Extraction of pectin from watermelon and pomegranate peels with different methods and its application in ice cream as an emulsifier.

Pectin extraction from watermelon peel (WP) and pomegranate peel (PP) was carried out using three different extraction methods: classical solvent extraction (CSE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Extraction parameters (pH, temperature, time, and speed/amplitude/power) were optimized to target maximum crude pectin yield (CPY), while the sample-to-solvent ratio (SS) was determined to be fixed at 1:10 w/v at all experiments. CPY was increased by low pH, high temperature, and long time. The pectins obtained at optimum conditions were characterized regarding the physicochemical and rheological properties, and the pectin solutions were found to be typical pseudoplastic fluids. WP pectin extracted with MAE and PP pectin extracted with UAE were determined to have the best emulsifying properties and added to the ice cream formulations. MAE had the maximum CPY of 9.40% for WP (pH = 1.3, 6 min, 596 W) and the best emulsifying properties. UAE had the best emulsifying properties for PP and the CPY was 11.56% in conditions of pH = 1.5, a temperature of 69°C, an extraction time of 29 min, and a 32% amplitude. The use of PP pectin resulted in a significant increase in the apparent viscosity of ice cream mix and also the first dripping time and the hardness of ice cream over commercial emulsifier. Melting properties and hardness values of ice cream with WP pectin were comparatively closer to those of ice cream with commercial emulsifier. On the other hand, the first dripping time and hardness value of ice cream with PP pectin having 60.25 min and 3.84 N, respectively, were higher than those of commercial ice cream having 53.75 min and 2.14 N, respectively. Practical Application: The utilization of WP and PP, which are good sources for pectin production, benefits both a sustainable environment and a sustainable food industry. Pectin extracted from WP and PP as an emulsifier in ice cream can ensure the production of ice creams with good melting properties. Pectin can be used as a healthy, sustainable, and economical alternative emulsifier in the ice cream industry.

Development and Validation of the Biotechnology Literacy Test.

In this study, a 'biotechnology literacy test' was developed to determine the biotechnology literacy of prospective science teachers, and its validity and reliability were determined. For this purpose, 42 items were prepared by considering Bybee's scientific literacy classifications (nominal, functional, procedural, and multidimensional). The experts were asked to rate each item for content validity. As a result of the experts' evaluations, the content validity of the test was confirmed. The draft test was applied to 494 science prospective teachers. Difficulty and discrimination coefficients of items within the test were calculated to provide evidence of construct validity. It was decided to exclude 13 items as a result of item analysis. It can be said that that the test was difficult (p = 0.40) and discriminative (D = 0.41) at medium level. Finally, a valid and reliable "biotechnology literacy test" consisting of 25 multiple-choice items each with five choices was developed in this research. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(2): 179-188, 2019.

Which definition should be used to determine colchicine resistance among patients with familial Mediterranean fever?

OBJECTIVES: Colchicine is the main therapy for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF); however, 5-10% of patients are colchicine-resistant. There is no standard and validated definition for colchicine resistance. We aimed to compare the existing definitions for colchicine resistance in both adult and paediatric FMF patients to find out the best definition to determine colchicine-resistant patients. METHODS: 385 FMF patients were evaluated and patients receiving anti-interleukin-1 treatment were included. The anti-IL-1 therapy had been initiated by the experts in the past based on their experience. Eleven different definitions (found out after PubMed search for colchicine resistance in FMF) were applied to all patients. Results were re-analysed after excluding the patients who had no clinical attacks but persistently high acute phase reactants (APRs) and/or amyloidosis. RESULTS: Sixty patients (40 adults/20 children) who had been using anti-IL-1 therapy were included into this study as colchicine-resistant patients. The highest percentage of patients fulfilled definition 5 (93.3%). Definition 9 had the poorest performance (26%). Significantly, a higher percentage of adult patients met definitions 4 and 6 than paediatric patients (87.5% vs. 50%, p=0.002; 75% vs. 40%, p=0.008, respectively). After excluding patients without clinical attacks, the highest percentage of patients fulfilled definition 2 (94.4%). We combined the attack frequency (>1 typical episode/3 months) in definition 2 and presence of amyloidosis/APR increase (increase in ≥2/3 APRs) in definition 5 to create a new definition which was met by 59 (98.3%) colchicine-resistant FMF patients. CONCLUSIONS: Definition of colchicine resistance is still controversial. Definitions with both clinical and laboratory criteria were met by a higher percentage of resistant patients than those without laboratory criteria. However, the proper definitions for the attack-free period and persistence of APRs are still lacking.

Pulmonary hypertension in Takayasu arteritis.

AIM: To determine the frequency and define the causes of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA). METHOD: Sixty-four TA patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Having an estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) ≥40 mm Hg by echocardiography or if performed, mean PAP ≥25 mm Hg in right heart catheterization was defined as PH. Clinical, imaging and laboratory results of the TA patients were obtained from hospital files. RESULT: In total, seven (10.9%) patients had PH. Four patients had PH due to left-sided heart disease (group 2 PH), three patients due to pulmonary arterial involvement (PAI; group 4 PH) and one patient due to atrial septal defect (group 1 PH). In one patient, combination of PAI, aortic insufficiency and pulmonary venous return anomaly was present and he was considered to have both group 2 and group 4 PH. PAI was more frequent (42.9% vs 15.7%) in patients with PH but the difference was not statistically significant. The percentage of patients treated with cyclophosphamide and/or biologics was higher in the group with PH as compared to the group without PH (P = 0.015). One patient with group 4 PH had been on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-specific agents for 8 years. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary hypertension is not infrequent in TA patients and all the potential causes of PH should be carefully evaluated. Patients with severe or treatment-resistant disease are prone to have PH. PAH-specific agents may be effective in patients with group 4 PH.

Blood group 'A' may have a possible modifier effect on familial Mediterranean fever and blood group '0' may be associated with colchicine resistance.

Aim/purpose: Our aim was to investigate the association between blood groups and colchicine resistance in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients. METHODS: This is a single-center, cross-sectional study. Between January and December 2016, 385 FMF patients were assessed by the Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology outpatient clinics and 297 patients had blood groups (ABO and Rh) results. The patients were grouped into two groups: colchicine-responsive patients (Group CR) and colchicine-unresponsive patients (Group CUR). RESULTS: Patients with blood group A had 1.5-fold higher FMF compared with non-A blood group (OR: 1.50 [95% CI: 1.11-1.87]), particularly having a Rh (+) blood group (OR: 1.47 [95% CI: 1.13-1.91]). Furthermore, patients with blood group A had a better response to colchicine treatment than non-A blood group; (OR: 2.21 [95% CI: 1.15-4.27]). Patients with blood group O were prominently associated with colchicine resistance. CONCLUSION: ABO blood phenogroups may be used in combination with other risk factors to identify FMF patients and patients at high risk for colchicine resistance.

Influence of different staining beverages on color stability, surface roughness and microhardness of silorane and methacrylate-based composite resins.

AIM: To investigate the influence of different staining beverages on color stability, surface roughness and microhardness of silorane and methacrylate-based composite resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different composite resins (Filtek Silorane, Filtek P60, Filtek Supreme XT) were tested. Thirty cylindrical specimens (10 × 2 mm) per material were prepared and polished with a series of aluminum-oxide polishing disks. Each group was then randomly subdivided into three groups according to the test beverages: distilled water (control), cola and coffee. The samples were immersed into different beverages for 15 days. Color, surface roughness and microhardness values were measured by a spectrophotometer, prophylometer and Vickers hardness device respectively, at baseline and after 15 days. The data were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Immersion in coffee resulted in a significant discoloration for all the composites tested, although the color change was lower in Filtek Silorane than that of MBCs (p < 0.05). All the composites tested showed similar surface roughness changes after immersion in different beverages (p > 0.05). Besides coffee caused more roughness change than others. Immersion in coffee caused highest microhardness change in Filtek Supreme XT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cola and coffee altered, to some degree, the color, surface roughness and/or microhardness of the tested resin composites, depending on the characteristics of the materials.

Does the temperature of beverages affect the surface roughness, hardness, and color stability of a composite resin?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of beverages' temperature on the surface roughness, hardness, and color stability of a composite resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty specimens of the Filtek Z250 composite (3M ESPE, Dental Products, St.Paul, MN, USA) were prepared and initial roughness, microhardness, and color were measured. Then the specimens were randomly divided into five groups of 10 specimens each: Coffee at 70°C, coffee at 37°C, cola at 10°C, cola at 37°C, and artificial saliva (control). After the samples were subjected to 15 min × 3 cycles per day of exposure to the solutions for 30 days, the final measurements were recorded. RESULTS: After immersion in beverages, the artificial saliva group showed hardness values higher than those of the other groups (P < 0.001) and the microhardness values were significantly different from the initial values in all groups except for the control group. Both cola groups showed roughness values higher than the baseline values (P < 0.05), while the other groups showed values similar to the baseline measurements. When ΔE measurements were examined, the 70°C coffee group showed the highest color change among all the groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: High-temperature solutions caused alterations in certain properties of composites, such as increased color change, although they did not affect the hardness or roughness of the composite resin material tested.

Microtensile bond strength of an etch-and-rinse adhesive to enamel and dentin after Er:YAG laser pretreatment with different pulse durations.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of an etch-and-rinse adhesive to enamel and dentin after treatment with Er:YAG laser using different pulse durations. Extracted human molars were flattened to obtain enamel or dentin surfaces. The enamel specimens (E) were divided into nine groups and the dentin (D) specimens were divided into seven groups according to the surface treatments (n = 6). E-C: acid was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions and used as control, E-SSP: 120 mJ, 10 Hz, SSP (50 µs), E-SSP-A: 120 mJ,10 Hz, SSP+acid, E-VSP: 120 mJ, 10 Hz, VSP (100 µs), E-VSP-A: 120 mJ, 10 Hz, VSP+acid, E-SP: 120 mJ, 10 Hz, SP (150 µs), E-SP-A:120 mJ,10 Hz, SP+acid, E-LP:120 mJ,10 Hz, LP (300 µs), E-LP-A:120 mJ,10 Hz, LP+acid; D-C: acid was applied and used as control, D-SSP: 80 mJ, 10 Hz, SSP, D-SSP-A: 80 mJ, 10 Hz, SSP+acid, D-VSP: 80 mJ, 10 Hz, VSP, D-VSP-A: 80 mJ, 10 Hz, VSP+acid, D-SP: 80 mJ, 10 Hz, SP, D-SP-A: 80 mJ, 10 Hz, SP+acid. After application of etch-and-rinse adhesive, composite built-ups were created with a nanoceramic composite. Specimens were sectioned into serial 1-mm(2) sticks, and µTBS was measured in five sticks from each tooth randomly selected (n = 30). Failure modes were determined under a stereomicroscope. µTBS test data were analyzed by Welch-ANOVA followed by Dunnett's T3 tests and failure mode distributions were analyzed by Pearson Chi-square test (p = 0.05). µTBS was higher for enamel and dentin after additional acid etching than laser irradiation alone. E-SSP-A group exhibited the highest µTBS for enamel (p < 0.05). The D-SP-A group showed the highest value but the difference was not significant in comparison to D-C (p > 0.05). The µTBS of laser-irradiated but not acid-etched groups decreased when longer pulse durations were used. Laser treatment could enhance or impair the µTBS to enamel and dentin depending on the pulse duration used and additional acid application.

Effects of ozone and ND:YAG laser pretreatment on bond strength of self-etch adhesives to coronal and root dentin.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different disinfection treatments--ozone and Nd:YAG laser application--on shear-bond strength (SBS) of self-etch adhesives to coronal and root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted human canines were ground flat, exposing the coronal and root dentin surfaces, and randomly divided into three groups. The surfaces were untreated (Control) or treated with ozone (HealOzone, KaVo) or Nd:YAG laser (Fidelis III, Fotona). Coronal and root dentins of 10 teeth of each group were treated with a two-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray Medical; SE), whereas the remaining 10 teeth were treated with a one-step self-etch adhesive (Clearfil Tri-S Bond, Kuraray Medical; S3). A resin composite (Clearfil Majesty Esthetics, Kuraray Medical) was then placed, and SBS was tested with a universal testing machine. Failure modes were determined under a stereomicroscope. The mean SBS values of each group were calculated, and data were subjected to statistical analysis (p = 0.05). RESULTS: For the coronal dentin, Control/SE showed significantly higher values than Control/S3, Ozone/S3, and Nd:YAG/S3. Although Ozone/SE showed significantly higher values than Nd:YAG/S3 (p < 0.05), the differences within the other groups were not significant for the root dentin (p > 0.05). Comparison of two dentin substrates in each group did not show any significant difference except for Control/SE, in which coronal dentin showed higher SBS. The failure modes of all groups were mainly adhesive. CONCLUSION: Pretreatments with Ozone or Nd:YAG laser did not impair the SBS of both of the self-etch adhesives used to coronal and root dentin.

Effect of adhesives and thermocycling on the shear bond strength of a nano-composite to coronal and root dentin.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of "etch & rinse" vs "self-etch" adhesives and thermocycling on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a nano-composite to coronal and root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: FIFTY-SIX EXTRACTED HUMAN MOLARS WERE mounted and ground to expose coronal and root dentin surfaces and were randomly divided into two groups according to adhesive system: SE--a two-step self-etch adhesive (Adper SE Plus, 3M ESPE) and ER-an etch & rinse adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE). The adhesives were applied to the coronal and root dentin of the mounted teeth. A nano-composite (Filtek Supreme XT, 3M ESPE) was applied to both dentin surfaces. The bonded specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. Half of the bonded specimens were tested for SBS in a universal testing machine without thermocycling. The remaining specimens were thermocycled (500 cycles between 5 degrees C and 55 degrees C) prior to SBS testing. Two specimens from each group were kept for Scanning Electron Microscope evaluations of the adhesive interfaces. Failure modes were determined under a stereomicroscope. The mean SBS value of each group was calculated, and the results were subjected to ANOVA, Duncan test and Paired samples t-test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: Thermocycling did not affect the SBS of coronal dentin for either adhesive. However, it affected the SBS of SE in root dentin (p < 0.05). The two different dentin substrates did not exhibit a significant difference except for higher values in root dentin with the SE group without thermocycling. The greatest number of cohesive failures was observed in root dentin with SE adhesive; however, the failure modes were mainly adhesive for the other groups. CONCLUSION: The SE adhesive exhibited higher SBS values than the ER adhesive in root dentin. Thermocycling did not affect the SBS in coronal dentin for either adhesive but it decreased the SBS of SE in root dentin.

Shear bond strength of three different nano-restorative materials to dentin.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of a nano-composite, a flowable nano-composite and a nano glass ionomer to dentin in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty human molars were ground flat, exposing the dentin surfaces, and they were randomly divided into five groups according to the restorative materials and adhesive systems used (n = 12/group). The restoratives were applied to all dentin surfaces according to the manufacturer's instructions, using a special jig (Ultradent) in the following manner: Group 1: a nano-composite (NC) (Filtek Supreme XT-3M ESPE) was applied with a two-step self-etch adhesive (SE) (Adper SE Plus-3M ESPE); Group 2: NC was applied with an etch&rinse adhesive (SB) (Adper Single Bond 2-3M ESPE); Group 3: a flowable nano-composite (FNC, Filtek Supreme XT Flow-3M ESPE) was applied with SE; Group 4: FNC was applied with SB and Group 5: a nanofilled resin-modified glass ionomer (Ketac N100-3M ESPE) was applied with Ketac Nano Primer (3M ESPE). The bonded specimens were stored in distilled water (37 degrees C, 24 hours) and tested for SBS in a universal testing machine (1 mm/minute). Two specimens from each group were subjected to SEM evaluations of the adhesive interfaces. Failure modes were determined using a stereomicroscope. The mean SBS values were calculated and the data were analyzed with the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney-U tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Mean SBS values (MPa) for the groups were 13.64; 7.83; 11.20; 4.12 and 0.64 for Groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Group 1 exhibited a significantly higher value than all the other groups; whereas, Group 5 had the lowest value (p < 0.05). The SE adhesive yielded higher bond values than the SB adhesive with NC and FNC restorative materials. Failure modes in all the groups were primarily adhesive. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the capacity of the current two-step self-etch adhesive to outperform the etch&rinse adhesive in conjunction with the two nano-restoratives tested.