Reduction of microorganisms in carious dentin by photodynamic therapy mediated by potassium iodide added to methylene blue and red laser.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the association of potassium iodide to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on human carious dentin produced with a microcosm biofilm model. METHODS: A microcosm biofilm model was used to generate a caries lesion on human dentin. Pooled human saliva diluted with glycerol was used as an inoculum on specimens immersed on McBain artificial saliva enriched with 1 % sucrose (24 h at 37 °C in 5 % CO2). After refreshing culture media for 7 days, the dentin specimens were divided in 5 groups (3 specimens per group, in triplicate; n = 9): C (NaCl 0.9 %), CX (2 % chlorhexidine), PKI (0.01 % methylene blue photosensitizer+50 mM KI), L (laser at 15 J, 180 s, 22.7 J/cm2), and PKIL (methylene blue + KI + Laser). After the treatments, dentin was collected, and a 10-fold serial dilution was performed. The number of total microorganisms, total lactobacilli, total streptococci, and Streptococcus mutans was analyzed by microbial counts (CFU/mL). After normality and homoscedasticity analysis, the Welch's ANOVA and Dunnett's tests were used for CFU. All tests used a 5 % significance level. RESULTS: CX and PKIL groups showed significant bacterial decontamination of dentin, compared to group C (p < 0.05) reaching reductions up to 3.8 log10 for CX for all microorganisms' groups and PKIL showed 0.93, 1.30, 1.45, and 1.22 log10 for total microorganisms, total lactobacilli, total streptococci, and S. mutans, respectively. CONCLUSION: aPDT mediated by the association of KI and methylene blue with red laser reduced the viability of microorganisms from carious dentin and could be a promising option for cavity decontamination.

Effect of toothbrushing on surface roughness, gloss, and topography of polished and glazed ultra-translucent zirconia.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of toothbrushing cycles on surface roughness (Ra), gloss (GU), and morphology of two zirconia finishing and polishing protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ultra-translucent zirconia disc was sectioned into rectangular plates (12 mm × 7 mm × 3 mm) and divided into two groups according to the polishing and finishing system used (diamond rubber abrasive/DRA or glazing/GLA). Bovine enamel (BEN) plates with the same dimensions were used as a Control. Specimens of zirconia and enamel were analyzed for Ra and GU (n = 11) and surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (n = 3) before toothbrushing (baseline) and after 15,000 and 30,000 toothbrushing cycles. Ra and GU data were analyzed by ANOVA two-way and post-hoc Tukey's test (α = 0.05), while the surface morphology was analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS: The Ra decreased significantly after 30,000 toothbrushing cycles for DRA and GLA zirconia ceramics. DRA showed a higher GU at the baseline, after 15,000 and 30,000 toothbrushing cycles than GLA and BEN. Toothbrushing polished the zirconia, creating a smooth surface, while no changes were observed for BEN. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in toothbrushing cycles (30,000) changed the surface roughness of DRA and GLA zirconia ceramics. DRA zirconia presented the highest GU, which did not change with toothbrushing.

Optimal dsRNA Concentration for RNA Interference in Asian Citrus Psyllid.

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is a citrus pest and insect vector of "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus", the causal agent of citrus greening disease. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) biopesticides that trigger RNA interference (RNAi) offer an alternative to traditional insecticides. Standardized laboratory screening of dsRNA requires establishing the minimal effective concentration(s) that result in effective RNAi "penetrance" and trigger RNAi, resulting in one or more measurable phenotypes, herein, significant gene knockdown and the potential for mortality. In this study, knockdown was evaluated for a range of dsRNA concentrations of three ACP candidate genes, clathrin heavy chain (CHC), vacuolar ATPase subunit A (vATPase-A), and sucrose non-fermenting protein 7 (Snf7). Gene knockdown was quantified for ACP teneral adults and 3rd instar nymphs allowed a 48 h ingestion-access period (IAP) on 10, 50,100, 200, and 500 ng/µL dsRNA dissolved in 20% sucrose followed by a 5-day post-IAP on orange jasmine shoots. Significant gene knockdown (p < 0.05) in ACP third instar nymphs and adults ranged from 12-34% and 18-39%, 5 days post-IAP on dsRNA at 10-500 and 100-500 ng/µL, respectively. The threshold concentration beyond which no significant gene knockdown and adult mortality was observed post-48 h IAP and 10-day IAP, respectively, was determined as 200 ng/µL, a concentration indicative of optimal RNAi penetrance.

UV-LASER adjuvant-surfactant-facilitated delivery of mobile dsRNA to tomato plant vasculature and evidence of biological activity by gene knockdown in the potato psyllid.

BACKGROUND: Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) biopesticides are of interest for the abatement of insect vectors of pathogenic bacteria such as 'Candidatus Liberibacter', which infects both its psyllid and plant hosts. Silencing of genes essential for psyllids, or for Liberibacter, is anticipated to lead to mortality or impeded bacterial multiplication. Foliar delivery is preferred for biopesticide application; however, the cuticle impedes dsRNA penetration into the vasculature. Here, conditions were established for wounding tomato leaves using ultraviolet light amplification by stimulated emissions of radiation (UV-LASER) to promote dsRNA penetration into leaves and vasculature. RESULTS: UV-LASER treatment with application of select adjuvants/surfactants resulted in vascular delivery of 100-, 300- and 600-bp dsRNAs that, in general, were correlated with size. The 100-bp dsRNA required no pretreatment, whereas 300- and 600-bp dsRNAs entered the vasculature after UV-LASER treatment only and UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatment, respectively. Of six adjuvant/surfactants evaluated, plant-derived oil combined with an anionic organosilicon compound performed most optimally. Localization of dsRNAs in the tomato vasculature was documented using fluorometry and fluorescence confocal microscopy. The biological activity of in planta-delivered dsRNA (200-250 bp) was determined by feeding third-instar psyllids on tomato leaves post UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatment, with or without psyllid cdc42- and gelsolin dsRNAs. Gene knockdown was quantified by quantitative, real-time polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) amplification. At 10 days post the ingestion-access period, knockdown of cdc42 and gelsolin expression was 61% and 56%, respectively, indicating that the dsRNAs delivered to the tomato vasculature were mobile and biologically active. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatments facilitated the delivery of mobile, biologically active dsRNA molecules to the plant vasculature. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Microtensile bond strength of resin cements to 3-D printed and milled temporary restorative resins / Resistencia de unión en microtracción de cementos resinosos a resinas para provisionales impresas y fresadas

Abstract To evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of two resin cements to 3D printed and milled CAD/CAM resins used for provisional fixed partial dentures. Blocks (5 x 5 x 5 mm) of three 3D-printed resins (Cosmos3DTemp / Yller; Resilab3D Temp / Wilcos and SmartPrint BioTemp, / MMTech) were printed (Photon, Anycubic Technology Co.). A milled material (VitaCAD-Temp, VITA) was used as control. Half the specimens were sandblasted and the rest were untreated. Two blocks were bonded with the corresponding resin cement: PanaviaV5 (Kuraray Noritake) and RelyX Ultimate (3M Oral Care). After 24 hours, the bonded blocks were sectioned into 1 x 1 mm side sticks. Half the beams were tested for µTBS and the other half was thermocycled (5000 cycles, 30s dwell-time, 5s transfer time) before µTBS testing. A four way Generalized Linear Model (material*sandblasting*cement*aging) analysis was applied. VITA exhibited the lowest µTBS, regardless of the cement, sandblasting and thermocycling. Sandblasting significantly improved the µTBS of VIT, especially after aging, but did not improve the µTBS of 3D printed resins. Sandblasting was not beneficial for 3D printed resins, although is crucial for adhesive cementation of milled temporary resins. Airborne particle abrasion affects the integrity of 3D-printed resins, without producing a benefit on the microtensile bond strength of these materials. However, sandblasting is crucial to achieve a high bond strength on milled temporary resins.

Resumen Evaluar la resistencia adhesiva en microtracción (µTBS) de dos cementos resinosos a resinas CAD/CAM impresas y fresadas indicadas para restauraciones provisionales. Bloques (5 x 5 x 5mm) de tres resinas impresas (Cosmos3DTemp / Yller; Resilab3D Temp / Wilcos and SmartPrint BioTemp, / MMTech) y una resina fresada (VitaCAD-Temp, VITA) fueron fabricados. La mitad de los especímenes fueron arenados y el resto no recibió tratamiento mecánico. Dos bloques con condiciones de tratamiento iguales fueron cementados con cemento resinoso (PanaviaV5 / Kuraray Noritake y RelyX Ultimate / 3M Oral Care). Después de 24 horas los bloques fueron seccionados en palitos de 1 mm² de área. En la mitad de los especímenes se midió la TBS inmediatamente y el resto fue termociclado (5000 ciclos, 30s remojo, 5s transferencia) antes de la prueba de TBS. Se aplica un análisis estadístico por Modelo Linear General con 4 factores (material*arenado*cemento*termociclado). La resina VITA presentó la menor µTBS, independientemente del cemento usado, el arenado y el termociclado. Sin embargo, el arenado aumentó la µTBS de VIT, especialmente después del termociclado. Por otro lado, el arenado no resultó en un aumento significativo de la µTBS de las resinas impresas. El arenado no fue beneficiosos para las resinas impresas, aunque es un paso crucial para la cementación adhesive de las resinas fresadas. El arenado afecta la integridad de las capas de las resinas impresas, sin generar un beneficio en la TBS.

Absence of the Nonextension Sign as a Marker for Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Suitability.

Early gastric cancer is defined as gastric cancer confined to the mucosa or submucosa, irrespective of lymph node metastasis. Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a standard treatment of early gastric cancer. The nonextension sign consists of a protrusion of the surrounding mucosa into the lumen, resembling a trapezoidal shape. This phenomenon occurs when massive submucosal invasion by a cancer increases the thickness and rigidity of the gastric wall and may be useful to differentiate between mucosal or microinvasive submucosal and invasive submucosal cancers. Our case demonstrates the usefulness of the absence of the conventional endoscopic nonextension sign as a marker to decide the adequate approach for mucosal lesions.

The Bemisia tabaci cryptic (sibling) species group - imperative for a taxonomic reassessment.

The taxonomy of the Bemisia tabaci cryptic species group remains a challenge due to the lack of morphological differentiation and porous species boundaries among its members. Additionally, it is unclear whether B. tabaci consists of several species in evolutionary stasis with limited morphological change or is the result of a recent adaptive radiation characterized by great ecological diversity but little morphological divergence. Here, a historical overview of the development of the nomenclature used to classify B. tabaci is provided covering changes after synonymizing several species in 1957 until recent insights gained from whole-genome sequencing data. The article discusses the limitations of using a 3.5% mtCOI threshold and argues that a 1% nuclear divergence cutoff better reflects ecological and biogeographic species boundaries. Finally, a plan of action is outlined for naming B. tabaci species using a Latin binomial system in accordance with the International Comission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) regulations.

Native and Non-Native Bemisia tabaci NAFME Haplotypes Can Be Implicated in Dispersal of Endemic and Introduced Begomoviruses in Oman.

Irrigated agriculture and global trade expansion have facilitated diversification and spread of begomoviruses (Geminiviridae), transmitted by the Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) cryptic species. Oman is situated on major crossroads between Africa and South Asia, where endemic/native and introduced/exotic begomoviruses occur in agroecosystems. The B. tabaci 'B mitotype' belongs to the North Africa-Middle East (NAFME) cryptic species, comprising at least eight endemic haplotypes, of which haplotypes 6 and/or 8 are recognized invasives. Prevalence and associations among native and exotic begomoviruses and NAFME haplotypes in Oman were investigated. Nine begomoviral species were identified from B. tabaci infesting crop or wild plant species, with 67% and 33% representing native and exotic species, respectively. Haplotypes 2, 3, and 5 represented 31%, 3%, and 66% of the B. tabaci population, respectively. Logistic regression and correspondence analyses predicted 'strong'- and 'close' virus-vector associations involving haplotypes 5 and 2 and the exotic chili leaf curl virus (ChiLCV) and endemic tomato yellow leaf curl virus-OM, respectively. Patterns favor a hypothesis of relaxed virus-vector specificity between an endemic haplotype and the introduced ChiLCV, whereas the endemic co-evolved TYLCV-OM and haplotype 2 virus-vector relationship was reinforced. Thus, in Oman, at least one native haplotype can facilitate the spread of endemic and introduced begomoviruses.

Effect of thickness of CAD/CAM materials on light transmission and resin cement polymerization using a blue light-emitting diode light-curing unit.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of thickness of high-translucency (HT) CAD/CAM materials on irradiance and beam profile from a blue light-emitting diode light-curing unit (LCU) and on the degree of conversion (DC) and maximum polymerization rate (Rpmax ) of a light-cured resin cement (LCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The direct output from the LCU, the light transmission and irradiance ratio (IR) through one conventional composite and nine HT CAD/CAM materials (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0-mm thick; n = 5) were measured with a integrating sphere coupled to a spectrometer. The light beam was assessed with a beam profiler camera. The DC at 600 s and the Rpmax of one LCC was determined using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (n = 5). Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's tests, and Dunnett's test was also used for irradiance data (α = 0.05). RESULTS: A significant decrease in irradiance through all materials occurred as thickness increased. Thin CAD/CAM materials improved light homogeneity, which decreased with the increase in thickness. The DC of the LCC directly exposed to light was the same as when exposed to 45%, 25%, 15%, or 5% IRs. Rpmax decreased with the decrease in IR. CONCLUSIONS: Although the HT CAD/CAM materials reduced the irradiance from the LCU, minor effects were observed in the LCC's DC. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite the light attenuation of blue light through different CAD/CAM materials that were up to 2-mm thick, the degree of conversion of one brand of light-cured resin cement was clinically acceptable when the LCU was used for 30 s.

RNA interference-mediated knockdown of genes involved in sugar transport and metabolism disrupts psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Order: Hemiptera) gut physiology and results in high mortality.

Introduction: The causal agent of zebra chip of potato and vein-greening diseases of tomato is "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum" (CLso), a fastidious bacterium transmitted by the potato psyllid. In the absence of disease-resistant cultivars, disease management has relied on minimizing vector population size to reduce CLso transmission, which requires frequent insecticide applications. There is growing interest in the use of RNA interference (RNAi) technology to supplant traditional insecticides with biopesticides. This requires knowledge of genes essential for insect livelihood whose knockdown leads to significant mortality or other phenotypes. Such candidate genes can be evaluated by reverse genetics approaches to further corroborate predicted gene function. Methods: Here, five potato psyllid genes involved in sugar homeostasis in the potato psyllid gut, α-glucosidase1 (AGLU1), aquaporin2 (AQP2), facilitated trehalose transporter1 (TRET1), Trehalase1 (TRE1), and Trehalase2 (TRE2), were investigated as candidates for effective gene silencing. Potato psyllid dsRNAs were designed to optimize knockdown of gene targets. Third instar PoP nymphs were given a 48-hr ingestion-access period (IAP) on individual or groups of dsRNA in 20% sucrose. Mortality was recorded 0, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days post-IAP. Gene knockdown was analyzed 9 days post-IAP by quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification. Results: The individual or stacked dsRNA combinations resulted in 20-60% and 20-40% knockdown, respectively, while subsequent psyllid mortality ranged from 20-40% to >60% for single and stacked dsRNA combinations, respectively. Reverse genetics analysis showed that simultaneous knockdown of the five selected candidate genes with predicted functions in pathways involved in sugar-homeostasis, metabolism, and -transport yielded the highest mortality, when compared with single or combinations of targets. Discussion: Results confirmed the functions afforded by psyllid gut genes responsible for osmotic homeostasis and sugar metabolism/transport are essential for livelihood, identifying them as potentially lucrative RNAi biopesticide targets and highlighted the translational relevance of targeting multiple nodes in a physiological pathway simultaneously.

Characterization of the Asian Citrus Psyllid-'Candidatus Liberibacter Asiaticus' Pathosystem in Saudi Arabia Reveals Two Predominant CLas Lineages and One Asian Citrus Psyllid Vector Haplotype.

In Saudi Arabia (SA), the citrus greening disease is caused by 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (CLas) transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri. The origin and route(s) of the ACP-CLas pathosystem invasion in SA have not been studied. Adult ACP were collected from citrus trees in SA and differentiated by analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) and nuclear copper transporting protein (atox1) genes. A phylogenetic analysis of the Wolbachia spp. surface protein (wsp) gene was used to identify the ACP-associated Wolbachia spp. A phylogenetic analysis of the atox1 and mtCOI gene sequences revealed one predominant ACP haplotype most closely related to the Indian subcontinent founder populations. The detection and identification of CLas in citrus trees were carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene. The CLas-integrated prophage genomes were sequenced, annotated, and used to differentiate CLas populations. The ML and ASTRAL trees reconstructed with prophages type 1 and 2 genome sequences, separately and concatenated, resolved two major lineages, CLas-1 and -2. The CLas-1 clade, reported here for the first time, consisted of isolates from SA isolates and Pakistan. The CLas-2 sequences formed two groups, CLas-2-1 and -2-2, previously the 'Asiatic' and 'Floridian' strains, respectively. Members of CLas-2-1 originated from Southeast Asia, the USA, and other worldwide locations, while CLas-2-2 was identified only in Florida. This study provides the first snapshot into the status of the ACP-CLas pathosystem in SA. In addition, the results provide new insights into the pathosystem coevolution and global invasion histories of two ACP-CLas lineages with a predicted center of origin in South and Southeast Asia, respectively.

Bonding of Resin Cements to Ultra-Translucent Zirconia After Aging for 24 Hours and 1 Year.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different luting techniques on the shear bond strength (SBS) of ultra-translucent multi-layered zirconia (UTML) after 24 hours and 1 year of water storage and to analyze the influence of primers on the wettability of the UTML MTU-6 surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four commercial resin cements were evaluated: Variolink Esthetic LC (Ivoclar Vivadent); RelyX Ultimate (3M); Estecem II (Tokuyama); and Panavia V5 (Kuraray Noritake). Panavia V5 was tested with and without Panavia V5 Tooth Primer (Kuraray Noritake). The SBS immediately after cement/primer application and after aging, scanning electron microscopy of the surfaces, and the contact angle of the primers on the UTML surfaces were analyzed. RESULTS: At 24 hours, Panavia V5 with Tooth Primer exhibited the highest SBS. After 1 year, the SBS of Variolink Esthetic LC and Panavia V5 with Tooth Primer decreased, and RelyX Ultimate increased. There was no statistical difference between RelyX Ultimate and Panavia V5 with Tooth Primer at 1 year. For all groups, the rate of adhesive failures increased after 1 year. The highest contact angle was observed on the control (no primer) group, and the lowest contact angles were obtained when the YSZ surface was treated with Scotchbond Universal and the combination of Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus and Tooth Primer. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should prefer 10-MDP-based cementation systems that can be properly polymerized to achieve a stable long-term bond strength to YSZ restorations. Also, the use of ceramic primers improves the capability of the cement to establish an intimate contact with the intaglio of the restoration.

Does potassium iodide help in the microbial reduction of oral microcosm biofilms after photodynamic therapy with methylene blue and red laser?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of methylene blue (MB)-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) doped with potassium iodide (KI) against oral microcosms biofilms cultured in dentin. METHODS: A saliva-glycerol stock formed from pooled human saliva was diluted in McBain artificial saliva with 1% sucrose (1:1), inoculated on bovine dentin blocks, and refreshed daily for 5 days. The biofilms were divided (n = 9/group) and treated with 0.9% NaCl (C), 0.2% chlorhexidine (CX), 0.01% MB + low-power laser 15 J, 88 mW, 180 s (PL), and 0.01% MB + 50 mM KI + laser (PKIL). Serial dilution was performed, and cellular viability (CFU/mL) was evaluated for total microorganisms, total lactobacilli, total streptococci, and S. mutans. Additional biofilms were cultured and treated (n = 4) for biomass determination (%BMR). The microscopic structure of the biofilms was observed by SEM. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were conducted (α=5%). RESULTS: Total microorganisms and total streptococci significantly reduced in biofilms treated with CX and PKIL when compared to C, but the CX, PKIL, and PL treatments did not differ from each other. Total lactobacilli and S. mutans showed a significant reduction in the CX, PL, and PKIL groups when compared to C, but with no difference between them. Biomass analysis showed a significantly reduction for CX and PKIL compared to C. SEM micrographs showed noticeable changes in bacterial membrane integrity for the PKIL and CX groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of KI to methylene blue-mediated aPDT in microcosm biofilms was effective in reducing oral microorganisms, but the effect was group dependent.

Prevalence of Chronic Infection by Hepatitis C Virus in Asymptomatic Population With Risk Factors in Cartagena, Colombia.

Introduction: Infection by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of chronic liver disease, considered a public health problem worldwide with high morbidity and mortality due to limited access to diagnostic tests in developing countries. Only a small percentage know their infection status and receive timely treatment. It is critical to make diagnostic tests for HCV infection accessible and to provide timely treatment, which not only reduces the spread of infection but also stops the progression of HCV disease without symptoms. Objective: To determine the prevalence of chronic infection by HCV in patients with risk factors by using rapid tests in Cartagena, Colombia, and describe their epidemiological characteristics. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out on asymptomatic adults with risk factors for HCV infection in the city of Cartagena between December 2017 and November 2019. A rapid immunochromatographic test was performed to detect antibodies, characterizing the population. Results: In total, 1,023 patients were identified who met the inclusion criteria, 58.5% women and 41.4% men, obtaining nine positive results, confirming chronic infection with viral load for HCV, finding seven cases of genotype 1b and two genotype 1a. Conclusion: In our study, a prevalence of hepatitis C infection of 0.9% was found in asymptomatic individuals with risk factors, which allows us to deduce that the active search for cases in risk groups constitutes a pillar for the identification of the disease, the initiation of antiviral therapy, and decreased morbidity and mortality.

Evaluation of pretreatments on intra-radicular dentin bond strength of self-adhesive resin cements.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of dentin pretreatments on the push-out bond strength (POBS) of self-adhesive resin cements (SARCs) to radicular dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two experimental pretreatments (2.5% titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4 ) and 26% polyacrylic acid (PA)) and two SARCs: Maxcem Elite (MAX) and Calibra Universal (CAL) were used. For each cement, a control group was applied as indicated by the manufacturer. Sixty bovine incisors were restored (n = 10) and subjected to POBS evaluation. Failure mode, adhesive interface and surface morphology were analyzed by a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and resin infiltration was performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data for POBS and CLSM were analyzed by three-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc (α = 0.05). RESULTS: For MAX, both experimental pretreatments resulted in increased POBS in the cervical third, and for CAL, only the PA resulted in higher POBS in the cervical third. The most failures occurred between the dentin and the resin cement, except when TiF4 was applied. For PA, analysis of surface morphology showed open dentinal tubules, while TiF4 presented particle agglomerates. SEM and CLSM images confirmed presence of resin tags for both pretreatments. CONCLUSION: Pretreating radicular dentin with PA and TiF4 solutions improves the bond strength of SARCs.

Color alterations, flexural strength, and microhardness of 3D printed resins for fixed provisional restoration using different post-curing times.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of post-curing times on the color change, flexural strength (FS), modulus (FM) and microhardness at different depths of four 3D printed resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A characterization of the light emitted by 3D-resin post-curing unit (Wash and Cure 2.0, Anycubic) was performed. The tested 3D printed resins were Cosmos Temp3D (COS), SmartPrint BioTemp (SM) Resilab3D Temp (RES) and Prizma3D BioProv (PRI) were evaluated under five different post-curing conditions (no post-curing or 5-, 10-, 15, and 20 min of post-curing). For color change analysis, 10 mm diameter x 1 mm thick discs (n = 7) were printed, and the luminosity, color and translucency were measured before post-curing as control, and repeatedly after 5 min cycles of post-curing until a total of 20 min was reached for ΔE00 [CIED2000 (1:1:1)] calculation. For FS and FM, 25 × 2×2 mm (n = 10, for each post-curing time) 3D printed bars were subjected to a 3-point being test. Knoop microhardness (KHN) was measured transversally on 5 × 5×5 mm blocks (n = 10, for each post-curing time). Color results were analyzed by one-way repeated measures ANOVA (factor: color change). FS and FM were analyzed by two-way ANOVA (factors: Material*Post-Curing Time). KHN was analyzed individually for each material by two-way ANOVA (factors: Depth*Post-Curing Time). RESULTS: The post-curing time significantly influenced the ΔE00, FS, FM and KHN of all the evaluated materials. COS and SMA presented ΔE00 values above the acceptability threshold after 5 and 10 min of post-curing, respectively. The FS of RES reached a plateau after 5 min of post-curing, and for PRI and SMA, the FS stabilized after 10 min of post-curing. The post-curing process improved the KHN of the tested materials, and longer exposure periods were associated to higher KHN values at all the evaluated depths. SIGNIFICANCE: A fine adjustment of the post-curing time is crucial to produce adequate mechanical properties in 3D-printed restorative resins, while minimizing the color alterations on the restorations. For the evaluated resins, 5-10 min of post-curing will result in adequate mechanical properties, without affecting the acceptability in the color of the material. However, the results are material-dependent, and evaluation of each specific resin is advised.

Knockdown of ecdysteroid synthesis genes results in impaired molting and high mortality in Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae).

BACKGROUND: RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) has become a promising biopesticide technology with which to direct sequence-specific gene knockdown of key targets in the potato psyllid (PoP) Bactericera cockerelli, resulting in significant mortality. In this study, three strategically selected target genes, ATF4, C7 and D24, essential for the biosynthesis and regulation of ecdysteroids, were evaluated for knockdown and mortality using oral delivery of individual, paired and all three double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), in five replicated experiments. Knockdown was determined as the fold-change in gene expression using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Knockdown of the D24 target, at 39%-45%, resulted in 51% PoP mortality by 10 days post-ingestion (dpi) of dsRNA. Knockdown of C7, at 38%-61%, resulted in 53% mortality by 10 dpi, whereas dsD24 ingestion resulted in 65% mortality by 10 dpi when dsD24 and dsC7 were co-delivered. Three phenotypes, INCOMEC, PREMEC and SWOLLEN, were observed at a frequency of 4%-12%, and are consistent with incomplete ecdysis in immature and/or adult PoP. Adult PoP exhibiting INCOMEC survived for several days but were unable to mate or fly, whereas SWOLLEN and PREMEC were lethal to the immature instars. Knockdown of ATF4 did not result in the mortality or malformations in immature and adult PoP. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with knockdown of individual D24 and C7 targets, significantly greater RNAi penetrance was achieved following delivery of combined dsRNAs. The highest knockdown that resulted in incomplete ecdysis and/or mortality was obtained for targets with predicted involvement in the same or interacting pathway(s). Knockdown of ATF4 was apparently "rescued" by uncharacterized compensatory gene(s) or effects. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Earlier than expected introductions of the Bemisia tabaci B mitotype in Brazil reveal an unprecedented, rapid invasion history.

During 1991, in Brazil, the presence of the exotic Bemisia tabaci B mitotype was reported in São Paulo state. However, the duration from the time of initial introduction to population upsurges is not known. To investigate whether the 1991 B mitotype outbreaks in Brazil originated in São Paulo or from migrating populations from neighboring introduction sites, country-wide field samples of B. tabaci archived from 1989-2005 collections were subjected to analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) and nuclear RNA-binding protein 15 (RP-15) sequences. The results of mtCOI sequence analysis identified all B. tabaci as the NAFME 8 haplotype of the B mitotype. Phylogenetic analyses of RP-15 sequences revealed that the B mitotype was likely a hybrid between a B type parent related to a haplotype Ethiopian endemism (NAFME 1-3), and an unidentified parent from the North Africa-Middle East (NAF-ME) region. Results provide the first evidence that this widely invasive B mitotype has evolved from a previously undocumented hybridization event. Samples from Rio de Janeiro (1989) and Ceará state (1990), respectively, are the earliest known B mitotype records in Brazil. A simulated migration for the 1989 introduction predicted a dispersal rate of 200-500 km/year, indicating that the population was unlikely to have reached Ceará by 1990. Results implicated two independent introductions of the B mitotype in Brazil in 1989 and 1990, that together were predicted to have contributed to the complete invasion of Brazil in only 30 generations.