Does radiation therapy affect adhesion of tricalcium silicate cements to root dentin?

Abstract Objective This study aimed to analyze the effect of irradiation on the push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine to radicular dentin. Methodology A total of 60 extracted mature human teeth with single root canals were categorized into two groups (irradiated and non-irradiated) (n=30). Each group was further divided into two sub-groups based on cements used (Biodentine and MTA). Then, a cumulative radiation dose of 60 Gy was divided into 30 fractions (two Gy for every fraction) and administered for five successive days per week over six weeks. Obturation was then performed using MTA and Biodentine. Afterwards, 1.5 mm thick horizontal sections were procured from the middle one-third of all the specimens and then subjected to push-out bond test. Results were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with post-hoc Tukey's test. Results The bond strength of Biodentine and MTA to irradiated teeth was lower than non-irradiated teeth. Highest push-out bond strength was observed in non-irradiated specimens filled with Biodentine (p=0), followed by irradiated specimens filled with Biodentine (p=0); non-irradiated specimens filled with MTA (p=0); and irradiated specimens filled with MTA (p=0.9). Conclusion The push-out bond strength of Biodentine and MTA to root canal dentin decreased significantly post irradiation.

Effect of Cold Chain on Chicken Egg Quality in a Simulated Post Washing Processing and Consumer Storage Model

This study assessed the effect of the cold chain on egg quality in a model simulation of post-washing processing and consumer storage. Post-washed eggs were assigned to 12 groups that simulated the conditions of temporary storage after washing (step 1; 7°C or 25°C for 1 day), transportation (step 2; 7°C or 30°C for 8 h), and selling or storage (step 3; 7°C, 25°C or 30°C for 4 weeks). The freshness and microbial characteristics of the eggs were analyzed for 4 weeks. High-temperature conditions in steps 1 or 2 resulted in reduced quality and more bacteria on eggshells, and this egg quality deterioration worsened after storage for over 2 weeks. In step 3, the quality of the eggs stored at 7°C was maintained during the entire storage, whereas the eggs stored at 25°C had lower quality and broken vitelline membranes in week 4, and the eggs stored at 30°C were spoiled. Eggs should be stored from post-washing until storage by consumers in a cold environment without interruption of temperature control to maintain quality and safety. Consumers must be aware that eggs should be stored at refrigerator temperature.(AU)

Influences of Egg Washing and Storage Temperature on Quality and Shelf Life of Duck Eggs During Storage

Studies on how washing and storage influence duck egg quality are scarce compared with those on chicken egg quality. The present study investigated the quality of washed and unwashed duck eggs stored at 7 ºC and 25 ºC for 8 weeks. Quality parameters, including Haugh unit (HU), yolk index, thick albumen ratio, albumen pH, and air cell size, indicated that egg quality deteriorated during prolonged storage, and cuticle staining confirmed that washing reduced cuticle coverage. Washed eggs stored at 7 ºC maintained high quality (grade B; HU: 54) according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2000) after storage for 8 weeks, whereas unwashed eggs stored at 25 ºC exhibited a low but acceptable quality (grade B, but HU: 36) after 7 weeks. Strong correlations were observed between the quality parameters evaluated. In conclusion, duck eggs should be washed and then stored at 7 ºC to enhance microbial safety and maintain quality to achieve a shelf life of at least 8 weeks.(AU)

Influence of Cold Chain Integrity during Postwashing Processing and Storage on Chicken Egg Quality

This study investigated the influence of cold chain integrity during postwashing processing and storage on chicken egg quality. Postwashed eggs from a commercial washing plant were assigned to eight groups that simulated the conditions of postwashing temporary storage, transportation, selling, and storage. At each step, eggs were stored at low (7 °C) or high (25 °C or 30 °C) temperatures for a certain period of time to simulate commercial handling. Freshness and microbial characteristics of the eggs were analyzed for 4 weeks. The results demonstrated that eggs stored at low temperatures during all three steps in the cold chain maintained the highest quality. Any interruption of the integrity of low temperature in the cold chain resulted in varied quality deterioration. Therefore, processors and consumers should maintain washed eggs in a cold chain from postwashing until consumption to maintain the quality and safety of eggs.(AU)

Influence of Cold Chain Integrity during Postwashing Processing and Storage on Chicken Egg Quality

This study investigated the influence of cold chain integrity during postwashing processing and storage on chicken egg quality. Postwashed eggs from a commercial washing plant were assigned to eight groups that simulated the conditions of postwashing temporary storage, transportation, selling, and storage. At each step, eggs were stored at low (7 °C) or high (25 °C or 30 °C) temperatures for a certain period of time to simulate commercial handling. Freshness and microbial characteristics of the eggs were analyzed for 4 weeks. The results demonstrated that eggs stored at low temperatures during all three steps in the cold chain maintained the highest quality. Any interruption of the integrity of low temperature in the cold chain resulted in varied quality deterioration. Therefore, processors and consumers should maintain washed eggs in a cold chain from postwashing until consumption to maintain the quality and safety of eggs.

Mercury in soils and plants in the Florida everglades sugarcane area

Mercury emission from preharvest buning of sugarcane in te Florida Everglades Agricultural Area has been suggested as an important source of atmospheric mercury. A study was carried out utilizing 17 sou locations for soil samples and 9 locations for sugarcane plant samples to determine the amount of mercury subject to emission upon burning. Based on results of this study, emission from both plants and muck soils as a result of the preharvest burning was small, with an average emission of appromximately 35 kg for the entire 174,000 ha sugarcane crop in the Everglades.