ACP group showed less lesion depth than the CPP-ACP and control groups (P < 0.05). GO and GQDs showed good biocompatibility compared to the control group by CCK8 (P > 0.05) within 3 days. ConclusionGO and GQDs could improve the anti-caries effects of CPP-ACP, and CPP-ACP agents with GO or GQDs could be a potential option for enamel lesion management.Clinical Significance: GO and GQDs have demonstrated the potential to significantly enhance the anticaries effects of CPP-ACP. Incorporating these nanomaterials into CPP-ACP formulations could provide innovative and effective options for the management of enamel lesions, offering improved preventive and therapeutic strategies in dental care.

Comparison of physical fitness level among different competition categories in women's basketball

Acquiring good levels of physical fitness in women's basketball is crucial for success in this complex sport. Thus, the objective of the research is to compare the level of physical fitness in women's basketball between different competitive categories through a systematic review. For this purpose, four databases were consulted (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scielo and LILACS) in Portuguese, Spanish and/or English, in which 32 primary scientific articles were found on physical fitness in women's basketball in the competitive categories and 51 manuscripts complementary secondary about the theme. Physical fitness indicators are divided into anthropometric, metabolic and neuromuscular. Each indicator has a series of variables whose sum will allow us to understand the athlete's actual physical fitness status. The physical training of female players follows the same guidelines as male athletes, but three aspects deserve attention when prescribing programs: menstrual cycle, eating disorders and bone mineral loss. In addition, cardiovascular and neuromuscular characteristics distinguish genders and interfere with physical fitness gains. In general results, professional basketball players presented better averages in the group of indicators (63.1%), followed by formative (21.0%), college (10.5%) and semi-professional (5.26%) players. Finally, it was evident that as female players progress in chronological age, they mature biologically and acquire training support, advancing between the competitive categories. In this way, your physical fitness comes to denote improvement. However, there is a large individual biological variability that impacts the average numbers between the indicators.

Engineering a dysbiotic biofilm model for testing root caries interventions through microbial modulation

BackgroundThis study aimed to engineer and optimise a dysbiotic biofilm model to develop in vitro root caries for investigating microbial modulation strategies. The model involved growing complex biofilms from a saliva inoculum collected from four volunteers using two strategies. In the first strategy (“pre-treatment strategy”), bovine root slabs were used, and two natural compounds were incorporated at time 0 of the 10-day biofilm experiment, which included sucrose cycles mimicking the cariogenic environment. In the second strategy (“post-treatment strategy”), mature biofilms were grown in a modified Calgary biofilm device coated with collagen and hydroxyapatite for 7 days and then were exposed to the same natural compounds. The metatranscriptome of each biofilm was then determined and analysed. Collagenase activity was examined, and the biofilms and dentine were imaged using confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mineral loss and lesion formation were confirmed through micro-computed tomography (μ-CT).ResultsThe pH confirmed the cariogenic condition. In the metatranscriptome, we achieved a biofilm compositional complexity, showing a great diversity of the metabolically active microbiome in both pre- and post-treatment strategies, including reads mapped to microorganisms other than bacteria, such as archaea and viruses. Carbohydrate esterases had increased expression in the post-treated biofilms and in samples without sugar cycles, while glucosyltransferases were highly expressed in the presence of sucrose cycles. Enrichment for functions related to nitrogen compound metabolism and organic cyclic component metabolism in groups without sucrose compared to the sucrose-treated group. Pre-treatment of the roots with cranberry reduced microbial viability and gelatinase (but not collagenase) activity (p < 0.05). SEM images showed the complexity of biofilms was maintained, with a thick extracellular polysaccharides layer.ConclusionsThis root caries model was optimized to produce complex cariogenic biofilms and root caries-like lesions, and could be used to test microbial modulation in vitro. Pre-treatments before biofilm development and cariogenic challenges were more effective than post-treatments. The clinical significance lies in the potential to apply the findings to develop varnish products for post-professional tooth prophylaxis, aiming at implementing a strategy for dysbiosis reversal in translational research.2cRgxuoMbmgt6TZPkgExXQVideo

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus inhibits the development of dental caries in rat caries model and in vitro

ObjectivesDental caries result from a microbial imbalance in the oral cavity. Probiotics ecologically modulate the oral microflora to prevent caries. This study evaluated the anti-cariogenic effects of two Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains in vitro and in vivo to provide a more theoretical basis for its clinical applications in caries prevention. MethodsIn the study, cariogenic biofilms were grown with L. rhamnosus (LGG) or L. rhamnosus ATCC 7469 and analyzed. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) were used to detect the changes in the composition and architectures; cariogenic activity was measured by the lactic acid production and Transverse Microradiography (TMR). The effects of LGG on the 12 Sprague-Dawley rat caries model were assessed using Keyes scores and micro-CT analysis. Oral microbiome changes were evaluated through 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. ResultsL. rhamnosus can reduce cariogenic bacteria in biofilm by 14.7 % to 48.9 %, with LGG exhibiting more potent inhibitory effects. Both strains of L. rhamnosus can adhere to the surface of biofilms, reduce the extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) matrix, and loosen the biofilm structure. L. rhamnosus inhibited cariogenic activity by reducing the lactic acid production in biofilms. The bovine enamel blocks presented lower mineral loss values and lesion depth values in the group Core+L.rh and Core+LGG. LGG-ingested rats had significantly lower levels of moderate dentin lesions and higher mineral density than the control group. The 16 s rRNA gene sequencing revealed that LGG regulated the beta diversity of the oral microbial community in the rat dental caries model. ConclusionsThis study revealed the promising potential of L. rhamnosus, especially the LGG strain, in the ecological prevention of dental caries. Clinical SignificanceProbiotics may provide a strategy for preventing caries by regulating the oral microecological balance. The study revealed the promising anti-caries potential of the LGG probiotic strain in vivo and in vitro. It is expected that LGG could be used as an oral probiotic for the clinical prevention and treatment of caries.