Comparative Studies for Cryopreservation of Agave Shoot Tips by Droplet-Vitrification.

The objective of this work was to assess the suitability of the Droplet-vitrification protocol previously developed with Agave peacockii shoot tips for the cryopreservation of six Agave species. Shoot tips were precultured for 1 day on a medium with 0.3 M sucrose in the dark, loaded in a solution with 1.6 M glycerol and 0.4 M sucrose for 20 min, and dehydrated by exposure to Plant Vitrification Solution 2 (PVS2) at 0 °C for 20 min. Complementary studies using histological analysis, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and evaluation of morphological characteristics in cryo-derived plants were performed. Survival rates ranged from 84% to 100% and from 76% to 97% before and after cryopreservation regardless of the Agave species belonging to two taxonomic subgenera. Thermal analysis of shoot tips subjected to the successive steps of the Droplet-vitrification protocol identified ice crystal formation after loading treatment and glass transition after osmotic dehydration with PVS2. The average glass transition temperature (Tg) was -55.44 °C based on the results of four Agave species. The histological studies showed the anatomical differences that could be found in the meristematic structures depending on the loss of apical dominance. This is the most advanced research on cryopreservation of Agave shoot tips.

Effect of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles Incorporation on the Mechanical Properties of a Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of incorporating different concentrations of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). A commercial RMGIC (Resiglass R, Biodinâmica) was modified by incorporating 0.1% and 0.5% (by weight) of GO into the powder's material. An unmodified RMGIC was used as a control group. Powder samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Specimens were fabricated and subjected to flexural strength (n = 15), modulus of elasticity (n = 15), Vicker's microhardness (n = 10), and surface roughness tests (n = 10). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (α = 5%). Experimental groups' powder demonstrated a homogeneous dispersion of GO. No statistically significant difference was observed in flexural strength (p = 0.067) and modulus of elasticity (p = 0.143) tests. The groups containing 0.1% and 0.5% GO showed significantly higher microhardness and lower surface roughness values (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The incorporation of GO nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5% improved the microhardness and surface roughness without negatively affecting the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of an RMGIC.

Comparison of the physical properties of glass ionomer modified with silver phosphate/hydroxyapatite or titanium dioxide nanoparticles: in vitro study.

Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are the common materials employed in pediatric dentistry because of their specific applications in class I restorations and atraumatic restoration treatments (ART) of deciduous teeth in populations at high risk of caries. Studies show a limited clinical durability of these materials. Attempts have thus been made to incorporate nanoparticles (NPs) into the glass ionomer for improving resistance and make it like the tooth structure. An in vitro experimental study was conducted using the required samples dimensions and prepared based on the test being carried out on the three groups with or without the modification of light-cured glass ionomer. Samples were grouped as follows: control group (G1_C), 2% silver phosphate/hydroxyapatite NPs group (G2_SPH), and 2% titanium dioxide NPs group (G3_TiO2). The physical tests regarding flexural strength (n = 10 per group), solubility (n = 10 per group), and radiopacity (n = 3 per group) were performed. The data were analyzed by Shapiro Wilks test, and one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA), and multiple comparisons by post hoc Tukey's test. The p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. No statistically significant difference was observed between the control group (G1_C) and (G2_SPH) (p = 0.704) in the flexural strength test, however differences were found between G2_SPH and G3_TiO2 groups, ANOVA (p = 0.006); post hoc Tukey's test (p = 0.014). Pertaining to the solubility, G2_SPH obtained the lowest among the three groups, ANOVA (p = 0.010); post hoc Tukey's test (p = 0.009). The three study groups obtained an adequate radiopacity of >1 mm Al, respectively. The resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) was further modified with 2% silver phosphate/hydroxyapatite NPs to improve the physical properties such as enhancing the solubility and sorption without compromising the flexural strength and radiopacity behavior of modified RMGIC. The incorporation of 2% titanium dioxide NPs did not improve the properties studied.

Short Glass Fiber Modifier Trisilanol-Isobutyl Polyhedral Silsesquioxane as Interfacial in Polypropylene Matrix: Effect of Flame Retardation and Mechanical Properties.

In the present work, short glass fiber is superficially modified with different concentrations of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (Trisilanol-Isobutyl, TSI-POSS) for processing as a filler in a polypropylene matrix (PP). It is observed that increasing the amount of TSI-POSS increases the fracture point and tensile strength; the opposite is the case for the strength impact property. The behaviors of both dynamic mechanical and thermal analyses are also observed. The flame behavior, i.e., the burning rate, decreases with increasing TSI-POSS in the polymers.

Glass ionomer cement particles pre-reacted with chlorhexidine: Physical/chemical properties and antimicrobial activity.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the effects of the functionalization of pre-functionalized GIC particles with chlorhexidine on the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four groups were prepared: (1) GIC (Bioglass R - Biodinamica) - control group; (2) GIC-CHX 1%: Group containing 1% pre-reacted CHX particles; (3) GIC-CHX 2.5%: Group containing 2.5% pre-reacted CHX particles; (4) GIC-CHX 5%: Group containing 5% pre-reacted CHX particles. Hourglass-shaped specimens (10 mm × 2 mm x 1 mm) were fabricated for mechanical tests including cohesive strength (n = 12), modulus of elasticity (n = 12) and microhardness (n = 10). Discs (10 mm × 2 mm) were prepared for the analysis of Ca+2, PO4- and F- ions release (n = 3), and roughness (n = 12). To evaluate the setting time, a Gilmore needle was used according to ISO 9917-1:2016. Disk-shaped specimens (5 × 1mm) were manufactured and subjected to bacterial activity (n = 9) (Streptococcus mutans ATCC 159). RESULTS: Modulus, roughness, setting time and ions release (Ca+2, PO4-, and F-) there were no statistically significant differences among the groups (p > 0.05). The setting time did not change with the incorporation of CHX. The GIC-CHX 2.5% and GIC-CHX 5% groups exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to the control group and GIC-CHX 1% (p < 0.001). The GIC-CHX 5% group showed the highest microhardness values (p < 0.041), cohesive strength (p < 0.009) when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The pre-reacted CHX in GICs was able to confer antimicrobial activity, improve cohesive strength, microhardness, and did not impair ion release, setting time, and roughness.

Nanostructured Glass-Ceramic Materials from Glass Waste with Antimicrobial Activity.

Modern consumption patterns have led to a surge in waste glass accumulating in municipal landfills, contributing to environmental pollution, especially in countries that do not have well-established recycling standards. While glass itself is 100% recyclable, the logistics and handling involved present significant challenges. Flint and amber-colored glass, often found in high quantities in municipal waste, can serve as valuable sources of raw materials. We propose an affordable route that requires just a thermal treatment of glass waste to obtain glass-based antimicrobial materials. The thermal treatment induces crystallized nanoregions, which are the primary factor responsible for the bactericidal effect of waste glass. As a result, coarse particles of flint waste glass that undergo thermal treatment at 720 °C show superior antimicrobial activity than amber waste glass. Glass-ceramic materials from flint waste glass, obtained by thermal treatment at 720 °C during 2 h, show antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli after just 30 min of contact time. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was employed to monitor the elemental composition of the glass waste. The obtained glass-ceramic material was structurally characterized by transmission electron microscopy, enabling the confirmation of the presence of nanocrystals embedded within the glass matrix.

Development of PHBV electrospun fibers containing a borate bioactive glass doped with Co, Cu, and Zn for wound dressings.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanofibers embedded with borate glasses of 45B5 composition doped with Co2+, Cu2+, and Zn2 +(46.1 B2O326.9-X CaO24.4 Na2O2.6 P2O5, X CoO/CuO/ZnO mol % (X = 0-5)) were produced by electrospinning for wound healing applications. Prior to their addition, the glasses exhibited two broad halos typical of a vitreous borate network, which were mainly composed of ring-type metaborate structural units. The particle distribution in the PHBV nanofibers embedded with 45B5 borate bioactive glasses is present in isolated and agglomerated states, being partially coated by a polymeric layer-except for the cobalt-doped glass, which resulted in a successful encapsulation with 100% embedding efficiency. The incorporation of the glasses reduced the PHBV crystallinity degree and its decomposition temperature, as well as its mechanical properties, including Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break. The neat PHBV fibers and those containing the cobalt-doped glasses demonstrated great cytocompatibility with human keratinocytes (HaCat), as suggested by the high cell viability after 7 days of exposure. Further studies are needed to fully understand the wound healing potential of these fibers, but our results significantly contribute to the area.

Antimicrobial effects of surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) eluate against oral microcosm biofilm.

This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of surface pre-reacted glass ionomer eluate (S-PRG) against oral microcosm biofilms collected from the oral cavity of patients. Dental biofilm samples were collected from three volunteers to form microcosm biofilms in vitro. Initially, screening tests were carried out to determine the biofilm treatment conditions with S-PRG eluate. The effects of a daily treatment for 5 min using three microcosm biofilms from different patients was then evaluated. For this, biofilms were formed on tooth enamel specimens for 120 h. Biofilms treated with 100% S-PRG for 5 min per day for 5 days showed a reduction in the number of total microorganisms, streptococci and mutans streptococci. SEM images confirmed a reduction in the biofilm after treatment. Furthermore, S-PRG also reduced lactic acid production. It was concluded that S-PRG eluate reduced the microbial load and lactic acid production in oral microcosm biofilms, reinforcing its promising use as a mouthwash agent.

Mechanistic study of the differences in lactic acid bacteria resistance to freeze- or spray-drying and storage.

Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) widely used in the food industry. The objective of this work was to assess the resistance of these bacteria to freeze- and spray-drying and study the mechanisms involved in their loss of activity. The culturability and acidifying activity were measured to determine the specific acidifying activity, while membrane integrity was studied by flow cytometry. The glass transitions temperature and the water activity of the dried bacterial suspensions were also determined. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) micro-spectroscopy was used to study the biochemical composition of cells in an aqueous environment. All experiments were performed after freezing, drying and storage at 4, 23 and 37 °C. The results showed that Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 was sensitive to osmotic, mechanical, and thermal stresses, while Lpb. plantarum WCFS1 tolerated better the first two types of stress but was more sensitive to thermal stress. Moreover, FTIR results suggested that the sensitivity of Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 to freeze-drying could be attributed to membrane and cell wall degradation, whereas changes in nucleic acids and proteins would be responsible of heat inactivation of both strains associated with spray-drying. According to the activation energy values (47-85 kJ/mol), the functionality loss during storage is a chemically limited reaction. Still, the physical properties of the glassy matrix played a fundamental role in the rates of loss of activity and showed that a glass transition temperature 40 °C above the storage temperature is needed to reach good preservation during storage. KEY POINTS: • Specific FTIR bands are proposed as markers of osmotic, mechanic and thermal stress • Lb. bulgaricus CFL1 was sensitive to all three stresses, Lpb. plantarum WCFS1 to thermal stress only • Activation energy revealed chemically limited reactions ruled the activity loss in storage.

Açaí juice stains a glazed resin-modified glass-ionomer cement.

Coloured compounds (anthocyanins) in açaí can stain resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC) due to its low staining resistance. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess whether açaí compromises the surface colour and roughness of RMGIC in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Disc-shaped specimens (2 mm thick, 8 mm in diameter) of Vitremer™ (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) were prepared according to the manufacturer 's instructions. The mixture was inserted into a silicone mouldplaced between two mylar strips, and light cured. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n=25) according to the solutions to be used for chemical degradation: artificial saliva (control), açaí sorbet and açaí juice. A spectrophotometer CM-2600d/2500d (Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) was used to analyse the colour (CIELa*b* scale). Surface roughness (Ra, mm) was measuredusing theprofilometer Surfcorder SE 1700 (Kosaka Corp, Tokyo, Japan). The specimens were subjected to three daily soaks (6 ml, 15 minutes) for 14 days at 37°C. They were washed in distilled water and placed in fresh saliva (30 minutes in the interval). After the third soak in a day, they were stored in fresh saliva overnight. Outcomes were analysed at baseline (L*, a*, b*, Ra) and after degradation (L'*, a'*, b'*, Ra'). RESULTS: The pH values of saliva, sorbet, and juice were 7.0, 3.8, and 4.9, respectively. ΔE* values were 6.6 for saliva, 6.9 for sorbet and 7.8 for juice. There was a significant ΔE* difference between saliva (p=0.005) and juice (p=0.002), and between juice and sorbet (p=0.019), but none between saliva and sorbet (p=0.401). There was no significant Δb* difference between the solutions. No difference between juice and sorbet was observed for Δa*, but they were significantly different from saliva (p<0.001). Brightness (L*) changed significantly. Juice showed the highest ΔE* (7.8) and ΔL* (7.7). No significant change was observed for roughness and there was no difference between the solutions for ARa. CONCLUSIONS: Açaí and saliva led to unacceptable staining, but no significant roughness changes in the resin-modified glass-ionomer cement.

As antocianinas presentes no açaí podem manchar o cimento de ionomero de vidro modificado por resina (CIVMR) devido a baixa resistencia ao manchamento do material. OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar se o açaí compromete a cor e a rugosidade de superficie de um CIVMR in vitro. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Amostras (2 mm de espessura, 8 mm de diámetro) de Vitremer™ (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) foram preparadas de acordo com as instrugoes do fabricante. O materialfoi espatulado, inserido em um molde de silicone colocado entre duas tiras de poliestireno e fotopolimerizado. Após, as amostras foram randomizadas e alocadas em tres grupos (n=25) de acordo com as solugoes usadas para a degradagao química: saliva artificial (controle) e sorbet de açaí e suco de açaí. Utilizou-se o espectrofotometro CM-2600d/2500d (Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) para a análise da cor (escala CIELa*b*) e o rugosímetro Surfcorder SE 1700 (Kosaka Corp, Tokyo, Japan) para a rugosidade de superficie (Ra, mm). As amostras foram submetidas a tres imersoes diárias (6 ml, 15 minutos) em cada solugao por 14 dias a 37°C, tendo sido lavadas em água destilada e mantidas em saliva fresca (30 minutos) nos intervalos. Após a terceira imersao no dia, as amostras foram mantidas em saliva renovada até o dia seguinte. As variáveis foram analisadas antes (L*, a*, b*, Ra) e depois da degradagao química (L'*, a'*, b'*, Ra'). RESULTADOS: Os valores de pH da saliva, sorbet e suco foram, respectivamente 7,0, 3,8 e 4,9. Houve diferenga significante para ΔE* entre saliva (p=0.005) e suco (p=0.002) e entre suco e sorbet (p=0.019), mas nao entre saliva e sorbet (p=0.401). Nao foi observada diferenga significante para Δb* entre as solugoes. Nao houve diferenga significante para Δa* entre suco e sorbet, mas eles foram significativamente diferentes da saliva (p<0.001). A luminosidade (L*) mostrou alteragao significante. O suco mostrou os maiores valores de ΔE* (7,8) e ΔL* (7,7)". Nao houve mudanga significante para a rugosidade e nao foi observada diferenga significante entre as solugoes para ARa (p>0.05). CONCLUSÃO: O açaí e a saliva causaram manchamento inaceitável do glaze do CIVMR e insignificante alteragao da rugosidade.

Clinical Effectiveness of Ion-Releasing Restorations versus Composite Restorations in Dental Restorations: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: To compare the clinical effectiveness of ion-releasing restorations (IRR) vs. composite resin (CR) in dental restorations. METHODS: A systematic search was carried out from articles published until January 2024, in the biomedical databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Randomized clinical trials were included, with a follow-up time greater than or equal to 1 year, without time and language limits and which reported the clinical effect of IRR compared to CR in dental restorations. The RoB 2.0 tool was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies and the GRADEPro GDT tool was used to assess the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendation of the results. RESULTS: The search yielded a total of 1109 articles. After excluding those that did not meet the selection criteria, 29 articles remained for the quantitative synthesis. The analysis found no statistically significant difference when comparing the dental restorations with IRRs or CRs. CONCLUSION: The literature reviewed suggests that there are no differences between the IRRs and CRs in dental restorations.

2-year survival and cost analysis of occlusoproximal ART restorations using encapsulated glass ionomer cement in primary molars: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The survival of ART restorations can be influenced by the choice of the restorative material. The aim of this randomized non-inferiority controlled trial was to compare the 2-year survival rate and cost analysis of two encapsulated glass ionomer cements (GIC) as occlusoproximal restorative materials in primary molars. METHODS: Children from public schools in Tietê (Brazil), aged 4-8 years with occlusoproximal dentine carious lesions in primary molars were selected and randomly assigned to receive either Equia Forte (EF) or Riva Self Cure (RSC) as restorative materials. Treatment was carried out by two trained final-year dental students in schools following ART premises. Restorations were assessed by a trained and calibrated examiner after 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome was restoration survival after 2 years, analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis (α = 5%). Professional and materials costs for each group were collected in Brazilian Reais (R$) and converted into US dollars (US$) and analyzed using Monte-Carlo simulation. RESULTS: A total of 152 children (76 per group) were included in the study, and 121 (79%) were evaluated after 2 years. The overall 2-year restoration survival rate was 39% (EF = 45%; RSC = 32%) with no difference between the groups. The baseline and 2-year total cost of restorations using RSC was lower when compared to EF (incremental cost: US$ 6.18). CONCLUSION: After two years of follow-up, Riva Self Cure shows comparable restoration survival rates to Equia Forte, being more cost-effective in the Brazilian perspective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This randomized clinical trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov - NCT02730000.

Fatigue and failure mode analyses of glass infiltrated 5Y-PSZ bonded onto dentin analogues.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fatigue survival of 5Y-PSZ zirconia infiltrated with an experimental glass and bonded onto dentin analogues. Disc-shaped specimens of a 5Y-PSZ (Katana UTML Kuraray Noritake) were cemented onto dentin analogs (NEMA G10) and divided into four groups (n = 15): Zctrl Group (control, without infiltration); Zglz Group (Glaze, compression surface); Zinf-comp Group (Experimental Glass, compression surface); Zinf-tens Group (Experimental Glass, tension surface). Surface treatments were varied. Cyclic fatigue loading, oblique transillumination, stereomicroscope examination, and scanning electron microscopy were performed. Fatigue data were analyzed (failure load and number of cycles) using survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier and Log-Rank Mantel-Cox). There was no statistically significant difference in fatigue survival between the Zglz, Zctrl, and Zinf-comp groups. The Zinf-tens group presented a significantly higher failure load when compared to the other groups and exhibited a different failure mode. The experimental glass effectively infiltrated the zirconia, enhancing structural reliability, altering the failure mode, and improving load-bearing capacity over more cycles, particularly in the group where the glass was infiltrated into the tensile surface of the zirconia. Glass infiltration into 5Y-PSZ zirconia significantly enhanced structural reliability and the ability to withstand loads over an increased number of cycles. This approach has the potential to increase the durability of zirconia restorations, reducing the need for replacements and save time and resources, promoting efficiency in clinical practice.

The MATH test. A three-phase assay?

This study aimed to investigating the possible interference caused by glass test tubes on the quantification of bacterial adhesion to hydrocarbons by the MATH test. The adhesion of four bacteria to hexadecane and to glass test tubes was evaluated employing different suspending polar phases. The role of the ionic strength of the polar phase regarding adhesion to glassware was investigated. Within the conditions studied, Gram-positive bacteria adhered to both the test tube and the hydrocarbon regardless of the polar phase employed; meanwhile, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 did not attach to either one. The capacity of the studied microorganisms to adhere to glassware was associated with their electron-donor properties. The ionic strength of the suspending media altered the patterns of adhesion to glass in a strain-specific manner by defining the magnitude of electrostatic repulsion observed between bacteria and the glass surface. This research demonstrated that glass test tubes may interact with suspended bacterial cells during the MATH test under specific conditions, which may lead to overestimating the percentage of adhesion to hydrocarbons and, thus, to erroneous values of cell surface hydrophobicity.

The influence of filler load in 3D printing resin-based composites.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the barium glass (BG) filler in 3D printing resin-based composites for restorative structures. METHODS: Experimental 3D printing resin-based composites were formulated with UDMA 70%wt, Bis-EMA 20%wt, and TEGDMA 10%wt. Photoinitiators TPO and DFI (2%wt) were used. BG was incorporated at 40%wt and 50%wt. 0%wt BG was used as negative control and the VarseoSmile Crownplus (Bego) was used as a commercial control. Specimens were printed using a 3D printer. Subsequently, specimens were washed and submitted to post-curing with 405 nm at 60ºC for 2 × 20 min at FormCure (FormLabs). 3D printing resin-based composites were evaluated by flexural strength, degree of conversion, softening in solvent, radiopacity, and cytotoxicity against gingival fibroblasts. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No significant differences in flexural strength were showed between BG40% (90.5 ± 5,4 MPa), BG50% (102.0 ± 11.7 MPa) and VA (105.2 ± 11.7 MPa). Addition of 40% and 50% of BG showed no influence in the degree of conversion compared to VA (p > 0.05). All groups showed softening in solvent after immersion in ethanol (p < 0.05). All groups showed more than 1mmAl of radiopacity. BG50% showed significantly higher radiopacity (2.8 ± 0.3 mmAl) than other groups (p < 0,05). Cytotoxicity evaluation showed gingival cell viability higher than 80% for all groups. SIGNIFICANCE: Addition of up to 50%wt of barium glass in experimental 3D printing resin-based composites showed promising results for long-term restorative structures.

Titanium dioxide nanotubes applied to conventional glass ionomer cement influence the expression of immunoinflammatory markers: An in vitro study.

Objectives: To assess the impact of different concentrations TiO2-nt incorporated into a glass ionomer cement on the proliferation, mitochondrial metabolism, morphology, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production of cultured fibroblasts (NIH/3T3), whether or not stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS-2 µg/mL, 24 h). Methods: TiO2-nt was added to KM (Ketac Molar EasyMix™, 3 %, 5 %, 7 % in weight); unblended KM was used as the control. The analyses included: Cell proliferation assay (n = 6; 24/48/72h); Mitochondrial metabolism assay (n = 6; 24/48/72h); Confocal laser microscopy (n = 3; 24/48/72h); Determination of biomarkers (IL-1ß/IL-6/IL-10/VEGF/TNF) by using both multiplex technology (n = 6; 12/18 h) and the quantitative real-time PCR assay (q-PCR) (n = 3, 24/72/120 h). The data underwent analysis using both the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests, and by generalized linear models (α = 0.05). Results: It demonstrated that cell proliferation increased over time, regardless of the presence of TiO2-nt or LPS, and displayed a significant increase at 72 h; mitochondrial metabolism increased (p < 0.05), irrespective of exposure to LPS (p = 0.937); no cell morphology changes were observed; TiO2-nt reverted the impact of KM on the secreted levels of the evaluated proteins and the gene expressions in the presence of LPS (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: TiO2-nt did not adversely affect the biological behavior of fibroblastic cells cultured on GIC discs.

Solvent constraints for biopolymer folding and evolution in extraterrestrial environments.

We propose that spontaneous folding and molecular evolution of biopolymers are two universal aspects that must concur for life to happen. These aspects are fundamentally related to the chemical composition of biopolymers and crucially depend on the solvent in which they are embedded. We show that molecular information theory and energy landscape theory allow us to explore the limits that solvents impose on biopolymer existence. We consider 54 solvents, including water, alcohols, hydrocarbons, halogenated solvents, aromatic solvents, and low molecular weight substances made up of elements abundant in the universe, which may potentially take part in alternative biochemistries. We find that along with water, there are many solvents for which the liquid regime is compatible with biopolymer folding and evolution. We present a ranking of the solvents in terms of biopolymer compatibility. Many of these solvents have been found in molecular clouds or may be expected to occur in extrasolar planets.

Structural and thermoluminescence properties of lithium borate glass matrices under UV and beta radiation.

In the present work, glass samples in the (100 - x)B2O3-xLi2O binary system, with x varying from 30 to 50 mol%, were prepared using the conventional melting and moulding method, with the main objective of evaluating the thermoluminescence response when exposing these materials to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Complementary analysis based on density, optical absorption on the UV-visible region (UV-vis absorbance), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy on the medium region, X-ray diffraction, and differential thermal analysis measurements were performed. Thermoluminescence measurements of vitreous samples showed glow curves with at least one peak with a maximum temperature of ~170°C after exposure to UV radiation in the temperature range 50-250°C. Samples were also exposed to beta radiation in the temperature range 25-275°C, also showing single peaks with a maximum temperature of ~150°C.

Novel Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposite Hybrids Based on Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles and Their Enhanced Osteoinductive Properties.

Inorganic-organic hybrid biomaterials have been proposed for bone tissue repair, with improved mechanical flexibility compared with scaffolds fabricated from bioceramics. However, obtaining hybrids with osteoinductive properties equivalent to those of bioceramics is still a challenge. In this work, we present for the first time the synthesis of a class II hybrid modified with bioactive glass nanoparticles (nBGs) with osteoinductive properties. The nanocomposite hybrids were produced by incorporating nBGs in situ into a polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF) and silica (SiO2) hybrid synthesis mixture using a combined sol-gel and cationic polymerization method. nBGs ~80 nm in size were synthesized using the sol-gel technique. The structure, composition, morphology, and mechanical properties of the resulting materials were characterized using ATR-FTIR, 29Si MAS NMR, SEM-EDX, AFM, TGA, DSC, mechanical, and DMA testing. The in vitro bioactivity and degradability of the hybrids were assessed in simulated body fluid (SBF) and PBS, respectively. Cytocompatibility with mesenchymal stem cells was assessed using MTS and cell adhesion assays. Osteogenic differentiation was determined using the alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), as well as the gene expression of Runx2 and Osterix markers. Hybrids loaded with 5, 10, and 15% of nBGs retained the mechanical flexibility of the PTHF-SiO2 matrix and improved its ability to promote the formation of bone-like apatite in SBF. The nBGs did not impair cell viability, increased the ALP activity, and upregulated the expression of Runx2 and Osterix. These results demonstrate that nBGs are an effective osteoinductive nanoadditive for the production of class II hybrid materials with enhanced properties for bone tissue regeneration.

Vidrios bioactivos en endodoncia. Revisión narrativa de sus propiedades biológicas / Bioactive glasess in endodontics. A narrative review about their biological properties

Los vidrios bioactivos (VBa) son materiales biocerámicos que tienen una extensa aplicación en medicina y odontología. A causa de su contenido de calcio y fosfato son muy simi- lares a la hidroxiapatita del tejido óseo. Su biocompatibili- dad y bioactividad los hacen materiales muy útiles para ser aplicados en diferentes áreas de la práctica dental, tales como periodoncia, cirugía, odontología restauradora y endodoncia. En endodoncia los VBa están indicados para realizar protec- ciones pulpares directas, pulpotomías, desinfecciones y obtu- raciones del sistema de conductos radiculares. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar una revisión de las propiedades biológicas de los VBa en relación a sus aplicaciones en en- dodoncia (AU)

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are bioceramic materials with extensive clinical applications in medicine and dentistry. Be- cause of their phosphate and calcium contents, they are like the hydroxyapatiteof bone tissue. Their biocompatibility and bioactivity make them very useful biomaterials in different areas of dental practice, such as periodontics, oral surgery, restorative dentistry, and endodontics. In endodontics, bioac- tive glasses are indicated for direct pulp capping, pulpoto- mies, disinfections and fillings of the root canal system. The aim of this work was to carry out a review of the biological properties of BGs in relation to its application in endodontics (AU)