Tukey's Multiple Comparison Test Research Articles

Kinetics of ammonium volatilization in the form of ammonia in soils through a textural gradient

Objective: To estimate the ammonia volatilization rate, using a texture gradient with increasing doses of ammonium in alkaline soils. Design/Methodology/Approach: The experiment took place in the Análisis Químico de Suelos lab of the Soil Department of the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. The incubations consisted of 25 g of soil from the former Texcoco lake, with 12.5% clay. The soil was air-dried and sieved with a no. 10 mesh. The soil was mixed with three different concentrations (17.5%, 22.5%, and 32.5%) of bentonite, in order to increase clay content. The mixtures were placed in plastic containers with airtight seals. Twelve-point five mL of an ammonium sulfate solution (with 150, 300, 450, 600, and 750 mg of nitrogen kg soil-1) was added. The ammonia was recovered in a container with a boric acid solution. Volumetry was used to quantify ammonium. A completely randomized design with two factors (clay content and ammonium dose) was used. Data were analyzed with a regression analysis, analysis of variance, and Tukey Multiple Comparison Test, using the SAS OnDemand for Academics software. Results: The ammonia volatilization has a linear trend, with the concentration of the applied nitrogen. The volatilization rate ranged from 0.02 to 0.03 mg of ammonium per milligram of the nitrogen applied per kg soil-1. Significant statistical differences were recorded between the effect of the N dose and the clay content on the ammonia volatilization rate. Study Limitations/Implications: Clay content in the soil and ammonia volatilization rate can be used as an indicator to estimate ammonia losses and the ammonia adsorption capacity of the soil. Findings/Conclusions: Ammonia volatilization is independent from clay content and takes place immediately after its application. It has a linear trend regarding the ammonia dose applied. Ammonia volatilization rate decreases (asymptotic trend) as the clay content increases in the soil.

Large language models' responses to liver cancer surveillance, diagnosis, and management questions: accuracy, reliability, readability.

To assess the accuracy, reliability, and readability of publicly available large language models in answering fundamental questions on hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and management. Twenty questions on liver cancer diagnosis and management were asked in triplicate to ChatGPT-3.5 (OpenAI), Gemini (Google), and Bing (Microsoft). Responses were assessed by six fellowship-trained physicians from three academic liver transplant centers who actively diagnose and/or treat liver cancer. Responses were categorized as accurate (score 1; all information is true and relevant), inadequate (score 0; all information is true, but does not fully answer the question or provides irrelevant information), or inaccurate (score - 1; any information is false). Means with standard deviations were recorded. Responses were considered as a whole accurate if mean score was > 0 and reliable if mean score was > 0 across all responses for the single question. Responses were also quantified for readability using the Flesch Reading Ease Score and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. Readability and accuracy across 60 responses were compared using one-way ANOVAs with Tukey's multiple comparison tests. Of the twenty questions, ChatGPT answered nine (45%), Gemini answered 12 (60%), and Bing answered six (30%) questions accurately; however, only six (30%), eight (40%), and three (15%), respectively, were both accurate and reliable. There were no significant differences in accuracy between any chatbot. ChatGPT responses were the least readable (mean Flesch Reading Ease Score 29; college graduate), followed by Gemini (30; college) and Bing (40; college; p < 0.001). Large language models provide complex responses to basic questions on hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and management that are seldomly accurate, reliable, or readable.

Effect of inositol hexaphosphate acid versus polyacrylic acid on dentin properties and adhesion of a self-adhesive restorative material to dentin

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effect of 2% inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) and 10% polyacrylic acid (PAA) on dentin surface micromorphology, matrix/mineral ratio, microhardness, and resin−dentin shear bond strength (SBS) of a self-adhesive restorative material (Surefil™ One; Dentsply Sirona, Konstanz, Germany). Materials and methodsHuman permanent molar mid-coronal dentin discs were either not treated (control), conditioned with 10% PAA (Dentin Conditioner, GC, Tokyo, Japan) for 20 s, or etched with 2% IP6 for 20 s. Dentin surface micromorphology (etching pattern), matrix/mineral ratio, and microhardness were characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a confocal Raman microscope and a microhardness tester using the Vickers indenter, respectively. Sound molars were cut flat, mounted, surface treated and restored with Surefil™ One, Dentsply. The shear bond strength (SBS) was evaluated using a universal testing machine at 24 h and after 10k thermo-cycles. The failure modes were assessed. One-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey's multiple comparisons test was used for the statistical analysis. ResultsIP6 etching resulted in a more aggressive and uniform etching pattern compared with PAA. The mineral/matrix and Vickers microhardness of IP6-etched dentin were significantly less than those of PAA-conditioned dentin. IP6 etching significantly improved the resin−dentin SBS compared with the control group (no treatment) at 24 h and after thermo-cycling. Adhesive failures were the most predominant in all study groups. ConclusionInositol hexaphosphate acid etching deteriorated dentin microhardness and resulted in substantial demineralization, however, it eliminated the dentin smear layer completely and created marked micromorphological alteration at dentin surface, significantly increasing the resin−dentin SBS of a self-adhesive restorative material.

Sexual Dimorphism in the Architectural Design of Rat and Human Pelvic Floor Muscles.

Skeletal muscle architecture is a strong predictor of in vivo functional capacity and is evaluated in fixed tissues, accommodating the study of human muscles from cadaveric donors. Previous studies evaluating the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) demonstrated that the rat is the most appropriate small animal model for the study of female PFM architecture, but the rat's suitability for the study of male PFMs is undetermined. We aimed to determine 1) whether PFM architecture exhibits sexual dimorphism in rats or humans, and 2) if the rat is also a suitable animal model for the study of male human PFMs. PFMs were fixed in situ and harvested en bloc from male and female cadaveric donors and 3-month-old male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Three architectural parameters influenced by species size were used to compare male vs female PFMs within species, while 4 size-independent measures compared species within sex. All comparisons were made with two-way ANOVAs and Tukey's multiple comparisons tests post hoc. Sarcomere length (rats and humans, p=0.016 and =0.002) and normalized fiber length (rats, p<0.001) were significantly larger in male PFMs. Three of the size-independent measures exhibited similar species trends in both sexes, while the size-independent sarcomere length measure (Ls/Lso) differed between male rats and humans (p<0.001). Thus, sexual dimorphism is present in rat and human PFM architecture and the male rat is suitable for studies of human male PFMs.

Sensory evaluation and chemical composition of Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum herbal tea and spice.

Herbal teas are ingested for various purposes and by diverse populations across the globe. There is a growing recognition among individuals of the advantages associated with the use of this beverage, leading to a heightened demand for the manufacture of herbal tea derived from therapeutic plants. Spices on the other hand add flavour to food but could pose harm if it is high in phytates and oxalates. The objective of this study was to develop natural spices and herbal tea with health beneficial properties using Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum berries. Herbal tea samples from S. nigrum were prepared by sorting berries, maceration, divided into two (fermenting at 18 °C and non-fermenting) and dried at 60 °C for 12 h in a hot oven. Spices from S. torvum and S. nigrum were prepared by removing the berries from the stalk, freeze-drying and smooth milling into fine powder. In addition, antinutrient, phytochemical and sensory evaluation studies were conducted on these spices and herbal teas. A nine-point hedonic scale was utilized for the purpose of conducting a consumer acceptability sensory evaluation test using 101 untrained panelists. Data was then analyzed by t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the level of significance (p < 0.05) was assessed using Tukey's and Dunnett's multiple comparison tests. The panellists expressed a favourable perception towards Solanum nigrum unripe unfermented green herbal tea (6.65 ± 2.08) as compared to the other formulated teas due to the components working together in a way that produces a nice tea sample. Both Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum spices contained various levels of catechins, saponins, flavonoids, oxalates, phytates and tannins comparable to literature. The herbal tea samples exhibited a range of catechin content, varying from 0.255 to 0.756 mg/g. The antioxidant activity of the various herbal tea samples ranged from 66.37 ± 0.24 to 78.53 ± 0.18 µg/mL GAE as determined by the DPPH free radical assay Fermented black herbal teas recorded higher total phenols (2.80 ± 0.09d), total flavonoids (21.84 ± 1.84c) and showed greater antioxidant activity (78.53 ± 0.18a) as compared to the unfermented green herbal teas. The process of fermentation resulted in a decrease in pH from 7.22 to 6.53 within a period of 12 h. The Total Titratable Acidity (TTA) grew as the fermentation period progressed, whereas the Total Soluble Solids (TSS) decreased. Phytates were the least antinutrients among the two Solanum species accounting for 0.02 mg/100 g and 0.03 mg/100 g in S. torvum berries (STBs) and (S. nigrum berries) SNBs respectively.

Valuation of knowledge, attitude, practices of tuberculosis among the health care workers from Islamabad Pakistan

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) as a foremost infectious disease adds massive burden to morbidity and mortality rate, despite of well-structured TB control programs around the globe. Inappropriate health care management system and poor implementation on standard in relevance to TB, remain some reasons causative to TB prevalence and its rising antimicrobial resistance. Health Care Workers (HCWs) laboring as a part of TB control system, are the vital warriors in achieving the goals of TB End Strategy by 2035. Their performance is influenced by their knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) toward this infectious disease. This study aimed to signify the role of KAP score of health care Workers in the better control and prevention of TB in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Pakistan. MethodsA cross-sectional study on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice study of Tuberculosis (TB) among health care Workers, was done in ICT, which is the capital of Pakistan. The KAP of TB was collected for the 306 Health Care Workers from all the Islamabad TB referring health facilities which refer the TB patients for testing to the National Reference Laboratory, Islamabad Pakistan. Eligible health care workers were requested to respond on KAP questionnaire after informed consent. KAP questionnaire comprised of knowledge, attitude, and practices section including demographic information. All the data was analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics 21. One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to calculate KAP mean score against different variables. On the significant data sets of ANOVA output, Tukey's Multiple Comparison Test was applied for pairwise comparison. Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized to explore the association between two qualitative variables. The non-parametric tests were applied to evaluate difference of KAP score in relation to demographic covariates individually. ResultsFrom June to July 2023, we conducted TB KAP study among Health Care Workers of ICT, Pakistan. The average age was 33 years (range 26–30 years). Majority of the recruited subjects were not being trained for dealing with TB infection. The results demonstrated that Health Care Workers working were lacking their knowledge about mode of TB transmission, best diagnostic technique, and contraction of TB infections. The mean knowledge, attitude and practices mean scores were 15.05 (SD = 3.96), 83.68 (SD = 15.74) and 6.31 (SD = 2.21), respectively. Mean knowledge score of Health Care Workers were significantly related to their educational level and occupation while no significant association was declared with working experience as TB staff. Pearson coefficient of attitude score with knowledge of Health Care Workers was of weak level (0.28). Practice mean score was correlated to knowledge mean score at a moderate level (r = 0.40). On the other hand, practice score was r = 0.29 with attitude mean score had shown weak level correlation. A number of demographic factors were strongly linked to each of the mean score of knowledge, attitude, and practices. ConclusionThese findings highlighted the significant involvement of education, profession, and professional trainings in the better knowledge, attitude, and practices of the TB related health care Workers. For a better management system of infectious diseases like TB, a well-trained and professionally competent staff of Health Care Workers is important so as to achieve the goal of TB-End strategy by 2035 from Pakistan, which is the 5th highest burden country for TB.

Accuracy of Mandibular Removable Partial Denture Frameworks Fabricated by 3D Printing and Conventional Techniques.

Herein, we used digital superimposition to evaluate the accuracy of metal frameworks for mandibular removable partial dentures fabricated using three techniques. Thirty master casts of a mandibular dentiform were categorized into three groups (n = 10) based on the framework manufacturing method: selective laser melting-based metal three-dimensional (3D) printing (SLM), digital light projection-based resin 3D printing and subsequent casting (RPC), and conventional casting (CON). The master casts were scanned twice, initially after preparation and subsequently after attaching silicone using the frameworks. These scan files were digitally superimposed to measure the silicone thickness. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Statistics (Version 23.0, IBM Corp., Somers, NY, USA). One-way ANOVA and a post hoc Tukey's multiple comparison tests were performed to determine differences among the three groups (α = 0.05). The RPC group exhibited significantly higher overall and mean internal discrepancies at rest and tissue stops than the SLM and CON groups, which exhibited statistically insignificant differences. Thus, SLM fabrication resulted in comparable accuracy to that achieved by CON, whereas sequentially performing resin 3D printing and casting induced inferior accuracy. However, all frameworks across the three groups were clinically acceptable.

A Comparative Evaluation of Contact Angle and Depth of Penetration of Sodium Hypochlorite With Various Surfactants: An In Vitro Study.

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is regarded as the most frequently used root canal irrigant. Its high surface tension prevents its penetration into complex canal anatomies. The present study assesses the contact angle and penetration depth of 2.5% NaOCl with 0.2% cetrimide and propylene glycol. Sixty recently extractedmandibular premolars with a single root were obtained. Thirty were sectioned longitudinally, and the remaining 30 teeth were sectioned transversely. Acrylic blocks were used to mount the parts, and 5 µL of each of the following solutions was placed on the dentin surface: Group 1: 2.5% NaOCl (control), Group 2: 0.2% cetrimide + 2.5% NaOCl, and Group 3: propylene glycol + 2.5% NaOCl. Following this, contact angle analysis was made using a contact angle goniometer. We prepared and instrumented access cavities in 30 teeth to work up to the size of the ProTaper Gold F2 (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK). Samples were allocated to the three groups, and irrigation was done accordingly. They were sectioned at the coronal, middle, and apical thirds and then subjected to confocal laser scanning microscopy. The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and a Tukey multiple comparison test. Group 2 had the least contact angle (35.20°) and the highest depth of penetration (DOP; 752.409 µm) when compared to Groups 1 and 3. The DOP decreased significantly from the coronal, middle, and apical thirds. No discernible variation in the contact angle was found between the radicular and coronal portions. 0.2% cetrimide improved the efficiency of 2.5% NaOCl as an irrigant by lowering its contact angle and increasing its DOP.

Paracetamol-induced Liver Injury in An Experimental Rat Model: Noninvasive Assessment using DKI and the Effect of Gadoxetate on DKI Parameters.

To explore the potential of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) for assessing the degree of liver injury in a paracetamol-induced rat model and to simultaneously investigate the effect of intravenous gadoxetate on DKI parameters. Paracetamol was used to induce hepatoxicity in 39 rats. The rats were pathologically classified into 3 groups: normal (n=11), mild necrosis (n=18), and moderate necrosis (n=10). DKI was performed before and, 15 min, 25 min, and 45 min after gadoxetate administration. Repeated-measures ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparison test was used to investigate the effect of gadoxetate on mean diffusivity (MD) and mean diffusion kurtosis (MK) and to assess the differences in MD and MK among the three groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the MD values when discriminating between the necrotic groups. Gadoxetate had no significant effect on either the MD or the MK, and the effect size was small. The MD in the moderate necrosis group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups (F = 13.502, p <0.001; η2 = 0.428 [95% CI: 0.082-0.637]), while the MK did not significantly differ among the three groups (F = 2.702, p = 0.081; η2 = 0.131 [95% CI: 0.001-0.4003]). The AUCs of MD for discriminating the moderate necrosis or normal group from the other groups were 0.921 (95% CI: 0.832-1.000) and 0.831 (95% CI: 0.701-0.961), respectively. It would be better to measure the MD and MK before gadoxetate injection. MD showed potential for assessing the degree of liver necrosis in a paracetamol-induced liver injury rat model.

Silver diamine fluoride: A stem cell cytotoxicity and dentin growth factor release in-vitro study.

To investigate the effect of 38% SDF and its serial dilutions on the Stem cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth (SHED) and its ability to release growth factors from deciduous dentine. The viability of SHED post-exposure to 38%, 3.8%, 0.38%, 0.038%, and 0.0038% SDF were assessed at 2, 5, and 7 days using the CyQuant assay, and results were validated using the MTT assay. The osteogenic differentiation of the cells was also investigated post-exposure to 0.0038% SDF. The release of the growth factors; TGF-β1, FGF-b, BMP-2, and VEGF from deciduous dentin discs exposed to 38% SDF, 0.0038% SDF, Ca(OH)2, MTA, and 17% EDTA were examined using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using means and standard deviations (p < 0.05). Two-way ANOVA compared the means of more than two groups with Tukey's multiple comparison test. The unpaired t-test was also used to compare the differences between the two data sets. 38% SDF released dentinogenic growth factors from dentin discs, potentially explaining its role in reactionary dentinogenesis. Moreover, 0.0038% SDF resulted in a non-cytotoxic concentration that enhanced cellular proliferation and released bioactive molecules from dentin comparable to the 38% concentration. After further investigations, the 0.0038% dilution of SDF could present itself as a clinical concentration.

Research Note: Carcass yield and meat quality in high- and low-water efficient broiler lines exposed to heat stress

Heat stress (HS) and water scarcity are significant challenges to sustainable poultry production worldwide. It is, therefore, critical to identify effective strategies to prevent, withstand, or adapt to these challenges. After four generations of divergent selection for water efficiency, the present study was undertaken to determine the effect of HS on meat quality and muscle myopathy incidences in high (HWE)- and low (LWE)-water efficient broilers. Day-old male chicks (240 chicks/line) were allotted randomly by line and body weight-matched groups to 12 controlled-environmental chambers (2 pens/chamber). At d29, birds were exposed to 2 environmental conditions (thermoneutral (TN), 25°C; or cyclic HS, 36°C, 9h/d) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. On d49, birds were processed, carcass parts were weighed, meat quality and muscle myopathy incidence were assessed. Processing data were analyzed by Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test, and frequency of muscle myopathy score between groups was determined using Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Significance was set at P < 0.05. As no significant environment by line interaction was discerned, the 2 main factors were analyzed separately. High water efficient birds had significantly higher tender- and leg quarter (LQ)-weight as well as carcass without giblet (WOG), chilled carcass WOG (CWOG), wing, LQ, and rack yields compared to their LWE counterparts. Both abdominal fat content and yields were significantly greater in LWE than HWE chickens. Chronic HS exposure significantly decreased dock, WOG, fat, CWOG, breast, tender, wing, and LQ weights as well as breast yield. HWE chickens had a significantly lower b* value compared to the LWE birds and HS significantly reduced the drip loss and the b* value compared to TN condition. Compared to LWE, HWE birds had higher and lower incidence of severe woody breast (WB) and white striping (WS) under TN and HS, respectively. HS reduced the incidence of both myopathies in both lines. In conclusion, the genetic selection for water efficiency seems to improve carcass yield, reduce fat content, and decrease the breast b* value. HWE birds had higher incidences of WB and WS under TN, which is reversed under HS conditions.

Correlation between Matrix Metalloproteinase presence and caries surface appearance.

Cariogenic bacterial acids dissolve the inorganic elements in dentine, leaving the dentine matrix exposed. Host-derived matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an essential role in caries progression as they are significant regulators of extracellular matrix turnover and can degrade exposed collagen. This paper investigates the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 across various stages of caries in primary human teeth and relate this with a diagnosis recorded by The International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Twenty-four sections (150um in thickness) from extracted teeth, clinically diagnosed using ICDAS, were immunohistochemically treated with monoclonal anti-MMP2 and anti-MMP9 antibodies. Positive staining was visualised by immunofluorescence using a VectorFluor Duet Double Labeling Kit. Images from triplicate samples for each ICDAS score were analysed using ImageJ software. Collagen degradation in caries lesions was detected using a hydroxyproline assay. MMPs were weakly detected in caries with ICDAS 1-2 scores, and an insignificant increase was detected in ICDAS 3. However, a significant increase in MMP expression was seen in caries with an ICDAS score of 4-6. There was a strong positive correlation between the ICDAS score and MMP2, [r(6) = .86, p = .002] and between ICDAS and MMP9, [r(6) = .82, p = .004]. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparison test (*p &lt; 0.05). The use of ICDAS to assess the severity of caries lesions and how this correlates with the presence of MMP in these lesions validates the modern approach to caries management with a minimally invasive concept.

Comparative evaluation of different oral iron salts in the management of iron deficiency anemia.

Anemia affects one-fourth of the world's population and is caused mostly by iron deficiency. Iron supplementation is the most essential strategy for preventing iron deficiency anemia. Conventional oral iron salts have many drawbacks such as poor absorption & bioavailability, and poor tolerability resulting in poor clinical outcomes. To compare the effectiveness and safety of ferrous ascorbate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous bis-glycinate, and Sucrosomial iron in the management of iron deficiency anemia. The study is a retrospective observational clinical study comprising 260 subjects with hemoglobin between 7-10g/dl. The patients were divided into four groups I, II, III, and IV, and received ferrous fumarate, ferrous ascorbate, ferrous bis-glycinate, and Sucrosomial iron respectively. Hematological profile and iron store indices were measured at baseline and month 3. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparison test was used to assess statistical significance (P < 0.05) using GraphPad Prism V.9.3.1 software. The observational study showed that hemoglobin levels were significantly increased in the ferrous ascorbate group (11.86 ± 0.09; P < 0.0001), ferrous fumarate group (11.72 ± 0.08; P < 0.0001), ferrous bis-glycinate group (11.69 ± 0.11; P = 0.0003) and Sucrosomial iron group (12.20 ± 0.1; P < 0.0001) compared to the baseline. The Sucrosomial iron-supplemented group showed significantly higher improvement in hemoglobin levels and serum ferritin levels compared to conventional oral iron salts (P < 0.05) with a better safety profile. The Sucrosomial iron showed significantly higher improvement in hemoglobin levels and higher improvement in iron store indices parameters along with a good tolerability profile compared to other conventional oral iron salts.

Surface roughness and optical characteristics evaluations after chairside adjustment of different zirconia types.

Limited evidence is available for the effect of chairside adjustment using rotary cutting instruments on the surface roughness and optical properties of different zirconia types. To evaluate the effect of simulated adjustments on surface roughness and optical properties of different zirconia types. Three Partially Stabilized Zirconia (PSZ) types based on mole percent yttria (Y) concentration from the same manufacturer (Katana; Kuraray) were used: 3Y-PSZ, 4Y-PSZ, and 5Y-PSZ. Thirty disk-shaped specimens (Ø14 × 1.2 mm) from different zirconia types (N = 90) were prepared. Specimens were either left without adjustment (NA), adjusted with Dialite ZR finishing and polishing system (Brasseler) (APol), or adjusted with course diamond instruments only (ADia). The specimens were distributed into 9 groups (n = 10): Group 3Y-PSZ/NA, Group 3Y-PSZ/APol, Group 3Y-PSZ/ADia, Group 4Y-PSZ/NA, Group 4Y-PSZ/APol, Group 4Y-PSZ/ADia, Group 5Y-PSZ/NA, Group 5Y-PSZ/APol, and Group 5Y-PSZ/ADia. The surface roughness of specimen was analyzed using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) (Bruker's Dimension Icon, Bruker) and Root Means Square (RMS) were recorded (nm). Surface Gloss (SG), Translucency Parameter (TP), and Contrast Ratio (CR) values of all groups were recorded using an integrating sphere spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison tests for pairwise comparisons at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. APol had no effect on the surface roughness (p = 0.88) while ADia had a significant negative effect (p < 0.05) despite the type of zirconia. Out of the three testes optical properties, only SG was negatively affected by ADia for all types of zirconia (p < 0.05). The two adjustment types did not affect the TP of all the tested zirconia (p = 0.91). The CR was not affected by the tested adjustments for all zirconia types (p = 0.726). Proper zirconia adjustment following a sequence of burs and polishers can maintain acceptable roughness and optical properties. Adjustment of zirconia with rough diamond can lead to deleterious effects and should be avoided. Chairside adjustment of zirconia could lead to rougher surface and unpredictable changes of surface gloss. Therefore, zirconia adjustment should be minimized to the greatest extent possible and a proper protocol should be followed if had to be done.

2-Methoxyestradiol protects from angiotensin II-induced renal CD3+/FOXP3+ T cell-dysregulation via 12/15 lipoxygenase inhibition

We previously showed that 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), an active metabolite of 17β-estradiol (E2) and lox (12/15-lipoxygenase) gene disruption, protects against angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertension. Moreover, 2-ME reduces Ang II-induced increases in plasma levels of 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), a major arachidonic acid-LOX-generated metabolite in ovariectomized (OVX, endogenous E2 depleted) wild-type (WT) mice. 2-ME also exerts anti-inflammatory effects, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been reported to impact Ang II-induced hypertension in rodent models, with premenopausal females being protected relative to males. This study tested the hypothesis that 2-ME protects against the inflammatory effects of Ang II by upregulating Tregs in the kidney via LOX inhibition in female mice. Intact (ovaries present) or OVX WT and OVX-LOX knock-out (KO) mice (8-10 weeks, n=3-4/group) were infused with Ang II (700 ng/kg/min) or saline (vehicle) via osmotic minipumps (S.C.) with or without 2-ME (15 μg/g, I.P., every third day) treatment for 2 weeks. Renal protein expressions of CD3+ T cells and FOXP3+ Tregs were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and mRNA expressions of tnf-α and il-10 by RT-PCR using TaqMan assay (relative to saline-infused intact WT) in the whole kidney. Results represented as mean ± SEM were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test. The CD3+, tnf-α and il-10 expressions were comparable between saline-infused intact WT, OVX-WT, and OVX-KO (CD3+: 8.3±0.3, 7.0±0.5, 6.3±0.3; tnf-α: 1.0±0.0, 0.9±0.0, 0.8±0.2; il-10: 1.1±0.1, 0.9±0.1, 1.0±0.0). However, saline-infused intact WT and OVX-KO expressed higher Tregs (p&lt;0.05) as compared to OVX-WT (7.6±0.3, 7.3±0.3 vs 4.0±0.5). Ang II increased CD3+, Tregs, and il-10 (p&lt;0.05) but not tnf-α expressions as compared to its vehicle in intact WT (12.6±0.3, 15.3±0.3, 3.7±0.3,0.8±0.1). Ang II also increased CD3+ (11.0±0.6) and Tregs (11.0±0.6) in OVX-KO (p&lt;0.05), without altering mRNA expressions of tnf-α (0.9±0.3) and il-10 (1.5±0.1) . In contrast, Ang II resulted in a greater increase in CD3+ (25.0±1.1) in OVX-WT than OVX-KO and intact WT, besides increasing tnf-α expression (2.5±0.4) (p&lt;0.05). 2-ME reduced CD3+ (16.7±0.9) and tnf-α (1.4±0.4) expressions, and increased Tregs (10.0±1.0) and il-10 (2.0±0.0) expressions in Ang II-infused OVX-WT mice (p&lt;0.05). 2-ME also reduced CD3+ (6.7±0.3, p&lt;0.05) and showed a trend to increase Tregs (14.0±1.1, P=0.056), and il-10 (2.3±0.2, P=0.058) expressions without altering tnf-α (0.7±0.1) expression in Ang II-infused OVX-KO mice. In conclusion, Ang II produces a specific effect on the renal T cell profile, greater increases in proinflammatory T cells in OVX mice, and anti-inflammatory Tregs in intact female mice, most likely mediated by E2 through metabolite 2-ME via inhibition of LOX. R01HL19134-47, AHA Award#940538. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Sex differences in renal acid-base regulation

Transport along the renal tubule differs between female and male rodents, possibly as a consequence of varying abundance and expression of transporters along the nephron. For several aspects such as renal Na+ transport and blood pressure regulation, this has been comprehensively studied; however, data on sex differences in renal acid-base regulation are less well understood. We hypothesized that there will be sex differences in transporter expression profiles in response to acid-base challenges. We used female and male C57Bl/6 mice (n=10 per sex and treatment), which were challenged by acid (NH4Cl, 0.28 mM) and base (NaHCO3, 0.28 mM) in drinking water for 8 days. Blood and urine samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the experimental period before kidneys were harvested under isoflurane anesthesia. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA followed by Tukey multiple comparisons test. In response to NH4Cl challenge, urine pH significantly decreased in both sexes without sex differences (male baseline: 6.4±0.1 vs. NH4Cl: 5.7±0.1; female baseline: 6.2±0.2 vs NH4Cl: 5.6±0.1). In contrast to the urinary response, blood pH was not significantly affected in male mice (male baseline: 7.29±0.01 vs. NH4Cl: 7.26±0.02); however, significantly decreased in female mice (female baseline: 7.28±0.01 vs NH4Cl: 7.22±0.02). Despite differences in acid-base physiology, no differences were observed in the abundance of NHE3, pS552-NHE3, Npt2a, NKCC2, NCC, pT58-NCC or pendrin between sexes. In response to NaHCO3 challenge, urine pH significantly increased in both sexes; however, the increase was significantly smaller in female vs. male mice (male baseline: 6.3±0.1 vs. NaHCO3: 7.6±0.1; female baseline: 6.3±0.1 vs NaHCO3: 7.0±0.3). In contrast to the urinary response, blood pH significantly increased in male mice (male baseline: 7.28±0.01 vs. NaHCO3: 7.40±0.01); however, was not significantly affected in female mice (female baseline: 7.29±0.01 vs NaHCO3: 7.31±0.01). These differences in females compared to males were associated with a significantly greater abundance of Npt2a (~1.5-fold), pendrin (~1.4-fold) and H-ATPase (~1.5-fold). No differences were observed in the abundance of NHE3, pS552-NHE3, NKCC2, NCC, pT58-NCC, between sexes. In summary, our study demonstrates that acid-base regulation shows very specific sex differences: (i) female mice seem to be more prone to a NH4Cl disturbance compared with male mice, (ii) acid challenges under these conditions do not result in major changes in the abundance of the tested proteins, (iii) male mice are more prone to a NaHCO3 disturbance possibly because of (iv) lower abundances of Npt2a, pendrin and H-ATPase. This work was supported by a VA Merit Review Award IBX004968A (to Dr. Rieg) and a Pilot Project from the USF Microbiomes Institute (to T.R. and J.D.R). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Effect of different surface roughening treatment on polyether ether ketone and acrylic resin bonding: A pilot study.

As polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a relatively new material in dentistry, its bonding properties with regard to dental acrylic base materials are not fully known. To ensure the long-term success of removable dentures with a PEEK framework, the base materials must be well bonded to each other. The study aimed to investigate the effects of different kinds of surface roughening treatment on PEEK and acrylic resin bonding. Eighty PEEK specimens (N = 80) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 16 per group) and subjected to various surface roughening treatment (control, grinding, sandblasting, tribochemical silica coating (CoJet), and sulfuric acid etching). Heat-polymerized acrylic resin was applied to the treated surfaces of the PEEK specimens. The shear bond strength (SBS) test, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) analysis and three-dimensional (3D) surface topography analysis were performed. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison test. The one-way ANOVA showed significant differences in the SBS values between the groups (p = 0.001). Sandblasting, tribochemical silica coating and sulfuric acid etching resulted in high SBS values (p = 0.001). The highest SBS values were observed in the sulfuric acid etching group (8.83 ±3.63 MPa), while the lowest SBS values were observed in the control group (3.33 ±2.50 MPa). The additional roughening treatment applied to the PEEK surface increases the bond strength with heat-polymerized acrylic resin.

Barley Protein LFBEP-C1 from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum dy-1 Fermented Barley Extracts by Inhibiting Lipid Accumulation in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the lipid-lowering activity of LFBEP-C1 in high glucose-fed Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). MethodsIn this study, the fermented barley protein LFBEP-C1 was prepared and tested for its potential anti-obesity effects on C. elegans. The worms were fed Escherichia coli OP50 (E. coli OP50), glucose, and different concentrations of LFBEP-C1. Body size, lifespan, movement, triglyceride content, and gene expression were analyzed. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test. ResultsCompared with the model group, the head-swing frequency of C. elegans in the group of LFBEP-C1 at 20 μg/mL increased by 33.88%, and the body-bending frequency increased by 27.09%. This indicated that LFBEP-C1 improved the locomotive ability of C. elegans. The average lifespan of C. elegans reached 13.55 days, and the body length and width of the C. elegans decreased after LFBEP-C1 intake. Additionally, LFBEP-C1 reduced the content of lipid accumulation and triglyceride levels. The expression levels of sbp-1, daf-2, and mdt-15 significantly decreased, while those of daf-16, tph-1, mod-1, and ser-4 significantly increased after LFBEP-C1 intake. Changes in these genes explain the signaling pathways that regulate lipid metabolism. ConclusionLFBEP-C1 significantly reduced lipid deposition in C. elegans fed a high-glucose diet and alleviated the adverse effects of a high-glucose diet on the development, lifespan, and exercise behavior of C. elegans. In addition, LFBEP-C1 regulated lipid metabolism mainly by mediating the expression of genes in the sterol regulatory element-binding protein, insulin, and 5-hydroxytryptamine signaling pathways.

Biological strategies to control caterpillars in soybean, cotton and maize in the main producing regions of Brazil

Soybean, cotton and maize crops represent some of the main agricultural commodities grown during the hot season in Brazil. In order to provide more effective control options to producers, it is essential to deepen studies on management strategies using biological insecticides. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of the bioinsecticide Ocimum basilicum, in controlling the caterpillar complex, notably the looper (Chrysodeixis includens) in soybeans, the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in maize and the cotton leafworm caterpillar (Alabama argillacea) in cotton, as a control alternative aimed at mitigating damage and contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. Experiments were carried out in each culture in various environments in the states of MT, MS, SP and PR in Brazil. A randomized block design with four replications was used in all the experiments. Agronomic traits, insect pest incidence and insecticide efficiency were evaluated for each of the crops. The data were subjected to after being subjected to stratified analysis of variance for each experimental phase. The interaction significant interactions were broken down to simple effects using Tukey's multiple comparison test of means at 5% probability. Subsequently, Scott-Knott mean grouping was used at 5% probability. Management using 1L per hectare of basil extract (Ocimum basilicum L) demonstrated satisfactory efficacy in controlling the caterpillar complex, approaching the results obtained with traditional chemical control.

Evaluation of Osteogenic Potential of a Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogel Coating on Titanium.

Reducing the healing period after surgical placement of dental implants can facilitate the loading of dental prostheses. The aim is to compare the osteogenic potential of unmodified titanium disks with titanium disks that were surface-modified or hydrogel-coated. One hundred eight titanium disks (Ø6 × 2-mm) were divided into three groups: (1) unmodified titanium as control (Ti-C); (2) sandblasted and acid-etched (Ti-SLA), and (3) coated with tamarind kernel polysaccharide hydrogel grafted with acrylic acid (Ti-TKP-AA). The osteogenic potential and cytotoxic effect of various groups of titanium were compared using human osteoblasts Saos-2. The surface topography of the titanium disks and morphology of osteoblasts grown on disks were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (n = 3). Cell attachment to the disks and actin expression intensity were investigated by confocal imaging (n = 3).Cytotoxicity was quantified by cell viability assay (n = 9). Osteoblast maturation was determined by alkaline phosphatase assay (n = 9). Cell mineralization was quantified by Alizarin red staining (n = 9). One-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test was used for intergroup comparisons (α= 0.05). The surface modifications on Ti-SLA and Ti-TKP-AA support better morphology and proliferation of osteoblasts than Ti-C (P< 0.001) and significantly higher levels of actin cytoskeleton accumulation (P< 0.0001). Ti-TKP-AA showed a significantly higher maturation rate than Ti-C (P< 0.001). Ti-TKP-AA showed > twofold increased mineralization than Ti-C and Ti-SLA (P< 0.001). TKP-AA hydrogel-coated titanium promotes faster osteoblast proliferation, maturation, and mineralization than SLA-treated or untreated titanium. These advantages can be explored for achieving early osseointegration and prosthetic loading of titanium dental implants.