Acid resistance and bond strength of calcium-containing adhesive on ename.

Introduction And Aims: Marginal sealing by enamel bonding is important to enhance the durability of the restoration and prevent secondary caries after operative procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the enamel acid resistance and bond strength of an experimental calcium-containing adhesive system.

Methods: All materials were provided by Kuraray Noritake Dental, Inc.

Protein prenylation in mechanotransduction: implications for disease and therapy.

The process by which cells translate external mechanical cues into intracellular biochemical signals involves intricate mechanisms that remain unclear. In recent years, research into post-translational modifications (PTMs) has offered valuable insights into this field, spotlighting protein prenylation as a crucial mechanism in cellular mechanotransduction and various human diseases. Protein prenylation, which involves the covalent attachment of isoprenoid groups to specific substrate proteins, profoundly affects the functions of key mechanotransduction proteins such as Rho, Ras, and lamins.

Dynamic event-triggered tolerant containment control protocol for discrete multiagent systems based on finite index policy iteration algorithm.

For tolerant containment control of multi-agent systems, considering the challenges in modeling and the impact of actuator faults on system security and reliability, a finite index dynamic event-triggered policy iteration algorithm is proposed. This algorithm only requires input and output data, without relying on system models, and simultaneously considers the faults and energy consumption issues to improve the system reliability and save energy consumption. The conditions are provided to demonstrate the convergence and optimality of the algorithm, including a convergence speed, that is, the number of iterations required for convergence is finite.

An overview of sound source localization based condition monitoring robots.

As artificial intelligence advances and demand for cost-effective equipment maintenance in various fields increases, it is worth insightful research on utilizing robots embedded with sound source localization (SSL) technology for condition monitoring. Combining the two techniques has significant advantages, which are conducive to further classifying and tracking abnormal sources, thereby enhancing system performance at a lower cost. The paper provides an overview of current acoustic-based robotic techniques for condition monitoring, highlights the common SSL methods, and finds that localization performance heavily depends on signal quality.

The impact of deicer and anti-icer use on plant communities in stormwater detention basins: Characterizing salt stress and phytoremediation potential.

We present the results of a 1-year study that quantified salt levels in stormwater, soils, and plant tissues from 14 stormwater detention basins across Northern VA in an above-average snow year. We characterize (1) the level of salt stress plants experience, (2) the extent to which current plant communities feature salt tolerant species, and (3) the capacity of these species to phytoremediate soils and reduce the impacts of deicer and anti-icer use. Our results suggest that detention basin vegetation experience a range of salt stress levels that depend on drainage area type (roads: moderate to high > parking lots: low to moderate > pervious areas: none).

Engineered Au@MOFs silk fibroin-based hydrogel phototherapy platform for enhanced wound healing performance.

Wound bacterial infections not only impede the healing process but can also give rise to a range of serious complications, thereby posing a substantial risk to human health. Developing effective wound dressings incorporating phototherapy functionalities, specifically photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), remains a critical area of research in modern wound care. Existing PTT-PDT systems often suffer from challenges such as nanoparticle aggregation and inefficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which are essential for therapeutic efficacy.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies of flavonol-3-O-β-D-glycoside as a potential inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro) in drug development for COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 and has affected many countries and infected over a million people. It has had a serious impact on people's physical and mental health, daily life and the global economy. Today, many drugs show limited efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19 and studies to develop effective drugs continue.

Antibacterial and osteogenic properties of chitosan-polyethylene glycol nanofibre-coated 3D printed scaffold with vancomycin and insulin-like growth factor-1 release for bone repair.

3D printing, as a layer-by-layer manufacturing technique, enables the customization of tissue engineering scaffolds. Surface modification of biomaterials is a beneficial approach to enhance the interaction with living cells and tissues. In this research, a polylactic acid/polyethylene glycol scaffold containing 30 % bredigite nanoparticles (PLA/PEG/B) was fabricated utilizing fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing.

Development of pH and enzyme dual responsive chitosan/polyaspartic acid nanoparticle-embedded nanofibers for fruit preservation.

This study focuses on the development and application of tea polyphenol-loaded chitosan/polyaspartic acid nanoparticles (TP@CS/PASP-Nps) embedded within polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers to extend the shelf life of fruit. The nanofibers were fabricated using electrospinning, which enhanced the stability and uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles. Experimental results demonstrated that the TP@CS/PASP nanoparticles exhibit significant pH and protease-responsive release of TP, with a cumulative release of 56.

Utilization of structure-specific lignin extracted from coconut fiber via deep eutectic solvents to enhance the functional properties of PVA nanocomposite films.

This study utilized deep eutectic solvents (DES) based on choline chloride/lactic acid (ChCl/LA) to deconstruct coconut fibers. The effects of DES with different temperatures and molar ratios on the yield of lignin, recovery rate of residues, structural changes in lignin and solid residues, and saccharification efficiency were investigated. The results showed that acidic DES treatment effectively deconstructed the coconut fibers, resulting in a high lignin yield of 68.

Extracellular vesicles in dry eye disease and Sjogren syndrome: A systematic review on their diagnostic and therapeutic role.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), defined as membrane-bound vesicles released from all cells, are being explored for their diagnostic and therapeutic role in dry eye disease (DED). We systematically shortlisted 32 articles on the role of EVs in diagnosing and treating DED. The systematic review covers the progress in the last 2 decades about the classification and isolation of EVs and their role in DED.

Towards healthy sleep environments: Ambient, indoor, and personal exposure to PM and its implications in children's sleep health.

The growing impact of climate change and escalating wildfire seasons has led to heightened ambient air pollution, potentially affecting children's sleep health. However, current epidemiological research often relies on outdoor weather data to model the environmental impacts on sleep health, potentially mischaracterizing the actual bedroom environment. To address these challenges, we conducted experiments to investigate the relationships among ambient, indoor, and personal exposure to PM concentrations and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children.

c-FLIP/Ku70 complex; A potential molecular target for apoptosis induction in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide and the most common form of liver cancer. Despite global efforts toward early diagnosis and effective treatments, HCC is often diagnosed at advanced stages, where conventional therapies frequently lead to resistance and/or high recurrence rates. Therefore, novel biomarkers and promising medications are urgently required.

OLAgen: A Software Tool for Reagent Design to Expand Access to Single Nucleotide Variant Detection by the Oligonucleotide Ligation Assay.

Single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and polymorphisms (SNPs) are characteristic biomarkers in various biological contexts, including pathogen drug resistances and human diseases. Tools that lower the implementation barrier of molecular SNV detection methods would provide greater leverage of the expanding SNP/SNV database. The oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA) is a highly specific means for detection of known SNVs and is especially powerful when coupled with polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Inverse dose protraction effects of high-LET radiation: evidence and significance.

Biological effects of ionizing radiation vary with radiation quality, which is often expressed as the amount of energy deposited per unit length, i.e., linear energy transfer (LET).

Endothelial cell (EC)-specific CTGF/CCN2 Expression Increases EC Reprogramming and Atherosclerosis.

Arterial endothelial cells (ECs) reside in a complex biomechanical environment. ECs sense and respond to wall shear stress. Low and oscillatory wall shear stress is characteristic of disturbed flow and commonly found at arterial bifurcations and around atherosclerotic plaques.

Effect of substitutive growth hormone therapy on myopia control among Chinese children.

Purpose: To explore the correlation between recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy and myopia progression, and to optimize the myopia control strategies in myopic children undergoing rhGH therapy.

Methods: This retrospective study included 27 myopic children receiving rhGH therapy and 57 myopic children in the control group, all of whom underwent myopia interventions. Axial length (AL) and refraction were measured by IOLMaster and an autorefractor after cycloplegia.

Uncertainty analysis in river quality management considering failure probability: controllable and uncontrollable input pollutants.

River quality management involves complex challenges due to inherent uncertainties in various parameters, especially when dealing with controllable and uncontrollable pollutants. This study integrates a finite volume approach, called SEF (symmetric exponential function), with Monte Carlo simulations in MATLAB to solve the advection-dispersion equation, focusing on evaluating river quality protection tools by considering failure probability (P). Critical specifications for maintaining reliable river ecosystem performance are identified.

Rapid indirect detection of N-lactoyl-phenylalanine using dual DNA biosensors based on solution-gated graphene field-effect transistor.

As obesity rates continue to rise, there is an increasing focus on reducing obesity through exercise. People are becoming more aware of the importance of weight loss through physical activity. However, the effectiveness of exercise can vary significantly among individuals, making it challenging to evaluate its impact.

A novel method for assessing the shedding of fibre in forensic science: Investigating the effects of washing.

The evaluation of the shedding capacity of a garment is crucial in forensic analysis to understand fibre transfer mechanisms during contact activities. While adhesive tapes are commonly used, the lack of standardised pressure application -often done manually- poses a challenge. In addition, while previous studies have examined the effects of washing on fibre evidence, there is a notable absence in the literature regarding its impact on garment shedding capacity.

Detailed analysis of air pollution in the Canadian prairie region: A step toward net-zero emission.

Industrial, agricultural, and natural pollution pose a critical problem for the Prairie provinces of Canada, with significant environmental and health concerns. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by assessing the cumulative impacts of pollutants in the Prairie region, which hosts 40 % of the Canada's indigenous population, often living near these pollution sources. By innovatively integrating Sentinel-5P satellite data, Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS, and Python, we show the trends in CO, NO₂, HCHO, SO₂, and aerosols from 2019 to 2023 at high resolution for the entire region, which sheds new light on the dynamics that operate beyond conventional air quality monitoring.

Mitigating ice sheets and mountain glaciers melt with geoengineering.

The inadequacy of current emission reduction measures necessitates exploring innovative approaches to address the critical issue of ice sheet and mountain glacier melting. Geoengineering emerges as a potential solution to mitigate severe cryospheric changes. This review systematically examines geoengineering techniques tailored to ice sheets and mountain glaciers, analyzing their efficacy, risks, and limitations based on existing literature.

Ultrafiltration membrane modelling: Comparing two mathematical models by sensitivity and uncertainty analysis for Palermo and Corleone (Italy) water reuse case studies.

The new EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive requires stricter limits introducing quaternary treatments and poses significant challenges to achieving a sustainable environment. Advanced membrane-based treatment processes combined with mathematical models can be a good solution for facing the challenges above. Most existing literature on membrane filtration models primarily focuses on membrane bioreactors, lacking mechanistic models on ultrafiltration (UF) membranes.

Science tells us that portable air filters reduce infection risk. It's time for public health authorities to make this clear.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian public health advisors and politicians have shared mixed messages about the utility of portable air filters (PAFs) for mitigating the transmission of airborne infectious diseases. Some public health advisors and decision-makers have also suggested that PAFs are cumbersome or require expert advice. We take this opportunity to review evidence and address myths about PAFs.

Impact of leachate from boiled-water-treated plastic products on male reproductive health: Insights from transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling.

Given the extensive use of plastic materials in modern society, there is an escalating concern about the potential risks associated with exposure to plastic products. This study investigated the impact of plastic leachates from boiled-water-treated cups, including polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), on male reproductive health. Experimental mice were administered daily doses of the plastic leachates for 180 consecutive days.