Production and optimization of bioplastic (Polyhydroxybutyrate) from Bacillus cereus strain SH-02 using response surface methodology.

BACKGROUND: Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biopolymer formed by some microbes in response to excess carbon sources or essential nutrient depletion. PHBs are entirely biodegradable into CO2 and H2O under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. It has several applications in various fields such as medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, and food packaging due to its biocompatibility and nontoxicity nature. RESULT: In the present study, PHB-producing bacterium was isolated from the Dirout channel at Assiut Governorate. This isolate was characterized phenotypically and genetically as Bacillus cereus SH-02 (OM992297). According to one-way ANOVA test, the maximum PHB content was observed after 72 h of incubation at 35 °C using glucose and peptone as carbon and nitrogen source. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the interactive effects of glucose concentration, peptone concentration, and pH on PHB production. This result proved that all variables have a significant effect on PHB production either independently or in the interaction with each other. The optimized medium conditions with the constraint to maximize PHB content and concentration were 22.315 g/L glucose, and 15.625 g/L peptone at pH 7.048. The maximum PHB content and concentration were 3100.799 mg/L and 28.799% which was close to the actual value (3051 mg/l and 28.7%). The polymer was identified as PHB using FTIR, NMR, and mass spectrometry. FT-IR analysis showed a strong band at 1724 cm- 1 which attributed to the ester group's carbonyl while NMR analysis has different peaks at 169.15, 67.6, 40.77, and 19.75 ppm that were corresponding to carbonyl, methine, methylene, and methyl resonance. Mass spectroscopy exhibited molecular weight for methyl 3- hydroxybutyric acid. CONCLUSION: PHB-producing strain was identified as Bacillus cereus SH-02 (OM992297). Under optimum conditions from RSM analysis, the maximum PHB content and concentration of this strain can reach (3100.799 mg/L and 28.799%); respectively. FTIR, NMR, and Mass spectrometry were used to confirm the polymer as PHB. Our results demonstrated that optimization using RSM is one of the strategies used for reducing the production cost. RSM can determine the optimal factors to produce the polymer in a better way and in a larger quantity without consuming time.

Antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities of Calotropis procera latex on Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to toxic 4-nonylphenol.

Calotropis procera L. is known as medicinal plant. The Phytochemical analyzes of its latex revealed that it possessed antioxidants, namely terpenes, phenolic compounds and cardenolides, flavonoids and saponins, while tannins, alkaloids and resin were absent in moderate to high concentration. In the present study, the role of latex of Calotropis procera as antioxidant and antiapoptotic was reported. To carry out this aim, fishes were exposed to 100 µg l(-1) 4-nonylphenol as chemical pollutant. The enzymes, superoxidase dismutase, catalase, acetlycholinstrase (AchE), glutathione s-transferase, cortisol, G6PDH) and apoptotic cells increased significantly (p<0.05) accompanied by irregular disturbance of (Na(+), K(+)) ions in the presence of 4-nonylphenol. On the other hand, these enzymes, ions, and apoptotic cells decreased normally and significantly (p<0.05) in the presence of latex. Total phenol content, total capacity antioxidant, reducing power decrease significantly (p<0.05) in the presence of 4-nonylphenol and increase normally in the presence of latex. Latex was used for the first time to protect catfish after 4-nonylphenol exposure. Our study confirms that crude latex of Calotropis procera possessed antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities against the toxicity of 4-Nonylphenol.

Dentin Topographic Features following Chemomechanical Caries Removal in Primary Teeth.

AIM: Study the topographic features of dentin after caries removal with a chemomechanical agent (Papacarie) compared with the conventional drilling method. STUDY DESIGN: The sample included 7 exfoliated and extracted primary teeth with carious dentin lesions, not reaching the pulp. Each tooth was sectioned longitudinally through the center of the carious lesions into two halves. The teeth were then divided into two groups according to the method of caries removal. Following caries removal, dentin topography and the cut section were examined using the scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Papacarie produced an irregular, porous, rough and globular dentin appearance. The dentin surfaces were generally free of smear layer, visible bacteria and the dentinal tubules were opened. The dentin cut surfaces showed patent dentinal tubules with open orifices. The drilling method created a smooth and amorphous surface with a continuous smear layer occluding the dentinal tubules. Numerous bacteria were also observed. The cut dentin surfaces showed patent dentinal tubules with their orifices plugged with smear layer. CONCLUSIONS: Papacarie produced a rough and porous surface with partial or complete removal of the smear layer and opened dentinal tubules, while the drill produced a smooth surface with uniform smear layer occluding the dentinal tubules.

Cytotoxic cardenolides from the latex of Calotropis procera.

Three new cardenolides (3, 9 and 10), along with eight known ones, were isolated from the latex of Calotropis procera. The structural determination was accomplished by the 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra as well as HRESIMS analysis. The growth inhibitory activity of the latex and its sub-fractions as well as isolated compounds was evaluated against human A549 and Hela cell lines. The results exhibited that latex had strong growth inhibitory activity with IC50s of (3.37 µM, A-549) and (6.45 µM, Hela). Among the four extracts (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous), chloroform extract displayed the highest potential cytotoxic activity, with IC50s of (0.985 µM, A-549) and (1.471 µM, Hela). All the isolated compounds displayed various degrees of cytotoxic activity and the highest activity was observed by calactin (1) with IC50s values of (0.036 µM, A-549) and (0.083 µM, Hela). None of these isolated compounds exhibited good antimicrobial activity evaluated by determination of their MICs using the broth microdilution method against various infectious pathogens. The structure-activity relationships for cytotoxic activity were also discussed.

16S rRNA gene sequences analysis of Ficus elastica rubber latex degrading thermophilic Bacillus strain ASU7 isolated from Egypt.

A thermophilic Bacillus strain ASU7 was isolated from soil sample collected from Assiut governorate in Upper Egypt on latex rubber-containing medium at 45 °C. Genetically, the 16S bacterial ribosomal RNA gene of the strain ASU7 was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. The sequence of the PCR product was compared with known 16S rRNA gene sequences in the GenBank database. Based on phylogenetic analyses, strain ASU7 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. The strain was able to utilize Ficus elastica rubber latex as a sole source for carbon and energy. The ability for degradation was determined by measuring the increase in protein content of bacterium (mg/g dry wt), reduction in molecular weight (g/mol), and inherent viscosity (dl/g) of the latex. Moreover, the degradation was also confirmed by observing the growth of bacterium and formation of aldehyde or keto group using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and shiff's reagent, respectively.

Alveolar bone density changes around miniscrews: a prospective clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to assess the effects of miniscrews on interproximal alveolar bone density and adjacent gingival tissue health. METHODS: Forty-four titanium miniscrews were inserted between maxillary second premolars and first molars on both sides of the dentition in 22 consecutive patients (15 female, 7 male; ages, 14-24 years). A control area (between the maxillary first and second premolars) was also assessed. Both miniscrew (study) and control areas were monitored clinically and radiographically at different time points: before insertion of the miniscrews and at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after insertion. Software associated with a digital intraoral radiography machine was used to assess changes in alveolar bone density. Clinical gingival parameters of the study and control areas were also recorded. A repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post-hoc pairwise comparison tests were used to assess the changes at the different time points. RESULTS: Thirty-nine miniscrews were successful for the study duration. Male subjects had significantly (P <0.001) higher alveolar bone density than did the females at baseline. Alveolar bone density around the miniscrews increased significantly (P <0.001) between 3 and 6 months after insertion upon loading. Alveolar bone density of the control area did not change significantly during the experiment (P >0.05). The width of keratinized gingiva increased significantly (P <0.001) in the study and control areas after insertion of miniscrews and remained with no significant change throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: Miniscrews increased the alveolar bone density significantly after 3 months of insertion and were not associated with detrimental effects on the adjacent gingival tissues.

Precision of the virtual occlusal record.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the precision of the virtual occlusal record using the Carestream CS3600 Intraoral Scanner (Carestream Dental, Atlanta, Ga). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 participants were recruited for this prospective study using preestablished inclusion/exclusion criteria. A complete intraoral scan and two bite registrations were obtained. The participants were instructed to bite with normal pressure when bite registrations were acquired. Contact locations, size (circumference), and intensity were identified on the maxillary first molars and canines. Agreement between contact size and intensity was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients. Kappa statistics evaluated agreement in contact locations. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: All participant data were included for statistical analysis. Between the two bite registrations, nonstatistically significant differences were observed in the proportion of locations with contacts (P = .7681). A nonstatistically significant difference (-0.25 mm, P = .8416) in mean contact circumference size was observed. A statistically significant difference in mean contact intensity was observed (P = .0448). When evaluating agreement between the bite registrations, a weak correlation for size (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.35) and intensity (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.32) was observed as well as a moderate agreement for contact location (κ coefficient = 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the Carestream intraoral scanner software possesses adequate precision when acquiring the location and size of the contacts in bite registrations. The scanner failed to demonstrate adequate precision when acquiring contact intensities in bite registrations. Additional research is warranted to further investigate the precision of virtual occlusal records with currently available software systems.

Predictors of orthodontic residency performance: An assessment of scholastic and demographic selection parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between resident selection criteria, including Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and student performance in an orthodontic residency program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated the academic records of 70 orthodontic residency graduates from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. The following demographic and scholastic data were extracted from the student academic records: applicant age, gender, ethnicity, race, country of origin, dental school graduation year, GRE score, and graduate orthodontic grade point average (GPA). In addition, student American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) written examination quintiles were obtained from the ABO. Scatterplots, analysis of variance, and correlation coefficients were used to analyze the data. Statistical significance was established at .05 for the study. RESULTS: No associations were found with any component of the GRE, except with the quantitative GRE section, which displayed a weak association with ABO module 2 scores. Dental school GPA demonstrated weak correlations with all ABO modules and moderate correlations with overall and didactic orthodontic GPAs. When assessing demographic factors, significant differences (P < .05) were observed, with the following groups demonstrating higher performance on certain ABO modules: age (younger), race (whites), and country of origin (US citizens). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest the GRE has no association with student performance in an orthodontic residency. However, dental school GPA and/or class rank appear to be the strongest scholastic predictors of residency performance.

Metal/cement interface strength in cemented stem fixation.

To characterize the strength of the interface between stem-type metal implants and bone cements, a fracture mechanics parameter was used. This parameter, the critical strain energy release rate (Gc), was determined from "push-out" tests of cylindrical specimens. The specimens, formed using molds of bone, were maintained and tested at body temperature. The strength of interfaces formed with cancellous bone surrounding the cement mantle was significantly less than the strength of those formed in apposition to cortical bone. A marked degradation of strength was found with saline immersion for SS316LVM/cement interfaces formed with Zimmer regular, Simplex-P, and Zimmer LVC cements. After 60 days of immersion the interface Gc was only 10-20% of the value for bulk cement. Interfaces formed with thin-film polymethylmethacrylate-precoated metals (SS316LVM, Co-Cr-Mo, and Ti-6A1-4V) yielded "dry" Gc values one order of magnitude greater than those measured with interfaces formed with uncoated metals. Moreover, the strength of precoated SS316LVM/cement interfaces formed with all three brands of cement did not change after saline immersion for 60 days.

Thermal modeling of polymerizing polymethylmethacrylate, considering temperature-dependent heat generation.

A methodology for the modeling of unsteady heat conduction in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) during its exothermic polymerization is presented. The emphasis is on the formulation of a model for the volumetric rate of heat generation, including its temperature-dependent characteristics. Three parameters appear in the proposed model. The empirical determination of these parameters using Differential Scanning Calorimetry is demonstrated. The incorporation of the proposed model into finite volume methods is also demonstrated, in the context of unsteady, one-dimensional, radial heat conduction in cylindrical coordinates. In addition, the application of the proposed model to two test problems is presented and discussed. The results are encouraging, and the proposed methodology appears to be applicable to the thermal modeling of exothermic polymerization processes in general.

A stress compatible finite element for implant/cement interface analyses.

A new finite element has been developed to enforce normal and shear stress continuity at bimaterial interface points in order to alleviate the problem of high stress discontinuity predictions by the conventional displacement finite element method. The proposed element is based on a five node isoparametric quadrilateral element where the fifth node is located at the interface boundary of the element. A series of validation tests have been carried out to assess the correctness of the stress distribution obtained by the new element at interfaces of highly dissimilar materials. The results of the tests are compared to analytical solutions and to results from convergence studies performed by the conventional finite element method (SAP-IV). Overall, the proposed element has been demonstrated to have a very satisfactory degree of reliability, especially in view of the observed inability of the conventional method to yield interpretable interface stress values for most cases analyzed. Finally, the new interface element has been applied to the analysis of an axisymmetric model of the knee tibial implant. The superiority of the proposed element over the conventional one has been demonstrated in this case by a convergence study.

Effect of a cement-bone composite layer and prosthesis geometry on stresses in a prosthetically resurfaced tibia.

A comparative study of stress distributions in the component materials of a number of models of a prosthetically resurfaced tibia is presented. Although the geometry is idealized to be axisymmetric, the loadings for which the finite element analyses are performed are considered to be nonaxisymmetric, simulating more realistically the loading conditions in vivo. The different models are chosen with the view of determining the influence of changes in the prosthesis design on the induced stress distribution in the component materials. The changes considered are in the thickness of the cement and the cement-bone composite layers, and in the shape of the prosthesis. Experimentally measured values of strains are compared with the analytically predicted values to check the validity of the assumptions used in the finite element modeling. The comparison of induced stresses in the different materials reveals the desirability, from a mechanical behavior point of view, of introducing a cement-bone composite layer and using a prosthesis with domed subsurface in the fixation system. It is shown that for a model incorporating these features, considerable reduction of stresses in the cement, in its bulk and at its interface with the prosthesis plate, is achieved. The reduced stresses can be expected to have beneficial effects on the long-term behavior of the cement and its interfaces in the fixation system.

Transient and residual stresses and displacements in self-curing bone cement - Part I: characterization of relevant volumetric behavior of bone cement.

In this first part of a two-part report, some aspects of the volumetric behavior of bone cement during its curing process are examined as a prelude to an analysis for the transient and residual stresses and displacements in stem fixation systems. Experiments show that stress generation in the cement is associated with its temperature while curing and that during the cooling phase, the stresses are mainly due to thermal as opposed to bulk shrinkage. The appropriate coefficient of thermal expansion of bone cement has been evaluated from measurements in a simulated fixation system in conjuction with a thermoelastic analysis.

Transient and residual stresses and displacements in self-curing bone cement - Part II: thermoelastic analysis of the stem fixation system.

In this second part of a two-part report, an idealized model of the stem fixation system is analyzed to determine the adverse effects of the thermal stresses and displacements of bone cement during its curing process. The Shaffer-Levitsky stress-rate strain-rate law for chemically hardening material has been used. The results show that if the cement is surrounded by cancellous bone, as opposed to cortical bone, then transient tensile circumferential stresses in the cement and similar radial stresses at the stem/cement interface are generated. The former may cause flaws and voids within the still cement, while the latter may cause gaps at the interface.