Three-way Analysis Research Articles

Effects of primer components of silane and 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate on resin bonding to tribochemical silica-coated highly translucent zirconia.

To assess the influence of different primer compositions-silane (S), 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (MDP), and the combination of silane and MDP (S + MDP)-on the bonding performance of MDP-free and MDP-containing resin cements to highly translucent zirconia. Tribochemical silica-coated zirconia plates were pretreated with one of three experimental primers, S, MDP, or S + MDP, with untreated specimens serving as controls. Subsequently, these plates were bonded to stainless-steel rods using either two MDP-free or two MDP-containing resin cements. Tensile bond strength was measured after 24h (TC0) and following thermal cycling (4-60°C for 10,000 cycles; TC10,000). Data were analyzed using a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests (α = 0.05). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) assessed the elemental mass concentrations on the zirconia surfaces. For MDP-free resin cements, MDP-treated specimens exhibited significantly greater bond strengths than controls, regardless of the aging conditions. However, a significant reduction in bond strength was observed between TC0 and TC10,000 in most of the MDP-free resin cement groups, except for one S + MDP group. Conversely, for MDP-containing resin cements, the S + MDP group exhibited no statistically significant differences between aging conditions. Notably, XPS analysis detected silicon, zirconium, and aluminum on the zirconia surfaces. No significant difference in tensile bond strength was observed between aging conditions for MDP-containing resin cements bonded to tribochemical silica-coated zirconia primed with S + MDP. The combination of MDP-containing primers and resin cements demonstrated superior bonding performance to tribochemical silica-coated zirconia.

Religious Social Integration, Psychedelics, and Psychological Distress

ABSTRACT Psychedelic use has been increasingly accepted socially and legally. However, there is a gap in understanding how religion can influence the relationship between psychedelics and mental health. This study aims to explore this relationship by examining the impact of lifetime classic psychedelic use (LCPU), religious attendance, and religious salience on monthly psychological distress, using the K6 scale. The data for this project is sourced from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2008 to 2019, with a sample size of 458,372. The analysis utilizes several Ordinary Least Square regression models conducted in Stata 17. The results indicate that both religion and psychedelic use are associated with lower levels of psychological distress. While increased religious salience is linked to reduced distress, this effect is weakened by psychedelic use, as higher salience is associated with higher levels of distress among individuals who have used psychedelics. However, a three-way interaction analysis reveals that individuals with high religious salience and attendance experience the lowest levels of distress.

Heart rate variability in chronic ischemic stroke: analysis during the sleep-wake cycle.

Alterations of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the chronic stage of ischemic stroke (IS) are not well understood. Heart rate variability (HRV) provides a noninvasive approach to assess autonomic function. To compare the HRV parameters during the sleep-wake cycle between patients with IS in the chronic stage and healthy subjects. We conducted a retrospective transversal study based on clinical records and 24-hour electrocardiogram (EKG) monitoring registries of 179 patients with a confirmed IS diagnosis and 184 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Circadian variation was calculated according to the variation of the total autonomic activity (VTAI) and the parasympathetic activity (VPAI) indexes. Comparisons were performed using nonparametric tests. Multivariable analyses were performed with canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) and a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical significance was established with a confidence level of 95%. During waking hours, the healthy group exhibited higher variability in the time domain and frequency domain parameters: standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN, p < 0.001) and of the average NN intervals (SDANN, p < 0.001), as well as low-frequency (LF) band (p < 0.001). During sleep, the difference was higher in the high-frequency (HF) band (p < 0.001), and lower in the low-/high-frequency ratio (LF/HF, p < 0.001). Both VPAI and VTAI showed less significant difference in IS patients (p < 0.001). There was diminished heart vagal activity among IS patients, as measured through HRV. During sleep, this is likely caused by an imbalance in the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems shifting through the sleep phases. These imbalances could persist over time in patients with IS, lasting months after the initial injury.

Concurrent conversion of waste cooking oil using Al metal-organic framework and subcritical methanol through esterification/transesterification process

Recently, some scientists have focused on discovering techniques for manufacturing biodiesel on a significant, efficient, and ecologically sustainable scale. Choosing a catalyst is a notable challenge due to the instability and cost feasibility issues connected with newly designed homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. This paper describes the synthesis and utilization of aluminum-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts for the generation of biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO). The processes involved in this study are esterification and transesterification, which are carried out using subcritical methanol. The catalyst analysis reveals that the MOFs possess a filamentous structure, with a crystallite size ranging from 300 to 500 nm. Furthermore, these MOFs exhibit thermal stability up to 470 °C. The catalyst underwent examination for biodiesel production from waste cooking oil (WCO), and the resulting biodiesel samples met the standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The experiment was devised and fine-tuned to incorporate the three independent variables using a multilevel factorial design, response surface methodology, and a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The FAME conversion peaked at 91.96 %, as determined through statistical analysis of the optimization findings. The corresponding values for the variables were X1: 423.15 K, X2: 1800s, and X3: 28 mol/mol. Based on ANOVA statistics, the experimental and mathematical verification demonstrates a fair correlation between the actual and calculated catalyst performance. The temperature and molar ratio of methanol: WCO significantly affected the FAME conversion.

Evaluation of male reproductive hormones of Kalahari Red and Kalawad goat bucks as affected by age and season under tropical conditions.

Comprehensive understanding of reproductive hormones and environmental cues with their relationship is essential for efficient production in livestock sectors involving either assisted or natural reproductive methods. This study evaluated the effects of age and seasonal-associated changes in the blood concentrations of testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) of male Kalahari Red (KR) andKalawad(KW)-crossbred goats. Based on a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial arrangement, a total of 42 bucks (KR n = 21 and KW n = 21) were allotted into three age groups (> 1 ≤ 2years, > 2 ≤ 3years and > 3 ≤ 4years) with seven KR bucks and seven KW bucks each per age group; reared under different seasons (early rainy, late rainy, early dry and late dry). The animals were managed semi-intensively, kept in an open-ventilated pen and subjected to same nutritional regime throughout the one-year experimental period. Follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone concentrations were analyzed in serum samples. Data obtained reproductive hormones were subjected to three-way Analysis of Variance using SAS 1999. Results show that breed had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on both serum FSH and testosterone concentrations. The highest FSH (0.49 ± 0.02ng/mL, 0.45 ± 0.01ng/mL, 0.41 ± 0.1ng/mL and 0.47 ± 0.07ng/mL) mean values (P > 0.05) were observed in KR in September, October, November and May, respectively while the highest (2.6 ± 0.02ng/mL) testosterone concentration in KW (p < 0.05) was obtained in December. Testosterone had irregular patterns between breeds and months of sampling. FSH was at peak (p > 0.05) in KR during the late rainy season at all ages while the values of FSH concentration in KW were not significantly different at all ages and seasons. The highest (2.05 ± 0.11ng/mL) serum testosterone mean value in KW peaked (p < 0.05) age > 3 ≤ 4years during the late rainy season. Testosterone concentration was lower and steady at all ages during rainy seasons in KR but started fluctuating during the early dry season. The least mean (0.62 ± 0.07ng/mL and 0.68 ± 0.05ng/mL) were recorded (p > 0.05) in KW during the late dry season at age > 2 ≤ 3 and > 3 ≤ 4years respectively. In KR and KW goat breeds raised under tropical condition, the high seasonal variations were responsible for the fluctuations in the reproductive hormones which resultantly altered or lowered the sexual activity of the animals at certain season(s).

Agroecological Aptitude of the Northeast of Formosa (Argentinean Subtropical Region) for Banana Production Assessed by Multiple Factor Analysis

Banana (Musa spp.) is an important crop in the economies of many developing countries. In the north of Argentina, a subtropical region, banana plants grow in a suboptimal environment that limits yield because only one harvest per year is achieved. The objective of this work was to characterize the agroecological aptitude of Formosa, Argentina, for banana production through the behavior of three varieties of international use: Williams, Jaffa and Grand Naine, evaluated over five consecutive years. The three-way data analysis technique called Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) was used for evaluating the varieties’ performances across cycles of production. The results allowed for inferring the existence of a genotype x environment interaction (GEI), corroborated by two-way factorial ANOVA. In order to determine how this suboptimal environment affected the development of each genotype of this perennial crop, Dual Multiple Factor Analysis (DMFA) was applied to jointly analyze the correlation structure between the traits that contributed to the performance of each variety in each year. The correlation structures between variables were different in each population and varied between years. All traits showed great variation between the years and genotypes, with the fruit peel thickness being the most discrepant throughout the years. However, Formosa appeared as a promising subtropical agroecological environment to produce banana because the varieties’ performances were acceptable for large-scale production systems. In addition to evaluating the adequate aptitude for cultivating banana in Formosa considering the significant effect of the GEIs, this research made a methodological contribution by proposing the use of three-way data analysis in Agronomy Science via MFA and DMFA.

Fiber post cemented using different adhesive strategies to root canal dentin obturated with calcium silicate-based sealer

BackgroundCalcium silicate-based sealer has favorable properties for root canal filling, including hydroxyapatite formation during the setting process. However, this process can cause difficulty during post space preparation when the sealer is set. Additionally, the remaining sealer could interfere with the bond strength of fiber post to root canal dentin. The different adhesive strategies and fiber post cementation time may affect the bond strength of the fiber post. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of etching modes of Scotchbond™ Universal Plus adhesive and post cementation time on the push-out bond strength of a fiber post cemented in root canals obturated with calcium silicate-based sealer.MethodsFifty-four teeth were randomly allocated to 6 groups (n = 9) based on etching modes: self-etch (SE) or etch-and-rinse (ER); post space preparation and cementation time: immediate (Im) or 7-day delayed (De): Im-Im, Im-De, and De-De. The root canals were obturated with calcium silicate-based sealer and the post space preparation was performed. The fiber post was cemented using RelyX™ Universal resin cement according to each group’s design. For the push-out bond strength test, 1-mm slices of the coronal, middle, and apical regions were tested using a universal testing machine. The failure mode analysis was determined using a stereomicroscope. The data was analyzed with three-way analysis of variance.ResultsNo negative effects of etching modes, post space preparation or cementation time on push-out bond strength were detected (p > 0.05). Additionally, the root canal region also did not significantly affect the bond strength (p > 0.05).ConclusionNo significant differences were observed between the etching modes, post space preparation and cementation time and among root canal regions.Clinical relevanceThe different etching modes of adhesive and post cementation time did not affect the bond strength of fiber post in calcium silicate filled-root canal.

A new approach to three-dimensional monitoring of surface changes in lakes: application of three-way data analysis model in Lake Burdur, Turkey.

Lakes are areas of ecological significance that host a wide range of living species. Therefore, monitoring changes in lake surfaces is critical for ecosystem preservation. Since conventional methods based on one-dimensional data analysis have limited capacity to analyze complex systems, they may not always produce the desired results in examining surface change. In this regard, a novel approach based on a three-way analysis model of a multi-temporal dataset was improved for the first time to monitor surface changes in Lake Burdur between 2014 and 2023 in terms of latitude, longitude, and year modes. The newly proposed approach, based on the deconvolution of a multi-temporal data series, provided a new way and an alternative approach with a three-dimensional perspective for the simultaneous prediction of changes in latitude, longitude, and relative quantity profiles of Lake Burdur between 2014 and 2023. The proposed approach is based on the parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) modeling of the multi-temporal datasets. The change in the lake surface as water levels were monitored from latitudinal and longitudinal profiles was obtained by applying the PARAFAC model to the multi-temporal data array. In the same model, the change in lake water surface over the years was determined from the relative quantity profile. The results obtained from the three-way analysis model were compared with the results provided by the conventional method. It was concluded that the findings of this study could provide valuable information to researchers and policymakers in developing effective strategies to analyze changes in lake surfaces in future studies.

Exploiting experts’ asymmetric knowledge structures for consensus reaching: a multi-criteria group decision making model with three-way conflict analysis and opinion dynamics

Exploiting experts’ asymmetric knowledge structures for consensus reaching: a multi-criteria group decision making model with three-way conflict analysis and opinion dynamics

Morphological Analysis and Bond Strength to Root Canal Dentin of Endodontically Treated and Retreated Teeth: An Ex Vivo Study.

To assess the bond strength and the hybrid layer (HL) micro-morphological characteristics at the cement-dentin interface (CD-i) between root canal walls and two adhesive resin cements [self-etch (SERc) and self-adhesive (SARc)] in root-canal-treated (RCT) and naturally aged retreated teeth (RCR-T). Vital (n &#61; 16) and RCT (n &#61; 16) teeth were, respectively, endodontically treated or retreated. Fiber posts were luted either with SERc (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick &#43; DC Core Plus) or SARc (iCEM). Samples were then sectioned into 1 mm thick slices perpendicular to the fiber post and submitted to push-out bond strength test. Vital (n &#61; 4) and RCT (n &#61; 4) first maxillary molars were also selected and prepared to evaluate CD-i morphology through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc tests were assessed to statistically analyze the obtained data (p 0.05). Bond strength was significantly jeopardized in retreated teeth and in the root apical half, while the cements had no significant influence. Most failures occurred between dentin and resin cement. HL thickness was also hindered in retreated teeth. iCEM produced a thinner HL compared to SERc. Resin tag formation was significantly hampered in the root apical half. SARc performed as well as SERc on aged RCT radicular dentin. Clinicians can rely on simplified one-step luting systems when adhesion is required in unfavorable substrates such as the root canal post space of aged RCT teeth.

Edoxaban pharmacokinetics during in vitro continuous renal replacement therapy

BackgroundTo evaluate the clearance of edoxaban during modeled in vitro continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), assess protein binding and circuit adsorption, and provide initial dosing recommendations.MethodsEdoxaban was added to the CRRT circuit and serial pre-filter bovine blood samples were collected along with post-filter blood and effluent samples. All experiments were performed in duplicate using continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) and hemodialysis (CVVHD) modes, with varying filter types, flow rates, and point of CVVH replacement fluid dilution. Concentrations of edoxaban and urea were quantified via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma pharmacokinetic parameters for edoxaban were estimated via noncompartmental analysis. Two and three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) models were built to assess the effects of mode, filter type, flow rate, and point of dilution on CLCRRT. Linear regression was utilized to provide dosing estimations across CRRT effluent flow rates from 0.5 to 5 L/h. Optimal edoxaban doses were suggested using CLCRRT and population non-renal clearance (CLNR) to estimate total clearance and match the systemic AUC associated with efficacy in the treatment of venous thromboembolism.ResultsEdoxaban clearance from the CRRT circuit occurred primarily via hemofilter adsorption to the HF1400 and M150 filters at 74% and 65%, respectively, while mean percent protein binding was 41%. Multivariate analyses confirmed the lack of influence of CRRT mode, filter type, and point of dilution on the CLCRRT of edoxaban allowing dosing recommendations to be made based on effluent flow rate. Edoxaban doses of 30-45 mg once daily were estimated to achieve target the AUC threshold for flow rates from 0.5 to 5 L/h.ConclusionFor CRRT flow rates most employed in clinical practice, an edoxaban dose of 45 mg once daily is predicted to achieve target systemic exposure thresholds for venous thromboembolism treatment. The safety and efficacy of this proposed dosing warrants further investigation in clinical studies.

Assessing the influence of an android robot's persuasive behaviors and context of violation on compliance

This study investigates how the perception of persuasive behaviors (polite, logical, displeased, angry) of an android robot is affected by situations regarding the context of violation (affecting oneself or others), and by subject traits, such as compliance awareness (CA) and agreeableness (AG). We conducted a video-based experiment based on a mixed-subjects design with 98 participants from the US and conducted a three-way mixed analysis of variance to investigate the impact of persuasive types and situation types (as within-subject factors), and the subject trait groups (CA or AG, as between-subject factors), on the subjective impressions of the persuasive behaviors by the android robot. Results showed that more negative behaviors (anger and displeasure) are appraised as being more appropriate and effective to persuade a violator in situations where the violation affects others, while no clear preference was found in a situation where the violation affects only oneself. Regarding the subject traits, participants with higher CA and lower AG would be willing to adhere to any persuasive behaviors, while their counterparts would dislike being persuaded through negative behaviors by the robot. These findings can be considered in future studies to develop cognitive models for generating situation-aware behaviors in social robots.

Analysis of vibration signals near ground surface during blasting excavation of a tunnel in fractured rock

This study aims to analyze the vibration signals near the ground surface due to the underneath drilling and blasting activities in a fissured rock tunnel. Blasting induced vibration on the ground surface was continuously monitored in a fissured rock tunnel drilling and blasting excavation project in field. Wavelet packet analysis of the vibration signals using Matlab was carried out for signal denoising, differential blasting delay time interval identification, and three-way time-frequency energy analysis. The results show that within a 30 m range from the palm face, the dominant frequency bands of blasting-induced vibrations on the ground surface were concentrated in the range of 0–130 Hz. Two prominent peak frequency bands were identified at 31.25–39.063 Hz (low-frequency band) and 93.75–101.56 Hz (high-frequency band), accounting for 12% of the total energy. Among the three directions of ground surface vibrations, the energy decay was the most significant in the x-direction (tunnel excavation direction), which amounted to 54.29% of the overall energy decay with increasing distance. The energy decay within the 50–80 Hz range was the most pronounced (more than 90%), when the angle between the vibration propagation direction and the fissure or joint direction was 75°. The conclusions provide the insights in the attenuation of blast-induced vibrations in fissured rock and can potentially assist in the design of blasting vibration control.

Examining gaze behavior in undergraduate students and educators during the evaluation of tooth preparation: an eye-tracking study

BackgroundGaze behavior can serve as an objective tool in undergraduate pre-clinical dental education, helping to identify key areas of interest and common pitfalls in the routine evaluation of tooth preparations. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the gaze behavior of undergraduate dental students and dental educators while evaluating a single crown tooth preparation.MethodsThirty-five participants volunteered to participate in the study and were divided into a novice group (dental students, n = 18) and an expert group (dental educators, n = 17). Each participant wore a binocular eye-tracking device, and the total duration of fixation was evaluated as a metric to study the gaze behavior. Sixty photographs of twenty different tooth preparations in three different views (buccal, lingual, and occlusal) were prepared and displayed during the experimental session. The participants were asked to rate the tooth preparations on a 100 mm visual analog rating scale and were also asked to determine whether each tooth preparation was ready to make an impression. Each view was divided into different areas of interest. Statistical analysis was performed with a three-way analysis of the variance model with repeated measures.ResultsBased on the participants’ mean rates, the “best” and the “worst” tooth preparations were selected for analysis. The results showed a significantly longer time to decision in the novices compared to the experts (P = 0.003) and a significantly longer time to decision for both the groups in the best tooth preparation compared to the worst tooth preparation (P = 0.002). Statistical analysis also showed a significantly longer total duration of fixations in the margin compared to all other conditions for both the buccal (P < 0.012) and lingual (P < 0.001) views.ConclusionsThe current study showed distinct differences in gaze behavior between the novices and the experts during the evaluation of single crown tooth preparation. Understanding differences in gaze behavior between undergraduate dental students and dental educators could help improve tooth preparation skills and provide constructive customized feedback.

Comparing effects of high starch diet or high lipid diet supplemented with different levels of zinc on intestinal barrier and microbe community in largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides

Zinc is essential for normal growth and reproduction in all animals and plays a crucial role in many biological processes. The present study aimed to compare the intervention effects of zinc on intestinal health in a high lipid diet or high starch diet. Seven iso-nitrogenous (∼520 g kg−1) diets were formulated containing a positive control diet (115 g kg−1 lipid + 115 g kg−1 starch + 20 mg kg−1 Zn), three high starch diets (HS, 166 g kg−1 starch) and three high lipid diets (HL, 182 g kg−1 lipid), with 0 (HS-LZn, HL-LZn), 20 (HS-MZn, HL-MZn) and 150 (HS-HZn, HL-HZn) mg kg−1 Zn being supplemented. High starch diet and high lipid diet promoted feed efficiency, as evidenced by the lower feed conversion ratio. Three-way factorial ANOVA analysis showed high starch diet (166 g kg−1) significantly decreased final body weight and weight gain compared to the normal starch level (115 g kg−1). Diamine oxidase in serum significantly increased in diets HS-LZn and HL-LZn. In addition, distal intestinal mucosal fold damage and inflammatory infiltration were observed in the HS-LZn, HS-HZn, HL-LZn and HL-HZn groups. Fish fed HL diets (HL-LZn, HL-MZn, HL-HZn) showed lower expressions of claudin 5 and claudin 34, and higher IgD and IgM. Diets HL-LZn and HL-MZn significantly up-regulated C4 and C7. Proinflammatory cytokines including il8, il1β and tnfα significantly up-regulated in diet HL-LZn, even higher than the HS-LZn. Intestinal microbial composition indicated the abundance of Cetobacterium in HL-LZn was significantly higher than the control and HL-MZn diets. Similarly, LEfSe showed that Cetobacterium (P = 0.039) significantly enriched in the HL-LZn group. This study clarified high energy diet induced intestinal damage, which can be alleviated by zinc.

Variation of chin morphology and mandibular incisor length in different facial divergence patterns: New insights from CBCT records.

Evaluate constitutional differences in chin morphology and volume, and mandibular tooth size, between different facial divergence patterns. The sample consisted of 284 pretreatment cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of growing and non-growing patients who were stratified into 4 groups based on mandibular plane inclination to cranial base (SN) angle. Linear and angular measurements were made on the lateral CBCT images: mandibular lateral incisor crown (I-C) total (I-A) lengths, the distances between point D (centre of symphysis) and both incisor apex (D-A) and menton (D-Me) and between cemento-enamel junction and menton (CEJ-Me); chin width at the level of the central incisor apex (CWA) and point D (CWD); and the angles of the anterior and posterior symphyseal slopes. The volume of the symphysis was measured using a specialized 3D imaging software. Group differences and associations between parameters were gauged through the three-way ANOVA analysis. I-C, I-A, D-A, D-Me and CEJ-Me were greater in the hyperdivergent group (p < .001). CWA and CWD were wider in the hypodivergent group (p = .003). Volume of the chin and inter-slope angles were similar in all groups (p > .05). The anterior slope angle decreased with hyperdivegence (p < .005) in opposite pattern to the posterior slope angle (p < .005). Shape differences in mandibular symphysis were observed between opposite divergence patterns. Mandibular incisors were longer with hyperdivergence and shorter with hypodivergence. However, chin volumes were similar across divergence groups. These findings underline the role of genetic and environmental factors that impact facial growth.

Diagnostic accuracy of Truenat MTB Plus, Truenat MTB Ultima and Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in an HIV-endemic setting.

Truenat MTB Plus (MTB Plus) and MTB Ultima (Ultima) are World Health Organization-endorsed low-complexity tuberculosis (TB) tests, however, performance data are scarce. Adults (≥18 years; n=498) self-presenting with symptoms to primary care clinics in Cape Town, South Africa (19/02/2016-22/02/2023) provided sputa. We evaluated the accuracy of MTB Plus and Ultima, with Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra) as a comparator, vs. a single culture (TB reference standard) or MTBDRplus on an isolate (rifampicin susceptibility reference standard). The proportion of MTB Plus and Ultima unsuccessful results was 20% (95% confidence interval 17, 23) and 14 (11, 16), respectively, with ≥half resolving upon retesting the same eluate. In a three-way analysis, MTB Plus, Ultima and Ultra had sensitivities of 84% (78, 88), 90% (85, 93), and 92% (87, 95), and specificities of 95% (92, 97), 85% (80, 88) and 95% (92, 97) for TB. The proportion of unsuccessful results for MTB-RIF Dx done the same day as DNA extraction was 9% (3, 16; MTB Plus-positives) and 18% (10, 26; Ultima-positives) [if after day-of-extraction, these were 27% (18, 35) and 44% (35, 51)]. Same-day rifampicin susceptibility testing was often unsuccessful in samples with "very low" load [73% (58, 89) MTB Plus, 75% (65, 86) Ultima] but had 100% (40, 100) sensitivity and 99% (96, 100) specificity (for both MTB Plus- or Ultima-positive DNA). Lot variation in unsuccessful and false-positive results was observed. Ultima showed comparable sensitivity to Ultra but specificity, lot variation, and, like MTB-RIF Dx, unsuccessful result rates were suboptimal. European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, and South African Medical Research Council.

Effectiveness of XP-Endo Finisher, Endoactivator, and PUI agitation in the penetration of intracanal medicaments into dentinal tubules: A confocal laser scanning microscope analysis.

This investigation assessed the impact of irrigation activation systems on the depth of penetration of intracanal medicaments into dentinal tubules. Ninety-six mandibular premolar teeth were prepared using ProTaper Next up to size X3. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups based on the final irrigation activation systems (n=24): group 1: EndoActivator, group 2: XP-Endo Finisher, group 3: Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and group 4: control. After the final irrigation, all the samples were divided into two subgroups (n=12): subgroup A: calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2 ) and subgroup B: modified triple antibiotic paste (mTAP). Statistical analysis involved three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). EndoActivator, XP-Endo Finisher, and PUI activation methods significantly increased the penetration of intracanal medicaments compared to conventional needle irrigation (P<0.05). The XP-Endo Finisher group exhibited the highest penetration percentage and maximum penetration depth, showing a statistically significant difference from the EndoActivator group (P<0.001). No significant difference was observed between XP-Endo Finisher and PUI, nor between PUI and EndoActivator (P>0.05). mTAP showed a higher percentage of dentinal tubule penetration than Ca(OH)2, although no significant difference was found in maximum penetration depth. The coronal region demonstrated the highest penetration percentage and depth, while the apical region showed the lowest. This study showed the effectiveness of XP-Endo Finisher in improving the penetration of intracanal medicaments into dentinal tubules. The findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate irrigation activation systems to improve treatment outcomes in endodontics. By demonstrating the effectiveness of advanced systems like XP-Endo Finisher, this research supports their integration into routine clinical practice for better endodontic success.

Evaluating the strength characteristics of mixtures of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash and reddish laterite clay for sustainable construction

This study examines effects of mixing municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWI-BA) with reddish laterite clay (RLC), evaluating factors such as vertical stress, mixing ratio, curing period, and the addition of lime. A total of 153 direct shear tests were conducted to thoroughly assess the mixture's strength characteristics. Vertical stress levels of 85.5 kPa, 172.4 kPa, and 259.3 kPa were used to simulate varying stress conditions, while mixing ratios of 40 %, 80 %, 100 %, and 120 % were applied to explore potential applications of recycled MSWI-BA with clayey soils. A fast-curing approach was employed, with curing periods of 24, 48, and 72 h, to investigate the time-dependent strength development under controlled conditions. A three-way ANOVA analysis confirmed that mixing ratio, curing period, and vertical stress significantly impacted both peak and residual shear strength. The 100 % MSWI-BA mixture, with or without 1 % lime, exhibited optimal performance, providing the pronounced shear strengths and dilative behavior. The study found that MSWI-BA significantly improved shear strength ratios compared to the RLC, with improvement ratios ranging from 1.439 to 2.460 across stress levels. Additionally, upper and lower bound equations for peak and residual strength ratios were developed, providing predictive tools for mixture design. Cohesion values in the range of 8.3–128.9 kPa and friction angles from 40.6° to 44.1° were achieved, surpassing or matching those reported in similar research. The study employed Bolton's (1986) dilatancy model, finding α values between 0.61 and 0.71, comparable to those in studies of granular materials. These results highlight the effectiveness of adding MSWI-BA and lime in enhancing reddish laterite soil stabilization through both chemical and mechanical means, making it a sustainable and cost-effective approach for civil engineering projects by improving material strength, reusing local soils, recycling waste, and reducing carbon footprints.

Repair Bond Strength of Composite Resin to Dental Ceramic Using Various Surface Treatments: An In Vitro Study

Abstract Aim: This research aims to evaluate and compare the effect of various surface treatments and adhesive types on the bond strength between composite resin and two types of ceramic materials. Materials and Methods: A total of 98 disk-shaped of 10 mm diameter and 4 mm thickness were fabricated for each of the zirconia (H. C. Starck) and lithium disilicate (IPS E-Max computer-aided design), which were implanted individually in the acrylic resin mold leaving one surface exposed. The disks in each group were sub-divided according to the surface treatments into seven groups (n = 14): [hydrofluoric acid (HF, 9.5%), air abrasion, bur, laser, HF + bur, HF + air abrasion, HF + laser]. Each sub-group was further divided into two groups (n = 7) according to the type of adhesive used for the repairing procedure [G-Premio Bond universal adhesive group and intraoral repair kit (BISCO) group]. Each adhesive was applied depending on manufacturer instructions and, then, the composite cylinder (4 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height) was built on the pre-determined treated ceramic surface area by the addition of rubber mold. Then the samples were stored in distal water for 24 h. After that, all groups were submitted to a shear bond test using an Instron testing machine (TSTM 02500; Elista Ltd., Istanbul, Turkey) at 0.5 mm/min a crosshead speed. The data were analyzed by three-way analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test at (P ≤ 0.05). Results: The HF + air abrasion groups registered the higher bond strength but with no statistically significant difference from groups of HF + bur. While the laser groups showed the lowest mean bond strength. Generally, E-Max registered significantly higher bond strength in comparison to zirconia. Finally, the BISCO repair system registered a significantly higher bond strength value in comparison to G-Premio. Conclusion: Combined surface treatment of HF + air abrasion with an intraoral repair kit can provide a promising method for repairing cracked ceramic restorations. However, repairing lithium disilicate is more predictable and successful than zirconia.