Helicobacter pylori positive oral squamous cell carcinoma demonstrate higher pathological tumor staging and poorer overall survival.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H pylori), a bacterium characterized by its spiral shape and gram-negative nature, impacts approximately half of the global population, showing a greater prevalence in developing nations. There are various factors that contribute to the pathogenicity of H pylori in the gastric mucosa, leading to gastric ulcer, gastritis and gastric cancers. The relationship between H pylori and gastric cancers has been well documented. The association between Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and H pylori still remains a grey field. The study aimed to evaluate the presence of H pylori in OSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 46 case samples and 21 controls. The case samples comprised of histopathologically confirmed cases of OSCC obtained from patients undergoing wide local excision. Fresh tissue samples were collected during cryosection and stored in eppendorf tubes. The control samples were collected from the gingiva and buccal mucosa of apparently healthy patients with no history of habits, undergoing procedures such as gingivectomy and impaction. All the cases and controls were subjected to immunohistochemistry for Helicobacter pylori antibody. The cases demonstrating Helicobacter pylori in immunohistochemistry further underwent additional Real-Time- Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and culture methodology for subsequent confirmation. RESULTS: 15/46 cases (32.6 %) showed positive immunohistochemical expression of H pylori in OSCC, while all the twenty-one controls were negative (p value 0.001). Out of the 15 cases tested using culture methodology, a total of 7 cases, representing 46.7 % of the sample, were positive for the presence of H pylori (p- value 0.003). Similar statistically significant results were also obtained for 16S rRNA gene with RT- PCR. Furthermore, H pylori positive cases were frequently found in higher pathological tumor staging. A significant increase in overall survival rate was evident among the H pylori negative cases. CONCLUSION: Helicobacter pylori was significantly expressed in OSCC tissues when compared to healthy tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis of the presence of H pylori in FFPE OSCC samples yielded more positive results when compared to culture and PCR methodology. We opine that in OSCC, H pylori may have a role in the faster progression of the disease, rather than merely a 'chance spectator'.

Correction: Exploration of Whitlockite Nanostructures for Hemostatic Applications.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58701.].

Titanium- and Strontium-Infused Calcium Silicates Toward Restorative and Regenerative Purposes.

BACKGROUND: Dental materials with dentine regenerative properties are preferred over conventional materials. Calcium silicate cements, such as Biodentine, are bioactive and offer excellent sealing ability, making them ideal for various dental treatments. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to fabricate bioactive calcium silicates infused with titanium (Ti) and strontium (Sr) to optimize their neo-angiogenic, antimicrobial, and regenerative properties while maintaining mechanical stability. METHODOLOGY: Ti- and Sr-infused calcium silicate cements were synthesized, and their mineral phases were characterized using X-ray diffraction. Morphological and elemental analyses were performed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Raman spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of bioactive material. A hemocompatibility assessment was conducted to evaluate blood compatibility. RESULTS: The presence of Ca2, SiO4, and SrTiO3 mineral phases indicated the successful infusion of Ti and Sr into the calcium silicate cement. FESEM and EDS revealed interconnected small spheres and rods in the silicate network with the relevant elemental compositions. Raman spectra verified that Si-O-Si and Ti-O-Ti vibrations exist, validating the formation of a bioactive material. The hemocompatibility assessment demonstrated optimal blood compatibility. CONCLUSIONS: This study successfully fabricated an improved calcium silicate-based material with enhanced regenerative properties and excellent biocompatibility. This newly formed substrate holds promise for providing superior restorative solutions and aiding in conservative treatment modalities during dental procedures.

Exploration of Whitlockite Nanostructures for Hemostatic Applications.

Background Calcium magnesium phosphate (CMP)-based whitlockite is a promising biomaterial for hemostasis and regenerative applications. Regenerative approaches aim to advance tissue repair and recovery in different clinical scenarios. Whitlockite is a biocompatible and biodegradable mineral that has garnered impressive consideration for its interesting properties, making it an appealing candidate for therapeutic applications. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the hemostatic behavior of synthesized whitlockite nanoparticles. Materials and methods Coprecipitation and hydrothermal methods were used to synthesize whitlockite nanoparticles. Calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, and diammonium hydrogen phosphate were used as precursors to prepare this material. Results Crystalline phases of whitlockite (Ca3Mg)3(PO4) and calcium magnesium phosphate Ca7Mg2P6O2 were observed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, along with relevant properties of the phosphate functional group detected through Raman spectra. This study explores the hemostatic adequacy of CMP-based whitlockite using different methodologies. The capacity of the materials to actuate platelet conglomeration and encourage clot arrangement is assessed using in vitro experiments. Moreover, this study investigates the regenerative potential of CMP-based whitlockite in tissue-building applications. Conclusion The structural and morphological parameters provide crucial insights into the proper formation of the material, and the hemoclot assessment aids in understanding its coagulation behavior. Future investigations and clinical trials will be instrumental in fully harnessing the potential of CMP-based whitlockite for advancing hemostasis and regenerative medicine.

Thermal stability and theoretical analysis of madder dye absorption pattern on cotton fabric.

In this investigation woven cotton fabric was dyed with madder dye under different dyeing conditions such as in the presence of without mordant, single mordant and mixed mordant. The thermal behaviour of non-mordanted,single mordanted and mixed chemical mordanted with madder dyed cotton fabrics were investigated through thermogravimetric analysis. Further, the fundamental molecular arrangement of dyed cotton fabric was confirmed by the Fourier transformer-Infrared spectroscopy, and the electronic orientation of dye molecule, and after adsorption of cellulose structure is confirmed from Ultra-Violet spectroscopy. HOMO and LUMO calculations are evaluated from the gaussian software. The interaction and binding energies between inhibitor (dye molecule) and cellulose surface are evaluated from molecular dynamic simulation using BIOVIA material studio software.

Unravelling the effects of ibuprofen-acetaminophen infused copper-bioglass towards the creation of root canal sealant.

Impact towards the tuneable characteristics of bioactive glasses (BAGs) has been explored; as there is no root canal sealant till date with ideal characteristics competent enough to manoeuvre the perplexing root canal architecture. Combeite, calcite and traces of cuprorivaite crystalline phases were validated for material formation, in which Cu 2P (XPS) peak authenticating the presence of copper in bioglass network (Cu-BAG). Spherical and platelet-like morphologies were observed and the grain size of Cu-BAG (∼100 nm) was lesser as compared to BAG (∼1 µm). These particle distributions impacted the porosity, and dominant non-bridging oxygens in Cu-BAG influences ionic dissolution, which subsequently enhanced the mineralization. These bioactive materials were loaded with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, corresponding organic moieties was confirmed through Fourier transform infra-red. These drugs loaded bioactive materials exhibited tremendous anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial behaviour with better sealing ability. Drug loaded bioglass paste filled in biomechanically prepared root canal was estimated for sealing potential, mineralization, micro leakage, and fracture resistance properties. Hydroxyl apatite growth was noted on the sealants, flower like protuberance confirmed the sealing potential of the prepared material. Bioglass exhibited promising characteristics required in a root canal sealant. This investigation is a step further towards tailoring the properties of bioactive materials as promising candidates in root canal obturation and thereof.

Insight into the impingement of different sodium precursors on structural, biocompatible, and hemostatic properties of bioactive materials.

Bioactive materials play a significant role in biomedical engineering for plethora of applications. To date, there is no evident report on the role of sodium precursors in structural changes towards their acceleration in biocompatibility. This study highlights the impact and role of two different sodium precursors (sodium nitrate and sodium hydroxide) on the structural changes and their potential formulations in biomineralization and biocompatibility. Structural characteristics enunciate the significant crystallization of NaCaPO4, Na2Ca2Si3O9, and Na1.8Ca1.1Si6O14 phases with pertinent Q2 stretching's while using sodium nitrate than sodium hydroxide. XPS spectra authenticate the elevated sodium content while using sodium nitrate as sodium precursor. One-dimensional structures with well faceted morphology and superior alkaline environment preferentially support the biomineralization and bactericidal properties in sodium nitrate-bioglass, was confirmed through structural, morphological, elemental, and antibacterial investigations. Whereas, higher blood and cell-line compatibility with elevated protein adsorption rate is perceived for the bioglass prepared using sodium hydroxide source, and subsequently, higher hemostatic properties are considerably observed with sodium nitrate-bioglass. Higher mechanical stability (ultrasonic measurements) and controlled degradation rate are the stratagems of sodium nitrate to boost the basic criteria of bioactive materials. Hence, it is proposed that sodium nitrate is a highly preferable source to develop bioactive and stable bioglass formulations.

DOSE ASSESSMENT FOR ATMOSPHERIC DISCHARGE OF LONG-LIVED RADIONUCLIDES IN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT DECOMMISSIONING.

Decommissioning of nuclear power plants is a multistage process involving complex operations like radiological characterization, decontamination and dismantling of plant equipment, demolition of structures, and processing and disposal of waste. Radioactive effluents released into the environment may result in exposure of population through various exposure pathways. The present study estimates the public dose due to atmospheric discharge of important radionuclides during proposed decommissioning activities of Indian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors. This study shows that major dose contributing radionuclides are 60Co followed by 94Nb, 134Cs, 154Eu, 152Eu, 133Ba, 99Tc, 93Mo and 41Ca. It is found that infant dose is higher than adult dose and major fraction of total dose (~98%) is through ground shine and ingestion; other pathways such as inhalation and plume shine contribute only a small fraction. This study will be helpful in carrying out radiological impact assessment for decommissioning operations which is an important regulatory requirement.

Low-cost preventive screening using carotid ultrasound in patients with diabetes.

Diabetes and atherosclerosis are the predominant causes of stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) both in low- and high-income countries. This is due to the lack of appropriate medical care or high medical costs. Low-cost 10-year preventive screening can be used for deciding an effective therapy to reduce the effects of atherosclerosis in diabetes patients. American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) recommended the use of 10-year risk calculators, before advising therapy. Conventional risk calculators are suboptimal in certain groups of patients because their stratification depends on (a) current blood biomarkers and (b) clinical phenotypes, such as age, hypertension, ethnicity, and sex. The focus of this review is on risk assessment using innovative composite risk scores that use conventional blood biomarkers combined with vascular image-based phenotypes. AtheroEdge™ tool is beneficial for low-moderate to high-moderate and low-risk to high-risk patients for the current and 10-year risk assessment that outperforms conventional risk calculators. The preventive screening tool that combines the image-based phenotypes with conventional risk factors can improve the 10-year cardiovascular/stroke risk assessment.

High voltage generation from lead-free magnetoelectric coaxial nanotube arrays and their applications in nano energy harvesters.

Harvesting energy from surrounding vibrations and developing self-powered portable devices for wireless and mobile electronics have recently become popular. Here the authors demonstrate the synthesis of piezoelectric energy harvesters based on nanotube arrays by a wet chemical route, which requires no sophisticated instruments. The energy harvester gives an output voltage of 400 mV. Harvesting energy from a sinusoidal magnetic field is another interesting phenomenon for which the authors fabricated a magnetoelectric energy harvester based on piezoelectric-magnetostrictive coaxial nanotube arrays. Piezoelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) is fabricated as the shell and magnetostrictive CoFe2O4 (CFO) as the core of the composite coaxial nanotubes. The delivered voltages are as high as 300 mV at 500 Hz and at a weak ac magnetic field of 100 Oe. Further tailoring of the thickness of the piezoelectric and magnetic layers can enhance the output voltage by several orders. Easy, single-step wet chemical synthesis enhances the industrial upscaling potential of these nanotubes as energy harvesters. In view of the excellent properties reported here, the lead-free piezoelectric component (KNN) in this nanocomposite should be explored for eco-friendly piezoelectric as well as magnetoelectric power generators in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS).