Pepsin immobilization on activated carbon and functionalized with glutaraldehyde and genipin for the synthesis of antioxidant peptides of goat casein.

In this article, the synthesis of antioxidant peptides in the enzymatic hydrolysis of caprine casein was analyzed at three different time points (60 min, 90 min, and 120 min) using immobilized pepsin on activated and modified carbon (AC, ACF, ACG 50, ACG 100). The immobilization assays revealed a reduction in the biocatalysts' activity compared to the free enzyme. Among the modified ones, ACG 50 exhibited greater activity and better efficiency for reuse cycles, with superior values after 60 min and 90 min. Peptide synthesis was observed under all studied conditions. Analyses (DPPH, ß-carotene/linoleic acid, FRAP) confirmed the antioxidant potential of the peptides generated by the immobilized enzyme. However, the immobilized enzyme in ACG 50 and ACG 100, combined with longer hydrolysis times, allowed the formation of peptides with an antioxidant capacity greater than or equivalent to those generated by the free enzyme, despite reduced enzymatic activity.

How renal toxins respond to renal function deterioration and oral toxic adsorbent in pH-controlled releasing capsule.

The number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing. Oral toxin adsorbents may provide some value. Several uremic toxins, including indoxyl sulfate (IS), p-cresol (PCS), acrolein, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and inflammation markers (interleukin 6 [IL-6] and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha) have been shown to be related to CKD progression. A total of 81 patients taking oral activated charcoal toxin adsorbents (AC-134), which were embedded in capsules that dissolved in the terminal ileum, three times a day for 1 month, were recruited. The renal function, hemoglobulin (Hb), inflammation markers, three PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA), and acrolein were quantified. Compared with the baseline, an improved glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and significantly lower acrolein were noted. Furthermore, the CKD stage 4 and 5 group had significantly higher concentrations of IS, PCS, IL-6, and TNF but lower levels of Hb and PFAS compared with the CKD Stage 3 group at baseline and after the intervention. Hb was increased only in the CKD Stage 3 group after the trial (p = .032). Acrolein did not differ between the different CKD stage groups. Patients with improved GFR (responders) (about 77%) and nonresponders had similar baseline GFR. Responders had higher acrolein and PFOA levels throughout the study and a more significant reduction in acrolein, indicating a better digestion function. Both the higher PFOA and lower acrolein may be related to improved eGFR (and possibly to improvements in proteinuria, which we did not measure. Proteinuria is associated with PFAS loss in the urine), AC-134 showed the potential to improve the GFR and decrease acrolein, which might better indicate renal function change. Future studies are needed with longer follow-ups.

Evidence of a Viable but Nonculturable (VBNC) Phase in B. abortus S19 under Oxidative Stress (H2O2, -Fe2+, Bleach) and under Non-Oxidative Inhibitory Conditions (Isopropanol, Erythritol, Selenite).

The effect of oxidative stress on the survival of various Brucella species has not been fully investigated yet. We here conducted a study in which we investigated the effect of different types of oxidative stress (Fe2+, H2O2, bleach) versus non-oxidative inhibitory effects (selenite, erythritol, and isopropanol) on the survival of B. abortus S19, B. abortus S19 ∆mglA 3.14, and B. neotomae 5K33. The work focuses on the appearance of ATP-CFU quotient imbalances indicating the existence of a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) form of B. abortus S19, as has previously been shown.

Topical rhubarb charcoal-crosslinked chitosan/silk fibroin sponge scaffold for the repair of diabetic ulcers improves hepatic lipid deposition in db/db mice via the AMPK signalling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, characterised by insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, abnormal lipid metabolism, and chronic inflammation. Diabetic ulcers (DUs) comprise consequential complications that arise as a result of T2DM. To investigate, db/db mice were used for the disease model. The findings demonstrated that a scaffold made from a combination of rhubarb charcoal-crosslinked chitosan and silk fibroin, designated as RCS/SF, was able to improve the healing process of diabetic wounds in db/db mice. However, previous studies have primarily concentrated on investigating the impacts of the RSC/SF scaffold on wound healing only, while its influence on the entire body has not been fully elucidated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The silk fibroin/chitosan sponge scaffold containing rhubarb charcoal was fabricated in the present study using a freeze-drying approach. Subsequently, an incision with a diameter of 8 mm was made on the dorsal skin of the mice, and the RCS/SF scaffold was applied directly to the wound for 14 days. Subsequently, the impact of RCS/SF scaffold therapy on hepatic lipid metabolism was assessed through analysis of serum and liver biochemistry, histopathology, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. RESULTS: The use of the RCS/SF scaffold led to an enhancement in the conditions associated with serum glucolipid metabolism in db/db mice. An assessment of hepatic histopathology further confirmed this enhancement. Additionally, the qRT-PCR analysis revealed that treatment with RCS/SF scaffold resulted in the downregulation of genes associated with fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid uptake, triglyceride (TG) synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and inflammatory factors. Moreover, the beneficial effect of the RCS/SF scaffold on oxidative stress was shown by assessing antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the network pharmacology analysis verified that the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway had a vital function in mitigating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by utilizing R. officinale. The measurement of AMPK, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) gene and protein expression provided support for this discovery. Furthermore, the molecular docking investigations revealed a robust affinity between the active components of rhubarb and the downstream targets of AMPK (SREBP1 and FASN). CONCLUSION: By regulating the AMPK signalling pathway, the RCS/SF scaffold applied topically effectively mitigated hepatic lipid accumulation, decreased inflammation, and attenuated oxidative stress. The present study, therefore, emphasises the crucial role of the topical RCS/SF scaffold in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism, thereby confirming the concept of "external and internal reshaping".

Acute effects of charcoal filters and package color on cigarette perceptions and use behaviors: Results from a randomized pilot study examining Natural American Spirit "Sky".

INTRODUCTION: Charcoal-filtered cigarettes have been available for decades but have never held a major share of the U.S. cigarette market. This pilot study gathered initial behavioral data characterizing how "Sky"-a recently introduced charcoal-filtered cigarette variety that uses potentially misleading marketing features-is used and what impact its packaging color has on consumer perceptions. METHODS: Forty adult daily non-menthol cigarettes users (52.5% male, 75.0% White, mean age = 46.1, 14.3 mean cigarettes/day) completed a single-session deception study utilizing a 2 ×2 mixed factorial design to manipulate cigarette filter condition (charcoal vs. non-charcoal) and pack color (light vs. dark). Participants smoked two cigarettes identical in appearance and packaging but differing in filter type (blinded and order counterbalanced) and completed pre- and post-cigarette CO samples and post-cigarette questionnaires. RESULTS: Participants endorsed more favorable subjective ratings, puffed less of, held more correct beliefs about risks, and expressed greater intentions to use the charcoal (vs. non-charcoal)-filtered cigarette (p's <0.05). Pack color had few effects on outcomes; however, cigarettes in light vs. dark colored packs were rated as cleaner tasting (p <0.01). Neither filter condition nor pack color affected CO boost. There were no interaction effects on any outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Under blinded conditions, Sky charcoal-filtered cigarettes are initially appealing independent of their packaging color. Findings warrant further study of these effects on perceptions, behavior, and harm exposure after longer, open-label use periods. Findings may inform regulatory decisions regarding cigarette packaging and filter composition.

Diverse hydrocarbon degradation genes, heavy metal resistome, and microbiome of a fluorene-enriched animal-charcoal polluted soil.

Environmental compartments polluted with animal charcoal from the skin and hide cottage industries are rich in toxic heavy metals and diverse hydrocarbon classes, some of which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, and genotoxic, and thus require a bio-based eco-benign decommission strategies. A shotgun metagenomic approach was used to decipher the microbiome, hydrocarbon degradation genes, and heavy metal resistome of a microbial consortium (FN8) from an animal-charcoal polluted site enriched with fluorene. Structurally, the FN8 microbial consortium consists of 26 phyla, 53 classes, 119 orders, 245 families, 620 genera, and 1021 species. The dominant phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species in the consortium are Proteobacteria (51.37%), Gammaproteobacteria (39.01%), Bacillales (18.09%), Microbulbiferaceae (11.65%), Microbulbifer (12.21%), and Microbulbifer sp. A4B17 (19.65%), respectively. The microbial consortium degraded 57.56% (28.78 mg/L) and 87.14% (43.57 mg/L) of the initial fluorene concentration in 14 and 21 days. Functional annotation of the protein sequences (ORFs) of the FN8 metagenome using the KEGG GhostKOALA, KofamKOALA, NCBI's conserved domain database, and BacMet revealed the detection of hydrocarbon degradation genes for benzoate, aminobenzoate, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chlorocyclohexane/chlorobenzene, chloroalkane/chloroalkene, toluene, xylene, styrene, naphthalene, nitrotoluene, and several others. The annotation also revealed putative genes for the transport, uptake, efflux, and regulation of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, nickel, copper, zinc, and several others. Findings from this study have established that members of the FN8 consortium are well-adapted and imbued with requisite gene sets and could be a potential bioresource for on-site depuration of animal charcoal polluted sites.

Efficient removal of PAHs from peanut oil using coconut shell-based activated charcoal decorated by cationic (CTAB), anionic (SDS), non-ionic surfactant (Triton X-100).

The coconut shell-based activated charcoal was decorated by three different electronegativities of surfactants (CTAB, SDS, and Triton X-100) through the impregnation method, and the decorated activated charcoal adsorbents were used for the removal of PAHs from peanut oil, respectively. The influence of surfactant decoration on the adsorption and detoxification effect of coconut shell-based activated charcoal was discussed. The thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors of PAHs adsorption on the surfactant-modified activated charcoal were investigated, and the adsorption mechanism was analyzed in-depth. Notably, the prepared modified coconut shell activated charcoal could not only remove more than 90% of PAHs from the peanut oil but also keep the cytotoxicity of the treated peanut oil low. Meanwhile, the detoxification procedure has little effect on the nutritional quality and flavor of the peanut oil. The results of this fundamental study demonstrate that the low-cost surfactant-modified coconut shell-based activated charcoal was effective and feasible.

Oxidized Activated Charcoal Nanozymes: Synthesis, and Optimization for In Vitro and In Vivo Bioactivity for Traumatic Brain Injury.

Carbon-based superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic nanozymes have recently been employed as promising antioxidant nanotherapeutics due to their distinct properties. The structural features responsible for the efficacy of these nanomaterials as antioxidants are, however, poorly understood. Here, the process-structure-property-performance properties of coconut-derived oxidized activated charcoal (cOAC) nano-SOD mimetics are studied by analyzing how modifications to the nanomaterial's synthesis impact the size, as well as the elemental and electrochemical properties of the particles. These properties are then correlated to the in vitro antioxidant bioactivity of poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized cOACs (PEG-cOAC). Chemical oxidative treatment methods that afford smaller, more homogeneous cOAC nanoparticles with higher levels of quinone functionalization show enhanced protection against oxidative damage in bEnd.3 murine endothelioma cells. In an in vivo rat model of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and oxidative vascular injury, PEG-cOACs restore cerebral perfusion rapidly to the same extent as the former nanotube-derived PEG-hydrophilic carbon clusters (PEG-HCCs) with a single intravenous injection. These findings provide a deeper understanding of how carbon nanozyme syntheses can be tailored for improved antioxidant bioactivity, and set the stage for translation of medical applications.

Does Indoxyl Sulfate Have a Role in Uremic Pruritus? A Laboratory and Interventional Study.

BACKGROUND: Pruritus is a common complaint in patients with end-stage renal disease. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a tryptophan end metabolite extremely renal excreted. Activated charcoal can interfere with IS intestinal absorption. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the serum level of IS and the effect of activated charcoal on uremic pruritus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 135 participants were divided into 2 main groups. In total, 45 normal and healthy individuals as a control group and 90 patients on regular hemodialysis; 45 of these patients had uremic pruritus and the other 45 were not complaining of uremic pruritus. Serum IS was measured. Activated charcoal was used by patients with uremic pruritus. The severity of pruritus and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were assessed. RESULTS: The serum IS was significantly elevated in uremic patients than in control subjects (P < .001) and significantly elevated in uremic patients without pruritus (P < .001). Furthermore, there were positive significant correlations between the serum IS and both severity of pruritus (P < .001) and DLQI (P < .001). After activated charcoal usage, there was a significant decrease in IS level with the improvement of pruritus and quality of life of patients. CONCLUSIONS: IS may play a role in uremic pruritus. Activated charcoal could be considered a treatment for uremic pruritus.

Effects of Chemical inhibition of histone deacetylase proteins in the growth and virulence of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid / Efectos de la inhibición química de las proteínas desacetilasas de histonas en el crecimiento y la virulencia de Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid

Abstract Chromatin remodeling enzymes are important "writers'', "readers'' and "erasers'' of the epigenetic code. These proteins are responsible for the placement, recognition, and removal of molecular marks in histone tails that trigger structural and functional changes in chromatin. This is also the case for histone deacetylases (HDACs), i.e., enzymes that remove acetyl groups from histone tails, signaling heterochromatin formation. Chromatin remodeling is necessary for cell differentiation processes in eukaryotes, and fungal pathogenesis in plants includes many adaptations to cause disease. Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. is a nonspe-cific, necrotrophic ascomycete phytopathogen that causes charcoal root disease. M. phaseolina is a frequent and highly destructive pathogen in crops such as common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), particularly under both water and high temperature stresses. Here, we evaluated the effects of the classical HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) on M. phaseolina in vitro growth and virulence. During inhibition assays, the growth of M. phaseolina in solid media, as well as the size of the microsclerotia, were reduced (p <0.05), and the colony morphology was remark-ably affected. Under greenhouse experiments, treatment with TSA reduced (p <0.05) fungal virulence in common bean cv. BAT 477. Tests of LIPK, MAC1 and PMK1 gene expression during the interaction of fungi with BAT 477 revealed noticeable deregulation. Our results provide additional evidence about the role of HATs and HDACs in important biological processes of M. phaseolina.

Resumen Las enzimas remodeladoras de la cromatina son «escritores¼, «lectores¼ y «borradores¼ importantes del código epigenético. Estas proteínas son responsables de la localización, el reconocimiento y la remoción de las marcas moleculares sobre las terminaciones de las histonas que desencadenan cambios funcionales y estructurales en la cromatina. Es el caso de las desacetilasas de histonas (HDAC), enzimas que remueven grupos acetilo de las «colas¼ de las histonas, señalizando la formación de heterocromatina. La anterior es una actividad necesaria en los procesos de diferenciación celular de los eucariotas, y se conoce que la patogénesis fúngica en las plantas requiere de adaptaciones diversas para ocasionar enfermedad. Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. es un ascomiceto fitopatógeno, necrótrofo e inespecífico, causante de la pudrición carbonosa. Este es un hongo frecuente y altamente destructivo en cultivos como fríjol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), particularmente bajo estrés hídrico y térmico. En este trabajo evaluamos los efectos del inhibidor de HDAC clásicas tricostatina A (TSA) sobre el crecimiento in vitro y la virulencia de M. phaseolina. El TSA redujo el crecimiento de M. phaseolina en medio sólido y el tamano de los microesclerocios (p < 0,05), lo que afectó la morfología colonial. En invernadero, el tratamiento con TSA disminuyó (p<0,05) la gravedad de la infección en la variedad de frijol BAT 477. La expresión de los genes de patogenicidad LIPK, MAC1 y PMK1 durante la interacción del hongo con la planta reveló una desregulación importante. Estos resultados proporcionan evidencia adicional del papel que cumplen las HDAC en la regulación de procesos biológicos fundamentales de M. phaseolina. © 2023 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.

Assessment of High-temperature Refined Charcoal to Improve the Safety of Grilled Meat Through the Reduction of Carcinogenic PAHs.

This study presents mitigation strategies for reducing carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination levels in grilled meat using high-temperature refined charcoal (HTC) prepared by Iwate kiln, also known as high-quality charcoal. Four different types of HTC were investigated for their properties in conjunction with their potential to reduce PAHs in grilled meat, including high-temperature Eucalyptus charcoal (HTEC), Leucaena charcoal (HTLC), Acacia charcoal (HTAC), and bamboo charcoal (HTBC). The results showed that all HTCs had higher fixed carbon, higher heating value, and lower volatile compounds (83.07-87.81%, 7,306-7,765 Kcal/g, and 6.98-11.97%, respectively) than commercial low-temperature refined charcoal (LTC) (65.33%, 6,728 Kcal/g, and 22.22%, respectively). The current high fixed carbon content and heating value responded to the rising maximum temperature of charcoal up to 500-600°C, providing heat source stabilization to control the radiant energy exposure of charcoal during grilling, thereby shortening grilling time. The PAH16 value of the LTC-grilled sample (144.41 µg/kg) was significantly higher than that of the HTEC, HTLC, and HTAC-grilled samples (98.21, 80.75, and 79.56 µg/kg, respectively). However, PAH16 levels in the sample grilled with HTBC were unexpectedly high (265.75 µg/kg), and cooking loss was not significantly different between samples grilled with all charcoals. Overall, the findings indicated that using HTC prepared from Eucalyptus, Leucaena, and Acacia woods could reduce PAH contamination in grilled pork by up to 45%. However, more research is needed to determine the best preparation method for high-quality charcoal made from bamboo.

Exploring Hydrochars from Lignocellulosic Wastes as Secondary Carbon Fuels for Sustainable Steel Production.

This study investigates the suitability of different lignocellulosic sources, namely eucalyptus, apple bagasse, and out-of-use wood, for injection into blast furnaces (BFs). While wastes possess carbon potential, their high moisture renders them unsuitable for direct energy utilization. Additionally, the P and K impurities, particularly in apple bagasse, can pose operational and product quality challenges in BF. Thus, different thermochemical processes were performed to convert raw biomass into a more suitable carbon fuel. Low-temperature carbonization was selected for eucalyptus, yielding a biochar with properties closer to the low-rank coal. Hydrothermal carbonization was chosen for apple bagasse and out-of-use wood, resulting in hydrochars with enhanced fuel characteristics and fewer adverse inorganic species but still limiting the amount in binary PCI blends. Thermogravimetry evaluated the cause-effect relationships between coal and coal- and bio-based chars during co-pyrolysis, co-combustion and CO2-gasification. No synergistic effects for char formation were observed, while biochars benefited ignition and reactivity during combustion at the programmed temperature. From heat-flow data in combustion, the high calorific values of the chars were well predicted. The CO2-gasification profiles of in situ chars revealed that lignin-rich hydrochars exhibited higher reactivity and conversion than those with a higher carbohydrate content, making them more suitable for gasification applications.

Characteristics of Breast Charcoal Granuloma: A Delayed Complication Following Tattoo Localization.

Rationale and Objective: To evaluate the characteristic clinical and imaging findings of charcoal granuloma and suggest features that may differentiate charcoal granuloma from breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 18 patients with a histologically confirmed breast charcoal granuloma between 2005 and 2021 at a single institution. All patients had a history of breast surgery after ultrasound (US)-guided charcoal marking. Two radiologists analyzed the radiologic findings of charcoal granulomas, including the presence of a mass or calcification; the shape, margin and density of the masses on mammography; and the location, size, shape, margin, orientation, echogenicity, vascularity, presence of an echogenic halo, and posterior acoustic shadowing on US. In cases with available follow-up images, we also investigated whether the size and shape had changed. Results: The median interval between breast surgery and the diagnosis of charcoal granuloma was 2.3 years (range, 0.7-18.3 years). Thirteen lesions (72.2%) were detected on screening images. In 11 (61.1%) cases, the surgical incision was not made in the tattooed skin area. Mammography showed positive findings in 10/15 patients, and most lesions were isodense masses (70%). There were no cases with calcification. On US, all lesions were masses and showed a taller-than-wide orientation (61.1%), round or oval shape (55.6%), and iso- or hyperechogenicity (83.3%). Echogenic halo (27.8%) and posterior acoustic shadowing (16.7%) were uncommon. On Doppler US, only four cases (22.2%) showed increased vascularity. Most were classified as BI-RADS 3 (38.9%) or 4A (50.0%). After biopsy, 12 patients had follow-up mammography and US. The size of the lesion decreased in nine cases and remained unchanged in three cases. A decrease in the lesion size after biopsy showed a negative correlation with the interval between detection on imaging and biopsy (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Charcoal granuloma is most commonly found 2-3 years after surgery and occurs more frequently when the incision site is different from the tattooed skin area. US findings of tall and round or oval masses with iso- or hyperechogenicity without increased vascularity could help to differentiate them from malignancies.

Assessing the Formation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Grilled Beef Steak and Beef Patty with Different Charcoals by the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) Method with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

This study investigated the effects of different charcoals on the occurrence of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in grilled beef steaks and beef patties. Seven different charcoals were used as follows: from oak wood (C1), from orange wood (C2), from Valonia oak wood (C3), from Marabu wood (C4), extruded charcoal from beech wood (C5), from coconut shells (C6), and from hazelnut shells (C7). The grilling times for each charcoal type were 6 min for the beef patties and 7 min for the beef steaks, until the internal temperature reached at least 74°C. The total concentration of 16 PAHs (PAH16) in beef steaks grilled with C1 (35.75 µg/kg) and C7 (36.39 µg/kg) was higher than that of C3 (23.80 µg/kg) and C6 (24.48 µg/kg; p<0.05). The highest amounts of PAH16 (216.40 µg/kg) were determined in the beef patty samples grilled using C5 (p<0.05). The summation of benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene, referred to as PAH4, was not detected in any of the beef steaks, whereas it was determined in the beef patties grilled with C2 (7.72 µg/kg) and C5 (22.95 µg/kg; p<0.05). The PAH16 concentrations of the beef patty samples in each charcoal group were significantly higher compared to the beef steaks (p<0.05). To avoid the formation of high PAH levels, the use of extruded charcoal and hazelnut shell charcoal should therefore be avoided when charcoal grilling beef steaks and beef patties, and low-fat meat products should be preferred.

Qualitative Characterization of the Abrasive Component of Charcoal-Containing Toothpastes and the Effect on Dentin Roughness / Caracterización Cualitativa del Componente Abrasivo de las Pastas Dentales que Contienen Carbón Vegetal y la Rugosidad de la Dentina

This study investigated the effect of commercially available whitening toothpastes containing charcoal on dentin. Nine charcoal-containing toothpastes were compared with 3 whitening toothpastes (positive control) and distilled water (negative control). Periodontally hopeless molars were cleaned and washed and the occlusal table removed to expose dentin. The teeth were mounted in auto-polymerizing resin and exposed dentine surfaces polished with water-cooled decreasing grits of silica carbide paper up to 1500 grit. Baseline average roughness (Ra) measurements were taken. Specimens were then mounted in an automatic tooth-brushing machine and brushed for 5000 cycles. Repeat Ra measurements were taken. Specimens were brushed in 5000-cycle increments up to 25,000 cycles with Ra measurements being taken at each time point. Between abrasive challenges specimens were stored in distilled water. All toothpaste samples were sputter coated and examined under a scanning electron microscope to qualify the shape and size of the abrasive components of the formulations. Data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni. The results demonstrated that the abrasive effect, in terms of increasing Ra, on dentin was noted as early as 5000 cycles for all the tested toothpastes (p<0.05). The effect of continued brushing showed an overall cumulative effect on dentine roughness up to 25000 cycles. When toothpastes were compared between groups at each time-point, dentin specimens brushed with Pursito were statistically similar to the control group. At 25,000 cycles all dentin samples were significantly rougher compared to Pursito and the control groups. It may be concluded that all the tested toothpastes have an abrasive effect on dentin surfaces.

Este estudio investigó el efecto sobre la dentina de las pastas dentales blanqueadoras disponibles en el mercado que contienen carbón vegetal. Se compararon nueve dentífricos que contenían carbón vegetal con 3 dentífricos blanqueadores (control positivo) y agua destilada (control negativo). Los molares sin material periodontal se limpiaron y lavaron y se retiró la tabla oclusal para exponer la dentina. Los dientes se montaron en resina autopolimerizable y las superficies expuestas de la dentina se pulieron con papel de carburo de sílice de grano decreciente enfriado con agua hasta grano 1500. Se tomaron medidas de rugosidad promedio (Ra) de referencia. Luego, las muestras se montaron en una máquina automática de cepillado de dientes y se cepillaron durante 5000 ciclos. Se tomaron medidas repetidas de Ra. Las muestras se cepillaron en incrementos de 5000 ciclos hasta 25 000 ciclos y se tomaron medidas de Ra en cada punto de tiempo. Entre periodos abrasivos, las muestras se almacenaron en agua destilada. Todas las muestras de pasta de dientes se recubrieron por pulverización catódica y se examinaron bajo un microscopio electrónico de barrido para calificar la forma y el tamaño de los componentes abrasivos de las formulaciones. Los datos se analizaron utilizando un análisis de varianza de dos vías de Bonferroni post hoc. Los resultados demostraron que el efecto abrasivo, en términos de aumento de Ra, sobre la dentina se notó ya en 5000 ciclos para todas las pastas dentales probadas (p<0,05). El efecto del cepillado continuo mostró un efecto acumulativo general sobre la rugosidad de la dentina hasta 25.000 ciclos. Cuando se compararon las pastas dentales entre los grupos en cada momento, las muestras de dentina cepilladas con Pursito fueron estadísticamente similares al grupo de control. A los 25.000 ciclos, todas las muestras de dentina eran significativamente más ásperas en comparación con Pursito y los grupos controles. Se puede concluir que todas las pastas dentales probadas tienen un efecto abrasivo sobre las superficies dentinarias.

Influence of Different Mouth Rinsing Agents on Friction During Sliding Mechanics Between Orthodontic Metal Brackets and Stainless Steel Archwire: A Comparative In Vitro Study.

Aim and objectives The aim of this in-vitro study is to evaluate and compare the effect of various mouth rinsing agents on frictional resistance through sliding mechanics among orthodontic metal brackets and stainless steel (SS) archwire. Materials and methods Each group comprised 15 samples of maxillary first premolar pre-adjusted edgewise SS movable, un-bonded brackets (Koden Inc., United States) which were welded with a power arm, where 100 g of the load was suspended. Brackets were ligated with elastic modules (Koden Inc., United States) onto the perspex sheet along with 0.019" x 0.025" SS archwire (Classic Orthodontics, United States) and were suspended from the upper component of the Instron machine. The coefficient of friction was tested in dry conditions (control), artificial saliva (AS) (Wet Mouth, ICPA Health Product Ltd., India), 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) mouthwash (Hexidine, ICPA Health Product Ltd., India), 0.05% sodium fluoride (NaF) mouthwash (ACT Anti-Cavity Fluoride Mouthwash, Sanofi Company, United States), charcoal (CC) mouthwash (Hello Activated Charcoal Extra Freshening Mouthwash, Hello Products LLC, United States) and ozone-infused oil-pulling solution with coconut oil (O3) (O3 Essentials, Health Ranger Store, United States). In order to calculate the coefficient of friction, 50 L was added to the test sample while moving at a 5 mm/min crosshead speed. The groups were compared using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's post hoc analysis was performed for multiple pairwise comparisons. Results The coefficient of friction with the highest mean values was observed with the control group (2.01), followed by AS (1.79), and the least with O3 (1.15). Statistically significant differences were observed with almost all groups of mouth rinsing agents, but NaF is significant with CHG and CC. However, CHG did not have any significant difference from CC. Conclusions Lower coefficient of frictional values were observed with the ozone-infused oil-pulling solution with coconut oil during sliding mechanics between metal brackets and stainless steel archwire. Almost all the mouth rinsing agents showed a significantly different coefficient of friction value.

Preparation of Microporous Molding Activated Carbon Derived from Bamboo Pyrolysis Gasification Byproducts for Toluene Gas Adsorption.

The effective utilization of charcoal and tar byproducts is a challenge for pyrolysis gasification of bamboo. Herein, the bamboo tar was modified via polymerization and acted as a new adhesive for the preparation of excellent bamboo-charcoal-derived molding activated carbon (MBAC). As compared with pristine tar and other adhesives, the aromatization of tar with phenol increased its molecular weight, oxygenic functional groups, and thermal stability, leading to the decreased blocking impact of charcoal pore and improved bonding and pyrolytic crosslinking effect between charcoal particles. These further contribute to the high mechanical strength, specific surface area, pore volume, and amount of oxygenic functional groups for fabricated MBAC. Owing to the high microporous volume of MBAC, it exhibited 385 mg·g-1 toluene and 75.2% tetrachloride gas adsorption performances. Moreover, the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Bangham models were used to evaluate the kinetic data. The toluene adsorption process conforms to the Bangham kinetic model, suggesting that the diffusion mechanism of toluene adsorption mainly followed intraparticle diffusion.

Effect of Charcoal, Probiotic, and Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes on Mechanical Properties and Surface Characterization of Ceramic-Coated Nickel-Titanium Orthodontic Arch Wires: A Comparative In-Vitro Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact on the mechanical properties and surface features of ceramic-coated nickel-titanium (CC-Ni-Ti) archwires when subjected to charcoal, probiotic, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes in in vitro conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty samples of 25 mm were cut from the posterior end of preformed maxillary 0.016'' CC-Ni-Ti super elastic archwires (Koden Company, USA) and distributed into four equal groups. Each group of wires was immersed in artificial saliva (Wet Mouth Mouthwash, ICPA Health Products Ltd., India) (control), charcoal mouthwash (Hello activated charcoal extra freshening mouthwash, Hello Products LLC, USA), probiotic mouthwash (Perfora, Probiotic Rinse, India), and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (Sensorange, Orange Biotech, Pvt., Ltd., India) (experimental groups) for 90 min at 37 °C. All samples were taken out of their respective solutions and washed with distilled water prior to testing. A three-point bending test was performed on 15 samples from each group using a universal testing device. During the loading and unloading of the archwires, the yield strength (YS), flexural modulus of elasticity (E), and spring back ratio (YS/E) were calculated. The remaining five wires from each group were observed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) for surface topography evaluation. RESULTS: The mean differences of loading YS, E, and YS/E between chlorhexidine and charcoal are 302.91 MPa, 4.28 GPa, and 0.0004, whereas unloading values are 172.32 MPa, 4.16 GPa, and 0.0003, respectively, with a statistical significance of <0.001 in terms of YS and E. The mean differences of loading YS, E, and YS/E between charcoal and probiotic are 305.36 MPa, 4.54 GPa, and 0.0005, whereas unloading values are 173.77 MPa, 3.66 GPa, and 0.0003, respectively, with a statistical significance of <0.001 in terms of YS and E. The mean differences of loading YS, E, and YS/E between chlorhexidine and probiotic are 2.45 MPa, 0.26 GPa, and 0.00007, whereas unloading values are 1.44 MPa, 0.49 GPa, and 0.0000533, respectively, with no statistical significance of >0.001 in terms of YS, E, and YS/E. Surface topography alteration was clearly appreciated in the charcoal and probiotic mouthwash groups compared to charcoal mouthwash. CONCLUSIONS: Loading and unloading of 0.016" ceramic-coated nickel-titanium archwires showed an increase in mechanical properties except for the spring back ratio on exposure to chlorhexidine, probiotic, and charcoal mouthwashes. Chlorhexidine and probiotic mouthwashes had a higher yield strength and flexural modulus of elasticity in comparison with charcoal mouthwash and artificial saliva on 0.016" ceramic-coated nickel-titanium archwires. More corrosive changes were seen on 0.016" ceramic-coated nickel-titanium archwires when immersed in chlorhexidine, followed by probiotic and charcoal mouthwashes.

[Effect of Fire-deposited Charcoal on Soil Organic Carbon Pools and Associated Enzyme Activities in a Recently Harvested Pinus massoniana Plantation Subjected to Broadcast Burning].

Charcoal is a carbonaceous particulate matter with a highly aromatic structure produced by incomplete combustion, and it can cause persistent long-term effects on soil ecological functions. In this study, we determined soil organic carbon pools and associated enzyme activities following five years of different charcoal treatments[charcoal removal (B0), charcoal retained in situ (B1), and the addition of charcoal removed from B0(B2)] and the unburnt control (UB) in a recently harvested Pinus massoniana plantation subjected to broadcast burning. The results showed that dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), coarse and fine particulate organic carbon (CPOC and FPOC), and recalcitrant carbon (RC) contents were significantly lower in B1 than those in UB soil (P<0.05). The MBC and FPOC contents of B2 soil were comparable to those of UB soil, which were significantly higher than those of B0 soil (P<0.001). There was no difference in MBC/TC between the B2 and UB soils, whereas MBC/TC was significantly lower in B0 than in UB soil (P<0.05). ß-glucosidase and peroxidase activities of B0, B1, and B2 soils were significantly lower than that of UB soil (P<0.01), and polyphenol oxidase activity was significantly lower in B0 and B2 soils than in UB soil (P<0.01). No significant difference in soil TC, DOC, readily oxidized carbon (ROC), CPOC, and RC content as well as associated enzyme activities was observed among the charcoal treatments (P>0.05). Redundancy analysis showed that sucrose and polyphenol oxidase were the key drivers influencing soil organic carbon fractions, accounting for 16.3% and 12.7% of the total variance, respectively. Overall, our findings indicated that fire-deposited charcoal played a positive role in enhancing soil microbial biomass carbon recovery, soil organic carbon accumulation, and stability, highlighting the importance of charcoal in the management of subtropical plantations in the future.

Plant Growth Regulators and Activated Charcoal Selectively Affect Phenylethanoid and Flavone Glycoside Accumulation in Sideritis scardica Griseb. Tissue Culture.

Sideritis scardica Griseb. is a Balkan endemic species traditionally used for the treatment of pulmonary emphysema and angina pectoris. Recent research has also shown its phytotherapeutic potential as an anticancer and neuroprotective agent. These findings, as well as the endangered status of the species in its wild habitats, have motivated the present research on application of plant cell tissue and organ culture for the purposes of both valuable germplasm conservation and secondary metabolites production. Shoot cultures of the plant were initiated from sterile germinated seeds and the effects of activated charcoal (AC), as well benzyl adenine and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid treatments, were experimented. The phenolic profile analysis was performed by HPLC/DAD/MSn. Comparison with samples collected from wild plants in their natural habitat was performed. It was established that in vitro multiplication induced by plant growth regulators (PGRs) was accompanied by a higher impairment of leaf morphology and trichome formation, as well as by the occurrence of plantlet hyperhydricity and callus formation, as compared with the AC treatments. Shoot culture-derived plant material was shown to produce two phenylethanoids and five flavone glycosides, not detected in the wild collected plant material. In addition, the two types of in vitro culture treatments led to the stimulation of either flavone glycosides or phenylethanoids in the in vitro cultivated plants. Thus, AC stimulated, to a higher extent, flavone glycosides' accumulation, leading to an elevated flavone/phenylethanoid ratio, as compared with PGR treatments.