Mineral Changes Research Articles

Assessment of dentinal hypersensitivity in fluorosed and non fluorosed subjects–a clinical study

Background & objectives: Dentin Hypersensitivity(DH) is an exaggerated response to a sensory stimulus that usually causes no response in a normal, healthy tooth which hinders the ability to control dental plaque and compromises oral health. Dental fluorosis is an unfortunate side-effect of fluoride's caries-protective benefits, which brings about mineralisation changes in a dentinal structure leading to dentin hypersensitivity. Methodology: 404 healthy subjects with and without fluorosis were examined for Dentinal hypersensitivity using tactile and air sensitivity methods. The subjects rated the pain associated with Dentinal hypersensitivity on categorical Verbal rating scale (VRS). Clinical parameters including Turesky modification of Quigley-Hein plaque index (TMQH), gingival recession, labioversion and wasting diseases (attrition, abrasion, erosion,abfraction) were recorded. The tooth brushing habits used by the subjects were also considered. Results: Results showed that fluorosed subjects were suffering from DH significantly greater than non-fluorosed subjects, giving a prevalence of 22.7% and 11.1% in fluorosed and nonfluorosed subjects, respectively. (p<0.001) The severity of DH increased proportionally with increase in severity of fluorosis. Significantly increased plaque scores were observed in fluorosed teeth. (p<0.05) Gingival recession, labioversion as well as wasting diseases were significantly associated with DH. (p<0.05) Females had significant esthetic concern, psychological impact of dental fluorosis and had a better attitude and desire to seek dental treatment compared to males. Overall, there was limited knowledge about the etiology and prevention of dental fluorosis in the study subjects. Interpretation and conclusion: There is a greater prevalence of dentinal hypersensitivity in subjects with dental fluorosis which could be due to fluoride induced enamel and dentinal structural changes leading to rough surface morphology and greater plaque accumulation. There is a need to educate the population regarding the dental effects of fluoride and its management.

The Effect of Ethanol Consumption on Composition and Morphology of Femur Cortical Bone in Wild-Type and ALDH2*2-Homozygous Mice.

ALDH2 inactivating mutation (ALDH2*2) is the most abundant mutation leading to bone morphological aberration. Osteoporosis has long been associated with changes in bone biomaterial in elderly populations. Such changes can be exacerbated with elevated ethanol consumption and in subjects with impaired ethanol metabolism, such as carriers of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2)-deficient gene, ALDH2*2. So far, little is known about bone compositional changes besides a decrease in mineralization. Raman spectroscopic imaging has been utilized to study the changes in overall composition of C57BL/6 female femur bone sections, as well as in compound spatial distribution. Raman maps of bone sections were analyzed using multilinear regression with these four isolated components, resulting in maps of their relative distribution. A 15-week treatment of both wild-type (WT) and ALDH2*2/*2 mice with 20% ethanol in the drinking water resulted in a significantly lower mineral content (p < 0.05) in the bones. There was no significant change in mineral and collagen content due to the mutation alone (p > 0.4). Highly localized islets of elongated adipose tissue were observed on most maps. Elevated fat content was found in ALDH2*2 knock-in mice consuming ethanol (p < 0.0001) and this effect appeared cumulative. This work conclusively demonstrates that that osteocytes in femurs of older female mice accumulate fat, as has been previously theorized, and that fat accumulation is likely modulated by levels of acetaldehyde, the ethanol metabolite.

Rootstock Influence on Growth and Mineral Content of Citrus limon and Citrus sinensis cv. Valencia Inoculated with Candidatus Liberibacter Asiaticus

Huanglongbing (HLB) reduces the growth and development of citrus and induces changes in secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, limonoids, and polyamines. Likewise, infected plants have a deficient absorption of nutrients such as zinc, potassium, manganese, and copper. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different rootstocks on morphology and mineral changes of Citrus limon and Citrus sinensis cv. Valencia plants inoculated with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. In a greenhouse of the Experimental Station-Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, the Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus bacteria were inoculated to Citrus limon plants (growing on Citrus volkameriana, Citrus macrophylla, and Citrus aurantium rootstocks) and Citrus sinensis cv. Valencia (growing on Citrus volkameriana and Citrus aurantium rootstocks). The experiment was established under a completely randomized design with 45 graft/rootstock repetitions. In each graft/rootstock combination, the plant height and stem diameter were determined using a tape measurer and a Vernier, respectively. In addition, the nutrient content of foliar samples was determined by an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. In both citrus species, the C. aurantium rootstock promoted a higher concentration of the bacteria. On the other hand, the rootstock that showed the best agronomical results after inoculation with the bacteria was C. volkameriana, presenting the least variation in mineral content and conferring greater plant height (15%) and stem diameter (23%). In contrast, the presence of Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus decreased S content and increased Cu concentration in C. lemon plants. Similarly, plants infected with C. sinensis presented higher Fe content. Finally, in both species, no significant differences were observed for Mn, P, and Zn concentration.

Bone diagenesis in the loess deposits of Central Europe: the Celtic site of Radovesice in Bohemia

The diagenetic modifications of archaeological bones from the Celtic site of Radovesice (Czech Republic) were described combining histological and instrumental analysis with infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The post-mortem changes in microstructure, mineral and organic fraction of human bones were related to seasonal fluctuations in water saturation and temperature, reflecting the Atlantic influence on the continental climate system of this transitional area of Eastern-Central Europe. The effects of a burial environment characterised by a well-oxygenated soil with good hydraulic conductivity, which evolved from the Quaternary loess deposits of the Bohemian massif, led to a common diagenetic pathway, which comprised micro-fissuring, mineral dissolution and degradation of collagen by microbial activity, followed by secondary calcite deposition under mildly alkaline conditions. Observed intra-site variations reflected changes in the early taphonomic history or in microenvironmental conditions, such as prolonged acidic conditions hindering apatite reprecipitation, as well as secondary calcite crystallisation. Diffuse effects of surface abrasion by sediments and absence of brown staining did not support the hypothesis of extensive use of wooden coffins. New indexes obtained from 31P and 1H NMR, respectively, were employed to describe diagenesis. They were found to correlate with FT-IR indexes, although reflecting distinct structural characteristics of bone which are not accessible to FT-IR.

Changes in 3-month mineral and bone disorder patterns were associated with all-cause mortality in prevalent hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism

BackgroundThere is limited evidence on the association between short-term changes in mineral and bone disorder parameters and survival in maintenance hemodialysis patients.MethodsWe investigated the association between changing patterns of phosphorus, calcium and intact parathyroid hormone levels and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Each parameter was divided into three categories (low [L], middle [M] and high [H]), and the changing patterns between two consecutive visits at 3-month intervals were categorized into nine groups (e.g., L-L and M-H). The middle category was defined as 4.0–7.0 mg/dL for phosphorous, 8.5–9.5 mg/dL for calcium and 200–500 pg/mL for intact parathyroid hormone. Adjusted incidence rates and rate ratios were analyzed by weighted Poisson regression models accounting for time-dependent exposures.ResultsFor phosphorus, shifts from low/high to middle category (L-M/H-M) were associated with a lower mortality compared with the L-L and H–H groups, whereas shifts from middle to low/high category (M-L/M-H) were associated with a higher mortality compared with the M-M group. For calcium, shifts from low/middle to high category (L–H/M-H) were associated with a higher mortality compared with the L-L and M-M groups, whereas shifts from high to middle category (H-M) were associated with a lower mortality compared with the H–H group. For intact parathyroid hormone, shifts from low to middle category (L-M) were associated with a lower mortality compared with the L-L group.ConclusionsChanges in the 3-month patterns of phosphorus and calcium toward the middle category were associated with lower mortality. Our study also suggests the importance of avoiding hypercalcemia.

Mineralogical variations with the mining depth in the Congo Copperbelt: technical and environmental challenges in the hydrometallurgical processing of copper and cobalt ores

For a long time in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the mining of ores for the production of copper cathodes and salts of cobalt was mostly conducted in the near-surface oxidized mineralization of the Congo Copperbelt. An important part of this mineralization is found in geological settings where copper and cobalt mainly exist as mixtures of oxides and sulfides. With the depletion of surface-rich minerals, mining is taking place at depths where sulfide minerals are prevalent. Using current technologies, the hydrometallurgical processing of ores with high levels of sulfide minerals results in poor metal recovery due to their retention in process wastes. These mineral wastes have the propensity to lead to Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) when exposed to rainfall and atmospheric air. Therefore, major changes in the technologies implemented will be needed in order to guarantee higher process efficiencies while endeavoring to uphold environment safeguarding reinforcement. This work aimed to demonstrate the urgency of updating the hydrometallurgical technologies implemented for the processing of copper-cobalt ores with an emphasis put on minimizing the environmental footprint of process wastes. Four copper-cobalt deposits and downstream hydrometallurgical processes were surveyed to get a better understanding of how changes in mineralization occurring in the deposits will influence the processing Q3 technologies and practices during the management of process wastes.

Characteristics of Uranium Mineralization in Red Clastic Formations in the Southwestern Margin of the Ordos Basin

AbstractIn the southwestern margin of the Ordos Basin, uranium mineralization is primarily hosted by predominantly oxidative red clastic formations in the Lower Cretaceous. The main target layers for uranium exploration are the Madongshan and Liwaxia formations of the Liupanshan Group, followed by the Jingchuan Formation of the Zhidan Group. The host rocks (medium‐fine feldspar quartz sandstone), which are bleached to a light grayish white color, contain a minor organic matter component and pyrite. Uranium mineralization changes from surficial infiltration or phreatic oxidation in the upper part to interlayer oxidation in the lower part. Uranium ore bodies are mostly lenticular or tabular in shape, locally shaped like crescent rolls. Individual ore bodies are typically small and shallow. Uranium predominantly manifests as pitchblende and coffinite. Coffinite is usually short and columnar or granular in habit, whereas pitchblende occurs as an irregular colloidal covering on the surface or in fissures of ferric oxide, silicate, clay or carbonate. Secondary uranium minerals are torbernite, uranophane, and uranopilite. Minerals associated with uranium are mainly pyrite, chalcopyrite and, to a minor extent, arsenopyrite and fluorite. The associated elements are Mo, V, Se, Co, Ni, and Mn, the host sandstone being high in Cu and Ba. Overall, the red clastic formations in the southwestern margin of the Ordos Basin are characterized by ‘five multiples but one low’ which means multiple target layers, multiple stages of mineralization, multiple ore body shapes, multiple kinds of uranium minerals, multiple associated elements, but low organic matter. This implies an overall complex uranium metallogenic environment and mineralization process. It is recommended that future uranium exploration should take into consideration regional metallogenic conditions and mineralization features, with target layers in the wide‐smooth synclinal slope being focused on. Most uranium deposits are small to medium in size, and the main type of uranium mineralization can vary by target layer.

Osteosarcoma mineralization changes on radiographs have moderate correlation to chemotherapy response using bone subtraction methodology.

Background:Survival following a diagnosis of osteosarcoma is correlated strongly with response to chemotherapy. Mineralization changes seen on radiographs have been hypothesized to correlate with chemotherapy response, however, this has never been analyzed using modern techniques.Methods:Retrospective review of radiographs obtained before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was performed for 31 patients with high-grade, conventional osteosarcoma. Pre-chemotherapy (PreC) images and post-chemotherapy (PostC) images were co-registered. Tumor luminance measurements were normalized based on the non-tumor bone and then the relative change in tumor mineralization were measured.Results:Mean luminance values for pre-chemotherapy non-tumor-affected bone and tumor were 0.63±0.12 and 0.65±0.12, respectively. Mean values for PostC non-tumor-affected bone were 0.59±0.14 and 0.64±0.10, respectively. Once normalized, osteosarcoma mineralization change showed a statistically significant moderate correlation—Pearson correlation coefficient (ρ) of 0.36 (P=0.038)—with the tumor necrosis value.Conclusions:Moderate, positive correlation was found between osteosarcoma mineralization change during chemotherapy and chemotherapy response. Further work is required to determine if these findings are prognostic by identifying best practice for image analysis and repeating this work with prospectively acquired digital radiographs using uniform technique and phantom normalization.

Location Depth and Mineralization Change of Ground Waters in Irrigated Meadow-Grey Soils of the Salyan Plain

The article presents thorough information about the results of the research in the irrigated meadowgrey soils of the area where the grain was planted in the Salyan plain. The research shows that strong differences between the subsoil waters mineralization and change of their location levels were not observed in the experimental area in 2015–2018. However, in 2015 the location levels of subsoil waters changed by 2.40–2.55 m, their mineralization was – 1.244 – 2.577 q/l. These indicators changed to 2.40–2.60 m and 1.210–2.430 d/l in 2016; 2.50–2.55 m and 1.030–2.320 g/l in 2017; 2.45–2.55 m and 1.183 – 2.159 g/l in 2018. During the research the author studied the waters of Akusha canal, water-collector and drains which are used with the purpose of irrigation. It has been determined that their mineralization was 0.81 g/l, 6.663 g/l and 4.834–5.242 g/l in 2015. These indicators changed as follows: 0.675 g/l; 6.003 g/l and 4.651–4.823 g/l in 2016; 0.612 g/l; 5.872 g/l and 4.731–4.602 g/l in 2017 and 0.578 g/l; 5.752 g/l and 4.651–4.513 g/l in 2018. The agromeliorative measures have been offered for the purpose of subsoil waters decrease and their mineralization increase in the same zone taking into account all the indicators.

Understanding of mineral change mechanisms in coal mine groundwater reservoir and their influences on effluent water quality: a experimental study

This paper presents results of an experimental study to characterize the law of mineral change of fallen rock in coal mine groundwater reservoir ant its influence on water quality. The minerals of the underground reservoir of Daliuta Coal Mine is taken as the research object. Simulation experiments were designed and conducted to simulate water–rock action in the laboratory. The mineral composition was analyzed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), the surface morphology of the mineral was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the specific surface area, total pore volume and average pore diameter of the mineral were measured by fast specific surface/pore analyzer (BET). The experimental results show that the sandstone and mudstone in the groundwater reservoir of Daliuta Coal Mine account for 70% and 30%, respectively. The pore diameter is 15.62–17.55 nm, and pore volume is 0.035 cc/g. Its pore structure is a key factor in the occurrence of water–rock interaction. According to the water–rock simulation experiment, the quartz content before the water–rock action is about 34.28%, the albite is about 21.84%, the feldspar is about 17.48%, and the kaolinite is about 8.00%. After the water–rock action, they are 36.14%, 17.78%, 11.62%, and 16.75%, respectively. The content of albite and orthoclase is reduced while the content of kaolinite is increased, that is, the Na+ content becomes higher, and the Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents become lower. This research builds a good theoretical foundation for revealing the role of water and rock in underground coal reservoirs.

Osteoporosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Diseases: A Systemic Review.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with the development of mineral bone disorder (MBD), osteoporosis, and fragility fractures. Among CKD patients, adynamic bone disease or low bone turnover is the most common type of renal osteodystrophy. The consequences of CKD-MBD include increased fracture risk, greater morbidity, and mortality. Thus, the goal is to prevent the occurrences of fractures by means of alleviating CKD-induced MBD and treating subsequent osteoporosis. Changes in mineral and humoral metabolism as well as bone structure develop early in the course of CKD. CKD-MBD includes abnormalities of calcium, phosphorus, PTH, and/or vitamin D; abnormalities in bone turnover, mineralization, volume, linear growth, or strength; and/or vascular or other soft tissue calcification. In patients with CKD-MBD, using either DXA or FRAX to screen fracture risk should be considered. Biomarkers such as bALP and iPTH may assist to assess bone turnover. Before initiating an antiresorptive or anabolic agent to treat osteoporosis in CKD patients, lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, calcium, and vitamin D supplementation, smoking cessation, and avoidance of excessive alcohol intake are important. Managing hyperphosphatemia and SHPT are also crucial. Understanding the complex pathogenesis of CKD-MBD is crucial in improving one’s short- and long-term outcomes. Treatment strategies for CKD-associated osteoporosis should be patient-centered to determine the type of renal osteodystrophy. This review focuses on the mechanism, evaluation and management of patients with CKD-MBD. However, further studies are needed to explore more details regarding the underlying pathophysiology and to assess the safety and efficacy of agents for treating CKD-MBD.

Effects of different bleaching application time on tooth color and mineral alteration

BackgroundThe effects of HP-based products upon dental enamel are inconclusive. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the colour and mineral changes caused by the bleaching agent applications at different durations on the enamel surface. Basic procedures60 caries-free lower central incisor extracted for periodontal reasons were standardized for enamel and dentin thickness after cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) measurements in terms of mineral (n = 24) and colour change (n = 36). All teeth were divided into 3 groups according to different bleaching durations for colour (n = 12) and mineral change (n = 8) measurements. The samples for mineral change were examined with the -energy scattering X-ray (EDX, JSM-6390 LV, Jeol Inc., Japan) device before and 2 weeks after the application. For colour change, the measurement of the samples was performed with spectrophotometer device (VITA EasyShade 4.0, Germany). Opalescence Boost PF 40% (Ultradent Products, USA) was applied for 20 min (min) in Group 1, 40 min in Group 2 and 60 min in Group 3. In order to determine the efficacy of bleaching, colour measurements were repeated at 24 h, 7 and 14 days after the application. In the intragroup comparison, Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used for non-normally distributions, while repeated variance analysis and paired t test were used for normally distributions in dependent variables. In the intergroup comparison, ANOVA and LSD tests were used for normally distributions, while Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests were used for non-normally distributions in independent variables. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Main findingsIn the study, statistically significant difference was observed between all groups in terms of colour change at different measurement times (p < 0.05). The highest ΔE00 values were observed in Group 3 (ΔE003 = 8.37 ± 2.15); the lowest value was observed in Group 1 (ΔE001 = 4.74 ± 1.26). Ca values were similar increase among all groups (p > 0.05). The highest Ca values were observed in Group 3 (69.91 ± 5.34); the lowest value was observed in Group 2 (66.08 ± 1.50). P values were similar increase among all groups (p > 0.05). The lowest P values were observed in Group 3 (26.54 ± 5.92); the highest value was observed in Group 2 (29.86 ± 2.26). Principal conclusionsEffective whitening was achieved in all study groups. When the results are evaluated as versatile in terms of bleaching effectiveness and mineral change, the most ideal bleaching duration was determined as 40 min (Group 2).

Bone mineral density changes after bariatric surgery.

Although bariatric surgery is associated with multiple health benefits, decreased bone mass is a known complication of the procedure. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is associated with significant bone loss and increased fracture risk. However, data on the effect of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on bone mineral changes are sparse. The impact of vitamin D and calcium levels on bone mineral density (BMD) after SG is also unknown. A retrospective chart review was performed to include patients who underwent RYGB or SG from 2014 to 2016 at a single institution. Patients were included if bone densitometry was performed preoperatively and within 2years postoperatively. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and calcium levels were collected preoperatively and at time of bone densitometry scan. BMD and T-score changes at the femoral neck, femoral trochanter, total hip, and lumbar spine were compared between RYGB and SG patients. A total of 40 patients were included. 24 (60%) of patients underwent RYGB and 16 (40%) patients underwent SG. No statistically significant difference in baseline characteristics was noted between RYGB and SG patients. All measurements, except for serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, were significantly decreased in RYGB patients, postoperatively. All measurements, except for BMD and T-score at the lumbar spine and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, were significantly decreased in SG patients, postoperatively. The extent of decrease in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly associated with decreased BMD (p = 0.049) and T-score (p = 0.032) at the lumbar spine. The extent of decrease in serum calcium was significantly associated with decreased BMD (p = 0.046) at the femoral neck. All patients were found to have decreased BMD after RYGB and SG. Surgery type was not a significant risk factor in BMD change. Despite vitamin D and calcium supplementation in all patients, a decrease in vitamin D and calcium levels were associated with a decrease in BMD. Close follow-up and treatment of vitamin D and calcium levels are warranted in all bariatric patients.

Ice sheet controls on fine-grained deposition at the southern Mendeleev Ridge since the penultimate interglacial

Clay minerals deposited at the southern Mendeleev Ridge in the Arctic Ocean have a unique provenance, which can be used to reconstruct changes in the local sedimentary environment. We show that sediments in core ARC7-E23 record high-frequency changes in clay minerals since the penultimate interglacial. The clay minerals, grain size, and ice-rafted debris indicate the extent of the East Siberia Ice Sheet (ESIS). During the glacial periods of Marine Isotope Stage 2 (MIS2) and MIS4, the southern Mendeleev Ridge was likely covered by an ESIS-extended ice shelf, blocking almost all sediment input from the Canadian Arctic and Laptev Sea, but allowing transport of fine-grained sediments from the East Siberian and Chukchi Sea shelves. After ESIS retreat, the Beaufort Gyre and Transpolar Drift became the primary transport mechanism for the distally sourced sediments. Climate conditions in MIS3 enhanced both the oceanic circulation and sediment transport.

Nitrification inhibitor 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) reduces N2O emissions by altering the soil microbial community in a wheat–maize rotation on the North China Plain

AbstractNitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas that is released from agricultural ecosystems where nitrogen fertilizers are poorly used and contributes to global climate warming. Large nitrogen fertilizer inputs in summer maize fields on the North China Plain (NCP) lead to large N2O emissions. N2O emissions can be mitigated using 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), but the efficiency and microbial mechanisms of this mitigation at different nitrogen rates remain poorly understood. To evaluate the efficiency of N2O emission mitigation by DMPP at different nitrogen rates and to explore its mechanisms at the microbial level, we monitored the dynamic changes in mineral and N2O fluxes and analysed the abundance and community structure of ammonia oxidizers. We found that DMPP significantly inhibited the oxidation of ammonium (NH4+) to nitrate (NO3−) and thus maintained NH4+ concentrations but decreased the peak value of NO3− concentrations. Total N2O emissions were increased by 6.5‐fold, 13.2‐fold and 26.7‐fold in fields with 112.5 kg N ha−1, 225 kg N ha−1 and 337.5 kg N ha−1, respectively, compared with fields with no nitrogen applied. Nitrogen increased the abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and decreased that of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA), whereas DMPP exhibited the opposite effects. Therefore, AOB could be the dominant N2O emission contributors in nitrogen‐treated soils. Sequencing results suggested that all AOB belong to the Nitrosospira and Nitrosomonas nitrosa groups, and all AOA fell within the Nitrososphaera group. In both AOB and AOA communities, changes in the second‐largest cluster after the application of nitrogen fertilizer and DMPP were more pronounced than those in the largest cluster. The potential functional clusters of AOB and AOA were Nitrosospira cluster 3b and Nitrososphaera cluster 4.1, respectively. This study showed that nitrogen and DMPP both affected the abundance and structure of ammonia‐oxidizer communities, which may contribute to the variations in N2O emissions from croplands.Highlights Role of soil microorganisms in the efficiency of DMPP to reduce N2O emissions under different N inputs was explored. N input increased N2O emissions and DMPP reduced N2O emissions N and DMPP affect N2O emission via a changed key cluster of ammonia oxidizers. DMPP was more efficient at higher nitrogen input levels.

Multigenerational Impacts of Benzo[a]pyrene on Bone Modeling and Remodeling in Medaka (Oryzias latipes).

Ancestral benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) (1 μg/L, 21 days) exposure has previously been shown to cause skeletal deformities in medaka (Oryzias latipes) larvae in the F1-F3 generation. However, when and how this deformity is induced during bone development remain to be elucidated. The col10a1:nlGFP/osx:mCherry double transgenic medaka model was employed to determine the temporal and spatial changes of col10a1:nlGFP- positive osteochondral progenitor cells (OPCs) and osx:mCherry-positive premature osteoblasts (POBs) [8 days postfertilization (dpf)-31 dpf] in combination with changes in bone mineralization at the tissue level. Ancestral BaP exposure delayed the development of col10a1:nlGFP- and osx:mCherry-positive osteoblasts and reduced the abundance of col10a1:nlGFP-positive osteoblast progenitors and col10a1:nlGFP/osx:mCherry double-positive premature osteoblasts during critical windows of early vertebral bone formation, associated with reduced bone mineralization in embryos (14 dpf) and larvae (31 dpf), compressed vertebral segments in larvae (31 dpf), and reduced bone thickness in adult male medaka (6 months old) of the F1-F3 generations. Both Col10a1:nlGFP and osx:mCherry were identified as potential targets of epigenetic modifications underlying the transgenerational inheritance of BaP bone toxicity. The present study provides novel knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of transgenerational toxicity of BaP at the cellular level.

Nano-calcium phosphate and dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate adhesive for dentin remineralization in a biofilm-challenged environment

ObjectiveDentin remineralization at the bonded interface would protect it from external risk factors, therefore, would enhance the longevity of restoration and combat secondary caries. Dental biofilm, as one of the critical biological factors in caries formation, should not be neglected in the assessment of caries preventive agents. In this work, the remineralization effectiveness of demineralized human dentin in a multi-species dental biofilm environment via an adhesive containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) and dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) was investigated. MethodsDentin demineralization was promoted by subjecting samples to a three-species acidic biofilm containing Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus gordonii for 24h. Samples were divided into a control group, a DMAHDM adhesive group, an NACP group, and an NACP+DMAHDM adhesive group. A bonded model containing a control-bonded group, a DMAHDM-bonded group, an NACP-bonded group, and an NACP+DMAHDM-bonded group was also included in this study. All samples were subjected to a remineralization protocol consisting of 4-h exposure per 24-h period in brain heart infusion broth plus 1% sucrose (BHIS) followed by immersion in artificial saliva for the remaining period. The pH of BHIS after 4-h immersion was measured every other day. After 14 days, the biofilm was assessed for colony-forming unit (CFU) count, lactic acid production, live/dead staining, and calcium and phosphate content. The mineral changes in the demineralized dentin samples were analyzed by transverse microradiography. ResultsThe in vitro experiment results showed that the NACP+DMAHDM adhesive effectively achieved acid neutralization, decreased biofilm colony-forming unit (CFU) count, decreased biofilm lactic acid production, and increased biofilm calcium and phosphate content. The NACP+DMAHDM adhesive group had higher remineralization value than the NACP or DMAHDM alone adhesive group. SignificanceThe NACP+DMAHDM adhesive was effective in remineralizing dentin lesion in a biofilm model. It is promising to use NACP+DMAHDM adhesive to protect bonded interface, inhibit secondary caries, and prolong the longevity of restoration.

Advanced Modeling Methods-Applications to Bone Fracture Mechanics.

The goal of this review is to summarize recent advances in modeling of bone fracture using fracture mechanics-based approaches at multiple length scales spanning nano- to macroscale. Despite the additional information that fracture mechanics-based models provide over strength-based ones, the application of this approach to assessing bone fracture is still somewhat limited. Macroscale fracture models of bone have demonstrated the potential of this approach in uncovering the contributions of geometry, material property variation, as well as loading mode and rate on whole bone fracture response. Cortical and cancellous microscale models of bone have advanced the understanding of individual contributions of microstructure, microarchitecture, local material properties, and material distribution on microscale fracture resistance of bone. Nano/submicroscale models have provided additional insight into the effect of specific changes in mineral, collagen, and non-collagenous proteins as well as their interaction on energy dissipation and fracture resistance at small length scales. Advanced modeling approaches based on fracture mechanics provide unique information about the underlying multiscale fracture mechanisms in bone and how these mechanisms are influenced by the structural and material constituents of bone at different length scales. Fracture mechanics-based modeling provides a powerful approach that complements experimental evaluations and advances the understanding of critical determinants of fracture risk.

Application Of Ratio Bands Of Space Images For Mapping Minerals On The Example Of Kokpatas-Okzhetpes Trend In Mountain Bukantau (South Tien Shan)

This article presents the results of processing Earth remote sensing materials using the ASTER satellite image ratio bands. On the territory of Bukantau-Kokpatas-Okzhetpes trend, mineral changes are mapped: iron, kaolinite and quartz indices. The relationship of mineral metasomatic changes with zones of ore mineralization, ore occurrences and deposits and fault zones that control metasomatic mineral changes is established. The structural, magmatic and lithological factors of mineralization are substantiated.

Use of a Smartphone App for Weight Loss Versus a Paper-Based Dietary Diary in Overweight Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundMobile health (mHealth) tools may be useful platforms for dietary monitoring and assessment.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile dietary self-monitoring app for weight loss versus a paper-based diary among adults with a BMI of 23 kg/m2 or above.MethodsA total of 33 men and 17 women aged 18-39 years participated in a 6-week randomized controlled trial. We randomly assigned participants to one of two groups: (1) a smartphone app group (n=25) or (2) a paper-based diary group (n=25). The smartphone app group recorded foods and dietary supplements that they consumed and received immediate dietary feedback using Well-D, a dietary self-monitoring app developed by our team. The paper-based diary group was instructed to record foods or supplements that they consumed using a self-recorded diary. The primary outcomes were weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat mass, and skeletal muscle mass. We also examined changes in nutrient intake, including energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, using 3-day 24-hour recalls. Differences in changes between the two groups were analyzed using independent t tests or Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney tests. All of the data were analyzed using intent-to-treat analysis.ResultsThe mean number of days recorded was 18.5 (SD 14.1) for the app group and 15.5 (SD 10.1) for the paper-based diary group. The differences in changes in weight, BMI, and waist circumference were not significantly different between the app group and paper-based diary group (P=.33, .34, and .70, respectively). Similarly, changes in body fat mass or skeletal muscle mass did not differ between the two groups (P=.71 and .054, respectively). Although energy intake was reduced in both groups, there was no significant difference in changes in energy intake between the two groups (P=.98).ConclusionsThere were no differences in changes in anthropometric measures and nutrient intake between the app group and the paper-based diary group. Both mobile dietary self-monitoring app and paper-based diary may be useful for improving anthropometric measures.Trial RegistrationClinical Research Information Service KCT0003170; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01_en.jsp?seq=11642<ype=&rtype=