Tested Time Intervals Research Articles

Insight into Olfactory Learning, Memory, and Mortality of Apis mellifera jemenitica after Exposure to Acetamiprid Insecticide.

The honey bee, a significant crop pollinator, encounters pesticides through various routes of exposure during foraging and flower visitation. Considering the potential threat of pesticide poisoning, the indigenous Saudi bee Apis mellifera jemenitica is susceptible to the risks associated with acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid insecticide. This study investigates the acetamiprid-induced effects on the survival, olfactory learning, and memory formation of A. m. jemenitica through two exposure routes: topical application and oral ingestion. Field-realistic and serially diluted concentrations (100, 50, 25, and 10 ppm) of acetamiprid led to notable mortality at 4, 12, 24, and 48 h after treatment, with peak mortality observed at 24 h and 48 h for both exposure routes. Bee mortality was concentration-dependent, increasing with the rising concentration of acetamiprid at the tested time intervals. Food consumption following oral exposure exhibited a concentration-dependent pattern, steadily decreasing with increasing concentrations of acetamiprid. Oral exposure resulted in a substantially higher cumulative mortality (55%) compared to topical exposure (15%), indicating a significant disparity in bee mortality between the two exposure routes. The 24 h post-treatment LC50 values for acetamiprid were 160.33 and 12.76 ppm for topical application and oral ingestion, respectively. The sublethal concentrations (LC10, LC20, and LC30) of acetamiprid were 15.23, 34.18, and 61.20 ppm, respectively, following topical exposure, and 2.85, 4.77, and 6.91 ppm, respectively, following oral exposure. The sublethal concentrations of acetamiprid significantly decreased learning during the 2nd-3rd conditioning trials and impaired memory formation at 2, 12, and 24 h following both topical and oral exposure routes, compared to the control bees. Notably, the sublethal concentrations were equally effective in impairing bee learning and memory. Taken together, acetamiprid exposure adversely affected bee survival, hindered learning, and impaired the memory retention of learned tasks.

Evaluation of Osteoconductive and Antimicrobial Properties of Novel Graphene on Dental Implants: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction Graphene oxide (GO) has emerged as a promising material in dentistry, leveraging its exceptional properties. This study evaluates the physicochemical attributes of GO and elucidates its derived biological properties. These encompass biocompatibility, antibacterial efficacy, as well as its influence on osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation processes. Understanding the intricate interplay between the physicochemical and biological aspects of GO provides valuable insights into its potential applications in various dental contexts. Materials and methods The study group (so; titanium discs surface coated with GO) and the control group(co; plain/uncoated machined titanium discs) were divided based on cell attachment and cell proliferation assays (n=60). These groups were further divided into subgroups (n=30) based on the tested time intervals, specifically 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. The study and controlgroups were further subdivided into three subgroups (n=10) based on the microorganisms tested i.e Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacteria nucleatum. Results The results of this in vitro study suggest that GO-coated titanium dental implants have both increased osteogenic potential and antimicrobial efficacy. Graphene has good potential as a promising alternative to traditional surface treatments, and a graphene-coated implant can be used for enhanced osseointegration. Conclusion The osteogenic potential and the cell attachment were higheron titanium surfaces coated with GO nanoparticleswhen compared to plain titanium discs at 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively.

Cold plasma treatment for fungal keratitis

Aims/Purpose: Fungal keratitis is serious ocular infection caused by any of the fungi species. It is treated with antifungal medications, in worst scenario with cornea transplantation. The therapy is still challenging due to poor drug penetration into the cornea. Cold plasma, produced by ionization of argon gas, contains especially reactive species but also UV radiation which damage microorganisms. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of cold plasma on human corneal epithelial cells (HCE), corneal tissue and multiple pathogen microorganisms to assess the opportunity of cold plasma treatment for fungal keratitis.Methods: The effect of cold plasma on HCE was analysed by the light microscopy, Live/Dead assay, metabolic activity assay, and immunohistochemistry. Disinfecting potential was analysed by plating prevalent yeasts (Candida albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata) on agar plates and treated with cold plasma. Plasma treatment of infected human donor corneas with C. albicans was determined by measurement of O.D. of liquid culture.Results: The treatment of HCE by cold plasma led to the change of the morphology, significantly lower viability, metabolic activity and proliferation of the cells. Yeast strains were significantly eradicated completely after 5 min of cold plasma treatment (p ≤ 0.001). Cold plasma therapy of the infected human donor corneas showed the decrease of the infection in all tested time intervals with statistical significance (p ≤ 0.01, p < 0.05 and p ≤ 0.001 respectively for 1, 2 and 5 min treatment).Conclusions: Cold plasma treatment showed negative impact on the culture of HCE. The analysis of its effect on the whole corneal tissue is in progress. On the contrary, a significant reduction of CFU was observed in all examined Candida spp. and significant decrease of infection was determined in infected corneas. Therefore, the cold plasma technology showed a potential to be an effective treatment for fungal keratitis.

Impact of Escherichia coli, Candida non-albicans, and Trichomonas vaginalis on Semen Chemical and Functional Parameters: an In-Vitro Study.

Infertility is a worldwide medical issue in which infection is recognized to play a major role. Pathogens trigger various mechanisms that impact fertility, either directly by affecting the physiological indices of semen or indirectly by disrupting the process of spermatogenesis. In the current work, the effect of in-vitro cultivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Candida non-albicans (C. non-albicans), and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) (as the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infections) was assessed on the physiological functions of the spermatozoa and the chemical characteristics of the seminal fluid. The semen samples were exposed to cultures of E. coli, C. non-albicans, and T. vaginalis. The study analyzed the changes in motility, agglutination, viability, DNA fragmentation index (DFI%), seminal pH, and biochemical parameters at 1/2, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3.5 and 4 hours. Incubation of the semen samples with E. coli resulted in a progressive increase in agglutination, pH, and nitrite. The seminal glucose and the sperm motility, on the other hand, were reduced. The sperm vitality and seminal protein remained unaffected. C. non-albicans induced three forms of agglutination (head-to-head, tail-to-tail, and head-to-tail), lowered pH values and decreased the sperm motility, but did not alter the seminal protein, glucose, nitrite, nor the spermatozoa viability at the different tested time intervals. T. vaginalis resulted in increased seminal protein, and reduced glucose, pH, and motility. It also induced minimal agglutination and caused unchanged nitrite and sperm viability. The DFI% was increased in all pathogens with the C. non-albicans showing the highest DNA fragmentation index. Urogenital infection with E. coli, C. non-albicans, or T. vaginalis is assumed to affect the quality of semen through DNA fragmentation, agglutination and altered seminal chemical microenvironment.

New Physico-Chemical Analysis of Magnesium-Doped Hydroxyapatite in Dextran Matrix Nanocomposites.

The new magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite in dextran matrix (10MgHApD) nanocomposites were synthesized using coprecipitation technique. A spherical morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization results show hydroxyapatite hexagonal phase formation. The element map scanning during the EDS analysis revealed homogenous distribution of constituent elements of calcium, phosphor, oxygen and magnesium. The presence of dextran in the sample was revealed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of the 10MgHAPD nanocomposites was assessed by in vitro assays using Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 microbial strains. The results of the antimicrobial assays highlighted that the 10MgHApD nanocomposites presented excellent antimicrobial activity against all the tested microorganisms and for all the tested time intervals. Furthermore, the biocompatibility assays determined that the 10MgHApD nanocomposites did not exhibit any toxicity towards Human gingival fibroblast (HGF-1) cells.

Stainability and translucency of potassium aluminum sulfate applied computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing materials after coffee thermocycling.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of potassium aluminum sulfate (alum) application on the stainability and translucency of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials after coffee thermocycling (CTC). Disk-shaped specimens (Ø10 × 1 mm; N = 200) were fabricated by using additively (Crowntec [CT] and Varseo Smile Crown Plus [VS]) and subtractively manufactured (Brilliant Crios [RCR], CEREC Block [FC], and Vita Enamic [VE]) CAD-CAM materials and polished. All specimens were randomly divided into two groups as alum applied and control (n = 10). All specimens were then subjected to CTC (10,000 cycles at 5-55°C) and color coordinates were measured at each time interval. Color differences (ΔE00 ) and relative translucency parameters (RTPs) were calculated and the data were statistically analyzed (a = 0.05). Among tested time intervals, alum applied specimens had their lowest ΔE00 after alum application (p ≤ 0.006), except for FC (p = 0.177). In addition, alum applied RCR had lower ΔE00 values than its control specimens (p = 0.029). Alum applied specimens had their lowest RTP after CTC (p < 0.001) and alum application decreased the RTP of CT (p = 0.010). CTC reduced the RTP of all materials in control groups (p < 0.001). Alum applied CT had higher RTP than its control specimens (p = 0.049). Alum application's effect on color change varied depending on the material and alum mostly resulted in clinically acceptable changes in translucency. CTC led to unacceptable color and translucency changes based on previously reported threshold values. Optical properties of CAD-CAM materials and the sustainability of these properties over time is critical for longevity. Alum may improve the color stability of reinforced composite resin when subjected to long-term coffee consumption.

Effect of incorporation of nano-graphene oxide on physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of tricalcium silicate cement

ObjectiveEvaluation of setting time, compressive strength, pH, calcium ion release, and antibacterial activity of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) after modification with three different concentrations of nano-graphene oxide (GO) powder compared to unmodified Biodentine as a commercial control. MethodsGO powder, unhydrated and hydrated cements were characterized using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). GO was also analyzed using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) to determine average lateral dimensions. Specimens were prepared and grouped according to the concentration of GO added to Rootdent MTA (control, 1, 3, and 5 wt%) and the material used (MTA and unmodified Biodentine) into five groups. Setting time was evaluated using Gillmore penetrometer (n = 5). Compressive strength was evaluated using universal testing machine (n = 7). pH and calcium ion release were assessed using pH meter and Induced Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days (n = 7). Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans using direct contact test (n = 7). One-way and repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test were used for data analysis with significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. ResultsAddition of GO to MTA reduced both initial and final setting time. GO modified MTA groups and unmodified Biodentine showed significantly increased calcium ion release at 14 and 28 days. All cements showed alkaline pH of the storage media at all tested time intervals. 1 wt% GO recorded the highest compressive strength values in MTA modified groups. The increased concentration of GO from 1 to 5 wt% successively increased antibacterial activity of MTA, with Biodentine showing the lowest significant value. ConclusionAddition of 1 wt% GO can significantly improve the tested properties of tricalcium silicate-based cements without compromising their compressive strength. Clinical significanceGO is a promising modification for tricalcium silicate cements to improve setting time, compressive strength, and antibacterial activity to provide a variety of materials for different clinical situations. This in turn can reduce the risk of reinfection and allow placement of the final restoration in a single visit.

Effect of Polydopamine on Bonding Characteristics of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate to Resin Composite.

The success of vital pulp therapy is crucial to preserve the integrity of the teeth and to enable an uninterrupted root formation in a young permanent tooth. This warrants placement of an intact permanent seal immediately in contact with the pulp capping material. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) sets by hydration and deters placement of an immediate permanent resin composite restoration over it. The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate the wettability, surface morphology and shear bond strength (SBS) of polydopamine (PDA)-pretreated MTA to resin composite (RC). The contact angle (CA) and morphological changes caused by self-etch (SE) adhesive on untreated and PDA-pretreated MTA was analyzed using contact angle meter and scanning electron microscope (SEM) respectively. To evaluate SBS, 144 MTA samples were prepared using a custom-made mold of 5 mm diameter and 3 mm height. The samples were randomly divided into two groups of 72 samples each based on whether their surface was pretreated with PDA or not. Under each group, nano-hybrid RC restoration was done either immediately or after a delay of 3 h, 24 h and 96 h. SBS of the MTA/resin composite assembly was tested in a universal testing machine. CA values were analyzed using One-way analysis of variance and Games-Howell Post Hoc test. Mann-Whitney test and Friedman post-hoc Dunn test were used to analyze SBS values. SE adhesive made a significantly lesser mean CA with PDA-pretreated MTA (27.20°+-2.28) compared to untreated MTA (34.22°+-1.45, p<0.05). SEM micrographs showed that while etching with SE primer eroded the surface characteristics, PDA coating minimized the erosive effect of the acidic primer and preserved the original crystalline plate-like structure of MTA. At all tested time intervals, PDA pretreatment significantly increased the SBS of MTA to RC, compared to untreated control. Immediate bond strength of PDA pretreated MTA (26.30+-7.60 MPa) was equivalent to the SBS value achieved at 96 h with untreated MTA (27.82+-2.96 MPa). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that PDA pretreatment of MTA surface improved its wettability, prevented loss of surface integrity following etching and increased the SBS of RC to MTA. (EEJ-2022-11-144).

One pot domino synthesis of new 3,5-disubstituted-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thiones (THTTs) as anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive candidates: A proof from in-vivo to in-vitro and in-silico mechanistic studies

A series of alkyl/aryl/aralkylamines or amino acids appended tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thiones (4a-i, 5a-g, 6 and 7) were synthesized via one pot domino synthesis. The synthesis involved reacting alkyl/aryl/aralkylamines or amino acids with carbon disulfide employing basic aqueous medium and further cyclization with formaldehyde and alkyl/aryl/aralkylamines or amino acids. In addition, the carboxy-functionalized 1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione 6 was further subjected to esterification. All the structures were confirmed through spectral techniques i.e IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS analysis. Furthermore, the newly synthesized compounds were biologically assessed via in vitro COX-2 and 5-LOX assays, in vivo anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Among the screened compounds, 6, 5f, and 7 exhibited highest inhibitory potency against COX-2 with IC50 values of 11.96, 13.54, and 13.93 μM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 6 and 7 exhibited excellent inhibitory potential against 5-LOX with IC50 values of 14.01 and 14.13 μM. The in-vivo anti-inflammatory bioassay studies showed that compounds 6, 7 and 5f dramatically reduced the paw edema size at 1 h and 3 h time intervals. In the anti-nociceptive activity, compound 6 showed pain protection comparative to Tramadol in all tested time intervals. In addition, studies of molecular docking revealed the compounds binding modes in the allosteric site of COX-2 and active site of 5-LOX, where these compounds exhibited higher binding scores and good binding interactions.

In vitro virucidal activity of mouthwashes on SARS-CoV-2.

ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to evaluate the in vitro virucidal activity of commercial mouthwashes against SARS‐CoV‐2 and variants of concern.Materials and MethodsAntiviral activity was assessed at different time intervals, based on common use of these products by titrating residual viral infectivity on Vero E6 cells.ResultsAll the mouthwashes were effective to reduce the infectious titers of SARS‐CoV‐2 and its tested variants. Mouthwashes Listerine® Cool Mint milder taste and Listerine® Cavity Protection milder taste reduced the infectious viral titer by up to 3.9 log10 after 30 s, while mouthwash Cetilsan® Sugar Free was able to reduce the viral titer by 2.2–2.9 log10 at all tested time intervals. Mouthwash Curasept® ADS DNA Intensive treatment was less effective to decrease viral infectivity (0.7–2.2 log10 TCID50/ml at all tested time intervals). Interestingly, the Gamma variant appeared more resistant to treatment in vitro with the different mouthwashes.ConclusionsIn this study, we were able to assess the ability of different mouthwashes to in vitro decrease the infectivity of SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants, and we observed that Gamma variant of concern was more resistant to treatment with mouthwashes.

Influence of Motor and Cognitive Tasks on Time Estimation.

The passing of time can be precisely measured by using clocks, whereas humans’ estimation of temporal durations is influenced by many physical, cognitive and contextual factors, which distort our internal clock. Although it has been shown that temporal estimation accuracy is impaired by non-temporal tasks performed at the same time, no studies have investigated how concurrent cognitive and motor tasks interfere with time estimation. Moreover, most experiments only tested time intervals of a few seconds. In the present study, participants were asked to perform cognitive tasks of different difficulties (look, read, solve simple and hard mathematical operations) and estimate durations of up to two minutes, while walking or sitting. The results show that if observers pay attention only to time without performing any other mental task, they tend to overestimate the durations. Meanwhile, the more difficult the concurrent task, the more they tend to underestimate the time. These distortions are even more pronounced when observers are walking. Estimation biases and uncertainties change differently with durations depending on the task, consistent with a fixed relative uncertainty. Our findings show that cognitive and motor systems interact non-linearly and interfere with time perception processes, suggesting that they all compete for the same resources.

Comparative evaluation of complete and partial pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A randomized clinical trial.

The study aimed to compare the outcome of complete pulpotomy (CP) and partial pulpotomy (PP) techniques when utilised for the management of mature permanent teeth with carious pulpal exposure and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). The study protocol was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04397315). One hundred and six permanent mandibular molars with carious pulpal exposure and clinical diagnosis of SIP with periapical index ≤2, from patients aged between 18 and 40years were randomly allocated in equal proportion to either CP or PP group. Allocated procedures were performed using standardised protocols. The allocated procedure was abandoned in cases where pulpal bleeding could not be controlled within 6min using cotton pellets soaked in 3% sodium hypochlorite. MTA was used as a pulpotomy agent and teeth were restored using a base of glass ionomer followed by composite restoration. The pain was recorded by the patient preoperatively before administration of local anaesthesia and postoperatively every 24h for 1week using visual analogue scale. Success was analysed at 12months based on clinical and radiographic examination. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare age, pain scores and mean analgesic consumption between the groups. Categorical data were analysed using chi-square test. Fisher's exact test was used to assess the clinical and radiographic success and incidence of pain. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the survival of teeth. A p-value <.05 was considered as statistically significant. One hundred and one patients were analysed at follow up. Higher success was observed in CP (89.8%) in comparison to PP group (80.8%), but the difference was non-significant statistically (p=.202). Although no significant difference was observed in pain incidence between the groups at 24h (p=.496), a significant difference in pain intensities was observed between groups at all the tested time intervals, with lower values reported in CP group (p<.05). Both CP and PP resulted in favourable outcomes in the management of cariously exposed permanent teeth with signs indicative of SIP. Given the more conservative nature of PP, it may be attempted first before proceeding to CP in such cases.

Biopriming with rhizosphere Trichoderma harzianum elicit protection against grapevine downy mildew disease by triggering histopathological and biochemical defense responses

The economic loss and the failure of the chemical control measures to impede downy mildew infection on the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) have led to the exploration of biocontrol agents that can effectively manage the invading disease by invoking defense responses of the host plant. Hence, the present study was aimed to explore the efficacy of the talc-based formulation of biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum to induce protection against oomycete pathogen, Plasmopara viticola (Berk et Curt.) Berl. et de Toni by triggering defense mechanisms in grapevine. The field study demonstrated that priming with T. harzianum led to the elicitation of defense responses in pathogen inoculated grapevines, with maximum disease protection up to 82.9% on the 4th-day. In addition, the microscopic observation of histochemicals revealed an increased accumulation of lignin, callose and hydrogen peroxide initiated at early 12 h and reached the highest at 24 h post-inoculation. Furthermore, the activities of the defense enzymes, namely, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, peroxidase and 1,3-glucanase, were upregulated in the tripartite system between the course of tested time intervals. Overall, the findings from the present study highlighted the induced protection incited by T. harzianum in response to P. viticola infestation and witness the significant role of cellular and biochemical enzymes priming for defense in conferring protection against downy mildew disease in grapevine.

Investigation of Spin Coating Cerium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Thin Films with Antifungal Properties

In this study, the cerium-doped hydroxyapatite (Ca10−xCex(PO4)6(OH)2 with xCe = 0.1, 10Ce-HAp) coatings obtained by the spin coating method were presented for the first time. The stability of the 10Ce-HAp suspension particles used in the preparation of coatings was evaluated by ultrasonic studies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface morphology of the 10Ce-HAp coating was studied by SEM and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The obtained 10Ce-HAp coatings were uniform and without cracks or unevenness. Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used for the investigation of fine chemical depth profiling. The antifungal properties of the HAp and 10Ce-HAp suspensions and coatings were assessed using Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (C. albicans) fungal strain. The quantitative antifungal assays demonstrated that both 10Ce-HAp suspensions and coatings exhibited strong antifungal properties and that they successfully inhibited the development and adherence of C. albicans fungal cells for all the tested time intervals. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) visualization of the C. albicans fungal cells adherence to the 10Ce-HAp surface also demonstrated their strong inhibitory effects. In addition, the qualitative assays also suggested that the 10Ce-HAp coatings successfully stopped the biofilm formation.

ACP vs CPP-ACP: The better formula for caries control

Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of two 5% sodium fluoride varnishes containing amorphous calcium phosphate and casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate respectively on the plaque pH, salivary fluoride ion release and patient acceptability. Methods: Seventy children were selected from a residential school for the study. Baseline plaque pH, salivary fluoride ion levels were determined. Varnish application was made, and the plaque pH and salivary fluoride ion release were determined at 24 hours, 3 months’ and 6 months’ post varnish application. Patient acceptability was determined immediately after varnish application. Results: No difference in the plaque pH and salivary fluoride ion levels were obtained among the two study groups at all tested time intervals. However, there was a difference in the salivary fluoride ion levels at baseline and at all the three post interventional time periods for both the groups, i.e., at 24 hours (for Group 1 p= 0.00 for Group 2 p=0.00), at 3 months (for Group 1 p=0.00 for Group 2 p=0.00) and at 6 months (for Group 1 p= 0.00 for Group 2 p=0.00). There was no statistically significant difference was observed in the patient acceptability between the two groups (p=0.709). Conclusion: Both the fluoride varnishes can be considered to be equally efficacious when compared based on

A network percolation-based contagion model of flood propagation and recession in urban road networks

In this study, we propose a contagion model as a simple and powerful mathematical approach for predicting the spatial spread and temporal evolution of the onset and recession of floodwaters in urban road networks. A network of urban roads resilient to flooding events is essential for the provision of public services and for emergency response. The spread of floodwaters in urban networks is a complex spatial–temporal phenomenon. This study presents a mathematical contagion model to describe the spatial–temporal spread and recession process of floodwaters in urban road networks. The evolution of floods within networks can be captured based on three macroscopic characteristics—flood propagation rate (beta), flood incubation rate (alpha), and recovery rate (mu)—in a system of ordinary differential equations analogous to the Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) model. We integrated the flood contagion model with the network percolation process in which the probability of flooding of a road segment depends on the degree to which the nearby road segments are flooded. The application of the proposed model is verified using high-resolution historical data of road flooding in Harris County during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The results show that the model can monitor and predict the fraction of flooded roads over time. Additionally, the proposed model can achieve 90% precision and recall for the spatial spread of the flooded roads at the majority of tested time intervals. The findings suggest that the proposed mathematical contagion model offers great potential to support emergency managers, public officials, citizens, first responders, and other decision-makers for flood forecast in road networks.

Survival of human periodontal ligament fibroblast cells in Cornisol and HBSS for transportation of avulsed teeth: a comparative ex vivo study

Objective Viability of periodontal ligament fibroblast cells (PDFC) is one of the key factors in determining the success of replantation of avulsed teeth. Extra-oral time and transport media are closely related to the same. The present study aims to evaluate and compare the efficiency of Cornisol, Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS) and normal saline in preserving the viability of PDFC. Materials and methods The human PDFC were isolated from primary culture from freshly extracted human premolars. Effect of Cornisol, HBSS and normal saline on viability of isolated PDFC was assessed using standard MTT assay. The cells were exposed to the experimental solutions (Cornisol/HBSS/normal saline) for varying time points (30 min, 1 h, 24 h, 48 h and 96 h) and viability was determined by colorimetric MTT method by quantifying the amount of formazan crystal formed (optical density). Experiment was performed in triplicates and the data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni’s test with a significance level of p value ≤.05. Cornisol ≥ HBSS > saline. Conclusion Cornisol can be used as a storage media for avulsed teeth and is significantly more effective than HBSS in maintaining the periodontal ligament cell viability at tested time intervals.

Rapid Stain Identification (RSID-TMSemen): A rapid tool for seminal fluid detection

Introduction: The identification of semen stain is one of the most common human stains that can provide crucial information for crime scene reconstruction and forensic investigation. In sexual assault cases semen identification helps to support or refute victim’s allegations, it also provides a material for DNA analysis. The rapid Stain Identification of Human Semen (RSIDTM -Semen) bioassay is designed to detect specifically the presence of human semenogelin. It does not cross‐ react with other human or nonhuman tissues. Aim: To assess the efficacy of RSIDTM – Semen strip test for the detection of human semen under some different variables (different fabrics, different time intervals and mixed with vaginal secretions). Methodology: Semen samples were collected from four male participants; each sample was divided into two portions; one used for semen only test group and the other mixed with vaginal secretions for the mixed test group. Vaginal swabs were carried out from the four female participants using cotton, linen or nylon-tipped plastic rods (2 swabs from each female). One of the fabrics tipped vaginal swab was mixed with semen for the mixed test group and the other used as a positive control group to test the sensitivity and specificity of the RSIDTM – Semen strip. The semen samples were deposited over different fabrics at the same time. All the samples were left to dry for 15 minutes at room temperature (summer) then extracted and analyzed. Each of the previous groups, was categorized into 5 subgroups (a, b, c, d and e) according to the time interval of semen extraction (zero (on the spot), 2, 4, 6 and 10 days respectively). Results: Semen could be identified in 100% of tested samples of the semen only group as well as of the combined semen and vaginal secretions group over cotton and linen fabrics at all the different tested time intervals. However, semen extracted from nylon fabric was identified in tested samples of the semen only group and of the combined semen and vaginal secretions group only at zero time only and couldn’t be identified at the rest of tested time intervals. Conclusion: The current study evidenced that the new RSIDTM -semen kit is a reliable method for semen identification over different types of fabrics even in the presence of vaginal secretions. It also persists up to 10 days except on nylon fabric.

Fluoride Releasing/Recharging Ability of Bulk-Fill and Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cements After the Application of Different Surface Coating Agents: An In -Vitro Study

Objective: Evaluate the effect of nano-filled coating on fluoride release/recharging ability of Equia forte Fil and Fuji II LC glass ionomer cements in comparison to commonly used surface coatings; universal adhesive and petroleum jelly. Methodology: 24 disc-shaped samples for each group were prepared with glass hybrid (Group I) and resin- modified glass ionomer cement (Group II). Each group was divided into four subgroups; 1: Control, 2: Equia Forte Coat, 3: Single bond Universal and 4: Petroleum jelly. Fluoride ions released was measured at different time intervals using fluoride-specific ion-electrode. After 63 days, samples were immersed in sodium-fluoride gel and fluoride recharge capability was evaluated. Results: Application of coats on glass hybrid resulted in significant decrease in fluoride ions release at all tested time intervals, in comparison to control group (p<0.0001). The least ions release was recorded in nano-filled coat and universal adhesive. For RMGIC, delay in burst release was observed after coating, with the least fluoride release recorded in nano-filled coated subgroup. All groups showed the ability to recharge with NaF gel and re-release again. Conclusions: 1. Application of coatings has dramatic reducing effect on fluoride ions release/recharging ability. 2. Nano-filled coating and universal adhesive have a hindering influence on fluoride ions release more than petroleum jelly. 3. The effect of nano-filled coating is more evident on glass hybrid than on resin- modified glass ionomer cement. 4. Application of coatings on glass hybrid and RMGIC delayed the burst release but maintained the fluoride release ability of GICs at constant level.

Rapid stain biomarker: A novel tool for forensic detection of semen (effect of time, different fabrics and vaginal secretions on its reliability)

Abstract Background The identification of semen stain is one of the most common human stains that can provide crucial information for crime scene reconstruction and forensic investigation. In sexual assault cases semen identification helps to prove victim’s allegations it also provides a material for DNA analysis that generate the genetic profile of the alleged suspect. The rapid Stain Identification of Human Semen (RSIDTM-Semen) bioassay is designed to detect specifically the presence of human semenogelin. Test development is completed within 10 minutes and can detect as little as 2.5 nL of human semen and it does not cross-react with other human or nonhuman tissues. The detection protocol can be completely integrated into the procedures for DNA extraction and analysis. Aim To assess the efficacy of RSIDTM – Semen strip test for the detection of human semen under some different variables (different fabrics, different time intervals and mixed with vaginal secretions) in order to be used in the routine forensic work of sexual assault cases and for further personal identification. Methodology: Semen samples were collected from four male participants. Vaginal specimens were collected from four female participants on cotton, linen or nylon-tipped swabs (2 swabs from each female). Each semen sample was divided into two portions; one used for semen only test group and the other mixed with vaginal secretions for the mixed test group. One of the fabrics tipped vaginal swab was mixed with semen for the mixed test group and the other used as a positive control group to test the sensitivity and specificity of the RSIDTM – Semen strip. The semen samples were deposited over different fabrics at the same time. All the samples were left to dry for 15 minutes at room temperature then extracted and analyzed according to the protocol designed for The Rapid Stain Identification Test (RSIDTM – Semen). The collected samples were studied as two test groups and one control group. Each of the previous groups, was categorized into 4 subgroups (a, b, c and d) according to the time interval of semen extraction (zero (on the spot), 2, 4, 6 and 10 days respectively). Results Semen could be identified in 100% of tested samples of the semen only group as well as of the combined semen and vagina group over cotton and linen fabrics at all the different tested time intervals. However, semen extracted from nylon fabric was identified in tested samples of the semen only group and of the combined semen and vagina group only at zero time only and couldn’t be identified at the rest of tested time intervals. Conclusion the current study evidenced that the new RSIDTM-semen kit is a reliable method for semen identification over different types of fabrics even in the presence of vaginal secretions. It also resists environmental factors up to 10 days.