Developing a new approach for design support of subsurface constructed wetland using machine learning algorithms.

Knowing the effluent quality of treatment systems in advance to enable the design of treatment systems that comply with environmental standards is a realistic strategy. This study aims to develop machine learning - based predictive models for designing the subsurface constructed wetlands (SCW). Data from the SCW literature during the period of 2009-2020 included 618 sets and 10 features. Five algorithms namely, Random forest, Classification and Regression trees, Support vector machines, K-nearest neighbors, and Cubist were compared to determine an optimal algorithm. All nine input features including the influent concentrations, C:N ratio, hydraulic loading rate, height, aeration, flow type, feeding, and filter type were confirmed as relevant features for the predictive algorithms. The comparative result revealed that Cubist is the best algorithm with the lowest RMSE (7.77 and 21.77 mg.L-1 for NH4-N and COD, respectively) corresponding to 84% of the variance in the effluents explained. The coefficient of determination of the Cubist algorithm obtained for NH4-N and COD prediction from the test data were 0.92 and 0.93, respectively. Five case studies of the application of SCW design were also exercised and verified by the prediction model. Finally, a fully developed Cubist algorithm-based design tool for SCW was proposed.

Education and devices to prevent blood and body fluid exposures.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers are at risk of blood and body fluid exposures (BBFE) while delivering care to patients. Despite recent technological advances such as safety-engineered devices (SEDs), these injuries continue to occur in healthcare facilities worldwide. AIMS: To assess the impact of an education and SEDs workplace programme on rates of reported exposures. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study, utilizing interrupted time series analysis to examine reported exposures between 2005 and 2015 at a 600-bed hospital in Perth, Western Australia. The hospital wards were divided into four cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 2223 records were available for analysis. The intervention was most effective for the first cohort, with significant improvements both short-term (reduction of 12 (95% CI 7-17) incidents per 1000 full-time equivalent (FTE) hospital staff) and long-term (reduction of 2 (CI 0.6-4) incidents per 1000 FTE per year). Less significant or consistent impacts were observed for the other three cohorts. Overall, the intervention decreased BBFE exposure rates at the hospital level from 19 (CI 18-20) incidents per 1000 FTE pre-intervention to 11 (CI 10-12) incidents per 1000 FTE post-intervention, a 41% reduction. No exposures resulted in a blood-borne virus infection. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was most effective in reducing exposures at a time when incidence rates were increasing. The overall effect was short-term and did not further reduce an already stabilized trend, which was likely due to improved safety awareness and practice, induced by the first cohort intervention.

A critical review on life cycle assessment and plant-wide models towards emission control strategies for greenhouse gas from wastewater treatment plants.

For decades, there has been a strong interest in mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Numerous models were developed to measure the emissions and propose the quantification. Existing studies looked at the relationship between GHG emissions and operational cost (OCI), which is one of the most important indicators for decision-makers. Other parameters that can influence the control strategies include the effluent quality (EQI) and total environmental impacts. Plant-wide models are reliable methods to examine the OCI, EQI and GHG emissions while Life cycle assessment (LCA) works to assess the potential environmental impacts. A combined LCA and plant-wide model proved to be a valuable tool evaluating and comparing strategies for the best performance of WWTPs. For this study involving a WWTP, the benchmark model is used while LCA is the decision tool to find the most suitable treatment strategy. LCA adds extra criteria that complement the existing criteria provided by such models. Complementing the cost/performance criteria is proposed for plant-wide models, including environmental evaluation, based on LCA, which provides an overall better assessment of WWTPs. It can capture both the dynamic effects and potential environmental impacts. This study provides an overview of the integration between plant-wide models and LCA.

Prognostic significance of genetic biomarkers in isocitrate dehydrogenase-wild-type lower-grade glioma: the need to further stratify this tumor entity - a meta-analysis.

The clinical outcomes of isocitrate dehydrogenase-wild-type (IDH-wt) lower-grade glioma (LGG) have been the subject of debate for some time. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the prognostic values of several known genetic markers (e.g. TERT promoter mutation, H3F3A mutation, CDKN2A loss) in this tumor group. Four electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Virtual Health Library, were searched for relevant articles. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for overall survival were calculated using a random-effect model weighted by an inverse variance method. A total of 11 studies were finally selected from 2274 articles for meta-analyses. Several genetic alterations were demonstrated to have a negative impact on prognosis of IDH-wt LGGs, specifically TERT promoter mutation (HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.42-2.70), H3F3A mutation (HR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.86-5.55) and EGFR amplification (HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.02-2.74). However, CDKN loss, ATRX mutation and coexisting gain of chromosome 7/loss of chromosome 10 showed no clinical significance in this glioma entity. Our study results demonstrated that IDH-wt LGGs are heterogeneous in clinical outcome and not all tumors have a poor prognosis. The presence of TERT promoter mutation, H3F3A mutation and EGFR amplification showed negative prognostic impacts in this tumor entity. These genetic events can be used to better stratify patient outcomes.

Quantifying permeabilization and activity recovery of Bacillus spores in adverse conditions for growth.

Heat treatment is the main hurdle used to eliminate spores in foods but the pH conditions which spores encounter after the treatment have a tremendous impact on the spore ability to germinate, outgrow and grow. The aim of this work was to discriminate the inactive permeable spores and the active spores in unfavorable acidic conditions, after a heat treatment. In this study, Bacillus weihenstephanensis KBAB4 was used as model micro-organism for psychrotrophic Bacillus. The spores were heat treated to inactivate 90% of the population, 12 min at 85 °C, or 2 min at 95 °C. After each treatment the spores were incubated at pH 5.50 or pH 7.40. The evolution of dormant spores, permeable spores, germinated and vegetative cells was monitored by flow cytometry using a double staining. LDS 751, stains in red all the permeable cells, and CFDA stains in green cells presenting an esterase activity. Dormant spores did not show neither red fluorescence nor green fluorescence. Permeabilized spores which did not recover metabolic activity were red fluorescent but not green fluorescent. Germinated spores (permeabilized and having an esterase activity) appeared red fluorescent and green fluorescent due to their permeability and their metabolic activity. This method allowed the differentiation of the impact of heat treatment and post-treatment incubation pH on the two first steps of germination: spore permeabilization and activity recovery. Having a better understanding of spore germination at unfavorable post-treatment pH allows a better control of spore forming bacteria in foods.

Bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve do not have the same ascending aorta morphology.

Bicuspid aortic valves are associated with histopathological abnormalities of the aorta. Their diameters have been measured in several studies, but the literature concerning changes in the overall anatomy of the ascending aorta is limited. We wanted to know whether the anatomy of the valve, bicuspid or tricuspid, is associated with anatomical differences. We prospectively included patients requiring aortic valve surgery. The protocol included a chest CT scan before the operation to determine the angulations and straight lengths of aortic segments 0 and 1. All of the patients underwent surgery to assess their aortic valve morphology. We included 107 patients, 25 (23%) with bicuspid diagnostic valves and 82 (77%) with tricuspid ones. Most angulations were similar between the groups. However, the angle between the ring and the plane of the top of the commissures of the semilunar cusps was lower in bicuspid than tricuspid aortic valves. The straight lengths in the aortic root did not differ significantly, but the lengths separating these planes from the BCAT plane were consistently greater in the bicuspid group. The angle between the ring plane and the patient's vertical axis was lower in the bicuspid, the plane of the ring being verticalized in this group. In conclusion, we were able to confirm significant morphological differences in addition to the diameters. However, this study does not establish causal relationships among valve morphology, ascending aortic morphology, histology, and possibly associated pathologies. An extremely large cohort will be required indicate such causal connections. Clin. Anat. 31:693-697, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A hybrid constructed wetland for organic-material and nutrient removal from sewage: Process performance and multi-kinetic models.

A pilot-scale hybrid constructed wetland with vertical flow and horizontal flow in series was constructed and used to investigate organic material and nutrient removal rate constants for wastewater treatment and establish a practical predictive model for use. For this purpose, the performance of multiple parameters was statistically evaluated during the process and predictive models were suggested. The measurement of the kinetic rate constant was based on the use of the first-order derivation and Monod kinetic derivation (Monod) paired with a plug flow reactor (PFR) and a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR). Both the Lindeman, Merenda, and Gold (LMG) analysis and Bayesian model averaging (BMA) method were employed for identifying the relative importance of variables and their optimal multiple regression (MR). The results showed that the first-order-PFR (M2) model did not fit the data (P > 0.05, and R2 < 0.5), whereas the first-order-CSTR (M1) model for the chemical oxygen demand (CODCr) and Monod-CSTR (M3) model for the CODCr and ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) showed a high correlation with the experimental data (R2 > 0.5). The pollutant removal rates in the case of M1 were 0.19 m/d (CODCr) and those for M3 were 25.2 g/m2∙d for CODCr and 2.63 g/m2∙d for NH4-N. By applying a multi-variable linear regression method, the optimal empirical models were established for predicting the final effluent concentration of five days' biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and NH4-N. In general, the hydraulic loading rate was considered an important variable having a high value of relative importance, which appeared in all the optimal predictive models.

Morphometric and molecular analyses of two digenean species from the mullet: Skrjabinolecithum spinosum n. sp. from the Russian southern Far East and Unisaccus tonkini n. sp. from Vietnam.

Adults of Skrjabinolecithum spinosum n. sp. were discovered in Mugil cephalus from the Gulf of Peter the Great in southern Far-East Russia. Additionally, adults of Unisaccus tonkini n. sp. were found in the intestine of Moolgarda cunnesius and Moolgarda seheli from the coastal waters of Cat Ba Island, Tonkin Bay, northern Vietnam. Skrjabinolecithum spinosum n. sp. possesses a larger body, and ventral and oral sucker size in comparison with Skrjabinolecithum vitellosum, a smaller pharynx size and body length/width rate ratio in comparison to Skrjabinolecithum pyriforme, a smaller body length and prepharynx size in comparison to Skrjabinolecithum lobolecitum and a smaller pharynx length and egg size in comparison to Skrjabinolecithum indicum and S. lobolecitum. The new species also differs from S. indicum, S. lobolecitum and S. vitellosum by the form of the testis, and from the last two species by the presence of a two-branched intestine. The morphometric parameters of S. spinosum n. sp. are similar to those of Skrjabinolecithum spasskii. However, S. spinosum n. sp., unlike S. spasskii, has an armed hermaphroditic duct. Unisaccus tonkini n. sp. is similar to Unisaccus spinosus (Martin, 1973), Unisaccus brisbanensis (Martin, 1973) and Unisaccus overstreeti (Ahmad, 1987) in body size but differs in oral sucker, pharynx and hermaphroditic sac size from U. spinosus, and in ventral sucker and ovary size from U. brisbanensis and U. overstreeti. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis, based on combined data of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and partial 28S rRNA gene sequences, confirmed the validity of S. spinosum n. sp. and U. tonkini n. sp. Analysis of interrelationships of the family Haploporidae, including molecular data on new species, showed that the Waretrematinae subfamily is more heterogeneous in comparison with Haploporinae and Forticulcitinae, and includes U. tonkini n. sp.

Morphometric and molecular data of the two digenean species Lasiotocus lizae Liu, 2002 (Monorchiidae) and Paucivitellosus vietnamensis sp. n. (Bivesiculidae) from mullet fish in Tonkin Bay, Vietnam.

Adults of Lasiotocus lizae Liu, 2002 (Monorchiidae) were found in the mullet Liza longimanus (Günther) from Tonkin Bay, near Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. In this region, flukes belonging to the genus Paucivitellosus (Bivesiculudae) were found in Liza subviridis (Valenciennes), Liza engeli (Bleeker) and Valamugil seheli (Forskåi). Results of investigations showed that morphological features of L. lizae (like L. glebulentus Overstreet, 1971) do not meet the criteria of the genus Lasiotocus. In addition, L. lizae is highly differentiated from other species of Lasiotocus from which molecular data were obtained, including L. arrhichostoma Searle, Cutmore et Cribb, 2014 and L. typicum (Nicoll, 1912). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that L. lizae differs considerably from other species of the genus Lasiotocus presented in the GenBank database. We have identified a new species of the genus Paucivitellosus - P. vietnamensis sp. n. - from L. subviridis, which differs from P. fragilis Coil, Reid et Kuntz, 1965 by metrical and molecular (18S rRNA) data, and from P. hanumanthai Mani, 1989 by metric features. Our results also show considerable molecular differentiation between P. vietnamensis sp. n. and Paucivitellosus spp. recovered from L. engeli and V. seheli in Vietnam.

Morphometric and molecular analyses of two digenean species in mugilid fish: Lecithaster mugilis Yamaguti, 1970 from Vietnam and L. sudzuhensis n. sp. from southern Russian Far East.

Adult Lecithaster mugilis Yamaguti, 1970 were found in Moolgarda seheli, Valamugil engeli and Liza subviridis in the coastal waters of Cat Ba Island (Halong Bay, Vietnam). Specimens of Lecithaster sudzuhensis n. sp. were found in Mugil cephalus located in an estuary of the Kievka River in the Primorsky region of Russia. Studies have demonstrated that these species share significant morphometric similarities with each other and with specimens of L. helodes Overstreet, 1973 isolated from M. cephalus and Mugil curema from the Mississippi Sound and adjacent waters. These three species differ from one another in the size of the pharynx and ventral sucker and in the ratio of suckers, while they differ from other species in the genus by having a relatively elongated oesophagus. Molecular analysis, using the 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA genes, confirmed the validity of L. mugilis and L. sudzuhensis n. sp. and demonstrated that these species form a shared cluster with L. gibbosus (Rud, 1802).

Screening of pigmented Bacillus aquimaris SH6 from the intestinal tracts of shrimp to develop a novel feed supplement for shrimp.

AIMS: To develop a novel feed supplement for shrimp using pigmented spore-forming bacterial strains isolated from their gastrointestinal tracts. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eight pigmented Bacillus strains were selected from the isolates based on high production of heat-stable spores, typical UV-Vis spectra of produced carotenoids (400-550 nm), and free radical scavenging activity of their extracts. Of the eight strains, the red-orange pigmented Bacillus aquimaris SH6 was selected because it showed the highest abundance in shrimp guts (70% population). Whiteleg shrimp (n = 30 per group) fed with SH6 spores, at >3 × 106  CFU g-1  pellet for 4 weeks had redder colour (score of 21-23 vs 20-22), 2·7-fold higher astaxanthin level (0·69 vs 0·25 µg g-1 shrimp), 34% higher weight gain (7·18 vs 5·32 g shrimp-1 ), and 85% higher phenoloxidase activity (OD490  = 0·265 vs 0·143) than shrimp in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The result supports the potential use of B. aquimaris SH6 as a feed supplement for promoting the colourization and weight gain, and for enhancing innate immunity of whiteleg shrimp. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study demonstrates that carotenoids produced by B. aquimaris SH6 can be successfully absorbed and converted to astaxanthin in whiteleg shrimp.

Morphometric and molecular analyses of two digenean species from the mullet: Haplosplanchnus pachysomus (Eysenhardt, 1892) from Vietnam and Provitellotrema crenimugilis Pan, 1984 from the Russian southern Far East.

Adults of Haplosplanchnus pachysomus (Eysenhardt, 1829) were found in the intestine of Liza engeli (Bleeker) from the coastal waters of Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay, northern Vietnam. Additionally, Provitellotrema crenimugilis Pan, 1984 was discovered in Liza haematocheila (Temminck & Schlegel) from Vostok Bay, Gulf of Peter the Great, southern Far-East Russia. Data concerning morphology, 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA of these worms were obtained.The molecular data confirmed the validity of these species and showed that specimens identified as H. pachysomus are closely related to specimens of H. pachysomus found in Spain, and that P. crenimugilis is closely related to Haplosplanchnus purii. Molecular differentiation of P. crenimugilis and H. purii was 0.92% by combined ribosomal gene sequences that confirmed species validity. Molecular differentiation between P. crenimugilis and H. purii, on the one hand, and H. pachysomus, on the other hand, was much higher, suggesting that the sequence for H. purii in GenBank is for a misidentified species of the genus Provitellotrema Pan, 1984.

Controlled coupling of a single nanoparticle in polymeric microstructure by low one-photon absorption-based direct laser writing technique.

We investigated the coupling of a single nanoparticle (NP) into a polymer-based photonic structure (PS). The low one-photon absorption microscopy with a two-step technique allowed us first to accurately determine the location of a NP and then to embed it as desired into an arbitrary PS. The coupling of a gold NP and a polymer-based PS was experimentally investigated showing a six-fold photon collection enhancement as compared to that of a NP in unpatterned film. The simulation results based on finite-difference time-domain calculation method confirmed this observation and showed a 2.86-fold enhancement in extraction efficiency thanks to the NP/PS coupling.

[Molecular genetic characterization of the Far Eastern trematode Skrjabino lecithum spasskii Belous, 1954 (Digenea: Haploporidae)), a parasite of mullets].

Intraspecific genetic differentiation of the trematode Skrjabinolecithum spasskii and its phylogenetic relationships with other species of the family Haploporidae were studied by comparing the nucleotide sequences of a part of the 28S rRNA gene and the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA region. Trematodes were isolated from so-iuy mullet Liza haematocheila fishes collected in rivers of Primorye and flathead grey mullet Mugil cephalus fishes collected in water bodies of Vietnam (27 fishes in total). A phylogenetic analysis showed that S. spasskii is close to species of the genus Capitimitta of the subfamily Waretrematinae. By intraspecific variation of rDNA sequences, trematodes were divided into three groups with tree different genotypes, which had fixed nucleotide substitutions. Genotype I was found in trematodes from fishes collected in Primorye. Genotype II was detected in trematodes from M. cephalus fishes collected in the Tonkin Bay, Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. Genotype III was found in five trematodes from L. haematocheila collected in the Kievka River, Primorye. The genetic distances between genotypes I and III from Primorye were 0.4 and 0.65% by 28S and ITS rDNA sequences, respectively. The lowest genetic distances were observed between genotypes II (Vietnam) and III (Primorye), 0.1 and 0.33% by 28S and ITS rDNA sequences, respectively. Possible causes of genetic differentiation of S. spasskii from different geographic locations and different definitive host species are discussed.

Effect of sponge volume fraction on the performance of a novel fluidized bed bioreactor.

A novel fluidized bed bioreactor (FBBR) was designed by integration of anaerobic granular activated carbon and aerobic sponge reactors. This FBBR was evaluated at different sponge volume fractions for treating a synthetic wastewater. Polyester urethane sponge with cube size of 1 × 1 × 1 cm and density of 28-30 kg/m(3) with 90 cells per 25 mm was used as biomass carrier. The results indicate that the FBBR could remove more than 93% of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The highest nutrient removal efficiencies (58.2% PO4-P and 75.4% NH4-N) were achieved at 40% sponge volume fraction. The system could provide a good condition for biomass growth (e.g. 186.2 mg biomass/g sponge). No significant different performance in specific oxygen uptake rate was observed between 30, 40, and 50% sponge volume fractions.

Quantitative susceptibility mapping improves cerebral microbleed detection relative to susceptibility-weighted images.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral microbleed (CMB) detection impacts disease diagnosis and management. Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) MRI depictions of CMBs are used with phase images (SWIP) to distinguish blood from calcification, via qualitative intensity evaluation (bright/dark). However, the intensities depicted for a single lesion can vary within and across consecutive SWIP image planes, impairing the classification of findings as a CMB. We hypothesize that quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) MRI, which maps tissue susceptibility, demonstrates less in- and through-plane intensity variation, improving the clinician's ability to categorize a finding as a CMB. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with acute intracranial hemorrhage who received multi-echo gradient echo MRI used to generate both SWI/SWIP and morphology-enabled dipole inversion QSM images were enrolled. Five hundred and sixty lesions were visually classified as having homogeneous or heterogeneous in-plane and through-plane intensity by a neuroradiologist and two diagnostic radiology residents using published rating criteria. When available, brain CT scans were analyzed for calcification or acute hemorrhage. Relative risk (RR) ratios and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a generalized linear model with log link and binary error. RESULTS: QSM showed unambiguous lesion signal intensity three times more frequently than SWIP (RR = 0.3235, 95% CI 0.2386-0.4386, p<.0001). The probability of QSM depicting homogeneous lesion intensity was three times greater than SWIP for small (RR = 0.3172, 95% CI 0.2382-0.4225, p<.0001), large (RR = 0.3431, 95% CI 0.2045-0.5758, p<.0001), lobar (RR = 0.3215, 95% CI 0.2151-0.4805, p<.0001), cerebellar (RR = 0.3215, 95% CI 0.2151-0.4805, p<.0001), brainstem (RR = 0.3100, 95% CI 0.1192-0.8061, p = .0163), and basal ganglia (RR = 0.3380, 95% CI 0.1980-0.5769, p<.0001) lesions. CONCLUSIONS: QSM more consistently demonstrates interpretable lesion intensity compared to SWIP as used for distinguishing CMBs from calcification.

Overcoming the coupled climate and biodiversity crises and their societal impacts.

Earth's biodiversity and human societies face pollution, overconsumption of natural resources, urbanization, demographic shifts, social and economic inequalities, and habitat loss, many of which are exacerbated by climate change. Here, we review links among climate, biodiversity, and society and develop a roadmap toward sustainability. These include limiting warming to 1.5°C and effectively conserving and restoring functional ecosystems on 30 to 50% of land, freshwater, and ocean "scapes." We envision a mosaic of interconnected protected and shared spaces, including intensively used spaces, to strengthen self-sustaining biodiversity, the capacity of people and nature to adapt to and mitigate climate change, and nature's contributions to people. Fostering interlinked human, ecosystem, and planetary health for a livable future urgently requires bold implementation of transformative policy interventions through interconnected institutions, governance, and social systems from local to global levels.

Targeting to rhoptry organelles of Toxoplasma gondii involves evolutionarily conserved mechanisms.

Intracellular parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa contain specialized rhoptry secretory organelles that have a crucial function in host-cell invasion and establishment of the parasitophorous vacuole. Here we show that localization of the Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry protein ROP2 is dependent on a YEQL sequence in the cytoplasmic tail that binds to micro-chain subunits of T. gondii and mammalian adaptors, and conforms to the YXXstraight phi mammalian sorting motif. Chimaeric reporters, containing the transmembrane domains and cytoplasmic tails of the low-density lipoprotein receptor and of Lamp-1, are sorted to the Golgi or the trans-Golgi network (TGN), and partially to apical microneme organelles of the parasite, respectively. Targeting of these reporters is mediated by YXXstraight phi- and NPXY-type signals. This is the first demonstration of tyrosine-dependent sorting in protozoan parasites, indicating that T. gondii proteins may be targeted to, and involved in biogenesis of, morphologically unique organelles through the use of evolutionarily conserved signals and machinery.

A novel integrated assessment methodology of urban water reuse.

Wastewater is no longer considered a waste product and water reuse needs to play a stronger part in securing urban water supply. Although treatment technologies for water reclamation have significantly improved the question that deserves further analysis is, how selection of a particular wastewater treatment technology relates to performance and sustainability? The proposed assessment model integrates; (i) technology, characterised by selected quantity and quality performance parameters; (ii) productivity, efficiency and reliability criteria; (iii) quantitative performance indicators; (iv) development of evaluation model. The challenges related to hierarchy and selections of performance indicators have been resolved through the case study analysis. The goal of this study is to validate a new assessment methodology in relation to performance of the microfiltration (MF) technology, a key element of the treatment process. Specific performance data and measurements were obtained at specific Control and Data Acquisition Points (CP) to satisfy the input-output inventory in relation to water resources, products, material flows, energy requirements, chemicals use, etc. Performance assessment process contains analysis and necessary linking across important parametric functions leading to reliable outcomes and results.

Effect Of Calcium Silicate, Sodium Phosphate, and Fluoride on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion and Permeability in Comparison to Desensitizing Toothpaste: An In Vitro Study.

This study compared the ability of a calcium silicate-, sodium phosphate-, and fluoride-based (CSSPF) toothpaste (TP) in promoting dentinal tubule occlusion and reducing dentin permeability with that of other commercially available antisensitivity TPs. Seventy-eight dentin discs (1.0±0.1 mm thick) were prepared from the midcoronal area and were treated with 37% phosphoric acid for 2 minutes; then they were randomly divided into six groups according to treatments: No treatment [positive control (PC)], entirely covered with nail varnish [negative control (NC)], hydroxyapatite (HAP)-containing TP [Desensin Repair (DES)], NovaMin-based [Sensodyne Repair & Protect (SEN)], CSSPF-based TP [Regenerate Advanced (REG)], sodium monofluorophosphate, potassium citrate, zinc citrate TP [Signal Sensitive Expert (SIG)]. Dentin permeability was tested by the dye percolation method (DP%). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micromorphological and energy dispersive X-ray elemental analysis (EDX) of the dentin surfaces were done following each treatment. Results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey post hoc test at a 95% confidence level (α=0.05). All the tested groups showed higher DP% than NC and lower percolation than the PC (p<0.05). REG and SIG were statistically comparable, and showed significantly lower DP% (p<0.05) than SEN and DES. None of the TPs tested was able to obliterate the lumen of the dentinal tubules (DT) completely. REG exhibited the highest weight percentage of calcium deposition, followed by SEN. Compared to the tested desensitizing TPs, CSSPF-based TPs demonstrated equal or less dentin permeability and better DT occlusion.