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BACKGROUND: Distinguishing between discoloration caused by caries and organic stains is challenging for dentists in clinical settings. Biofluorescence (BF)-bleaching assesses caries lesions by evaluating BF changes after removing organic stains through dental bleaching, leaving cariogenic discoloration. This study aimed to apply BF-bleaching to a simulation model mimicking cariogenic discoloration and compare the BF color changes between organic staining and cariogenic discoloration. METHODS: Thirty artificial caries lesions in bovine incisors were equally divided into three groups: non-stained (NS), organic-stained (OS), and cariogenic-stained (CS) groups. The specimens were treated with bleaching agent, then BF color of each specimen was evaluated using red BF intensity (ΔR), BF hue angle (h°), and hyperspectral BF spectrum. RESULTS: The ΔR of CS was approximately 2.74 and 1.73 times higher than that of OS, at baseline and after bleaching for 20 min, respectively. After 20 min of bleaching, the h° of CS increased by approximately 8.1° compared to the baseline, while maintaining the red BF hue range (345â15°). In contrast, the BF hue of OS shifted from orange (15â45°) to yellow (45â75°) simultaneously, and the h° change was approximately 21.9°. Both CS and OS exhibited first emission peaks near 515 nm, and CS showed second peaks in the red range (620â780 nm). After bleaching, the first peaks were restored to the sound enamel direction (peak at 486 nm), whereas the second peaks of red BF in CS were maintained. CONCLUSION: Applying BF-bleaching to discolored caries lesions allowed differentiation between cariogenic discoloration and organic staining based on BF color changes.
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Lipolysis is the hydrolysis of triglycerides (TGs), commonly known as fats. Intracellular lipolysis of TG is associated with adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), which provides fatty acids during times of metabolic need. The aim of this study was to determine whether Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf (Coix) sprouts (CS) can alleviate obesity through lipolysis. Overall, we investigated the potential of CS under in vitro and in vivo conditions and confirmed the underlying mechanisms. Huh7 cells were exposed to free fatty acids (FFAs), and C57BL/6J mice were fed a 60% high-fat diet. When FFA were introduced into Huh7 cells, the intracellular TG levels increased within the Huh7 cells. However, CS treatment significantly reduced intracellular TG levels. Furthermore, CS decreased the expression of Pparγ and Srebp1c mRNA and downregulated the mutant Pnpla3 (I148M) mRNA. Notably, CS significantly upregulated ATGL expression. CS treatment at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day resulted in a significant and dose-dependent decrease in body weight gain and epididymal adipose tissue weight. Specifically, the group treated with CS (200 mg/kg/day) exhibited a significant modulation of serum lipid biomarkers. In addition, CS ameliorated histological alterations in both the liver and adipose tissues. In summary, CS efficiently inhibited lipid accumulation through the activation of the lipolytic enzyme ATGL coupled with the suppression of enzymes involved in TG synthesis. Consequently, CS show promise as a potential anti-obesity agent.
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BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of forefoot defects often necessitates free tissue transfer due to the limited availability of local tissue. Microsurgical reconstruction of the forefoot remains challenging as it requires durable yet thin, soft tissue coverage for functional restoration. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of free thin perforator flaps for forefoot reconstruction, with a focus on functional outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent microsurgical forefoot reconstruction between March 2020 and September 2023 were reviewed. Development of postoperative complications and functional outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: In total 53 patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 62.7 years. The most common etiology of defects was oncologic surgery, followed by chronic wound, with a majority involving the plantar side. Super-thin anterolateral thigh flap and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap were predominantly used. The median thickness of the flap was 4.0 mm. Digital vessels were the most frequently used as recipients. All but one flap survived, resulting in a success rate of 98.1 percent. Postoperative flap-site complications developed in 20 patients, the majority of which were resolved with conservative treatment. The median hospital stay was 8.0 days, and the mean time for initiating weight-bearing ambulation was 12.4 days. In postoperative foot function index questionnaire survey, the overall score remained 9.41, showing minimal impairment, and did not differ according to defect size and locations. Secondary debulking operation was necessitated in seven patients. CONCLUSION: Use of thin free perforator flaps might provide reliable outcomes with rapid recovery and excellent postoperative function in the forefoot reconstruction.
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Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is an enzyme targeted for the treatment of inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. Activated inflammatory cells produce nitric oxide (NO), which induces oxidative stress and exacerbates inflammation. We identify an inhibitor able to suppress sEH and thus NO production. Five flavonoids 1-5 isolated from Inula britannica flowers were evaluated for their abilities to inhibit sEH with IC50 values of 12.1 ± 0.1 to 62.8 ± 1.8 µM and for their effects on enzyme kinetics. A simulation study using computational chemistry was conducted as well. Furthermore, five inhibitors (1-5) were confirmed to suppress NO levels at 10 µM. The results showed that flavonoids 1-5 exhibited inhibitory activity in all tests, with compound 3 exhibiting the most significant efficacy. Thus, in the development of anti-inflammatory inhibitors, compound 3 is a promising natural candidate.
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Epóxido Hidrolasas , Flavonoides , Inula , Óxido Nítrico , Epóxido Hidrolasas/antagonistas & inhibidores , Epóxido Hidrolasas/metabolismo , Animales , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Ratones , Células RAW 264.7 , Flavonoides/farmacología , Flavonoides/química , Flavonoides/aislamiento & purificación , Inula/química , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/química , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Cinética , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/química , Flores/químicaRESUMEN
This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology for detecting the presence and severity of microleakage of pit and fissure sealants. The areas of interest (AOIs) were 160 pits and fissures of 40 extracted permanent teeth. Fluorescent images were acquired using a QLF device, and the maximum fluorescence loss ΔFmax of each AOI was analyzed. After staining and cross-sectioning of the teeth, histological dye penetration was scored on a scale of 0 to 3. The relationship between ΔFmax and microleakage depth was analyzed, and the areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated. The âΔFmaxâ increased as microleakage depth increased. The ΔFmax values of microleakage areas showed a strong significant correlation with the histological scores of dye penetration (r = - 0.72, P = 0.001). AUC analysis showed a high diagnostic accuracy for microleakage depth (AUC = 0.83-0.91). The highest AUC of 0.91 was found when differentiating the outer half microleakage of the sealant (histological score 0 vs. 1-3). QLF technology is effective in assessing the presence and severity of microleakage, suggesting its potential for noninvasive detection and monitoring of sealant microleakage in clinical settings.
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Selladores de Fosas y Fisuras , Fluorescencia Cuantitativa Inducida por la Luz , Proyectos de Investigación , Colorantes , Coloración y EtiquetadoRESUMEN
This study investigated how the fusion states of the cranial base is related to the degree of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with Crouzon syndrome. This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients who were diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome between May 2007 and April 2022. We categorized the patients into three groups: A, B, and C, according to the severity of increased ICP and the number of cranial vault remodeling procedures for corrective operation. The preoperative fusion states of the cranial base sutures/synchondroses were examined using facial bone computed tomography and compared between groups. Overall, 22 patients were included in Groups A, B, and C, including 8, 7, and 7 patients, respectively. The preoperative average grades of the total cranial base suture/synchondrosis fusion appeared to significantly increase with severity, except for the frontoethmoidal suture, which showed the opposite tendency. In the subgroup analysis, frontosphenoidal, sphenoparietal, sphenosquamosal, parietomastoid, and occipitomastoid suture and petro-occipital synchondrosis were associated with earlier fusion in the more severe group. Premature closure of the cranial base sutures/synchodroses seems to be associated with increased ICP severity in patients with Crouzon syndrome. Precise evaluation of minor sutures/synchondroses at the first visit might help build subsequent operative plans and predict disease prognosis.
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Disostosis Craneofacial , Craneosinostosis , Humanos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Presión Intracraneal , Suturas Craneales/diagnóstico por imagen , Suturas Craneales/cirugía , Disostosis Craneofacial/diagnóstico por imagen , Disostosis Craneofacial/cirugía , Base del Cráneo/diagnóstico por imagen , Base del Cráneo/cirugía , Suturas , Craneosinostosis/complicaciones , Craneosinostosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Craneosinostosis/cirugíaRESUMEN
Recently, there has been a growing interest in the consumption of plant-based foods such as vegetables and grains for the purpose of disease prevention and treatment. Adlay seeds contain physiologically active substances, including coixol, coixenolide, and lactams. In this study, adlay sprouts were cultivated and harvested at various time points, specifically at 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 days after sowing. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using assays such as DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging, reducing power, and total polyphenol contents. The toxicity of the extracts was assessed using cell culture and the WST-1 assay. The aboveground components of the sprouts demonstrated a significant increase in length, ranging from 2.75 cm to 21.87 cm, weight, ranging from 0.05 g to 0.32 g, and biomass, ranging from 161.4 g to 1319.1 g, as the number of days after sowing advanced, reaching its peak coixol content of 39.38 mg/g on the third day after sowing. Notably, the antioxidant enzyme activity was highest between the third and fifth days after sowing. Regarding anti-inflammatory activity, the inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression was most prominent in samples harvested from the ninth to eleventh days after sowing, corresponding to the later stage of growth. While the overall production mass increased with the number of days after sowing, considering factors such as yield increase index per unit area, turnover rate, and antioxidant activity, harvesting at the early growth stage, specifically between the fifth and seventh days after sowing, was found to be economically advantageous. Thus, the quality, antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory activity of adlay sprouts varied depending on the harvest time, highlighting the importance of determining the appropriate harvest time based on the production objectives. This study demonstrates the changes in the growth and quality of adlay sprouts in relation to the harvest time, emphasizing the potential for developing a market for adlay sprouts as a new food product.
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Numerous staple crops exhibit polyploidy and are difficult to genetically modify. However, recent advances in genome sequencing and editing have enabled polyploid genome engineering. The hexaploid black nightshade species Solanum nigrum has immense potential as a beneficial food supplement. We assembled its genome at the scaffold level. After functional annotations, we identified homoeologous gene sets, with similar sequence and expression profiles, based on comparative analyses of orthologous genes with close diploid relatives Solanum americanum and S. lycopersicum. Using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutagenesis, we generated various mutation combinations in homoeologous genes. Multiple mutants showed quantitative phenotypic changes based on the genotype, resulting in a broad-spectrum effect on the quantitative traits of hexaploid S. nigrum. Furthermore, we successfully improved the fruit productivity of Boranong, an orphan cultivar of S. nigrum suggesting that engineering homoeologous genes could be useful for agricultural improvement of polyploid crops.
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Productos Agrícolas , Poliploidía , Secuencia de Bases , Mapeo Cromosómico/métodos , Mutación , Fenotipo , Productos Agrícolas/genética , Genoma de Planta/genética , Edición GénicaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to solubilize Curcuma xanthorrhiza oil (CXO) using nanoemulsification and evaluate its inhibitory effects against biofilm formation. METHODS: The components of CXO were evaluated through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Healthy human saliva was inoculated onto hydroxyapatite discs to form microcosm biofilms for four days and treated six times with each antimicrobial agent: distilled water (DW), CXO emulsion (EM), CXO nanoemulsion (NE), and positive controls (Listerine and chlorhexidine). Biofilm fluorescence imaging was performed using quantitative light-induced fluorescence, and cell viability and dry-weight measurements were obtained. We compared the bacterial cell and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) biovolume and thickness using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). RESULTS: HPLC analysis revealed that CXO was composed of approximately 47% xanthorrhizol. Compared with DW, NE exhibited significantly lower red fluorescence intensity and area (42% and 37%, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), and reduced total and aciduric bacterial cell viability (7.3% and 3.9%, p < 0.001, p = 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the bacterial cell and EPS biovolume and thickness in NE decreased by 40-80% compared to DW, similar to chlorhexidine. Conversely, EM showed a significant difference only in cell viability against total bacteria when compared with DW (p = 0.003), with EPS biovolume and thickness exhibiting higher values than DW. CONCLUSIONS: Nanoemulsification successfully solubilized CXO and demonstrated superior anti-biofilm effects compared to the emulsion form. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest the potential use of NE as a novel antimicrobial agent for preventing oral diseases.
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Antiinfecciosos , Agua Potable , Humanos , Clorhexidina/farmacología , Curcuma , Emulsiones/farmacología , Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Saliva/microbiología , Bacterias , BiopelículasRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: For successful root canal treatment (RCT), it is essential to objectively assess the presence and activity of bacteria in the root canal system. However, current methods rely on subjective observations of root canal exudates. This study aimed to confirm whether real-time optical detection using bacterial autofluorescence can evaluate endodontic infection status by assessing the red fluorescence (RF) detected from root canal exudates. METHODS: During RCT, endodontic paper points were used to collect root canal exudates scored using conventional organoleptic tests to assess the severity of root canal infections. RF on the paper points was assessed using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology. RF intensity and area from the paper points were quantified, and their correlations with infection severity were assessed using their organoleptic scores. The oral microbiome composition of RF samples was compared with non-red fluorescent (non-RF) samples. RESULTS: The RF detection rate was nil and >98% in the non-infectious and severe groups. The RF intensity and area significantly increased with infection severity (p<0.001) and showed strong correlations with organoleptic scores (r=0.72, 0.82, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy for detecting root canal infection using RF intensity was good to excellent (AUC = 0.81-0.95) and increased with infection severity. The microbial diversity of the RF samples was significantly lower than that of the non-RF samples. Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria such as Prevotella and Porphyromonas were more predominant in RF samples. CONCLUSIONS: Optical detection using bacterial autofluorescence can objectively evaluate endodontic infection status in real-time by assessing the RF of endodontic root canal exudates. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This real-time optical technology can be utilised to detect endodontic bacterial infection without conventional incubation, allowing clinicians to determine the endpoint of chemomechanical debridement and increase the positive outcomes of RCTs.
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Bacterias , Tratamiento del Conducto Radicular , Cavidad Pulpar/diagnóstico por imagen , Cavidad Pulpar/microbiologíaRESUMEN
The exposure of cumulus cells to nuclear matured oocytes can be regulated through the forced delay of nuclear maturation or the alteration of in vitro maturation (IVM) time in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). However, to date, no evidence has been presented for the enhancement of cytoplasmic maturation by them, indicating irrelevance of cumulus cells in cytoplasmic maturation. Therefore, in order to identify the requirement of cumulus cells in achieving the cytoplasmic maturation of immature oocytes, this study investigated the effects of cumulus cells on the in vitro cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes within COCs derived from porcine medium antral follicles (MAFs) post-the completion of nuclear maturation. For these, with IVM of COCs for 44 h (control), cumulus cell-free oocytes with completed nuclear maturation were in-vitro-matured additionally for 0, 6, or 12 h, and then a variety of factors representing the cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes were analyzed and compared. As the results, the IVM of COCs for 32 h showed complete nuclear maturation and incomplete cytoplasmic maturation. Moreover, after the removal of cumulus cells from COCs with the completion of nuclear maturation, IVM for an additional 6 or 12 h resulted in significant increases in the size of the perivitelline space, the proportion of oocytes with a normal intracellular mitochondrial distribution and a normal round first polar body, and the preimplantation development into the 2-cell and blastocyst stages after parthenogenetic activation. Simultaneously, they showed significant reduction in the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species and no significant differences in the total number of blastocysts. Furthermore, oocytes obtained by this approach did not significantly differ from control oocytes produced by IVM of COCs for 44 h. Our results demonstrate that the cumulus cells enclosing COCs derived from porcine MAFs are not essential for the completion of cytoplasmic maturation after complete nuclear maturation by COCs.
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Técnicas de Maduración In Vitro de los Oocitos , Oocitos , Femenino , Porcinos , Animales , Técnicas de Maduración In Vitro de los Oocitos/veterinaria , Técnicas de Maduración In Vitro de los Oocitos/métodos , Oocitos/fisiología , Folículo Ovárico , Citoplasma , Desarrollo Embrionario , Células del Cúmulo/fisiologíaRESUMEN
CONTEXT: Despite the absence of light within the body, the application of microscopy during stages of in vitro embryo production has led to the discovery of light irradiation effects on embryo preimplantation development. AIMS: To determine the optimal light irradiation wavelengths at various embryo stages for improving the preimplantation development of mouse embryos and the quality (total cell number) of blastocysts. METHOD: All in vitro procedures of zygote or 2-cell embryo manipulation, embryo monitoring, and culture medium exchange were conducted under visible (390-750nm), blue (445-500nm), green (500-575nm), yellow (575-585nm), or red (620-750nm) light irradiation wavelength. KEY RESULTS: We found that blue, green, and yellow light irradiation during in vitro blastocyst production from zygotes significantly improved blastocyst production and quality, compared to visible and red light irradiation. However, 2-cell embryos exposed to yellow light during in vitro blastocyst production produced significantly more high-quality blastocysts than did 2-cell embryos exposed to visible, blue, green, or red light. After exposure to blue and green - but not yellow - light during in vitro zygote manipulation, yellow light irradiation during embryo monitoring and culture medium exchange triggered significant retardation of preimplantation development. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that yellow light irradiation during in vitro blastocyst production, regardless of embryo stage, improves preimplantation development of mouse embryos. IMPLICATIONS: The present study will contribute to produce greater high-quality blastocysts and reduce experimental errors generated by light exposure during mouse embryo-related studies.
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Blastocisto , Embrión de Mamíferos , Desarrollo Embrionario , Luz , Animales , Blastocisto/efectos de la radiación , Medios de Cultivo , Embrión de Mamíferos/efectos de la radiación , Desarrollo Embrionario/efectos de la radiación , Luz/efectos adversos , Ratones , CigotoRESUMEN
We aimed to determine whether dye-enhanced quantitative light-induced fluorescence (DEQLF), wherein porous structure of caries lesions is stained with a fluorescent dye, could quantitatively distinguish between active and inactive caries. A total of 126 bovine specimens were prepared to artificially simulate caries activity. Active caries were demineralized with 1% carbopol solution for 3 (A3), 5 (A5), and 10 days (A10). For inactive caries, half specimens in each group were remineralized with 2% NaF and reallocated into three groups (I3, I5, and I10, respectively). Wet specimens were dried with compressed air for 10 s and then dyed with 100-µM sodium fluorescein for 10 s. Fluorescence images of speicmens were captured with a QLF-digital 2 + Biluminator. Fluorescence intensity (ΔG) was measured in fluorescence images of dyed specimens. ΔG between active and inactive groups was compared using independent t-test, and ΔG among active groups (or inactive groups) were compared using ANOVA (α = 0.05). ΔG in the active groups was 33.7-59.0 higher than that in the inactive groups (P < 0.001). Except between I3 and I5, there was significant differences in ΔG according to the demineralization period (P < 0.001). DEQLF might be used to evaluate early caries activity, and longitudinally monitor changes in lesion activity.
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Caries Dental , Fluorescencia Cuantitativa Inducida por la Luz , Animales , Bovinos , Caries Dental/diagnóstico por imagen , Susceptibilidad a Caries Dentarias , Fluorescencia , Colorantes FluorescentesRESUMEN
Detection and removal of pathological oral biofilm are essential in hospitalized geriatric patients as the biofilm can lead to lung infection. However, as elderly patients often have cognitive and physical impairments, general oral examination is complicated and detection of pathological biofilms is challenging. Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology, which is currently actively used to detect bacterial structures in the oral cavity, is used to detect dental biofilm and to identify various oral bacterial infections. We confirmed the applicability of QLF technology to oral hygiene assessment and evaluation of hospitalized geriatric patients using the QLF technology to detect and remove the pathological oral biofilm in a hospitalized geriatric patient. The oral biofilm attached to the oral mucosa was difficult to observe with the naked eye. However, it was detected with red fluorescence on QLF images, which helped us observe the to detect pathological oral biofilm and evaluate the effectiveness of oral hygiene care (OHC). After OHC, the strong red fluorescence expressed in the oral mucosa was no longer observed. This change in the clinical aspect of red fluorescence suggests that QLF can be used to detect pathological oral biofilm accumulated on the oral mucous membrane and evaluate the effectiveness of OHC in hospitalized patients with extremely poor oral hygiene.
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Caries Dental , Fotoquimioterapia , Fluorescencia Cuantitativa Inducida por la Luz , Anciano , Biopelículas , Fluorescencia , Humanos , Fotoquimioterapia/métodos , TecnologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-biofilm activity of chlorhexidine-releasing elastomerics (CRE) developed to prevent biofilm-related diseases in orthodontic patients, using dental microcosm biofilms. METHODS: Elastomerics coated with one of two solutions (CRE 1 and 2) were attached to bovine enamel specimens. Uncoated elastomerics were used for negative (distilled water [DW]) and positive (0.1% chlorhexidine [CHX]) control groups. After saliva inoculation on the surface of the specimen for biofilm formation, DW and CRE groups were treated with DW, and the positive control group was treated with CHX twice a day for 5 min. After 7 days of biofilm formation, colony-forming units (CFUs, total and aciduric bacteria), red/green (R/G) ratio, biofilm thickness, live/dead cell ratio, and bacterial morphology in the biofilms were evaluated. Enamel demineralization was evaluated by fluorescence loss (ΔF). RESULTS: The CFUs of total and aciduric bacteria and R/G ratios in the CRE groups were significantly lower than those in the DW group with a reduction by 13%, 13%, and 19%, respectively (p < 0.05). The CFUs of total bacteria was significantly lower in the CRE groups than in the 0.1% CHX group (p < 0.05). Among the CRE groups, only CRE 1 exhibited a significantly reduced biofilm thickness of 54% compared to the DW group (p < 0.05) and apparent changes in bacterial morphology. ΔF in the CRE groups was significantly higher by 36% compared to that in the DW group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CREs exhibited anti-biofilm and demineralization-inhibiting effect. Particularly, CRE 1 using dichloromethane as the solvent was most effective against biofilms. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Chlorhexidine-releasing elastomerics exhibited increased anti-biofilm and demineralization-inhibiting effect compared to 0.1% chlorhexidine mouthwash. Therefore, it is possible to prevent biofilm-related diseases simply and effectively by applying chlorhexidine-releasing elastomerics to orthodontic patients.
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Clorhexidina , Desmineralización Dental , Animales , Biopelículas , Bovinos , Clorhexidina/farmacología , Esmalte Dental , Humanos , Saliva/microbiología , Desmineralización Dental/prevención & controlRESUMEN
To resolve time-consuming and imperceptible monitoring problems in the traditional systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), we report gold nanoparticle-assisted SELEX (GNP-SELEX) as a visual, proofreading, and self-monitoring platform and its application to small molecule-binding single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) aptasensors. Through the colorimetric changes between rounds, GNP-SELEX enabled the rapid determination of target-specific aptamer library enrichment with neither target modification nor extra monitoring process. We identified ssDNA aptamers with high selectivity and binding affinity by targeting two small molecules (brassinolide; BL and bisphenol A; BPA) as a model. The rational design of selected aptamers by 3D molecular simulation increased their ability to detect BL or BPA in real samples as bioreceptors. These results suggest that GNP-SELEX is useful as a self-monitoring platform to discover ssDNA aptamers as well as to develop aptasensors for diverse targets in a rapid and simple way.
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Aptámeros de Nucleótidos , Técnicas Biosensibles , Nanopartículas del Metal , ADN de Cadena Simple , Oro , Técnica SELEX de Producción de AptámerosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using natural photosensitive agents is an effective method for preventing oral diseases of bacterial origin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of aPDT, using powdered extracts of Chlorella and Curcuma, on the biofilms of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), a bacterium that is known to cause dental caries. METHODS: Commercially available powdered Chlorella and Curcuma extracts were used as photosensitizers. S. mutans, cultured for 2 days, was inoculated (0.1 ml; 1 × 109 CFU/ml) on the surface of a hydroxyapatite (HA) disc and incubated for 24 h to allow the formation of a biofilm. The HA disc with the S. mutans biofilm was immersed in either Curcuma extract (0.5 mg/ml), Chlorella extract, distilled water (negative control), or Listerine (positive control) for 1 min and then irradiated with an LED (Qraycam; wavelength, 405 nm; energy, 59 mW) for 5 min. RESULTS: The application of aPDT with Curcuma or Chlorella extract to S. mutans 24-hour biofilms significantly decreased the number of viable cells and the live/dead cell ratio when compared with those in the negative control (distilled water; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: aPDT using 405 nm light and Chlorella or Curcuma as a photosensitizer has significant antimicrobial effects against S. mutans biofilms. Thus, employing aPDT with natural plant extracts as photosensitizers could be an effective strategy for preventing dental caries but needs to be evaluated in properly controlled clinical trials..
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Antiinfecciosos , Chlorella , Caries Dental , Fotoquimioterapia , Biopelículas , Curcuma , Caries Dental/tratamiento farmacológico , Fotoquimioterapia/métodos , Fármacos Fotosensibilizantes/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Streptococcus mutansRESUMEN
Microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods is paramount for consumer acceptability. The effects of in-package atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma (ADCP) treatment on the microbiological safety and quality of model chicken salad (CS) were investigated in this study. CS, packaged in a commercial polyethylene terephthalate container, was treated with ADCP at 24 kV for 2 min. The inactivation of indigenous mesophilic bacteria, Salmonella, and Tulane virus in CS; growth of indigenous mesophilic bacteria and Salmonella in CS; and quality of CS during storage at 4 °C were then investigated. ADCP inactivated indigenous mesophilic bacteria, Salmonella, and Tulane virus by 1.2 ± 0.3 log CFU/g, 1.0-1.5 ± 0.2 log CFU/g, and 1.0 ± 0.1 log PFU/g, respectively. Furthermore, it effectively retarded the growth of the microorganisms, while not significantly affecting the color of chicken, romaine lettuce, and carrot, and the antioxidant capacity of all vegetables throughout storage at the tested temperatures (p > 0.05). The color, smell, and appearance of all vegetables evaluated on day 0 were not significantly different in the sensory test, regardless of the treatment (p > 0.05). Collectively, ADCP treatment effectively decontaminates packaged CS without altering its quality-related properties.
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BACKGROUND: As general and oral health are closely interrelated, promoting oral health may extend a healthy life expectancy. AIMS: To evaluate the long-term effects of simple oral exercise (SOE) and chewing gum exercise on mastication, salivation, and swallowing function in adults aged ≥ 65 years. METHODS: Ninety-six participants were assigned to control, SOE, and GOE (chewing gum exercise with SOE) groups. The SOE comprised exercises to improve mastication, salivation, and swallowing function. Control group participants performed no exercises. The intervention period was 8 weeks, followed by a 3-week maintenance period. The Mixing Ability Index (MAI), occlusal force, unstimulated saliva, and repetitive saliva swallowing test were evaluated at baseline and 2, 5, 8, and 11 weeks later. Self-reported discomfort was re-evaluated after 8 weeks. RESULTS: After 8 weeks, mean MAI differences from baseline significantly increased in both groups; the increase in the GOE group was largest and four times higher than in the control group. Mean differences of occlusal force from baseline increased by 56 N (SOE group) and 60 N (GOE group). The increase of salivation was greater in the SOE (3.6-fold) and GOE (2.2-fold) groups than in the control group. Furthermore, 27% and 18% of SOE and GOE group participants, respectively, were re-categorized as having good swallowing function. Participants reported less discomfort as oral functions improved. DISCUSSION: These findings may facilitate the development of clinical practice guidelines for optimal oral care in older adults. CONCLUSION: While both SOE and GOE may improve oral function in older adults, GOE is recommended for those with impaired mastication. TRIAL REGISTRATION: KCT0003305, retrospectively registered 31/10/2018.