Tooth Enamel Research Articles

Multiscale Engineered Bionic Solid‐State Electrolytes Breaking the Stiffness‐Damping Trade‐Off

All‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries are regarded as next‐generation devices for energy storage due to their safety and high energy density. The issues of lithium dendrites and poor mechanical compatibility with electrodes present the need for developing solid‐state electrolytes with high stiffness and damping, but it is a contradictory relationship. Here, inspired by the superstructure of tooth enamel, we develop a composite solid‐state electrolyte composed of amorphous ceramic nanotube arrays intertwined with solid polymer electrolytes. This bionic electrolyte exhibits both high stiffness (Young′s modulus=15GPa, hardness = 0.13GPa) and damping (tanδ= 0.08), breaking the trade‐off. Thus, this composite electrolyte can not only inhibit Li dendrites growth but also ensure intimate contact with electrodes. Meanwhile, it also exhibits considerable Li+ transference number (0.62) and room temperature ionic conductivity (1.34×10−4 S cm−1), which is attributed to oxygen vacancies of the amorphous ceramic effectively decoupling the Li−TFSI ion pair. Consequently, the assembled Li symmetrical battery shows an ultra‐stable cycling (>2000 hours at 0.1 mA cm−2 at 60 °C, >500hours at 0.1mA cm−2 at 30 °C). Moreover, the LiFePO4/Li and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2/Li all‐solid‐state full cells both show excellent cycling performance. We demonstrate that this bionic strategy is a promising approach for the development of high‐performance solid‐state electrolytes.

Multiscale Engineered Bionic Solid-State Electrolytes Breaking the Stiffness-Damping Trade-Off.

All-solid-state lithium metal batteries are regarded as next-generation devices for energy storage due to their safety and high energy density. The issues of lithium dendrites and poor mechanical compatibility with electrodes present the need for developing solid-state electrolytes with high stiffness and damping, but it is a contradictory relationship. Here, inspired by the superstructure of tooth enamel, we develop a composite solid-state electrolyte composed of amorphous ceramic nanotube arrays intertwined with solid polymer electrolytes. This bionic electrolyte exhibits both high stiffness (Young's modulus=15GPa, hardness = 0.13GPa) and damping (tanδ= 0.08), breaking the trade-off. Thus, this composite electrolyte can not only inhibit Li dendrites growth but also ensure intimate contact with electrodes. Meanwhile, it also exhibits considerable Li+ transference number (0.62) and room temperature ionic conductivity (1.34×10-4 S cm-1), which is attributed to oxygen vacancies of the amorphous ceramic effectively decoupling the Li-TFSI ion pair. Consequently, the assembled Li symmetrical battery shows an ultra-stable cycling (>2000 hours at 0.1 mA cm-2 at 60 °C, >500hours at 0.1mA cm-2 at 30 °C). Moreover, the LiFePO4/Li and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2/Li all-solid-state full cells both show excellent cycling performance. We demonstrate that this bionic strategy is a promising approach for the development of high-performance solid-state electrolytes.

Australopithecus at Sterkfontein did not consume substantial mammalian meat.

Incorporation of animal-based foods into early hominin diets has been hypothesized to be a major catalyst of many important evolutionary events, including brain expansion. However, direct evidence of the onset and evolution of animal resource consumption in hominins remains elusive. The nitrogen-15 to nitrogen-14 ratio of collagen provides trophic information about individuals in modern and geologically recent ecosystems (<200,000 years ago), but diagenetic loss of this organic matter precludes studies of greater age. By contrast, nitrogen in tooth enamel is preserved for millions of years. We report enamel-bound organic nitrogen and carbonate carbon isotope measurements of Sterkfontein Member 4 mammalian fauna, including seven Australopithecus specimens. Our results suggest a variable but plant-based diet (largely C3) for these hominins. Therefore, we argue that Australopithecus at Sterkfontein did not engage in regular mammalian meat consumption.

Diet and landscape use at Faraoskop from C, N and Sr isotopes in multiple skeletal tissues

The isotopic composition of body tissues can provide information about diet and patterns of movement or migration during life. Here, we report δ13C, δ15N and 87Sr/86Sr analyses for a small sample of fauna and for the 12 humans buried at Faraoskop, and make inferences about how these people ranged across the landscape as they hunted and foraged. δ13C and δ15N values for collagen from cortical and cancellous bone and (for two individuals) desiccated muscle tissue are similar, reflecting consumption of isotopically similar, mostly terrestrial foods throughout life. Not all individuals had teeth preserved but for five we were able to measure 87Sr/86Sr in tooth enamel in an earlier- and a later-forming tooth. Where possible, teeth were analysed near the occlusal surface, half-way up the height of the crown and near the dentine/enamel junction, to assess variation during the period of crown formation. Only one of the five (UCT 394) showed significant intra-individual variation in 87Sr/86Sr, between 0.6 and 3.5 years of age. Two individuals yielded enamel 87Sr/86Sr like the geologically recent sediments of the coastal plain to the west of Faraoskop, while three individuals had values intermediate between the coastal plain and the more ancient shales and sandstones of the Table Mountain Group to the east. As young children, people buried at Faraoskop ranged over different areas of the local landscape, probably as part of different social groups.

Effect of Application Mode and Aging on Microtensile Bond Strength of Universal Adhesives to Enamel of Primary Teeth.

Limited reports are available regarding bonding of universal adhesives to primary teeth' enamel. To evaluate the effect of application mode and aging on microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of universal adhesives to primary enamel. Ninety-six human primary molars were randomly assigned to three groups: SU: Scotchbond Universal (3M); CU: Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (Kuraray Noritake); iBU: iBond Universal (Heraeus Kulzer), then subdivided according to phosphoric acid etching time into three subgroups (SG): SG1: 0s; SG2: 15s; SG3: 30s. Samples were incubated for 24 h, while separate samples for SG1 & SG2 were aged for 6 months. After μTBS testing, light microscope was used for evaluating failure patterns and SEM for the adhesive interface. Data were analyzed using linear mixed model and post hoc tests (p < 0.05). Selective etching increased μTBS of universal adhesives to enamel (p < 0.001) without significance between 15 and 30 s etching (p > 0.05). Six-month aging significantly reduced the μTBS of SU in SG2 (p < 0.014) when compared to 24 h aging. Selective etching with phosphoric acid remains the gold standard for bonding universal adhesives to primary teeth enamel. While etching time showed no significant effect on immediate μTBS, aging may affect the μTBS of SU applied on 15 s etched enamel.

Comparative Analysis Between Strip and Gels Indicated for at Home Bleaching: Analysis of Color Alteration, Roughness and Microhardness of Dental Enamel.

To compare the color alteration, surface roughness and microhardness and cross-sectional microhardness of bovine enamel treated with at-home whitening strips and gels. Sixty-six pigmented specimens (n = 11) were allocated to six groups: C-cotton wool moistened with distilled water for 1 h; SDS-sodium dithionite strip, for 1 h; HPS-6.5% hydrogen peroxide strip, for 1 h; CPS-20% carbamide peroxide strip, for 1 h; HPG-7.5% hydrogen peroxide gel, for 1 h; CPG-10% carbamide peroxide gel, for 4 h. The treatments lasted 10 days, calculating the ∆E, ∆E00, and ∆WID at baseline, 5 and 10 days, and 14 days after completion. Additional 66 polished discs (n = 11) were used to analyze the surface roughness and microhardness of enamel before and after bleaching, cross-sectional microhardness and integrated mineral loss (ΔZ; %Vol × μm). Data were subjected to statistical analysis by two-way Anova RM and Tukey post-test (α = 0.05). In ∆E and ∆WID analysis, greater values were obtained in CPG (p < 0.001), followed by HPG and HPS (p = 0.271). SDS and CPS (p < 0.001) exceeded only C (p < 0.001). In ∆E00, at completion of treatments, the results were similar; however, HPG = HPS = CPS (p = 0.237). There was an increase in roughness and decrease in surface microhardness in all bleaching groups (p < 0.005). Concerning the cross-sectional microhardness, the treatments were equal to C at 150 μm, the last depth analyzed. For ΔZ, the values of SDS, CPS, HPG, and CPG groups showed similar mineral loss (p > 0.001), and the lowest value was exhibited in the Control group, followed by HPS group (p < 0.001). Although the strips were aesthetically effective, the CPG and HPG groups presented highest values in the ∆E00 and ∆WID analysis. However, all treatments influenced the enamel surface, increasing roughness and decreasing surface and transverse microhardness. The whitening gels promoted greater chromatic changes, but all treatments affected the enamel surface, increasing roughness and decreasing surface and transverse microhardness.

Radioactive contamination of southeast Abai oblast, Kazakhstan, from the Chinese nuclear weapons testing program at Lop Nor: an analytical review.

Between 1949 and 1962 the Soviet Union performed atmospheric tests of nuclear weapons at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (SNTS) in Kazakhstan, resulting in widespread contamination of the surrounding region with radioactive fallout. Settlements in the southeast Abai oblast of Kazakhstan, close to the border with China, are not thought to have received significant fallout from the SNTS. There is, however, evidence that the study area, including Makanchi, Urdzhar and Taskesken villages, was contaminated by atmospheric nuclear tests performed by China at the Lop Nor NTS between 1964 and 1980. We identified the most reliable data indicating contamination from the Lop Nor tests from archive documents. Prompt sampling of soil performed in the area revealed elevated levels of total beta activity in the days and weeks following the Lop Nor tests. The highest activities were recorded following the thermonuclear tests in June 1967 and June 1973. Tooth enamel dosimetry using electron paramagnetic resonance methods suggests residents of the study area have been exposed to excess doses of 50-60mGy but provides no information on the source and timing of exposure. Currently, evidence of contamination of the study area from nuclear weapons testing at Lop Nor is based on limited radiation measurement data. Therefore, work will continue on the search for archival data on radiological and meteorological monitoring carried out in the study area at the time of the Lop Nor testing campaign.

Advances of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in Dental Implant Applications.

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) are becoming increasingly crucial in dental implant applications as they are highly compatible with biological systems, actively support biological processes, and closely resemble bone minerals. This review covers the latest progress in how HANPs are made, studied, and used in dentistry. It looks at critical methods for creating HANPs, such as sol-gel, microwave hydrothermal synthesis, and biomimetic approaches, and how they affect the particles' size, structure, and activity. The green synthesis method illustrated a new door to synthesize HAp for maintaining biocompatibilityand increasing antibacterial properties. The review also explores how HANPs improve the integration of implants with bone, support bone growth, and help treat sensitive teeth based on various laboratory and clinical studies. The usage of HAp in dentin and enamel shows higher potentiality through FTIR, XPS, XRD, EDS, etc., for mechanical stability and biological balance compared to natural teeth. Additionally, the use of HANPs in dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash is discussed, highlighting its potential to help rebuild tooth enamel and fight bacteria. There are some challenges for long-term usage against oral bacteria, but doping with inorganic materials, like Zn, has already solved this periodontal problem. Much more research is still essential to estimate the fabrication variation based on patient problems and characteristics. Still, it has favorable outcomes regarding its bioactive nature and antimicrobial properties. Due to their compatibility with biological tissues and ability to support bone growth, HANPs hold great promise for advancing dental materials and implant technology, potentially leading to better dental care and patient outcomes.

Management of vertical bone defects: evidence-based clinical practice

Objective: To identify and present high-quality scientific evidence that discusses the effectiveness and safety of interventions in the management of vertical bone defects, with an emphasis on treatments related to guided tissue regeneration and dental enamel proteins. Data sources: The search was carried out on the Cochrane Library platform until June 2024, with the inclusion of systematic reviews. Two studies were selected, focusing on the efficacy of the enamel matrix derivative Emdogain® and autologous platelet concentrates. The inclusion criteria were based on reviews that analyzed interventions for vertical bone defects, and the quality of the information was assessed according to Cochrane parameters. Data synthesis: The use of Emdogain® resulted in an average gain of 0.62 mm (95% CI 0.28 to 0.96) in the clinical insertion level compared to the minimally invasive flap technique (p&lt;0.05 ), while guided tissue regeneration showed an average increase of 0.41 mm (95% CI 0.15 to 0.66) in gingival recessions (p=0.002). Regarding the surgical access technique for debridement, associated with autologous platelet concentrates, an average gain of 1.29 mm (95% CI 1.00 to 1.58) in probing depth was observed (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: Despite promising results, the low certainty of the evidence limits the clinical applicability of the interventions discussed. Therefore, the choice of treatment must consider factors such as quality of life, patient preferences and cost of the intervention, avoiding generalizations beyond the scope of the reviews analyzed.

The glycerol stabilized calcium phosphate cluster for rapid remineralization of tooth enamel by a water-triggered transformation

Remineralization is a common strategy for the repair of early demineralized tooth enamels, but the harsh dynamic oral environment often hampers its efficacy. Rapid remineralization is expected to address this challenge, however, the stabilizers of remineralization materials often resist their transformation required for repair. Here, by dissolving the ions of calcium and phosphate in glycerol-dominant solvents, we obtain the calcium phosphate clusters (1–2 nm), which are stabilized by glycerol (with high viscosity and affinity to clusters), but can perform a fast enamel repair via the water-triggered transformation in both static and dynamic environments. Upon the in vitro and in vivo (female Sprague-Dawley rats) studies, the clusters swiftly enter the nano-/micro-sized enamel defect sites, then form a compact hydroxyapatite repair layer within a short time (30 min, much faster than the conventional materials), and significantly recovers mechanical properties. This material is promising for large-scale preparation and applications in dental remineralization.

Preparation, microstructure, and mechanical properties of enamel-like nanocomposites for dental repair application

&lt;p&gt;Tooth enamel, as the hardest and the most resilient bioceramic material (~95.5 wt% apatite minerals) in human body, forms complex, highly ordered, hierarchical hetero-phase array structure over millions of years of evolution. This multiscale complex structure endows tooth enamel with excellent mechanical stability (especially the resistance to fracture, wear, and impact), high chop efficiency, and superb durability. However, in the complex oral environment, several factors such as oral bacteria, acidic foods, and mechanical collisions, can cause the dissolution of apatite crystals and even the damage of the enamel, resulting in a series of lesions such as dental caries that severely affects human health and life quality. Therefore, the urgent need for restoring to the normal function of natural teeth by repairing enamel has motivated researchers to develop advanced synthetic strategies for constructing artificial enamels. In this review, based on the understanding of the hierarchical heterogeneous structure-mechanical property-function relationship of natural human tooth enamel, we firstly introduced several synthetic strategies of biomimetic enamel nanocomposites such as cell-based tissue engineering, organic matrix-guided crystal growth, microgel-based microenvironment mineralization, amorphous precursor mineralization, and physicochemical methods, as well as presenting their microstructures and mechanical properties published in recent years. Finally, we discussed the biological safety of these artificial enamel nanocomposites and their dental repair applications.&lt;/p&gt;

Biomimetic Effect of Saliva on Human Tooth Enamel: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study.

Introduction: Due to the presence of ion reservoir, saliva may facilitate enamel remineralization and neutralize pH of acidic beverage leads to prevent enamel demineralization. Saliva substitute/artificial saliva has been developed in subsequent years and may differ in physical properties, function, or pH level from 5.0 to 7.3. Objectives: To evaluate the biomimetic effect of saliva (neutralization) on tooth enamel exposed to carbonated beverage (pH 2.44) and to observe therapeutic capability (remineralization) of artificial saliva over previously eroded (grade 3 and grade 5) enamel surface. Methods: After scanning with electron microscope (SEM-EDX), nondemineralized crown samples (n = 40) were randomly grouped into two. Samples (50%) were flushed all around to carbonated beverage with collected natural saliva bathing simultaneously (experimental group, n = 20), and the rest flushed to beverage only without saliva bathing simultaneously (control group, n = 20). Flushing action was performed for 3 min by a customized digital automatic flusher for 30 times for each sample. Samples (n = 40) were further scanned under SEM-EDX to evaluate the demineralization grade and concentration of Ca, P, O, and C elements of crown samples to find out the neutralization effect of saliva. In the second phase, already demineralized crown samples (n = 30) were randomly treated with artificial saliva having two different pH (7 or 6.8, experimental groups) and distilled water (control group) for 15 min 3 times daily for 30 days. The remineralization score of experimental samples was graded, and therapeutic capability was established. Results: Samples, when exposed to a carbonated beverage with saliva bathing simultaneously, showed low level of demineralization (mean 2.9 ± 0.3) than the control (without saliva) (mean 4.8 ± 0.3) (p = 0.01) which indicated neutralization (bioimimetic) effect of natural saliva. All (100%) of demineralized samples treated with both artificial saliva (pH 7 or pH 6.8) showed significant remineralization (p = 0.01), thus revealed biomimetic capacity. SEM-EDX analysis showed initial (before beverage exposure) concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, oxygen, and carbon elements of crown samples were 32.48%, 31.5%, 28.3%, and 5.5%, respectively. The calcium (Ca) (9.7%) and phosphorous (P) (18.5%) values were more decreased after beverage exposure without saliva bathing simultaneously compared to after beverage exposure with saliva bathing simultaneously. The concentration of oxygen (54.4%) and carbon (15.5%) were more increased after beverage exposure without saliva bathing simultaneously compared to after beverage exposure with saliva bathing simultaneously. Though the concentration of calcium (38.5%) of the crown sample was increased after treatment with artificial saliva (pH 7), but the phosphorus (18.5%) concentration of the crown sample was not increased. Conclusion: Within the context of the present study, both natural and artificial saliva showed significant biomimetic effects with respect to neutralization and remineralization.

Tracking trace chemical alterations in biogenic apatite – improvements in tooth sample preparation for experimental approach

Abstract Studying the properties of hard tissues, such as bones or teeth, often requires an experimental approach that enables the mechanisms observed in clinical settings to be explained or supports the safe planning of clinical trials. This paper compiles some methodological insights on the proper preparation of biogenic apatite found in human teeth for in vitro studies. These insights were gathered through experimental work and a review of some literature related to in vitro studies on the impact of metal orthodontic appliances on the chemical and crystallographic properties of dental enamel.

Production and Evaluation the Pharmacokinetic Effects of Probiotic Mouthwashes and Their Impacts on Periopathogenic Bacteria in Vitro

Background: In this study, the pharmacokinetic effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L.rh) and Lactobacillus reuteri (L.r) mouthwashes were investigated and the effects of these two bacteria on the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a) and Purofiromonas gingivalis (P.g) were compared. The results indicated which of the following probiotics has the inhibitoriest effect on priopathogens. Materials and Methods: Two types of mouthwash containing two probiotics; L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus, were produced. To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of each of the probiotic strains in the mouthwashes, tests for hydrogen peroxide resistance, lysozyme resistance, quantitative calculation of organic acids, and disk diffusion were performed. The Antipathogenic test was also performed to determine the extent of growth inhibition of the mouthwashes against the periopathogens of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Results: L. rhamnosus probiotic was more resistant to hydrogen peroxide but less resistant to lysozyme enzyme than L. reuteri. The production of organic acids after 72 hours of incubation at 37 ͦ C in the L. reuteri strain was significantly higher than the L. rhamnosus. The amount of growth inhibition zone formed by the periopathogenes was detected. Both strains of lactobacilli used in the mouthwashes had good resistance to antibiotics. Conclusion: L. reuteri had a higher resistance to the enzyme lysozyme. However, due to the higher production of organic acids and the possibility of its negative impact on the structure of tooth enamel, the use of this bacteria is not ultimately desirable to maintain oral hygiene. According to the data of this study, due to the high resistance of L. rhamnosus to hydrogen peroxide and antibiotics and its greater effect on periopathogenic strains, the use of this bacteria in comparison with L. reuteri in the laboratory environment has more advantages.

Balance of Calcium and Magnesium in Tooth Enamel and Dentin

Balance of Calcium and Magnesium in Tooth Enamel and Dentin

Posteruptive Loss of Proteins in Porcine Enamel.

Tooth enamel maturation requires the removal of proteins from the mineralizing enamel matrix to allow for crystallite growth until full hardness is reached to meet the mechanical needs of mastication. While this process takes up to several years in humans before the tooth erupts, it is greatly accelerated in the faster-developing pigs. Pig teeth erupt with softer, protein-rich enamel that is similar to hypomineralized human enamel but continues to harden quickly after eruption. Proteins that bind to enamel crystals and prevent crystal growth and enamel hardening (e.g., albumin) have been suggested as a cause for hypomineralized human enamel. It is unclear whether fast posteruptive enamel hardening in pigs occurs despite the high protein content or requires facilitated protein loss for crystal growth. This study asked how the protein content in porcine enamel changes after eruption in relation to saliva. Given previous evidence of high albumin content in erupted porcine enamel, we hypothesized that enamel- and saliva-derived enzymes facilitate protein removal from porcine enamel after eruption. To test this, we analyzed the enamel of fourth primary premolars and the saliva proteome at 3 critical time points: at the time of tooth eruption and 2 and 6 weeks after eruption. We found a decrease in the number of proteins and their abundancy in enamel with posteruptive time, including a decrease in serum albumin within enamel. The rapid decrease within 2 weeks posteruption is consistent with the previously reported rapid increase in mineral density of porcine enamel after eruption. In addition to enamel proteases KLK-4 and MMP-20, we identified other serine-, cysteine-, aspartic-, and metalloproteases in enamel that are found in the porcine saliva. Our findings suggest that the fast posteruptive enamel maturation in the porcine model coincides with saliva exchange and influx of saliva enzymes into porous enamel.

THE IMPACT OF VARIOUS WHITENING AGENTS ON THE TRACE ELEMENT COMPOSITION OF DENTAL HARD TISSUES

Intorduction. Discoloration of teeth is a common aesthetic concern affecting various segments of the population and individuals of all ages. According to current literature, 74% of respondents believe that an unattractive smile negatively impacts their career, while 92% think it influences success in their personal lives. Modern dentistry offers numerous whitening methods to address tooth discoloration, with professional clinical bleaching being one of the most commonly performed procedures. Despite the variety of available techniques and the continuous emergence of new advancements in recent years, the issue of selecting the most effective and safe whitening agents remains a pressing concern. The purpose of this study was to clinically and experimentally substantiate the selection of optimal teeth whitening methods and to assess their effectiveness. This evaluation was based on experimental analyses of the chemical composition of dental hard tissues, as well as clinical and laboratory research methodologies. To achieve this purpose, the study outlined the following objectives: Identify changes in the chemical composition of tooth enamel in experimental settings after the application of various professional whitening systems and protocols. Evaluate the long-term effects of whitening agents on the chemical composition and structural integrity of dental hard tissues. Methods. Experimental and statistical research methods were utilized to achieve these objectives, including microscopic analysis of the morphological and chemical composition of enamel using a high-resolution Mira LM electron microscope. For the experimental groups, bleaching systems containing 35% hydrogen peroxide and 44% carbamide peroxide were used to analyze their effects on enamel composition. Results and Conclusions. The study compared the chemical composition of enamel surfaces following professional hygiene procedures and the use of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide as active components in clinical teeth whitening systems. The findings demonstrated that changes in enamel composition significantly influence various oral parameters, including the composition of the oral fluid, the activity of salivary glands, and the functional and structural resilience of dental hard tissues. Experimental results revealed notable deviations in the basic elements of enamel. These findings underscore the importance of selecting whitening agents based on clinical and laboratory tests. Moreover, the use of remineralizing agents with specific chemical formulations tailored to the chosen whitening components is essential to mitigate potential adverse effects and preserve enamel integrity.

Beyond the herd: investigating livestock feeding strategies in the Iron Age Iberian Peninsula (3rd c. BC) through a multi-isotope analysis

During the Iron Age, north-eastern Iberian communities relied on crop cultivation and animal husbandry for their subsistence. The latter was mainly focused on caprine, with sheep being prominent due to their suitability to the Mediterranean climate, orography, and environment. Despite the pivotal role of sheep in livestock husbandry, information on Iberian communities’ feeding strategies for this species is limited. To address this lacuna, this study investigates the livestock feeding habits at four Catalan sites dating back to the 3rd century BC: Mas Castellar de Pontós, Tossal de Baltarga, Sant Esteve d’Olius, and Turó de la Rovira. Bulk carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses (δ13C and δ15N) of bone collagen and sequential carbon and oxygen analyses (δ13C and δ18O) of dental enamel were performed on 74 remains (43 bones, 31 teeth) from 51 sheep. Additionally, 153 bone remains from other domestic and wild species from the four sites were analysed. Our results revealed the complex and adaptive livestock feeding strategies of Iron Age Iberian populations. Sheep exhibited minimal diet variations, mainly consuming C3 plants across the four sites. Nevertheless, their feeding habits changed seasonally depending on pasture availability and settlement requirements. The other main domestic species were subject to individualised and variable feeding strategies within the same settlement. This diversified feeding management unveiled the complex and adaptive nature of the husbandry practices employed by Iron Age Iberian communities. Finally, the extensive number of remains analysed provides the first data on livestock feeding strategies for the Middle/Late Iron Age in the north-eastern Iberian Peninsula.

Analysis of TSC1 and TSC2 genes and evaluation of phenotypic correlations with tuberous sclerosis.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the formation of benign tumors in various organs, particularly in the central nervous system. We aimed to delineate the molecular profile of Turkish individuals diagnosed with TSC by analyzing the TSC1 and TSC2 genes using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Sophia Genetics' Sophia Inherited Disease Panel was used to perform NGS on 22 individuals diagnosed with TSC and to identify pathogenic variants in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes. Among the 22 cases, mutations were found in 3 (13.6%) for TSC1 and in 16 (73%) for TSC2, while 3 (13.6%) exhibited no detectable mutations. Notably, one individual with a TSC2 mutation presented with angiofibroma, ungual fibroma, and pitted dental enamel, while another had cardiac rhabdomyoma. Autism spectrum disorders were observed in 6 (27%) with TSC2 mutations, including one with autistic behavior. Abnormal motor development was noted in 3 (13.6%), of which 2 had TSC2 mutations. Severe intellectual disability was found in 3 (13.6%) with TSC2 mutations, and developmental delay was seen in 2 (9%) with TSC2 mutations. Epileptic encephalopathy occurred in 3 (13.6%), with 2 having TSC2 mutations. Additionally, 6 (27%) exhibited drug resistance for focal seizures, with 5 of them having TSC2 mutations. These findings are consistent with other research indicating that TSC2 mutations are associated with a more severe phenotypic range compared to TSC1 mutations. Moreover, our analysis showed that some people with TSC1/TSC2 mutations did not match diagnostic criteria. This highlights the importance of genetic testing and molecular profiling in understanding the clinical variability and aiding in the management of TSC patients.

The Influence of Teeth Whitening Products on Enamel Integrity

Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, ingredients in teeth whitening agents, are hardly new, their potential negative side effects on tooth enamel are. This research examined the effect of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide on retention of microhardness of enamel, surface texture and mineral content in vitro. Microhardness and mineral content were decreased phosphate and increased carbonate. Teeth whiteners weaken the structures of the tooth enamel which raises concerning questions about the regular application of these agents and their safety to users. Fluoride varnish and remineralizing solution may minimize the risk these side effects pose. The findings stress why patients and dental practitioners need to be aware of the risks and follow guidelines to ensure better development of the procedures’ aesthetics without compromising the health of the system.