Treatment Time Research Articles

Cephalometric variation of vertical dimension in patients treated with hyrax-type and McNamara-type rapid palatal expander. Study on latero-lateral teleradiography

To analyze changes in the vertical dimension of the lower third of the face studied on teleradiograph in L-L following rapid palatal expansion achieved by four-band Hyrax-type rapid palatal expander (RPE) and by acrylic-bonded McNamara RPE to identify the most appropriate therapeutic choice based on the patient's facial growth pattern. 30 patients were selected, of whom 20 (9 males and 11 females with a mean age of 8.285 ± 1.216) were treated using McNamara RPE (Group D), and 10 (6 males and 4 females with a mean age of 8.562 ± 1.152) were treated with Hyrax RPE (Group B), for an average treatment time T0-T1 of 0.96 ± 0.501 years. According to Tweed and Ricketts, Cephalometric tracings obtained from lateral cephalograms at T0 and T1 were analyzed to study changes in the vertical dimension of the lower third of the face. For this purpose, 6 cephalometric landmarks were considered: convexity (distance of point A to the NPg plane), Ricketts’ total face height (angle between the NBa plane and Xi-Pm plane), lower face height (angle between the ANS and Xi-Pm planes), facial axis (angle between the NaBa plane and PtGn plane), ANB angle, and FMA angle. No statistically significant differences were found between the measurements at T0 and T1 for any of the 6 cephalometric measurements considered, neither within the single groups nor when comparing the two. However, a greater increasing trend was found for some variables between the two groups, such as Ricketts' total facial height, lower facial height, and FMA angle, although not statistically significant. Hyrax and McNamara's RPEs have provided minimal changes in the vertical component during palatal expansion treatment, thus demonstrating their ability to preserve the vertical dimension of the face. Therefore, there are no contraindications for using either appliance for patients with dolichofacial growth patterns.

Plasma activated solution synergistic with exogenous RONS enhances cancer cell apoptosis for improved tumor therapy

Abstract The role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in plasma-activated solution (PAS) for inducing cancer cell apoptosis is well-established, but suboptimal concentrations and rapid degradation often limit their efficacy. This study addresses a significant gap in current research by exploring how the incorporation of exogenous RONS into PAS can enhance apoptosis in cancer cells, potentially overcoming the limitations of traditional PAS treatments. In this study, the effect of treating saline with a plasma jet for different durations was investigated to analyze how its chemical composition triggers apoptosis in cancer cells in vitro. It was observed that longer plasma treatment times resulted in lower cell viability, the reactive species of H2O2, NO2- and ONOO- were found to play a crucial role in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Based on these findings, the anticancer efficacy of PAS was further evaluated after the addition of specific exogenous RONS, using measures such as cell viability, intracellular ROS levels, and microscopic imaging. Biological experiments demonstrated that the anticancer efficacy followed the order: addition of RONS to saline before plasma discharge treatment > addition of RONS to saline after plasma discharge treatment > exogenous RONS solution without plasma treatment. This suggests that the external introduction of RONS can modify the chemical composition of PAS to effectively enhance its anticancer properties, with the addition of H2O2 before plasma discharge treatment proving to be the most effective strategy. These results provide a novel perspective on harnessing the anticancer potential of PAS and expanding its potential applications in tumor therapy.

External beam radiotherapy followed by image-guided adaptive brachytherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer: a multicenter retrospective analysis.

To evaluate oncological outcomes and toxicities in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by image-guided adaptive brachytherapy at two Italian centres. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 122 patients with LACC treated between 2010 and 2022. Primary endpoints were local control (LC), pelvic control (PC), and nodal control (NC). Secondary endpoints included disease-free survival (DFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), overall survival (OS), and late toxicity. Correlations between patient characteristics and oncological outcomes were conducted. Brachytherapy planning was CT and MRI-based in 88 (72.1%) and 34 patients (27.9%), respectively. The mean total dose (EQD2) delivered to high-risk clinical target volume was 82Gy. Overall treatment time was ≤ 50days and > 50days in 48 (39.3%) and 74 patients (60.7%), respectively. At a mean follow up of 101months, 3 and 5-year LC rates were 87% and 85%, respectively. Five-year PC and NC rates were 77% and 85.1%. Five-year DFS and OS were 61% and 65.4%, respectively, with significant correlations between these outcomes and FIGO stage and nodal status at diagnosis. Gastrointestinal, genitourinary and vaginal adverse effects were the most reported late toxicities and 8 (6.5%) grade 3-5 events were observed. 32 patients (26.2%) had vaginal stenosis and it was significantly related to 3D imaging used for brachytherapy planning. The study confirmed the efficacy and safety of chemoradiotherapy and IGABT for LACC. Full implementation of MRI treatment planning and interstitial techniques could further enhance personalized treatment and outcomes.

Impact of DBD Plasma Jet Treatment on the Enamel Surface of Primary Teeth.

The impact of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment on the enamel of twelve primary teeth (incisors, canines, and molars) collected from six children was examined in order to evaluate the possibility of using the CAP technique in dental applications. A radio-frequency dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma jet operating at a voltage of 3.25 kV using a mixture of helium and oxygen as the working gas was used for the generation of plasma as part of the electro-technological method for the treatment of biological material. The plasma exposure time for the primary teeth was 5, 10, and 20 min. The properties of tooth enamel (color, contact angles, surface roughness, surface topography, elemental composition) were examined before (control) and after the plasma treatment. As shown by the results, the plasma treatment time is a key parameter that can induce desired features, such as whitening or improved wettability. However, with prolonged plasma treatment (20 min), the enamel surface may be permanently damaged. The cold-plasma-treated samples were characterized by a higher value of the brightness L* parameter and thus a lighter color, compared to the CAP-untreated teeth. It was also evidenced that the plasma treatment increased the hydrophilicity of tooth surfaces, and the contact angles effectively decreased with the time of the CAP treatment. The tooth surface also became much more heterogeneous and rough with much greater amplitudes in heights. The surface of the primary teeth after the CAP treatment lost its homogeneity, as evidenced by the SEM micrographs. The analysis of the elemental composition revealed only minor changes after the plasma process, which may suggest that the observed morphological changes in the enamel surface are mainly physical and are not a consequence of chemical reactions between the enamel and the reactive components of the cold plasma. Plasma treatment of teeth opens up new possibilities of using this method as an alternative to whitening or pre-treatment before other dental procedures.

RF pulsed plasma modified composite scaffold for enhanced anti-microbial activity and accelerated wound healing

Infected wounds present significant challenges pertaining to healing and often demand administration of strong antibiotics to patients. Also, drug resistant microbes may alter the physiology of wounds to create biofilms, frequently leading to high morbidity and mortality. In this investigation, a biodegradable, microporous composite agarose-chitosan scaffold was fabricated. Furthermore, its surface was modified with diphenyldiselenide deposition, using low pressure pulsed plasma technology. The optimized plasma parameters, viz. 5ON/15OFF (ms) of plasma pulse rate and 80 min of treatment time resulted in scaffolds having enhanced anti-bacterial activity against gram positive microbes like Staphylococcus (S.) aureus and S. epidermidis. The scaffolds were non-toxic to skin cells, as confirmed by the MTT assay. Cell proliferation through plasma treated and native scaffolds was assessed by culturing primary human dermal fibroblasts (HdaF) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and visualizing via confocal microscopy. Moreover, in-vivo rat model confirmed accelerated wound healing with plasma treated scaffold (100 % on day 14), as compared to the native scaffold (100 % on day 16) when compared with over-the-counter (OTC) ointment Betadine (100 % on day 12).

Effect of Sodium Selenite Foliar Treatment on the Nutritional Quality of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinsk

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja is a rare, endemic tree species in China. The leaves of C. paliurus contain a high concentration of biologically active compounds, and they are often used to make herbal tea. Exogenous selenium (Se) enrichment can promote the levels of active ingredients in C. paliurus. To explore the effects of exogenous Se enrichment, this study applied different concentrations of sodium selenite solution on the leaves (0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 300 mg/L) and measured the changes in Se, secondary metabolites, soluble sugar, soluble protein, starch, and trace elements in the leaves at different treatment times. The results showed that with the increase in the concentration of sodium selenite spray, the selenium content in the leaves of C. paliurus gradually increased, and high selenium concentrations could cause seedling burning to the leaf surface (>160 mg/kg). When the selenium treatment concentration was 80 mg/kg, the selenium content reached the maximum value of the selenium-rich tea standard (4 mg/kg). The content of polyphenols and most elements reached their maxima under the treatment of 40 mg/L Na2SeO3, except for Mg and Mn, which peaked at 300 mg/L. The content of soluble sugars (38.1 mg/g) and starch reached their maxima under relatively high selenium treatment concentrations, whereas soluble protein (10.63 mg/g) exhibited its maximum value in the control group. The optimal harvest time was mainly concentrated in the 10–20 day treatment period. The objective of this research is to investigate the effects of exogenous selenium application on the nutritional quality of C. paliurus leaves. The findings will provide guidance for the effective cultivation of selenium-enriched Poria cocos as a medicinal and health-promoting product.

Integrated Online-to-Offline Model of Care for HIV Prevention and Treatment Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Protocol for an Intervention Development and a Multiphase Trial.

HIV continues to have a disproportionate impact on specific populations in Malaysia, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a strategy that has been shown to scale up HIV testing rates. However, it faces shortcomings because of concerns about self-efficacy, result interpretation, and lack of counseling and linkage to care. This underscores the need for an innovative approach that integrates HIVST with timely counseling, expert guidance, and referrals to enhance engagement in relevant HIV prevention or treatment. This study aims to describe the protocol used in developing and testing a web-based platform (ie, CINTAI) providing an HIVST kit and real-time e-counseling to support online-to-offline linkage to HIV care services for MSM in Malaysia. The methods are reported according to the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) 2013 guidelines. In phase I, we will adapt existing HIVST web-based platforms to create a new online-to-offline HIVST and counseling platform called "CINTAI" for Malaysian MSM. In phase II, we will use a type 1 hybrid implementation trial design to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of "CINTAI" compared with treatment as usual among Malaysian MSM, with assessments conducted over 6 months. Multilevel implementation factors will also be collected to guide future adoption and scale-up. We will enroll 78 MSM in the pilot randomized controlled trial. Baseline characteristics will be tested for homogeneity between groups using appropriate statistical tests. A generalized linear mixed model with random subject effects will account for within-subject correlation. Treatment assignment, time, interaction, and confounders will be included. The proportion of MSM tested for HIV over 6 months and other outcomes (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV or antiretroviral therapy linkage, HIV risk behaviors, and chemsex harm reduction) will be compared using linear contrasts. We completed phase I of the proposed study in April 2024 and started phase II in May 2024, with 15 participants recruited (7 in the CINTAI and 8 in the treatment-as-usual groups). On the basis of a series of formative works completed during phase I, we developed a fully functional, web-based platform that provides a digital platform for MSM in Malaysia to order HIVST kits for free and to receive HIV counseling, followed by offline linkage to HIV prevention services (if HIV negative) or HIV treatment services (if HIV positive). Despite being at high risk for HIV transmission, MSM in Malaysia have alarmingly low testing and linkage to HIV care services, prompting the need for innovative approaches to support HIV prevention efforts. If found to be feasible and acceptable, CINTAI can be easily adapted for a range of health outcomes and health care delivery services for MSM, including adaptation to other low- and middle-income countries. DERR1-10.2196/60962.

An enhanced electrokinetic system for remediation of Cu-polluted clay soils by integrating purging solutions and intermittent power

This study investigated the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of purging solutions enhanced by intermittent power in improving electrokinetic (EK) restoration of clay soils even under high levels of heavy metals (HM). In so doing, the artificially contaminated specimens containing a wide range of copper (Cu) were prepared and then subjected to a series of EK tests with various electrolytes and electric regimes. Macro and micro scale examinations revealed that under the unenhanced EK condition (i.e., continuous current without agents), the formation of non-conducting solid phases and/or the clogged fabric in the samples with the high dosages (> 250 mg/kg) of HM could dramatically impede the metal separation from the soil. Hence, increasing the remediation time would not be very effective in facilitating the decontamination process. It was observed that the EDTA-ameliorated treatment accompanied by pentetic acid and acetic acid can mitigate the metal precipitation/encapsulation effects induced by EK actions, resulting in improved rate of HM removal. In this case; however, a high portion of these enhancers would be required to ensure the stable mobility of ions and to achieve successful recovery. Such a limitation has been shown to be overcome by incorporating pulsed power (PP) at an optimal frequency. In fact, as evidenced by SEM-EDX and XRD analyses, the integration of chemical agents with PP could simultaneously retain the solubilized Cu species in the soil mass and modify the matrix tortuosity (i.e., the establishment of well-linked pores), two features that have been found to play essential roles in providing for favorable activity of HM ions during the EK operation. The corresponding refinements in the binary system would cause an almost 8 folds increase in the removal efficiency and a shorter (up to 30 %) time of treatment compared to conventional EK.

Antibacterial action of novel zeolite-based compositions depends upon doping with Ag(+) and Сu(2+) cations

Recently, there is a growing interest to exploration of sorption and catalytic properties of solid nanomaterials, in particular natural zeolites, as well as to study of their antimicrobial effects with the aim of potential using them as a principal component of disinfection and degassing remedies. The purpose of this work was to study the antimicrobial action of compositions based on the Transcarpathian clinoptilolite (CL) doped with Ag+ and Сu2+ cations or Ag microparticles (MPs). These compositions were subjected to mechanochemical modification in ethanol medium and with the addition of plant (Actinidia arguta) extract used as an antioxidant. Mechanochemical treatment (MChT) of all forms of CL MPs led to their grinding which caused better contact of CL with bacterial cells, while an increased content of larger pores improved their access to the active sites on the surface of the CL MPs. Treatment of CL samples with metallic silver used as a dopant with the help of the extract of Actinidia arguta plant did not increase the antibacterial activity regardless of treatment time. Treatment of AgNO3 with ethanol slightly increased the antibacterial action of the CL MPs towards Gram-positive bacteria and decreased it towards Gram-negative bacteria. The CL samples doped with copper and treated with ethanol and plant (Actinidia arguta) extract demonstrated comparable toxic action towards Bacillus subtilis regardless of grinding conditions. While such a treatment caused a significant decrease in the antibacterial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, compared to the action of samples that were not treated with that plant extract. To address the potential biochemical mechanisms of the antibacterial action of the created zeolite-based compositions, their influence on generation of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) was studied using diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPH) fluorescent dye. Most versions of the CL composites demonstrated time-dependent antioxidant effect comparable with the effect of the ascorbic acid used as a positive control. Thus, the ROS generation is not the mechanism that is responsible for the antibacterial action of the created CL-based compositions. Probably, that action is explained by the peculiarities of interaction of doped CL microparticles with the surface of the bacterial cells. Keywords: antimicrobial action, clinoptilolite-based compositions, doping with Ag+ and Сu2+ cations, physicochemical treatment

Impact of multi-frequency ultrasound processing with different treatment times on the structural quality of frozen wheat dough

This study investigates the effects of multi-frequency ultrasound treatment on the quality of frozen dough. We analyzed frozen wheat dough comprehensively for texture, viscosity, rheology, and structural quality characteristics under multi-frequency ultrasound (20 kHz, 20/40 kHz, and 20/40/60 kHz) with different treatment times (10, 20, and 30 mins). The dough treated with multi-frequency ultrasound increased elasticity and reduced hardness. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that 20/40/60 kHz for 30 min minimized freezing-induced morphological damage, decreased the tan δ in rheological analysis, and led to higher pasting and gelatinization enthalpy in starch granules, resulting in a more cohesive structure and lower free water content. Frozen dough hardness decreased by 52.1 %, which is associated with the control frozen dough with ultrasound frequency and duration changes. The spectral peaks in wheat flour frozen dough treated with single, dual, and tri-frequency ultrasound had the same forms and positions as the control samples but were arranged in an orderly manner. This study demonstrates the potential of multi-frequency ultrasound to enhance the quality of wheat frozen dough by mitigating freezing-induced deteriorations, offering a promising approach to improving the processing of frozen dough.

Breast cancer radiobiology: The renaissance of whole breast radiation fractionation (Review).

Breast cancer radiotherapy has evolved significantly, driven by decades of research into fractionation schedules aimed at optimizing treatment efficacy and minimizing toxicity. Initial trials such as NSABP B-06 and EBCTCG meta-analyses established the benefits of adjuvant whole-breast irradiation in reducing local recurrence and improving survival rates. The linear-quadratic (LQ) model provided a framework to understand tissue response to radiation, highlighting the importance of the α/β ratio in determining fractionation sensitivity. The present scoping review aimed to identify and describe hypofractionation regimens for whole breast radiotherapy and evaluate dose differences using the LQ model across proposed α/β ratios. A comprehensive PubMed search for clinical trials published since 2010 on hypo-fractionated regimens was performed. Studies discussing α/β ratios for breast cancer have been also searched. Data on dose, fractions and α/β ratios were collected, and biologically effective dose (BED) and equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions were calculated. The coefficient of variation for BED varied with α/β ratios, showing the lowest variability for an α/β ratio of ~3 without tumor repopulation and increased with repopulation (BED-kT; k is a constant that depends on the repopulation rate of the tumor, and T is the total treatment time in days). Significant differences in BED variances were observed across α/β ratios (F-statistic 219.6, P<0.0001). START trials (P, A, and B) established α/β ratios of 3-4 Gy for breast cancer and normal tissues, confirming that hypofractionation is as effective as standard fractionation with potentially fewer late toxicities. Subsequent trials, such as FAST and FAST-Forward, demonstrated that ultra-hypofractionation is equivalent in tumor compared with conventional regimens. Further research is needed to gain a stronger understanding of radiobiological properties of breast cancer cells. Advances in radiotherapy technologies and the integration of biomarkers, radiomics and genomics are transforming treatment, moving towards precision medicine.

Impact of surface dielectric barrier discharge cold atmospheric plasma on quality and stability of fresh-cut iceberg lettuce

This study evaluated the impact of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on fresh-cut iceberg lettuce (FIL) quality and stability. CAP treatments were performed using a Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge, applying 6 kV at 23 kHz and exposition times varying from 15 to 60 min. FIL was analysed before and after treatments for polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity, microbial contamination, colour, surface microstructure properties, chlorophylls content, polyphenols (TPC), ascorbic acid (AA), and antioxidant activity (AoA). TPC, AA and AoA were evaluated also after storage (4 °C for 5 days). CAP treatments provoked a reduction of PPO and POD activity with a processing time- and ozone-concentration-dependent effect. After treatments, a slight inactivation of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria was observed, while yeast counts remained unaffected. With increasing treatment times, increasing cell damages and colour variations were detected, and a decrease of chlorophylls, TPC, AA, and AoA. After storage, an overall AoA increase was observed due to increased extractability or production by living cells of antioxidant compounds. These findings provide insights into the efficacy of CAP treatment in preserving fresh-cut iceberg lettuce quality. Further investigations are needed to optimize the process conditions and increase microbial inactivation while limiting qualitative damage to the product.

The use of argon plasma coagulation in ruptured hemorrhagic syndrome (Mallory-Weiss syndrome) complicated by ongoing bleeding

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation for endoscopic hemostasis in Mallory-Weiss syndrome. Materials and methods: on the basis of a clinical observation of a patient admitted to the emergency department of the State Budgetary Healthcare Institution of the Moscow Region of the Children’s Central City Hospital with complaints of vomiting of scarlet blood, dark stools, weakness, dizziness. The patient underwent emergency EGDS. Results: According to the EGDS data, a linear mucosal rupture was detected in the lower third of the esophagus along the posterior wall with a transition to the stomach cardia along the lesser curvature, about 8-9 cm long (5 cm in the esophagus, 3-4 cm in the stomach), up to 2 cm deep. -3 mm, from the rupture there is a flow of scarlet blood of medium intensity, in the bottom of the defect, fibers of the submucosal and muscular layers were determined. Endoscopic hemostasis was performed: argon plasma coagulation of the rupture of the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach. Against the background of endoscopic treatment by argon plasma coagulation in a patient with a long rupture, hemostasis was achieved and surgical treatment was avoided, which could aggravate the condition and lengthen the treatment time. Conclusions: Argon plasma coagulation as a non-contact method of hemostasis has a limited penetration depth and is safer and more effective than other (contact) electrocoagulation methods, where, as a rule, it is difficult to control the depth of exposure. The use of this method improves the efficiency of endoscopic hemostasis, reduces economic costs, and reduces the patient’s stay in bed.

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Combined Effects of Methyl Jasmonate and Wounding on Flavonoid and Anthraquinone Biosynthesis in Senna tora.

Jasmonates, including jasmonic acid (JA) and its derivatives such as methyl jasmonate (MeJA) or jasmonly isoleucine (JA-Ile), regulate plant responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we applied exogenous MeJA onto Senna tora leaves subjected to wounding and conducted a transcriptome deep sequencing analysis at 1 (T1), 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 24 (T24) h after MeJA induction, along with the pretreatment control at 0 h (T0). Out of 18,883 mapped genes, we identified 10,048 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the T0 time point and at least one of the four treatment times. We detected the most DEGs at T3, followed by T6, T1, and T24. We observed the upregulation of genes related to JA biosynthesis upon exogenous MeJA application. Similarly, transcript levels of genes related to flavonoid biosynthesis increased after MeJA application and tended to reach their maximum at T6. In agreement, the flavonols kaempferol and quercetin reached their highest accumulation at T24, whereas the levels of the anthraquinones aloe-emodin, emodin, and citreorosein remained constant until T24. This study highlights an increase in flavonoid biosynthesis following both MeJA application and mechanical wounding, whereas no significant influence is observed on anthraquinone biosynthesis. These results provide insights into the distinct regulatory pathways of flavonoid and anthraquinone biosynthesis in response to MeJA and mechanical wounding.

Crystallization Behavior and Structure of CaO–SiO2–Al2O3 Melts Representing the Oxide Inclusions in Si‐Mn Deoxidized Steel

For further optimization of the inclusion plasticization control process of Si‐Mn deoxidized steel, the crystallization behavior and structure of CaO–SiO2–Al2O3 system inclusions are investigated. The crystallization behavior of four typical low melting point CaO–SiO2–Al2O3 inclusions at 1000 to 1250 °C is studied by steel crucible isothermal heating experiment. The obtained results reveal that the glassy stability of the inclusions is high when the composition of low melting point inclusion is located in the eutectic region of tridymite, pseudowollastonite, and anorthite in the ternary phase diagram. However, when the composition of the inclusion is located in the eutectic region of melilite, pseudowollastonite, and anorthite, it is easy to undergo glass‐crystallization transformation and precipitate wollastonite and anorthite crystalline phases when isothermal heating at 1100 to 1200 °C. In addition, the crystallization mode of these inclusions is mainly surface crystallization, and the crystallization degree of inclusions increases with the increase of heat treatment temperature and time. The activation energy of crystallization and the content of nonbridging oxygen in the silicate structure NBO/T can be used to predict the crystallization ability of inclusions. The greater the activation energy of crystallization and the smaller the NBO/T value, the higher the glassy stability of the inclusions.

Home Biofilm Management in Orthodontic Aligners: A Systematic Review.

Background. Transparent aligners are recently introduced orthodontic devices considered promising for the improvement of oral health conditions, in terms of faster treatment times and enhanced comfort, especially if compared with traditional fixed orthodontic therapy. This systematic review aimed to evaluate at-home protocols for proper oral hygiene and aligners cleaning during orthodontic treatment. Methods. A search was conducted using the following four databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus. The systematic review (registered as CRD 42024562215) followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and included prospective studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials, and in vivo and ex vivo studies; they had to assess treatment with invisible orthodontics compared to treatment with fixed orthodontics, home oral hygiene, or aligner disinfection protocols. The evidence in the studies was evaluated for risk of bias using the RoB-2 (for RCTs and randomized crossover studies) and ROBINS-I tools (for observational studies). Results. Eleven studies were included in this systematic review: four RCTs, four crossover studies, and three cross-sectional observational studies. Seven studies considered patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, whereas four examined orthodontic aligners. The cleaning protocols of the aligners were evaluated based on the analysis of residual biofilm on the thermoplastic surfaces. Studies included were characterized by a low level of certainty, thus further evidence is needed. Conclusions. The most effective protocols entailed a combination of mechanical and chemical agents, suggesting that it is fundamental for patients undergoing aligner treatment to focus on individually tailored home oral hygiene protocols.

Bacterial Photodynamic Inactivation: Eradication of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Mediated by Pyridinium-Pyrazolyl Zinc(II) Phthalocyanines.

Antimicrobial resistance remains an enduring global health issue, manifested when microorganisms, such as bacteria, lack responsiveness to antimicrobial treatments. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of microorganisms arises as a noninvasive, nontoxic, and repeatable alternative for the inactivation of a broad range of pathogens. So, this study reports the synthesis, structural characterization, and photophysical properties of a new tetra-β-substituted pyridinium-pyrazolyl zinc(II) phthalocyanine (ZnPc 1a) that was compared with two previously described pyridinium-pyrazolyl ZnPcs 2a and 3a. The PDI efficacy of these three ZnPcs (1a-3a) against a drug-resistant Gram-positive bacterium (as Staphylococcus aureus) and a Gram-negative bacterium (as Escherichia coli) is also reported. The PDI efficacy toward these bacteria was examined with ZnPcs 1a-3a in the 5.0-10.0 μM range using a white light source with an irradiance of 150 mW/cm2. All ZnPcs displayed a significant PDI activity against S. aureus, with reductions superior to 3 Log CFU/mL. Increasing the treatment time, the E. coli was inactivated until the detection limit of the method (>6.3 Log CFU/mL) using the quaternized ZnPcs 1a-3a (10.0 μM, 120 min) being the inactivation time was reduced when added the KI for ZnPcs 1a and 3a. These findings demonstrate the effective PDI performance of pyridinium-pyrazolyl group-bearing PSs, indicating their potential use as a versatile antimicrobial agent for managing infections induced by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

The Effect of Complementary Acupressure Therapy on Nausea and Vomiting After Regional Block Anesthesia (Spinal Anesthesia) in the Recovery Room Imelda Indonesian Workers General Hospital, Medan

Postoperative nausea and vomiting is one of the side effects that often occurs in spinal anesthesia. Nausea and vomiting affect patient morbidity such as stress, discomfort, dehydration, prolonging treatment time and increasing treatment costs. This study aims to determine the effect of acupressure therapy on the incidence of nausea and vomiting after spinal anesthesia in the recovery room at the Imelda Workers Indonesia General Hospital, Medan. This type of research is quantitative research with quasi-experimental research methods. Data reports in the province of North Sumatra showed that there were 25,602 patients who underwent surgery. Meanwhile, at the Indonesian Umim Workers Hospital in Medan, data on surgical patients for January-March 2024 totaled 666 patients, and 250 patients had spinal anesthesia. This research was carried out in February - June 2024 at the Imelda Indonesian Workers General Hospital, Medan. The research sample was taken as many as 20 respondents. incidence of nausea and vomiting after spinal anesthesia at the Imelda Workers Indonesia General Hospital, Medan. Based on the characteristics of respondents based on age, they were in the age range of 36-40 years, namely 55%, based on gender, the majority of respondents were women, namely 60%, respondents based on smoking history were the majority 65%, the distribution of respondents with a history of nausea and vomiting was the majority 55% and the majority of respondents with nausea and vomiting were 60%. The recommendation for this research is that acupressure therapy can be applied in nursing practice so that patients are able to perform it independently. For the Imelda Workers Indonesia General Hospital, Medan, it is necessary to score the risk of nausea and vomiting in patients before surgery to minimize the incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting.

Purification of Crude Glycerol Recovered From Fish Processing Waste Biodiesel Process

Biodiesel and crude glycerol are byproducts of the esterification and transesterification reactions that occur between triglyceride molecules and alcohol in the presence of acid and base catalysts. Purification of crude glycerol is necessary to increase the economic sustainability of the biodiesel industry. This study was carried out for pre-treatment of crude glycerol sourced from fish processing waste during biodiesel manufacturing, treated through an acidification process using phosphoric acid (H3PO4), and then using further purification treatment with Jatropha curcas bio-adsorbent. Based on the measurement, the quantity of 0.1% phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solution was required to treat the crude glycerin. The reaction conditions include heating solution to 60°C and stirring it at 40 rpm for varying treatment periods such as 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. The crude glycerol's pH was adjusted to begin the acidification process, and soap was then converted into fatty acids and salts using phosphoric acid. The maximum purified glycerol yield of 76.6% by weight was obtained with treatment time of 15min using vacuum distillation at 120°C. The crude and purified glycerol’s density was measured as 1.013 g/mL and 1.001 g/mL, respectively. However, after bio-adsorbent treatment at temperature of 50°C and 10% loading weight of the Jatropha curcas bio-adsorbent, the best impurity elimination was accomplished in 15 min. The research findings demonstrated that, following acidification and bio-adsorbent treatments, the FFA% decreased from 2.82% to 2.24%, while its density increased from 1.002 g/mL to 1.032 g/mL, respectively. The purified glycerol properties were found in accordance with BS 2621-1979 standard, showing that the acidification method for purifying of crude glycerol, in conjunction with bio-adsorbent treatment is efficient in enhancing the glycerol purity. It also improves glycerol's application in generating high-value products that enhance revenue streams for the biodiesel production.

Using plasma-activated water for decontamination of Salmonella spp. on common building surfaces in poultry houses

Plasma-activated water (PAW) has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, making it a promising tool for surface decontamination. This study evaluated the ability of PAW generated from high voltage atmospheric cold plasma to remove Salmonella from common surfaces (stainless steel (SS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), concrete, and wood) found in poultry houses. PAW was generated by exposing distilled water to atmospheric cold plasma in 80% humid air at 90 kV and 60 Hz for 30 min. The resulting PAW contained 1120 ppm of nitrate and 1370 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, with a pH of 1.83. PAW was then applied to coupons of SS, PVC, wood, and concrete surfaces inoculated with 7–8 log10 CFU of cocktail of Salmonella spp. (S. Typhimurium, S. Newport, S. Montevideo, and S. Enteritidis). PAW effectively reduced Salmonella levels on SS and PVC surfaces to below the detection limit within 30 s. On wood surfaces, a longer treatment time of 7.5 min was required to achieve a maximum reduction of 2.63 log10 CFU, likely due to the porosity of the wood limiting PAW contact with the bacteria. On concrete surfaces, the reduction in Salmonella levels was only 0.98 log10 CFU. This was likely due to the greater surface roughness and high alkalinity, which neutralized the PAW species.