Reducing citrus effluent toxicity: Biological-electrochemical treatment with diamond anode.

One challenge of the citrus industry is the treatment and disposal of its effluents due to their high toxicity, substantial organic load, and consequent resistance to conventional biotechnological processes. This study introduces a novel approach, using electrochemical oxidation with a boron-doped diamond anode to efficiently remove organic compounds from biodegraded pulp wash (treated using the fungus Pleurotus sajor-caju.) The findings reveal that employing a current density of 20 mA cm-2 achieves notable results, including a 44.1% reduction in color, a 70.0% decrease in chemical oxygen demand, an 88.0% reduction in turbidity, and an impressive 99.7% removal of total organic carbon (TOC) after 6 h of electrolysis. The energy consumption was estimated at 2.93 kWh g-1 of removed TOC. This sequential biological-electrochemical procedure not only significantly reduced the mortality rate (85%) of Danio rerio embryos but also reduced the incidence of morphologically altered parameters. Regarding acute toxicity (LC50) of the residue, the process demonstrated a mortality reduction of 6.97% for D. rerio and a 40.88% lethality decrease for Lactuca sativa seeds. The substantial reduction in toxicity and organic load observed in this study highlights the potential applicability of combined biological and electrochemical treatments for real agroindustrial residues or their effluents.

Effect of aging and bleaching on the color stability and surface roughness of a recently introduced single-shade composite resin.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of aging and bleaching procedures on the color stability and surface roughness of a new single-shade composite versus multi-shade composite resins. METHODS: A single-shade composite resin (Charisma Diamond One, CDO) and 3 multi-shade composite resins (Tetric NCeram, Filtek Z350 XT, Clearfil Majesty Posterior) were tested. Thirty specimens of each material were subjected to one of the aging procedures respectively: immersion in distilled water (12 days/37 °C), immersion in coffee (12 days/37 °C), or water thermocycling (10,000 cycles/5-55 °C). All specimens underwent in-office bleaching after aging. Kruskal-Wallis tests and analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis (α=0.05). RESULTS: All materials exhibited a change of color (ΔE00), translucency (RTP), whiteness (WID) and surface roughness parameters (Sa,Sv) after aging and bleaching procedures. CDO showed the highest ΔE00 among all resins with the highest RTP value, regardless of the aging procedures. Immersion in coffee led to the significantly highest ∆E00 values and lowest RTP values for nearly all resins. Positive ΔWID1 (WID(bleaching)-WID(baseline)) values were found in distilled water immersion and thermocycling groups, while negative ΔWID1 values were found in the coffee immersion group for all materials. Besides, positive ΔWID2 (WID(bleaching)-WID(aging)) values were found in all aging groups for nearly all materials. All materials showed an increasing trend in Sa and Sv after bleaching. CONCLUSIONS: CDO showed more pronounced discoloration than multi-shade composite resins. Although the whiteness of all resins increased after bleaching, none was completely restored in the coffee immersion group. Bleaching significantly increased the surface roughness of all materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Charisma Diamond One is more susceptible to discoloration, which may affect its long-term success rate. Bleaching could partially reduce the color change of the composite resins but did not return them completely to their original state. The roughness of the resins increased after bleaching, prompting dentists to repolish them after bleaching.

National Trends in Surgical Management for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia From 2013 to 2019 in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urologic pathology for older men. The prevalence and effect on quality of life have prompted the development of new surgical procedures to manage BPH while attempting to minimize treatment side effects. The objective of this study is to utilize TriNetX, a third-party database, to investigate temporal trends in BPH procedures from 2013 to 2019 in the United States. METHODS: Male patients aged 18 to 100 who were diagnosed with BPH from 2013 to 2019 were filtered from the TriNetX Diamond Network. Yearly cohorts undergoing a BPH-related procedure were searched using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes. Temporal and descriptive analytics were utilized to describe trends in treatment utilization. RESULTS: There were 302,646 BPH procedures recorded on the TriNetX Diamond Network. Transurethral resection of the prostate was the most commonly performed procedure, accounting for 47.2% of procedures in 2013 and 44.9% in 2019. Photoselective vaporization of the prostate remained a popular treatment but showed the greatest decrease in utilization over time (31.8% in 2013, 21.5% in 2019). Prostatic urethral lift (UroLift) was rapidly embraced as a treatment modality, as usage increased by 18.3% over a 6-year period (0.0% in 2014, up to 18.3% in 2019). Other procedures such as Rezum (5.8%) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (5.1%) made up greater proportions of BPH procedures by 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral resection of the prostate was the most common procedure from 2013 to 2019. However, minimally invasive surgeries represent an increased percentage of BPH surgeries every year.

Diamond based integrated detection system for dosimetric and microdosimetric characterization of radiotherapy ion beams.

BACKGROUND: Ion beam therapy allows for a substantial sparing of normal tissues and higher biological efficacy. Synthetic single crystal diamond is a very good material to produce high-spatial-resolution and highly radiation hard detectors for both dosimetry and microdosimetry in ion beam therapy. PURPOSE: The aim of this work is the design, fabrication and test of an integrated waterproof detector based on synthetic single crystal diamond able to simultaneously perform dosimetric and microdosimetric characterization of clinical ion beams. METHODS: The active elements of the integrated diamond device, that is, dosimeter and microdosimeter, were both realized in a Schottky diode configuration featured by different area, thickness, and shape by means of photolithography technologies for the selective growth of intrinsic and boron-doped CVD diamond. The cross-section of the sensitive volume of the dosimetric element is 4 mm2 and 1 µm-thick, while the microdosimetric one has an active cross-sectional area of 100 × 100 µm2 and a thickness of about 6.2 µm. The dosimetric and microdosimetric performance of the developed device was assessed at different depths in a water phantom at the MedAustron ion beam therapy facility using a monoenergetic uniformly scanned carbon ion beam of 284.7 MeV/u and proton beam of 148.7 MeV. The particle flux in the region of the microdosimeter was 6·107  cm2 /s for both irradiation fields. At each depth, dose and dose distributions in lineal energy were measured simultaneously and the dose mean lineal energy values were then calculated. Monte Carlo simulations were also carried out by using the GATE-Geant4 code to evaluate the relative dose, dose averaged linear energy transfer (LETd ), and microdosimetric spectra at various depths in water for the radiation fields used, by considering the contribution from the secondary particles generated in the ion interaction processes as well. RESULTS: Dosimetric and microdosimetric quantities were measured by the developed prototype with relatively low noise (∼2 keV/µm). A good agreement between the measured and simulated dose profiles was found, with discrepancies in the peak to plateau ratio of about 3% and 4% for proton and carbon ion beams respectively, showing a negligible LET dependence of the dosimetric element of the device. The microdosimetric spectra were validated with Monte Carlo simulations and a good agreement between the spectra shapes and positions was found. Dose mean lineal energy values were found to be in close agreement with those reported in the literature for clinical ion beams, showing a sharp increase along the Bragg curve, being also consistent with the calculated LETd for all depths within the experimental error of 10%. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental indicate that the proposed device can allow enhanced dosimetry in particle therapy centers, where the absorbed dose measurement is implemented by the microdosimetric characterization of the radiation field, thus providing complementary results. In addition, the proposed device allows for the reduction of the experimental uncertainties associated with detector positioning and could facilitate the partial overcoming of some drawbacks related to the low sensitivity of diamond microdosimeters to low LET radiation.

Effect of simplified or multi-step polishing techniques on roughness and color stability of resin composites.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of simplified or multi-step polishing techniques on the roughness, color, and susceptibility to staining of different resin composites. METHODS: Discs (Ø6 mm x 2 mm) were obtained from different resin composites [nanofilled (Z350XT), suprananofilled (Estelite Omega), and nanohybrid (Forma)]. The specimens (n= 15) were submitted to a simplified protocol using abrasive discs (Sof-Lex) and spiral discs (Diacomp Plus Twist), or a multi-step protocol using abrasive discs (Sof-Lex), abrasive points (Jiffy), silicon carbide brush and felt disc with diamond pastes (Diamond Polish). The specimens were evaluated initially for roughness (Ra) and color (CIEL*a*b*, CIEDE 2000), after completing the polishing protocol, and after exposure to a coffee solution (pH= 5.01). The data were analyzed according to the variables, using generalized linear models, and the Friedman, Nemenyi, Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, and Mann-Whitney tests (α= 0.05). RESULTS: The nanohybrid resin composite showed an increase in Ra following use of both polishing methods (P= 0.038). Both techniques promoted an increase in L* values after polishing; however, the general color changes (ΔEab and ΔE00) were greater after the multi-step polishing (P< 0.05). After immersion in coffee, the multi-step polished groups of the nanohybrid and suprananofilled resin composite showed higher L* values than the simplified polishing groups (P= 0.023), and the nanofilled resin composite showed higher ΔEab and ΔE00 values than the other resin composites, regardless of the polishing technique (P< 0.05). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The choice of the resin composite had a greater effect on roughness, color stability and susceptibility to staining than the polishing technique. However, luminosity after coffee staining was higher with the multi-step polishing technique.

Comparative evaluation of effect of chlorhexidine application on dentin bond strength with two different adhesives after ER, CR: YSGG phototherapy: an in vitro study.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of phototherapy with an Er, Cr:YSGG laser on the bond strength of dentin using two different adhesive systems after chlorhexidine (CHX) application. Twenty-four non-carious human molar teeth were separated into three main groups: negative control Group A (Group A), CHX and phototherapy with an Er, Cr:YSGG laser (Group PC), and CHX with conventional diamond bur (no phototherapy) (Group C). These groups were divided into two subgroups based on adhesives: Clearfil Universal Quick Bond and Clearfil SE Bond. To evaluate the microtensile bond strength, the occlusal enamel surfaces of the teeth were removed with a low-speed, water-cooled diamond bur to expose hard dentin tissue. The teeth within Group PC were treated with Er, Cr:YSGG phototherapy. The surfaces were then disinfected with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate. Subgroups were applied according to the manufacturer's instructions using the adhesive systems mentioned above. Following adhesive application, the teeth were restored with composite resin. A microtensile bond strength test was performed on the test sticks obtained from the teeth using a universal test device. Data were analyzed using variance analysis (ANOVA) at a significance level of p < 0.05. Among all groups, the highest bond strength was achieved with Clearfil SE Bond with CHX + phototherapy (45.6 ± 4.2), while the lowest was achieved with Clearfil Universal Quick Bond without phototherapy (control group) (27.0 ± 6.7) (p < 0.05). Phototherapy with Er, Cr: YSGG following chlorhexidine application enhanced the bond strength of both the bond systems (p < 0.05).

Modulation of implants PEEK to composite resin shear bond strength and surface roughness on pre-treatment with contemporary air abrasion techniques vs photodynamic therapy vs conventional diamond grit bur.

AIM: The chief aim of the study was to determine/equate the surface roughness (SRa) and shear bond strength (BS) of pretreated PEEK discs with contemporary air abrasion techniques, photodynamic (PD) therapy by curcumin photosensitizer (PS) and conventional diamond grit straight fissure bur adhered to the composite resin discs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two hundred discs of PEEK were prepared of 6 mm × 2 mm × 10 mm dimension. The discs were randomly divided into five groups (n = 40) for treatment, Group I: treatment with deionized distilled water (control group); Group II: PD therapy using curcumin PS; Group III: discs treated and abraded with air-borne particles (ABP) silica (30 µm particle size) modified alumina (Al); Group IV: ABP of alumina (110 µm particle size); and Group V: The PEEK were finished with 600-µm grit size straight diamond cutting bur installed in high speed hand-piece. The surface profilometer was used to evaluate the values of surface roughness (SRa) of pretreated PEEK discs. The discs were luted and bonded to discs of composite resin. The bonded PEEK samples were placed in Universal testing machine to evaluate shear BS. The type of BS failure for PEEK discs pre-treated with five regimes respectively was evaluated under stereo-microscope. The data was statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the comparisons between mean values of shear BS were evaluated by Tukey's test (ρ≤0.05). RESULTS: The PEEK samples pre-treated with diamond cutting straight fissure burs displayed statistically significant highest value of SRa values (3.258± 0.785 µm). Similarly, the shear BS was observed to be higher for the PEEK discs pre-treated with straight fissure bur (22.37±0.78 MPa). A comparable difference but not statistically significant difference was observed between PEEK discs pre-treated by curcumin PS and ABP-silica modified alumina (ρ ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSION: PEEK discs pre-treated with diamond grit straight fissure bur displayed highest values of SRa and shear BS. It was trailed by ABP-Al pre-treated discs; whereas the SRa and shear BS values for the discs pre-treated with ABP-silica modified Al and curcumin PS did not show competitive difference.

Influence of pigment Solutions on color stability and surface properties in low-shrinkage and conventional composites.

Color stability is among the most frequent causes of restoration failures, and influences surface properties. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pigment solutions on low-shrinkage and conventional composites regarding changes in the physical properties of composite surfaces. Materials and Method: Specimens of four composites (Filtek Z350 XT, Point 4, N'Durance and Venus Diamond) were randomly distributed into three groups to be submitted to each of three pigment solutions (red wine, tomato sauce and coffee) in fifteen-minute daily cycles, for twenty-eight days. There were 12 groups altogether (n = 10). Color, surface roughness and hardness tests were performed. Statistical analysis includedAnalysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's significance test (a = 0.05). Results: Color changes caused by the solutions did not differ significantly among Filtek Z350 XT, Venus Diamond and N'Durance. Hardness decreased significantly in Filtek Z350 XT and Venus Diamond after chemical challenge with each solution. For the composite independent factor, roughness was highest in Venus Diamond, followed by Filtek Z350 XT, Point 4 and N'Durance. Conclusions: Treatment with different pigment solutions (red wine, tomato sauce or coffee) increased stainability and decreased hardness of both low-shrinkage and conventional composites, while roughness was unaffected.

A estabilidade de cor está entre as causas mais frequentes de falhas de restauragoes, que também influenciam suas propriedades superficiais. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a influencia de solugoes de pigmentos em compósitos convencionais e de baixa retragao, bem como alteragoes naspropriedades físicas da superficie dos compósitos. Materiais eMétodo: Amostras de cada compósito (Filtek Z350XT, Point 4, N'Durance e Venus Diamond) foram distribuidas aleatoriamente em grupos submetidos a cada solugao pigmentante (vinho tinto, molho de tomate e café) em ciclos diários de quinze minutos, durante vinte e oito dias. Assim, totalizando 12 grupos (n = 10). Foram realizados testes de cor, rugosidade superficial e dureza. A Análise Estatistica foi realizada usando Análise de variáncia (ANOVA) e o teste de significáncia de Tukey (a = 0.05). Resultados: As alteragoes de cor desencadeadas pelas solugoes investigadas nao mostraram diferenga estatisticamente significativa entre os compósitos Filtek Z350 XT, Venus Diamond e N'Durance. Os valores de dureza registrados para Filtek Z350XT e Venus Diamond diminuiram significativamente após o desafio químico com cada uma das solugoes pigmentantes. Para o fator independente compósito, Venus Diamond registrou a maior rugosidade; foi seguido por Filtek Z350XT, Point 4 e N'Durance. Conclusoes: Os tratamentos das amostras com diferentes solugoes pigmentantes (vinho tinto, molho de tomate e café) aumentaram a manchabilidade dos compósitos convencionais e de baixa retragao e diminuiram sua dureza, embora nao tenham afetado a rugosidade dos compósitos.

Clinical evaluation of surface treatment on clinical performance of non-carious sclerotic cervical lesions: 18-month follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of different surface treatments on the clinical behavior of non-carious cervical sclerotic lesions (NCCLs) over an 18-month follow-up period. METHODS: 128 NCCLs from 32 volunteers were randomized into four groups (n=32): G1-control, without preoperative treatment of the dentin surface; G2, dentin conditioning with 17% ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) for 2 minutes; G3, increase in dentin surface roughness with diamond bur and G4, increase in dentin surface roughness with diamond bur + dentin conditioning with 17% EDTA for 2 minutes. RESULTS: Differences between groups were tested using the Friedman test (α= 0.05). A questionnaire was administered to volunteers about risk factors related to NCCLs. The relationship between the questionnaire data and the clinical performance of the restorations was analyzed using the multiple logistic regression test (α= 0.05). The variables related to parafunctional habits, anxiety and/or depression were significantly related to the manifestation of postoperative sensitivity. Roughening the sclerotic dentin with a diamond bur increased postoperative sensitivity within 12 months. The presence of parafunctional habits and anxiety/depression may lead to postoperative sensitivity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Roughening the sclerotic dentin with a diamond bur increased postoperative sensitivity within 12 months.

Accelerated carbonate biomineralisation of Venetia diamond mine coarse residue deposit (CRD) material - A field trial study.

Field trials combining mined kimberlite material (Coarse Residue Deposit; CRD) and mine derived microbes show accelerated kimberlite weathering at surface conditions - a potential method for accelerated carbon sequestration via mineral bio­carbonation. A photosynthetic biofilm suspension (20L), sourced from the Venetia diamond mine (Limpopo, South Africa) pit wall, was cultured in 3 × 1000 L bioreactors using BG-11 medium. Bioreactors supplemented with Fine Residue Deposit (FRD) kimberlite material enhanced microbial growth and kimberlite weathering. This (ca. 1.44 kg) wet weight bio-amendment corresponded to ca. 1.5 × 109Acidithiobacillus spp. sized bacteria/g CRD (20 kg FRD growth supplement +60 kg FRD used for harvesting biomass +850 kg CRD used in the field trial experiment). This bio-amendment promoted carbonate precipitation and subsequent cementation under surface conditions (0-20 cm). Microbial inoculation accelerated pedogenesis of CRD materials. A soil-like substrate resulted from weathering under environmental conditions in Johannesburg from January 2020 to April 2021. Over this 15-month experiment, the biodiversity found in the inoculum shifted due to the selective pressure of the kimberlite. The natural, endogenous biosphere, when combined with the inoculum, accelerated carbonate precipitation in the upper 20 cm of the bioreactor by between +1 wt% and + 2 wt%. Conversely, carbonation of the bioreactor at depth (20-40 cm) decreased by ca. 1 wt%. All the secondary carbonate observed in the bioreactors was biogenic in nature, i.e., possessing microbial fossils. This secondary carbonate took the form of both radiating acicular crystals as well as colloform intergranular cements. This microbial inoculum and resulting geochemical changes promoted the transformation of kimberlite into a Technosol, capable of supporting the germination and growth of self-seeding, windblown grasses, which enhanced weathering in the rhizosphere. The maximum secondary carbonate production is consistent with a ca. 20 % mine site CO2e offset.

Simultaneous recycling of Si and Ti from diamond wire saw silicon powder and Ti-bearing blast furnace slag via reduction smelting: An investigation of the effects of refractories on recycling.

The industrial wastes diamond wire saw silicon powder (DWSSP) and Ti-bearing blast furnace slag (TBFS) are important Si and Ti secondary resources, respectively. During the industrial application of recycling DWSSP and TBFS via reduction smelting, the refractories can dissolve into the molten slag, which can change the composition of the slag and influence the extraction of Si and Ti. Unfortunately, few studies on the reduction smelting of DWSSP and TBFS related to refractories have been reported, making such studies urgently needed. Therefore, the main purpose of this work was to reveal the dissolution mechanism of refractories (alumina and magnesia bricks) and the effect of refractory dissolution on Si-Ti alloy preparation. The results show that during the reduction smelting, the dissolution of alumina and magnesia bricks changed from direct dissolution into the molten slag to indirect dissolution, and the amount of magnesia bricks dissolved was less than that of aluminum bricks. Al3+ (aluminum brick) entering the slag could replace Si4+ in [SinO2n] to form [AlxSin-xO2n]x-, increasing the viscosity of the slag. The O2- (magnesia brick) entering the slag could dissociate [AlxSin-xO2n]x-, decreasing the viscosity of the slag. Therefore, compared with alumina bricks, magnesia bricks can promote slag-alloy separation and improve the extraction ratios of Ti and Si. In the case of magnesia bricks, the maximum reduction ratio of TiO2 was 98.4 %, and the maximum extraction ratio of Si was 95.8 %. This work provides essential experimental data for the Si-Ti alloys prepared via recycling DWSSP and TBFS.

Surfactant-sodium dodecyl sulfate enhanced degradation of polystyrene microplastics with an energy-saving electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) strategy.

Microplastics have been identified as a kind of emerging pollutant with potential ecological risks, and it is an urgent endeavor to find proper technologies for their remediation. Electrochemical advanced oxidation process (EAOP) technology has exhibited robust performance in the removal of various refractory organic pollutants. In this study, we explored a new remediation strategy for polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs), introducing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to enhance its degradation performance in boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode adopted EAOP. At first, we investigated the degradation behaviors of SDS in the BDD electrolysis. According to the SDS half-life under various current densities, the SDS addition strategy into EAOP is proposed; that is, supplement SDS to 500 mg/L at every half-life during electrolysis except the last cycle. Results indicated that SDS addition greatly enhanced MPs degradation rate in 72 h of EAOP, about 1.35-2.29 times higher than that in BDD electrolysis alone. The SDS assisted EAOP also led to more obvious changes in the particle size, morphology, and functional groups of the MPs. After treatment, a variety of alkyl-cleavage and oxidation products were identified, which attributed to the strong attack of oxidants (i.e., persulfate) on the MPs. The enhanced persulfate generation and oxidants adsorption on MPs can explain the enhancement effect in the EAOP strategy. Cost analysis results showed the surfactant only accounts for < 0.05% of the total operating costs in the SDS assisted EAOP. In general, the current study provided new insight into the effective way to improve the EAOP efficiency of microplastics.

Do composite resin polishing systems damage enamel?

Finishing and polishing of composite resin restorations may cause damage to the bordering enamel. Although many studies have investigated the effect of polish on restorative materials, few have quantified the effect on bordering enamel. The objective of this study was to compare enamel loss surrounding composite restorations after finishing and polishing sequences. The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference in enamel loss between different finishing and polishing sequences. Class V preparations on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 15 extracted human molars were restored with a composite resin and assigned to 1 of 2 finishing and polishing sequences, so that each tooth underwent both sequences (n = 15 per sequence). In sequence 1, a tungsten carbide finishing bur and aluminum oxide polishing discs were used; in sequence 2, a diamond finishing bur, aluminum oxide-impregnated finishing cup, and diamond-impregnated polishing cup were used. Tooth surfaces were scanned with an optical scanner after preparation, finishing, initial polishing, and final polishing. The finishing and polishing scans were aligned to the preparation scan using Cumulus software. The depth of enamel surface loss was calculated and statistically analyzed (α = 0.05; paired t test). Most enamel loss (mean [SD]) resulted from the finishing step with the tungsten carbide bur (51.8 [21.3] µm) or diamond bur (43.3 [12.6] µm). Each polishing step increased mean enamel loss by only a few microns. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 finishing and polishing sequences. The majority of enamel damage during finishing and polishing of composite resin restorations resulted from the finishing burs. Little enamel was removed by either of the tested composite resin polishing systems.

Removal of starch granule-associated surface and channel lipids alters the properties of sodium trimetaphosphate crosslinked maize starch.

Starch granule-associated surface and channel lipids (SGALs) were effectively removed from waxy maize starch (WMS) and normal maize starch (NMS), then the starches were crosslinked by different levels of sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) (0.25 %, 0.5 %, 1 % and 2 %). The effective removal of SGALs and successful crosslinking, were evidenced by the disappearance of surface-fluorescence and channel-fluorescence of Pro-Q Diamond-stained granules, and the increased phosphorus content respectively. STMP crosslinking increased peak and final viscosity for WMS and NMS. Crosslinking at high STMP levels (0.5 %, 1 % and 2 %) transformed the starch pastes from thixotropic to anti-thixotropic. STMP crosslinking significantly decreased the tan δ values of maize starches, enhancing the elastic structure of the gel. Crosslinked maize starches without SGALs had lower breakdown than crosslinked starches at same STMP level, indicating higher tightened crosslinked starch granules after SGALs removal. Removal of SGALs increased the anti-thixotropy of crosslinked starches, facilitating the reorientation of crosslinked amylopectin/amylose molecules during shearing. Removal of SGALs increased the tan δ values from frequency sweep of WMS and NMS during STMP crosslinking, indicating the presence of surface-lipids and channel-lipids could enhance the elastic gel network structure of crosslinked maize starch.

Investigation of black phosphorus anodic catalyst for electrolysis: Degradation of organics via a perchlorate-free oxidant activation.

This study investigated the potential of a novel fabricated black phosphorus (BP) nanoparticle electrode as an alternative to noble metal-based catalysts for application in electrolysis. The BP electrode was compared with other conventional catalysts (boron-doped diamond (BDD) and a dimensional stable electrode (DSA)) under different electrolyte conditions for the generation of specific oxidants (e.g., OH•, HOCl, OCl-, SO4• -) in the bulk phase during electrolysis. In the presence of sulfate-based electrolyte, results on the electrochemical oxidation showed that the BP not only resulted in an 8-fold increase in the current efficiency compared to DSA, but also reduced energy consumptions by approximately 30-fold. Moreover, electrolysis using certain electrodes (i.e., BDD) under high current densities in the presence of chlorine-based electrolyte has been reported to be hazardous to the water system due to the generation of toxic chlorine oxyanions (i.e., perchlorate), which necessitates the operation of a post-treatment process. Likewise, application of the BDD electrode was confirmed to produce perchlorate under high current densities, while no by-product was generated by electrolysis with the BP electrode. Finally, multiple degradation pathways for selective water treatment was monitored under oxidation with the BP electrode. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to apply the novel fabricated BP electrode as the anodic catalyst for the treatment of a water system.

A novel alumina-ceria polishing paste demonstrated superior polishing of lithium disilicate compared with diamond paste.

The aim of this study was to develop a polishing paste containing ceria to polish lithium disilicate. The samples were prepared, polished with sandpaper using a polishing-machine, the surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a profilometer and randomly divided into 7 groups (n=10). The control group was polished with diamond paste (D). The 6 remaining groups were polished with alumina-ceria paste with different ratios of deionized water:alumina:ceria by weight: 1:0.5:0.5 (AC0.5), 1:0.5:1 (AC1), 1:0.5:1.5 (AC1.5), 1:0.5:2 (AC2), 1:0.5:2.5 (AC2.5) and 1:0.5:3 (AC3). The specimens were polished for 30 s and their Ra values were determined. The surface roughness measurement was repeated after an additional 30 s of polishing until 120 s of polishing had been performed. The Ra values decreased as the ratio of ceria increased. The surface morphology of the samples analyzed using scanning electron microscopy corresponded with their Ra values.

Shear bond strength of orthodontic molar tubes to composite restoration bonded with particular adhesives after different surface pre-treatments.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in vitro the shear bond strength of orthodontic molar tubes to composite restoration bonded with particular adhesives after different surface pre-treatments. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: The sample population is 60 extracted molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After the teeth were thermocycled, they were randomly divided into six groups according to the adhesive and various surface pre-treatments that had been applied. The surface pre-treatments included sandblasting with 50-µm aluminium oxide particles and roughening with diamond bur and 37% phosphoric acid. Transbond XT Adhesive Primer (3M Unitek) (TXT) and Assure Plus (Reliance Orthodontic Products) adhesives were used in the study. Following the application of the adhesives, the brackets were bonded to the surfaces of the teeth. Shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. Data were analysed with one-way ANOVA and LSD tests (P = .05). The adhesive remnant index (ARI) was determined using a stereomicroscope. Data from the ARI scores were submitted to Pearson's chi-squared test (P = .05). RESULTS: The highest shear bond strengths were obtained in the Assure Plus group 15.05 ± 3.72 MPa after sandblasting (P < .05). The lowest shear bond strengths were found in the TXT group (7.52 ± 2.89 MPa; P < .05). Sandblasting and bur pre-treatment for TXT and Assure Plus adhesives increased shear bond strength in both of them. There were no significant differences in the ARI scores between the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Sandblasting and roughening pre-treatment can increase the bond strength of teeth with composite restoration. Assure Plus is also more effective than conventional adhesive systems.

Which surface treatment promotes higher bond strength for the repair of resin nanoceramics and polymer-infiltrated ceramics? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Which surface treatment provides the optimal bond strength (BS) for the repair of resin nanoceramics (RNCs) and polymer-infiltrated ceramics (PICs) is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies was to determine the best surface treatment protocols for the repair of PICs and RNCs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched to select in vitro studies in English up to March 2020. Studies with fewer than 5 specimens, those that did not evaluate the BS of PICs or RNCs, and those with aging for fewer than 30 days and 5000 cycles were excluded. Data sets were extracted, and the mean differences were analyzed by using a systematic review software program. RESULTS: Among 284 potentially eligible studies, 21 were selected for full-text analysis, and 9 were included in the systematic review, of which 6 were used in the meta-analysis. The meta-analyses were performed for each treatment surface versus their respective control group and their combinations according to material: RNCs and PICs. For RNCs, airborne-particle abrasion with aluminum oxide (Al2O3) treatment was statistically higher than tribochemical silica airborne-particle abrasion (CoJet) (P=.02, I2=90%) and that in the hydrofluoric acid (HF) (P<.001, I2=0%) groups and was statistically similar to diamond rotary instrument grinding (P=.40, I2=54%). For PICs, the treatment with hydrofluoric acid (HF) was statistically significantly higher than with CoJet (P=.03, I2=62%) and airborne-particle abrasion with Al2O3 (P<.001, I2=98%). CONCLUSIONS: The best surface treatment protocol for repair varied according to the restorative material. HF followed by silanization is suggested for PICs, and airborne-particle abrasion with Al2O3 or preparation with a diamond rotary instrument for RNCs.

Effects of yoga on stress, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and the quality of life among employees of diamond industry: A new approach in employee wellness.

BACKGROUND: Diamond industry employees often experience musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and stress, contributing to a low quality of life (QoL). Yoga is an ancient discipline of mind-body practice Yoga has numerous health benefits. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the efficacy of workplace yoga in improving stress, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and QoL among employees of the diamond industry. METHODS: One-hundred sixty-six employees of the diamond industry between the ages of 20 and 60 participated in the study. Participants were assigned to either yoga (n = 84) or waitlist (n = 82) groups. The yoga group received one hour of yoga, four days a week for three consecutive months. Participants in the waitlist group followed their daily routines. Musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, stress, and QoL were assessed at baseline and after three months. RESULTS: One-hundred fifty-five employees completed the study. The yoga group showed significant (p < 0.05) improvement in pain, perceived stress, fatigue, and QoL domains after three months compared to baseline. The waitlist group showed no significant improvement in any of the measures. In the post scores comparison between the groups revealed a significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Workplace yoga found to be a useful, cost-effective and feasible intervention in improving stress, musculoskeletal pain, fatigues and quality of life among employees of the diamond industry. Yoga may be implemented in the workplace as a wellness program at the workplace.

Preparation of Al-Si alloys with silicon cutting waste from diamond wire sawing process.

Large amounts of silicon cutting waste (SCW) are generated during Si wafers producing process. In this paper, SCW was mixed with Al powder to prepare Al-Si alloys by a one-step smelting process in corundum crucibles. The influences of smelting temperature (1000 °C, 1200 °C and 1500 °C) on the products of each zone (surface layer zone, loose granular zone and blocky products zone) were investigated. Al-Si alloys in the form of granular and blocky were prepared and the blocky Al-Si alloys mainly concentrated in the blocky products zone. The increase of smelting temperature can promote the aggregation of Al-Si alloy particles. The yields of Al-Si alloy blocks obtained at 1000 °C, 1200 °C and 1500 °C were 0%, 58% and 69%, respectively. The Si contents of Al-Si alloy blocks at 1200 °C and 1500 °C were 15.8 wt% and 17.1 wt% respectively. After compacting the raw materials, the yields of the blocky Al-Si alloys obtained at 1000 °C, 1200 °C and 1500 °C were increased to 65%, 72% and 79% and the corresponding Si contents of the blocky Al-Si alloys were increased to 16.0 wt%, 16.5 wt% and 17.3 wt% respectively. The reaction mechanism of the alloying process was also investigated.