Effect of Dentin Bonding Agent on the Prevention of Tooth Discoloration Produced by Mineral Trioxide Aggregate

Objective. Determination of the effect of dentin bonding agent (DBA) on the prevention of tooth discoloration produced by mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Methods. 50 teeth were endodontically treated and after removal of 3 mm of obturating materials were divided into five groups. In white MTA (WMTA) and grey MTA (GMTA) groups, these materials were placed in root canal below the orifice. In DBA + WMTA and DBA + GMTA groups, DBAs were applied in the access cavity. Then, 3 mm of WMTA and GMTA was placed. The last 10 teeth served as control. All of teeth were restored and color measurement was recorded for each specimen at this time and 6 months later. Results. The mean tooth discoloration in WMTA and GMTA groups was significantly more than DBA + WMTA and DBA + GMTA groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between DBA + WMTA and DBA + GMTA groups and control group. Conclusion. Application of DBA before MTA may prevent tooth discoloration

Green synthesis of nanomaterials for smart biopolymer packaging: Challenges and outlooks

There are several physical and chemical methods for synthesizing nanomaterials, while the most appropriate techniques involve using green chemistry and eco-friendly material. Recently, green synthesized materials for different applications have gained attention as a result of their environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Applying green synthesized nanoparticles (NPS) in food packaging has been extensively investigated. Biopolymers require filler to enhance the optical, barrier, thermal, antimicrobial, and mechanical properties of packaging. Biopolymer packaging incorporated with green synthesized NPs is expected to simultaneously enhance performance while reducing environmental damage. The current review article focuses on biopolymer films with bio (green)-synthesized nanomaterials and their effectiveness in reducing the negative environmental implications of synthetic packaging. It also covers the general concepts of green synthesis of NPs, their production methods, their performance, and characterization, and discusses the potential, performance and recent developments of bio-nanocomposite films/coatings in biodegradable food packaging. Recent reports and trends provide more insight into the impact of green synthesized nanomaterials on food packaging. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Efficacy of the Biomaterials 3 wt%-nanostrontium-hydroxyapatite-enhanced Calcium Phosphate Cement (nanoSr-CPC) and nanoSr-CPC-incorporated Simvastatin-loaded Poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid) Microspheres in Osteogenesis Improvement

Aims The purpose of this multi-phase explorative in vivo animal/surgical and in vitro multi-test experimental study was to (1) create a 3 wt%-nanostrontium hydroxyapatite-enhanced calcium phosphate cement (Sr-HA/CPC) for increasing bone formation and (2) creating a simvastatin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (SIM-loaded PLGA) microspheres plus CPC composite (SIM-loaded PLGA + nanostrontium-CPC). The third goal was the extensive assessment of multiple in vitro and in vivo characteristics of the above experimental explorative products in vitro and in vivo (animal and surgical studies). Methods and results pertaining to Sr-HA/CPC Physical and chemical properties of the prepared Sr-HA/CPC were evaluated. MTT assay and alkaline phosphatase activities, and radiological and histological examinations of Sr-HA/CPC, CPC and negative control were compared. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that crystallinity of the prepared cement increased by increasing the powder-to-liquid ratio. Incorporation of Sr-HA into CPC increased MTT assay (biocompatibility) and ALP activity (P \u3c 0.05). Histomorphometry showed greater bone formation after 4 weeks, after implantation of Sr-HA/CPC in 10 rats compared to implantations of CPC or empty defects in the same rats (n = 30, ANOVA P \u3c 0.05). Methods and results pertaining to SIM-loaded PLGA microspheres + nanostrontium-CPC composite After SEM assessment, the produced composite of microspheres and enhanced CPC were implanted for 8 weeks in 10 rabbits, along with positive and negative controls, enhanced CPC, and enhanced CPC plus SIM (n = 50). In the control group, only a small amount of bone had been regenerated (localized at the boundary of the defect); whereas, other groups showed new bone formation within and around the materials. A significant difference was found in the osteogenesis induced by the groups sham control (16.96 ± 1.01), bone materials (32.28 ± 4.03), nanostrontium-CPC (24.84 ± 2.6), nanostrontium-CPC-simvastatin (40.12 ± 3.29), and SIM-loaded PLGA + nanostrontium-CPC (44.8 ± 6.45) (ANOVA P \u3c 0.001). All the pairwise comparisons were significant (Tukey P \u3c 0.01), except that of nanostrontium-CPC-simvastatin and SIM-loaded PLGA + nanostrontium-CPC. This confirmed the efficacy of the SIM-loaded PLGA + nanostrontium-CPC composite, and its superiority over all materials except SIM-containing nanostrontium-CPC

The Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of Iowa Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire

Background and Aim: Tinnitus is a common symptom and affects patients differently. The Iowa Tinnitus Primary Function (ITPF) questionnaire evaluates tinnitus in four areas: concentration, emotion, hearing, and sleep. This study aimed to translate and then assess the psychometrics of the ITPF questionnaire. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and methodological (test construction) study. The questionnaire was translated by the Word Health Organization protocol. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed. The measured validities were the content, face, and discriminative. The reliability was estimated by internal consistency and test-retest stability. We also measured the effects of age and sex on the questionnaire’s score. Results: The questionnaire was translated based on the protocol. Each item of the questionnaire was understandable for patients and healthy participants. The face and content validities were confirmed by the patients and specialists, respectively. The score of 10.97 was determined as the cutoff point between patients and healthy participants, with a sensitivity of 86.70% and a specificity of 96.10%. The Cronbach α was found to be 0.958, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.975. No significant effect was observed for age (p=0.314) and gender (p=0.866). Conclusion: The Persian version of the questionnaire showed high validity and reliability. It could be used in research and clinical settings

Epigenetic drug therapy in the treatment of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers with a high rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The incidence of CRC is similar in men and women but is distributed uniformly globally. It has been demonstrated that epigenetic alterations which may cause changes in the expression of microRNA, DNA methylation and histone acetylation that results in inheritable modifications in gene expression in colorectal epithelial cells, plays a crucial role in the development of CRC. Recently, targeting epigenetic modification has emerged as a potentially important treatment approach in CRC. The US Food and Drug Association has approved the use of some epigenetic drugs that may be able to inhibit or reverse these alterations and also enhance sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy in CRC. In this review we have summarized the recent pre-clinical and clinical trial studies investigating the therapeutic value of using epigenetic drugs as novel therapeutic approach in CRC treatment. Keywords: epigenetic, colorectal cancer, drug, DNA methylation, histone acetylatio

Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and colorectal cancer

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy and ranking fourth among the causes of cancer-related deaths globally. Its incidence has increased in recent decades, and now more than one million CRC patients are diagnosed and thousands die annually. The 5-year survival rate varies with the stage at diagnosis, being approximately 90% in the early stages of disease, and less than 10% in advanced disease. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is a major cause of chronic liver disease, and characterized by the accumulation of fat in hepatocytes, has also emerged as a risk factor for CRC, and to be related with the development of colorectal polyps. Areas covered: The purpose of this current review is to summarize the main findings of studies that have investigated the role of NAFLD in development of CRC. Expert commentary: Various molecular pathways, are altered during the development of NAFLD, which are also important in CRC tumorigenesis. There is growing body of evidence showing the potential role of activation of pro-inflammatory, disruption of antiinflammatory pathways, increasing the activity of pathways involved in cell proliferation/survival. Thus targeting these deregulated pathways via novel inhibitors can be a potential therapy for CRC prevention in cases with NAFLD

Critical-Sized Bone Defects Regeneration Using a Bone-Inspired 3D Bilayer Collagen Membrane in Combination with Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane (L-PRF): An \u3cem\u3eIn Vivo\u3c/em\u3e Study

Objectives We aim to develop a 3D-bilayer collagen (COL) membrane reinforced with nano beta-tricalcium-phosphate (nβ-TCP) particles and to evaluate its bone regeneration in combination with leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in vivo. Background data L-PRF has exhibited promising results as a cell carrier in bone regeneration in a number of clinical studies, however there are some studies that did not confirm the positive results of L-PRF application. Methods Mechanical & physiochemical characteristics of the COL/nβ-TCP membrane (1/2 & 1/4) were tested. Proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of seeded cells on bilayer collagen/nβ-TCP thick membrane was examined. Then, critical-sized calvarial defects in 8 white New Zealand rabbits were filled with either Col, Col/nβ-TCP, Col/nβ-TCP combined with L-PRF membrane, or left empty. New bone formation (NBF) was measured histomorphometrically 4 & 8 weeks postoperatively. Results Compressive modulus increases while porosity decreases with higher β-TCP concentrations. Mechanical properties improve, with 89 % porosity (pore size ∼100 μm) in the bilayer-collagen/nβ-TCP membrane. The bilayer design also enhances the proliferation and ALP activity. In vivo study shows no significant difference among test groups at 4 weeks, but Col/nβ-TCP + L-PRF demonstrates more NBF compared to others (P \u3c 0.05) after 8 weeks. Conclusion The bilayer-collagen/nβ-TCP thick membrane shows promising physiochemical in vitro results and significant NBF, as ¾ of the defect is filled with lamellar bone when combined with L-PRF membrane

Lipid-modifying effect of vitamin D fortified products: A systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objectives: Various fortification strategies have been proposed to account to treat or prevent vitamin D deficiency. However, the optimum fortification approach, and the effect of these on health is not widely understood. There have been controversial reports regarding the effect of vitamin D fortification on the lipid profile. The aim of present review is the evaluation of administration of vitamin D fortified products on lipid profile.Methods: We used databases including PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge, Science Direct, Scopus and Cochrane Library. A search was conducted until 2020 Randomized controlled trials that have assessed the relationship between consumption of vitamin D fortified products and serum lipid profile were included. The relationship between fortification dose, dairy or non-dairy fortification as well as duration of intervention and plasma lipid profiles evaluated in separate sub-groups.Results: Among serum lipids including total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein(LDL) and high density lipoprotein(HDL), fortification of vitamin D was reported to have a significant effect on reducing total cholesterol (pooled estimate: -0.089 mmol/L, 95%CI: -0.134 to -0.044, p<0.001). Its effect on other lipid profiles were not significant (LDL pooled estimate:-0.115 mmol/L, 95%CI:-0.238 to 0.008; HDL pooled estimate:0.024 mmol/L, 95%CI:-0.024 to 0.071; TG pooled estimate:-0.176mmol/L, 95%CI:-0.499 to 0.148).Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that vitamin D fortification could significantly reduce TC both in long and short term interventions and in different products. However this reduction, whilst statistically significant, may not be clinically important. The effect of fortification on other lipid profile components vary depending on dose and duration